'There is no greater weapon than a prepared mind.'

Satoru's mind was centered on Punitto Moe's quote of Zhuge Liang, one of his supposedly favorite historical figures from Chinese History as he set his eyes on the rising sun. These words fit the world perfectly. His mind was prepared for this world–it was like a New Game Plus with infinite different probabilities and he only explored one path. What was on his mind however was the Swords of Darkness. An objective that was just over nine days away.

Letting them die wasn't on his list of things to do, if anything he wished to save Ninya. Despite saving her sister the last time around, not only did he still owe her a debt, he wanted that promise again. For her to teach him about the Dragons of this world and to talk to her about the name Riku Aganeia.

Though when it came to the woman simply known as Lady Clementine he was curious. Since her body disappeared last time, he began to wonder what kind of information he could obtain by capturing her.

Two hours of walking with his thoughts searing in his head and his staff on his back. It felt like torture–like hot coals in his head–as he couldn't even think of how he could bring up his plan to Sebastian. So forcing his mind into the present, Satoru stared at the wall-less village which was undefended and surrounded by a forest on almost all sides.

This place was a strategic location for a trap–or a listening post against the Empire. That hardly mattered however, since the Empire didn't even bother with the village. It had no real value in their eyes.

But even as he had gone through this route before, Satoru still saw value in the things he once had and the things he knew he could get. For once, instead of fighting against Gazef, he wanted to fight beside him once more. Perhaps they could have a true friendship like he had once formed with the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire.

A faint smile formed over his lips as he remembered his second time coming here to this place. It had been with the Swords of Darkness that were already on his mind. Before he knew it, a chuckle escaped his lips as the sun gleamed down onto his face.

'Can I get it all to happen like it did before…?' His gaze traced over towards Sebastian and then to Nabe, only to find his attention soaring forward once more.

Villagers were already up and about, getting ready for the rest of the day. Farmers tended the fields, Hunters moved into the forest. It was peaceful compared to the day he originally discovered this place. Knights on horses, indiscriminately slaughtering and capturing civilians. It had originally been Touch Me's influence that brought him here, and he feared that even now he was being influenced by his absent friend.

It wasn't a bad thing though as it brought a vaguely emotionless grin on his hidden lips beneath the collar of his shirt.

"They're like carpenter Ants," Nabe exclaimed, blinking at the sight.

"Shall we go on ahead?"

"...After you Satoru-saaa–an."

Satoru just stared at Nabe for a few seconds only to begin walking with both her and Sebastian following close behind. He didn't need their protection–but he wanted their company. It was as simple as that–though he also didn't want to be scolded for going alone like before.

'It's only slightly different from what I remember…'

There was no reason to wait, or to rush. The two hour walk was a rather refreshing activity. In YGGDRASIL and even in the New World, he used Gate to get to most places. It reminded him of when he was an explorer, when he was mapping the hidden secrets of the game world or on a job as an adventurer.

Satoru and company began moving forward at a slow pace, casually looking at the fields as they made it onto the path leading into the village. He was sure they didn't go unnoticed, their gear was enough to make the farmers turn their heads.

'If I remember correctly… They don't get many visitors…'

Resting his gaze on a girl wearing a bright colored dress, he recognized her french braid immediately. It was none other than Enri Emmott–the Goblin General–but she was just a farm girl. Seeing her look up from her work, as his team walked along the path, Satoru could see her smile as clear as day. It was like a beacon shining under the morning sun.

Oddly enough, Satoru could only think about how Nfirea had to use Stamina potions and healing potions to keep up with her. Subtly shaking his head, he rubbed his temples in an ambient motion.

Just as they drew even closer to the village, that was when she slipped away from the field. From the corner of his eye, he witnessed as she curiously approached them.

"Welcome to Carne Village!" Her sweet voice sang out as she waved her hand to greet them before she weaved her way into their path. "It's rare to see visitors out in this area. How can we help you?"

Satoru's gaze shifted over her as she folded her hands in front of herself, remembering the fear on her face when they had first met. And yet, eventually she wore a similar smile as she became the chief of her village and the general of an entire army of goblins. This girl, she was strong.

"Uh, oh… We just came down from the northern plains. We're aspiring to become Adventurers… but we've been traveling for a long time. Would we be able to rest in your village for a few days before going to E-Rantel?"

Hearing the name of the city, Satoru could see a glint of excitement in her eyes.

"Um…"

"Oh, right. My name is Satoru–I'm a Spell Caster. This is my God-Father Sebastian, and his ward Nabe. It's a pleasure to meet you…?" A chuckle escaped him as Sebas tensed slightly.

Sebastian not only joined but forced Nabe into bowing her head as common courtesy suggested for them to do, "P-pleasure to meet you." Keeping her features sharp, it sounded as if Nabe forced these words out in an attempt to be polite to the puny human insect before them.

Enri smiled as she didn't suspect anything from them–though she didn't exactly have reason to. If anything she appeared more happy to have visitors in their village, even if they were just going to be there for a few days.

"Ah, my name is Enri Emmott. We might have a spare room or two. So I think so…" She paused for a moment as she made a thoughtful face, putting a finger under her lower lip.

"...but it would be better to ask the Village Chief. Come I will show you his House. At this time he is usually talking with the other Village Elders about the plans for the Fields for today."

Satoru nodded as Enri took a step back to turn around and lead them into the village, "We don't have any local currency, but we can pay in magic items."

She stopped and looked over at him with a smile still painted over her lips. Satoru recalled as if it was yesterday, that he had ordered that she be protected as one of the persons of interest in the village. It was strange, meeting her before everything happened. Perhaps this time he was going to be able to meet her parents. Not only that, but he now knew there were others with the ability to bring back the dead. Despite it being a rare ability.

