Chapter 3 Intermission: Recognition


The wind blew, pages turned. A coincidence? No. The magical book was said to be special in every way, being so powerful to record any spell ever cast. An artifact that would grant the owner knowledge of all spells ever existed. Thus, it must be protected from any risks of ever being stolen. But who would dare to enrage such a book protected by many powerful spells? Nobody? Even with all the knowledge of countless spells imbued into it, no man or woman would risk their lives to find and claim it as their own.

And as the air shifted, in the latest page, a new spell arose. It was described to be even of a higher tier than the greatest tier. Only with this book, this was confirmed. Only with this book, one could attain knowledge it would take centuries to learn with normal means.

"Interesting…"

A deep voice sought to fill the silence in a great hall. It was certainly curious about the new inscription in the book, something that made him wary.

"It seems a new one descended. Old friend, perhaps it is time you should visit me again."

Even from a single spell, one whose powers surely rivaled his own, he was made aware of an entity, possibly on par with his own strength. Yet such an entity was not even aware of being found out, rather, it found complete safety in its own tomb, which it ruled over as its master.

This time, this being was doing something that defiled nature and physics altogether. An act that should have been forbidden by whatever divine entity was ruling over this world. Yet no such interference was seen or felt. Thus, the entity took it for granted and continued its feats.

"Now, to continue the act."

In his glorious chambers, he crafted a powerful artifact, seemingly a fallen world in the shape of a leaf. In reality, it should be unthinkable to create an item on the power of a world from nothing but an ability. However, this looked to be sufficient for such a thing to happen.

Now, with one leaf in its hand, the undead lord fused it with its staff, one which was no mere staff, but a sentient weapon capable of many things. And even when its owner didn't notice, the more power it obtained, the more its ability to think grew. Yet it implied the staff didn't want to speak, as it already could in some manners. Was it waiting for permission from its master? Or simply out of its own interest? Nobody but itself knew that.

And as further power filled the staff, the Overlord could choose a new ability. He, of course, was not one to select such an ability at a whim. He would rather decide upon hours, which one he should choose. Yet it made him feel quite bizarre, knowing such powers were in his hands alone. But his nature kept his sanity clean of madness.

"It gets harder every time I have to choose. I know sometime I can't add anything more to it, which means I have to be equally careful about what I choose. Mmh…"

The Overlord scrolled the menu up and down, and he was slowly limiting his choice to fewer and fewer skills.

"That, no. Maybe this one. No…"

This continued for hours upon hours. After the first hour, he thought of a system to eliminate the ones he wouldn't choose at all first, then he would select the ones which had poor chances of being chosen until he got to where he could decide from 2 to 3 abilities which he would definitely take.

"It's between [Time Mastery], [Race Jumper], and [Beyond Limits]. With the first, I could be able to use more time-related spells, which I think weren't even available in the game. But that grants me only spells, which one with Time Manipulation Resistances could easily ignore. The second ability would allow me to change to a different race once a day, from which I can select all the classes myself. Stupidly overpowered, but not something I really need at the moment. But the third one is the one I need. I mean, who needs all the other stuff when I can go beyond lvl 100? I can expand my hp, mp, and basically everything. But one thing I have to be cautious about is the classes that I would gain. I mean, there had to be certain requirements to learn classes in Yggdrasil, but here it seems I have no information in that regard. Maybe if I do something for so long, I will gain a class in it…"

He ventured into the possibilities there were, how he would even learn new classes in the New World. But that was not hindering him from choosing that ability.

"I select that one."

The same light emerged, and he could feel himself being able to grow beyond his current limits. A feeling he didn't have in Yggdrasil, as there weren't any emotions in a game. But he could now experience how it must feel when an underleved player would've come into this world. He released the staff from his grasp, but the feeling still resided.

"So I don't have to hold my staff for this. Very good."

It suggested not to be limited by the staff, but by himself. Now, he could, in theory, venture into this world and kill everything in his way, gaining some levels on the path.

"I could go on and kill everything in my way, but I want to spread the name of Ainz Ooal Gown all over the world, but not as a murderer."

That was a solid decision from his side. He was sure nothing would change that. Not even his guildmates could've changed that. And even if one would come, he wouldn't stop spreading the word until all 41 would arrive. This was his promise to himself.

Yet now another thought reached his spiritual mind.

"The Guardians. Should I tell them about the staff?.. No, better to keep this information just to myself. There is no reason to tell them anything or to anybody. I told HeroHero, but that was something else. The NPCs seem like children, looking at me as if I was their father. Should I change their views? But they were programmed. It would be impossible to change a person in real life, now that they are no longer simple code. So I guess I have to live with that, huh…"

After his thoughts disappeared into an unknown void, he cast a spell.

"[Message]"

{Uh- My Lord?} The receiver of the message was Albedo. She sounded occupied, but didn't let it be recognized for long.

{I have a task for you, Albedo. I need you to send spies all over our known area for information about potentially powerful beings. And I want a list of all these beings and possible with a location.}

{And what about Carne Village, my lord?} Albedo asked. It was a genuine question, as nobody knew how their allegiance was to that small settlement.

