Makings of an Overlord

by The Emerald Commander

Suzuki Satoru has no idea how to rule the Great Tomb of Nazarick, especially now that he has been transported to an entire new world as a human (kind of). However, he is going to give his all, no matter how much Albedo keeps trying to sleep with him, how much Demiurge wants to commit genocides and how much he wishes to date that cute peasant girl in the village nearby. Slight!AU

2. Chapter 1: New World

Chapter I: New World

"My Lord!" Albedo exclaimed. "Has something transpired? Is there a problem? Supreme One, please, tell us what must be done!"

Suzuki just stared at the gorgeous living beauty addressing him. As when being talked to by most beautiful women, Suzuki could only muster one thing to say:

"Eeeh?" He squeaked, red-faced and trying to bury himself against the throne.

"M-My Lord!" Albedo said, close to tears. "Is- is it due to your new form?"

She looked down, ashamed.

"If you so wish, I shall not gaze upon you, Supreme One!" Albedo proclaimed.

"Eeh?" Squeaked Suzuki.

The Pleaides and Sebas followed the Lady Overseer's example and averted their gazes. Suzuki just sat there, his mind unable to function. Admittedly, he wasn't sure where to start with all the newfound craziness.

They are alive, was all Suzuki managed to think once he managed to take a few calming breaths.

He looked around the Throne Room.

But I am still in Yggrassil? Suzuki wondered.

He glanced at his hands, his very pale and human hands. He didn't fail to notice he was wearing spellcaster robes or the rings adorning his fingers, all of which belonged to Momonga his in-game character. Suzuki slowly recalled what Albedo had just said.

New form? Suzuki wondered. Wait, does that mean Albedo recognize me as Momonga, the avatar, rather than Suzuki Satoru, the player? How weird! Could it be the clothes?

"I…" Suzuki was at a loss of words. What was he even supposed to say?

Oh yes, Albedo, you see, I haven't the faintest clue to how I ended up teleported into a virtual game and everything has gained life all of a sudden. Oh, did you notice you ARE FREAKING ALIVE?! Suzuki sardonically thought.

He shook his head. It had to be some kind of hallucination. Maybe sleep deprivation… speaking of which, he felt exhausted and hungry. It wasn't surprising. He had been stuck in the Full-Dive engine since he got back from work, eager to spend as much time as he could in Yggrassil.

"I'm fine, Albedo," Suzuki managed to say after taking a deep soothing breath.

He avoided looking at the succubus; pointedly trying to ignore how freaking impossible the situation was.

"I fear that- that something happened," Suzuki said.

Well, that's stating the obvious, Suzuki. What now? He wondered.

Suzuki couldn't really think. His hands were sweaty, his mind throbbed with thoughts and fears and his heart drummed like crazy in his chest, pumping blood filled with adrenaline. He was definitely in Yggrassil as an actual person, without a doubt, a person ready to faint. Or about to have a panic attack.

"Something my Lord?" Albedo asked, keeping her head bowed. "I do not understand… and are you alright? I-I do not understand why your form has changed, Supreme One."

How couldn't Albedo not understand? She was suddenly given life! One would not expect a newly living person to just go about her business like nothing.

Hold on, she calls me My Lord, doesn't she? Suzuki suddenly realized. NPCs should not recognize such political hierarchies as lordships. And her behavior… she is truly acting like I had always thought she would if she ever gained life! This is definitely my own hallucination, isn't it?

His eyes swept to Sebas and the Pleiades. Suzuki needed to do something, anything, to avoid losing his mind. Was this real? Was this his imagination? Were this actually the NPCs who had mindlessly followed him just a few moments ago?

"Sebas!" Suzuki called.

"My Lord!" The head butler said, head bowed.

He is just as alive as Albedo… and also treats me like his king, realized Suzuki.

"I do not wish to trouble you with something so mundane but…" Suzuki felt himself blushing. Who was he to order a man – no, a dragonoid? It felt so wrong to order someone around, no matter the species.

"Yes, my Lord?" Sebas said. "Anything you command shall be done, my Lord, no matter how mundane and simple."

His voice startled Suzuki. Why did it sound so much like Touch Me? No, on second thought, it didn't sound like his. It had a deeper baritone, as well as a refined and elegant tone, the sort that hinted to his profession as Butler. How could it be, though? There was no way to actually set an NPC into the role of Butler…

It suddenly occurred to Suzuki he was parched and a thought sneaked into his mind well before he could think twice about it.

"Could you get me something to drink?" Suzuki asked. "If it isn't much of a hassle…"

Oh man, of all the things to ask you just had to ask for something to drink? Suzuki mentally groaned.

Another part of him, however, felt like it was a good idea.

It will work as a test to see if they follow my orders, assess if Sebas can actually follow through the order and also I get to drink! Win-Win! He reasoned.

It was, however, embarrassing regardless.

"It shall be done immediately, Supreme One," Sebas said, standing up, but keeping his eyes on the ground. Much to Suzuki's mounting guilt, Sebas sounded like he was about to start a quest for the Holy Grail. "If I may be so bold… what kind of drink would you wish? Perhaps some tea?"

Suzuki was at a loss yet again. He really hadn't expected for the butler to be so eager to make him food. A quick glance to Albedo (who still kept her eyes down in submission) suggested that it seemed kind of expected. It was so weird…

I went from a simple salary-man wasting time in a dying game to some kind of king with all these people eager to please me, Suzuki summarized and shuddered. It was a bit too much for the poor man.

"Yes, tea would be just fine," Suzuki said, clearing his throat. "I'll leave the choice of tea up to you."

"Then by your leave, my Lord," Sebas said.

He bowed and turned around, before hurrying out at a moderate pace. Suzuki studied the Pleiades and Albedo. They were awfully quiet, heads bowed down. Were they waiting orders?

Somehow, Suzuki was surprised by the fact he had grown calmer, regardless of the situation. Perhaps it was the fact that they weren't staring at him any longer, or maybe he was too damn tired to care anymore. However, a part of him was slowly – yet surely – starting to feel a bit giddy about the situation. If it was all a hallucination, Suzuki was starting to believe it wasn't the worst one he could have had.

One last moment in the Tomb of Nazarick before I wake up to my horrid lonely reality, Suzuki thought. Now, about the rest of the people present…

"Yuri Alpha, take Entoma Zeta and Lupusregina Beta and check on the Ninth floor for any changes," Suzuki said.

"Changes, my Lord?" Yuri inquired, confused.

"You might not be aware of this, but many things have apparently changed around here," Suzuki said trying, and failing, to keep his composure.

He felt like an idiot for being so elusive. Then again, how was he supposed to explain how they all gained sentience and their Lord Momonga now had been rendered to his real human self?

"Patrol the area and make sure that nothing has been disturbed," awkwardly corrected Suzuki. "Leave no room or facility unchecked, then - ehm - report back to me."

"It shall be done at once, Supreme One," Yuri said. "Come, Sisters."

"Right after you, Big Sis," Entoma replied.

"Let's do this, Sis!" Lupusregina excitedly added.

Again, Momonga was startled by the voices. Yuri sounded a bit too closely to her creator Yamaiko, if only older and wiser. Entoma, on her part, sounded way too girlish and cutesy for a man-eating insectoid (definitely nothing like the voice of her creator, Genjiro). He did not miss how the Pleiades actually behaved like sisters. Lupusregina's voice and behavior was surprisingly exactly how he envisioned her given her BIO.

Could they have incorporated their BIOs? But how? They are just text, Suzuki wondered. A question for another time.

"Naberal Gamma, Solution Epsilon and CZ2128 Delta," Suzuki called.

"Yes, my Lord?" The three chorused.

"Go to the Tomb's entrance and inform me about the surroundings. I wish to know the state of the swamp outside," Suzuki said.

I wonder if all of Yggrassil has now become real, Suzuki thought. I am not sure I would like that. The entire world of Yggrassil was one big mess, constantly retconned with each Season and Expansion. Moreover, half of it didn't make an iota of sense.

The three remaining Pleiades all replied their affirmatives and left right afterwards. Suzuki was curious if the three would manage to make it outside, or be stopped by their programming. After all, NPCs had an assigned floor. At the same time, Suzuki couldn't help but worry about the state of the other floors and their denizens.

Could the Floor Guardians be alive too? What about every other creature of Ainz Ooal Gown? He needed to know and as soon as possible.

"Albedo," Suzuki called.

"Yes, my Lord?" purred Albedo.

Suzuki shuddered as he looked at Albedo. She was no longer meek or submissive. Instead, she looked at him with a strange hunger that made Suzuki blush. That tone of hers left very little to the imagination about what she wanted.

"…we are all alone, Lord Momonga," Albedo sultrily murmured. "Is there anything you wish I do for you?"

Is she- is she flirting with me? Suzuki's eyes bulged at that. Hold on, I did change her BIO to… oh God, I made a huge mistake.

Suzuki's eyes, sadly, developed a sentience of their own and wandered down to Albedo's rather ample bosom. It was hard not to, with the way Albedo had so casually leaned forward. When Suzuki pried his gaze off Albedo's chest, he realized Albedo hadn't missed his wandering eyes. She actually smirked, her golden eyes glimmering with excitement. Someone was rather pleased that she was getting ogled at.

