I hope you all enjoy this chapter and be sure to review! You'll be seeing some surprises in this chapter too so be ready!
(Great Tomb of Nazarick, Round Table Room)
"And this concludes the report from information specialist Neuronist." Albedo said to the gathered Supreme Beings.
It had been about three days since the battle of Carne Village. Nazarick had been plenty busy during those days. Such tasks included completing the camouflage of the tomb, as well as the defenses overseen by Punitto Moe and Demiurge. Others were checking on the traps and systems of the Tomb. During the time an unfortunate discovery made was that they still had to pay for the tomb. However, since funding only increased greatly when a guild base was being attack, they were okay for the moment. More fortunate, Tabula and Punitto discovered that they could buy gold too. However, that part was an update from the gacha machine, so the guild decided to let Yamaiko handle that. For the time being at the least that problem was solved, though investigation into the matter would still have to be done. Presently, the guild members were meeting to go over the intel gained by the Sunlight Scripture unit.
"Umu, excellent work Albedo. Let Neuronist know that we are pleased." Momonga said to the succubus.
"Your words honor me, Momonga-sama!" Albedo said as she did a quick bow to her masters. She then excused herself, leaving the players to themselves.
The members of Ainz Ooal Gown let out a collective sigh. Once they had gotten that out of their system, they focused at the task at hand. "Okay, we shall now begin with our plan to spread Ainz Ooal Gown in hopes of finding our comrades, Akemi and Touch-san's son. Anyone got good ideas?" Momonga asked, starting the meeting.
"According to that Nigun fellow and from the village chief, a job career called adventurer exists here." Nishikienrai. "Perhaps we should become adventurers ourselves and gather information." There were collective 'oohs' at the suggestion, many of them liking the idea.
"Indeed, that does like an effective way to gain intel at the moment. Plus, we will be able to move around a bit freely as adventurers." Touch Me said.
"Oh! Oh! I want to go!" Peroroncino cried excitedly.
His sister snorted. "Please! You just want to hit on whatever girls you can find, you damn pervert." Bukubukuchagama said to him.
"Shut up! I bet you would want to go disguised as some loli adventure!" Her brother fired back.
"At least I wouldn't be arrested for public molesting!" The pink slime shouted.
"Enough!" Yamaiko yelled, hitting both on the head. "Quit acting like a bunch of children and focus back to the subject at hand!"
"Yes, Yamaiko-sensei." The siblings moaned as they rubbed their heads.
Momonga cleared his nonexistent throat. "We'll get back to the matter of adventurers later. Peroroncino-san, show us what you found back at the field."
"Ah, right." The birdman said as he pulled out a small brown sack from his Item Box. He then emptied its contents onto the table. It was shown to be several glowing crystals the size of a person's palm.
"Data Crystals." Touch Me said in surprise.
Data crystals were one of the fundamental necessities in YGGDRASIL. The crystals were what made the flexible system of customization in YGGDRASIL possible. With them, players could use them customization for all parts of the game, such as changing the qualities of locations, crafting NPCs, designing personal weapons and altering player appearances. Even the Great Tomb of Nazaricks could be altered through the use of data crystals.
"I found them after the battle. I gathered them after we had those idiots taken to Nazarick." The birdman explained.
"Fascinating." Punitto Moe murmured as he picked one up. "To be honest I didn't think they would exist in this world."
"There aren't a lot of them, though. You think there'd be more seeing how many angels we slaughtered." Ulbert noted.
"Perhaps the data crystal drop is less here than it was in YGGDRASIL." Tabula theorized.
"We still have data crystals in the Treasury. Probably should put these with them." Nishikienrai said, causing Momonga to jerk in his chair.
"Uh, I can do that." Momonga said, only to get a chortle from Takemikazuchi.
"Relax, Momonga-san. We've already met with Pandora's Actor when we went to get our items." The Nephilim said.
Momonga's jaw dropped in horror. "What?!" He exclaimed. Memories of his personal NPC and the settings he put in came surfacing.
"Aw! Don't be like that, Momonga-oniichan! He was really cute! Especially with the saluting and German speaking." Bukubukuchagama giggled as the others chuckled at the Overlord's expense.
The Overlord covered his face with his hands. He could feel his emotion suppression constantly kicking in. Fortunately, the good-hearted laughter died down as the guild members refocused to the matters at hand. "I believe that we should restrain from using the crystals yet. Until we can determine the drop rates. For that, I can take over the research." Punitto Moe said.
There were murmurs of agreement. "Very well, we shall leave it to you Punitto Moe-san. Now, what was the other topic you wished to bring up?" Momonga asked.
