After Nfirea and Enri went to the house, The players went to the hills overseeing villagers training with bows.
"Not bad "
Momonga could not help but praise them.
"Are they really that good?"
Narberal, standing behind Momonga and his friends, could not help but express her doubt.
[Momonga: I understand her doubt, this is nothing compared to those from Nazarick, especially Peroroncino.]
[Nishikienrai: I wonder how much they can accomplish.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Especially through hatred.]
"You're right, Narberal. Their technique is hardly something to get excited over. However, ten days ago, they did not even know how to use a bow. In order to prevent their spouses, children, and parents from being slain once more, they threw themselves into training so that they could one day stand with weapons in hand to fight. Is that not worthy of praise?" Momonga explained.
"What was truly praiseworthy, was the depths of the villagers' hate, which had brought them this far." Nishikienrai added.
"My, my deepest apologies. I had not thought that far." Naberal apologize.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it so much, Nabe. It's true that their skills aren't really that impressive." Momonga confess.
[Momonga: How strong could they become? How strong can we become?]
[Yamaiko: We are already at maximum level when we came here, we could become much stronger, but it's a possibility that we can't.]
[Momonga: What if the natives of this world have no level limit? They could surpass us and Nazarick.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Very unlikely. Either way those six gods at Slane theocracy are possibly alive depending if they have class that have extended their lifespan.]
[Nishikienrai: We should not try to get on their bad side, but we're kinda late for that since we did destroy their special group.]
[Momonga: Was helping them a mistake...?]
[Touch Me: No Momonga! Don't think like that! It's only natural for us to help, I'll be damned if I don't help people in need! Even if I have to bullshit my way through.]
[Momonga: ...You're right. Regardless, we should prioritize on gaining information.]
[Nishikienrai: Nfirea? What he's doing?]
Momonga immediately had a bad feeling about Nfirea. It looked like the same panic the village chief had earlier.
"Why the rush? Did an emergency crop up again? This village is really... "
Nfirea reached the mumbling Momonga.
Nfirea seemed a little hesitant and unsure of whether to speak. In the end, he gathered up his determination and asked Momonga:
"Momon, are you Momonga?"
[Momonga: ...How..?!]
[Tabula Smaragdina: It does sound pretty ridiculous...]
[Momonga: Shut up I'm not good at names.]
"So it was you, Momonga. Thank you for saving this village, as well as saving Enri."
As Momonga looked on the bowing Nfirea, he quietly replied, "No I..."
After hearing the words Momonga managed to squeeze out, Nfirea nodded in understanding.
"Yes. I understand why you people might want to go by different names, but still, I have to thank you guys for saving this village for saving Enri, the girl whom I like."
[Touch Me: Remind me of myself...]
[Tabula Smaragdina: It's best not to dwell at the past.]
"Ah, that's enough raise your head."
Momonga said in defeat.
"Yes, Momonga. The truth is I've been hiding something from you."
" Come with me. Nabe, stay here and wait for instructions." Nishikienrai said
[Nishikienrai: We should keep our distance, so that my daughter don't overreact.]
[Momonga: Your right about that.]
Once they had gone far enough away from Narberal, the players turned to face Nfirea.
"Actually "
Nfirea swallowed nervously, but the look on his face was full of determination.
"Momonga, the potion which your friend gave to that lady in the inn cannot be made by normal methods and is extremely rare. I wanted to know what sort of person would have such a potion and what kind of methods would produce such a potion, which was why I requested this job. I am very sorry about that."
"Ah, so that's what it was." Tabula Smaragdina said.
[Momonga: Giving out that potion was a mistake...]
[Yamaiko: It's a situation we can't win. If we didn't, then people might start making bad rumors about us.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: We're gonna have to salvage this. Why is he apologizing though?]
"Is there anything to be sorry for?" Tabula ask.
"Eh?" Nfirea blurted out.
" Well, I can't say I feel entirely good about someone hiding something from me while smiling and shaking my hand. But then, this assignment was designed to build a connection with me, am I correct? What's wrong with that?" Momonga said.
A deeply puzzled Momonga asked this question from the bottom of his heart.
"Momonga, you're really a magnanimous person "
[Touch Me: Whats wrong with that? It make sense people want to make connections to benefit others or themselves.]
"If we told you how to make the potion, what would you do with that knowledge?" Touch Me said.
Nfirea gasped in surprise, and after a brief period of thought he answered:
"I had not thought that far ahead. I just wanted to know because I was curious! Granny's probably the same way too."
"I see. Then, there's no problem. If you were planning to exploit it for criminal gain, it would be a different matter, but if not, then it's fine." Touch Me added.
"You people are really amazing. No wonder she looks at you that way " Enri said in awe.
[Touch Me: He looks like one of those kids meeting their favorite baseball player.]