{They are currently under our protection. See fit that someone watches over them at any given time.}

{Of course, my lord. Is that all?} Albedo hoped for something more, something more personal. But she would soon be disappointed severely.

{That is all. Now, if you excuse me.}

Even when Ainz couldn't hear it, he felt a strong wave of energy that moment when he cut the line. But whatever it was, it didn't appear again.

"Good. That went well. I think I get the hang of being a full-time leader. Next is… Ah yes, Demiurge. He asked me to allow him to operate further with his spies."

"[Message]"

Again, a message was cast, but this time to a more menacing, devilish being than before.

{Oh my lord. I have not expected a message from you. As expected of the Supreme One.}

"Huh?" A short confusion settled in the Overlord's mind, but he continued with what he wanted to talk about initially.

{Demiurge, I have a task for you. Send spies into the newly discovered Re-Estize kingdom. You will find everything you need for your preparations arriving soon. I want to know everything, about their king, their military, farmers, coins, whatever there is in that kingdom.} He demanded of the arch-devil. Such a task would certainly keep him occupied.

{Oh, I see my lord. A brilliant plan. I will begin scheming right now, my lord.}

{Good. Just send the papers to my office when you are finished.} He didn't comment on what he heard before, as Demiurge would start building a huge theory of what his great plan is.

He ended the call after that. And he thought that went smoothly as well.

"Ok, I got the kingdom and potential enemies to Nazarick covered, but something still is seeking my mind…"

He didn't know what it was, but something was telling him it was important. His mind formed a visage. It was a hard-looking man, probably almost in his forties.

"Ah yes! That is what the Warrior-Chief used. He called it a martial art, a new technique. I need more information about that one. So who should I contact for that? I shouldn't go alone, I just spend all of my mana today. But who should I pick?"

He thought well enough to know most of the better guardians were already tasked with a mission.

"No, Cocytus is standing out too much, and the twins.. they are too young for that. Gargantua is too big, and Victim is too small. Mmh… So Shalltear then. A bit of experience wouldn't harm her, as she still seems to act much like a child. And she should be able to hold her ground with a possible strong warrior form here."

"[Message]"

Again, he cast the spell, his mana slowly regenerating the lost strength. Yet a simple [Message] spell wasn't about to put him to 0%.

{Shalltear?.. Shalltear?}

Somehow, it took a moment for her to answer. Ainz thought it must've been something important if she wasn't replying on the spot.

{Uf- Uh, Lord Ainz?} Her voice sounded surprised. Very much so that Ainz was curious about what she was doing. Somehow, he was relieved that not all NPCs were just waiting for his commands.

{Did I disturb you with something?} He asked genuinely.

{No, no! You could never! What can this lowly servant do for you?} She said respectfully. The Supreme One could never disturb her.

{I need you to go outside the tomb and retrieve more information about martial arts and possibly capture one such fighter yourself. It is a sort of unknown magic to us, so try to get them alive.} He gave a short explanation of her future quest. It was nothing difficult.

{No worries, my lord. I will do my best.}

{I know that, but for the start, Sebas and Solution will accompany you, but separate when you go on your own path to hunt one of such a specimen down. Questions?}

{None notable, my lord! I will prepare my luggage at the moment!} The vampire sounded excited. A good sign. Ainz wouldn't want to force the NPCs to do something they dislike.

{Remember, I chose you so you may gain extra experience in the outside world. And don't act foolish, always be careful. Even you.} He warned the petite vampire.

{If you command it, I will be even extra careful of enemies!}

Somehow, Ainz couldn't quite be certain that she understood his words right, but he didn't repeat himself.

{Good, if I have other commands for you, I will message you personally.}

{You can message me as many times as you wish, my lord.} She began talking seductively. Yet Ainz acted quickly.

Then he ended the call. Would he continue, it would have escalated.

"Was that the right decision? I don't know, how could I know? They expect me to see the future when I don't even know where I am… Ok, I will scry on her, make sure she's not in trouble. And otherwise, Nigredo will watch her for me. I want to see if NPCs can gain real-life experience and grow beyond their programming. Cocytus should be the next to test it out on. As a warrior, he certainly has a strong conservative perspective. But if he could learn on my command, that means growth is really possible for NPCs."

His row of commands ended that day. Outside the tomb could be many sorts of shadows be seen to leave in many directions, some to the kingdom, some somewhere completely else. And before the tomb stood a wagon, decorated with golden outlines, fit of a high-ranking noble. Majestic black horses were stationed before it to pull the vehicle. In there were Shalltear, Sebas, and Solution, ready to depart into the kingdom. It was the first place they would decide to search for martial artists, as Gazef Stronoff was coming from there. For them, it was an honor to serve their master outside the tomb, yet a sadness to leave the safe place called Nazarick.


Days passed and Ainz was sure his mana had recovered by now. He had much time wandering the tomb, searching for a change, something. In short, he was bored. The NPCs didn't let him leave the tomb without a guard, but he really wanted to experience the town himself. He watched Shalltear a while, but left that task to Nigredo. He was just about to read another book about how to be a ruler when a message reached his mind.

