This is the Prologue Chapter. It'll be more episodic than usual.
To tell you the truth, Overlord is the first fanfic I ever wrote. I never released it, but after reading it again, I feel the drive to make another story with this world as reference.
I am planning on this being a crossover. The MC is not going to tag around or fight with Ainz, build his own guild/npcs ect. Pretty much the only time our MC will get involve with Ainz is in this chapter and in the far future.
Take your time to read this and review. Thank you for your time.
-3/8/2021
You can skip this chapter and still know what is going on.
- 4/1/2021
His eyes open and everything has changed.
A desolate icy world surrounds him. Stuck in a sense of perpetually darkness, creating a grim atmosphere with grey clouds rolling across the sky to create a constant overcast.
Every breath of his, froze in the air. The hairs on his arms rose up to form goosebumps. The frozen wilderness is packed with leafless trees, where every inch on them are covered in thorns.
His thoughts clash together until his mind realizes the abrupt shift in his surroundings.
"Where am I?"
Those words echo out into the distance, loud enough to be heard by all of those whom would listen.
Music responds to his unanswered question. Playing an ominous tune that shows the true extent of his new reality.
Is this a game? A virtual reality?
His nerves flare at the thought. Every fiber of his being wishes to reject such a notion. However, the belief grew until becoming a conviction. One strong enough to shake him out of his stupor.
He has to check himself now!
A pair of sneakers, shorts and a black t-shirt are still with him. There's no additional appendages growing out of him and his skin is still the unhealthy pale color. Is he really the same average guy with shaggy black hair? The same person with no outstanding features?
*sigh* At least I have something familiar to work with.
Some of the shock leaves and now the situation is manageable. The frozen grass under his feet begin to shatter as he takes his first steps.
It quickly becomes apparent the lack of heat. His senses have become diluted and he is thankful he could still feel the textures on the trees. But the cold and warmth he expected to sense are absent. His body might as well be dead with the lack of a heart beat. However, he's more like a animated puppet than being one among the undead.
The alien dystrophia intensifies. This place now seems far more sinister than before. To test out his hypothesis, he holds his breath. Eventually he releases and watches steam fly alongside the wind. Now he has an answer.
"All of this is fake. It looks real, I even believe it is real, but the lack of the core basic functions of living is missing. The senses I took for granted such as taste and smell, shows how lacking this world truly is."
He has to remind himself this is all fake. To keep a shred of sanity in the sea of insanity he finds himself in. Or he will loose himself inside of this generated world. Never to find a way out.
The forest stretches onwards. He continues to walk though the endless sea of trees until he comes across a clearing. It comes apparent he hasn't traveled far enough to even consider exiting the woods today. When he has hardly covered a single sliver of the forest.
It is time to reassess how to move forward. Sitting on a stump he thinks of an alternative.
"Did you hear that?"
Two heteromorphs hear a whistling noise in the forest.
They've been hunting boars and the red mantisoid believes it has found another one. Using it's enhanced senses he could make out the general direction it came from.
"Its this way. Let's hurry before it despawns."
The insectoids rush deeper into the Splintering Forest. Branches broke and ravens made way for them. [Sense Life] activates as they close in on the source. Until they could see a visible outline of a person.
It appears to be a human male inside the clearing. He has made no attempt to hide himself or notice their approach. He sat there upon a stump, humming alongside the music, in deep thought.
The heteromorphs stop their approach as all kinds of warning signals are firing. The green mantisoid beckons his friend quietly, pointing towards this ridiculous sight.
"Are you seeing this?" The green mantis asked. "That player is begging to be PK'd."
"I don't know man. What should we do? Is he here for a quest or is he baiting us in?"
The both of them couldn't figure out why John is practically asking to be found. Painting such a large target on himself is beyond baffling. As he is in the middle of the wilderness with no equipment.
This could be an opportunity for them. A chance to gather secret info on a hidden quest or get some easy xp.
"You go first. I'll stay back here and provide support."
"Gr, fine I'll do it. I just want to know what the heck he is doing. I better not die because of this."
They made up their minds. One would talk with the player while the other hangs back. During the discussion, the red mantis will cast [Sense Intent]. To give his friend ample time to attack if their conversation breaks down.
A radar forms in his HUD. John is highlighted in blue. Showing he is in a noncombat stance. Relaying his findings, the red mantis sends a [Message] to his companion.
With the area secured, the green heteromorph enters the area. Raising his scythe he taps gently onto the human's shoulder.
"Hey, what are you..."
Before he could finish, their target stumbles to the ground. John shakes and chokes out a silent scream. Trying desperately to put up some form of defense.
The blue outline on him turns red in an instant.
"Its a trap! Kill him!"
The green mantis slices down reflexively. Eliciting a scream as John gets nailed to the floor. His arms flail aimlessly in the air as he goes into greater shock. Then another insect appears out of the woods taking extra precaution in case this is still part of a trap. However, John's voice dies out as his HP reaches zero.
"Wtf man! Could you not yell? My ears are freaking sensitive."
"Calm down. Tell me, did he drop anything at all?"
"No. He's just sat their and got himself PK'd." Scratching his ear hole. "He should've just remained calm and not try to pick a fight. Now we missed a chance to figure out what the hell he was doing."
"Damn, that sucks." Patting his shoulder. "All that yelling is bound to draw others here. Do you want to head back to town?"
"Eh, I'll be fine. I only have a few more frost boars to kill. So, you can go a head, but let me know if you'll be logging off. So, we can make plans for tomorrow."
"Okay, I'll see you around then and I'll probably be getting off once I'm back in Splinter Wood. Tomorrow around noon I can get on Yggdrasil again. Sounds good?"
"Yeah I should be free. See ya later."
"Take care."
A black screen covers his vision displaying a red message saying he was killed by GtWrck'd123.
His earlier fright fades away. Replaced by confusion as the two monsters bicker over his corpse.
They didn't flinch when they murdered me.
His expression contorts further on the thought. However, he continues to listen in on their conversation. In order to learn more on his current predicament.
Eventually they leave and a few seconds have pass until he learns some valuable information. That there is an option to revive at the nearest church.
The revival timer ticks to zero. Then he teleports away from the clearing.
A abrupt shift in color made him sick. Changing locations blurred the places together for a second before he could separate the conflicting images.
His vision clears enough to make out a desolate chapel. A black medieval ruin with torn stone walls and rubble piled onto the floor from the half collapsed ceiling. Crushing the pews underneath.
A podium is in front while a stagnated fountain is behind him. He passes the stand and the rubble to exit. However, an elderly man stops him on his way out.
The man calmly scans over him with a calm smile that sends shivers all across John's body. Meeting the blood red eyes did not stun him as much as he thought, since his death is still at the forethought of his mind.
He is able to hold himself steady in front of this vampire. Taking his own time to identify the potential threat.
The man wears a black robe and has a book tied at the waist. Highlights of red cover his gown and forms a picture of a crest. By the time John is done observing, the man's eyes have lost their former glimmer.
Neither of them moved.
[Ah. I now see you are indeed a newly born champion. One destined to bring great change to our humble leaf of Yggdrasil. It will be my honor to give you an introduction. Like the one's I've given to others of your kind.]
[For you should already known that Helheim is a realm of darkness. Where you can partake in communion with Hel and find yourself strengthen under her blessing. However, as a realm champion you will be more of an immortal than an undead. As you may have already experienced, this trait doesn't come with out a cost. You will have to give something up in return for your humanity. Whether it is an offering of experience or equipment, will all depend on you]
[Like your ancestors before you, learn to adapt and over come. To grow to unimaginably heights. For I will be here, in hopes that our home has been more than accommodating in your own search for purpose. And perhaps your journey will lead into preventing our wanton destruction while you wonder across Helheim's farthest reaches.]
[Now go visit with the locals. Learn of the place you've found yourself in and grasp a piece of greatness for yourself.]
[Introduction: The Reach
Pick a class (0/1)
Talk to the locals (0/5)
Complete three quests (0/3)
Accept, Decline?]
