A/N: HybridTux123, the reason Seatto is still there is because it wasn't destroyed in the First Wave kudos to the efforts of Nazarick. And it amazes me I got one review saying they hated PDL, and the other one saying they hated Fitoria- so I guess who were you guys rooting for then?
There might be people stronger than Fitoria, and looking back maybe making her near level 90 was an overestimation of her abilities, but the fact still remains that Suzuki and his NPCs aren't limited to being only level 100 now given they have the SMS system to work with too, so I don't see it being a problem. Yes, level 100 isn't a cap for the Shield Hero world, but one level there isn't equivalent to a level from Yggdrasil from what I've seen.
A strange frogperson hovered above in the sky before descending earthward. At least, it looked like a frogperson, but within seconds it had morphed into the figure of a man- to that of Demiurge.
Demiurge landed back near the Great Tomb, however he was not his normal collected self today.
He even bumped right into Shalltear on his way to the Throne Room. But even Shalltear was off-balance today, and didn't even seem angry that he had run right into her. Her chest piece was also on wrong, but she didn't care about that or try to correct it when the collision caused it to shift even more out of place.
"Did you hear from Momonga-sama recently?" Shalltear asked.
"I was going to ask you the same thing," Demiurge said. A cold wind had passed over him a while ago, and the display usually visible to him showed Momonga's name greyed out. The messaging system was also down. "Could you contact him?"
"I tried using the [Message] spell but couldn't connect with him," Shalltear said.
"Hmm, but, there are places where that spell cannot connect, or ways it can be blocked," Demiurge said, reassuring himself more than Shalltear. "Ah, Sebas!" Demiurge cried out as the butler came into view. Normally the two would be at each other's throats on most matters, but given the circumstances, Demiurge was quite glad to see the man. "I just wished to inquire why it is that my display has suddenly changed- and I wished to make sure that Momonga-sama was alright."
Sebas smiled and reassured him that Momonga-sama was just working on a project and had to disconnect from the system for a bit- and this also meant that Shalltear's spells such as [Message] couldn't reach him.
That was what Demiurge had hoped would happen, or else that he would see his master turn right around the corner behind the butler.
"I was about to tell you about that," Sebas said. "Unfortunately, Momonga-sama has... disappeared."
"Disappeared!?" both Shalltear and Demiurge cried out.
"We do not know his whereabouts right now," Sebas said.
Demiurge took a step back- it felt like the world was spinning around him. "How- how could you let this happen!" Sebas was one of the NPCs responsible for security on the Eighth Floor of Nazarick, and as such, if something had happened to Momonga, Sebas would have been nearby, at the very least, if an intruder managed to make their way to that point Sebas must've encountered them.
"I..." Sebas said, trailing off. "Guardian Overseer Albedo has asked all Floor Guardians to report to the Throne Room in an hour. Kindly do so." He turned around.
"Wait! You can't just say nothing and turn around!" Shalltear screamed at him. "What happened to my Momonga-sama? Why wasn't that bitch of a gorilla doing her job?"
"She will answer you in time," Sebas said. He took out a pocket watch. "Actually, this was one of the last places I had to visit before I went to the Throne Room myself. Do get there with all haste."
He could have done this all with the [Message] spell, but a matter of this gravity had to be handled with utmost care and it was best he go in person to talk with everyone. As a matter of fact, though he had visited all the floors, there was someone who he also had to inform of the situation and bring along with himself. Though not specifically requested by Albedo, they would want to be there. And that person's input could be quite valuable.
"Hmm?" Suzuki said. "What's so bad about the name Pandora's Actor Jr.- oh wait, you're a girl. Then again, that name is supposed to be a unisex name but given the original owner is a male, or at least-"
The bird began flapping its wings.
"Are you hungry? Hmm, so what should I feed it?" Suzuki wondered.
A villager piped up. "I worked on a Filolial farm once- they eat bean paste when little, but when they get older they'll eat anything. Wait- I'll just go get some!"
Melty stared at Suzuki with starry eyes. "Is it okay if I feed her, Sir Shield Hero?"
"No," Suzuki said, shooting her down.
"Eh?" Melty said, not expecting to be rejected like that.
