Chapter 2 (Half 1): Otherworldly Peculiarities
Approximately ten kilometers east of Carne village, an Overlord paced back and forth, lost in a moment of panic.
What the hell was all that? Right when I'm about to go do the right thing, this guy shows up!
The Overlord of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Momonga, gazed at his 「Mirror of Remote Viewing」, still in disbelief.
I possess more spells than any player in Yggdrasil probably ever had, yet I couldn't recognize any of that magic besides some of the low tier spells like 「Explosion」…
My initial thought was that he was a player, but his strange magic and appearance almost ruled that out entirely…
In the world of Yggdrasil, there were the human races, the demihuman races, and his own, the heteromorphic races. The man Momonga saw save the village looked like he belonged to the human races, but the strange horns on his head made him want to say demihuman.
But there wasn't a race like that in Yggdrasil… maybe he's just a human wearing fake horns?
Ainz considered this unlikely, as from what he was able to gather from the 「Mirror of Remote Viewing」, the humans of this world were on average rather weak. It was likely he was a more powerful race, but he had no inclination as to which one it could be.
If he isn't a player, who the hell is this guy?
It wasn't much to go off of, but some of the magic he used could easily be 9th or even 10th tier equivalent spells… And that last one he used, it seems similar to my own 「Black Hole」, but it seemed to have a longer range and higher potency than what I'm familiar with…
More importantly, there was something he saw that he just couldn't wrap his bony head around.
Was he able to reflect magic?
There was no such mechanic in Yggdrasil, yet it seemed like a truly overpowered ability.
To even have a shot at obtaining something as broken as that, one could possibly use the world item 「Ouroboros」, which was "one of the twenty" and allowed the user to demand a change in the game's mechanics from the developers.
He doubted this though, due to the nature of how "The Twenty" are used.
You only get one use, and then it disappears and could possibly wind up in enemy hands… No one would use such a risky option so easily...
Perhaps it's an ability from a different world item all together? Not all of them were discovered before the game shut down, and something that granted magic reflection would certainly have been all over the forums…
This mysterious figure only made Momonga more cautious about the new world he found himself in.
While the people in the village and the attacking knights were pathetically weak, who knows how common powerful beings like him are in this world?
His decision to gather information on the surrounding area only left him with a million more unanswered questions.
I suppose I'll have to go out into this world to find out more about it, I just need to locate the nearest city…
Ainz turned and waved for his attending servant Sebas to come over.
Sebas, who had the appearance of an elderly butler, kneeled before his master.
"What do you require of me, Lord Momonga?"
He was still getting used to ordering his NPCs around, but he needed to get things in motion.
"I want you to organize a more thorough scouting party. Based on the results of my surveillance, there must be a city relatively nearby. It will be the beginning of our operations in this new land."
Sebas stood and bowed deeply before Ainz.
"Of course, my lord. I will alert the other guardians and round up the proper individuals for the job."
"Excellent work, Sebas. And about that other thing..."
The head butler immediately knew what his master was referencing.
"I relayed the information via「Message」 to Albedo earlier as you instructed. She confirmed that several summoned 「Hanzos」 were deployed to the area and are in pursuit as we speak,"
Ainz nodded his head affirmingly.
"What about making use of her sister in the case that he eludes us?"
"She is wary due to Nigredo's nature, but said that if you thought it was the best course of action, she would act immediately."
I really hope this absolute loyalty doesn't lead to me making a dumb decision as Nazarick's overlord… It seems that the NPCs would go along with whatever order I give them, even if they thought it might be wrong…
"Very well. Excellent work as usual, Sebas. Before we finish up here, I'd like you to gather all the available guardians to the throne room. I have an important declaration concerning the future plans of Nazarick."
"It will be done at once, Lord Momonga."
Sebas bowed once again, and exited the room, leaving the Overlord by himself.
The undead ruler sighed and sat slouched in his chair.
I know I can't get tired thanks to my new body, but this development is so mentally straining…
…
Diablo woke up with the rising of the sun, finally feeling refreshed from having sufficient MP.
After saying goodbye to all the villagers, he left the village headed West along the outskirts of the Forest of Tob.
Gazef Stronoff had told him the fastest way to get to E-Rantel on foot. He'd even offered Diablo a horse, seeing as many of his men had fallen, but he declined.
Luckily he bought my bluff that I would fly most of the way, but I really don't know how to ride a horse...
Diablo had never needed a mount in Cross Reverie, and unfortunately he hadn't gained any riding experience in his last world.
I'd love to actually fly all the way, but doing so would drain my MP continuously, and I don't know if I can get potions like the ones from Cross Reverie here…
Thus, Diablo would walk most of the way.