A quest appears in his vision.
I knew it! This is a game!
He has been 95% sure before seeing this. Now its a 100% that this is a virtual world.
Yggdrasil? But how am I a player?
Was he isekai'd here? Or a part of a synthetic program, making him believe he was real?
Am I alive? Dead? Trapped inside the Matrix?
This chills him to the core the longer he questions himself. In the end, it does not matter whether he is real or fake. There has to be some hope in him, in order to escape this place. And to see if his knowledge over Overlord holds true to his memories. Otherwise, he will be too paralyzed to think about living beyond this game.
If I can think and move, there's nothing stopping me from at least trying.
A new sense of purpose ignites a fire inside of him. To conquer as much of this virtual world before the shut down. To prepare for his future outside of this reality as he rushes against the invisible hourglass.
"[Accept]."
He exits the church and stares out into the frozen landscape.
Will I make it in time?
He doesn't know, but one thing is for sure. "I can only go up from here."
Splinter Wood rests outside the Splintering Forest.
Its a town with old bricks paving the major streets. Grey houses line both sides of the road with a few buildings reaching three stories tall.
The locals are a mix of ashen skin humans and demi-humans. The rest of the people here are heteromorphic players with a few elves and dwarfs mixed in. It is easy to tell who is who, as the players have a green gamertag above them with a small picture of a lock, preventing any forms of PVP in the designated area.
He spends time speaking to the locals and the culture shock he felt fades away. It is during this time he learns about the general areas outside of town and places he should avoid. Such as the chasm leading into the subterranean levels of Helheim.
Aside of learning about the region, stores were introduced along with his interface. The quest he is on, is acting more like a tutorial by highlighting key features of the game through the use of essential NPCs marked on his map.
Closing his Quest tab, he begins the trek to the town's edge. To find the House of Hel and to receive his starting class.
A cathedral grew in size as twisted metal spires reach further into the black sky until he passes through the metal gates leading inside of the ancient structure. And unlike the wooden houses outside, this place is built with unblemished granite. Creating a stark contrast that hints to a different age and the amount of time it has been here in this corner of the world.
Mosaics stretch across the inner walls of the cathedral, depicting gore filled scenes of slaughter and of the few patron gods of this realm. His apparent gawking catches the attention of the other players.
They stood in small groups around the alters. Eyeing him for a few seconds before discussing what class they should take. And guessing what he will happen to choose.
The six pedestals are in relation with each of the Gods' portraits. On top of each alter, is a black marble statue for the players to interact with.
The statues will connect him to a god of Helheim and bestow him a class. There isn't a limit on how many occupations he could take, but each one will start at Lvl 0. However, removing a class will be far harder. Requiring special items or rituals to remove them.
The players moved out of his way for him to approach the statues. They're curious to see what a human player would pick as their monstrous gazes watched his every movement. Reminding John of his most recent death, however, he took comfort in the image of the lock icon as a form of protection from any chance of a repeated offense.
Touching the deities, six screens appear.
[Goddess Hel
In a bitter world she gorged herself upon rotted blood. Withering her flesh away from bone until she became one of the undead. Losing her sense of self and becoming the will of Helheim.
Classes: Undead, Necromancer...]
[Jörmungandr the World Serpent
Cast away into the sea, the leviathan rests. Slumbering until the day it will drown the nine realms in endless waves.
Classes: Craftsman, Archer...]
[Fenrir the World Devourer
A favored child betrayed and bound by chains. Its prison creaks louder with the passage of time. Seeking for freedom and to deliver revenge upon those whom imprisoned it
Classes: Were-beast. Fighter...]
[Loki the Trickster
The god of mischief and deceit. It is neither a man or woman. A creature that brought Hel, Jörmungandr and Fenrir into existence.
Classes: Doppler. Mage...]
[Angrboda the Bringer of Grief
Consort of Loki and the Witch of Ironwood. A giant that is the mother of monsters.
Classes: Giant, Summoner...]
[Baldur the God of Light
His immortal life came to an end. His death came in a blink of an eye. Now Hel has her clutches on his corpse. Keeping the Aesir forces at bay.
Classes: Cleric, Priest...]
His pondering expression picks at the curiosity of an individual.
Unable to help himself, a black specter floats to him. He hovering next to John as a cloud of smoke while a friendly emote appears in place of his face to show his cheerful mood.
"Hey friend. 'Do You Get To The Cloud District Very Often?'"
"What?"
"Ah, I said, 'Do you need some help?'"
It took a second for him to catch on. Eyeing the veteran player curiously, John responds.
"Yeah. Can you tell me what's the best class to grind solo with?"
The ball of gas flickers in response. "To tell you the truth, there is a lot of different builds that could work. Its a bit hard to know what class is best for that sort of thing. Most of them work well with groups. You won't happen to be a new player?"
Looking over himself again, John notices how out of place he is in the room filled with monsters.
"I guess I kinda am new to the game..." Sighing. "Any useful tips for a newbie?"
"Hm, try the online forums. They post some great tips for players getting started and builds you can try out before you hit the leveling curve. However, it will be hard choosing the right one as you started off in Helheim."
Human players are currently hunting heteromorphic players for easy xp and class advancements. The lack of PK penalties for killing the opposite race, forced the majority of heteromorphs into Helheim. As the hostile terrain favors them enough to fight back against such attacks. Making John a likely target to be killed as an outcome of their age old conflict.
"Oh. Thanks for the warning."
"No problem. Thought I should let a new player know before he invests too much time here."
They continue to talk for a while longer. Parting ways on friendly terms so he could search the online forums and browse for a build to fit him.
Light aligned classes such as healers and paladins will beckon others to hunt him. Elemental Classes need support during the beginning levels, while the same thing could be said about the pure melee builds. Excluding the craftsman occupations, there is only a small selection to choose from.
A racial change is a good option too, but they require reputation.
The race options available in the House of Hel require faction points. In the forums, highlighted buildings are marked in Splinter Wood containing quests for each god to accumulate points.
Dark Crusader is also a good choice along with Archer. However, I'll have to level up a prerequisite class for the first and the second one isn't good for grinding.
For now, a Necromancer or Summoner will give him the greatest advantage.
Necromancers' will automatically receive a bonus in their Special while in Helheim. Bolstering the strength of their summons. While, Summoners can create multiple contracts with wild creatures in the area. Such as ones that could heal others and apply buffs/debuffs to enemies.
The downside to each class on the other hand, is that a Necromancer's summons are all dark aligned creatures requiring a sacrifice to manifest. While Summoners need to meet a requirement to capture monsters in the wilderness before forming a familiar contract.
However, Summoners will start with [Summon: Flame Hare], while a Necromancer has [Create: Undead] instead.
A fire spell will counter the ice type creatures in the forest and will make short work of any wandering undead. However, a Necromancer doesn't have that sort of attribute advantage. And due to this reason, his decision is made.
His hand touches the statue of Angrboda. An idol which depicts a giant woman who wields a staff while surrounded by her familiars.
[Class: Summoner
Would you like to accept?]
Clicking yes, he is brought out of the menu. Noticing a new slot in his Status page with Summoner Lvl 0 under the Class tab.
John's ember wolves weave around the group of enemies. Their claws leave trails of fire with every slash as the Ice Wraths begin to melt. Over time the horde wilts away until they are down to a single member.
An elite wrath continues its desperate struggle against the three summons. Every hit makes it weaker until the point it could not react in time to dodge John's constriction spell, trapping it in purple chains and dooming it to an early demise.
The wrath bursts into particles of light with a slash. In its place is a data crystal.
"And that makes 10." Picking up the crystal. "I should be able to upgrade it now."
He retrieves the stack of crystals from his inventory. Then he finds his spell list and clicks on [Summon: Ice Wrath] before using the data crystals to bolster the spell's level.
The addition of power is a nice bonus, but it is only a strong second when compared to his desire to fill his collection. To collect all the summons in the game and finish their upgrade paths. However, he knows it isn't a attainable goal, but it doesn't mean he wouldn't give it a shot. As it has developed more into a personal hobby that he is becoming addicted to in order to pass the time.