Lord Seatto cleared his throat. "While it is wonderful that your new companion has hatched, Shield Hero, I think we should return to discussing more important matters."
"Ah, right!" Melty said, regaining her former demeanor. "Shield Hero, there is a favor I wished to ask of you. But first, let's find a more fitting place to talk."
"I believe the nearby church will suffice," Lord Seatto said as they all made their way there.
The newly hatched Filolial chirped in glee as Suzuki fed it the bean paste, with Melty looking at him jealously. Honestly- it seemed as if the girl like Filolials a bit too much.
"To make things short, Shield Hero, your presence in the First Wave of Calamity led to a multitude of forces moving in unison," Melty said. "The other countries blamed us for summoning a Hero early, particularly Shieldfreeden and Siltvelt. This meant that my mother, the Queen, was bogged down with dealing with these other nations. Within our country, the Church of Three Heroes has also begun acting, preying on the rumors that you summoned an army of demons to label you a 'devil' so to say."
Suzuki felt no need to correct her and point out that those were no rumors- he indeed could summon an army of demons. Or at least, he was able to, when he commanded Nazarick's forces.
"You say all of this," Suzuki said. "But you didn't mention anything about the accusation made against me."
"I wasn't involved in that, and neither was mother!" Melty said. "Big Sis has always coveted the crown, and my position as heir! I don't know what's gotten into her."
She then sighed. "There is an ancient artifact, a national treasure of our country, that has recently been stolen. It is a replica of the Legendary Weapons, and I have reason to believe strongly that the Church is involved. I request your help, Shield Hero, in retrieving the weapon and putting an end to the Church's powers. Our knights are tied up elsewhere, and the Church itself has its orders of priests and paladins. I don't have the necessary soldiers to take them on if it came to an open battle, but with the help of the Heroes, yourself included, I could-"
"No need to worry!" Eclair shouted out. "You have my sword!"
"And my bow!" "And my axe!"
Cheers like that erupted from the people gathered around them.
"Count me out," Suzuki said.
"E-Eh?!" Melty stuttered, once again not expecting to be rejected so harshly. "W-Why?"
"First of all, I don't trust you- but let's put a pin in that grenade for now, shall we?" Suzuki said. "Even if I do trust you, it's clear that you're not able to defend or control your own country. I see no real point in allying myself with you- the best thing for me at this point is to simply cross over to Siltvelt or Shieldfreeden and train there."
Eclair turned her sword to Suzuki. "What kind of Hero are you? Have you no honor or sense of justice? What of helping out the weak and needy?"
Lord Seatto said, "Sheathe your sword, Eclair- that man saved my life and that of many others here."
"Well," Melty said, huffing a little. "Haven't you gotten this far thanks to the Royal Family's financial support? Don't you owe us that much?"
Suzuki laughed. "Financial support?" He then glared at her. "You literally took me away from the closest thing I have to family- this pitiful stack of coins you gave me is nothing compared to what I have been forced faced in your country." He looked out the door. "I came here to talk to Raphtalia's parents, but if they aren't here, I see no reason to stay any longer. I think I'll leave a letter though, before going on my way."
"Wait!" Eclair said. "I challenge you to a duel! If you lose, you will help us support Princess Melty!"
Suzuki paused. "And why would I accept a challenge like that?"
Eclair stuttered.
"So, you are the type who believe that people in real life act like those in stories and would accept that kind of a bet- that kind of a duel is completely to my disadvantage, given I hold only a Shield, and would gain nothing if I win," Suzuki said. He got up and turned to a few of the villagers. "Thank you for your support- and for the bean paste and knowledge in raising Filolials. But, I will bid you adieu now."
"Wait- what if I offer myself up as hostage?" Eclair asked.
"I doubt that would sway the Queen if push came to shove," Suzuki said. "I could take Princess Melty over here hostage instead- but if she has another heir then well, that would just make this one disposable. Not to mention what do I do if I am betrayed? Kill her? That would leave that other girl as the heiress to this nation's throne, something no doubt she would be very happy about. No, there is no way for me to trust you like that."
Melty's face turned a bright shade of red. "Mother and Father would never consider their daughters to be just-"
"And even if I could trust you, there is nothing to be gained in helping you," Suzuki said.
