Update; Sorry the new chapter is taking a while. It was exam week.

The comforting glow of the morning sun lit up the highland cliffs. The far off ocean winds swept across the hills and through the small gorges. Long abandoned remnants of a people far past speckled the landscape.

Walking along a meager foot trail atop a cliff edge were the maid duo, Cz and Lupusregina. The duo had been deployed for recon; they were to infiltrate human society from the lower circles. Adventurers came from all walks of life, so it seemed to be a good bet.

Gone were their maid outfits, replaced with the wardrobe of adventurers. Cz dressed in reds, greens, and soft tans. Her light armor protected her chest and abdomen while allowing her full range of motion for the longbow she carried with her. Lupusregina knew nothing of subtlety nor efficiency. Rather than dress remotely practical, like Cz, she opted instead for a delicate outfit of soft silk that covered nearly nothing.

The only sounds that accompanied them were their boots, the wind, and Lupusregina's ceaseless humming. She was constantly looking for something to do and the silence between them hadn't been broken yet. It had seemed to her that Cz was enjoying the rare quiet they were gifted. As maids of Nazarick, there was always work to be done, minions to be managed, and people to talk to. Even though Cz had been given her own room by the supreme ones, her popularity prevented her from privacy.

Lupusregina wasn't far from the truth with Cz. The ever-reserved android had always been the focus of people's attention. The relative calm compared to Nazarick had given her the chance to relax a little. For the first time since Yggdrasil, she finally felt peace.

In relative silence, the two continued at their near blistering pace. The capital was far away, especially on foot. Add on their detours to avoid the forests and the walk was a little over a week in length.

E-Rantel, the capital of the Re-Estize kingdom, was a monument to construction. Monolithic walls cut off the world. Miles and miles of brickwork cut the horizon. Periodic towers dotted the defense. All along the wall, machicolations cast their shadows, daring the monsters of the world to even attempt climbing. Guardsmen patrolled the battlements in trios, one group after the next, a constant beat of protection.

On the duo's approach, Lupusregina snapped her head at a nearly imperceivable sound. Off in the distance, a bow had been loosed. Her eyes tracked the arrow, no bigger in perspective than a tiny splinter, as it sailed into the forest.

"What has your attention, Lupusregina?" Cz asked.

Lupusregina raised a finger to politely silence the android as she listened in. "That guard. He's yelling something."

Cz looked to the speck in the distance, her eyes shifting to zoom in.

The guards weren't having a good day. Monster sightings had risen recently, which meant more work for them.

The first guard shook his fist after firing an arrow. "And stay out!" He shouted to the small creature as it fled to the safety of the forest. Turning to his comrades, he said "I'm getting real tired of this. Those adventures better start picking up their slack. At this point, I'd bet we'd do a better job."

A second guard placed his hand on the first one's shoulder. "C'mon man. We still have a lot of ground to cover. If there's a single goblin here, I doubt anything else is nearby."

The third, who was holding a staff, nodded his head before taking the lead. The group of guards resumed their patrol.

Cz watched silently, listening to Lupusregina fill her in on what she was hearing. "So the human's blame each other for issues outside their control."

Lupusregina nodded her head in excitement. "We're not even in cover yet and we're already learning about humans~su."

The duo continued their way into the city. Large buildings hung over the streets, threatening to swallow the sky. Humans swarmed the main roads. Commerce and conversation filled the air as products exchanged hands. The scents of raw, cooked, and dried meats mixed with countless other goods swam through the crowds, overscored by the musk humidity of crowds.

Cz began shutting out sensations, dulling her inputs while putting more effort into pathfinding through the swarm of humans. Tailing right behind her was Lupusregina, who wasn't having a good time. Her sensitive hearing and keen sense of smell were being overwhelmed by the symphony of humanity. She focused in on Cz's bright hair as she tried to shut out everything around her.

The two slipped out of the marketplace and onto a quieter road. Lupusregina propped herself up on her battleaxe, looking visibly shaken by the event.

"Are you ok?" asked Cz, her emotionless voice acted as a calming note that hung in the air.

"Yeah," panted out Lupusregina as she stood up. She patted the wrinkles off her hood before continuing, "It was just a lot to take in. I'll be fine~su."

Cz stood in silence, staring at her partner.

Perking back up, Lupusregina said "I'll be fine, I was just caught off guard. That's all."

Cz merely nodded her head.

The two continued to travel across the city in search of the guildhall. Long, twisting, splitting roads criss crossed through the city.

After having finally found the adventurers guild, the two entered. Compared to the market, the guild was relatively relaxed. People ate, poured over contracts, negotiated business, and laughed over the battles they've been through. Arms and armor held little rhyme or reason. Most had medium armor, just enough to cover the vitals and a few weak points. Others wore no armor as they either weren't suited up or didn't have a need for it. A rare few were in full plate. What weapons they brought with them were heavily dependent on their specialties. The most common of them being the humble spear. More specialist weapons were found though. War picks, serrated sickles, and hammers were rare sights, but they existed.