The Death Vine said only one word. "Rubedo"
The members of Ainz Ooal Gown looked confused, though some understood why Punitto Moe brought up one of Tabula's creations. "What about her?" Yamaiko asked.
"Rubedo is our strongest NPC, the strongest being in Nazarick dare I say. She can even defeat Momonga-san with his full equipment and Touch Me-san too. We need to be certain of her loyalty." Punitto Moe explained.
"Haven't we already concluded the NPCs' loyalties?" Bellriver asked.
"No, Punitto Moe-san has a point. We can't take any risks with this." Ulbert said. "With that said, I believe Tabula should go and confirm."
Tabula blinked his large eyes. "Why me?" He asked confused.
"Ulbert and I have noticed that while all the NPCs are loyal to us, an NPC will have stronger devotion to their respective creator." Punitto explained. "As Rubedo was your creation, you are the obvious choice. Plus, you know all her abilities and settings. Who better to send?"
Some of the others seemed convince by the Death Vine's reasoning and also gave the approval. Seeing how he was outnumbered, Tabula groaned but conceded. "Fine, fine. I'll do it if that makes you happy." The Brain Eater said.
"And don't forget about Albedo." Yamaiko added. When the others gave her confused looks, she went into detail. "This morning when I was coming to the meeting I ran into Albedo. I asked her if she slept well and you know what she said. She said, 'Yes, the Throne Room's floor was comfortable as always.'"
"Wait, Albedo doesn't have a room? Tabula-san didn't you give her one?" Amanomahitotsu asked.
"…No." Tabula said sheepishly.
That made some of the others scream, "WHY DIDN'T YOU GIVE HER ONE?!"
Tabula raised his hands, as if trying to block out their cries. "Hey! She was just a pile of data back then. How was I supposed to know that she would come to life?" He defended.
"Yeah, so? We all gave our creations their rooms." Herohero said, having been woken up by the fact Albedo had to sleep on the floor this whole time. The thought brought back unpleasant memories for the black ooze.
"Well could you try to give her a room?" Warrior Takemikazuchi asked.
"I can give her one of the guest rooms after I speak with Rubedo, okay." Tabula said with a huff.
The rest of the time the room had descended into friendly banter as the guild members discussed other topics. Mainly on who would be going to become adventurers. A half an hour later, the meeting had come to an end and Tabula made a beeline towards the 8th Floor. As fortune would have it, he ran into Albedo. "Ah, Albedo. I was hoping to find you. Can you follow me?" Tabula asked.
"Of course, lord creator." Albedo replied kindly and two continued towards the 8th Floor. As they did, Tabula spoke up again.
"I should let you know Albedo, that we will be seeing your sister, Rubedo. It's also come to my attention that I have not given you a room. Thus, you shall be having one of the guest rooms." Tabula said.
Albedo bowed her head. "I am most honored, Tabula-sama! I-if it's not much, could you please give me a room near my love?" She asked shyly, not wanting to overstep her boundaries.
'Love? O-oh, she means Momonga-san.' Tabula thought as he replied. He would've cursed if not for the fact it was himself who put in those settings. "I-I suppose I can arrange that for you." Tabula responded to her request. The Brain Eater swore he saw stars in her eyes. "Back to your sister. I would like to know your opinion on Rubedo."
Albedo beamed as she answered. "Why, I believe Rubedo-chan is absolutely adorable. She is a sweet thing who would fight with her life to defend Nazarick and the Supreme Ones." She said honestly.
"I see" Tabula muttered, pleased of the positive view. "And what of your other sister, Nigredo. What does she think of Rubedo?"
At that, Albedo had a complicated expression on her face that made Tabula a bit worried. Still, he had to know. "Do not worry about me being upset, Albedo. I merely wish to know and hopefully I can improve their relationship."
That appeared to have ease the Succubus. "Yes, Tabula-sama. I'm afraid my older sister does not hold Rubedo-chan in the same regards as I do. In fact, Nigredo appears to believe that Rubedo-chan might be a potential threat to Nazarick because she was created differently. She even calls her 'Spinel'." Albedo said grimly and bowed her head.
'Well, Nigredo wasn't wrong about Rubedo being made differently.' Mused Tabula as he recalled that he used a unique method to create Rubedo. "Well, that is her own opinion. I can't force her to change her mind on a whim. However, I rather she not used derogatory term for her youngest sister." Tabula said as the two reached the entrance to the 8th Floor.