Thankfully, Gazef had given him a modest amount of this world's money so he'd have a place to stay once he got to E-Rantel.
He even went as far to say that he'd try and put out feelers in the capital to look for Rem and Shera based on their descriptions.
If there's a busty elf and flat chested cat girl wandering this world, they would stick out right away… Hopefully something comes of his investigation…
Diablo remembered his initial shock upon finding out that teleportation magic wasn't commonplace in his previous world, and how much he dreaded the hours of travel time for guild requests.
I guess I'm used to all the walking by now… but it was definitely more entertaining traveling with Rem, Shera, and the others…
Trying not to succumb to his loneliness, he continued forward with determination.
…
Diablo had been walking for a few hours along the edge of the forest, waiting for the turn in the road so he could start heading south towards E-Rantel.
Up until this point, he'd run into a few small monsters like the previous day, but as he walked further, he could feel a growing magical presence.
I haven't been able to feel any strong magical energies from this forest until now… I wonder what kind of beast is lurking?
The magical power he sensed from this being was dwarfed by his own, but it was more significant than anything else he'd felt during his walk.
It couldn't hurt to investigate a bit…
With this thought, Diablo imbued his 《Empty Sky's Dance》 boots with MP and flew above the forest, honing in on the source of magical power.
The thick tree line covered the ground almost entirely, so when he felt the magical presence stop growing, he quickly descended into the forest.
I can barely see a thing down here, but whatever is giving off that energy has to be close...
After pushing through a few meters of brush, he finally arrived in a small clearing on the forest floor. It was still canopied by the surrounding trees though, making visibility difficult.
Diablo was now standing in the middle of the clearing, and he could barely make out a shadow moving swiftly around the perimeter.
A distorted voice boomed around him.
"For this King, it is rare to have a challenger so brazenly invade their territory!"
King? Territory? What is this beast talking about? The villagers didn't speak of any country in the forest...
"I'm no challenger of yours, I am the true Demon Lord Diablo!"
He decided to play along with the beast's games for now.
"This one wonders why a demon lord would wander into the forest, but all the same, you will be punished for your trespassing!"
As the beast said this, a giant snake-like tail shot out from the tree line, aimed directly at Diablo's head.
So slow...
For Diablo, who had surpassed level 100 as a warrior, the beast's strike appeared to move in slow motion as he effortlessly tilted his head back to dodge the incoming tail.
Based on that attack, it might be around level 40? Maybe 50? Still, it's strange that a magical beast this strong lives so close to Carne...
"How bold to attack me out of nowhere like tha! I guess I should fight back."
Declaring this to his unknown foe, Diablo took out his wand and gave it the mental command to transform into its sword configuration,《Tonnerre Empereur• Libéré》.
As he readied himself with his sword, a vicious series of strikes similar to the last came lashing out from the surrounding greenery.
One after another, Diablo deflected the incoming blows, using the training instilled in him by the Master Swordsman.
I had thought it was wrong for someone like a Demon Lord to try and improve, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't be nearly as capable as I am now.
Just an annihilation magician with a big mouth…
He could make out what looked like silvery fur as the beast continued to circle around the edge of the clearing.
"You are a difficult opponent, indeed. This one even has to use magic to defeat you!"
Diablo saw a colored glyph appear for a brief moment in the tree line, after which he could sense the invisible spell flying right towards him.
"I suppose you are but a simple beast..."
Diablo's ring glowed red as the 「Charm Species」 spell made contact with him, and was sent back at the beast who had cast it.
Being a relatively low tier spell, the magical beast was able to withstand it thanks to its innate magical resistance.
"This one does not know how you sent that magic back at me... I suppose this one must end it quick!"
The previously hidden beast emerged from the shadows standing on its hind legs, which made it tower over Diablo.
Beady black eyes stared down at him as strange glyphs glowed on the beast's chest, and for a moment, its looming figure seemed rather terrifying.
That is, until Diablo's eyes started to adjust.
I've been fighting a giant hamster this whole time!?
It took all it had in him not to burst out laughing from such a ridiculous sight, but misplaced bouts of laughter in the middle of battle were not very demon lord-like.
"You are truly an intriguing magical beast, why don't you tell me your name before I send you to the next world?"
Diablo didn't actually want to kill this thing. Intelligent magical beasts like this weren't common in his last world, unless if you wanted to count the fallen.
In its strange, distorted voice, the beast responded.
"This one is known as the Wise King of the Forest! You must be quite slow if you haven't heard of my power!"
Wise King? A giant hamster? Just what kind of people found and gave this silly looking thing such a magnanimous title?!