Melty watched his retreating form and darted her eyes around the room. What could she do? Force would not work against this man.
Many of the demi-humans also seemed to want Suzuki to stay given that they supported the Queen, but they did not attempt to stop him. The reason was simple: they felt they already owed the Shield Hero their lives, and to ask more of him was something none of them could do with a clean conscience.
"Wait!" Rifana shouted out after Suzuki as he left. "Shield Hero- please take me along! Let me join your party!"
There were more such cries as Suzuki made his way out of the village, but he ignored all of them. Bad rumors would spread about him if it was known that he was travelling with a little girl like Rifana, and while he didn't feel like the other demi-humans were malevolent in any way, he could also tell that they weren't that strong. In other words, the benefits he would get from partnering up with them were limited.
He narrated a letter to someone who could write, addressing it to Roran and Katrina, and with that, made his move for the border.
The atmosphere within the Great Tomb had changed. Rather than the usual movements of purpose carried out by the staff it was instead filled with NPCs wandering around aimlessly, wondering if the world was ending. Even someone like Lupusregina no longer carried her usual carefree smile, and Eclair found himself so distracted he was unable to clean even a small section of the floor. Though none of them dared voice what they thought in their hearts, and though no official word had come from the Floor Guardians, they all felt it.
A sense as if something integral to them was now gone, leaving them empty and hollow.
It was more so for those gathered in the Throne Room. There were no pleasantries exchanged as Shalltear and Demiurge walked in.
"Okay, tell me what's going on before I start tearing heads off!" Shalltear said.
"Quiet down," Albedo said. "Sebas still isn't here, and I don't want to explain myself over multiple times."
"Hey, don't talk to me l-" Shalltear began to say before someone stepped on her foot.
"Hey, can't you read the room, Shalltear? Everyone's winded up, we don't have time for one of your tantrums," Aura said. "I know it's hard, but we need you to act like an adult for now."
"Gah!" Shalltear said, withdrawing her Spuit Lance.
"Calm. Down. You. Two. There. Is. No. Point. To. Fighting. Amongst. Ourselves," Coccytus said.
"Indeed," Demiurge said. "We cannot rule out foul play here- what if an enemy has attacked Nazarick? Our blades should be pointed at them instead of each other. By fighting each other we could very well be playing right into our enemies' hands."
"Indeed. But. That. Was. Not. What. I. Was. Talking. About. Friendly. Fire. Is. Off. We. Can't. Hurt. One. Another. Anyways," Coccytus said.
"A slight correction," Albedo said. "I split an Eight-Edge Assassin in half a while ago- it appears that whatever system prevented friendly fire has been switched off."
"Wait," Shalltear said. "If that's gone, does that mean that Momonga-sama is really..."
She now looked like she was almost ready to cry.
"Calm down for now," Aura said. She herself didn't feel too well about the situation, but she knew that if Shalltear started crying, she might start doing it too. As it was, she had to keep herself composed.
Mare, for example, had been sobbing for the last fifteen minutes with no one able to console him. Between the two of them, someone had to keep themselves together.
"I am back," Sebas said.
"You're late a whole two minutes," Albedo said.
"Es tut mir leid, Fraulein," a voice behind him said. It was Pandora's Actor. Though not a Floor Guardian, Sebas had felt that the doppelganger should be brought along to this meeting.
"Whatever," Albedo said. She cleared her throat. "Now, I am sure many of you are wondering what has been happening up till now. The truth of the matter is that about an hour ago, Momonga-sama was on the Eighth Floor, when he suddenly... vanished. We are unable to locate him."
Looks of confusion erupted everywhere. "What do you mean, you can't find him?" Shalltear asked.
"I mean, he's nowhere to be found," Albedo said. She jerked her chin to the corner, where Nigredo was huddled up. Albedo had gone to fetch her for her divination skills, but it was for naught. "Even Nigredo cannot locate him with her skills."
"So... is he..." Aura began to say but gulped, as the last word couldn't leave her throat. Mare began to cry even harder now, and all the Floor Guardians knew but didn't want to say what they were thinking right now.
