Chapter III: Denizens of the New World
Of all the things Suzuki Satoru had expected to discover, he was surprised that the New World had its own version Goblins, Trolls and Ogres… at least for the time being. Between Albedo and Demiurge, Suzuki feared he would have to label such creatures as a species in danger of extinction. To their credit, Albedo and Demiurge were way too efficient when it came to killing stuff.
It was with such notions as being one of the main causes to the eradication of entire species that Suzuki sat once again at his desk. He wasn't working. Of course not. With all the stress of the last two weeks since the arrival to the New World and his new circumstances, there was only one thing he could do:
Repeatedly, and gently, smack his forehead against the desk in resignation, all while bemoaning the way the situation had escalated so quickly.
This is a nightmare, mentally moaned Suzuki. What would my friends say?
Oh, he could imagine their words more than clearly:
Sweet Jesus, Momonga, three thousand in one day? That's horrible! Came in Yamaiko's voice.
That's my boy! Ulbert happily exclaimed.
Of course it had to be Ulbert's creation who spearheaded entire massacres, scoffed Touch Me's imaginary voice. Why in the world did you let that Archdevil loose in the forest in the first place, Momonga?
What are you doing, Big Brother Momonga? My sweet Aura and Mare are now cold-blooded killers thanks to you! Shouted imaginary Bukubukuchagama.
Suzuki groaned, slammed his head against the desk one final time and blocked his ears with his hands, trying to dispel the imaginary admonishment of his friends. The Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown, hovering nearby, gently floated towards Suzuki, only to tilt sideways and lean against the Overlord. Suzuki sat up and looked at the Staff.
"Thanks," Suzuki said with a tired smile, before grabbing the Staff. "At least I can count that one of you won't go on a rampage when I am not looking away…"
Once again, he allowed the comforting power of the Staff wash over him. He leaned back, closed his eyes and took a deep calming breaths. When he opened his eyes, he did so with newfound energy.
Enough crying, Suzuki! You are the Ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick! Suzuki reminded himself. An Overlord doesn't whine about the situation of his realm, no matter how atrocious…
However, his confidence faltered quickly enough. His shoulders slumped and he rested his face against his palms, the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown floating away to a side.
"This sucks," groaned Suzuki. He turned to the Staff, his sole confident at the moment. "Between studying to be a decent Overlord, learning magic and ruling this god-forsaken place, I haven't had one moment's rest! And then there's the whole deal with Albedo…"
Just thinking about it made him cringe. He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"At least I'll finally manage to deal with that little problem today," he grumbled to himself. "Hopefully…"
He slumped back on his seat, glaring dead ahead.
"I need bloody holidays," muttered Suzuki.
If only his imaginary voices could get a hint and shut up…
Hey, it isn't that bad, Momonga, Peroroncino's voice echoed across Suzuki's mind. At least there's more than enough of the forest still standing! That's going to take Demiurge two weeks to deal with.
At most, an annoyingly smug and proud Ulbert chimed in. My boy sure works fast!
Hey, Goblinsbane isn't such a bad name, y'know? Warrior Takemikazucki said with a chuckle. Although at this pace it will be Lifebane… hmmm… Momonga Lifebane… now that's catchy…
What about Momonga the Destroyer or the Eradicator? Added Tabula's imaginary voice.
Momonga, you need to come up with better plans. You can't just- Punitto Moe's voice started saying.
"Shut up, imaginary Punitto Moe," growled Suzuki, angrily waving a finger at the ceiling. "If you wanted to tell me how to run things, you could have shown up like I had wanted!"
Suzuki gritted his teeth, his fury only growing.
"And it goes to the bloody rest of you, you hear me?!" Suzuki shouted.
The Overlord kept glaring at the ceiling, only to realize what he was doing. Embarrassed, he released a long tired sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. He drew the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown to his hand, trying to find some figment of sanity in the comforts of its power.
"I'm losing my bloody mind," Suzuki said.
Then again, I should have known something was wrong with me when I started ranting about my daily problems to Pandora's Actor or talking to any passing NPC, Suzuki thought.
He snorted with amusement, finding some humor in the ridiculous insanity of it all. He would have never imagined how relieving his stress on an NPC could return to bite him in the arse. Suzuki chuckled at all the stupid and useless things he had said, all because he had no one to talk to… because he was alone.
If only his problems had ended with New World Goblins, Trolls and Ogres. Of course there were more living creatures out there, more things to try and keep alive, particularly away from Demiurge's devious devil paws.
Suzuki gritted his teeth as he reached towards one of the parchments over his desk, amidst piles of books and parchment scrolls. That one had no reports or walls of texts, but rather drawings and lines. It was, after all, a rather detailed map of the surroundings areas that had been explored with the combined efforts of Aura, Mare and the Pleiades during daytime, Shalltear and her vampires during Nighttime and Demiurge and his intelligence-gathering squadron. All in all, it was a rather complete map, and the picture it painted made Suzuki want to curse at all known deities, be it from Earth or Yggrassil.
The Great Tomb, Suzuki had discovered, couldn't have been misplaced any worse in the New World. It wasn't just on a flatland surrounded by grass fields. Oh no, Suzuki's problems went beyond that.
There was a knock on the door. Suzuki sighed and dropped the map on the desk, leaning back.
One problem at a time, Suzuki thought. Let's finally deal with this one before I move on to the whole next lot of issues…
"Come in," Suzuki said.
In walked Albedo, her hips swaying hypnotically all while she smiled pleasantly towards a tired Suzuki. She went to stand in front of the desk and bowed at him with her usual devotion and zealousness.
"Greetings, Lord Momonga," Albedo said, head bowed.
"Hello Albedo," said Suzuki with a small smile.
For all of his current problem with her, Suzuki wasn't going to deny he didn't mind her company that much. Albedo was more than a competent second-in-command. He could, however, do without her trying to seduce him so often.
"You are looking better, Supreme One," Albedo said after a quick glance, not before blushing and averting her eyes like a highschooler.
"Huh? You think so?" Wondered Suzuki.
And here he thought the stress was starting to get to him. In fact, he was certain he was starting to look more dead than alive.
"Yes, you are looking closer to your original undead form by the day," Albedo happily said. "At this rate you might be back to your glorious form in no time, Supreme One!"
Suzuki just stared at Albedo. The succubus stared back with a proud smile. Then Suzuki smacked his head against the desk and groaned in frustration.
So I am really starting to look like an undead? Geez, the NPCs are going to be the end of me, thought Suzuki. They can't even tell when I am stressed like hell!
"My Lord!" Cried Albedo.
Suzuki raised a hand, face still smacked against the desk.
"It's fine," he stated, voice muffled against the wood.
"It- it doesn't look fine, my Lord," Albedo worriedly said. "Did… did I say something wrong?"
Suzuki looked up from the wooden surface of his desk. Her face was marred with agonizing concern and shame, and a whole lot of guilt. Suzuki took a deep breath and sighed, before leaning back and offering a smile.
For all of their obliviousness, they all mean good, Suzuki thought, only to cringe. At least towards me… definitely not the poor New World Goblins. Seriously, poor bastards…
"It is no fault of yours, Albedo," lied Suzuki. "It's just… this new form is quite limited."
Albedo didn't look any less concerned. If anything, she looked worse.