He recalls his summons and checks his quest.
[Advancing the Ranks: Totem Shaman
Raise a Summoner Class to Lvl 10 (x)
Raise a Totemist Class to Lvl 10 (x)
Upgrade a Tier 4 Summon (x)
Collect a Ice, Fire, Wind, Earth, Dark, and Light Attribute Summons (x)]
He will be breaking the Lvl 40 cap when he turn this in. Then there shouldn't be any quests worth him staying longer in Splinter Wood and it will time for him to move on to the next region.
A Teleportation Scroll is used and a purple portal manifests itself. He enters the dimensional gap and appears at the gates of Splinter Wood.
Time has passed, but the place still looks the same. It is funny how two weeks here feel like no time at all when I'm always moving about.
The sky is still in a constant overcast, unchanging no matter how many times he would look at it. It takes him time to snap out of his day dreaming before he heads towards the Summoner's Lodge.
The building is made of stacked logs. Piled in a orderly way to create a sturdy structure inside of the magic district. While the building is smaller than the other guilds on the block, it is still just as active with batches of players coming and going.
The lodge is filled with rooms containing books on legends and rituals. In the lobby are clerks who have set up shop, selling summons for players and contracts to help with their captures. Including a selection of baits and lures.
He passes the merchants and goes towards a man leaning against the wall. Unlike the other NPCs, he has an air of oppression. Showing the depth of experience in his craft based on the atmosphere alone.
The man's face adds onto this feeling.
A scar runs across his chin and his greying hair gives him a cruel look. However, unlike appearances, he is indeed a high tier merchant, with a unique selection of skins for pets and weapons.
[It seems like you have proper experience now... It has been a while since I last saw that look since I have left the city. As promised, you can learn my trade and become a proper mage unlike the others here.]
[Class Received: Totem Shaman
Shamans are well known for tapping into the spirit realm of nature. Totem Shamans are a unique branch specializing in spirit transposition. Creating unique equipment from extracted spirits and using them as mediums in their spell crafting.]
[Ah, you remind me of when I first set upon the path of magic. Not all of it was good, but I came to appreciate my journey in my old age. So, wipe the smirk off your face and be proud you've grown from my teachings. There's still a long path before you. So, consolidate everything you've learned and don't stop advancing.]
[With that said, it is about time I open my personal selection of goods. Take your time and look over my new stock.]
An additional option appears next to his shop function. Under the name Shaman Exclusive, new equipment and spells are available for purchase.
[Soul Capture][Spector Birth][Spirit Extraction][Totem Binding][Totem Creation][Four Elemental Domain][Imbued Nature][Spirit Explosion][Banish][Encircle]
Are the 4th tier spells he could buy. The spells up to 6th rank are still locked due to his current class level. In the future he will have to teleport back to this town and purchase the rest.
Going over the item selection, he buys stacks of the three available essentials.
[Blank Totem - A wooden block treated for totem creation.]
[Spirit Crystal (Empty) - A natural creation able to keep spirits enclosed for prolong periods of time.]
[Soul Crystal (Empty) - A dark ritual warped a Spirit Crystal into having the ability to trap spirits along with their souls.]
The shopping spree ends and it is time for him to leave. His journey will go beyond the Splintering Forest in search of new branches of magic and for higher levels.
With a new destination in mind, he exits the building and heads into the unknown.
The end of the forest is in sight. A few steps later and he exits.
[Black Rain Sea: Recommended level 50.]
A frozen sea lays before him extending beyond what he could see.
Blizzards are frequent in this place and will appear with out notice. Beasts here prowl in groups to pick off travelers while aquatic undead will wait in ambush if anyone stays in place for too long, from under the ice.
This hostile combination, halts any form of civilization from forming. Only a barren route bypasses most of the greater dangers found here. While, he could go around the sea, it will lead him to a mountain range. Where high level drakes will surely give him a premature death on his journey to the center of Helheim.
The ember wolves cautiously approach the coast. Their paws melt the black sand as he commands them to spread out. They search the area and find no dangers, so he recalls them.
Seven summoning circle forms and a silver dog with a human face appears first. Followed by six Lightening Cactus' manifesting as cone shape crustaceans that can launch a barrage of lightning magic.
The Moon Dog will scout the trail and detect any ambushes. While the Lightening Cactus' will follow behind in a wedge shape formation with him at the very back. The lineup will sacrifice a bit of mobility for higher penetration. Allowing them the ability to push past any obstacle in case they get surrounded.
On their very first step, the ice bursts.
Dammit, an ambush already?
He didn't think he would need to order the Moon Dog to scout right from the start.
[Riptide Ghouls Lvl 47]
A large group of undead drags themselves onto the black ice. They're an assortment of humanoid and fish corpses, half rotted from the time spent in the depths of the murky sea.
"Huh, I can work with this. A small disadvantage isn't enough to stop me."
He prepares his combat buffs onto his allies. [Penetrate Up], [Magic Boost] [Magic Shield] and a few more to help him to win this fight.
The two groups collide soon after his preparations. The Moon Dog passes the front line of undead heading towards the fish liches to stop them before they could launch any magic.
The dog's holy attribute shows its power. Where every scratch, bite and lunge is dealing critical damage to the horde. However, the mages swiftly begins to fire their spells. No longer caring about friendly fire as barrages of water arrows slam into the Moon Dog.
John diverts his attention to the front line. The Cactus' have begun to release a storm of lightning needles from the top of their cones. The lightning needles blankets the undead until they collapse. However, skeletons rose back up after their barrage, thanks to a higher penetration resistance.
Swiftly the skeletons dash towards them and entering close combat with the Cactus'. John sticks to his formation and forces the Cactus' to tank through the hits long enough for him to activate a counter attack.
"[Link: Shock]."
An aura of sparks begin to appear around all of his summons. They spell grew denser as they begin to link and connect to each other. The six Cactus' amplified the [Shock] spell until it became an AOE. Blasting all the skeletons away.
"[Link: Shock]."
Another explosion of energy follows and vaporizes the skeletons. And for added measure, the smoking area is covered in a shower of lightning needles.
Over on the mages side, he notices the Moon Dog at low health. However, its job is finished, thanks to the AOE spell making short work of the fish ghouls. Leaving behind only charred remains of the liches.
"[Heal II]"
A flash of magic surrounds the Moon Dog. Healing it back to full health.
"Ha you see? Told you that wasn't enough to stop me."
He gloats to himself and rearranges his formation back in order. Now the journey across the Black Rain Sea can official begin.
Battles continue to rage on and he might have over estimated himself because every battle is growing harder than the last.
Make that highly overestimated.
It is apparent to him, that he is struggling against this group of Lagombi. They are dodging the Moon Dog, avoiding the raining lightning spears and the very second his concentration slips, the battle changes.
The lemur beasts slide across the Cactus' shells and are coming at him in droves. No matter how many times he swats the beasts away, they still manage to nick him. Using every knock back skill and spell at his disposal he barely has enough room to use a Teleport Scroll to get the hell out.
He franticly heals himself and took control of his summons again.
Eventually they Lagombi group falls.
"That was close."
The ice begins to crack.
"You have to be kidding me."
A undead horde frees itself from the ice and takes over the battle's pace. The Riptide Ghouls savagely came non stop and victory is becoming further away.
He makes the decision to sacrifice Moon Dog for a temporary boost for the rest. Then they ran in a all out charge led by the Cactus' as they disrupt the unending wave of undead long enough for them to get away.
However, the swarm of undead are hot on the heels with more appearing to their sides. His mind is exhausted and he finds it hard to find a way out.
Snowfall picks up and he can see a island off of their designated path. With hope of a chance to live, he diverts their previous coarse into the raging blizzard a head.
This has to work!
The Lighting Cactus' stop and turn to the black horde catching up. They split apart into different directions as they charge into the undead cluster. Becoming a diversion for him to escape.
Wasting no time, he runs further into the blizzard as the sound of battle begins. Eventually the sound of the fight softens until only the sound of howling wind can be heard.