[Momonga: It looks embarrassing though...]
"Speaking of which, are you the only one who knows that we are the Ainz Ooal Gown?"
"Yes, I didn't tell anyone else."
"Is that so, that's good."
[Nishikienrai: Good. No problem with people spreading the news.]
"Right now, We are simply adventurers. I would be glad if you could keep that in mind and to keep our identities to yourself."
"Yes, I thought you'd say something like that. I'm sorry for causing you all this trouble, Momon, but I needed to thank you in person. Thank you very much for saving Enri and this village."
Nfirea delivered his earnest thanks with a sincere look in his eyes.
"There's no need to stand on ceremony. I was merely righting a wrong where I saw it."
"Even so, there shouldn't have been a need to give away those horns."
[Momonga: Actually I gave those away because they're useless.]
[Touch Me: Seriously...?]
[Nishikienrai: Did you ever fix your hoarding obsession..?]
[Momonga: No. Never.]
In his capacity as an employer, Nfirea arranged with Momonga to head for the forest in an hour's time. After thanking him again, he turned and left.
As he watched Nfirea vanish into the distance, Narberal came and bowed before Momonga.
"My lords, my sincerest apologies!"
"People are watching, raise your head." Momonga said.
"And you're not wrong to say that. All this was because you mentioned Albedo's name." Momonga added.
[Nishikienrai: All because someone just had to piss her off. These guys need anger management.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: It doesn't help that she's using the 'lord' again ]
"Please allow me to atone with my life!" Naberal said as pull her sword on her neck
[Nishikienrai: No!]
[Momonga: If only that was a joke...]
[Touch Me: We can't even joke while making orders, these guys would take it seriously.]
"...Enough. Anyone can make mistakes. All you need to do is strive not to make the same mistake twice. Work hard, step by step, and do not repeat your past failures. I forgive you, Narberal Gamma."
"My deepest thanks! I will strive not to make the same mistake again!"
" Well, don't mind it too much. The name of Momon the adventurer, my undercover identity, was not completely compromised, so you just need to pay more attention in the future. However depending on the circumstances, we may need to eliminate Nfirea " Momonga explained.
"Shall I take care of him now?" The battle maid said.
"Don't be foolish. It would be troublesome if we messed up this assignment."
[Tabula Smaragdina: Considering that Nfirea's grandmother was a famous herbalist in E-Rantel. Annoying or making an enemy of her would make it more difficult for us to reach our aims.]
"In any case we'll see how it goes." Momonga said.
After their conversation with Nfirea, the players went into a dense forest with a large clearing. Momonga and his friends had gone there to protect Nfirea as he collected herbs.
"We'll be entering the forest after this, so I'll be counting on you to protect me. That said, the area just inside the forest is part of the Wise King of the Forest's sphere of control, so under normal circumstances, the chances of meeting other monsters are very low. The problem is that the Ogres we met yesterday came from a place near the Wise King of the Forest's territory, so something must have happened in the woods. Although it's hardly something that I need to warn you gentlemen about, I hope everyone will remain on guard." Nfirea said.
Nfirea's gaze rested briefly on Momonga.
The Swords of Darkness turned to look at Momonga's group as well.
"Well, with you around, we should be fine, Momon." Peter said
" If that monster, called the Wise King of the Forest appears, let us hold it back. You should escape first." Momonga said which surprise the sword of darkness who just look at him in awe.
[Momonga: It felt very wrong for some reason...]
[Nishikienrai: If it about the glory of Nazarick then don't worry. You got us.]
[Momonga: That's reassuring...]
"If there's a need to run, could you please leave without delay? If the Wise King of the Forest is strong, We need to face it with our full power, and I don't want to get everyone caught up in it."
"Understood. If that happens, we'll protect Nfirea-san and flee the forest. But don't over do it yourself too hard either, Rikon." Peter said.
"Thank you. We will escape when it gets dangerous." Yamaiko added.
"Then Momon." Nfirea said.
Nfirea seemed to be wavering between speech and silence. In the end, he made up his mind and said:
"Could you not kill the Wise King of the Forest, but instead chase it away?"
" Why is that?" Tabula asked.
"Mm, Carne Village has not been attacked by monsters because the Wise King of the Forest's territory is nearby. If you defeat the Wise King of the Forest... " Nfirea explained.
"I see " Momonga mutter.
[Touch Me: That's smart, having a powerful creature nearby would scare off most of the other monsters away. Even better when it isn't bothering with you.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Can we get this over with? I want my ring.]
[Yamaiko: Hehe I thought you would have more patience than anyone, well except Momonga ]
[Momonga: Damn right. And can you two please stop talking about rings? I still have nightmare about the gacha.]
"That might be a bit much. Momon is strong, but his opponent is a legendary monster. Wouldn't he be in trouble if he couldn't defend himself with his full strength? How would he have the luxury of " Lukrut said.