"That sounds nice… But we're hardly worth–"

"Er.. Don't be modest, your hospitality is worth as much–we may not be laborers, but we will pay honestly for our stay." Assuring her this, Satoru didn't want to sound like a freeloader leeching off of people that had less than him.

"Okay, okay." Enri caved, "Follow me." She gave a friendly gesture for them to follow her into the village. It only took a few minutes before they were eyeing the stone houses.

Coming to a familiar sight, Satoru looked over the Elder's house as Enri was leading them to the front door. The last time he entered this house was when they were being attacked by the Sunlit Scripture–which were coming in a few days from now.

Knocking on the door, they could hear the Elders talking amongst themselves on the other side. So, when she opened the door, the three of them followed the young teen into the house and let the door creak closed behind them. Once inside, the Elders all stopped talking and looked into their general direction.

There were only a few of them and they all had their attention centered on his group.

"Elders, Chief, a group of travelers have come to our village. They're asking for a place to stay for a few days before heading to E-Rantel." Enri was forthcoming and blatant all while remaining polite as she talked to the people in charge of the village.

The village chief looked over to Satoru. He had dark muscular skin and an aged face. There was a small red cap on his head and he wore two layers of clothes consisting of a white shirt and a blue vest. There was even a small jeweled brooch on his collar absent of a jabot. He furrowed his brow.

From a glance, Satoru already recognized the man for who he was, especially as half of his hair had already turned white. That and he had a distinguishable beard that was awfully well-groomed. And beside the man was his wife, a woman around the old man's age if not younger.

"My name is Satoru–this is my god father Sebastian and his ward Nabe. We're aspiring to become Adventurers, if you'll have us for a few days we'll be happy to compensate you with some magic items."

Standing from the table that the elders and the chief sat around, the Chief nodded his head. "We would not mind putting you up for a few days, though we must ask where you've come from." His gaze was on their attire and items, it was clear they appeared wealthy as it were.

"We come from up north, where we've been studying in an old tomb for years."

"Studying?"

"We're Magic Casters who sought seclusion," Satoru nodded to assure him.

"Oh?" The old man scratched his chin in thought looking over the bunch at least one more time before nodding once more to himself. That's when his eyes flashed towards Enri, "Do you think your parents would be able to spare a room for them?"

Satoru cocked a brow. He knew that the houses were small, though he doubted they had anywhere for him to stay. Not that he or his companions were even in need of true rest. He just wanted to lay in wait for the Knights to attack and have Gazef spread his name throughout E-Rantel and the Re-Estize Kingdom.

"I can have my little sister sleep in my room, so it should be doable." Enri kept that smile on her lips as she answered the Chief's question before looking at Satoru and friends. "Would that be alright?"

Sebastian cleared his throat as he had remained quiet for some time now, "We are grateful for your hospitality Enri-san. Would you mind showing my wards and I the way?" He spoke dutifully, letting his subservient nature shed through his disguise.

Enri none the wiser nodded to his question–with the elder's blessing–she led them out of the Village Chief's home and to where her parents were in the fields. Since very little actually happened in the village, most of the people had taken interest in the visitors.

Everywhere they went, eyes were on them.

Satoru casually walked through the grassy fields and dirt paths. Though he was being escorted like he had been the last time, this was different. To enjoy just walking around instead of being cooped up in his office suite, or standing on a battlefield, was absolute bliss.

"I hope you don't mind my little sister during your stay," Enri turned her head to peer at Satoru and his group. "She can be a bit rowdy, if not nosey, she might bombard you with questions."

"I think we'll get along nicely." His mind went back to the time when he first met the little girl and how she praised the brilliance of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Nemu had even complimented his friends. That day he had pledged to protect the child, to label her as the third important person in the Village of Carne that Lupusregina was to keep alive.

His recent visit to the past and to the Old World, gave him a strange sense of emotions. They were still suppressed but he found himself caring for things he hadn't before. It was as if that brief moment of exposure to his humanity and his faded memories changed his priorities.

"Are there children at the ruins?" Enri blinked seeing a reminiscent expression on Satoru's face, which almost vanished at the question.

"Ah… Yes, two elven children actually––Children of a lost friend."

"Oh…" Enri seemed saddened at the news of such loss by lowering her eyes, "Then there are more people in the north to take care of them?"

"Nabe's older sister Yuri takes care of them."

Enri smiled a bit more, her eyes resting on Nabe. From first glance he could tell she was enamoured by her pure white skin and black silky hair. Satoru was no stranger to the idea that all the denizens of Nazarick were made to be inhumanly beautiful.

So as the first word left her mouth, it was of no surprise.

"Pretty… Is she as pretty as Nabe?"

Nabe bowed her head forward slightly, taking a hint from Sebastian, as she took the compliment to heart. "Yuri-nee sama is far more beautiful than I. All of my sisters are." She took a modest stance. Secretly though, Satoru was pretty sure she liked being complimented on her beauty.

"So, Enri-san. I see you've been working in the fields… Are you a farmer?"

The question quickly took her attention as she casually shook her head.

"It's more of a hobby than one of my jobs. There's nothing to do around here."

Satoru nodded as he heard this and began to wonder. What would happen if he gave her those goblins earlier on? Would she still meet the requirements to summon the Goblin Army when fighting the theocracy? Or would she simply get a sublime number of troops? Either way, he figured it wasn't worth testing–at least not yet. He doubted that if isn't the one to save the village personally, then she might not hold him in the same esteem as before.

So perhaps he began to believe he could pay her for her hospitality in a more simple magic item. Rather than summoning goblins, perhaps he could give her a Pitcher of Infinite Water. To his knowledge that was efficient for watering plants as long as a piping system was set up. On the other hand, the Brooch of Shielding might be a good idea.