He manages to make it through his predicament and arrives at the island. A protective ward covers the land in a yellow barrier. Stepping through the film, the harsh blizzard stops blowing and remains of buildings could be seen.
However, the most striking thing are the trees. They were not dead and withered like the ones he has seen before. Instead they have pine needles and are vibrant with life.
The barrier most likely has other affects than repelling the hostile environment. It could be supplying some form of vitality to the vegetation or blocking the undead energy outside from entering.
Either way, he is safe for now. He will use the time to recharge his MP and relax.
He creates a camp ground including a fire and a stone bench to rest on.
"I almost forgotten this was a game. Doing small things like this really brings back some memories."
A serene reflection into the past sooths him. A memory where he didn't need to worry about the future. Where he can spend everyday in bliss, not knowing when the end is coming.
However, his reality is different. He only has two years until the deadline.
Yggdrasil II has been announced. Eventually people are going to leave in mass, but I don't know at what point I'll find Ainz.
Sometimes he wonders if it is better to enjoy himself a bit more. To give in and live the next two years only for the present. The game is already infinite times better than the real world. A place destroyed by pollution and where poverty runs rampant. Where infants die choking on their first breath and cooperate elites rule the world.
"I guess I'm lucky being in this world instead." He says to himself. "A 'slight' twist on life is better than waking up in that dystopia future."
His thoughts keep him company for a few hours. The drive to go to the real world is still there. However, it is more faded now than when he first found out about his deadline. The goal now is to be level 100 and have at least a set of divine equipment.
Snow piles upon his shoulders. The sky is now a darker shade, signaling it is night in Helheim. Music is his sole company during his respite.
The sound of crunching snow reaches him. His brooding mood ends as be gazes up from where he sat and sees a man walking up the snowy hill.
[Nishikienrai Lvl 100 (Locked)]
What is a high level player doing here?
The ninja walks near him. On the man's side are two daggers and his face is covered partially by a metal mask over the top portion of his face and a black scarf wraps around his head, leaving two tail-ends fluttering in the wind.
The man looks curiously at him before vanishing and appearing from behind. Nishikienrai's kept his gaze trained on John as he takes a seat.
There isn't a need to interrupt the calm atmosphere so John kept quiet and sits in silence alongside the visitor.
Minutes pass and their silent game of wits ends when the man spoke.
"It's surprising to see a lone human out here."
Giving him a half hearted shrug, John responds, "No where else for me to go. The other paths to the center are too high of a level for me to attempt solo. Anyone I could ask for help, won't be able to trust me enough to tag along. They are just as likely to stab me in the back than give me a helping hand. So why would I even bother?"
The videos on the forums were educational. They show numerous examples of PKing ranging from betrayals to baiting. Where a human would act weak and lead a group into the wilderness to butcher. Or a few Heteromorphs will spawn kill any humans leaving a town.
None of these scenarios gave him much confidence for those around him. He would rather stick with a long term plan involving spamming his summons, than to, 'get gud'.
"Hm, I can't argue with that." He pauses for a while. "You're not doing so bad by yourself. You have some positive karma too."
A single glance told him everything about John's Class, equipment, and estimated level. And with a small spell he can check his standing in Helheim. Showing the level of his reputation and the number of PKs.
"Oh? Well thank you for the praise."
Nishikienrai nods solemnly. Coming here has given him an unexpected find.
He was already in the area checking to see if the rumors about a dungeon being here was true. Unfortunately, he has yet to find any leads to make him believe so. And when he saw a low level player nearby, he decided to check it out.
Now here he is, right next to his subject of interest. A guy by any sort of definition would be consider a suicidal noob. No one would come here ten levels bellow the recommended level and as a mage too. But Nishikienrai has to admit, this guy has to have enough wits to get this far into the Black Rain Sea.
He could give Momonga some competition.
The ninja's mind kept comparing the two together. Thinking how they have the same kind of vibe for being reckless. It would be amusing to see how they'll get along.
"You know, I could escort you to the other side?"
John gives him a disbelieving look. "Are you sure? I should point out I don't have anything valuable if you're planning on PKing me."
"No no." Waving his hand. "I'm bored searching this place. So since we are both heading in the same direction, we can stick together."
A high level escort is a hard offer to turn down. John looks at the ninja trying to see underneath his suggestion, but fails. He will have to go off of his word.
"Fine. It isn't a long way from Splinter Wood if I die."
Nishikienrai gives a cheeky emote while nodding to himself.
They begin to have some small talk as John readies his summons.
They leave the island with his summons taking the lead. Nishikienrai stays behind them to provide support as he sees fit.
The waves off monsters begin to build the further they go. Hundreds of undead have already died under the summons' onslaught. Nishikienrai would flash to any elites trying to break through their formation and end them. However, the majority of the grunt work is left to John.
Their pace remains steady as they pass dozen of miles of frozen ice. Cutting his estimated time across in half.
"John. Stop."
Nishikienra appears at the front of the party. Holding a finger to his face wanting John to be silent.
The radar shows a large red spot growing. Fifty meters of ice in front begins to break. Shattering into pieces as a whirlpool forms from underneath. Rising up from the depths of the black sea, is a black silhouette emerging from the water.
Nishikienrai has a stone in hand. It gives off faint light as the slumbering giant begins to awaken.
"Stay back. The Reef Giant is out of your league."
His tone is slightly harsh and he opens his inventory. Plunging his hand into the tear in space, he pulls out a three meter long ninjato.
"Susanoo." He whispers and the blade emits a blast of wind, pushing the snow off the ice and into the air.
The flashy display is a bit much for John to watch, however, the boss isn't anything for him to joke about.
[Black Rain Giant Lvl 85]
The monster has black oil covering its body, the clothes it wore is made up of hair and its humanoid body stretches to fill the 8 meter frame, leaving little left in the way of mass.
Black mist rushes out of the sea floor. It covers the area around the giant in a thick haze. A faint glow could be see emitting from its silver veins pulsing in the darkness.
Nishikienrai strolls forward as the stone in his hand crumbles to sand. With both hands free, he holds onto Susanoo two-handed.
Black beams fly out of the giant's mouth. The burst attack forces Nishikienrai to flicker his ninjato to ricochet the beams to the side as they cut into the ice shelves breaking the ground apart. Separating John from their battle.
The fight picks up in intensity as he begins to flash side to side to dodge black spheres raining down from the sky. A few hits made it pass his guard and a force field activates, curving the pellets around him. Nishikienrai eventually gives up on evading and closes the gap between them.
The giant slams both arms down on reflex, crushing his after image. However, Nishikienrai's mirage explodes from underneath, releasing a torrent of shadow fragments into the giant's arm, dealing devastating damage.
Nishikienrai creates more images of himself and begins to self detonate them as he incircles the boss. They traded blows until Nishikienrai splits his real body into four parts. Each being a clone facing the giant from four separate directions.
"[Shadowbind]"
All movement stops inside of the black fog. The haze begins to wrap around the giant into a cocoon. And a red flash erupts from four directions, creating a flying sword beam. That cuts through the boss and parts the sky.
[Special Achievement:
Slay a Black Rain Giant. [x]
Totem Shaman Lvl 1- (3)
+20000 Gold]
The red light flashes like thunder as the clouds quickly congregate to repair the fissure. Eventually the red glow fades and the area settles. The ice shelves fuse together and John made his way to Nishikienrai.
He gives the ninja room to sort through the loot. Unwilling to give the player any reason to hurt him.
"I'm done now." Standing up. "What did you think of the fight?"
The man oozes confidence and satisfaction. Knowing the battle left an impression on him.
"It was, intense... I don't think I could've made it with out you."
Nishikienrai chokes a little. Not expecting that kind reply and feeling embarrassed he says, "Um, those type of reef giants usually don't spawn. I kinda used a few Black Water Crystals behind your back since we left..."
John stares at him. He opens his mouth and closes it again.
For a second, I thought I made the right choice by tagging along.