With their forms failed, entrance fees paid, and name tags acquired, the two sat down to discuss their next move.

"We need to find a way to fit in." Cz stated. "As of now, even if we take up jobs, we'd be in a foreign environment."

"So what you're saying is, we need a party~su?"

"Yes. We need local knowledge. That's the example Lord Ainz set."

Abruptly, Lupusregina shot to her feet. Quickly enacting her plan, she shot out "I think I've got us covered~su." She slipped across the room, moving in on her target. Cz tagged along, confused yet intrigued.

A band of four adventurers sat around a table. They were in the middle of a conversation over a contract before they were interrupted by Lupusregina.

"Hello boys~su." She said, leaning into the group to make her presence actively known. "Care to tell big sis what you're doing~su?"

The blonde warrior, who the maids assumed must be the leader, spoke up. "I-I'm sorry, but I don't believe we're interested in your services."

"Hey!" The archer interjected. "You can't speak for all of us. Now, go on."

Cz pulled Lupusregina behind her, swapping places. "My companion here was trying to ask if we could join you. We see you're in the position for a new job. So are we."

The archer replied, "Sorry. Having women in the group could cause some serious issues. However, I am up for going out. Name's Lukrut."

"My name is Delta. This is Beta. I fail to see how us being female could complicate a potential job."

"I agree with them." Said the small caster. "We're lacking in numbers, and this job seems like it's going to be tough."

The large man stroked his beard as he spoke. "Specifically, Lukrut will cause problems. Lukrut aside, I concur with Ninya. My name is Dyne Woodwonder, I'm a druid."

"I am Peter Mauk. I think it's settled then." He gestured welcoming to the open chairs at the table. "Welcome aboard for our job."

After reading through the contract, Cz got a clear picture of what their work entailed.

Their employer was Bareare Potions, an alchemy shop revered by experienced adventurers for their efficient potions. They would escort Nfirea through the forest for a supply gathering job.

Despite the shop's fame, the reason the swords of darkness, the name of the adventuring party, were looking over this contract came down to two principles. The shop wasn't offering up a ton of money for what could either be a very dangerous job, or a peaceful one. The second was due to the forest. The swords of darkness had a ranger and a druid, already putting them fairly above the curve for this job.

Peter couldn't help but ask. "So, what do you girls do? Do you think you're suited for this job?"

Lupusregina shot a full smile as she flexed. "I may not look it, but I am super strong~su. I've also got an incredible sense of hearing~su."

"We will manage." Said Cz.

The group left the guildhall to meet with their employer.

Bareare Potions was a fairly bland shop on the outside with little to distinguish itself from its neighbors except for the extra chimneys and a sign hanging over the door.

On the inside, countless potions lined shelves. Whatever wall space wasn't consumed by potions held items not for sale. Some were gifts from retired adventures, others were portraits of the family business. There was a tattered tan cloak with faint blue sigils on it. The customers were all adventurers, mercenaries, and soldiers. A young lady with a single blonde braid went about stocking shelves while an elderly woman ran the counter. The counter cut off half the room, with the other half stocked with potions that weren't common purchases.

"Ah, Peter sweetie." The old lady said as she rounded the counter. "How have you all been? It's been so long. Lukrut, I see you've finally brought a girl with you. Never thought I'd see the day."

While Lukrut recovered from that jab, Peter said "Mrs. Bareare, it has been a while. We're here about the contract you put out."

"Well, I'm glad it's you guys. Let me go get Nfirea. Enri, look after our guests." She said as she left.

"Could we sell you anything by chance?" Asked Enri, "I know healing potions are always popular among adventurers, have you stocked up?"

"We have no need." Replied Peter, "Dyne here has finally managed to learn how to channel life."

"Oh, uh. Perhaps you'd be interested in one of our boost-"

"Actually." Cz cut in. "I would like to buy a healing potion." They intrigued her. The healing potions she had files on were red and had no need for expiration dates. Potency made sense to her though, while they weren't written on the bottle, often the bottle's design would speak of its properties.

As Cz handed over the silver, Lupusregina cast [message] to silently talk.

"What are you doing? We have Citrinitas at home. We're already low on funds as is."

"Do not worry, Lupusregina Beta. I have a plan."

"Care to enlighten me?"

"The potions here are different than in Nazarick. I'm merely obtaining field samples."

Once the group had assembled with Nfirea, they began heading out of the city. Lupusregina had no problems carrying the small wagon.

"So. Nfirea, why's the job so far out?" Asked Peter. He was curious. Normally supply run jobs aren't something that took them well into dangerous territory.