"A mere beast thinks they can call a Demon Lord slow. Allow me to show you who truly deserves the title of 'King'!"
Just as he had done against the angels, Diablo cast《Dark Press》at the hamster lumbering over him.
Although he tried his best to hold back, as he had only wanted to hinder its movements...
"Uwawawawawahhhh!"
The Wise King of the forest cried out in a high pitched voice that better matched their furry appearance, as it crumpled onto its belly under the oppressive force of the spell.
"This one submits! Wahhhhh! Please stop your terrible magic!"
Such a regal display from a being called the 'Wise King'...
Satisfied with his results, Diablo canceled the spell, allowing the Wise King to slowly resume a neutral position on all four of its legs.
"Wahhh… that was so scary… It felt like this one was going to become part of the ground!"
Hopefully this thing realizes the huge power difference between us… I don't want to accidentally kill it with a spell that's too strong…
As if reading his mind, the Wise King of the Forest stooped their head to the ground, assuming a position that was most likely its attempt at a dogeza.
"You must really be a Demon Lord if you're so strong! This wise king will serve you, just please don't kill me!
"Get up, I have no reason to kill you if you understand you're helpless in the face of my power."
Diablo internally fist pumped that he got it to surrender instead of having to continue their farce of a battle.
"Calling you Wise King is going to get old quick, though,"
It also makes no sense...
"Do you have a name besides your title?"
The giant hamster before him put its hand (paw?) on its chin as if deep in thought.
"This one never received a name besides Wise King, could you give me a name master?"
Now it's calling me master? What are Rem and Shera going to say if I bring home a giant hamster…
Actually no, they'd probably love it. Especially Shera… maybe I should play along?
"A name then, hmm?"
Takuma Sakamoto never had any pets, so he couldn't call himself an expert on naming animals.
"Hamster… Aha! From now on, you shall be known as Hamusuke!"
Not very original, but I doubt there's anyone else here from Japan to criticize me on it…
"Hamusuke! A very noble name for this one indeed! Thank you, master!"
Jeez it's not that special… Well not that they'd know anyway…
"Speaking of which, Hamusuke, you've been referring to yourself with gender neutral terms… You also refer to yourself as a king, so I was imagining you were male."
"This one is actually a female, master. The name only came from an adventurer that I let get away to spread word of my power."
"So you're saying most adventurers that came into the forest… you killed…"
Hamusuke stood tall and put her paws proudly at her hips.
"Of course! This one is unparalleled in the forest! Except for two others, and this stupid statue that came out of nowhere…"
This last bit of information piqued Diablo's interest.
"A- a statue, you say? What does it look like?"
Surely it's just a coincidence… There's no way she's talking about what I'm thinking of…
"If this one remembers, it was a beast that had wings, and a tail like mine. The last time I went near it, this one almost got cooked by lighting! And it's scary looking breath… I decided to leave it alone."
Diablo's jaw might as well have hit the floor after hearing Hamusuke's description.
That's the statue that guards my dungeon! It should be back in the other world… there's no way the whole thing got dragged along with me, right?!
"Where in the forest is it located? It isn't near here, is it?"
"Thankfully for this one, it resides in the center of the forest. It seems like it's guarding this weird pyramid shaped building that I've never seen in the forest before either."
That confirms it then… It has to be my dungeon!
He couldn't help but grin at the prospect of having access to his《Warehouse》again, which contained a treasure trove of all the rare items he'd collected from Cross Reverie.
"Hamusuke, I have your first order. Take me to this statue, for I may have an idea of its origins."
"The statue is scary, but this Hamusuke knows you will protect me! It would be quite slow for you to walk, would you like to ride on my back?"
The idea of riding on a giant hamster's back did not sound appealing to Diablo, but luckily he had another plan in store.
"I shall get on your back, but we won't be riding there."
Using graceful movements expected of a high level player, Diablo hopped on and swung his leg over.
He then pointed his 《Tonnerre Empereur》 down at Hamusuke and cast a spell.
"Change your position as my will demands,《Azdet》!"
As the magic was invoked, Hamusuke began to float until she brushed past the treeline and could see over the entire forest.
"Wooooooah! Hamusuke has never flown before! Your power is truly amazing, master!"
"Lead the way then."
In what was truly a sight to behold, Diablo and his new pet hamster flew off towards the center of the forest.
…
"This is the spot, master."
Diablo nervously gripped at his 《Tonnerre Empereur》 as he heard Hamusuke's words.
"So the statue is right below us then?"
"The statue is up further ahead, but it will try to kill this Hamusuke if we fly in too close to it."
Giving an affirmative Umu, Diablo used his magic to make Hamusuke descend past the treeline and onto the forest floor.