"If you're farming them, why have me come along? I can't help at all."
In a low tone, barely as a whisper, "... they don't appear if you're out leveling them."
The Black Rain Giants are a hard enemy to kill. Not because they have a lot of HP, but the average level in the vicinity has to be below Lvl 85 for them to surface. Otherwise they will hide beneath the water, making them annoyingly difficult to fish out.
"Oh."
John tightens his eyebrows in mild frustration. Wondering if it is worth tagging alongside this unreliable ninja.
His grievances were left unheard on deaf ears. As later in their journey they will encounter five more giants. Leaving Nishikienrai to kill them all.
The two companions exited the Black Rain Sea.
One of them is full of smiles while the other one is John.
He thought the level 100 player would be the one escorting him. However, it turned it was him doing the ninja a favor.
After Nishikienrai fought a boss, he would rest and let John repel the monster waves until they came across the next boss. Where he would repeat the same cycle over and over again. Leaving John to be frustrated and less than thankful when ever the ninja did step in to help him with his fight.
Now the two of them are looking back on the Black Rain Sea. One with satisfaction and the other in mild annoyance.
"I had a good time. Thanks to you, my trip here wasn't wasted."
The ninja gives him a grateful look.
"Bleh. Could've been worse." Dying is slightly worse than being leeched upon. "So, where are you going after this?"
"Back to my guild to drop off some stuff and let Momonga know this place is a bust. Anyway, you're more than welcome to pay us a visit and we won't mind giving you some help if you ever need it."
"Huh, that is nice offer. I'll keep that in mind then. What's the guild's name?"
" Ainz Ooal Gown. We were pretty strong a few years back, but now we're left with a handful of guildmembers."
"Ainz..." Catching up with his thoughts. "Okay, I'll make sure to come and visit in the future. Its inside the marshes area?"
"Yep. Just head to the poisonous swamps and you'll see a mausoleum." Checking the time. "Anyway I need to go. It was nice meeting you."
They say their farewell and John watches him teleport away. Leaving him alone on the beach to think.
Is this fate? I can't deny it... but our meeting became far richer than I could imagine.
[Nishikienrai would like to be your Friend.
Accept/Deny]
A soft smile crawls onto his face.
Of course I will accept. You're still have to pay me back for all the grievances you caused me.
Laughter echoes on the desolate beach. His frustration melts away as the future has solved itself.
Now he will need to grind and become the best player like no one ever was.
Swamp lands cover hundreds of miles of terrain. Bloated insects fly across the fumes raising from the cracks in the ground and giant reptiles lay submerge under the shallow water while miasma hangs heavily in the air.
It took half a year for him to reach this place. To raise his level to the mid 80s and equip himself to an acceptable level to transverse this place. And this would not have been possible, if it was not for his repertoire of summons.
Like the Nightwing Bats for an example.
They're a temporary spell costing a steady stream of mana to linger. They have a impressive recon ability that will reveal any hidden danger near him. By blanketing traps in a purple mist from their wings, and marking monsters through a congregation of bats.
These signs have made maneuvering his group in the swamp a breeze. However, he couldn't forget the three Gray Clay Golems pushing the slurry of debris out of his way. They are currently making a nice path past the nauseas fume for him to walk on. Easing the toll of his journey
Eventually the swamp begins to shift in color the further they went. Turning the trees from a greyish black to a more purplish hue until the swamp water glows with a vibrant pink. Releasing puffs of smoke made out of poison.
[Grenbera Swamp: Recommended Lvl 85]
"Finally. I'm here. I should be close now."
Nishikienrai did say the guild is near the Piercing Crystal Plains after all.
If he went through the Piercing Crystal Plains, it would've shorten his journey by an hour. However, his Relic Tier armor will not be enough to stop the frozen blades of grass from hurting him. Instead of wasting time on getting a set of Legendary gear, he purchased two toxic resistance rings to transverse the swamp lands.
"[Summon : Automaton Guardians]"
Tree roots in the area twist together to form six humanoids, armor manifests on them exposing bark at their joints and by using his Staff of Ground Piercing, these beings gain a AOE blast when ever they impact the ground.
Satisfy with his current set up, he switches to another weapon to increase his MP generation.
His group moves deeper into the region, encountering variants of the Tuveg, a group of bipedal demi-human frogs.
These monsters have clashed against their group on multiple occasions. Fighting against his six guardians in groups of three and four before running away, to gather information on them before they stopped their attacks altogether.
"Strange." Looking on his radar. "There's a Warlord nearby. I'll have to keep to a tighter formation from here on out."
The Tuveg Warlord finishes probing John's group. Believing it has enough information to begin their offensive. However, it fails to realize John is a Summoner. And that the Nightwing Bats have pinpointed its location to him.
On John's belt are five miniature totems. Pulling out a Totem of Extreme Frost, he casts [Spector Birth] and orders the summon to carry the totem and follow his plans.
Directing the Spector, he guides it behind the Tuveg warband. He is able to eye through its eyes and find the total number of foes he'll be facing.
"One, Two... 12 monsters. It thinks it can overrun us with a numerical superiority. Not a bad idea, but let's see how it reacts to this, [Anti Information Wall]."
The instant the spell activates, he sees the Warlord flinch. It stares in his direction and roars for the Tuveg to charge before it looses John's position.
A full force assault is unexpected. However, his orders fly smoothly and the Grey Clay Golems submerge themselves under the water as he tops off everyone's health with a [Heal III].
With his preparations complete, he awaits his foe. He didn't have to wait long before they met and it became an all out brawl.
His automatons swung in perfect unison to peel the earth up to stop the Tuveg's charge. Shockwaves explode out of the earth thanks to his AOE buff, delivering a devastating blow to the Warlord's vanguard. Instantly killing a few while knocking the rest of them back.
The Tuveg Priests casts [Heal IV] right after. The Warlord uses its Commander ability to strengthen their defense and they charge again.
Soon the automatons enter close combat with them. They refuse to let them pass and begin to push the Tuveg back. Crowding the warband into a group and push them to where the clay golems hide.
The warlord sees the trap closing in. However, no amount of screeching could stop their group from entering. Even it is forced to follow the tide and face the three golems rising into a 'U' shape formation.
As retreat is no longer an option. The Warlord has a hard decision to make. Whether to die with its family or sacrifice them for a chance to escape.
However, its fate can no longer change. The decision has already been made.
John casts [Polymerization: Living Wall], combining the separate golems into one entity. In there place is a nightmarish creature from old school rpgs. Of a wall which will slowly corral his enemies and prevent any hope to live past this day.
An ounce of demonic joy rises up with in him. The satisfaction of seeing his plans unfold perfectly is addicting. Even if the Tuvegs try to flee, they will all die thanks to the specter floating above them.
"[Spirit Explosion]."
The specter drops the detonating totem as the 7th tier spell inside of it amplifies into the 9th tier.
Ice flashes across the area. The slightest of movements cause the Tuveg to be pierced by spires of ice. Gouging pin size holes into their bodies and killing them. The scene repeats itself until they're all frozen dead. Leaving the warlord alone to make its final stand.
The beast doesn't dare to take another step. Its sole thought is to escape, to refuse to accept this is the end and continue to live on.
The warlord isn't able to understand the impending doom it is in. The Living Wall has got it trapped and Ice Wraths were being born from the remains of the Tuveg, surrounding it on all sides.
A single command is all it took to kill the disillusioned monster. To make it accept death.
The battle is over. The frozen swamp begins to return to normal. And the Ice Wraths begin to shrink and melt, as they're unable to maintain a connection to their summoner. While, the Living Wall expires from the polymerization countdown. Disintegrating and freeing up space to resummon his golems.
"That went smoothly." Replacing his used totem. "The Polymerization spell was more effective than I thought. I'll have to visit that forum again to find the other class spells."
Composite Wizard is the recent class he took. Its requires six different mage classes to be level ten to unlock. Making it extremely rare for heteromorphs to have and not worth sacrificing potential racial levels for it. Leaving it as a unique human centered class with very few mages specializing in it. Due to a majority of magic users focusing on a singular aspect of magic instead of a broad range like him.
