AN: I think I'll call this the NW (New World) Rehabilitation Arc.
Chapter 14
Ainz found himself unable to find any really big flaw in Izuku's leadership, most of his decisions were made rationally though some on emotion. The slime had his emotions and in some ways that made him superior. Ainz had been living in Midoriya for 15 days now, and had noticed how the city's forces were set up. The goblin riders weren't elite, but they were well coordinated enough to be more than effective at their job.
The army itself was made up of more than just goblins and orcs. There were elves, humans, and even some beastmen who saw Izuku as a master worth serving. They also saw this nation as one worth dying for. Then there were the elite forces in his opinion. Shion, Benimaru, Souei, Hakurou, Shizue, and Shuna. These six were dangerous on their own, and while they didn't have skills like the guardians did; Ainz had no doubt that they were just as strong if not stronger in terms of stats. Not to mention experience.
Shalltear was definitely strong than she was before which begged the question. How did she get stronger when the other guardians couldn't? How did she break through her level cap?
Izuku alone could take down all the Pleiades at once, and kill a guardian or two depending on who it was. It was strange to find someone stronger who was stronger than him. As Momon he was the best adventurer in the guild by far, and while he had been cautious about anyone in the New World with significant strength he'd found no reason to be scared. Aside from the brainwashing incident of course. But now he proper equals, Izuku and Milim Nava, granted the latter acted like a child, and was stronger than them combined.
At the moment the skeleton and the slime were trying to figure out their next move.
"Things aren't going to progress for Nazarick if nothing significant is done, information gathering is fine and all, but action has to be taken if progress is to be made." Izuku stated. "It doesn't have to be major, it can be small, but something has to be done."
"Your introduction would be progress."
"But, what comes afterwards is what's important, I'd have to at least show that I still care about Nazarick despite having my own nation to run." Izuku said. "We really need to figure out who is safe to bring here, Aura fits in rather well, and is learning a lot from the elves that live here."
"Her and Mare are the only elves in Nazarick yet it never crossed my mind to investigate the elves of the New World." Ainz stated. "Letting them get to know their race never seemed like an option."
"Well at least she can do it in a safe environment, Mare could to, but he enjoys books so encouraging him to read about them would be better." Izuku said. "Expanding their mind could prove to be beneficial to their growth for the future, there's no telling what they'll come across or who they'll meet."
Izuku's logic was sound, it was best for the young dark elves. This could be applied to the other guardians as well, they were in the sound belief that Ainz was the strongest in the world. They believed that he was a genius who was always had a plan beyond their understanding, that he was perfect in every way, but this was far from the truth.
"What about the other denizens of Nazarick?" Ainz asked. "They can learn, but they're bound by their karma and settings; their loyalty being absolute is a relief though."
"Shalltear changed albeit slightly, if she can then maybe it's possible for the others specifically the Guardians; it would make them much more effective in the long run." Izuku said. "Don't forget that this nation was just a small goblin village when I found it."
"Meaning that I should be able to do more since I have Nazarick."
"That's right, but it's pretty obvious that you're gonna need my help since there are people in this world who are much stronger than the two of us combined, and possibly all of Nazarick." Izuku said. "No offense of course, that's just me worrying about your safety, even so…"
The slime put his mask on.
"We should start sooner rather than later; let's go to Nazarick."
The door suddenly opened to reveal Shion who had been listening in on their conversation. The woman was smiling.
"I hope you don't plan on trying to leave without your favorite bodyguard/secretary." She said.
"Actually I was planning on only taking Ranga since Nazarick is a delicate place to go, they're not like us, they're kind of evil in a way that makes filtered contact necessary." He explained. "I'm taking only Ranga because of that."
"But, how long will you be gone?"
"Three weeks unless I need to come back early because of an emergency." He said. "In that case Souei will come to retrieve me, plus I'm pretty sure I'll be…safe in Nazarick."
"You hesitated there." Ainz said.
"It's nothing, but what are the odds someone tries to invade?"
"Zero since nobody knows about Nazarick." He said. "At least I hope so – no nobody knows, I would've been informed if someone had discovered us, the landscape was changed so that we'd be hidden."
"See, perfectly safe." Izuku said hoping to reassure the woman. Of course she'd always be worried if she wasn't there to protect him, but if he said so then she would trust him.
It wouldn't take Izuku but a few minutes to explain the situation to the rest of them. They knew their roles in this situation, and the measures to take while he was gone. Aura was staying behind to help on Ainz's orders, and with that all done including a goodbye. Izuku and Ainz departed to Nazarick via Gate.
NW Continent – Forest of Tob – Nazarick
The two stepped out of the portal and found themselves in the Throne Room. Izuku recognized the room immediately, despite its use being few. It was ominous, and the throne served to give an air of power and authority. Much like his own it symbolized his status, and power that he didn't abuse.
The large doors suddenly opened, prompting the two to turn around. Izuku had sensed this person. Said individual was man with dark skin and nicely combed black hair. He wore a British suitewith a tie, he is dressed like a gentleman. Behind his back is a silver tail, covered with metal plates and six long spikes at the end.
'This individual is the Arch Demon Demiurge, the guardian of the 7th Floor.' Great sage stated, it had looked into his memories for said information.
"Lord Ainz you've returned?" Demiurge said in surprise. "And with a human." He looked around, but didn't see Aura.