I'm not worried about having to incapacitate the statue… It's just the implications of my dungeon actually being here changes everything about this situation…
Diablo tried to channel his nervous energy into a more demon lord-like vigor. If his dungeon was here, it meant he'd have more resources in trying to find a way back home.
And more importantly, if my dungeon was able to come to this world, then it's not out of the question that the others could be here too!
After hopping off Hamusuke's back, the Wise King and Demon Lord pushed through the brush in pursuit of the statue.
It only took a few minutes of walking before Diablo noticed the trees growing thinner, eventually opening up to an area sparse enough where he could make out a building.
That has to be it… That has to be my dungeon!
He could barely contain himself when he recognized the pyramid structure in the distance.
The previously described chimera statue stood in its usual position of guarding the outside of the dungeon.
Defeating the statue isn't much of a problem… but what do I do about the dungeon? It's nothing I can't handle, I just really don't wanna have to go through the whole thing again… Let alone with a giant hamster!
"Hamusuke, stand next to me. I'm going to try something to get us into that dungeon."
"Dungeon? That strange building is actually a dungeon? How do you know this master? And how are we going to get in?"
It's a bit of a gamble, but it certainly beats clearing my own dungeon for a second time…
"I'm more familiar with this place than I let on, but I'll explain that later,"
Diablo reached into his 《Item Pouch》 and took out a white feather that glowed with a pearly light.
This item, the 《Angel's Feather》, allows one to teleport their party anywhere in the world, under the constraint that everyone has been to said location.
"This is an item that uses teleportation magic, Hamusuke. Normally to use it with someone else, they need to have been to the target location, however since you're a magical beast you should count as more of my pet if anything."
"Hamusuke does not know how she feels about being called a pet, but if it means your item will work master, then let's do it!"
Diablo nodded and placed a hand on Hamusuke. He concentrated on his desired location, and felt the connection.
As the magic was invoked, a magic circle appeared on the ground, and both Diablo and Hamusuke became enveloped in a soft glow.
Less than a second later, they vanished.
In the time it took Diablo to blink, he and Hamusuke had appeared in an entirely different place, and after allowing his eyes to adjust to the new environment, he realized the item worked as intended.
"Waaaah- This place is terrifying, master! Wh- Where did you send Hamusuke?"
The spacious room they appeared in had walls that grotesquely resembled internal organs, and skeletal candle posts lined an ornately carpeted path that ended at an evil looking throne.
Diablo couldn't help but spin around to take it all in. It was the culmination of his efforts in Cross Reverie,after all.
"This is the thirteenth underground floor of the Demon Lord's Labyrinth, the Demon Lord's Quarters!"
He quickly walked down the carpet and approached the elevated throne.
"Perhaps I should have told you sooner, Hamusuke."
Reunited with its proper owner, Diablo sat down in his throne with grace befitting a Demon Lord.
"This dungeon, this throne, this is where I rule as the one True Demon Lord!"
Hamusuke let out what sounded like an extended "Uwah", and then rushed over to the seated Diablo, scraping onto her belly which seemed like her version of kneeling.
"To have made such a terrifying place as this… This Hamusuke is eternally grateful for your mercy!"
Diablo let out a hearty laugh.
"It wouldn't do me much good to kill someone like the "Wise King of the Forest" anyways. It's much further proof of my power to have you under my control."
Hamusuke shivered a bit in despair, but then raised her head to speak.
"I have one question though, master. It seemed like this place only appeared in the last few days, did you really build it so quickly with none of the powerful forest natives noticing?"
What's the best way to put this…?
"You see, Hamusuke, this world is not the first that I've traveled to. When I was pulled into a different world for the first time, my companions and I eventually came to find this place, and I confirmed that it was indeed my dungeon."
Diablo descended from his throne and began walking towards a side hall, with Hamusuke following behind.
"This place, along with all its treasures, seem to follow me in my otherworldly travels."
They briefly walked down the hall, stopping at the first room.
"If my suspicion is correct, the administrator of the dungeon should have been brought along as well."
Please be here, Rose… I really need someone I can rely on right now!
Steeling himself, Diablo opened the door to the maintenance room.
Laying there on the metallic table in the center of the room was a beautiful girl. She had long pink hair styled in twin tails, and green eyes that shone with an artificial gleam. Her almost transparent skin was mostly covered by a maid uniform, save for the back and her detached sleeves.
Upon hearing someone enter the room, she sat up, revealing her familiar features to Diablo, who stood at the door.
Tears began to well at her emerald eyes, quickly rolling down her cheeks.
"W-welcome home… My master!"