It was an item that shielded the wearer from both physical and magical attacks, but only from third tier and below. For the most part, it was definitely a sufficient item to protect her from the Knights with–literally using herself as a shield to protect her sister. Then again, when the Knights attack the two could get separated since situations like this in manga often don't occur the same way as they had before.

Time was strange like that, particularly as he found himself in a world similar to fiction.

Coming to a stop as Enri brought them to her house, he noted a man and woman tanning the hide of an animal. "Mother, Father," she called for their attention.

"What is it Enri?" Her father turned and looked at them, pausing as his eyes traced over their faces and gear. He wasn't suspicious, just quite surprised to see new faces from what Satoru could see. "Well, hello there."

"This is Satoru-san, Nabe-san, and Sebastian-san. They're travelers looking for a place to stay and the Chief asked if we could house them for a few days." Enri delivered the news with a smile on her lips, "I said Nemu could sleep with me during their stay."

The man nodded, "My name is Erik Emmott, as you heard I am Enri's father. It is a pleasure to meet you all." He wrapped an arm around his wife, who also smiled. "This is my wife, Anna."

"It is a pleasure to have you." Anna exclaimed, running a hand through her blonde hair.

They were in their early thirties if not their late twenties. Considering Enri was about sixteen years old, that was as far as his rough estimates went. Satoru had never met them before, let alone learned their names from the girl during the two years he took over Carne.

Politely, Satoru bowed his head and the denizens of Nazarick soon followed suit.

"It is a pleasure to be here. If it wasn't for your daughter, we might not have gotten a place to stay the night." Satoru embellished a bit as he kept a pleasant demeanor about himself.

"Oh nonsense," Anna waved her hand dismissively as Enri giggled and her father gave a hardy laugh. It was clear they saw through his facade, though not entirely in the way that they may have thought.

Satoru's gaze shifted from the mother who was all smiles, it appeared her words were all but casual. Quick enough his gaze then flickered over towards Enri. She was excited to have visitors for sure, but this felt… pretty different from before.

'She's Nfirea's future wife. Just remember–she's Nfirea's–stay vigilant.'

He knew he had a shorter attention span towards things which weren't interesting, if he were to let himself go he could get involved in something without meaning to. Though as he thought about Nfirea, his mind once more went back to the Swords of Darkness.

Satoru closed his eyes, picturing the campfire with seven other figures sitting around it. Then in the dark, he could hear a soft voice. Listening to Ninya's words, her assurances that he could have friends again–allies to stand beside–his grip on his staff increased.

'When she tried to cheer me up–I snapped at her…'

Though there was guilt, he didn't feel remorse. It was on him that it happened, he let his emotions get the best of him at the time. Even so, he knew to rectify this if he could duplicate the scenario where he joined the Swords of Darkness with Nabe. Although Lukrut was an annoyance, being with their group was nothing more than nostalgic.

"Satoru-san?"

Satoru's eyes fluttered open as he blinked at Enri as she had called his name.

"Are you alright?"

"Ah, yes. Sorry. I was just thinking about a friend that was killed recently…"

"Oh… I'm uh, sorry to hear about that." Enri's and company's faces contorted depressedly at the news.

Satoru could feel the eyes of his comrades on him, questioning internally who this person was. He took in a deep breath before simulating a sigh. As an undead he didn't need to breathe and he was already just talking with magic since Overlords didn't have a natural voice.

"Would you like to come in?" Anna graced them with a continued, but sad, smile.

Nodding, Satoru and his band of three walked into the house behind Enri and Anna while Erik continued their work. It was a small house, though spacious nonetheless.

In a village with only a hundred people, there was no real need for vanity. In a world prior to photography, portraits were for the rich and powerful that could afford such time and resources. Home was just another place to rest for these people, a place where a family was supposed to be safe from the harsh outdoors.

"Roomy…" Satoru began to notice that this was one of the first times he had ever stepped foot into a villager's home. Other than the time he had gone into the Village Chief's place when he arrived as Ainz Ooal Gown in the last timeline.

Plain wood floors made from the trees of the forest, and stone walls. His eyes moved up to the rafters and inwardly chuckled as he knew that was storage space to them. It was very unlike the apartments they had in the old world. Even the smell was different, but still it had a subtle musky scent of life.

Practically following Enri on auto-pilot, Satoru found himself standing in the center of a small room barely large enough for three people to lay in. There was a bed against the wall with some makeshift dolls and a few books on the nightstand.

Overall the room was rather neat, but that was likely because there was a severe lack of belongings. They didn't live in the city–everything here was home made.

"This is Nemu's room." Enri presented as she gestured around the room.

"Thank you, Enri-san. For sacrificing your personal space for our sake." Satoru kept a smile on his face as he wanted to appear to be genuine. Pretending to reach into the infinity bag on his hip, he took some candy from his item box and held it out to her. "For you and your sister."

Enri blinked a few times looking at the little individually wrapped treats as she let him dump them into her hands. "Th-thank you." She tried not to let her mouth water.

From what he remembered, she liked sugar–lots of sugar.

With that she walked out of the room to go find her little sister, closing the door behind her. That was when he was left alone with his two other companions.

"How dare these insects expect a Supreme Being to rest in this room." Nabe observed the room bitterly before feeling a light bop of a hand on the back of her head. Squeezing her eyes shut for a moment before turning to look over at Sebastian, she blinked.

"Sebas-sa–"

"Sebastian," the head steward of the Great Tomb sternly corrected. "We are on a crucial mission with Satoru. As the head of the Pleiades, I cannot allow you to act or speak rashly. Do you understand, Nabe?"

"I'm not bothered by the accomodations–outside of YGGDRASIL–mine weren't so different." Though of course he was worried about what they were to think if they found out he was once human, it only made sense. Undead were at one point very much alive.