Needless to say that for a virgin who's closest interaction with a woman had been the few he had met at work, the whole exchange was promising to make Suzuki faint right then and there.

I could ask her to do anything, Suzuki thought. A part of him wondered if that was really the case or just his desire speaking.

No, no! Bad Suzuki! She's your friend's creation! Suzuki berated himself. I need her gone or else I might be too tempted to do something really stupid!

"I-I want you to visit the other floors and check on the Floor Guardians. I want to know if they have found anything out of order," said Suzuki, his voice a high-pitched squeak.

Albedo pouted, looking disappointed, but bowed her head in understanding. She quickly reverted to her previous submissive self.

"It shall be done, Supreme One," Albedo said. In a flash, she was back to the previous bold Overseer, smiling seductively and leaning forward over Suzuki. "And I shall return as soon as possible, my love…"

Suzuki's breath caught in his throat and his heart nearly leapt out of his chest. By that point, Albedo marched away, giggling, leaving a gobsmacked Suzuki.

What did just happen? Suzuki wondered.

His eyes, again with their own sentience, immediately latched to Albedo's departing form. Or rather, her butt. She sure was taking her time to leave. It was as Albedo glanced back and smirked at him that he realized what she was doing. Suzuki purposely pried his eyes from Albedo's rear and focused on an interesting speck on the floor.

Once Albedo was gone, Suzuki released a long sigh. He was happy she left, because Suzuki found the need to stand up before anyone were to show up and see something truly embarrassing.

With a sigh, Suzuki looked around the Throne Room. He clenched on the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown and studied it. Made of gold and jewels, it looked a lot more impressive for some reason. Everything had suddenly gained a new feeling to it… that and the Throne Room was bloody cold and dark. He needed to add more lighting and a heating system.

Suzuki was a bit surprised when he found he could lift the Staff with ease. It had looked extremely heavy back in Yggrassil. More shocking was when he felt… something… emanate from the Staff. A warmth of some sort that Suzuki couldn't explain. Tentatively, Suzuki opened his palm…

…only for the staff to magically hover away. Suzuki stared, fascinated, as he instinctively drew it up to him. He repeated the action a couple of times until he chuckled, amused.

"I am somehow equipping you," Suzuki said, before glancing at his clothes and many rings. "Well, equipping everything that was actually my avatar's…"

Suzuki blinked.

"What about my stuff? My inventory?" He asked himself.

He looked around, making sure no one was around to see him, before he closed his eyes and reached into the air and-

He felt something.

Suzuki's eyes snapped open and looked at his hand. He stared, amazed, when he noticed his hand was buried in a tiny dark portal. Suzuki pulled out his hand and stared at the red-potion in his grasp. It was just like Yggrassil.

He tried pulling different items. First was a mana-potion, then a Horn of the Goblin General and, finally, he tried pulling out money. Suzuki was amazed when he stared at a handful of real gold coins… and boy were those heavy.

"Awesome," Suzuki said in disbelief. He laughed, excitement overwhelming him. "I- I am stuck in Yggrassil! I…"

I don't have to leave, Suzuki thought.

He was definitely not sad at the prospect of not returning to his life. His joy was quickly replaced with a faint sense of loss. If he was in Yggrassil, then that meant he was all alone forever. It wasn't like he had any family or real friends back in the Real World, but the fact he would never get the chance to make friends, actual human friends, was quite the bummer.

"Oh, lighten up you idiot. Here you are, living the dream of every Yggrassil Player and you are depressed? Figures," scoffed Suzuki.

He paused and stroke his chin.

"What's next?" He didn't have to think for long. His face light up and grinned. "Magic!"

And, just like that, he froze. Suzuki Satoru quickly discovered he had no idea how to cast a spell. Back in Yggrassil, it was a matter of tapping on the quick-action tab or, if you had it activated in the Options Menu, by reading the name of the spell aloud. Thus, he awkwardly lowered his staff and aimed it forward.

Once again, Suzuki felt like a moron.

"[Summon Undead]," he mumbled.

Nothing. Suzuki scratched his head before giving it another try, this time with more confidence.

"[Aura of Despair, Seventh Tier]," he chanted.

Again, nothing. Maybe he needed to try a lower level spell?

"Eh… [Fireball, First Tier]?" Awkwardly casted Suzuki.

This time, Suzuki was not surprised at the lack of anything happening. Could it be that there was no magic? Suzuki glanced at the Staff of Ooal Gown which had been defying physics a moment ago. Maybe he no longer was a spell caster? No, it couldn't be or else he wouldn't be able to wield the Staff of Ainz Ooal Goal.

"Hey, what about a spell all Players could do?" Suzuki thought aloud. He put a hand over the side of his head and concentrated. "Cast Spell: [Message]."

It wasn't technically a spell but rather an ability for all players. Suzuki was disappointed, yet not surprised, when that simple spell didn't work. Suzuki frowned, feeling at a loss. Why couldn't he do anything?

A strange warmth flooded in his body and Suzuki looked at the Staff. He frowned at it. Was the Staff communicating with him? And what was it trying to say? Suzuki wasn't sure, but he tentatively looked at the Room, raised the staff and-

"[Summon Moonlight Wolves]!" Suzuki chanted, an alien sensation washing over his body.

This time, the Staff many gems glowed, before a bright light shone at the top of it. From there, wisps of light shot off in front of Suzuki. They grew and took shape and, before long, Suzuki was staring at more than twenty huge white ethereal wolves.

"Wow," whispered Suzuki.

He could feel them, all of them, in the back of his head. Curious, Suzuki urged them to form up. Without a word or explicit order, the wolves all formed one straight line in front of him and sat down. Suzuki blinked, amazed by the power rushing through him.

So this is how magic feels like, Suzuki thought.

He glanced at the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown and smiled.

"Thanks for not abandoning me," he whispered.

The Staff, much to Suzuki's surprise, seemed to hum in power in response. Suzuki grew a bit worried about having a seemingly sentient object trying to talk to him but, truly, it felt right to hold it. That and the Staff was the only means of protecting himself. With a flourish of his hand, the Moonlight wolves dissipated and Suzuki returned to his throne.

When Sebas returned, he found Suzuki going over the many features of the Throne of Kings. He had forgotten he had been sitting in a World-Class item until after he started casting spells and was more than thankful many of its previous features remained.

Suzuki was more than relieved when he saw the names of all the NPCs of the Great Tomb of Nazarick as well as their status. It didn't show the basic minions of each floor, though, only those that had been made and placed by the Guild. The fact they all had their names in grey, and were thus friendly (allegedly), was a relief. He also discovered he could check on each Floor's defenses and even pop-up screens to see different areas.

"My Lord," Sebas called.

To Suzuki's surprise, he was carrying a platter on top of which was a pot of tea and a cup. It all looked way too fancy for Suzuki.

"Your tea," Sebas said, bowing at the feet of the throne just close enough for Suzuki to take the cup and serve himself.

"Thank you, Sebas," awkwardly said Suzuki. "What tea did you choose?"

"Your thanks are wasted on me, Supreme One," Sebas humbly said. "As for the choice, I believed that a Black Imperial Tea would help energize you in your current form."

I wonder what he thinks about my different form, Suzuki nervously thought.

He was rather impressed that Sebas didn't just perform a menial task as making tea, but he had also had the foresight to make a choice based on Suzuki. It showed a level of sentience unlike anything in Yggrassil.

Suzuki gratefully took both the teapot and cup, and placed them on the throne's armrest. He served himself and stared at the filled cup. Tentatively, he took a sip.

Oh my God! Suzuki thought, wide-eyed. How can a tea be so delicious?!

Then he thought of food. Actual food, like the ones in old movies, not gruesome packs of grey goo. Suzuki would be able to taste vegetables, like tomatoes… and meat! Real succulent meat!

This… this is the dream, Suzuki thought, drinking his tea.

"Delicious, Sebas!" Suzuki said.

Sebas bowed, but Suzuki didn't miss the smile of relief that was quickly replaced by delight.

"Alright… let's leave this place, shall we?" Suzuki said, standing up.

He stretched. Sebas wasn't kidding. Suzuki felt extremely energized, and happy. He felt like he could break out dancing at any moment and not break a sweat. Not that he would, mind you. His attention, though, was quickly taken by Sebas, who remain kneeling and head bowed.

Did he have to do that? It made Suzuki feel awful!

"Rise, Sebas," he said.

The Butler rose, but averted his eyes, a hand stuck on his chest in a sign of reverence.

"Yes, my Lord?" Sebas asked.

Suzuki blinked. What he should do now? He looked around, studying the Throne Room once again. He had seen it a thousand times before, and yet… it was quite different this time around.

"Tell me, Sebas, do you feel different?" Suzuki asked. He once again felt like an idiot asking that. "Be honest, Sebas. Is there anything new or odd that has happened today?"

Sebas hummed and stroke his beard before addressing Suzuki. He didn't rise his head or dare meet Suzuki's eyes, something that made Suzuki feel worse. He did not like being treated like some king or god. It felt unearned and wrong.