"Is there something I can do, my Lord? Please, I beg of you, if there is any way to alleviate your problems, allow me to assist, Supreme One," Albedo pleaded.
Could you rein in Demiurge's genocide-happy urges? Thought Suzuki.
"No, it's alright, Albedo," Suzuki said instead. "You already do a lot for me as it is. I just…" he looked down at his hands "…I am still adjusting to things."
Albedo bowed her head.
"If you say so, my Lord," she softly said.
Suzuki looked at Albedo, studying her. He grimaced. It was time to finally have the talk with the poor Overseer.
Suzuki clenched the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gowl, trying to muster his courage. This conversation was going to take a whole lot out of him. He was sure about it. After a few seconds, he stood up and went towards Albedo. The Overseer looked at him, confused, before Suzuki silently gestured at her to take a seat at one of the sofas not far from her desk. She did as told, looking between excited and confused. Coincidently, she sat down on the same coach Suzuki had caught her sleeping the previous week. Suzuki went to sit opposite her.
"Albedo, thank you for coming here," said Suzuki. "I know you are rather busy with the exploitation of the…" Suzuki shivered, flashes of the horrors he had witnessed crossing his mind "…conquered sections of the nearby forest."
"It is always a pleasure, my Lord," Albedo said. "On the topic and before everything, Supreme One, allow me to inform you that things are still going well. If our hunts continue as successfully as they have, we will have acquired sufficient food to last us till next week, Supreme One. Once we move to the next section of the forest, I am certain we will manage to hold out until we can deal with the humans."
Because, of course, the New World had to have its own humans. It was bad enough Suzuki had to deal with the massacres of some version of goblins, trolls and ogres. Oh no, now Suzuki was at the brink of being the one person who would be responsible for the genocide of thousands of fellow humans.
The joys of being an Overlord to these people: trying to stop them from culling local species, mentally grunted Suzuki.
"Have you put any thought on Demiurge's suggestions, my Lord?" Albedo inquired.
Suzuki grimaced and shook his head. Oh, he had thought of the horrifying plans Demiurge had proposed for the humans, but he really wanted to sleep at night (or at least try to). Thus, Suzuki tried to push the issue out of his mind. It would be Future Suzuki's problem, after all.
"I am still unsure we have enough of a picture about these two human nations to make a move," Suzuki said. "But we are running out of time, aren't we?"
"Oh, my Lord, if you so please to dispense with such cautious approach, I will personally raid those human settlements in your glorious name," Albedo promised.
That's what concerns me, muttered Suzuki.
"Do you truly believe there is any more to know about these pathetic nations, my Lord?" Albedo inquired, cutely tilting her head. "The Western human lands look quite ripe for conquest, my Lord."
"Appearances can be deceiving," said Suzuki. "And my concern aren't the soldiers they have, but any potential Players that may be in their midst. For all we know an entire guild of human players showed up two hundred kilometers from here and will gladly jump to assist fellow humans. Moreover, any type of conflict we make, it will inevitably lead to our discovery…"
Because of – bloody – course the Great Tomb of Nazarick had to find itself stuck between two human nations and just south of a forest ridden with goblins, trolls and goblins. It was as if Demiurge had made a pick on the location from where he could commit the most atrocities.
Oh god, what if Demiurge actually thinks I purposely brought Nazarick here to do just that? That it was my wish to land the Tomb so strategically between so many sentient species? Suzuki thought in fear.
He shook his head and smiled.
Nah, Demiurge would never think that… right?
Thankfully, Albedo broke him out of his reverie and away from whatever horrors Demiurge was scheming.
"It would appear our discovery is inevitable, Supreme One," Albedo remarked with a gentle smile of understanding. "The very fact we had to raise entire hills from flatlands will no doubt draw unwanted eyes, especially now that we know there are beings familiar to these lands."
She meant the local human village, which was surprisingly close to the Tomb, and which had yet to raise the alert of the sudden change in the nearby geography. Then again, from what he had seen of those humans, the villagers appeared quite reclusive and unwilling to go far from the safety of their village. Suzuki couldn't blame them; the New World was filled with nasty monsters (now more than ever).
"If we can delay our discovery, I would appreciate it," Suzuki grumbled. "I'll have less to worry about. For the time being, we need to focus on stocking up on food."
"In that regard, I have to say I had expected the land to be far more fruitful, Supreme One," Albedo said. "These lands are pathetic and devoid of sustenance, I'm afraid."
"I know… I wish it was more like Yggrassil at times," grunted Suzuki.
"What do you mean, my Lord?" Albedo asked, confused. "The Old World was not like this one?"
"Although humans and other beings do appear to be in a similar technological, and maybe even magical, development as that in Yggrassil, the two worlds couldn't be any more different," Suzuki said.
He scoffed, a smile in place.
"I wish I could show you what Yggrassil looked like," Suzuki said with a sad smile. "You were born in that world and, yet, you didn't see anything past the ceiling of your assigned area."
"As if there had been any place I would have rather been, Supreme One," Albedo said with a smile.
"Still, it is a real tragedy you never got to see the realms, like Niflheim, Muspelheim and Helheim. Each realm was divided in provinces, and each Player would go from one to the other, in their pursuit for power. For all the issues in balance, the Shitty Devs sure knew how to design a beautiful world…"
It was still strange for Suzuki to discuss Yggrassil as the game it was when all the living and breathing NPCs that served him came from there. To them, it had been as alive as the New World. To him it had been a broken game meant to suck his wallet dry. Still, he had enjoyed the game, and couldn't help but talk fondly of the Old World.
"Yggrassil… it was a land of wonders. Each province had monsters and bountiful resources. Treasures awaited every corner if you dared venture out into the more dangerous areas. There was a lot to keep yourself busy with, such as gathering resources to improve your Crafting skills, whichever they were…"
Not to mention quests, other players to interact with, daily events and any other activity that were common in MMORPGs. It was not surprising the New World had so little to offer; MMORPGs were designed to keep players entertained and offer many opportunities. Real life, on the other hand, was different.
"What does this world have in comparison?" Suzuki said. "So far, we have found a vast forest filled with what appear to be this world version of goblins, ogres and trolls, all of which are stupid and uglier version of their Yggrassil counterparts. There are some other creatures of interest, but nothing major, like Lizardmen in the large lake to the North."
"And then there are the human nations," Albedo said.
"Yes, a country with professional armed knights roaming the lands and paved roads to our East and more human villages to the South and West that appear to be from another more primitive nation. The only thing to stands out in any direction are the plains ridden with Undead South East of the Tomb and the fortified city we've discovered."
"I am sure that this world has a lot more to offer, Supreme One," Albedo promised. "And it shall be yours if you so much desire it."
"Which I don't," quickly remarked Suzuki.
"If you say so, my Lord," Albedo said with a knowing glint in her eyes and a smirk, something that grated on Suzuki's waning patience.
Since the first day he started dealing with the Floor Guardians, Suzuki had made it a point to tell the NPCs he had no interest in world domination. He made it strictly clear to Demiurge. Sadly, Demiurge would only smirk and say "I see," with a knowing smirk, one that drove Suzuki crazy with concern. In that regard, Albedo wasn't that much better. At times Suzuki feared those two were plotting to cull the world from any potential threats towards Suzuki.