"What I don't understand is how this was allowed to happen," Demiurge said. "You- Albedo- Guardian Overseer, are in charge of the Tomb's overall wellbeing. You were also one of his bodyguards. What force could've possibly made their way into the Great Tomb with you in charge?"
"No force did," Nigredo said. "I checked with my magic and couldn't detect any outsiders leaving or entering the Tomb. Save for that racoon girl, that is."
"His guards were unable to do anything, sadly," Albedo said. "They all simply said that Momonga-sama was here one moment, and then gone the next."
"Could they have been compromised?"
"That should be impossible for monsters spawned by the Tomb," Albedo said. "Unless some outside force used mind control on them- but even on the control panel it doesn't show that any of the NPCs or allies have gone hostile."
"Wait, wait, though," Aura said. "Aren't we jumping to conclusions a bit too fast then? If there was no one who came in, or who went out, and Momonga-sama isn't there, if there isn't any blood or anything at the scene isn't it possible he just... left?"
"But. To. Where? Momonga-sama. Always. Took. His. Guards. Around," Coccytus said.
"Indeed, and he would not go anywhere all on his own without informing us," Albedo said.
"So, the question remains," Pandora's Actor said. "If that is all true- where did Mein F- I mean, Momonga-sama go off to? Could it be possible he is in this 'other world' where we went for a brief instant?"
"Ah, you mean Raphtalia's world," Sebas said. "That is a possibility. Perhaps his new weapon took him there, and as we've learned, we cannot cross in-between unless a Wave is going on."
"In that case," Mare said, who had just now stopped crying, "we just need to wait for the next Wave!"
The mood instantly approved as he said so.
"But wait- how do we know for sure that's what happened?" Aura asked.
"Ah, I believe I might be of some help there," Pandora's Actor said. He pulled something out of his pocket and said, in the manner of a certain blue cat robot, "Shooting Star!"
"Isn't that ring Momonga-sama's?" Demiurge asked, surprised. "Wait- did you find his items?" As part of his mission, Demiurge had been tasked with locating the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown in case it was out there somewhere. He had had no luck with finding it, or the rest of Momonga's inventory for that matter.
"Nein," Pandora's Actor said. "This was left in the Treasury by Yamaiko-sama. However, I know how it works. It can grant one any wish- if Momonga-sama is dead-" many of the Guardians flinched at those words "-it will let us revive him in a manner that a normal spell would not."
"Wait though," Demiurge said, nostrils flaring. "Did you have Momonga-sama's permission to take that ring? It belongs to Yamaiko-sama, and if Momonga-sama specifically didn't let you have it, then you've stolen an artifact from the Supreme Beings!"
Pandora's Actor scratched his head. "Ja, bu-ut, Momonga-sama did put me in charge of the Treasury, and given that he might have been slain, is it not alright to use one of the items left behind to try and bring him back? Is that not also our duty as servants of Nazarick?"
Demiurge still seemed uncomfortable by the idea, but did not offer any protest. Several of the other NPCs also didn't seem to be too happy with this decision, though they were also not ones to oppose it outright either. As a matter of fact, it was probably a good thing that Pandora's Actor had suggested this method in the first place. Not only would none of them have known about the ring in the first place or its properties- none of them would have been able to retrieve it from the mausoleum in the Treasury, let alone would have dared to take and try to use it.
There was one exception to this- one person who was not at all conflicted about this decision. "It is fine," Albedo said. "I am the Guardian Overseer of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. In the absence of any of the Supreme Beings, ultimate responsibility falls upon me to use the resources of the Tomb to their greatest effect."
"I have one objection to this, however," Demiurge said. "I believe that Albedo should step down from her position as Guardian Overseer."
There were several gasps at Demiurge's comment. Albedo, however, did not change her expression.
Demiurge pointed a finger at Albedo. "It was your job to make sure that Momonga-sama was safe. You failed at this, and one who cannot even guarantee the safety of the master of the Great Tomb does not deserve such a position."
"You. Would. Take. Away. Her. Position? It. Was. Granted. To. Her. By. The. Will. Of. The. Supreme. Beings. Themselves," Coccytus said. To change something that the Supreme Beings had ordered was sacrilege- for example, Mare would never think to dress himself up as a boy given it was how Bukubukuchagama had made him to be.