Nabe and Sebastian looked at him as he was staring at the bed, running a hand along the stiff quilted blankets that covered the handmade mattress. Letting his attention spread out around the room, he centered his sights on the three books in the room. Thanks to New Game Plus mentality and his previous experience in the world, he could read the language.

Walking over to the nightstand, he picked up one of the books as he read the spine.

'Legend of the Thirteen Heroes...'

Right. The one thing that had been bothering him since his confrontation with the man in the armor during the deciding battle that dissolved the Re-Estize Kingdom. Riku Aganeia. Such a name echoed in the back of his mind as he glared at the book's hardcover. It was an aged book, perhaps older than Enri herself.

Opening the book, he skimmed the first page then the second and the third. He was looking for names, references to players, anything that could give him an idea of who Riku was. The entire time he had spent in the New World, he hadn't researched the thirteen heroes. Or the other heroes of legend that were popular in the region. That may have been a fatal mistake.

That was when he came across an illustration–the hero Platinum–was right before him.

His name was not Riku, very little was known about the Hero.

Satoru gradually moved from page to page, reading diligently instead of just skimming the words on the parchment surfaces. The pages were rough, the quality of the book was rather low compared to the ones in nazarick, or the ones bought from the magicians guild. All the same, the quality of the information was rather refreshing in comparison.

Minutes if not an hour had gone by and that was when he found a reference to the name Riku. He continued even more through the book, finding hints that the individual himself was a player. That is, until he got to the middle of the book where it reached a particular event–Riku the leader of the thirteen Heroes–he was dead. He had killed his fellow companion and later died himself–choosing not to be resurrected after killing his fellow player.

"Who is Platinum… It's more of an alias than a name?"

Satoru closed the book after speaking out loud to himself and placed it back onto the nightstand. Looking outside from the single window bedroom, he narrowed his eyes on a tiny ginger-haired girl grinning up at him.

"Do you like story books mister?" Nemu cutely blinked up at him curiously as she was standing in front of her own window on her tippy toes.

"Why, yes I do, Nemu-san."

"Uwah~! You know my name?"

Nemu dramatically posed, acting surprised as she was subtly chewing familiar sweets.

"Are you some sort of mind reader?"

Satoru blankly smiled at the child as he leaned on the windowsill. "No."

"A-are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Did you check?"

Narrowing his eyes on the girl as she switched to a teasing tone, he recognized that cheeky little expression on her face. "I'm quite sure I did… Oh and uh, I'm pretty sure you have something on your nose."

"Huh?" Nemu, caught off guard by his claim, went cross eyed for a moment.

A grin formed over Satoru's lips, "Made you look."

"Eeeeh!?" Nemu placed her hands on her head as she had fallen for his little prank.

"Don't be too surprised–it happens to everyone at least once." A smug-look rested on his face as his gaze remained settled on the little girl in a blue dress and reddish-orange scarf.

"Hmmm?" Nemu crossed her little arms, looking over him skeptically. "Are you making fun of me, Mister?"

"Just call me Satoru. Your sister must've told you my name by now, right?"

"Wah~ No way, how did you know?"

"You're sucking on the candy that I gave her to give to you."

Tightening her lips together into a straight line and widening her eyes, Nemu's mind was visibly blown by his observation. "Do you have more?" She began to bounce on her toes, changing her gears like an excitable wildcard.

"Do I?" That smug smirk on his lips never left.

"Can I have moar~?" Childishly she reached in through her open window, still pushing herself upward on her tiptoes to get a good reach.

"Hmm…" He looked over her thoughtfully, thinking. "Maybe."

"M-maybe?" Nemu whined impatiently, pouting as she tried to grab at his militant-looking attire. Though she still failed to reach his skirted tunic and completely dismissed his sleeves.

"Nemu!"

It was Enri's voice coming from the other side of the house.

"Are you bothering our guests after I told you not to?!"

"Uh oh!" Nemu squealed and took off running away from the house, giggling wildly.

Closing the window, Satoru walked over to the bed and sat down with his legs hanging off the side. With just a swift motion, he put his staff into his item box. "As long as we stay in this Village, we must protect its inhabitants–but the Emmott family takes top priority."

"Naturally," Sebastian acknowledged his master's order and so did Nabe.

"In the meantime, secure the perimeter of the village. I'll remain here and rest my mind…" Satoru rested his hands on his knees as he leaned forward and clasped his hands together under his chin.

"As you wish, Satoru-saa–aaan," Nabe as always fumbled over his new name and left with Sebastian to do as they were told. Of course, not without them both giving him a hefty bow as to show their allegiance.

"Ah… Perhaps I could learn how to play a lute this time around…" Satoru uttered as he watched the door as it remained open a crack. The stories from Nfirea and Lupusregina began to surface in the back of his mind, causing him to fidget–until he paused–his pants felt uncomfortably tight. "This… was entirely unexpected…"

Looking through his memories for a distraction, Satoru pinched at his chin.

Conquering the Frost Dragons to the North may be instrumental, if he does it this early in the 'game.' Or he could go ahead and remove Barbro, the Crown Prince of the Re-Estize Kingdom so that he never gets the chance to attack Carne. One use of Black Hole and his body can't be located. No body–No crime. Then again… The mysterious arcane magic caster Ainz Ooal Gown does not exist this time around. Just plain ole' Satoru, the genius magic user and soon-to-be adventurer.

"Hmm…" Tapping his chin as his thoughts continued to flow, he swayed his head side to side. 'I could have Nazarick announce itself once the construction efforts are finished…Take a more public approach.'

Reaching up, Satoru tugged the hood down over his face as he fiddled with the hem.

'Or we could do the Demonic Disturbance again…'

Over a hundred thousand people died that time around. The only ones to survive were the newborns and that was only because of the few good-natured denizens of his tomb. He knew he could stomach doing that again–but did he really see the need to? Thinking about it now, all of those people had a use.