"We're having a lot of costs right now." Nfirea began nervously. "With Enri's village burnt down, she and her sister are moving in. Our house isn't exactly a homely place. With the extra mouths to feed, the renovations, and her necessities, money's tight. I'm just hoping that with this job, we'll find something good. If I could make a cure-all or some invisibility potions, any of our expensive sellers, we'll be able to start covering costs."

Closer to the back of the group, Lukrut fell into pace with Cz. He was trying his best to come across as casual, failing horribly in the process. Cz didn't bat an eye at his behavior.

"Do you have any plans for when we get back?" He tried to break the ice.

"After getting back, we plan on obtaining a temporary place to stay." She coldly replied.

"Perhaps we can go out?"

"No."

"It could just be the two of us. I don't plan on bringing the guys." He tried to steady his wavering plan.

"No." Cz's voice never changed as it nearly broke Lukrut.

"Ok, dinner isn't your thing… what is?" He was running out of options of his own.

"Nothing you have could interest me."

Lukrut stopped walking as he felt defeated. 'Did, did I just get locked out? No. Of course not. I just haven't found what interests Delta yet. Never give up, you're a ladies man!'

The cart clicked as it rolled on by. Lupusregina was at an equal loose for words as Lukrat was. 'How has no one noticed me? I get it, Cz is popular and all, but I was designed to be appealing. The supreme ones put a lot of work into me and it's going to waste on these blind fools! What I wouldn't give for one of them to come with me, so we'd be nice and alone. Right when they'd feel safe, I'd wrap my fingers around their neck. Panic shoots across their face, but it's too late. They kick and struggle as my fingers dig deeper. Their whole bodies jerk in conflict. Their struggling slows as they haven't breathed. What a beautiful sight.' Lupusregina lost herself in the fantasy of torture, unaware to the real reason adventurers were turned away from her.

The group ventured on. Well into the forest, where the walls of E-Rantel were a memory. The forest darkened the sky with its canopy, casting hundreds of shadows. Nature grew and flourished, undisturbed by the building races.

Dyne breathed in slowly, held, and released. "Ahhh. Life is strong here. Young Mr. Bareare, if there was any place worth beginning your search, this would be it."

The cart was set up in the middle of the clearing as the group began their scavenging. Dyne sat next to the cart, his eyes closed like always.

Lupusregina lifted her axe. Her head snapped to and fro as she began to pick up something. Lukrut was about to open his mouth before quickly drawing his bow.

Everyone grouped up around Nfirea, say for Dyne who hadn't moved a muscle.

"Lukrut." Peter hissed. "What do you hear?"

"Goblins, small band. I'm hearing something heavy with them. An Ogre?"

"Ninya, start prepping projectile wards."

The small caster nodded as their staff left trails in the air. Each sign they drew faded out of view.

Zip A small stone came flying from out of view. It would have Lukrut in the head, but before it could get close, a sign blinked back into view. It ringed like a tapped glass as the stone bounced to the floor.

Without a moment's hesitation, he drew his bow and loosed an arrow in retaliation. As the arrow soared into the foliage, a soft thud was heard, followed by a whimper.

Then. All hell broke loose.

Rocks and small spears came flying at them from all directions. One by one, Ninya's barriers were dropped. They struggled to keep putting up more, to match the rate they were going down, but it was one caster vs an entire band of goblins.

Lukrut and Cz began returning fire. He chose his targets carefully, while they weren't all hits, every target mattered. Every rock that was slung at them, he returned fire towards, because he knew they posed the biggest threat to Ninya's barriers. Cz was firing on rapid mode. Draw, aim, loose, repeat. Arrow after arrow, hit after hit. The only rhyme or reason based off of what was available to her.

Dyne drew something over the ground, before diving his hand into the earth. The area rumbled and shook as the roots from beneath them pulled dirt and rock up to the surface. Pillars and simple walls were erected around them.

Ninya, no longer having to block from everywhere at once, began putting up barriers in open sections to fire through.

The world shook again, as out of seemingly nowhere, a towering beast charged them with a tree trunk for a club. It ran with the club down for a big swing, packing enough force to send everyone flying.

Dyne attempted to stop the ogre with roots, but it wasn't enough. The massive creature powered through, it's body shining red as the roots shattered and splintered in its wake.

Lupusregina jumped out of cover and charged, battleaxe drawn.

The troll planted its foot, reeling for a big swing.

Lupusregina's axe met the club. Thousands of splinters shot out in every direction as she cleaved through it.

Everything went silent. The goblins ceased fire, the swords of darkness ceased fire, the troll looked at its shattered club. It reeled back to kick, it's massive foot the size of a pig. Lupusregina's axe showered everyone in dark green blood as everything up the knee was sublimated by her axe. The troll fell to ground, trying to crawl away as bone and tissue immediately began growing back.