"And more importantly, who would be in charge then?" Sebas asked. "Or do you intend to take the position for yourself?"
"This is not an attempt on my part to take over the Tomb," Demiurge said, adjusting his glasses. "All I mean to say is that Albedo has messed up with her job, and as such, deserves punishment for it. As for who will take her place, we can decided that later."
Pandora's Actor tapped his foot. He did not believe that this was a good path to go down- at least with Albedo the Great Tomb had some sort of leadership and would not readily fracture into different factions.
The NPCs were united by their vision of serving the Supreme Beings. Without their guidance, their lives had no purpose. Yes, they could still go on, but it would be as hollow, lifeless husks for the most part. There would always be a part of them that would be left empty without someone to pledge their loyalties too. Not only that, but they would most likely go on their own separate ways which could lead to conflict.
For example, as an extreme, one could take Sebas and Demiurge. Their natures were quite opposed to one another- and if both were allowed to operate outside the Great Tomb on their own whims, they would eventually collide and this would result in the two fighting until one was dead.
Most likely, Pandora's Actor felt, the Tomb would split up into three groups.
The first would consist of a faction of people like Shalltear, Albedo, Demiurge, and the like. They would want to inflict misery and suffering amongst the neighboring countries and would most likely be quite successful in doing so. This would actually be the largest and most powerful of the three groups.
The second group would consist of more neutral-like NPCs, such as himself, Coccytus, and Aura. This group could coexist with the first to some extent.
A small minority including Pestonya and Sebas would have a more benevolent approach to the outside world, but given they were so few in number they would be readily eliminated by the first group.
While he was pondering this, Demiurge added, "In terms of replacement, wouldn't the most natural be Pandora's Actor?"
Demiurge believed himself to be the best to run the Tomb after Albedo, but given that he was unlikely to gain much support in that matter from some people, he had nominated Pandora's Actor instead. "As it is, he is Momonga-sama's creation, and has the best claim to the position in Albedo's absence." Not only that, but Pandora's Actor also possessed an intelligence to rival that of Demiurge's and Albedo's, and being a more neutral NPC would be more acceptable as leader to people such as Sebas.
"Hmm... before we talk of that," Pandora's Actor said, interrupting them all, "let us see if we can actually get this done!"
First, he transformed into Luci-fer. That was one of the Supreme Beings who had the race of an angel, and as such, was capable of certain resurrection spells and skills.
Pandora's Actor breathed, activating one of the angel's spells, unfortunately finding that it failed. No matter- he had expected that.
He now raised the ring on his finger and activated it. As he used it he instantly knew how it worked.
In Yggdrasil, the ring let one use the spell [Wish Upon A Star] without having to dedicate 95 levels in specific classes one would have to do otherwise in order to use the spell. It was a Super Tier spell that based on the amount of XP that one expended, would allow one to choose from a selection of spells. The more XP one gave up, the better and wider the selection would be- also the spell did not have a cast time like a normal Super Tier Spell.
However, in this world, it's effect had been modified- it was now an item that would let one make the impossible possible. Based on the amount of XP that one gave up, one could grant oneself a wish proportionate to the XP sacrificed.
There were things that Pandora's Actor could do that were not possible otherwise- he could, for example, steal someone's Talent from this world.
However, that wasn't what he was here to do today.
"Shooting Star! I offer up my experience, so that my wish may be granted! Return our lord and savior- Momonga-sama, to life!" he said, while making a dramatic pose.
The rings of light which had started to appear around him shattered like glass.
"What happened?" Shalltear asked.
"It failed," Pandora's Actor said. "Meaning that Momonga-sama is probably either still alive- or somewhere where the ring's magic can't reach him."
There was another possibility- that he had been killed with a World Item like Longinus, in which case only another World Item would be able to bring him back. But, Pandora's Actor did not want to entertain that thought.
He raised the ring again- wanting to use it for a different wish. "Shooting Star! Locate Momonga-sama for us!"
The result this time was the same- the spectacular lightshow put on by the ring ended with nothing to show for it.
Pandora's Actor shook his head.
"Well... it does seem that he isn't dead, at least," Pandora's Actor said. "So it is more logical to assume he was taken away somewhere..."