"My place is here," Suzuki decided. "My priority will always be the Tomb of Nazarick, and we still have a lot to do here to even think about long term goals elsewhere. There's the depleting reserves of food and other resources…"
"…and the need for skilled craftsmen," Albedo added with a nod.
Which we desperately need to construct settlements on each Floor and make any necessary commodities without spending the entire treasury remodeling the Tomb, Suzuki reminded himself. It was a pity each Floor had little in manner of structures to accommodate each Floor's massive army.
"When we will start running NPC-creation experiments, my Lord?" Albedo wondered.
"Do we have a list of all the requested NPCs?" Suzuki asked back.
"Not yet," Albedo said. "But I am hopeful it shall be completed by the week's end. We could, however, start with the experiments right away. It would be pointless to make such list if we discover this world transfer has rendered you unable to create NPCs, Supreme One."
"Thing is, Albedo, I fear that is the case, and the list will serve as more of a shopping list," mused Suzuki with a chuckle. Albedo was confused by the comparison. "If we can't create the NPCs, then we will try to recruit from the New World. I know, not what I would have liked, but at least we are going to need beings skilled enough to train our people."
"I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that," Albedo sniffed. "I rather we start modifying our people before we bring in unworthy inferior creatures to our home, my Lord."
Suzuki sweatdropped at that. He really didn't want to start messing up with NPC settings. He grimaced and looked at the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown. Technically, he should still have the power to change NPCs, maybe even create them, but that was a power Suzuki wasn't sure he was ready to wield. He wasn't sure he liked the idea of being able to change people. It would undo the work of his friends and it was a terrible power to have, with a heavy responsibility attached to it. The less said about creating actual life, the better…
"In any case, Albedo," Suzuki cleared his throat. "I think we got carried away. There is something else I wished to talk to you about…"
She looked around, a devious smile forming on her face.
"Truly, my Lord? Is it safe to assume it isn't anything related to business, My Lord?" purred Albedo, morphing into her flirtatious personality. "Is this conversation about something, private? I've noticed there's no one in here… and that you asked for Rubedo and your guard to stand outside for this meeting."
She leaned forward, giving him a rather favorable view of her bosom. Oh, the little minx knew what she was doing. Suzuki swallowed a lump of saliva, struggling to stay composed.
"Are you sure there isn't anything I can do to make you feel better, my Lord?" Albedo huskily said. "Please, all you need to do is say the word…"
Suzuki blushed and looked away. His mind way haywire for a few seconds, the image of that heavenly chest of Albedo's stuck on the forefront of his mind. Somehow, he found the strength to dispel his lecherous thoughts and concentrate on the task at hand.
"Albedo," Suzuki said.
That was all it took for Albedo to sit up straight and look at Suzuki with concern.
"We need to talk," Suzuki softly said. He made eye-contact to her. "About us…"
Albedo's eyes widened and her wings started flapping with excitement.
"Us, my Lord?" She said. "As- as in our future together? How many heirs you wish…?"
She looked down, her hands on her cheeks as her face reddened.
"…or do you want to talk about adding more women to your harem?"
"Albedo, it isn't – wait, more women?" Suzuki squawked.
I already have a harem? Suzuki wondered in confusion.
"Why, of course," Albedo said with a smirk. "I have already written down a list of approved females of the Great Tomb to serve as concubines. I'll admit the list is rather short… but twenty five females is decent enough of a start, right my Lord?"
Suzuki stared at Albedo, his mind shutting down.
Did- did she say twenty-five? Suzki could barely fathom being in a relationship with one woman, much less more than two! What was he even supposed to do with Twenty-five women?
"My Lord?" Albedo called, only to frown in concern. "Are you alright, Supreme One?"
"I – you…" Suzuki said, his thoughts and rationality slowly returning. He shook his head. "Albedo, no I – no, it's not about- about harems or anything. I – I want to talk about your feelings towards me."
Albedo tilted her head, confused.
"My eternal love for you, Supreme One?" Albedo wondered.
"Yes," sighed Suzuki, a hand rubbing his face. "That love you feel…"
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and mustered his courage. Only then did Lord Momonga stare straight into Albedo's golden eyes.
Here goes nothing, he thought.
"I-I programmed it in you," Suzuki said. He looked down, overwhelmed with guilt. "I added your feelings towards me in your Bio, Albedo. It was the thing I changed in your settings before the transfer…"
There, I finally said it, Suzuki thought, a weight off his shoulder. He kept his eyes down, ashamed, before slowly looking up. To his confusion, Albedo looked utterly bewildered.
"You mean that you made me love you, Supreme One?" Albedo asked.
"Yes, Albedo," Suzuki said with a pained look. "I am sorry I-"
"Does that mean you wished for me all along?"
"Huh?" Suzuki squeaked, looking up. By what he saw, he realized something.
Shit, I made a huge mistake! Suzuki thought.
Albedo was no longer flirtatious. Rather, she looked absolutely ready to jump on Suzuki. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes carried a lust Suzuki had never seen before, and that was saying something for the already lustful succubus that had been trying to sleep with Suzuki. All pretense and subtlety had been thrown out the window.
"Oh, my Love, I had feared – if ever so slightly - that you didn't want me after all!" Albedo said, her tone husky.
It made Suzuki shiver. Worse, blood was starting to flow in directions Suzuki rather avoid in Albedo's presence.
"A-Albedo, please!" begged Suzuki. He raised his hands, worried Albedo's self-control would vanish at long last. "I want to talk!"
I should have never had this conversation without Rubedo and my Royal Guard, whined Suzuki.
"Yes, my Lord! Tell me what you desire!" Pleaded Albedo. "Do you want to take me right here? Or shall we take this to your quarters? Should I summon others to join in?"
Her tone had such lust and desire, Suzuki was certain he was going to faint by how his heart was racing like crazy.
"Albedo!" Shouted Suzuki. "Enough!"
Suzuki froze. He blinked, surprised he had managed to regain self-control. However, he winced as he noticed a heavily chastised-looking Albedo meekly bowing her head. Suzuki sighed and rubbed his face. At times he worried with the way her emotions could shift so suddenly.
"I do not want to talk about any of that," Suzuki softly said.
"Y-you don't desire me at present, then?" Shyly asked Albedo.
"Desire you?" A dumbfounded Suzuki said. "Albedo, you are the most beautiful creature I've ever seen! Even if I found men attractive, I would still find you absolutely gorgeous! That's leaving aside you are a very capable overseer, and a great aide to me. I rather not have anyone else helping me rule the Great Tomb of Nazarick."
Suzuki shuddered at the thought of having Demiurge in Albedo's place. Now that was a nightmarish prospect. Albedo perked up at that.
"And what's the issue, my Lord?" Albedo demanded to know. "It is your right as the Last Supreme Being, as our sole remaining master, to take what you please!" She sounded desperate. "There's no one more worthy of my body, mind and soul in this world or any other than you, Lord Momonga!"
Suzuki sighed. He knew this conversation was going to be difficult, but he sure had underestimated just how difficult Albedo was going to make it.
"The problem is…" Suzuki needed a few seconds to compose himself. "The problem is that I am being unfair towards you. You love me… and deeply… but I-I…" he closed his eyes "…I can't reciprocate. Not now. There's so much riding on my shoulders. Above all… I'm afraid."
"Afraid?" Albedo asked.