All the same his thoughts went towards the starving denizens. The issues that were going to arise within a month or so–especially with the insectoids on the second floor. His thoughts went off towards the beastman who wore the skulls of human children. Clenching his jaw, that very action still made him upset. He wanted to kill the man all over again with his favorite spell–[Grasp Heart].

'Each route is different. Yet the same… One route invalidates or validates another...'

Just thinking about the Demonic Disturbance got him thinking about something else–someone else. The petite girl in the red hood that was clinging to him when he wore the armor. At the time he hardly thought anything of it, anything of her. She had hurt Entoma, destroyed her voice. Her identity was a member of the Blue Roses, Evileye, but that was an alias. Evileye was not a name, at least not one a person could possibly give to their child. Then, there was also the Vampire Lord that had joined the Thirteen Heroes–Landfall–with a similar illustration.

Satoru's eyes flickered over towards the book he had just read not too long ago.

"Psssst!"

Satoru peered over towards the bedroom door, seeing a little red pigtail and an eye peering in towards him. "Oh. Hi Nemu-san."

"Shhh! She's going to hear!" The tiny ginger waddled on into her room and closed the door behind herself.

"Are you hiding from Enri-san or something?" Satoru snorted as he whispered and leaned forward, pushing his elbows into his knees. "Or are you 'intentionally' bothering the 'stranger' in your room that she told you not to bother?"

Nemu pursed her lips at his sarcastic-teasing tone before blowing a raspberry as she waved a hand in dismissal. "Pfff~ I have no idea what you're talking about, Mister. I'm just playing in my room."

He shook his head as he witnessed her little form run across the room. In no time, she went about snatching up her straw handmade dolls. It was adorable really, as she filled the air with subtle giggles.

Despite all of Albedo's talk in the last timeline, he never really thought about having kids of his own. Even as his denizens were planning on finding a way to make an heir for him since the very beginning.

He watched as she went onto her knees in the corner of the room and began playing with her toys. A faint smile remained on his lips as he watched her use her imagination.

Such the sleight of mind was a powerful thing.

"What do you want to be when you grow up…?" Satoru never asked her this question, then again no one really asked him this question either. Even as Momonga, he may not have really had a conversation with a child. At least, this one in particular anyway.

"Strong like my sister~!" Nemu flexed her arm with a cunning grin across her lips.

His lips parted before he slowly nodded to her words. "Sounds like an impressive feat."

"Mhmhm!" Nemu nodded wildly before going back to her toys.

Was this village just a distraction? Satoru couldn't make up his mind. Being thrown back in time, he had a choice either to repeat what he had done before or do something different. If it had been his choices from before that sent him back, then maybe–maybe–if he did something different…

His eyes went towards the window he had closed and sighed.

"Nemu-san."

"Hm?"

Seeing her perk up at being addressed again, he smirked a bit.

"If you had the power, would you replace a bad person with a good one?"

Nemu blinked at the question, "Um… A good neighbor is nicer than a bad one… right?"

'Her response was surprisingly logical.' Satoru thought as he slowly bobbed his head in affirmation. He was sure that a good neighbor that kept their music down at night was a nice neighbor. His mind immediately went to Barbro and Philip once again, causing him to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"You okay, Mister?"

Looking at Nemu as she stood up in concern, he smiled and nodded.

"I'm going to head outside."

Using [Teleport], Satoru vanished and reemerged standing on the ledge where the villagers once mourned the loss of loved ones. His gaze resting on the grass and the pristine lack of a gravestone, only to look over the village from where he stood. Thinking back, although a regular resurrection wand would have turned them to ash, a True Resurrection Wand could've restored them without doing so–as he had found with Neia Bajara.

'I never did come back here to bring them back… did I? It was probably too late anyways.' Oddly enough he could recall the scene like it was yesterday, which was something he wasn't used to. Especially after coming to the New World. It was as if his memories were stamped onto his very soul.

A photograph that never goes away.

Turning his head to the side, he could see the 200 years worth of ancestral burials.

Prior to the attack by the Theocracy, the village hadn't been attacked before. Everyone here either died from old age or other natural causes. Letting his attention return to the Carne once more, he crossed his arms over his chest.

His undead mind was still active, but he felt as if he was feeling more than usual. Was it because of his memories? Was it because his mind had become human not too long ago before switching back? His mind kept centering on that as he thought on his current circumstances. Blatantly small plans were his doing, Punitto Moe was good for the long term, or in this case Pandora's Actor and Demiurge were the ones to talk to. And then there was Albedo he could use for coordination.

Satoru ran a hand through his hair.

'It's been a long time since I had hair to even touch…' He was surprised by the softness. His hair was like small strands of silk that followed his fingers as they pulled through it.

"Momonga-sama."

Satoru didn't turn his head to the words that left Nabe's lips. Instead he simply looked towards the sky with a sigh slowly leaving him. Lowering his hood, he gradually turned his head to actually look at the Doppelganger who was kneeling before him.

"Ha… Nabe. Stand up." His tone was urgent and stern, but he didn't raise his voice.

"Y-yes," Nabe followed the command without question, taking an erect posture.

"You are to call me Satoru while we're in this form… Like both I and Sebastian have told you before." Satoru didn't like to repeat himself and this was one of the reasons why he had brought Sebas with him in the first place. Glancing around, he narrowed on the dragonoid monk as he made his way towards him.

"Satoru," Sebastian bowed his head. "The village perimeter is secure. I see you have left our hostess's housing. Is there something on your mind?"

"I used a [remote viewing] spell while I had you two securing the perimeter." He lied in order to make it sound authentic, "There are a number of villages to the south several kilometers away… that have been pillaged with high casualty rates. I suggest asking the Village Chief to barricade the village. They have only a few days before a group of unknown Knights arrive here."