"But by whom?" Shalltear asked.
"I can think of two possibilities," Demiurge said. "One is that the Slane Theocracy wanted to capture our master in retribution for our attack on the Sunlight Scripture. However- I cannot think of a way they could have accomplished something like this. The other is that people from that girl's world took away Momonga-sama."
"But why?" Aura asked.
"There is a possibility that they thought our lord kidnapped that girl," Demiurge said. "Then, it is possible that they took Momonga-sama by accident, or intend to exchange her for Momonga-sama in some way."
"Well then, let's give her up!" Mare said without hesitation.
"Now, now, we don't know if that's what happened," Sebas said.
"I had a thought," Albedo said. "If our master has gone to another world, is it not possible that we can cross over as well, when these 'Waves' happen?"
"So, we only have to wait for another Wave?" Aura asked.
"That. Is. Unacceptable. For. Us. To. Sit. On. Our. Hands. Doing. Nothing," Coccytus said.
"I agree," Demiurge said. "Hmm... is it a possibility that there are other hourglasses like the one in Carne Village? And much like gates, they also connect this world to another? We might be able to reach Momonga-sama quicker if we find another one."
"Ah," Albedo said. "Then it is settled- we have the following objectives: First, to go to the surrounding nations and look for these hourglasses. Secondly, we must try and locate the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown and retrieve it if possible. Third, we should look into the Slane Theocracy. Fourth, we must also hunt for those who took Momonga-sama away. Fifth, we should look for alternate ways to travel to this other world, because if Momonga-sama managed to transverse there, perhaps we can too?"
Demiurge huffed. "For now, I will obey your orders without question- but, do not forget what I said. If it turns out that Momonga-sama died-"
"Then I will step down," Albedo said, eliciting several gasps. "But not before then."
"It is acceptable to me," Demiurge replied.
"Ah," Biscus T. Balmus- Pope of the Three Hero's Church, said, as he gazed upon the treasure recently delivered into his hands. He was a middle-aged man who wore spectacles, and in addition to the usual garb one would associate with a priest he wore a rosary. This rosary depicted a bow, a sword, and a spear- the symbol of the Three Hero's Church. "With this- yes, with this, we can make our move."
The royalty of this country was corrupt- and worked against God's will. He had to fix that.
But, more importantly, he needed to put a stop to the actions of the Shield Hero. That demon- one who did not deserve to be called a Hero at all.
He had intended to strike much later, but certain circumstances forced his hand. He wasn't sure if he believed the tales the Shield Hero spun of 'Yggdrasil', but it was clear that if one wanted to kill him without the Shield Hero's armies coming to his rescue, they would have to act before the next Wave. It would also prevent the interference of the other three Heroes, who would be too weak to make a difference at that point.
There was an entire section of society he also needed to wipe out- those filth living under the thumb of that blasphemer Seatto.
But, he would need people to make his plan work. Tens of thousands of followers willing to devote themselves to his cause.
Indeed- all would be done in God's name!
The Slane Theocracy was a nation located to the south of both the Baharuth Empire and the Kingdom of Re-Estize. If you were human, it was arguably the best nation to live in- the Six Scriptures kept monsters and invaders out, and the wide availability of healing magic made resurrection accessible even to the peasants. It had its downsides of course- given the blatant human supremacy spread throughout the nation, but one could not deny that it was, save for perhaps the Argland Council State, the most powerful nation in the world.
And yet, there were strange rumors circulating in the country which indicated that not all was well in God's own country. One of their Scriptures, the Sunlight Scripture, had disappeared after a mission and could not be found. The Crown of Wisdom- a national treasure that would let them cast magic of the seventh tier, normally beyond the realm of human ability, had been stolen.
Not to mention there were talks of a strange object suddenly appearing near the capital of the country.
Near its northern border, just south of E-Rantel, the border guards reported that a group of strange figures had suddenly appeared near the checkpoint to gain entry into the country.
These men all looked disheveled, stumbled, and had probably been wearing the same clothes for several weeks now. One of them called out, "I am Nigun Grid Luin, captain of the Sunlight Scripture!"
He said this, and then collapsed onto the ground along with his other comrades.
A/N: Well guys, thanks for reading!