The goblin band began retreating, their screams ringing out. Music to Lupusregina's ears. Cz resumed fire, once she was sure Lupusregina was fine. Goblin after goblin, arrow after arrow. The swords of darkness pressed their advantage.

The troll began crawling back, only to be pounced on by Lupusregina and her axe. Cleave, splash, cleave, spash. Again and again she tore into the troll. It never screamed in pain, only in fear. Every wound she opened, it began to heal. It was never fast enough to outpace her though.

Nothing was left of the troll by the time Lupusregina was done with it. A dark green coated her from head to toe.

Everyone was stunned speechless.

She raised a peace sign, "I told you I was super strong~su."

'There's no way she's a rookie!' Peter thought to himself. 'That kind of strength, she has to be up there with the big leagues. She has to be as strong as Gargarn or Gazef! And Cz, what was she doing! So many arrows, I don't think a single one missed! Who are these people!'

AN; Considering Lukrut was really into Nabe, I think he has a type. Anyways, this chapter was really tough to write. Namely because I am not terribly well versed in Lupusregina and Cz, and their wiki's are a little bit dry. I think it's fitting that Lupusregina doesn't feel comfortable in crowded markets. Even without superhuman senses, those places could overwhelm anyone who isn't accustomed to them.

With all the stacking differences between Off-Gold and the original, what made this chapter so tough was that it was so far out into original territory. I was working with characters I didn't fully get a grasp of, didn't have a lot of time to write, and it was mostly in a world setting I designed with homage to the original.

Review Replies; I've decided I'll keep doing full replies, only compressing topics, but never names. Part of the fun of writing a fanfic chapter by chapter is you guys, and what better way to cultivate that than to interact with you.

SyrupCrusader; Thank you for the support!

The Searing Simp; Oh the Shalltear arc is going to be fun. I'm looking forward to it a lot.

Yoyon586; The moment between Shalltear and Citrinitas was a moment I'm really happy with. I'm normally against moody moments, as some writers will put so many back to back that a healthy, supportive relationship becomes a parasocial cry fest. They say to write from the heart, that's supposed to be the best place to write from. So that's what I did.

Shalltear and Citrinitas are written from the heart. How they interact, it's something very close to me. Seeing people take notice of my effort to write them means a lot. Also you asked for me to continue writing replies, so congrats, here's your reply.

NuclearNachos; (I wrote a really long letter to CritKhagan about this, in order to compress it down as this review reply section is getting bulky as is, here we go.) Ainz had 3 effective choices at that moment; Pestonya, Mare, and Citrinitas. He is prone to making mistakes when he is put on the spot, and he did. Citrinitas is not the optimal choice, but it makes sense for him making a knee jerk reaction. As an author, picking her was also the best option, she simply has the most pay off. Namely, I get to bring out my Chekov's guns, explore potion rules early, and move the camera off of Ainz without breaking the pacing. Neither Mare nor Pestonya achieve the first two. Picking Pestonya would also bring in a new character, which doesn't help the pacing.

Also, she can do more than healing, she's had like 2 scenes with potions and 1 was explaining the brewing system, the other was explaining the potion healing mechanics. Don't worry, she's going to be a very versatile support. She just hasn't had anything to support yet.

Lastly, I don't remember anywhere that healing potions don't work on demons? Checking the wiki under demon, "However, it was said that the buff effects from eating food do not work on devils" which wouldn't cut out healing potions and alchemy. Looking at DnD, a place where both the OG author and myself draw a lot of inspiration, there's nothing there either. Healing potions used to hurt undead in older editions, and positive magic could hurt demons as well. A lot of these have been phased out over the editions though.

thefoolswriter; The gender bending is mostly an artifact from Yellowness. I didn't discard it because it allowed me to easily identify Luther and Citrinitas within her internal monologuing. Without enough time to create a Luther identity the readers could get significantly attached to, I had kept their genders different to better create an identity difference in both the readers and my own head. As for if it's a trend nowadays, I couldn't tell ya?

Andoro; I just got called author-san. My heart, it can't take it! If you're stressed out, there's nothing I can do to help you as I'm only text on a screen, but I can always serve up chapters hot and fresh.

And, wow, I hadn't noticed that Overlord is dying out early. Huh. I love its aesthetic to death, as that's always what keeps me coming back to it, despite its many flaws (Kind of like My Hero or Harry Potter, it remains alive because its aesthetic is too strong.). I'll continue to write this fanfic, my skills will continue to improve. I may not be a replacement for the original, but I can already see my fic spiraling out into the abyss of original content. At some point I fully expect this fic to have diverged so far from the original that it takes on its own identity. I hope to keep you guys hungry for more chapters, and always on your toes.

Dremer1999; Oops, I'll get around to fixing Cocytus's floor assignment. I also have to get around to fixing Nigun's name as well. I'll do that today.