"No, my Lord, other than your change in forms," Sebas said.

Suzuki stared at him.

And stared.

He couldn't be serious. Hadn't Sebas realized he had gained sentience?

"Nothing different? Absolutely nothing?" Suzuki asked.

Sebas, a grown and powerful dragonoid, actually squirmed, making Suzuki feel guilty.

"Don't feel bad, I just want to hear an honest opinion," Suzuki said. "Think. Has there been no recent changes? Maybe…" maybe he had to be more specific. "Do you feel any different from – ehm – yesterday?"

Sebas glanced at Suzuki, before averting his eyes.

"You can look at me, if you want," Suzuki added.

Sebas did so, and Suzuki was able to see Sebas' worries etched on his face. The way he kept averting his eyes, looking anywhere but Suzuki's eyes, reminded the human of a child avoiding its parents' gaze.

"I apologize, my Lord, but I fail to grasp your question. Do you think I have failed at something?" Sebas asked.

"No!" Suzuki immediately said.

Damn it! How can he be so oblivious? Suzuki thought.

"Tell me, how do you feel about- about the fact you are actually talking?" Suzuki said.

Finally, I said it, he thought. Sadly, that didn't help. Sebas just stared at him, confused.

"I do not understand, my Lord," Sebas said.

"You do realize you have never spoken to me before now?" Suzuki said.

Sebas' eyes widened and Suzuki sighed in relief. So he finally realizes that-

"Sorry if that has offended you, my Lord," Sebas said, dropping to his knees. "I profusely apologize for my outrageous behavior! Punish me as you see fit, Supreme One!"

Suzuki slapped his face. Why was Sebas missing the point? Was it more pressing for him to serve Suzuki than to actually realize he was alive and no longer a bunch of code?

"Sebas, raise, please," Suzuki said. "And look at me in the eye. I won't punish you."

Sebas did as told, although he held himself like a chastised child.

"Thing is, Sebas, before a few…" wait, how long had it been since the supposed end of the servers? A few minutes? An hour? "…a few moments, you were literally unable to."

Sebas blinked and slowly nodded.

"You are correct, my Lord," he said. "I… I never addressed you or any of the Supreme Beings."

Finally he has caught on, Suzuki sighed in relief.

"Does that have something to do with your change in forms, my Lord? If I am not too impertinent in asking," Sebas said, bowing his head.

Suzuki pinched the bridge of his nose.

This was going to be a long night.

-.-

Suzuki Satoru, otherwise known as Lord Momonga, paced in front of the mirror within his room. How did he have a room inside a game? Well, because of the immersion, of course. It was a good thing his friends and he had the time to mess around because otherwise Satoru wouldn't have anywhere to have a nervous breakdown.

The room was large and expansive, with a lot of space. That and it was expensive, walls covered in fine black drapes and a large king's bed with perhaps the most comfortable sheets and mattress in existence. Satoru would have loved to enjoy such experience, considering he had never ever been anywhere near such luxuries… were it not for his current predicament.

It wasn't just that he was stuck in Yggrassil. Now that he could get a good look at himself, he discovered that, aside from the new position as ruler of the Tomb of Nazarick, something else was different.

For the umpteenth time since he made it to his room, Suzuki paused and faced the mirror on the wall. It was him who stared back at him, the plain-looking unassuming salary-man who mere hours ago had been filing stupid paperwork in his soul-sucking job. And yet, it wasn't him.

There was something wrong and different. The general shape of his face was like Suzuki remembered only a bit more angular. His hair, however, was slicker. His teeth, he had discovered, were a perfect set, and a shiny white that reminded Suzuki of Momonga. Perhaps it was Suzuki's wishful thinking, but he could have sworn he looked younger. Moreover, Suzuki could have sworn he looked healthier, as if he actually had lived a decent life with proper sleep. However, the one thing that terrified Suzuki were his eyes.

Looking back at the poor salary-man were pitch-black voids for sockets and, instead of pupils, burning red fires shone in the blackness of what were his eyes. Those were, clearly, not Suzuki's eyes, but rather Momonga's. And they looked way off putting. Suzuki still shivered when he tried to touch his eyes only to find dark emptiness.

Am I an amalgamation of my Avatar and my human self? He wondered. Am I even human anymore?

From what Suzuki could guess, he might as well have been human. He has all of his senses, his heart was beating and he felt tired. Undead couldn't sleep, after all. That and he couldn't cast magic. And yet... he had Momonga's eyes and could wield Momonga's equipment.

His only comfort was the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown, which he was reluctant to release from his grasp. Since his new circumstances, the golden staff had become his anchor. Its warmth was comforting, reassuring even, and it was also the means to Suzuki's protection if he needed to fight.

"Well, at least I don't have to worry about fitting in," grumbled Suzuki with a grimace.

He sighed and went back to pacing. If his different (and creepier) body wasn't bad enough, the reality of his situation was slowly becoming clear.

"This… isn't that bad" he mumbled, frowning. "Oh, who am I kidding? What am I supposed to do now?!"

And that was quite the question. This was his new reality, he was sure of it, but he had no idea what to do now that he was living in the world he had always longed for. After leaving the Throne Room with Sebas in tow, the enormity of the situation had started to seep in as Suzuki took in the sights of the Ninth Floor.

The maids, though, and other servants were another thing that had made Suzuki panic. Each time he passed by one, they would kneel down, making Suzuki understand his new role. He had been thrust as the manager of the Tomb, and its denizens expected his leadership. The pressure of command mounted on his shoulders, as well as a thousand questions and possibilities.

What if they expected a ruthless leader like his character Momonga? What if he showed weakness and all the human-hating NPCs went after him? What if he failed and got everyone killed? It was way too much power and responsibilities for a fanboy and avid Yggrassil player!

By the time he had made it to his room, Suzuki felt like absolutely panicking about his new reality.

A knock on the door broke him out of his reverie. Satoru felt his heart skip a beat before he gulped.

Breath Suzuki, BREATH! He thought.

Suzuki took a deep breath and sighed. Somewhat relaxed, he stood up straight and faced the door.

"Enter," he solemnly said.

He wasn't sure how, but his voice came out strong and commanding.

"My Lord, I apologize for disturbing you," none other than Albedo said. She shyly walked in, keeping her head bowed. "The Pleiades have returned from their assigned tasks, as have I. Do you wish to hear our reports now?"

Satoru was sorely tempted on ordering everyone to leave him alone so that he could have his mental breakdown in peace. However, curiosity got the better of him. Thus, he took a few soothing breathes and planned a course of action.

"Yes. Wait for me at my desk. I shall be outside momentarily" he said.

"As you command," Albedo said.

She stepped back, not before looking up and looking straight into his eyes. She immediately averted her eyes and released a giggle, face burning with a blush.

"I am sure they might not mind waiting for a while, if you so much wish to entertain yourself with other things…" said Albedo, before adding in a sultry purr "…or someone."

Suzuki stared at the bold Overseer, his heart racing. Alarms blared in his head, all while different parts of his mind argued what to do next.

Yes! Go for it! A leicherous part of Suzuki urged. Why did it sound like Peroroncino?

Don't you even dare, Momonga! You hear me?! Another part of him, which sounded awfully like Tabula, shouted.

Big Brother Momonga, you wouldn't abuse of an NPC like that, would you? You aren't like my perverted brother, are you? A terrifying cutesy voice that made Suzuki shudder whispered. He had no idea why he heard Bukubukuchagama's voice in his head like that.

JUSTICE! Rang Touch Me's voice across Suzuki's head.

Suzuki snapped around and shook his head. He kept a firm grip on the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown, finding comfort on the warm power coming from it.

"I- you – no! No, no, no, not now, Albedo! We - we have - other stuff to do!" Suzuki spluttered. "There- there are more pressing matters!"

Satoru felt his own face burn with a blush as his heart jolted. He looked at Albedo's reflection.

"As you command, Supreme One," replied Albedo with a bow and a pout.

Thankfully, Albedo retreated afterwards. Satoru tried to relax, but unfortunately it was hard to do. Albedo's mere presence got him all worked up, being a succubus.

Satoru looked at his reflection and scowled at it. It only made him look way scarier.

"I wish I had actually been brought as a skeleton, y'know?" He told himself.

However, he had to face the music at some point. Thus, he marched to the door and braced himself. It was going to be tough, but he had to keep the act. He had to be strong. This was the Tomb of Nazarick, the place where he had found a family of sorts, where all the creations of his beloved friends lived and would prosper.

That's my purpose, Satoru told himself. I will rule over this place and make sure the legacy of my friends lives on.

When he strolled out, he did so keeping a stern face and a commanding demeanor. He ignored the Pleiades, Sebas and Albedo, even when they went to their knees in front of his desk. Only after he had reached his throne-like chair and dramatically sat down did he acknowledge the NPCs.

"Rise," he commanded. "Naberal, report."

The gentle and pale woman rose from her knees. She kept her head bowed, however, and a hand on her chest.