"Yes," Suzuki nodded. "Afraid and ashamed… that and guilty."
Albedo looked so utterly baffled, she looked almost adorable. It made it far easier to carry on.
Alright Suzuki, you can do this! He told himself. Explain your feelings and situation! She will understand… hopefully. If that doesn't work, go with plan B: my body is too weak for someone as strong as Albedo. She'll no doubt understand. It isn't like she will be mad at me… right?
For some reason, he remembered the face of many New World Goblins, Trolls and Ogres, some at the hand of Albedo's orders. Suzuki shuddered at the thought of ending up like that.
"You see, Albedo, I-"
CRASH
Albedo and Suzuki snapped their heads to the door. There was quite the commotion outside. There was a lot of shouting and chaos, a surprising oddity in the realm of monsters Suzuki ruled over.
"What in the world?" Suzuki muttered with a frown.
"Stay here, my Lord," Albedo said.
Suzuki could catch a hint of fury in her voice, no doubt at the interruption. A flick of her hands later and a large bardiche with a sickly green aura appeared in her grasp. Suzuki in turn held the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown, ready to summon his Moonlight wolves if needed. An elemental, something he could summon, would be suicide in such a small room.
Thankfully, they didn't have to wait for an answer. Before long, the door opened and in walked Rubedo. She looked unperturbed.
"My Lord, Floor Guardian Shalltear Bloodfallen wishes to speak with you," said Rubedo. "She claims it is something urgent and private."
"What?! Now?! What does that-?!" Growled Albedo, before she held her tongue. She cleared her throat and said "did she say what this is about?"
"Floor Guardian Bloodfallen has not specified the reason of her urgency," mechanically replied Rubedo.
Suzuki frowned and looked at Albedo. The Overseer gritted her teeth and looked absolutely livid.
"That leech," hissed Albedo under her breath.
"Let's just hear her out before we continue with our conversation, alright Albedo?" Suzuki said.
"Of course, my love!" Albedo said with a wide smile, nothing like the angry monster that wished to tear Shalltear's body piece by piece of just a few seconds prior.
Shit, I really need to finish our conversation, thought Suzuki.
When Shalltear walked in, he surprised Suzuki by carrying a rolling cart much like the ones Sebas and the Pleiades used to bring food. There was even a covered platter and a steaming teapot. Suzuki mentally groaned as he noticed the smug smirk on her face. Something told Suzuki there was no urgent matter to deal with.
"My Lord," Shalltear courteously said with a cute curtesy towards Suzuki, before adding with some disdain, "Lady Overseer."
"Floor Guardian Shalltear, what is your business here?" Albedo asked. She raised a challenging eyebrow. "What's so urgent that it demands the Supreme One's attention?"
"Why, Lady Overseer, I merely wished to bring sustenance to our Supreme Ruler! I have noticed how troubled he has been, dedicating himself so much for our beloved Tomb, that I have found it as my top priority to offer my services!" Boasted Shalltear with a taunting smirk. "His health and welfare are, after all, always of the utmost urgency to me."
"Oh, and it has nothing to do with my love requesting a private and… personal… conversation in his quarters?" Albedo taunted with a smirk of her own.
Shalltear's smile become strained and her red eyes flashed with anger.
"Why, of course not! That would have been petty of me," Shalltear retorted. "I only seek what's best for our Supreme Lord."
Lady Overseer and Floor Guardian glared at each other, sparks flying between the two. Suzuki just sat there, wondering if he should intervene or he would get seriously injured if he tried. In the end, he glanced at the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown, which emanated a wave of reassuring power. He mentally groaned. He was the Overlord and their master; thus he had to intervene, even if it cost him a limb or two.
"A-alright, both of you," Suzuki said, clearing his throat. "Shalltear, what's…" he looked at the rolling table "…that?"
He was afraid to know, however. Knowing Peroronchino, it couldn't possibly be anything good.
"Glad you asked, my Lord," Shalltear said. "This is the fruit of my love and dedication to you, Supreme One!"
She proceeded to reveal the covered platters. Suzuki blinked at what he saw,
"Pastries?" Suzuki asked, baffled.
"You interrupted an important and vital conversation that could decide the future of the Great tomb of Nazarick for the sake of delivering food to our Lord?" Albedo growled, a murderous glint in her eyes.
"And tea!" Shalltear boldly added with a daring smirk.
"Ah, so there is also tea," dumbly replied Suzuki.
Alright, time out, what the hell is going on? Suzuki mentally whined.
"I wished to invite you to a tea later today, my Lord, but considering how busy your schedule was I knew I had to act now," Shalltear innocently explained.
"You mean during an important conversation the Supreme One was having in private with his Lady Overseer," smarmily added Albedo.
"Oh, but Lady Overseer, I had no idea you were having a little chat with our Lord," lied Shalltear through her teeth.
Once again, the two females went back to glaring, ready to rip each other's throat. By that point, Suzuki just was too emotionally drained to give a damn.
"Alright, enough both of you," Suzuki said, tapping the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown.
The two females immediately turned towards him and bowed their heads.
"You are both members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and the creations of my friends. I will not have you fighting. We have enough issues to deal with without having internal conflicts," Suzuki told them. "Shalltear, it was rude of you to interrupt this conversation. While I appreciate the effort you've put- wait, hold on, you said you made those?"
It suddenly dawned how strange it all was. Why would Peroronchino make Shalltear capable of cooking? Suzuki frowned and scratched his head. Just what the hell had Peroronchino wrote down on Shalltear's Bio? He deeply regretted not having at least given the Bio a peek.
"Yes, my Lord!" Shalltear happily chirped.
"I didn't know you could cook," Suzuki admitted.
"But of course, my Lord," Shalltear replied. "My Lord Creator, Peroronchino, wished for me to attain all the wifely skills expected of the future wife of the Supreme One!"
"The… what now?" Choked Suzuki. "Did you just say wifely skills? Wife?"
Peroronchino, you bastard, don't tell me you actually turned Shalltear into a bloody waifu! Mentally shouted Suzuki, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Why, of course, my Lord!" Shalltear proclaimed. "After all, my creator, in his last day when he came to visit me, proclaimed I would be perfect for you!"
Suzuki felt an eye twitch. Yeah, that sounded something Peroronchino would do as one last joke. He probably had expected Suzuki to read Shalltear's Bio at some point. His anger and irritation at Peroronchino's childish joke, however, was replaced with a feeling of fondness. Peroronchino had always teased Suzuki about getting a girlfriend, even if he failed in the relationship department as badly as (if not worse that) Suzuki. Alongside Ulbert, the three of them would constantly joke about it.
Thinking about Ulbert Alain Odle, Suzuki wondered if he too hadn't left a few surprises for him before his departure. Suzuki doubted it, since he had read Demiurge's Bio more than enough times after Ulbert's departure. But maybe, he would have to search in Demiurge's lair? Ulbert was obsessed with villainy, so maybe Suzuki had to look a bit deeper – maybe some secret room meant for Suzuki's eyes only.
The fond memories were quickly replaced with the pain of loss. Suzuki missed Peroronchino and Ulbert, and much to Suzuki's shame, a bit more so than other Guild-members. He could still remember the day Peroronchino had contacted him, only to announce he was leaving the game and giving all of his equipment and gear to Momonga. That day had been particularly painful…
I should look at the bright side, Suzuki thought. At least he didn't leave Shalltear as some crazy kinky loli… although knowing Peroronchino he no doubt left that part untouched.