{Demiurge?}

{My lord. We have gathered important news involving the Fortress City of E-Rantel. It seems there is a cult trying to capture the city with the help of undead. Yet how is still unknown, but they are stationed in the graveyard of the town.} He told Ainz, which was surprised they could already find a hidden cult among the city.

{Good work Demiurge. And that seems something we could use to our advantage, am I right?} Ainz implied. He wanted Demiurge to spoil his version of his plan to him, so he can say it was his own all along.

{Ah, of course, my lord. If I was to guess, you would intervene and stop this undead army, under an alias, or simply yourself, to gain fame. Then you would use that personality to climb into the realm of heroes. And the humans wouldn't even know their hero was secretly their enemy. With that identity, you could give your true personal sort of a push into world domination. Then, many will recognize you as a true monarch and Supreme Being, when even one of their greatest heroes falls at your feet.}

{Uh, yes. Well, thought Demiurge. You guessed right. Your intellect is stunning and I would feel right to assume it would be greater than mine.} He was now certain Demiurge could put his fingers around the world if he was allowed to. Ainz nowhere thought that deep, and would never do.

{My lord! You are the most intelligent and wisest Supreme Being of all! How could such a lowly guardian as myself be greater than you?} Demiurge, furious at himself, replied.

{E- Forget it Demiurge. But I assume you have also gathered information about the whole kingdom and its inner workings?}

{Of course. The kingdom is a simple monarchy. The fat nobles possess the land, from which they generate taxes and pay the royals with it. The king, he is just an old and powerless man. He doesn't even see the corruption rising in his kingdom. But somehow it hasn't collapsed since now. Probably the help of the Adventurer's Guild.}

{Adventurers Guild?} Ainz curiously asked.

{Yes, an organization that hires people to do certain quests. The more difficult the quest, the higher-ranked adventurers needed to accept it. A simple concept, yet effective, as many are drawn to such an offer. The income from that is certainly one of the greatest in the kingdom.} Demiurge explained in detail.

{I see. Thank you for the short input. You have earned a reward for your job.}

{No please my lord! I desire nothing but to serve!} He declined any gift with his utmost being, but it couldn't stop Ainz.

{I insist. On this day do something you like the most, take it as free time.}

{Free time?}

"Don't tell me he doesn't know what that is... No, they are basically slaves. Did I become the same as my boss, just even worse? Fuck!"

{Y-Yes, Free Time. Do whatever you like this day. It has to make fun. Now Goodbye.}

Quickly, he dispelled the message, not wanting to chat any more about the definition of free time or anything else. He now realized how deep the servitude of the NPCs was.

"I let them work 24/7. Can't be. Why is there a cafeteria, a spa, or even a theater here if they don't know what free time is? Oh yeah, those were built out of fun, but they surely know something about hobbies or fun, right? Uhh, that is a matter for another time. Now I have to focus on what's going on in E-Rantel. Should I go like this?.."

He changed equipment, as he created a black full-body armor with golden linings. Certainly, it is an armor that a protagonist would use in a fairy tale. A strong knight ready to save the princess. Just in this case, the knight was a secret undead Overlord, Ruler of Death. But he would simply not tell anyone.

"Exquisite."

He grabbed a sword from around his room, held it high, and made a horizontal cut through the air. He was so fast that he created an airwave all around his room, yet he damaged nothing.

"I can't go alone, nobody would allow that. But someone who would let me have certain freedom." He looked around the room to see Narberal behind him. He was getting used to it, but the first time she was standing behind him, he didn't feel comfortable at all.

"Narberal. You will accompany me to E-Rantel on an undercover mission. Is that fine with you?" He asked, the maid surprised at the sound of his deep voice talking to her. He even asked politely. Yet he had just to command and she would do it.

"If that is your order, I shall follow you to wherever you desire to go, my lord."

"Uh please not!" "Good, then let us prepare. The journey will be long."


A short chapter. But I will make at least one long tomorrow or in the next two days. I will sorely focus on that and see where this story brings me. It is a journey, not just something I write, and I certainly don't know where this fanfic will bring me. Hopefully not to an end.

Questions:

NoSkill4Me

The question is, what does this do for the story? Ainz will sit down for a week and stack buff until he could solo 100 Players at once. Then he goes out and...what then?

Until he reaches that point, a long time will pass. As I'm not going to entirely focus on that. Now that Ainz has a world item as a guild weapon. His motivation to find his comrades only increased. As it proved him noting is impossible.

About one review… It's a fanfic, and if I don't use exactly the same words as in the original is my choice, and it would be very boring to read for someone who constantly reads fanfics. So don't waste your time writing such comments on a fanfic, as its probably going to happen in every fanfic you read.

As you have guessed, I kind of release a lot of fanfics without continuing them, really. But I want to see what the community likes the most, so I don't waste much time on something else.

If you find any error contact me or write it in your review, as I released this very quickly.