"An important matter has come up, one that involves the entirety of Nazarick." He said.
Izuku stepped forward.
"Hello, my name is Izuku Tempest, and I look forward to working with you." He said. "I hope we can get along."
'He's really using that innocent sounding voice, if I didn't know him then I would likely fall for it.' He silently said.
Demiurge stared at him, sizing him up, and was fooled by his act. In his eyes Izuku was a lowly human who was apparently good enough to be brought by Lord Ainz himself. That or he was going to be used as an experiment. Those were the most likely possibilities.
"I look forward to working with you as well, Izuku Tempest."
'He's looking down on me already, well it's to be expected.' Izuku silently said. 'It's fine for now, but it irritates me since it reminds me of Bakugo when we were younger.'
Demiurge proceeded to leave.
"You could've easily intimidated him." Ainz stated.
"I know, but I got worse when I was human; remember I was quirkless." He said. "It's fine for the time being."
"I want to tear his head off." Ranga growled.
"Calm down, he didn't put his hands on me so there's no reason to act, you can dislike him, but remember that we don't start fights we finish them."
Practical yet wise, it was a simple yet easy way to survive especially as the Ruler of Monsters. His people came before himself.
"I'll have to talk with Demiurge about respecting guests that I bring." Ainz stated. "Although he will panic when your actual identity comes to light."
Izuku let out a sigh as this was all going to be so very stressful. The two went up to the throne where Ainz sat down, and Izuku stood to his right. A few minutes later the doors opened to reveal the guardians who remained in Nazarick. Demiurge, Cocytus, Mare, and Albedo. Sebas had come as well, his appearance reminding Izuku of Touch Me.
Albedo went to stand by her lord's side, but he raised his hand effectively telling her to stay with the others. That's when she noticed Izuku.
"I don't know just who this human is, but I doubt that Lord Ainz will show him special favor."
Demiurge had been very wrong as said human was now standing where she was supposed to be. It both confused, and infuriated her. This masked human was special enough to stand where she once stood. The thought of her position being taken away flashed in her mind, she might be forced to become Shalltear's replacement.
"Guardians, I've returned to discuss a matter most crucial, one that will shape the future of Nazarick as a whole." His words were completely serious, and this caught their attention. "This is Izuku Tempest, but you may remember him as one of the Supreme Beings, Tabula Smaragdina."
Complete and utter silence. The guardians stared at the human who Ainz claimed was one of the Supreme Beings who had left. This masked human with messy dark green hair.
"Though his form has changed, and he goes by a different name; this is Tabula Smaragdina." Ainz said.
"Lord Ainz this is quite difficult to process, for my creator to become a human is a bit…" Albedo had a hard time believing it.
Izuku took off his mask to reveal that he was smiling underneath. This smile was accompanied by an intense pressure, and a very visible aura that made their blood run cold. This aura sparked something in Albedo's mind—no her soul; it told her many things yet one was prominent. This was the Supreme Being Tabula Smaragdina, this was her creator. His voice was also same.
"Welcome back to Nazarick my glorious creator." Albedo said with the utmost respect. 'Why now of all times?'
Albedo's acknowledgement was enough for them, not to mention only a Supreme Being could wield such immense power. To have one back lifted their spirits, and brought forth a determination that they'd never felt before.
"Thank you, it's good to be back." Izuku said. "Now, onto the more pressing issue, Nazarick's future specifically adapting to this world to ensure prosperity, and safety." – "I was told about the Jalbadoth plan, and how it never came to fruition because this continent ended up being transported into this world; the one I ended up in."
"Izuku has been here for an entire year, and in that time he turned a tiny goblin village into a kingdom made of many races that exist peacefully." Ainz stated.
"Such a feat, and in such a short amount of time is something only a Supreme Being could accomplish." Albedo complimented; her compliment was genuine despite her feelings about him showing up so suddenly.
"Shalltear is there as well, safe and sound."
Their eyes widened upon hearing this. The lost guardian had been with another Supreme Being this whole time.
"It would appear that she was transported before this continent, but I have yet to figure out how." He said. "Her assistance in the beginning was invaluable, she truly deserves her title as Guardian."
Such words of praise made Albedo a bit irritated. To hear her creator say such a thing about Shalltear, but not her was disheartening. It made her a bit—no very jealous. The thought of her creator praising her with such kind words made her smile. Just as a child would at the sight of their proud parent.
"That aside her ability to adapt is something that Nazarick is in great need of if it wants to survive, which is why I've come." He explained. "I will truly try my best to make things work, so lets get along everyone!"
NW Continent – Re-Estize Kingdom -- E-Rantel – Nighttime
"Ahh, this is so much fun!" Toga exclaimed with joy.
Around her were the mutilated bodies of various humans. To weak, slow, and not durable in the least bit. They were mercenaries supposedly, but so far all they were, were victims of her fun. This killing was a job she'd taken when the golden princess requested her help. After finding her trespassing, and nearly killing the guards who tried to apprehend her. Toga could've easily killed the princess, and take her place. This isn't what she wanted though.
"Izuku-kun just wait a little while longer, I'll be coming for you soon."
The Ruler of Monsters was her obsession even after being reincarnated, and it had to be fate they were both monsters. Izuku was a hero while she was a villain, this didn't mean that they couldn't have some fun though. It would be just like old times.
Chapter 14 End