Sebastian's demeanor appeared calm, but Satoru could see a fist clenching at his side.

Satoru was suggesting a group of hostile warriors were going to slaughter the town, and it triggered a part of Sebastian he knew well. "Our defense of this land will be the stepping stone to our glory, until Nazarick is revealed to the world."

"As you say, Satoru. We will defend this place–those who cannot defend themselves. Just as I believe my creator would have wanted..."

In agreement with his companion, Satoru peered over towards Nabe as she at least appeared to agree with him and Sebastian. Not that she really shared the same sentiment of being a Hero to beings she perceived as little more than insects or trash. The next time she insulted a human by calling them an insect, he began to think of how he should remind her that Insects also inhabited the halls of Nazarick.

A small chuckle emitted from his lips, causing the two of them to raise their brows at him.

"I will move to block the road to Carne. It's likely the Knights will come from the South," Satoru summarily informed them before pitching his head forward and walking away.

He counted his steps and when he reached twenty paces, he peered over his shoulder. His companions were gone, left for the village center to find the Chief. A sense of calmness returned to him as he walked down the dirt road loading to the path out of the village.

From what he remembered there were two different roads that came to Carne, but both of them eventually met the same road. As he stood there at the only road out of Carne Village, his gaze was centered on the trees that lined the path. The last time he had walked this path was with a group of young adventurers.

It seemed just revisiting this place in such a fashion was reminding him of the past–at least of what had been.

"If I had a heart…" He held a hand over his chest, "It'd probably be heavy right about now."

He remembered the first thoughts he had when he saw the village being slaughtered. A one sided massacre. Yet when he first saw bloodshed, he had the realization he was no longer bothered by it like he had been in life. That was definitely a trait from the transference. Satoru outside of YGGDRASIL, and before he came to the New World, wasn't the perfect human being. Heck, he couldn't even count himself as one of the good ones, but he did have a sense of convoluted morality.

It was complex and didn't always work, or even apply, but it was his all the same.

Silently he cast [Maximize Magic] with [Reality Slash] with the use of metamagic as he held out a hand towards a number of trees. Just as he did so an invisible force of energy left his palm. In a matter of seconds six trees came crashing down, bisected at the base of their trunks.

With one hand, one by one, Satoru dragged these trees onto the road.

He continued to do this until he bridged the two tree-lines together, creating a short yet thick wall. Based on his calculations, this may cause some minor problems for the Knights and their cavalry from entering the village upon approach. Some of them would need to at least stop to move the obstacles along the way.

Now that the roadblock was in place, Satoru began walking back towards the village.

His efforts didn't go unnoticed as he was greeted by a number of villagers who were looking in the direction of the fallen trees. Just as he had requested, his companions had spoken to the chief.

"Ah, Satoru-san. Was that you knocking down trees along the main path?"

It was Erik, Enri's father. His eyes went off to the horizon and then back to Satoru. As expected of those wary of an attack after two hundred years of peace, he appeared antsy.

"Uh, yes. I created a roadblock so Calvary and those on foot would be slowed down."

"You must be really strong… to be able to drag those tree trunks alone like that."

Satoru froze for a moment–he was supposed to be a magic caster–someone who was physically weak but brilliant with magic. Oh well, what is done is done. A sigh left his lips as he nodded his head.

"A strong body and strong mind is needed to be a successful magic caster," he found himself unnecessarily blurting out such an excuse.

"Haha! No need to explain yourself, Satoru-san." Erik playfully patted his back, nervously putting an arm around the to-be-adventurer's shoulders. "So, what do you think of Enri?"

Satoru blinked–he was almost completely unphased by the question. "Uh… Pretty?"

"Isn't she?"

Raising a brow, he stared at Erik for a few seconds before tilting his head side to side. He could see where this was going and he was immediately reminded of Dyne Wonderwood's words during their supper under the stars.

'Women will be inherently drawn to strong men… I can see what he meant by that–and it seems their parents are no different from them.'

"I'm sure she has someone else in mind," Satoru declined subtly shrugging out from under Erik's arm. A fine smile resting on his lips as he wasn't really in the mood for being put into a matchmaking contest.

He respected the potion-maker, Nfirea, he wasn't about to steal his crush–his future wife.

Plus, despite his superior physiology he doubted he could keep up with her sex drive. Scratching the side of his head, he inched away from Erik. Even though he had still been talking to him, Satoru himself wasn't paying attention.

"Sorry, I also have someone else in mind…"

"O-oh." Erik peeled off, not wanting to bother the man now.

Relieved by this, Satoru sifted through the villagers and made his way towards Enri. "Hey. Enri-san. Can I have a talk with you?"

"Huh?" She wore an enthusiastic smile and nodded, following him away from everyone else. With her hands folded behind her back, she took long strides as she walked behind him. Once they were an appropriate distance from the others, she came to a stop as he turned to face her.

"I want you to tell me about E-Rantel."

Her lips parted as if she wasn't really surprised, but somewhat disappointed, that he was going to ask about information. "Uh… I don't really know much, but I have a friend who lives there. He taught me all I know about magic and making potions."

"Oh–What do you think about him?"

Enri blinked a few times, clearly not expecting this question. "Hmm… He's nice I suppose, really nervous too and talks to me a lot whenever he comes to the village for herbs." She giggled at the thought of it, smiling to herself as if she was thinking about never being able to see her friend again. "You're going to be able to protect us… right?"

"We will be able to protect you as long as the barricades are in place. If worse comes to worse, we'll evacuate your people to the ruins in the North."

Enri rubbed the back of her neck as she thought about it.

"Then afterward, I'll bring your friend here. How about that?"

Rolling her lower lip under the upper, she smiled awkwardly. "Thank you. Satoru-san… Uh, my friend's name is Nfirea Bareare, a pharmacist."