When he broke out of his ruminations, he realized he had missed a whole lot of insults and barbs thrown between the two females. In fact, they had reverted to terrifying jealous females, hissing at each other.
"Alright, both of you, cut it!" Demanded Suzuki, this time angrily slamming the staff.
He took a moment to give his best chastising face at each of them before he carried on talking.
"As I was saying, you are both members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and as such I expect both of you to at least be cordial and civil to each other. I will not have my people fighting against each other, no matter the reason," Suzuki stated. "Shalltear, I appreciate the effort made and your intentions, but you were definitely rude with your interruption. You meant well, but it is no urgent matter. Albedo, you are the Floor Guardian Overseer, I expect you to be better than this."
"Yes, my Lord," the two admonished females said with sad pouts.
Suzuki sighed, rubbing his face.
"Really, Shalltear, what drove you to try to interrupt my conversation with Albedo?" Suzuki asked.
"A very important conversation at that, my love," added Albedo with a huff.
"I-I merely wished to spend more time with you, my Lord," meekly said Shalltear. "Since I spend all my time hunting while you sleep, and you are so busy most of the time when you are awake…"
Suzuki sighed once again. Great, yet more problems piling up on his shoulders. However, as frustrated as he was with more work, Suzuki couldn't help but feel guilt swell in his gut.
"You are correct, Shalltear," Suzuki softly said. "I have been neglectful, to all of you. Unfortunately, there are too many matters to deal with."
"But my Lord, it can't do you any good to be constantly working," Shalltear cutely said.
Instead of the cutesy look she was no doubt trying to convey, Suzuki felt like a workaholic parent being asked by his neglected daughter about his absence. He winced at that.
"Yes, you are right," Suzuki nodded.
Great, now I feel like a jerk for not spending more time with the Guardians, he thought. I need to figure out how to spend at least some hours a week with each Guardian, and maybe other NPCs, outside work. If only there wasn't so much to do…
"Our Lord has more important matters than us," Albedo chimed in, glaring at Shalltear. "He is concerned for the welfare of all of us, and the future of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. He doesn't have time to waste with mere servants."
"Except for you, I suppose," snorted Shalltear.
Albedo replied with only a smirk, one that irritated Shalltear to no end.
"Albedo," Suzuki said. "I might be your master, but that is no excuse to be neglectful. All I am trying to achieve is for all of you, after all. It would defeat the purpose if I ignored the very same people I am trying to take care of."
"Y-yes, of course, my Lord," Albedo said, looking chastised.
Suzuki slumped back on his seat. What the hell was he supposed to do now? He still had to talk things over with Albedo. At the same time, he was curious about Shalltear's mysterious culinary arts. Perhaps he shouldn't take the NPCs for granted, even if he thought he knew all about them. Now that they were alive, they were bound to become more dynamic.
Could they even grow out of their initial programing? Wondered Suzuki. He had to know.
"Come, Shalltear, join us," Suzuki decided.
Shalltear beamed while Albedo looked aghast.
"Don't get me wrong, I will come up with some punishment for your rude interruption. I do not decide to hold private conversations lightly, and I do expect only urgent matters to interrupt them," Suzuki decided.
Shalltear grimaced and Albedo smiled with satisfaction.
"I apologize, Albedo, but I suppose we can finish our talk later today," Suzuki said.
"Yes, my Lord," Albedo excitedly replied, face gaining a lustful look that sent shivers down Suzuki's spine. "Perhaps a private dinner, like the one on your first night in your current form?"
Urgh, what have I gotten myself into? Mentally cried Suzuki.
"I suppose," sighed a resigned Suzuki.
Albedo squealed in delight, all while Shalltear looked absolutely murderous.
"N-now, how about we enjoy the pastries Shalltear has so graciously brought," Suzuki said before the two females started fighting.
When Suzuki gave the pastries a try, he was absolutely amazed. He had feared Shalltear might have not been as skilled in cooking as she believed. Thus, after the first bite, Suzuki had to hold back before he started chugging down the food. Albedo and Shalltear, on the other hand, decided to just glare murderously at each other on the sofa opposite Suzuki and ignore the food (and their master) entirely.
"Wow, these are great!" Suzuki said.
"Why, thank you, Supreme One," purred Shalltear, delighted. "Lord Peroronchino made sure to equip me with all the necessary skills, going as far as giving me Master Artisan Cooking skill."
Suzuki choked on a pastry at that.
"My Lord!" Cried the two females.
Suzuki coughed, and took a sip of tea. Once he had recovered, he turned to the vampire.
"He did what?" Suzuki asked, shocked. "He actually gave you a Crafting Skill?"
That meant that at some point, Peroronchino must have actually paid to add the skills and Suzuki had been none the wiser. It made Suzuki wonder just what other things had been added. Truth to be told, he had actually expected Peroronchino to boast such things… wait, hadn't he? Suzuki scrunched his face, trying to remember their conversations.
"Only Cooking skills? Given our food situation, such skill certainly comes as inconvenient and, dare I say, useless," taunted Albedo.
"Mind your tongue, Lady Overseer," hissed Shalltear. "My cooking skills were given to me by a Supreme Being!"
"It is a pity it is such a useless skill, though," stated Albedo with a faint smirk. "My Tailoring Skills, on the other hand…" he turned to Suzuki. "They have been of great use to you, haven't they, Supreme One?"
Suzuki tried very hard to fight off the blush forming in his face. It was kind of embarrassing to know some of the underwear he was currently wearing had been done by the sole Tailor Master Artisan in the entire Tomb of Nazarick, who so happened to be Albedo. She had given more clothing to other NPCs, but that didn't mean Suzuki felt any less embarassed. Of course, of all the guild members, Tabula Smaragdina had to give Albedo crafting skills of her own, being such a nutjob for details and a completionist to heart.
"Well, our Supreme Ruler appears to be currently enjoying my skills," retorted Shalltear. "Isn't that right, Supreme One?"
"These are pretty good," conceded Suzuki. "Did you use any data crystals?"
"Of course not, my lord," Shalltear said with a bow. "You forbade their use and they have all been stored in the treasury as commanded."
That didn't mean Peroronchino couldn't have hidden a few in Shalltear while Suzuki wasn't looking. Suzuki was really starting to worry about all the things he had missed in the tomb. He really needed to meet up with the NPCs, if only to make sure he understood them as well as he thought he did.
"I used flour obtained from the New World Goblins and different ingredients from the forest brought and identified by Mare," Shalltear added. "I merely offered my skills to verify their use in high grade food items, and after verifying they were edible, I wished for you, our Supreme Lord, to examine my hard work."
"Well done, Shalltear," Suzuki said with genuine interest. "I commend your initiative."
"Thank you, Supreme One," squeaked the blushing vampire. "I am not worthy of your praise!"
Seriously, how come all the undead NPCs don't follow their lore? Shalltear shouldn't be blushing like that, much less produce body heat like when she is flustered, Suzuki wondered. It was still a question that baffled the Overlord.
"So, just to be clear, what did you manage to make?" Suzuki asked, looking down at the pastries.
"Nothing worthy of a Supreme Being, I'm afraid," sighed Shalltear. "Merely level Forty Baklava of Vitality, Cream horns of Austerity and Ma'amouls of Spirit."