"As you wish, my lord" the doppelganger said with her firm tone. "I have left the tomb alongside my sisters, Solution Epsilon and CZ2128 Delta, to investigate the surroundings of tomb as you instructed. At the time of your command, you had suggested we would be greeted with swamps. It is to my great pain that I must inform you that it would appear that there are only flatlands, covered in grass, as far as the land stretches, Supreme One."

Satoru felt ready to have another panic attack.

"Grasslands?" Suzuki said. "I see…" he addressed Naberal, who had stopped talking. "What did you see? Was there any noteworthy landmarks?"

"We were able to spot a forest far away, my lord, but nothing else. The lands seemed devoid of any sentient life other than critters, Supreme One," Naberal replied.

Suzuki leaned back, sorely tempted to sequester himself back in his room. He managed to stay put. He had to remain strong.

So the Tomb and himself hadn't just been given life… they had been taken to another world. He had sent Naberal outside both to test if the game rules still applied to NPCs and to confirm that the world of Yggrassil had come to life. Apparently, they were no longer in Yggrassil and the previous rules over the NPCs had pretty much evaporated.

It doesn't make sense! All this is so crazy… thought Satoru. He noticed a still standing and bowing Naberal, and guilt gripped Satoru's heart.

"Thank you, Naberal, for your diligent work. I apologize for ordering you to leave your post but it was necessary. The same goes to you two, CZ2128 and Solution," he said.

The three mentioned servants seemed to almost shine with glee, smiles on their faces.

They are like children, Satoru thought pitying the NPCs. Neglected children who are eager to please their guardian… their only remaining parent-figure…

A pang of bitterness surfaced in his heart at the thought of the NPCs suffering his friends' neglect, before he squashed it down. He cleared his throat and his mind of such ill thoughts.

"Albedo, report," Suzuki said.

"Yes, my lord" an excited Albedo said, raising up.

She sounded like an overly eager student, ready to show off to her favorite teacher just how well she had done her homework.

"As you instructed, I went and investigated the state of each floor. As expected of our beloved Supreme Ruler, your wisdom prevailed. It would appear we are facing rebellion."

What?! Rebellion?! Shit, I hope Demiurge isn't leading the rebellion or else I am so screwed! Thought a horrified Satoru. Ulbert, I so swear, if you ever show up here I will-

"In the Seventh Floor, the Fire Salamanders and Fire Elementals have broken away from their patrol patterns and engaged against demon-folk. Floor Guardian Demiurge has assured me that the situation is under control and that the Evil Lords and the Doom Legionnaires have managed to secure the most important inter-floor pathways. The traitors, apparently, seem to act without thought or organization," Albedo reported.

To Satoru's surprise, the Pleiades all hissed words of disgust and hatred at the so called traitors. Sebas, ever the professional butler, merely scowled and hands clenched in anger. Differently from the NPCs, as he thought about it, Satoru suddenly realized what was going on.

"I assume that the Sixth Floor wild beasts and the Ice Wolves of the Fifth Floor have also risen in… ehm… rebellion?"

Albedo snapped her head at him, shocked, before lowering her head once again.

"As I should have expected, you are aware of the situation," Albedo purred with delight.

She might have kept her face hidden, but Satoru could tell that she was blushing, and that, of course, meant Suzuki had to feel his own cheeks heat up.

"You are correct, my Lord. Floor Guardians Aura and Mare have reported the wild beasts have broken away from their own areas and patrol routes, and Cocytus is securing the fifth floor as we speak."

"Any troubles at the First to Third Floors?" Wondered Satoru.

"None, my lord" said Albedo. "The undead have remained faithful, acting as the Supreme Ones decreed. Floor Guardian Shalltear has reported no changes in behavior."

"And the Eight Floor?" Suzuki tentatively asked with a grimace.

"The situation is… delicate there, Supreme One," Albedo sighed. "Victim and his Shadow Flayers have secured all pathways, but the Dark Ones no longer follow the Supreme Beings' decrees."

"I see," Satoru hummed.

"Floor Guardians Demiurge, Aura, Mare and Cocytus all await instructions on how to deal with the insurrectionists. They have all confessed their desire to put down the filthy creatures, but they have their own patrols and areas to secure under the decree of the Supreme Ones," Albedo said.

That decree probably is the tomb's programming for the NPCs, reasoned Satoru. Makes sense, the NPCs probably know they had been instructed to do certain things. But now that they are sentient… they can choose not to. Shit, that's quite the conundrum.

"They are not insurrectionists," Satoru said.

Albedo once again snapped her head at her, shocked. "But my lord, they have gone against the-"

Satoru raised a hand, and Albedo immediately looked away, ashamed. Suzuki felt awful, like he had kicked a puppy, but steeled his resolve.

"I-I apologize, my lord" Albedo said. Boy did she sound like an admonished child…

"Yes, Albedo, they have gone against their original commands… but things have changed. The Tomb has been moved and some of its magic has… ehm… been altered" Satoru said. "It is not their fault they have broken away. As you have probably noticed, all these so called insurrectionists aren't exactly capable of thought and are driven by impulses and instincts. So, in other words, they are unable to actually follow their progr- their original decree."

"Of course, my lord!" Albedo said.

Suzuki wondered if Albedo actually understood or she was merely acting for his sake.

"For the time being, I would like the floor guardians to amass the forces loyal to me- I mean, to Nazarick at the exits of each floor and around vital areas. There is no point in keeping our forces scattered. Instruct the guardians to avoid killing the other beings if possible… but they may kill them if necessary for sustenance," commanded Satoru.

For a moment, Satoru was afraid he would have to explain the concept of sustenance to the NPCs. Thankfully, Albedo nodded and said she understood.

"Thanks for your service, Albedo" Satoru said. "I am sorry you had to leave your post…"

"It is no problem, my lord" she wistfully said. "While I miss abandoning your side, carrying out your will was pleasure enough…" she timidly looked up at him before looking down and giggling.

Satoru found himself blushing again. Geez, why did Albedo had to act like a child with a crush?

"Now, Entoma Zeta, Yuri Alpha, Lupusregina Beta… your turn" Satoru called. "What's the state of the ninth floor, as well as its facilities?"

The Pleiades immediately stood up, keeping their heads bowed and delivered their report. Satoru listened half-heartedly, already knowing what they would report. He was already getting a full picture of the current situation. In fact, it was as he had first imagined: the game had become real.

It doesn't make sense! Suzuki thought. How? How is it possible?

However, Suzuki could not imagine neither reason nor explanation before the magnificent phenomena, for it was magnificent. Sent to a new world, to live out not as a damned salary man but an actual ruler, the beloved place he had watched over with incredible diligence… at the moment, though, he was growing more tired than worried.

"Very well," said Satoru with a weary sigh once the last of the Pleiades had finished talking. "Thank you all for your excellent service. I am sure that had my friends been here they would be proud of their creations."

That seemed to be the right words as the servants all shared the same gleeful demeanor. Really, Satoru was starting to pity the poor NPCs. It was hard to treat them as programs or the adults they looked like, not with the way they were acting.

"So, now it is time to…"

Whatever Satoru was going to say, it died down when a loud yawn took over. He couldn't help it. The effects of the energizing tea had finally run out and he had been tired before the game was supposed to end. He had forced himself to stay awake to enjoy Yggrassil to its last alleged moment.

Suzuki immediately panicked. This wasn't good. He looked at the Pleiades and Albedo, and just like that he knew he had made a mistake. He had shown weakness, a vulnerability, when he was supposed to be-

"M-M'lord, you are tired!" Exclaimed Albedo, almost in a panic. "Y-you should rest!" She lowered her head, saddened. "While we appreciate your time spent walking amidst us, your servants, we will understand if you depart to the IRL."

"The… IRL?" Slowly repeated Satoru.

Panic was replaced by confusion. He took a moment to study his servants and, once again, managed to calm down. They appeared more concerned by his health. That was good. For a moment there Satoru worried they might try to usurp him or something. Rather foolish when he thought about it.

"The- the world of the Supreme Ones, my lord, the great IRL" Albedo said, looking perplexed. "Where you go whenever you wish to recuperate."

Satoru blinked. Oh, IRL as in "In Real Life". Damn, he sure was tired. That and he didn't expect an NPC to use gamer lingo like that. Wait, did that mean the NPCs heard or knew about other gamer words? They had no idea what was a HUD but they knew something about IRL? Still, by the way Albedo had framed it, it sounded as if she didn't understand what IRL meant, almost as if she had heard someone else say it…

But that is impossible. It would mean she must have learned it from me or my friends and that would mean that… thought Satoru, before his eyes widened. She remembers! She remembers moments before we were brought here! But that is impossible! They weren't alive! It can't be!

"M-My lord, I apologize!" Almost cried Albedo. "I-I didn't mean to insult y-you or-or push you away, my lord. I accept any punishment you wish upon me."

By the looks of it, the Pleiades and Sebas were open to being punished as well. They all looked so ashamed and guilty…

"I apologize, Albedo" said Satoru, regaining his composure. "I merely realized that…" should he tell them? Well, yeah, it wasn't like they wouldn't figure it out eventually "…that I can't."

The Pleaides and Albedo slowly looked up at him, wide-eyed.