The 8th Floor, the Wilderness. It was designed by Ainz Ooal Gown to be the Tomb's final line of defense. It was guarded by the strongest NPCs, commonly referred to as "Them". Their power was great enough that they would even be a match for the Floor Guardians. When the guild members and the tomb arrived in the New World, they unanimously agreed that other NPCs, even the Guardians, were prohibited from entering the floor. That was just how dangerous the 8th floor was.
The two soon arrived at a small temple. On the door was the word 'Red'. Tabula stared at the door for several seconds before entering, followed by Albedo. Inside was a single room filled with items that a young girl would want, such as stuff animals and dolls, mirrors, a bed and so on. In the center of the room was a young girl, around twelve-thirteen years old. She had a pale, porcelain-like face and large grey eyes. Her long silky, straight black hair went down her back, held by a red hairband that revealed a pair of small red horns pointing outwards. For clothing, the girl wore what could be described as a school-girl uniform, with a white collared blouse, red ribbon, a long-sleeve red golden buttoned kimono-blazer over it, a medium sized red skirt, black stockings, and red shoes. This was Rubedo, the strongest Entity in Nazarick.
"Greetings Father, Albedo-oneesama. It is a pleasure to see the both of you." Rubedo welcomed in a cute voice.
"It is good to see you too, Rubedo-chan." Albedo returned.
'Father? Ah yes, the settings I gave would probably make her refer to me like that.' Tabula thought. He suppressed a shudder as he recalled how he programmed Rubedo, which were now made real. "A pleasure to see you as well, Rubedo. I hope you are doing okay."
"I am fine, thank you for your consideration, father." Rubedo said politely. "Forgive me for asking, but what brings you here to the 8th floor?"
Tabula gulped. 'It's now or never.' "I just wanted to make sure that you are doing okay? With Nazarick's current situation, and you being in here all by yourself, I figured I should take it up to check on you. I'll be doing the same to Nigredo too." Tabula said, hiding his intent to see how loyal Rubedo was.
What Tabula didn't expect was for a lone tear to slide down Rubedo's cheek. "All this time, I thought that I was a mistake, a failure that you wanted to hide away from the other Supreme Beings. My own existence bringing shame to your name and why you kept me in this temple." The girl said sadly.
Shocked, Tabula wasn't sure how to respond at first. 'Great, now I feel like shit.' He thought as he slowly approached his creation. Putting a gentle head on her head, he rubbed it. "You are not a mistake, Rubedo. You are the embodiment of one of my passions, just like your sisters. Nothing about you is imperfect." Tabula assured her.
"But I'm different. I am not intelligent like Albedo-oneesama, nor do I have useful powers like Nigredo-oneesama. I am wrong." Sobbed Rubedo.
"Nonsense, Rubedo. You are different because that is how I designed you. You were created to be the strongest of all our servants in Nazarick. You are not wrong." Tabula assured her. He used a tentacle to wipe Rubedo's tear stained face. Rubedo said nothing, just leaned in closer to her father's embrace.
Off to the side, Albedo wiped away a few tears from seeing this touching moment.
(One Week Later, E-Rantel)
The fortress city E-Rantel was no stranger to unique people coming and going. Having its own guild base, many adventurers wearing exotic armor could be seen walking around. This time however, the sight of a group of seven people caught the townsfolks' attention. "Dark Warrior…" many murmured.
At the front of the group was a large man wearing full black armor. A red cape was attached to his shoulder plates as well as a pair of greatswords attached to his back. Beside him was a beautiful black hair female wearing a brown cloak. Walking on the other side of the girl was man wearing black clothes under a dark grey leather light armor and sandals. A hood was over his head and wore a mask over his face. Strapped to his back were two Kusarigamas with chains at the bottom linking them together.
Another member wore full silver armor with red trims and a short blue-purple cape. On the sides of his helmet were yellow eagle wings. He had a Heater Shield strapped to his left arm and a bastard sword in its sheath hanging from the left side of his waist. His height was equaled to the first man and his armor was just as impressive. Next to him was a towering man wearing grey and yellow samurai armor, a helmet with a demonic mask covering his face that made him quite terrifying. He was carrying a nodachi that had a brown and golden handle.
The last two were a male and a female. The male wore light brown and dark orange armor, with a dark yellow longbow and brown quiver hanging from his back. A pair of daggers hung from the sides of his waist. Over his head was a hood and a brown mask covered his mouth and obscured his eyes slightly. The female was taller than the first and wore a clerical attire with a dark grey helmet covering her face and matching armor underneath her green robes. The part that stood out the most were the silver gauntlets over her hands.
The disguised Momonga looked around, noticing the attention they were getting. [Momonga: It appears that a lot of eyes are on us.] He said through [Message].