She managed to create all of these with such mundane stuff? Thought Suzuki, back in Yggrassil a cook would have needed at least level thirty five data crystals with food variables.
"You dare feed our Supreme Master with such low level items?" Albedo angrily said.
"I achieved quite a feat considering the low grade reagents at my disposal," retorted Shalltear.
Here they go again, mentally groaned Suzuki.
How come such fearsome creatures act like children? No, not just them… they all act like this. One moment they are as dangerous as any monster, and then, right the next instant, they are petty and bickering with each other over irrelevant stuff like brats.
Even if it was far from helpful, particularly for his stress, Suzuki could only smile fondly.
Well, they are the Children of Ainz Ooal Gown, after all, born from the effort and dedication of the guild, mused Suzuki. A pity I really suck at dealing with children… wish Yamaiko was here for that.
When he focused back on the two squabbling females, they were back to hissing and spitting at each other. Suzuki decided to let them be for now and eat the pastries. They sure were good, after all.
There was a knock on the door. Albedo and Shalltear stopped their bickering and snapped their heads towards the entrance, glaring at the interruption. In walked Rubedo, much like she had before.
"My Lord," said the metallic angel. "Lords Demiurge, Cocytus and Sebas wish to speak to you about an urgent matter."
Suzuki got to his feet, stuffed his mouth with a handful of pastries and dusted his hands off before summoning the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown to him. The staff made his displeasure at being handled with dirty hands rather clear, much to Suzuki's amusement.
"Let them in," Suzuki said, moving to his desk.
Albedo and Shalltear also got to their feet, with the Overseer moving to Suzuki's right, and Shalltear to a side. How they decided on such arrangements? Suzuki wasn't sure, but it seemed it was some sort of unspoken hierarchy. Perhaps part of their programming.
In came Demiurge, followed by Sebas and Cocytus. To Suzuki's surprise, Nigredo came behind Demiurge. All three Floor Guardians knelt before Suzuki's desk, while Nigredo did so behind the three. Again, Suzuki wasn't sure where the strange formalities and hierarchies came from. He was, however, more surprised by the sense of urgency in their movement. It wasn't every day that they walked so quickly to kneel in front of him; they generally liked to take their dignified time.
"My Lord, we've come to inform you that the human village nearest to Nazarick is under attack," Demiurge said.
"Demiurge, I don't think I gave you leave to go after the humans," Suzuki said, fighting the urge to smack his face against something in exasperation.
"I am sorry to disappoint you, Supreme One, but I am not behind this attack… much as it pains me to admit it," Demiurge wistfully sighed.
Really? It isn't Demiurge doing the killing this time? Suzuki thought, dumbfounded.
To Suzuki's chagrin, Demiurge sounded sincerely disappointed. Figures. Suzuki, on his part, was baffled. If it wasn't Demiurge organizing the death of innocents, then who? Suzuki quickly shook his head and turned to the kneeling woman behind the Floor Guardians.
"Nigredo, destroy the village's anti-clairvoyance wards and show me the human village!" Suzuki commanded.
"It shall be done, Supreme One!" Replied Albedo's sister.
The faceless woman stood up and moved behind the Overlord. Suzuki did his best to avoid staring at her exposed flesh and pearl-white teeth as she moved. From the wall behind the Overlord, she summoned the Mirror of Remote Viewing and expertly worked on it.
Nigredo immediately started casting powerful counters to anti-divination spells. Suzuki was definitely surprised mere human villagers employed means to deflect his servant's far sight, and it made him rather paranoid, to the point of ordering the NPCs to only keep an eye on the humans from a distance. The last thing he wanted was to make the humans panic due to some unknown presence spying on them. That and it reminded Suzuki of the PK strategies Punitto Moe had instilled on all of the guild-members of Ainz Ooal Gown. They had to be careful not to be detected by any potential players.
We'll need to learn how humans and New World Goblins fight with magic; they clearly have generations of magical warfare to master the craft, Suzuki thought.
Finally, Nigredo finished casting her last spell and a loud hum was heard coming from the mirror. She turned around and bowed, informing Suzuki she had destroyed whatever had been blocking her clairvoyance by overwhelming them with her superior counter spells. The die had been cast; the humans would no doubt know someone was spying on them. She then proceeded to use the Mirror of Remote Viewing with ease.
Suzuki was definitely jealous with the way the NPC could work so flawlessly with that darn object. It couldn't be helped, though. As the highest ranking Diviner of Nazarick, she had the ability to find pretty much anything, ideal when trying to search something to watch in the Mirror of Remote Viewing.
Before long, Suzuki was looking at the mirror like a Television. Instead of a cartoon or something fun, however, Suzuki found himself staring at a horrible sight: a massacre. From the top view a good hundred meters from the ground, it was easy to see much of what was happening below. The village tall wooden walls had been breached with its gates torn down (magical explosion by the looks of it), and the villagers were fighting for their lives.
"Eastern knights," Suzuki realized immediately.
This is bad! Suzuki thought as cold sweat gathered on his face. This could be the first spark of war between the two nations!
Should Suzuki intervene? If he did, the villagers would saved and no doubt thankful for it but that would probably put Nazarick against the Eastern nation, who thus far had proven to have far more competent soldiers and better roads. If he did nothing, however, there was risk that the Western nation would take matters on their own hands and counter-attack, perhaps even mobilize armies. It would take only scouts of their armies to spot the new hills made to conceal the Tomb of Nazarick before things spiraled into people actually venturing into the Tomb. No, he had to intervene.
Without being asked to, Nigredo zoomed into the village, allowing Suzuki to get a good view of the fighting taking place. He didn't recoil, but his stomach lurched as he saw a man getting slashed down. Even if Suzuki had the misfortune of already witnessing a lot of gore scenes (courtesy of Demiurge and other NPCs unrepentant brutality and sadism), seeing the fighting take place was new to him.
The fighting was beyond intense. Villagers, men with long beard and thick arms, tried to fend off the attackers with weapons of the moment: spears, axes, bows and arrows, even scythes, hoes and spades. There were women who had joined the fray, fighting alongside the men with spears and shields of their own (something that reminded Suzuki of the tale of Viking shield-maidens). Sadly, their enemies appeared to be far better equipped, mounting large horses, clad in plated armor and wielding swords and kite-shields.
It didn't take long to spot something that drew his attention to such a point he almost forgot of the bloodshed.
A tall male muscular villager, wielding an axe, was protecting a pair of girls, a teenager and a child. He was facing two knights, both of which held their ground with drawn swords. The man suddenly glowed in a red light and charged an incredible speed at the knights. Much to Suzuki's mounting shock, the knights glowed yellow and took up guarding stances. The axe-man sent one of the knights backwards before engaging the other knight with equal power. The enemy who was sent backwards, however, landed on his feet and much intact, as if the blow had done nothing.
"I have never seen such magic before," commented Albedo.
Suzuki was startled once again when he realized all the Floor Guardians were all watching the scenes behind him. It was a good thing none realized they had almost made Suzuki jump out of his chair. He inconspicuously focused back on the mirror.
"They resemble Warrior skills," Cocytus said. "No, more like-"
"Monk physical abilities, but with weapons," Sebas interrupted. "How odd and fascinating."