"Y-you can't…" slowly repeated Albedo, unable to believe it.

"I do not understand the current situation. However, it would seem I have been brought completely to this real with the Grand Tomb of Nazarick," explained Satoru to the best of his exhausted being. "I can't go back. It seems that…" he offered a smile "…I am stuck here for the time being."

The Pleiades and Albedo stared at him. Satoru couldn't believe it was possible, but they looked far more dumbfounded than before. It was at that moment that once again Satoru's body decided to strike again.

A loud grumble cut through the awkward silence. Satoru, to his credit, managed not to look too embarrassed. He looked away, innocently. However, he could almost feel the panic coming from his servants.

"My lord!" Sebas exclaimed. "We shall bring nourishment right away!"

"You should have informed us immediately, my Lord!" Said Yuri Alpha, most aghast.

"Oh, my lord, you shouldn't have gone without food in your current body!" Albedo said utterly worried.

And just like that, Satoru felt like the child in the room. Oh, how the tides had turned.

"Y-yes" Satoru said with as much a calm demeanor as possible. "Please, Sebas, could you bring something edible for my – eh – new body?"

"Right away" Sebas said, turning around.

"Yuri Alpha, you and your sisters can return to your jobs" Satoru said.

If they had any jobs, that is. However, by the way they nodded it seemed they knew they had something to do at the moment.

"Albedo… w-would you mind staying behind?" There was something Suzuki just had to know.

"Oh, d-do you wish for me to dine with you, my lord?" Albedo shyly said with a blush.

Stop with the bloody blushing, damn it! Thought Satoru, blushing alongside the succubus.

"Well… yes, I wish for your company while I eat," he said, before he realized how it would have come off.

It took one look at Albedo to tell he had worded it the worst possible way. Albedo released an undignified teenager-worthy squeal of delight before looking away, murmuring stuff Satoru rather not hear about.

And that was how he ended up seated in his desk with a full dinner before him, feeling really sleepy. His desk, instead of paperwork or anything of importance, now had luxurious golden cutlery, glimmering platters with delicious food that gave off the best smells and scents that Satoru had ever experienced. It would have been amazing, really… had it not been for the two candles that gave off a romantic mood. That and the seven people standing around eager to fulfill any of Suzuki's desires. Albedo, sitting opposite him, couldn't stop stealing glances like a highschooler with a crush.

When I told the Pleiades to return to their jobs I didn't mean to actually stick around here! Thought an indignant Suzuki.

However, instead of dismissing them, Suzuki decided to just play along. After all, he was too tired to figure out orders for the Pleaides and Sebas. That and he wasn't sure he wanted to be in a room alone with Albedo.

"Is the food to your liking, my lord?" Sebas, standing against the wall behind him, politely asked. He hadn't let go of the bottle of whatever delicious liquid that was since he had served it. He really was somehow playing the role of a butler to a Tee.

"More than delicious" Satoru said. "Give my regards to the cook."

Sebas smiled and nodded.

"So…" Satoru cleared his throat, really trying to avoid glancing at the attentive battle maids that stood at the ready, eager to fulfill his slightest whim. It all made him feel like a jackass, but they were stubborn in their subservience, so he would have to ignore them.

In any case, it was time to learn more about his new circumstances.

"Albedo, are you not going to eat?" Satoru wondered. This was a bad idea… but I thought it would be a good opportunity to speak… That and I wish to see this…

"Oh, ehm… yes, m-my lord" Albedo timidly said, before picking her fork and knife and proceeding to serve herself some food.

Satoru watched, intrigued. Somehow, an NPC who had never eaten or used any utensils was successfully and even gracefully using a fork and knife. Albedo also was demonstrating the elegance that Tabula must have added when he made her. A perfect old-fashioned woman, completely the ideal wife-material.

"Thank you, my lord, for allowing me to share this meal with you," Albedo said, fluttering her eyelids.

She was undeniable beautiful, and cute, and that made Suzuki really uncomfortable. After all, he had no experience with women, much less with demonic sexual entities like a succubus that had more than obvious desire to jump all over him. Thus, Suzuki really wished they could have put aside the stupid romantic candles. Just who had been behind it? Alright, in hindsight, maybe Albedo herself was the culprit.

"The pleasure is all mine," Satoru managed to choke out before taking a forkful of food.

Good lord, this is amazing! He said, eyes watering with delight. Wait, focus Suzuki! You have something to learn!

"Tell me, Albedo" Suzuki awkwardly started. "Before…" how could he word it? "Before I got this new form…" yep, that is good enough "…what is the last thing you recall?"

Albedo slowly put down her fork and knife and gently cleaned her mouth with a napkin in the most ladylike way imaginable. She really was the epitome of femininity and elegance. A pity Tabula had wanted her to be a slut. Geez, sometimes Satoru wondered what manner of friends he had made in Yggrassil.

"If I am not mistaken, my Lord, you had accessed my being and altered something…" Albedo recalled.

It was at that moment Satoru choked on a piece of meat.

"My lord!" Eight worried voices gasped in unison.

She remembers! Thought Satoru, horrified. She bloody remembers what I did!

"I-I'm fine, just… unused to this current form," croaked Satoru after he had cleared his throat. That did little to alleviate his servants. "So… can you remember what I altered?"

"If I am not mistaken, the Supreme Beings call it… my Bio?" Albedo said. "I can't access it as you can, my lord, so I am not sure what you did. May I inquire how you wished to improve me?"

Satoru's jaw went slack and relief swelled in his gut. So she didn't remember! But hold on, she couldn't access the bio? Couldn't she know what the bio says or intended for her? After all, it seemed as if the BIO had an effect on each NPC.

Casually, a part of Suzuki wondered if he could change the BIO now. He glanced at the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown casually floating next to him. Perhaps he could change more than just the BIO if he wanted to. He technically had administrative privileges, right? But at the moment, he had to focus on the conversation at hand.

"How strange," he said, taking a sip of whatever his drink was.

Albedo cutely tilted her head. "Pardon, my lord? Was I supposed to access my Bio? If I have-"

"Oh no, it is not that" Satoru quickly interrupted, before he heard about punishment and self-harm for the umpteenth time. "You see, Albedo, you might not know this but a Bio is basically… well… everything."

He was at a loss of words. How do you describe a stupid piece of text meant to describe pointless data of NPCs? It was in the BIO that Albedo was described as the perfect waifu (sans one stupid line by Tabula) and the reason Albedo behaved like such… and yet she couldn't really tell what was part of her bio?

"Do you know anything about your background? Other than your origin, I mean," wondered Satoru.

"I… am not sure what you mean, my lord" Albedo replied.

"W-well, you must know a bit about where you come from, right?" Suzuki wondered. Why did he have to feel like an incompetent fool?

"I do not understand the mechanics of the Supreme Beings' power, but I know Lord Tabula created me, if that is what you ask, Supreme One," Albedo stated, bewildered.

Suzuki frowned. He was certain Tabula had added a very long explanation and backstory to Albedo, something about an angel and some tragic crap, adding some Lovecraftian horror and a twinge of Satanism in the mix. Oh, and the Occult.

"My earliest memory was being created by Lord Tabula. I remember when I was presented to you and all the other great Supreme Beings…" she looked up with a wistful smile. "I remember the approval of Lord Peroroncino… and the pride of Lord Tabula as he described a… ehm…"

"Yes?" Suzuki leaned forward.

"Ah, you see, m-my lord, I-I didn't mean to-to be disrespectful and-and I didn't want to…" Albedo stammered, fearful.

Suzuki, even if he was talking to a beautiful woman, couldn't help but feel himself soften at her. She was behaving like a child that had accidentally made a mistake, one that was foolish in the eyes of adults, but grave and terrible in her own eyes.

"Albedo, please, you aren't in trouble. What happened? What else do you remember?" Suzuki asked.

"Well, I do remember Lord Tabula trying explain my alleged backstory to you and other Supreme Beings but… well…" Albedo offered an apologetic smile. "It was long and convoluted. I don't... remember much of it..."

Suzuki Satoru stared at Albedo. As expected, she reacted by bowing her head and almost exploding into tears for what she probably assumed was heresy. However, to everyone's surprise, Suzuki burst out in laughter. And boy was it a boisterous laugh at that. Suzuki almost dropped to the ground in mirth, unable to contain it. Thankfully, that appeased Albedo, who smiled and even giggled alongside her lord. It took over three minutes for Satoru to regain a modicum of composure.

"Oh Lord, I needed that" Satoru chuckled. "Yes, Tabula loved his long and convoluted texts. I remember he enjoyed making it almost impossible for anyone to follow… apparently even for his own creations!"

Albedo blushed in embarrassment. On the one hand she had amused her Lord, on the other she had neglected to pay careful attention to a Supreme Being.

"Ah, Tabula… he was such a personality" Satoru carried on, recalling his good friend. Unbeknownst to him, all the NPCs leaned forward and eagerly listened. "He enjoyed terror to its core, reason why he created Nigredo. I still remember the fright she gave us all when he introduced her to the guild. Tabula, sadly, seemed fixed in the little details, perhaps a tad too much… that and contradictions."