His choice is well thought out. He had a lot of time to think about it while being stuck in the game. Allowing him to browse through the small hidden forums. Where he found a detailed outline of someone's build for the Composite Wizard class and where to find the class specific spells in Helheim.
It saves me the time I didn't have. And the information isn't widely guarded.
The author of the post, concludes the forum with a single downside. Stating that the set up time needed gives less than stellar DPS compared to other classes in the same amount of time. Leaving Composite Wizard as a support class, instead of one that would make it to World Guardian level. When most of its damage relies heavily on outside variables.
"Now let's see where we're at." He points to a location on his map. "Its should be around... here."
He heads towards the indicated mark and walks until he sees the crystal forest. At the forest perimeter he walks around and finds the mausoleum he was looking for. It is hidden inside of a poison pond. Nestled on an island in the middle of the shallow pool.
[I'm here. Nishikienrai you there?]
[Yeah, I see you. I'll let Momonga know you're coming in.]
Excitement begins to build as he waits to meet the infamous Overlord. The Anime always portrays him as a well meaning guy, but unable to read between the lines. Creating a whole story of misunderstandings between the characters. And a likeable guy if you gain his favor.
Time ticks and he waits for a few minutes. Eventually he grows impatient and begins to explore the place.
White pillars are on both sides to the entrance of the crypt. The opening is in pitch darkness and he couldn't help himself but to enter. The tunnel ends at a stone door, decorated with a mural of the 41 members of the guild. As they reenact The Last Supper.
He chuckles at the image and sends another message to Nishikienrai. There is no response and he debates whether or not to let himself in. However, he decides to wait for someone instead.
"Nishikienrai where are you?" Talking aloud. "I'm here so come out."
"He won't be appearing."
Jumping from fright, he turns around slowly.
A black fissure in reality crumbles. [Perfect Unknowable] starts to dispel, revealing a skeletal arm cloaked in a majestic robed from with in the dimensional gap. Slowly the full figure of an Overlord appears. Radiating strength befitting the strongest undead in the game.
John gulps at the image of the Staff Of Ainz Ooal Gown. The Pseudo World class item is composed of seven intertwined serpents holding a unique divine jewel inside their mouths.
Shit, he sounds mad.
"Um, are you here to let me in?" He slightly pleas.
Momonga's eyes flare with red light. His skeletal face opens wide to chuckle. Then he immediately stops himself and glares at him and asks.
"Are you here to mock me? This place hasn't fallen so low as to let anyone to come and go as they please. You should've never came here as only death awaits you here."
Raising the golden staff, all seven jewels lit up at once.
[Primal Earth Elemental Lvl 87
Primal Air Elemental Lvl 87
Primal Water Elemental Lvl 87
Primal Fire Elemental Lvl 87
Primal Star Elemental Lvl 87]
"I have heard you fancy yourself a summoner?" Not waiting for an answer, he gloats. "Show me the feeble power you call yours, so I can prove the overwhelming difference between us. And how futile your attempt is against the might of Ainz Ooal Gown."
"W-wait!"
John couldn't get another word out. He instantly tries to [Teleport], but it fails. There's a dimensional lock already in place preventing him from escaping the Fire Elemental's attack.
He braces for the attack, his staff flashes to create a ward spell. It blocks most of the damage before the punch breaks through the barrier and knocks him away.
The time to talk is over, he has to survive.
[Greater Earth Elemental Lvl 73
Greater Air Elemental Lvl 73
Greater Water Elemental Lvl 73
Greater Fire Elemental Lvl 73
Greater Star Elemental Lvl 73]
His summons appear one by one. He knows he is hopelessly outmatch. This can at most buy him some time.
"Lesser summons will not win you this battle. It is foolish to think you can stop the inevitable."
John almost forgotten Momonga's skewed sense of justice. And does he not see the word 'Greater' in his summons names'?
Momonga's taunts are ignored in favor of retrieving a silver totem from his inventory. Causing Momonga to pull the elementals away in haste
"[Composite Magic: Aegis Shield]."
All of his summons are sucked into the metal effigy. Sacrificing themselves to create a thin white film over him.
The change is fast and Momonga orders his summons to attack quickly. They collide with the protective film, chipping away at the barrier as debuffs begin to make their way through to him.
The magic shield cracks from the stress and John still holds on. He sacrifices a wooden totem on his waist to replenish his MP pool.
"[Open Wounds]."
The negative status on him strengthens to a higher degree and his shield breaks. He quickly activates [Ally Switch]. Teleporting to a hidden Spector he kept since his time in the swamp.
Momonga eyes ignite in confusion before calming down. He appears in front of John and meets head on with a horde of summons.
"[Maximize Magic Reality Slash]."
Three invisible blades cut through everything in their path. Destroying the horde aside of the Mithril Golems. However, a [Stream of Lava] finishes those remaining by melting them down.
At the end of the hallway, is John. He is staring up the stairs at Momonga. While, the Primal Elementals wait in position behind him.
"Do you see it now?"
Momonga slowly walks down the steps. Facing John one vs one.
"I didn't come here to fight A-ainz.."
The Overlord curiously looks at him and shook his head in disappointment.
"[Time Stop]."
John froze in place while Momonga recalls the Primal Elementals.
"Nishikienrai. When you told me, 'We're having visitors.' I thought you meant a threat. Instead we have a low level invader with a single legendary item to his name."
The shadows of the tunnel reveals Nishikienrai. He is enjoying the current misunderstanding and saw it as a good show to watch.
"Hmph, never mind. It doesn't really matter." His skeleton palm touches John's chest. "[Grasp Heart]."
Time resumes and John's HP instantly reaches zero. [Time Stop] prevented him from moving and he could only watch on and die pathetical. Now the hourglass timer mocks his decision of coming here.
"Guild Master, he's actually a friend." Nishikienrai chuckles darkly.
"Eh!?"
"I met him a while back and offer him to come visit." Stepping on John's corpse. "Thanks to him, I had a good time."
"Nishikienrai! You should've told me so." He paces back and forth. "Guh, never mind, it is just like you to hide what you're got planed. I just wished you told me before hand. I could've acted the part with out having to PK him."
Momonga gives up. He knows that his guild mate is obsessed with his ninja role. It will be pointless to try to get information out of Nishikienrai unless its on his own terms. Reminding him of of the time Nishikienrai found the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Where he dragged the entire guild behind him before revealing its discovery.
The thought brought back a solemn feeling. Bringing him warmth from his memories.
He has to correct his mistake and pulls out a Resurrection Wand to bring Nishikienrai's friend back to life.
John blinks once before he rolls his eyes to the side. Giving Nishikienrai the best accusing glare he could make from the apparent 'betrayal'.
"*Cough* Welcome to Nazarick."
Momonga pretends he isn't at fault and stares at Nishikienrai in hopes he'll salvage the mess he created.
Nishikienrai steps off John and emotes with a smiling face.
"No hard feelings John?"
"None Nishikienrai..."
Scales crack, blood dyes the serpentine body and wings give in under their combined assault. The boss withers away as its HP slowly draws to a zero. Fatigue overwhelms the beast as it fires a last desperate firebreath. Unable to escape the encroachment of death surrounding it.
Momonga directs the flow of the battle. Working around John's inexperience to pick up the slack during their dudgeon raid. The amount of coordination on his part shows his overwhelming level of skill. Resulting in the wyvern's fall from grace.
"[Reality Slash]."
An invisible blade collides against the dragon's chest. A deep red line opens up from the impact. Allowing the summons around it to stall the inevitable. Having it slowly bleed to death.
[Ruler of the Scandes Mountains: Kaminari defeated]
Its body collapses to the cave floor and their focus subsides as they realize they have won.
"That was tough with just us two."
"Yeah, I concur. You've been improving a great deal since we've started. And it looks like we're in luck. There's a Kaminari Data Crystal here."
A yellow prism sits on his skeletal hand, before he tosses the item towards John so he can shift through the rest of their loot.