"Indeed," Cocytus nodded. "Quite an interesting martial prowess. I don't recall seeing any New World Goblins using such magic. I wonder how strong those strikes truly are…"
"They don't look that impressive," Shalltear said with a raised eyebrow. "Those humans look rather pathetic."
"It can't be helped. They are humans after all," Demiurge said with a smirk and adjusting his glasses. "It would definitely be easy to wipe them out…"
Suzuki noticed the axe man locked weapons with the knight he was fighting and shouted something at the girls behind him. The teenager girl broke out of her stupor, picked up who Suzuki guessed was her younger sister, and made a run for it.
"This is a perfect opportunity, my Lord," Demiurge purred in delight. "We can swoop in after the battle is over and interrogate the survivors. Perhaps we will manage to crack their language and expand our knowledge on this world. We could also make ourselves with their food stocks."
"We could get some human blood for once," Shalltear said, licking her lips. "It would be an improvement on what we have found in the forest, that's for sure."
"There could be a human with enough skill to serve as a slave for Nazarick," Albedo said. "But perhaps we should kill them all before they rise a fuzz, Supreme One."
"My Lord! If we could catch one of the Eastern knights, I would gladly try to assess its strength and determine the potential military prowess of the Eastern nation," Cocytus interceded.
"Ah, experimentation would be a fine goal too," an excited Demiurge added.
Sebas remained awfully quiet and still. Even so, Suzuki could tell he didn't agree with any of the suggestions thus far. If Suzuki had to guess, he probably lined up more with his creator: Touch Me, the ever righteous paladin.
On his part, Suzuki had no idea what to do. Should he help? Should he attack? Wait after the massacre was over? Oh God, that massacre… he had to stop it, right? God, what would have his friends wanted to do?
My friends wouldn't have stood idle, thought Suzuki all of a sudden.
He sat up straight, knowing down to his core he was right. Touch Me wouldn't stand to innocent villagers getting slaughtered. Even Ulbert would have agreed (or maybe not if he stayed in character).
But does intervening benefit the Tomb of Nazarick in any way? A dark part of himself pondered. I am the ruler of this place and already responsible for the lives of thousands…
Yet deep down he knew he couldn't just sit there and watch, not with all the horrors being shown. He had the power to help. Hell, it could even assist the Tomb in the long run. Having a favorable relationship with the nearest village could aid them in regards to establishing trade with the Western human nation for food instead of invading it, not to mention allow more time and opportunities to learn the human tongue.
Suzuki glanced at the mirror, only to see the father axe-man getting killed. He felt sick at the sight, but he felt his heart leap as the two knights chased after the two girls. Horrible images flashed across his mind, things that he knew soldiers used to do in those times during sieges back on Earth. No, he definitely would not stand idle.
The Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown sent a wave of power across Suzuki's entire being. Suzuki, in turn, smirked, confidence swelling in his gut.
"Guardians!" Suzuki said, rising to his feet.
The five guardians dropped to their knees the next instant. This time, Suzuki didn't care about it, stomping out of his seat and around his desk.
"Sebas, prepare the Pleaides for combat! Demiurge, mobilize the Shadow Flayers and inform Aura and Mare about the situation! Cocytus, have the Myrmidons at the ready! Shalltear, Albedo, gear up!"
"Understood, my Lord!" The Guardians chorused.
Shalltear and Albedo both grabbed their clothes and pulled. Instead of reaping their dresses apart, they instead appeared clad in fully armored attires. It was a strange sight to get used to, but Suzuki had already seen NPCs undo their Cosmetic skins a couple of times to care. That and he was more concerned about the human villagers.
Suzuki paused, and turned to the Guardians with a grin.
"Let's go, my servants. We are finally going to meet the humans of this world!" proclaimed Lord Momonga, ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
Enri Emmot ran for her life. Tears wet her cheeks as she rushed into the forest near her village, holding tight to her little sister Nemu. Behind her, the small area she had known for her entire life was burning to ashes, filled with the sound of war and metal clashing. Behind her, everyone she knew was fighting and dying against those accursed knights.
Why had they been attacked? Who were they? Imperial Knights from the Baharuth Empire? That was all Enri could think about as she ran.
"Catch the girl!"
Enri was snapped out of her thoughts. She glanced back, only for fear to claw at her heart. The two knights her father had fended off were following her. That could only mean one thing: her father was dead.
Tightening her hold on her sister, Enri pushed her body harder and tried to pick up speed. Her only hope was to lose her pursuers in the Forest of Tob. There were terrifying monsters in there, not to mention the Wise King of the Forest who accepted no trespassers in his territory, but she would have to risk it. Perhaps, if she made it deep inside, when the trees got thicker, where there was more shade…
But it wouldn't be. She heard it before she saw it. Enri glanced back, only to see one of the Knights already upon her. Enri could see the telltale signs of Martial Arts still imbuing the attacker as a faint reddish glow around him. Her thoughts were cut short by pain as the knight's sword descend on her back.
Enri screamed, falling down. But even in that state, even when all she knew was agony, she turned just in time to protect her little sister from harm. It was instinctual, actually, even when she knew such a thing changed little. They were doomed, about to be killed or worse.
The knight stood over her, panting, before his companion finally caught up. They both looked down on her, blades drenched in red.
"Should- should we kill the child?" One of the knights asked.
Enri groaned, but made sure to keep Nemu beneath her. She cried, tears dropping on the dirt, as the two siblings held onto each other.
"You know our orders," the second knight whispered.
"P-Please…" Enri wheezed, tasting the metal taste of blood in her mouth. "S-Spare her…"
"Enri!" Sobbed Nemu.
The two knights grimaced, exchanging looks.
"She's just a child," said the first knight, the one who managed to wound Enri. "She won't survive on her own."
The second knight sighed and shook his head.
"Let's just be quick about it," he said. "It will be a mercy; she'll starve alone, or be eaten by some filthy non-human."
The first knight grunted but didn't say anything else, instead clenching his weapon tighter.
Enri prayed to the Gods, for that was all she could do. It was in that last moment of defeat, that moment in which she despaired, that she found herself unable to contain her anger at her helplessness. She cursed the Gods for abandoning her and her village. She cursed their Feudal Lord for failing to protect them. She cursed everyone and everything.
Enri had never felt such seething hatred in her life, especially one that burned without a target. It couldn't be helped, though. She had a simple life back at the village, some would have call it a happy life, even if it was far from easy or peaceful. Even if the world had been filled with pain and injustice, Enri had learned to make the best of everyday. Her parents had taught her as much, and she had done so up until that moment.
Enri couldn't give a damn about her own life. Her sister, on the other hand, she wanted to protect. Enri wanted Nemu to live, not to die so early and young. She deserved more than such a untimely end.
Curse them them all, Enri thought, gritting her teeth and hugging her sobbing sister even tighter. If an Evil Deity comes for my soul in exchange of my sister, I'll freely give it!
However, the moment of bitterness, so unlike her, vanished, as resignation settled. There was no point in cursing and damning herself.
Enri kept her eyes closed, holding her sister, and waited. And waited. She opened her eyes as she realized that her attackers hadn't finished them off. In fact, she noticed they weren't speaking or doing anything. Slowly, she glanced back, only to find both knights staring straight ahead with visible horror.