Satoru could recall all the stupid and humorous things about Tabula. He could recall how he would lose himself in odd topics like the Occult and religion. It was almost hilarious how the soft spoken and tranquil person could almost go on the deep end when he got started on something he enjoyed. So lost in his nostalgia was Satoru that he didn't think when he kept talking.

"Take yourself, Albedo. He made you the most beautiful and amazing female being in all of Nazarick," Satoru chuckled "But he just had to add that you were…" he paused, horrified. What was he even saying?

"Yes?" Albedo asked, leaning forward. She looked desperate to learn more. "What did my creator add? Was it a flaw?"

"Y-yes… a flaw…" Satoru slowly nodded.

"Is that what you changed, my lord?" Albedo inquired. "I do remember you found something disappointing in my- my Bio."

He shouldn't tell her. He knew that. And yet, that look of innocence, those hopeful eyes… Satoru couldn't lie to her.

"You could say that," Satoru sighed. "I rather not say, though…"

"Please, my lord, I wish to know" Albedo pleaded.

Satoru grimaced. Why did Albedo have to be such an alluring creature? However, Suzuki would remain strong. His dignity was at stake here, after all.

"Ask me another time, but not today" Suzuki said. "How about we continue with this meal? It is too delicious to be left untouched."

Albedo gave a pout, but otherwise appear to understand that this was not a topic she should press on. Thus, they continued with their romantic meal in peace. Suzuki found himself actually relaxing and enjoying himself and, by the looks of it, Albedo was extremely happy. That alone made Suzuki happy as well.

For all the shock and surprises, Suzuki was slowly starting to warm up to his new surroundings. Being the lord and master of the Great Tomb felt like an impossible task, and there was no telling what was outside, but Suzuki would persevere.

If not for his friends, Suzuki would remain strong for the NPCs, his new responsibility.

That was, sadly, until he finished the main course and realized something.

"Is something the problem, Supreme One?" Sebas casually asked behind Satoru.

Suzuki, on his part, groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"My Lord?" Albedo asked with concern.

"I think I am going to need more of that energizing tea you brought me before, Sebas," muttered Suzuki. "It is going to be a long night, and there is a lot to be done before I can sleep."

"What do you mean, my lord?" Albedo wondered. The Pleiades were equally intrigued.

"Tell me, Albedo, do you have anywhere to sleep?" sighed Suzuki.

Albedo blinked, flabbergasted.

"Does any of the Pleiades have a place to sleep?" Asked Suzuki looking around.

"My Lord, my sisters and I have been vigilant since our creation," Yuri Alpha proudly boasted.

"I have a very strong feeling that won't be the case for long," grunted Suzuki.

He already felt the weight of his new responsibilities crushing him down. This was going to be one hell of a night, and it had just barely began!

"What about food?" Suzuki wondered. He grimaced and looked at a dumbfounded Sebas. "Do we have enough food to keep all of the Tomb of Nazarick fed?"

There was an entire nation of monsters in the Great Tomb, after all, and some had quite the appetite. Some even had a very specific diet that Suzuki was certain was not covered in the Cooking crafting profession of Yggrassil.

And then there are the bathrooms, Suzuki realized.

He groaned and slammed his face against his desk.

"MY LORD!" Chorused eight horrified NPCs.

"I'm fine," grumbled Suzuki, raising a hand.

He kept his face against the hard wood. Why? Why did he have to become the sole and absolute ruler of the Tomb of Nazarick?

Bedrooms, bathrooms and food for the NPCs… just the sort of thing anyone wants to think about when they are transported to their favorite videogame, swore Suzuki.

It was going to be a very long and stressful night…

At least I don't have any work tomorrow, sardonically thought Suzuki.

---

Albedo knew she wasn't supposed to be doing this. This was against the Grand Decree, the commands bestowed by the Supreme Ones. However, she didn't want to fail her love, lord Momonga, and she desperately needed to inform the Floor Guardians about the new situation. Thus, it was with certain guilt that she waited at the Sixth Floor Coliseum.

I wish my love had called for me to his bed, thought Albedo with a wistful sigh. Now that he has the proper organs, we could produce an heir… maybe ten… no, that wouldn't be right. Twenty for a start would be just fine, wouldn't it?

Just thinking about it excited her. Her black wings flapped and twitched and her face grew redder and redder.

"Oh, this is a dream come true!" She squealed, unable to contain herself.

"Are you alright, Guardian Overseer?"

Albedo immediately straightened up and turned to the source. Marching towards her, two short dark elves made their presence known. While they were golden-haired, tan-skinned children, they were actually some of the most powerful servants of the last Supreme Being. As Guardians of the Sixth Floor, the two elven youngsters had the same level of power as Albedo herself, if only in other battle classes. Oddly enough, they were cross-dressing younglings, a practice Albedo didn't understand. Aura, the young girl, was dressed like a boy with a white fine suit while Mare, the boy, was dressed with a white skirt and accompanying odd uniform-looking attire.

Lord Tabula himself didn't appear to mind the fact the elves' creator, Lady Bukubukuchagama, made them crossdressers. Other Supreme Beings had a different opinion. Unfortunately, Albedo wasn't sure what her beloved Lord Momonga thought. He was always the one Supreme Being to remain out of the arguments that broke out between them, and he always kept his opinion to himself, always acting as intermediary.

There's a reason the other Supreme Beings recognized him as their superior, mentally purred Albedo with a dreamy look.

It was then that a wretched thought seeped into her mind, the idea that her own lord had tried to ruin her with a flaw, one that his beloved Lord Momonga had been forced to correct. Worry and fears lingered in her heart. What had Lord Tabula initially intended? Perhaps for her heart to seek someone less worthy than Lord Momonga? She quickly dismissed the thought, for it wouldn't be proper.

"Oh, I am just excited," Albedo confessed with a peaceful smile. "I have news that I wished to share with you. Some are… less than favorable… but there are great news as well."

"Is it about Lord Momonga?" Aura asked, eager and ready for orders.

Albedo just nodded.

"How is the situation here in the Sixth Floor?" Albedo asked, quickly changing the topic.

"Oh, it's fine," Aura dismissively said.

"Th-there's still a lot left to do," Mare timidly said, clutching her staff. "M-Most of the beasts of these floor keep trying to leave the Floor."

"Mare!" Aura whined. "Don't make us look bad before the Lady Overseer!"

"I'm so sorry, sis!" Mare said.

"Don't listen to my brother, Lady Overseer," Aura said with a confident air. "We've made sure none of those filthy traitors cause any trouble. They stick to the jungle if they know what's good for them."

Albedo wanted to roll her eyes at the two youngsters and their weird antics, but instead smiled and nodded.

"Ah, I see I am not too late."

Three heads turned to a side, only to see a slender man in a suit. Well, a demon in a suit. With long pointed ears and a tail swaying behind him, Demiurge looked as professional as ever.

"Lady Overseer, fellow Floor Guardians," Demiurge politely greeted them.

The trio replied in kind.

"Ah, what strange times we are living through," Demiurge commented, staring at the starry night above them. "I never thought I would ever live to see another Floor."

"It is beautiful, isn't it?" Mare said with a shy smile. He looked up. "Lord Blue Planet's creation."

"Quite a sight indeed, as expected of a Supreme Being. I can only assume that the heavens outside the Tomb pale in comparison," said Demiurge with a pleased smile. He turned to look at the twin elves. "Still, I will always prefer the cavernous ceiling of my Floor."

"Speaking of which, how are you managing the traitors, Floor Guardian Demiurge?" Albedo queried.

"Truthfully, I wish I could capture, bisect and make those miscreants suffer for going against the Supreme One's decrees. Their entrails should be hanged in full display and serve as a warning to any scum who dare oppose the Supreme Beings," snarled Demiurge, before giving his usual sly smirk. "But as a faithful servant, I have done as ordered: the Doom Legionnaires have gathered on the floor Entrance and Exit and are fortifying the positions. As for the traitors… they have proven to be quite the nourishing sustenance for my demons."

That was when the temperature dropped and they all turned to look at the newest arrival. Tall and wide, the insectoid Cocytus marched in. His only greeting was a polite nod to his fellow Floor Guardians and a respectful bow to Albedo.

"Floor Guardian Cocytus," Albedo hummed. "What's the status of the Fifth Floor?"

"My Myrmidons have secured the entrance and exit, and I have coordinated with the Area Guardians to keep all valuable assets under our control. The traitor wolves have retreated to the forests and useless areas, Lady Overseer, and have been otherwise left alone, as commanded," Cocytus reported.

"Good," Albedo nodded. She hesitated for a moment before asking. "By the way, how is Area Guardian Nigredo faring?"

"She is aiding my Myrmidons in keeping an eye on the heathens with her Divination skills," replied Cocytus.

Albedo released a sigh of relief. Although they hadn't been made sisters like the Pleiades, Nigredo was Albedo's fellow creation from Lord Tabula.

"Anything else to report?" Albedo asked.

"Nothing else, Lady Overseer," Cocytus said.

Albedo didn't fail to notice Cocytus looked irritable about something.

"Something troubling you, Floor Guardian?" Albedo inquired.