[Touch Me: Yeah, which is weird because you think that they be used to seeing uniquely dressed people, seeing how a lot of adventurers come through here.]
[Yamaiko: I see an alley up ahead. Let's head in there to discuss the rest of the plan.]
Her idea got agreements from the other as the group of seven moved towards the large alleyway. Nishikienrai let out a tired sigh. "Ugh, finally. All those stares and whispering were getting on my nerves." He muttered.
Narberal, hearing her creator's complaint, eyes widened before she glared at the humans walking by. "If it troubles you my lord, shall I exterminate them?" She asked seriously.
"T-that's not necessary, Narberal." Nishikirenai said hurriedly. 'I get the feeling I'll have to rein her in during these next few days.' He thought tiredly.
Letting out a cough, Takemikazuchi brought everyone back to the present. "I think we should go over our aliases right now before heading towards the guild building."
[Warrior Takemikazuchi: Also, so that Narberal won't call us by our actual names in public too.]
[Momonga: Agreed] "Narberal, while we are in our adventurer personas, you will be called Nabe. A magic caster capable of using 3rd tier magic. And I am to be called Momon." The Overlord said.
[Touch Me: Momon? Really? You're just taking out the last two letters in your name.]
[Momonga: I don't want to hear that from you!]
"Understood, Momon-sama." Narberal said.
"And don't add '-sama' at the end, either." Momonga ordered. "That will attract unwanted attention."
"I understand, Momon-sam-san." Narberal repeated, catching herself in time.
"As for myself, call me Roland." Said Touch Me.
"Pedro for me." Peroroncino stated.
Takemikazuchi was next. "Inazuma is my alias."
"Call me Kage." Nishikirenai told his creation.
"As for me, Yamase." Yamaiko said.
"I understand" Nabe replied seriously.
Yamaiko rubbed her chin. "I think we should add something else too." She said.
"Like what?" Momonga asked.
"Hmmm, oh I know! How about we say that Nabe is Kage's daughter!" She suddenly suggested.
That earned some 'oohs' from the others, though Narberal appeared shocked and embarrassed. "That's actually a good idea! It would make our adventurer persona more interesting." Takemikazuchi commented.
"I'm fine with that. What about you Narberal?" Nishikienrai asked his creation.
"I-if that is your will! I do not mind at all, creator. It would be a great honor!" The doppelganger said as she bowed her head.
"Now that's done, let's go and become adventurers." Momonga declared and they headed off.
Half an hour later, the group had left the guild. They now all had copper plates around their necks. The Supreme Beings did not seem to mind, but Narberal had a displease look on her face. "To give my lords and lady simple copper plates, damn insects." She muttered under her breath.
"Now, now Nabe. This was to be expected. We just joined the guild so it's only logical we would be given beginner ranks." Momon assured the doppelganger. "That just means we shall prove to them our strength and rise through the ranks."
"Well anyway, we arrived at the inn they directed us to." Pedro told the group.
Said inn was pretty rundown but habitable. Its appearance only furthered angered Nabe and she had to be calmed down by Kage. The group soon entered, where they immediately got the attention of everyone inside. Ignoring them, they made their way to the innkeeper who was cleaning a mug. Approaching, Momon spoke. "One large room for seven." He said as he handed some money that they took from the Sunlight Scripture.
"Hmm, very well." The innkeeper muttered, not even paying attention to him.
Suddenly, a pair of rough looking men approached the group. Having spotted Nabe, one of the men put a hand on Momon's shoulder. "That's quite the woman you people have with you. Why don't you give her to us for the night?" The man said, trying to be threatening.
[Momonga: Ugh, seriously? We just got here, and people are already trying to intimidate us?]
[Touch Me: Reminds me of the scum I arrested back during my time as a cop.]
[Nishikienrai: I'll deal with this.]
Appearing behind the man, Kage grabbed the thug by the throat, startling him. With ease, the disguised half-golem lifted the man off the floor "I appreciate it if you didn't look at my daughter with such disgusting eyes." Kage snarled before throwing the goon. Said person crashed into a nearby table.
The man's friends were surprised by the unforeseen strength. They turned to face the rest of the Supreme Beings, only to flinch at the intimidating looks they were given.
Kage brushed his hands. "Now that that's over, let's get to our rooms."
"Hey!" A redheaded woman with an iron plate shouted. She marched over towards Kage with an angered look on her face. "Look at what you've done?"
"What have I done?" Kage asked, confused.
"Hah!? Don't you even know what you did?" The woman pointed at the shattered table. The man still lying on top of it, unconscious. Pieces of glass could also be seen too. "You threw that guy over and broke my potion, my precious potion! I starved and scrimped and saved to buy that potion today! And now you broke it! I demand compensation!"