"Trash, trash, trash... Oh, there's a divine ring." Casting [Scan]. "Ring of Lightning Immunity. Not a great find, but I could use this as a synthesis material."
As Momonga analyzes the pile of items, John activates [Spirit Contract V] on the data crystal. A large amount of of MP drains away and the prism shrinks before breaking. In its place he receives a notification, [Summon: Kaminari].
"Nice, its a level 84 summon."
"Ah does it still retain its lightning attribute? Correct?"
"Yeah its the one I need. Though I still need another Kaminari crystal and a divine gem so I can evolve it into the Kaminari Ryu form."
"Hm, then let us do the dungeon again. We should be able to get another crystal if we're lucky. Later we can head over to the guild base and get you that lightning gem." Dividing the monster drops. "Here is your share. You ready to go?"
John accepts the loot and nods. They teleport back to the start of the dungeon to restart the raid.
Their second run goes better than the first. As Momonga has said, he's been continuously improving in their two man team. Especially since in the last few months Nishikienrai and three other guild members have left the game. Leaving him as the only constant player for Momonga to hang out with.
During this period, Momonga has felt down ever since they have left. Only Blue Planet still comes online to visit on the weekends, to check up on him and see how he is doing. However, Momonga couldn't go into seclusion because of Nishikienrai's request.
The ninja asked him to spend his time online with John. The Overlord would never deny a friend's last request and it took it upon himself to carry it through. Only now has he discovered his friend's true intentions. It was for him to move on and be happy.
Sighing to himself, Momonga couldn't stop longing for the old days. However, he admits the added company right now has brought some of the warmth he dearly missed. Maybe Nishikienrai is right, and this could be a new chapter in his life? There isn't anyone left to stop him if he decides to formally invite John to the guild.
The Overlord remains on the thought until they're back at the guild.
"John." Phrasing his sentence. "Would, you like to join my guild?"
If he could sweat, his palms would be wet. The question felt foreign and unnatural to say after so long. The look of shock on John doesn't escape his notice.
"No, I-I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to. Have you ever thought about joining?"
"I have." Stated John. "Ever since coming here, I had a lot of fun. I didn't think I could ever trust you more than anyone else because others in the past have let me down too many times. I admit I did become jaded over time, but ever since I've met you, I think all my struggles were worth it in the end."
"Cause when I am with you, I feel something I haven't felt in a long time. So Momonga, instead of asking me, I should ask you. 'Would it be okay to have me?'"
Momonga almost faints from such a sappy confession. The conviction in John's eyes held true and he couldn't run away and he has to respond to his feelings.
"I d-do." He forces the words out. "Just let me add you real quick. Okay? [Master Source - Open]"
John didn't have to wait long. As in a few moments the notification he has been waiting for has finally appeared.
[Momonga invites you to Ainz Ooal Gown.
Accept? Decline?]
Accept!
Instantly there are guild options in his player page. He's now able to fast travel to the entrance of the tomb, receive a monthly stipend of gold, the ability to capture resource deposits, purchase guild specific items, tie his respawn point to the guild and use all the guild facilities for free.
"Thank you so much. I'm beyond words on how glad I am to be part of your guild."
"At ease." Holding out his hand. "As part of my family, you are entrusted with a Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown. It will allow you to teleport all throughout the base and its perimeter with out having to use the teleporters."
Momonga watches John equip the ring.
"Now let us head to the treasury. And make sure you're wearing a Poison Immunity Ring, otherwise you'll die before you could even move."
They materialize inside of a empty room. Pulsing blue stripes flash across the walls. The only things in the area is a small set of furniture in the middle of the spacious room and a office desk next to the vault door.
Sitting on the coach is a Nazi Doppler, Pandora's Actor. A heteromorph with the only key features being its three black holes. Two for its eyes and one for its mouth. The rest of it's face is a blank slate and long claws stretch out of it's coat.
[Die Begrüßung! May I know thy purpose for which you have come?]
Momonga flinches a little from the text. He doesn't have to use Pandora's Actor to enter, but he wants to look impressive. At least this will be less embarrassing than John's confession.
"*Cough* I've come here to take a look over the treasury." Roleplaying. "A new companion has join the ranks of the Supreme Beings. And as such I am showing him our Treasury and to retrieve a Divine Lightning Gem from with in its confines."
[Verstanden! I shall await for further orders.]
Pandora's Actor raises his hand and the vault door begins to open. Momonga mentions the defense system tied in with their guild rings. Where the Avataras will come to life and attack them.
"Leave your ring on the table, then I can show you the treasury guardians."
Removing his ring, John follows behind Momonga. A dark hall extends into the darkness. On both sides of the walls are weapons hung out for display.
"Most of the items here are categorized by rarity and equipment type. These weapons on the walls are for decoration only and indicate what you would find if you interact with the interface near it."
A blue screen appears as he reaches into the weapon display. A list of high tier spears are displayed, showing all related items inside of the pocket dimension.
"That is neat. So where are the Avataras?"
"Right there." Pointing to a statue. "This is a Avatara one out of the 37 that can be found here. One for each friend who has departed the guild."
A sad sigh escapes him as bitter memories rush back to him.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Is that they're equipment?"
Momonga nods. "The first ones to leave left everything with the guild in hopes we'll spend it to improve ourselves further. Then more of my friends followed in their steps and it became too much for me. I couldn't bring myself to part with their equipment as it holds too great of a sentimental value to me... I-I must look rather weak right now."
"You don't look weak Momonga. It is touching to know you still care about them. If they ever come back, you could always give them their equipment back. Then all of this wouldn't have been in vain. And besides, they would be happy to see their equipment being put to good use."
"Maybe you're right. Even though the golems aren't perfect, they do bring out hope for a better tomorrow." Placing his hand onto John's shoulder. "Thank you."
"No problem guild master."
They continue to move through the hall. Passing article after article of listed treasures until reaching the end where a stone door is.
"This is used as a barricade to separate all of the guilds gold and rare materials. Unless you're a member of the guild, you'll have to destroy the durability of this wall before the treasure inside is teleported into the throne room."
His skeletal hand touches the door. Blue lines spread out of the walls and into the lock. Creating a magic circle rotating clockwise until a click sounds out. Opening the door for them to enter.
Hundreds of meters of land is covered in mountains of gold. John couldn't see the end of the room from where he is at. At the front are more interfaces holding all sorts of materials.
"It should be this one." Momonga's hand flashes into the void and pulls out a divine gem. "Here you go. Catch."
The artifact is thrown over to John's hand followed by a Kaminari crystal.
"[Spirit Endowment V]"
The crystal shines as the gem turns to liquid. It covers the Kaminari crystal in a web of complex runes before subsiding. In its place is a Kaminari Ryu Gem. Not wasting anymore time, he uses the crystal.
[Quest: Birth of the Lightning Dragon (Completed)
Acquire a Lightning Dragon Summon. [x]
Transmogrifying Sage Lvl 4 - (5)
+200000 Gold]
His unique class reached its max. It specializes in fusing inorganic matter with organic matter. Where the fifth level grants him the ability to break the stat limiter. As he is now able to fuse with his summons and get a temporary increase in stats. While the modification cam be permanent he is able to cancel the spell or overwrite it with another form.
Looking at his spell list he finds a new divine creature.
[Summon: Kaminari Ryu Lvl 95]
"Wow. Its Lvl 95 Momonga."
Momonga stares at John with envy. Even though he can summon multiple undead of the same level, unlike John's, it would require him to sacrifice xp for each one. Its a difference between quality and quantity when comparing their Class'.
"That is unexpected. Its good that you're happy." Momonga says solemnly.
"Ha, wanna see me test it out in the arena then? I can spar with you for a bit."
"Sure, but lets lock the vault before we go."
The vault is put back to how it was originally. Pandora's Actor gave the two a Nazi salute as they left. Making Momonga feel shy about his creation as they retrieved their rings. Then they teleported out to the amphitheater to test out John's new abilities.