"If I may be so bold, I find this newfound need for food and rest preposterous," grunted Cocytus.

"I share your feelings on the matter," Demiurge grunted with great displeasure. "To think the day would come we would be forced to stop patrolling our areas for such things as eating and sleeping."

"Why did that happen anyway?" Wondered Aura. "One moment we were just guarding our Floor and the next…"

"...the beasts broke off their assigned patrol routes," Mare mumbled.

"Yeah! It was a bit weird, moving around without direct command," Aura remarked, looking confused.

"That's something I need to discuss with you all," Albedo sighed.

She too had been strangely baffled by the changes. She couldn't pinpoint the exact moment, but something had definitely shifted in her and the Great Tomb of Nazarick. If only she could understand what or how.

"Although I had hoped all the Floor Guardians would have arrived by now," Albedo growled, looking around.

"Will Floor Guardian Victim join us?" Asked Aura.

"No," replied Albedo. "As of right now, the Eight Floor is too dangerous for anyone other than Victim and his Shadow Flayers. Floor Guardian Victim is trying to control the situation. The Dark Ones have rebelled, and it doesn't help they possess high tier stealth abilities."

"If they require assistance, my forces can assist," Cocytus said.

"Just like mine," added Demiurge.

"Oh, I wish we have forces of our own," bemoaned Aura, who was consoled by her brother.

"That won't be necessary and as of right now, the Tomb is in state of alert and all floors need to remain fully manned," Albedo remarked.

She looked around, impatient.

"Where is she?" Albedo wondered, glaring around. "Shalltear should have arrived a long time ago!"

"She's probably stuffing her bra" giggled Aura.

"Now, now, Aura, we aren't supposed to speak ill of our fellow Floor Guardians" tutted Demiurge.

As if called, a black portal appeared and out came a petite white-haired girl clad in purple Victorian dress. She looked around, ignoring her colleagues, before her shoulders dropped in disappointment.

"Floor Guardian Shalltear," said Albedo.

"Lady Overseer," Shalltear curtsied to the succubus. "My fellow Floor Guardians," she added, nodding at the others.

She looked around once more with a wistful glint in her scary red eyes.

"May I ask if Lord Momonga shall join us? I wish to look upon Lord Momonga's magnificent skeletal visage once again," the newcomer, Shalltear, said with a pout.

"Hey, Shalltear, took you that long to fill your flat chest?" Aura teased.

"You little cretin!" Exclaimed in outrage the red-eyed Guardian.

"Enough both of you!" Cocytus interceded, slamming his halberdier between the dark elf and vampire. "The Guardian Overseer has called us to deliver news of our most esteemed ruler."

"Is he still here?" Aura excited asked. Mare timidly seemed just as eager to know about that.

"If I have to assume and considering the time…" Demiurge hummed, adjusting his glasses "then Lord Momonga has returned to IRL, I presume?"

"That is part of the news I wished to share," said Albedo. She gave them a kind yet forced smile. "It would appear that given a series of circumstances beyond my comprehension… our Lord has told me that he can't."

Silence. The large coliseum was filled with utter silence.

"Th-that's…" Mare stammered, slack-jawed. Aura, for the first time, was speechless instead of her brother.

"Impossible…" Whispered Cocytus.

"How is that even possible?" Demiurge asked with a frown. His tail whipped sideways in concern. "This is truly concerning…"

"Aren't these good news?" Shalltear tentatively asked. "It will mean the last of the Supreme Beings shall remain with us."

"Y-Yes! Isn't that good?" Mare timidly added.

"While I for one I am thoroughly overjoyed our great leader shall be tied to us, the fact such abilities have been hampered from our Supreme Being… and against his will… can't be allowed to happen, not even if it means his abandonment," Demiurge stated.

It was true, and it pained them all to admit it. Even though the news did make them happy, they couldn't help but feel terrible that their leader had been affected in such a way. Then again, they weren't sure what this IRL of the Supreme Beings entailed. As far as they had learned, they mostly returned to the grand IRL out of a sense of responsibility, more so than out of desire. However, they also understood that the Supreme Beings went to the IRL when tired, or in need of nourishment.

"In any case, for the foreseeable future, our Lord shall remain with us," Albedo pleasantly said. Her joy started showing on her face. "This is an opportunity for us to prove ourselves."

"Where is our lord at present?" Cocytus wondered.

"In his chambers," Albedo said, something flashing across her face.

The Guardians noticed. Was it hesitation?

"Truly? Our lord is still here? Very well, then I should pay him a visit, especially if he still resides in his chambers!" The vampire purred with a smile.

"You shall not intrude in the lord's chambers, Floor Guardian!" Albedo roared.

Shalltear winced and bowed her head. She pouted, annoyed that Albedo had used her authority against Shalltear. By Decree of the Supreme Ones, Albedo had the power to pull rank over her.

"That is another thing I needed to report…" Albedo said, still joyful yet hesitant. "There has been many strange tiding as of late. One of them relates to our Lord. Lord Momonga… is no longer undead."

That made the Guardians freeze.

"I do not understand the forces at play here but… it would appear he has regained his mortal flesh," Albedo said, unable to resist herself from blushing. "All of it, no doubt."

Shalltear growled and gritted her teeth.

"And that means that he requires rest and sustenance," Albedo added, clearing her throat and regaining an air of professionalism. "Thus, he shall not be disturbed for anything other than the utmost importance. Lord Momonga has always relied upon us to protect this great haven of our creators, and we shall carry out their will. To that end, we need to discuss the next matter…"

The Guardians listened attentively. They the time to goof around was long gone.

"…the Tomb has been moved and we find ourselves in a new world, apparently," Albedo said.

Once again, the Floor Guardians stared at the Lady Overseer with stunned faces.

"I see," Demiurge hummed. "When Lord Momonga visited me today, he did mention the end of Yggrassil…"

"Oh, he visited you as well?" Aura said. "He came to us too!"

"Y-yes!" Mare added with a smile. "H-he wanted t-to apologize for b-being unable to summon our creator."

"He honored me with his presence as well," Cocytus chimed in. "I recall our Lord saying time was coming to a close."

"I thought I was the only one he visited," pouted Shalltear. She frowned at her colleagues. "Do you think he actually meant the end of the world? Have we been accidentally transported to spare us from our doom?"

"Who knows?" Albedo sighed. "Our Lord doesn't understand this any more than we do, and he is a Supreme One. If I had to hazard a guess, the Great Tomb might have carried some of the last of the Supreme Beings' will and moved to another plane."

"That could explain the revolts," Demiurge commented. "Perhaps the Supreme Ones all sacrificed themselves to save us, sending the last of their own to stay forever for us to serve, but in the process the original Decree has suffered changes."

"Maybe they felt sad for leaving and wanted to make amends to Lord Momonga," suggested Aura. She looked sad at the ground. "He always looks so sad when he talks about the other Supreme Beings…"

"Do you think they are dead?" Shalltear softly said. She looked paler than usual (even for an undead), and close to tears. "Did Lord Momonga spare us the truth?"

"I doubt they would just abandon us," Demiurge said. "And if they did, it must have been for a greater purpose. After all, we were merely servants in their Great Game."

"But the Great Game is no more, is it?" Cocytus pointed out. "If we have been transported elsewhere… and our lord can't return to IRL with the other Supreme Ones…"

"Then we shall do our best to serve him and be of use," Albedo said with a smirk. "We will make sure he doesn't even consider to leave us like the other Supreme Ones."

"Yes," Demiurge said with a devious smirk. "We need to ensure our lord sees us as useful and make sure he is truly satisfied here…"

"…and now that he has flesh, it shall be far easier to please our lord," Albedo said with a blush, much to Shalltear's chagrin.

"Perhaps we shall be graced with heirs," Demiurge said, excited at the notion. "Our Lord will desire this new world, and we shall conquer it for him."

The Floor Guardians all agreed with the notion. It was their purpose, after all, to allow the Supreme Beings to go forth and conquer, all while protecting their beloved home: the Tomb of Nazarick.

"I am curious about our Lord's changes," Demiurge hummed. "Do you believe our Lord has lost his powers?"

Albedo sighed, looking mournful.

"I am not sure," Albedo shared. "He no longer feels like the mighty Lord Momonga. His power has greatly diminished..."

Albedo frowned at them.

"And yet, I know he is Lord Momonga and I know he still holds all of his glorious power. I can sense it, and I can even catch glimpses of his mighty form," Albedo said. "Whatever the cause of these strange tidying, it would appear Lord Momonga has been rendered vulnerable, almost like..." she scowled "…a human."

The Floor Guardians all took sharp gasps of breath. That wasn't good. Their poor Supreme Overlord, cursed to take such a pathetic wretched form…

"It matters not!" Cocytus growled, slamming his halberdier on the ground. "Even if our Lord no longer possess his power, I shall serve him to the death!"

"Yeah! Lord Momonga is still our Supreme Overlord!" Aura exclaimed, with Mare bravely nodding next to her.

"I agree with the brat," giggled Shalltear, earning a glare from the elven child. "His desires shall always be my wishes, now and forever."

Demiurge was the only one who remained silent. In fact, he looked thoughtful.