[Peroroncino: Sheesh, all that trouble for a simple potion? We could buy those easily back in YGGDRASIL. Just how terrible can these people be?]
[Touch Me: Just how much do they even cost here? From her tone, they sound expensive.]
[Warrior Takemikazuchi: Perhaps potions are hard to make in this world.]
[Nishikienrai: I kind of feel bad now.]
"Hey! Are you even listening to me?!" The woman yelled, getting up into Nishikienrai's face.
"Look, we're sorry about that. But if you want money, why not go to them?" Momon asked, pointing to the group of men trying to help their unconscious comrade. "They technically started this."
The woman frowned looking at the other group, who looked nervous from the attention they were getting. "True, however that potion was worth one gold and ten silver coins. Do you drunkards even have that kind of money?" She asked rhetorically, making the goons drop their head in shame that they had to reveal being broke. "Figures. Besides, with those fancy armors and weapons, you lot seem like you have the money to pay for a new one."
[Yamaiko: That much for one potion? Just how cheap are those potion makers?]
[Peroroncino: Ugh, this is getting annoying.]
[Nishikienrai: Well we better do something. Narberal looks like she's ready to kill the woman.]
[Momonga: Fine, I'll deal with this.]
Looking at the woman, Momon said, "That was a healing potion, right?"
"Yes! And it was really hard for me to-" The woman's rant was cut off when Momon gave her another potion. The bottle was of the same shape, but the liquid inside was red.
"Here. We'll pay you back with another potion, and we'll be even." Momon said while the woman looked at it suspiciously. "Now, if you excuse us." And with that, the group of seven went upstairs.
The members of Ainz Ooal Gown regrouped inside their room. When the door closed, Momonga cast a privacy and security spell before the six Supreme Beings removed their disguises. "Man, that was annoying." Momonga said.
"You can say that again, Momonga-san. This adventurer lifestyle is not as fun as I thought it would be." Warrior Takemikazuchi commented as he sat down.
"Tch, to think those insects would make the Supreme Ones stay in such a shabby room." Narberal muttered. She remained in her adventurer clothes.
"It can't be helped, Narberal-chan. This is only temporary until we prove our worth. Once we rise up in the ranks, we can get better accommodations." Yamaiko told the doppelganger.
"I think the highest adventurer rank is adamantite." Nishikienrai said.
"But my lords, adamantite is such a soft metal. You should be a Prismatic Ore like Apoitakara or Scarletite." Narberal complimented.
"Nothing we can do about it, Narberal. That's just how their ranking is." Momonga said.
Touch Me looked at the others. "She brings up a good point though, about metal. Do you think Prismatic Ore exists in this world?"
"It's a possibility. Though seeing how they put adamantite as the highest adventurer rank, they might not exist." Commented Peroroncino.
"It would be nice if we could find some in this world. We still have some back in the Treasury, but we can't use it carelessly." Yamaiko said.
"Since we're taking a breather, I should contact the other team." Momonga commented before activating [Message].
[Momonga: Amanomahitotsu-san, how are things going?]
[Amanomahitotsu: We've already entered E-Rantel, staying at the Shining Golden Pavilion. Sebas and Solution are going around selling my goods to merchants in the town. Shalltear is with me keeping an eye out for any trouble]
While Momonga and the others were working under adventurer personas, Amanomahitotsu had a different task. Using his classes in crafting, Amanomahitotsu was posing as a blacksmith, selling low-class items he made to make money as well as gathering information. Escorting him were Sebas, Solution and Shalltear. Sebas was to act as his butler, while Solution was the spoiled daughter of a friend of Amanomahitotsu, whose alias was Hephaestus. Shalltear had a secondary mission, but for now was serving as an extra bodyguard.
[Momonga: Let us know when you leave for the capital, Amanomahitotsu-san. If something goes wrong, we'll send back up.]
[Amanomahitotsu: Got it Momonga-san. And good luck on your adventures.]
Momonga ended the conversation and looked at the others. "Amanomahitotsu-san seems to be doing well so far. If he's successful, our finances will be better."
"Mhm, that's good. While Exchange Box now let's us buy money, it's better we also secure money of this world. That way we can use the money in the Treasury to keep Nazarick running." Touch Me commented.
"Now that we've gotten all that out of the way," Momonga said as he put on his disguise again. "Let's go find a quest."
There we go! The gang begins their lives as adventurers! And don't worry, the rest of Ainz Ooal Gown won't just be lying about…well Herohero probably will. Anyway, review!