"It sounds like your friend has a thing for you, by what you said before."

The young lady's cheeks warmed up to a subtle pink, flushing faintly, as she processed his words. Judging this, it was easy to conclude she was entirely clueless about her friend's feelings. A small chuckle emitted from Satoru once more as he felt he was spoiling the young pharmacist friend he hadn't made yet.

"...Really?"

"Huh, we'll see afterward, won't we?"

With a theatrical snap of his fingers, a red neoplastic shoulder cape appeared draping around his shoulders just like the one he wore as Momon the Dark Warrior. When she nearly jumped in surprise from the sudden appearance of the item, Satoru pulled his hood up. "In the meantime, I have a magic item you could use for protection when our enemies rear their heads."

Reaching his hand into his item box, Satoru pulled out a pair of horns; the same ones he had given her last time. It seemed his inventory had reverted back to the very beginning–when he first arrived.

As he handed them to her by the straps, she inquisitively looked over the items before nodding her head as she understood. That's when he said, "Hrm… These items summon a small troop of goblins that will listen to your every command. They're worth quite a bit–I hope you don't sell them."

"I wouldn't!"

Not that she had a way to get through the front gates of the city–from what he remembered he had to bail her out as Momon. A small snicker left him, causing her to take a slight offense. "I'm not laughing at you," he lied, "it may be best if you didn't take those to town. The guards might try to confiscate it and frame you as a spy from the theocracy."

"Oh…" Her eyes were wide as she heard that last part, taking it to heart.

For the rest of the day, Satoru and his companions observed the daily life of the village. It was far different from what he had initially read in the reports given to him by Lupusregina in the last timeline. Though then again, that was much later down the line and after the arrival of the goblins he had Enri summon. Now, it was just a human settlement with no goblins or orcs in sight, not even a single troll was around. In a way, it was somewhat refreshing.

Enri went about her normal business, along with her parents.

Nemu played in the fields with her friends, the other children of the village. Though she was often found being a braggart or even bothering Satoru showing him off as her 'awesome' houseguest. Her claims just made him chuckle, and out of habit, he patted the top of her head.

Out of everyone who had visited the tomb, she had been the most appreciative of his friends' creations. She called the Great Tomb of Nazarick amazing while her country merely insulted his property. Though he had to admit, the Empire's decorum and the way they behaved towards him was admirable. Even after Demiurge rudely used his power of command, they still appreciated the creations born from the hands of his friends' hearts.

That night he sat there in the room supplied to him with his legs crossed and his back against the wall. The ambient red glow of his eyes gave a subtle illumination to the room that was almost mystically breathtaking. He didn't sleep–he couldn't sleep–for he was undead.

Was it strange that he had already forgotten what it was like to dream?

Satoru with his head filled to the brim with thoughts, let the next three days pass him without much care. As he remained calm, so did the villagers thanks to his ambient confidence which was enough to convince them. This allowed the farmers and inhabitants to focus on making their barricades and traps between the houses of the settlement to put a halt to the Knight's horses.

Each day was relaxing, which was a change to say the least. There wasn't a day in those two years in which he could sit around and do nothing. There was always paperwork, something political to do, or tasks to delegate. For the time being the Denizens of Nazarick were completely distracted by the construction project. So even as they sent him reports, there was nothing for him to do.

As the sun rose on the fourth day, Satoru stood before one of the many anti-horse barricades. Resting his hand along the wooden surface, a faint smile across his lips as he did. For farmers who had never fought before, they had made some sturdy first-time crafts. Though they were nothing compared to Demiurge's masterful works.

Today was quiet. No one was in the fields. Though he knew that the attack was coming near the evening, there was no telling if this time would be the same as the last. There had been plenty of Manga and Anime he had seen in the past where timelines just weren't the same thanks to tiny little differences.

'The Butterfly Effect…'

Satoru shook his head at the thought of everything falling apart because he wanted to focus on what had happened. What he wanted to recreate, and how he could possibly fail in such an endevour.

He had so many new skills now though, techniques in the use of magic that bends the memories of another person's mind. Though it took a lot of skill, mana and time, it worked nonetheless.

Resting in his hand was a small Drawven styled Lurr made of golden-brass, a Legendary Item. Canonically, it was an item without finger holes and played through embouchure. As a magic item though, it was something akin to the Horn of the Goblin General.

"Never thought I was going to use one of Amanomahitotsu-san's special tools," A soft scoff left Satoru staring blankly at the item. As a gamer he was a collector, a hoarder of rare and common antiquities alike.

Letting his shoulders deflate he looked over the item that was called 'The Grand Lurr of the Dwarven Smith.' An item that summoned a single smith with high crafting levels and a workshop to go with it.

In the game it was merely used to help with crafting, or to do the crafting if one was unable to do so. He had tons of these, just as he had with the Horns of the Goblin General, just in lesser quantities as they were much higher in quality.

Turning his head, Satoru peered over to a roped off section surrounded by villagers.

This was their payment. A blacksmith.

Perhaps if they weren't going to have Nfirea, he could give them an Alchemist too–but surely suspicion could fall on him if he were too generous. He remembered when he first arrived here last time and saved the village. Telling them he expected payment for his deeds had calmed them, but it was different this time around.

"Satoru-saa-aan."

It was Nabe, the dark haired beauty. Satoru chuckled at the title.

"Yes, Nabe?"

"Sebastian reports that everything is in place." Her eyes flickered to the horn that was in his hand, and then back up towards Satoru's face. An inquisitive expression came over her naturally sharp face.

"A blacksmith will go a long way with helping the village grow, as a repayment of their hospitality, I will give them a smith." Satoru declared before she could verbally question the reason for handing something so precious to beings so much less significant than him.

Walking around Nabe, who joined him on his flank, Satoru walked over to the roped off section.