"The news seemed to have left you pondering, Floor Guardian Demiurge," Albedo said.

Her tone and voice were sharp, as if in warning. The other guardian tensed. Could she believe Demiurge would betray their Lord now that he was powerless? That was unthinkable!

"It has indeed," Demiurge admitted. "Perhaps that was the last piece to the puzzle. Our Lord has lost his powers and glorious form…" he smiled "…to spare us from oblivion."

"You think he sacrificed it all to save us from the End of Times?" said Cocytus, stunned.

The other guardians were equally shocked by that.

"It would make sense, would it not?" Demiurge pressed on, puffing up his chest. "Who amongst us could have ever held the power to transfer the entire Tomb into a new world? I have long suspected the Supreme Ones were capable of crossing multiple planes of existence, not just the IRL and the lands of Yggrassil, so it stands to reason a Supreme Being could try and displace entire objects from one reality to another."

When put in that way, it made sense.

"Perhaps you are overthinking matters," Albedo pointed out. "I won't deny our Lord's magnificence, but Lord Momonga…" she took a deep breath "…he was in mourning, was he not? He had been already grieving his losses with the upcoming End of Times. He was sad and apologetic regarding our end… the end of it all. He was… well… despondent, was he not?"

The Guardians begrudgingly conceded that the Overlord had a point. Lord Momonga, when he had visited them all, had shared his sadness about the End of Times or the Shutdown as he had called it, and by the sounds of it, Lord Momonga had deemed it inevitable.

"Maybe it was a last ditch effort," Shalltear remarked. "An effort he might have come up with in the last moment in a desperate attempt to keep us all alive, and it cost him his power and handsome form. Perhaps… perhaps it angered the other Supreme Beings? Or maybe the Shitty Devs have casted him out of the IRL for his transgression and he wants to spare us the pain of his exile…"

The Floor Guardians and Overseer remained awfully quiet, trying to contemplate how things had changed so radically. They were all pained by what their last remaining Supreme Being was suffering.

"Speculation will not help us, I'm afraid," sighed Albedo. "We should concern ourselves with what must be done, and that is to tend to our Lord and satisfy his needs…" she blushed "…especially the new ones."

"We may discuss his mating desires at a later date, Lady Overseer," stated Demiurge, adjusting his glasses. "First we should see to the Tombs protection. To that end, we need to gather information about this new World we have been transported to. Additionally, we will have to perform inventory. With these changes as of late, it would be preferable to have an idea if anything has been lost."

"But our Lord's… satisfaction… is also our priority, Demiurge," Shalltear said with a smirk.

Albedo squinted at the vampire, while Demiurge fought the urge to roll her eyes. Cocytus remained impassive, and the two elven children frowned at Shalltear, unsure what she was alluding to.

"Will one woman satisfy him, though?" Wondered Shalltear. "Lord Peroroncino was one that wished for many females…"

"Lord Peroroncino was lustful and perverted," Aura huffed with a smirk.

"Blasphemy! That is all libel against my creator and a Supreme Being!" Growled Shalltear.

"L-Lady Bukubukuchagama said so, thus is must be true," Mare said next to his sister.

"Lord Ulbert did mention Lord Peroromcino's… questionable… inclinations," chuckled Demiurge.

Albedo remained quiet. From what she recalled, Lord Peroroncino had once tried to get Lord Momonga to share in his activities. Apparently, Lord Momonga had no inclinations towards those H-Games (whatever those were), but that didn't mean Momonga was against or frowned down on them. As always, Momonga remained impartial, as expected of the ruler of the Supreme Beings.

"Well, at least my creator wasn't into cross-dressing infants like a deviant!" Shalltear told at Aura.

"Heresy! How dare you call Lady Bukubukuchagama a deviant?!" Gasped Aura, apoplectic. Next to her, the usually timid Mare looked just as infuriated.

"That's what Lord Peroroncino called her, so it must be true!" Shalltear retorted with a smirk.

"Take that back, you leech!" Aura spat.

"Lord Warrior Takemikazuchi did question Lady Bukubukuchagama on her choice of your attires…" said Cocytus, eyeing the elf children.

"That's because he wanted us in plate armor!" Protested Aura.

"You would have looked quite well in warriors' outfit," hummed Cocytus.

"Perhaps there's an advantage to this… what was it called? Crossdressing?" Demiurge hummed, thoughtful. "I remember my Creator pondering if I shouldn't have been made female once. Lord Peroroncino actually suggested I should have been made an ambush of sorts."

"Ambush?" Asked a confused Aura and baffled Shalltear.

"Hold on, you mean a Trap," Shalltear asked.

"Yes, that," Demiurge said with a smile.

"A Trap? Like… a [Bear-Trap, Third Tier]?" Aura wondered, scratching her head.

"It is a type of Crossdresser," Shalltear said with a smirk and a roll of her eyes.

"There must be a purpose to such seemingly pointless decisions," Demiurge hummed, staring at the bright stars above them. He appeared mesmerized by the sight. "If only we could grasp at the Supreme Being's infinite wisdom and plans…"

"I do not quite believe the Supreme Ones created us to be perfect," Albedo soothingly said.

"What do you mean?" Mare wondered.

"Our creators purposely created us with flaws," Albedo explained. "Lord Momonga explained it to me. Lord Tabula, for example, appeared to desire me in a certain way… one Lord Momonga saw as flawed."

"Why? Why make us flawed?" Demiurge asked, confused. "What purpose could there be to give us flaws?"

"Wait, does that mean we shouldn't be really dressed like this?" Aura asked. "But this is the way we were made!"

"I doubt Lady Bukubukuchagama saw your attires as your flaws. If it was the design of a Supreme Being, then your clothings are as intended. There must be something else," Albedo said. "Perhaps it is something in your personality or a desire. It is in our Bios, after all. As for the purpose… it must be something beyond our comprehension. This is the Supreme Ones we are talking about."

"And what IS your flaw then?" Shalltear grumbled.

"Oh, that is the funny thing" giggled Albedo. "Lord Momonga removed my innate flaw."

"What?!" Gasped Shalltear. "B-but… he undid your creator's work?"

"Well, she did comment on my beauty more than once during his visits to the Throne Room. He even told me he wished he could take me with him to the IRL," Albedo hummed with a Cheshire smirk. "He probably wanted me all for himself…"

"Absurd!" Spat Shalltear. "If Lord Momonga would ever desire a paramour, it would be someone like me!"

"Ladies, please" Demiurge said, stepping in between them. "This is a pointless discussion. We are meant to satisfy the Supreme's wishes, not speculate about them."

The Guardian Overseer and Floor Guardian of the First Three Floors stared at the demon, squinting dangerously at him.

"Our priority is to serve our Lord and Master and, for that, we must ensure he does not abandon us," Demiurge said.

"But Albedo said that he can't go to IRL," Mare pointed out.

"And do you think that were he to search hard enough he wouldn't come up with a solution to that little impediment?" Demiurge replied.

That quieted down the Guardians.

"No, we must ensure he wishes to stay. Thus, we must formulate a plan to make our Lord the happiest and most satisfied as possible," Demiurge said.

"Isn't that what we have already been doing?" Aura reasoned.

"I don't think so," Demiurge said, staring at his hands. "We are different. I am not sure how but… it is as if we have been broken from the Supreme Ones' decree." He looked at his peers. "Think about it. We are all gathered at the same floor. That had only happened on rare occasions, during the festivities of the Supreme Ones."

They could all remember those days. It had been great, after all, being able to be taken to the Throne Room during the festivities… there were the Christmas or Yule events, as well as Halloween and New Year. Those were days in which all Players of the Great Game called for a ceasefire, apparently, and the Supreme Ones gathered to celebrate. The guardians already remembered that they would all be clad in strange festive clothes for the occasion.

Apparently, it was also during the festivities that sometimes the Supreme Ones could be heard discussing new dungeons created by the "Shitty Devs", the horrid predecessors of the Supreme Ones before the start of the Great Game. The Halloween Ones always excited the Supreme Ones, something about the Halloween Dungeon Boss…

"And we can talk" said Albedo, humming. "I do not remember ever addressing our Lord for anything."

"We didn't?" Aura asked, disbelieving. "Mare, why didn't you say anything?!"

"I-I couldn't, r-remember?" Mare spluttered.

"It's for the best," said Shalltear with a smirk. "We'll be of much better use this way."

"Yes, there are favorable aspects to these changes. That being said, I believe we have wasted enough time frolicking about" Demiurge said. "Now that our Lord is resting, let us organize! There is much to be done."

On that, they could all agree.

---

Author Notes:

Well, since the prologue was a tad too short, I thought of posting the first chapter today. Next Saturday or Sunday I'll post the next Chapter.

Sorry for the length of the chapter! Like I mentioned at the end of the Prologue, I fell sick with Overlord-obsessive madness and wrote like a freaking beast.

By the way, would you rather I add a chapter with the days in which Suzuki slowly adapts to be a ruler before the attack on Carne Village, or would you rather I move along as quickly as possible?

I hope you like it, at least enough for a little comment or review.

Cheers,

The Emerald Commander