[23:00:00]
[Yggdrasil Celebratory Event
Starting at midnight we'll be releasing Yggdrasil II. Sadly, its widely known that Yggdrasil I servers will close at the same time. To celebrate the beginning of the next chapter, we've sent everyone a free gift. They contain fireworks and trinkets to enjoy the last hour of our game.
Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you sometime soon.]
Finally the end is here.
He is currently inside of his room in the guild. While, Momonga is visiting with HeroHero who came online to catch up. They're currently at The Round Table, watching the fireworks display from the Mirror of Remote Viewing.
"Oh, it seems I was right. The players are starting to sell all of their equipment in the store for cheap."
He saw this trend starting since the start of the week. Players have been leaving the game in mass, putting up some of their items on the player store. However, not everything on here was junk. Some items are pay to win and event exclusives.
It isn't everyday he could bypass the real money system in Yggdrasil. So for the past week he has been taking the time to check off his wish list of wanted items.
Ah, It has been an eventful two years.
Memories of sleepless nights, sitting alone unable sleep and the numerous hours he waited for Momonga to log on were torturous. He wants to leave his virtual prison right now. To live, to eat food again!
But at last he has to wait, just a little bit longer.
At least he spent his alone time chatting with the NPCs. He might've felt crazy and then probably insane after repeating the routine every night, but eventually he stopped caring about it. The time is already spent. It is all in the past now. And maybe they would remember their conversations in the New World?
He leaves his bed and goes to his mirror.
A black dragon scale vest covers a star silver undershirt, gauntlets and greaves are a snug fit, made to be seamless and provide extra dexterity. While his hair remains shaggy with the bangs swept to the side. The only noticeable difference than on him, would be a pair of Apoithakarah earrings. Made specifically to store mana and improve his MP regen.
On his hip is his small ceremonial dagger. embedded with a ruby on its hilt. The belt across his waist has several pockets sized to fit his totems, with an ability to automatically refresh upon use.
His staff lays in his study, upon a desk. It is the branch of Yggdrasil printed with fine black runes. Other people would find it hard to tell the difference between it and a common stick.
Next to his weapon, is a black robe he wears outside. It is woven with elegant arrays of magic folded over one another inside the material. Others would stop and second guess his plain looks with it on. However, they would pass it off as a fancy design choice. But the one thing that he wants to hide is his assortment of jewelry. He purposely gave them enough data crystals for them to remain invisible.
Overall his looks are similar to a scholar. One that would go out into the field instead of staying inside with old books. He has a dignified presence befitting a royal. And how would he have known this? Well, its because Momonga helped him perfect his image.
After all, papa bones is the best teacher in the art of bullshit.
He chuckles at the thought while putting on his black robe and keeping it untie so it can act like a drape. Retrieving his staff, he sends his friend a message.
[Momonga I'm heading to the throne.]
John exits his room and greets all the immortal maids on his way up. Thanks to their presence, he was reminded to grab the Immortal Race Change Quest. And though a quick search through the guild treasury, he was able to complete the mission to receive it.
The 10th floor of Nazarick spreads before his eyes. He follows the purple carpet runner to the throne. Then he waits for Momonga while he admires his own personal banner among the 42 guild members. His is placed right at the entrance. Displaying a crest of two hands shaking. One resembling Momonga's and the other his own.
Perhaps in the future, the floor guardians would appreciate it.
It is specifically there to help swayed the future inhabitants after all. And hopefully make them less hostile to humans.
"Tsk, as if. It would be enough if they can passively stand the sight of me at most. Let alone any other people."
He throws a very nonchalantly glance across the throne, locking eyes with the biggest perpetrator of them all, Albedo.
God, I can only hope Momonga's charm will tame this succubus.
At the entrance is his favorite sack of bones. Momonga along with Sebas the butler and the Pleiades maids following closely behind.
And would you look at that?
"Speak of the devil and he shall appear."
Momonga gave him a questioning look. John picks up on his expression after learning subliminal body language and being together for so long.
"No fun. So, Herohero left?"
"Yeah. W-we caught up for a bit and then he just left with out staying till the end." Momonga tone lowers. "Am I really the last one left...?"
He drags his hand across the throne's arm and thinks deeply about the past and the grim future awaiting him.
"Ever since I started, this place has been a slice of heaven away from my cruel reality. It is where I felt alive for the very first time, where I made real friends and the place where I felt like I belong. However, all of this, has been taken away from me, Piece by agonizing piece. And now the last thing I desperately cling to, will be ripped right out of my grasp. And I'm afraid my heart will continue to bleed once my last shred of happiness is gone. Until, I am out of blood and feel hollow inside."
He looks across the guilds banners. Remembering every friend who has left him behind.
"But I know everything has to come to an end. Even happiness could become a bitter pill over time. A curse I have no hope of breaking. But can I be blamed if I want to dream for a little while longer? Because I am very afraid to see what will await me on the other side. To find out I might already be empty on the inside?"
"So please someone, tell me 'How can I live on after all of this?' 'How can I possibly forget about those who have left me behind?' When they meant the whole world to me!?"
He punches the throne over and over. Rage, resentment, unwillingness and bitterness fuel him. Everything in his system leaves him all at once. And he collapses upon the Throne of Kings like a record who's strings have been cut.
"I am sorry you had to see that." He rests his skull on his arm. "I am, just emotional after my chat with Herohero."
"I see." Salvaging the situation John adds. "I can understand how you feel, however, life continues on."
"I know."
"No you don't."
"Then tell me why! Why can't I move on then!?"
"Look at yourself." Staring at him. "No seriously you have to understand something."
Momonga glares at him, but finally relents. He looks over the NPCs and back to the banners on the walls.
"Do you think your friends wanted you to be left alone? Would you rather besmirch your precious memories rather than accept reality?" Easing his tone. "All of them... have moved on Momonga. They're the same ones who selected you as their leader. They are the same ones who entrusted you with everything they had. They are the ones who would never want you to feel abandoned by them... I don't want you to feel like you were left behind cause I've been there too, Momonga."
"The scars on our hearts try their hardest to chain us down. It becomes harder to fight the more we are hurt. However, we can never give in, or we will forever loose the chance to live for our desired future. Being forever stuck in our past and never able to move on."
"However, in my time of need, you brought me back from the brink... So please, please understand where I'm coming from. You're... you are my only friend. And I can't stand seeing you in pain."
He stops himself from saying more
They both remain silent and watch the timer drop below five minutes.
John never took the time to truly consider Momonga's feelings. Only now it has been brought to light of the full extent of his wounds. All the help he received from him in the past, feels slightly bitter now. From here on out, he will try to help him in the New World.
"Your words, brought me some comfort. I should live more freely like you have said and try even harder so I won't lose sight of a brighter future. When this is all over, maybe I'll will carve out my own destiny on Earth."
Momonga raises the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown towards Albedo.
"But I would like to dream just for a little longer."
He edits the succubus' info into being madly in love with himself. Then he twirls his staff towards the Pleiades.
"Woah. Woah. Woah. What you doing?"
He's acting off script!
"Well, I'm living for the future? And I can't have my 'only friend' missing out on the action."
Momonga laughs jovially. Speeding up his pace to change one of the maids descriptions before John could stop him.
"Do you know what you've done?!"
"Hmph?! I learned to live a little?"
"No, you..."
[00:00:00]
"No, you numbskull! Change her back!"
His heart races due to Momonga's cheeky attitude. He is already regretting making any sort of promise now.
Dammit man. Give me my feelings back. W-wait...
Heat. He could feel heat! His heart is beating, his sense of smell is back too!
"Momonga. It too late for forgiveness and I'm all out of mercy. But, I'll let this one slide-"
John looks around him. There's no guild base. No arena guardians, no maids or even Momonga himself. Instead he is in the middle of no where. In a place filled with endless ice and snow. With mountains far out in the distance.
"What the fuck? You have to be kidding me right now!"
Nazarick is no where in sight and he is on his own.
I have a world in mind for the crossover. However, I want to hear what you guys think would be a cool place to end up at.