Everyone's eyes were on him, but he continued to keep his facade of complete confidence. If the Goblin General was permanent after being summoned, then so was the smith. That was his belief.

Bringing the item to his lips, Satoru blew into the Lurr. A loud sounding hum filled the air and meters away from him the roped off section was filled with an unearthly glow. The ground shook and with a flash of light an incredible two-story dwelling appeared built entirely of stone and wood with glass windows. It looked like a high class shop built and stationed in the royal capital.

Looking at his empty hands, Satoru smiled as the Lurr was gone and used.

The Village Chief, Enri and her parents lined up behind him as they walked up to the front door.

They could hear the clanging of metal on metal, they could smell the fire in the hearth. Even the gears that stuck out of the roof as they turned completely mesmerized the villagers that looked on from a distance. Once he stepped inside and his hosts followed, they found themselves standing inside of a mid-sized warehouse. All the same it was bigger on the inside than it was on the outside.

"Woah!" Enri was the first to shout with wide brown eyes, her blonde hair sticking on end.

"It's bigger on the inside…" Erik exclaimed as the other two simply took in the surroundings with eyes just as wide as Enri's, if not wider.

There were plenty of forges and furnaces, even anvils and other contraptions used in smithing and wooden craft. This place had a number of tools for various means of crafting, all of which had metal work.

"Welcome to me Shop, Master! How may me skills be of assistance?"

A short, muscular, tubby man shouted as he came round a corner. He had a long braided orange-brown beard and a blacksmith's set of overalls. Over his shoulder was a massive hammer with a head larger than his own.

"Uh… Please, call me Satoru. You are to service this village as their smith and maintain their tools and weapons, or anything else they need. Perhaps take on an apprentice or two."

Rubbing his stomach with his freehand, the smith nodded lightly. "Of course. Me home is yer home… Though I will need materials to get this job done."

"Wh-whatever you need."

The Village Chief stepped forward, taken aback by the fact a dwarf had been given life where there had never been previously. Satoru was sure that this was one of those awe worthy moments.

Reaching into his inventory, Satoru retrieved an infinity bag filled with serviceable metals and handed it to the dwarf. Who in turn put it on their buckled belt for safe keeping. "For the time being, I would like you to demonstrate making light armor and crossbows for the inhabitants."

Serviceable metal was considered trash material in the game, but here he knew it had an impressive allure for the inhabitants. Even the Dwarves of this world couldn't smith it due to the temperature and levels needed to work it.

'Perhaps they should've called it unserviceable metal…' He laughed in the back of his head.

"Of course, of course. Anything ye need. It is a pleasure doing business with ye Ma–Satoru-sama."

Satoru shrugged his shoulders, it was close enough to what he wanted to be called. He was used to the honorifics being used on him by now anyways. "Then I will leave you to it."

Turning on his heel, the Magic Caster made his way out of the dwelling through the front door. Stepping into the roped off section, he began to remove the rope as it was only there to make sure no one got squished by the house. Last thing he needed to do was squash someone that wasn't a wicked witch.

Looking to the southern horizon, he sighed. He knew the direction that the Knights were coming from. He could see the smoke far on the horizon. This had been the only village he had saved, but it was also because it was the only village he knew. Those uninvolved with him were without consequence, it wasn't as if he had killed them, right?

"Satoru," Sebastian stood before him and bowed his head graciously. "We have prepared the afternoon meal for the village. If you would give me permission to direct them?"

Satoru put on the most cherry tone he could muster. It wasn't something he was used to. It had been a long time since he had actually genuinely smiled, despite how much he actually had smiled. So he soon nodded.

"Everyone! My compatriots have prepared a meal for the village as another thanks to your hospitality! Please, follow my friend Sebastian here to the benches."

Attention was swiftly brought away from the new dwelling that had seemingly appeared from nothing and nowhere. He watched as they followed his friend's creation towards the bench area where a lovely aroma awaited them. Earlier this morning Nabe and Sebastian had gone hunting for some Tob Bear. In the old world he barely ever ate meat, real meat was a thing for the rich. Much like his colleagues in the Guild, their main food was colored mush, protein paste and nutrient solution.

It was hardly a meal to look forward to despite the vast array of artificial flavors.

He remembered one american he had read the food blog from stating that some flavors were made with 'skunk ass' in the past. The reminiscence of that post made him chuckle, though he found it odd that he suddenly remembered it now. Satoru remembered a lot now… compared to last time.

Despite this he didn't sit down to eat with the humans. He knew he could taste the food, chew the food, but he doubted he could digest it. If he were to turn back into his skeleton form, all that food and drink was just going to pour through him and soil his clothes.

In a way, it was somewhat of a disappointment. Either Way it didn't matter though, as he took a stroll for the long barricaded road leading out of the settlement. It wasn't long until he was just gazing at the horizon once more, alone, staring at the trees in the corner of his peripheral vision. He had first met Touch Me in a forest, he could recall. Where he was saved from being killed by players who were hunting heteromorphs such as himself. That toothy grin that formed from that memory and onto his lips wasn't going to just wash away, not like with all the others.

In a few hours he knew that a battle was going to begin, and in a few hours, he knew he was going to be victorious. Yet the anticipation for the future was going to his head. The changes he was going to make, the things he wanted to do.

Slowly his head turned and he faced the mountain.

After becoming an Adventurer, acquiring Ninya's promise to study dragons, that was his next stop.

He could take his time, after dealing with the Frost Dragons, to explore the ruined city. To study alongside Ninya and learn things he didn't from her diary. Not only did he owe her a debt, but he wanted to help her fulfill her goal this time around–since he didn't last time. Collecting the four Swords of Darkness, and one day they could be powerful enough to take down an Ogre like he had.

In one swing of a sword imbued with an instant-death effect. How could he resist?