Enri slowly, so very slowly, looked up ahead, her heart drumming with adrenaline. Dead ahead, cutting through the air like a veil, was a pitch void… and from within, two armored beings came out. Enri stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she was seeing, and neither did the knights. As if born from the darkest pits of the night itself, the individuals walked out.
Both were women but they couldn't be more different one from the other. One was a mature woman with golden eyes and pitch black hair draping down her horned helmet. Her entire armor was black, including the midnight black wings that protruded from slightly above her waist. The other one looked as young as a teenager, perhaps even a preteen, with long white hair, blood red eyes and unmoving white wings coming out of her back.
Only one time of creature has such type of wings attached to their back.
Angels, Enri realized.
The dying girl had never seen one, but there were tales about them, being servants of the Gods that were summoned by soldiers of the Slane Theocracy in battle. Winged, beautiful and, above all, deadly. However, Enri could tell these weren't average angels. There was something that brought fear instead of hope in Enri's heart. Those predatory eyes of theirs and the void portal from whence they came made Enri absolutely sure that whatever those creature were, they were evil.
The Dark Angels (for that was all Enri could call them) didn't even say anything. They charged at incredible speeds and, in an instant, the knights were subdued. The black-clad one held one of the knights by the throat, while the other one was keeping him under her boot.
Enri blinked as a shadow descended on her. She snapped her head straight ahead again. The black void hadn't disappeared. In fact, another being came out of it. It was another angel, clad in glimmering silver plated armor with a purple tabard. Her wings, though, were made of metal, and the strange spear weapon she carried gave that metal angel a foreign appearance, as if she came from somewhere other than the Kingdom or the Empire.
The Metal Angel surveyed the area before she stepped aside, and remained vigilant. Just when Enri thought she had seen enough unique beings pop out from void-like portals, another being stepped out.
This one shocked Enri for all different reasons than the Angels.
Dressed in an expensive set of black robes with dark purple trims that flapped under a wind of its own, he strolled in like a king. On one hand, Enri saw a long golden staff with seven glowing gems of different colors. He looked like a human, but one Enri had never imagined or heard off. True, she hadn't met many foreigners, but Enri was sure no humans had such eyes, narrowed and angled. That was leaving the fact that there were no ordinary eyeballs in those eye-sockets. Those black void eyes of his, and the burning red lights in them, made Enri shudder in fear.
The girl was startled when the Dark Angels spoke, addressing the robed human-like being. She didn't understand their language, but by the way they bowed and the tone, it was something said with the utmost respect and, dare she say, devotion. The Dark Angels, Enri quickly realized, served that kingly creature.
The Dark Lord (as Enri decided to call him) gave a look of disgust at the subdued knights that cried in pain as the Dark Angels kept them restrained. Then, his face went to Enri, and the young girl worried. What would he do to her? Had she been rescued or was she about to meet a worse fate? To Enri's surprise (and relief), he frowned in concern.
Then, the Dark Lord approached. To Enri's mounting shock, the man extended his hand into the air and straight into a black void, before he pulled it back only to reveal a vial of something. Had he created that out of thin air? Enri had to reconsider the previous term. This wasn't a Dark Lord; he might be a Dark God, or an Evil Deity!
The Dark God knelt before Enri and Nemu, the Metal Angel angling her sword-spear as if to warn the two humans against any sudden movements. He offered the vial to Enri, revealing that it held a weird red liquid. He said a few soothing words in his foreign tongue before making a drinking gesture and gave her a surprisingly timid smile. For a Dark God, he was strangely shy (and was that awkwardness in his demeanor?). More importantly, their intentions couldn't have been clearer: these dark entities wanted Enri to drink the red liquid.
Was it blood? What would it do to her?
Enri suddenly remembered her dark prayers. Had they been answered by that Dark God? Was he now claiming his prize?
In all truth, Enri hadn't meant to curse her gods. It hadn't been their fault there was wickedness in the world, that man failed man all the time. However, it seemed she should have been more careful with her desires, for it was now to pay her dues. Resigned, Enri gave a sad smile and nodded. She reached for the vial and-
"Enri no!" Nemu shouted.
Enri was surprised when she noticed her little sister standing in front of her, trying to protect Enri from the Dark God. The Dark God was surprised at first, only to give a genuine (and sheepish) smile. The Dark Angels, however, reacted differently. Enri shuddered as she heard their angry voices spewing insults in that tongue of theirs. The Metal Angel, on the other hand, merely raised her weapon, ready to strike Nomu down. It took one raised hand from their Lord for the three to regain their composure and bow respectfully.
"Don't drink it, Enri!" Nemu begged. "It is blood!"
Enri gave her sister a pat on her head. Oh poor child, she didn't understand that this was the price she was going to pay for her prayers. Perhaps it would be for the best. Perhaps that Dark God would be kind to her and her little sister.
"It's alright, Nemu," Enri softly said, before gently pushing Nemu aside and accepting the vial.
Enri didn't hesitate. She removed the stopper and took a gulp of liquid. She had come to terms with her fate.
Abruptly, Enri gasped. Her body glowed under a green light and, just like that, all her pain was lifted off her. She knelt up, unable to believe she felt fine. Confused, Enri looked at her wound, only to find nothing more than her exposed back. The clothing was still cut but the flesh was looking as good as new. How? Enri looked at the vial in her hands.
Was it a healing potion? No, it couldn't be! Healing potions were blue-
Enri's eyes widened and she nearly dropped the vial. Almost. A memory came to mind, a memory of a good friend sharing a tale about the true color of healing potions, who were blue but rumor had it the purest and greatest of healing potions were red. According to legend, the scarlet color was because the truest of healing potions were the blood of Gods.
"Wh-what did… it healed you?" A confused Nemu asked, only to gasp and turn to the Dark God, face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
The little girl repeated bowed towards the Dark God, who was averting his eyes with visible embarrassment of his own. Enri couldn't help it, she laughed and bowed as well, tears of relief in her eyes. To her own surprise, the Dark Lord laughed as well, much to the confusion and surprise of his servants. He then did something unexpected.
He stood up, stepped forward and offered his hand to her.
The Dark Angels protested and the Metal Angel just stared, as if unsure it wasn't a signal to kill the two girls. Their lord, however, ignored them all and instead offered a kind smile at Enri. It was with the light and the proximity that Enri discovered that the once odd looking features of his face had gained a strange appeal to them. He was by no mean otherworldly handsome, but Enri couldn't deny he had something that was definitely attractive to her. Even those creepy pitch-black eyes and their red fiery glowing dots had gained an allure of their own.
The young peasant girl shyly accepted the offered hand of the Dark Lord. Her rather calloused hand found smooth unblemished skin; it was the hand of a Lord. Then, Enri was pulled up, her brown eyes never living the magical eyes of her savior. Their gazes remained locked, mesmerized in each other's eyes.
That was how the Overlord met the Peasant. Little did they know about the path that laid in store for them.
Author Notes: Ha, ha! Enri and Momonga have finally met!
So, anyways, should Momonga get a harem? Should I include other humans, like Lakyus?
Trust me when I tell you, I have weird and rare ships in mind, so I don't really mind changing them to what you people prefer. I really wouldn't mind any other suggestions either.
I hope you liked the chapter. Thanks for your reviews. I hope I can get you read your opinions and criticisms!
Cheers,
The Emerald Commander