"I understand." Momonga said
"Wha !" Lukrut exclaimed in shock.
The other Swords of Darkness remained silent, but their surprise was written all over their faces.
"Please have confidence. It raises morale and it could do wonders against monsters."
Momonga's reply, brimming with confidence, raised goosebumps on the skin of his fellow adventurers.
"Even if your opponent is a legendary monster that's lived for centuries "
"Is this the sort of attitude that only the strong have? "
"Judging by Momon-san's personality, he probably isn't exaggerating or bluffing "
In stark contrast to the Swords of Darkness, Nfirea had an idea of Ainz Ooal Gown organizations' power, and he had a relieved expression on his face.
[Nishikienrai: It would not be too much of a problem if we killed that creature... We could easily replace it with another monster from Nazarick, namely Ulbert's summon.]
[Ulbert Alain Odle: Sup.]
[Touch Me: For fuck's sake! Can you stop entering our message!?]
[Peroroncino: We could have asked, but this is more fun.]
[Herohero: It is pretty funny...]
[Bukubukuchagama: Herohero!? Finally you're awake! We been trying to wake you up for Six hours!]
[Warrior Takemikazuchi: What the fuck dude! why didn't you wake the fuck up.]
[Herohero: Sorry guys This is the first time I slept soundly in years. I'm going to keep doing it.]
[Momonga: Oh, so that's why you didn't argue with us yesterday.]
[Herohero: What arguement?]
[Momonga: That the dragons were the strongest in Yggdrasil.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: And that the kitsune were stronger than dragons.]
[Yamaiko: Which by away. Momonga doesn't believe that.]
[Herohero: Guys... You know that every race has strengths and weaknesses right? I mean look at me. I'm a slime that eat items up quick. Momonga is a lich with a large set of instant death spells. But if we're not strong, we have our quirks, unless you're a player that cares about power then look at the guildmaster of Fox Spirit.]
[Touch Me: That's true...Oh shit the forest!]
[Momonga: Don't worry I keep in track with them and some information about how potion making work.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Dammit! And I missed it! ]
"There's a clearing in the forest, which I've designated as our destination. I've already told you about that place, Lukrut, so please guide us there." Peter said.
After hearing Lukrut's casual "Leave it to me," Nfirea turned back to the others.
"Then, let's begin the herb collection "
" I have a suggestion, actually." Momonga suggests.
"Please tell us, Momon." Nfirea said.
"Since Nabe can cast something like the [Alarm] spell we used when pitching camp, could we temporarily split off when we reach the destination?" Momonga explains.
Everyone, Nfirea included, wrinkled their brows. This was because they were uneasy about their strongest fighting force leaving them in such a dangerous area. However, Nfirea quickly replied:
"That's fine. However, please don't be gone for too long."
"Of course. In order to avoid getting lost, I'll tie a rope to myself. Tug on it if there's anything." Momonga show the rope to them.
"Then, could I go too? I need to watch carefully in case you and Nabe do something weird in the bushes."
[Nishikienrai: Seriously? I'm still here!]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Okay now he's getting ridiculous. Especially here, I doubt any father would like that assumption.]
"Die, inferior lifeform . Is lust the only thing left in your head? If I castrated you, would you still be able to move?" Naberal insulted.
" That's enough, Nabe. Lukrut, there's no need to go that far. Although, I'd like to ask Ninya if there's a spell which can tell you where members of your group are when you're scattered in the forest. It would be convenient if such a magic existed." Tabula said.
"I've never heard of such a spell. It would be very handy indeed if it existed." Ninya replied.
Momonga nodded as he heard Ninya's denial.
[Yamaiko: Those guys weren't kidding at the fact that no one can't use higher tier spells.]
[Momonga: That can be very problematic for us in disguise.]
"Then, Momon and Nabe will leave us for a while, and we'll pick the herbs after they return."
Since it was their employer's decision, nobody else could object. The Swords of Darkness nodded one by one.
After the discussion and other matters were concluded, Nfirea called for them to move out. The group shouldered their baggage and entered the forest.
There were trees felled by the villagers nearby. The earth was already dried out. It looked like an easily walkable stretch of forest, but the scenery before their eyes slowly transformed into something like a green labyrinth.
[Tabula Smaragdina: This is beautiful, Blue Planet would go crazy over this.]
[Yamaiko: I know right!]
[Nishikienrai: Someone is following us.]
[Momonga: I feel proud for that person.]
"We've arrived at our destination. We'll spread out from here and pick herbs." Peter said.
Everyone began setting their gear down after they heard Nfirea unburdening himself of his baggage. However, they did not relax. Instead, they carefully observed their surroundings, ready to deal with any sudden developments.
This was because they were no longer in the world of men.
"Then, we'll move out as we planned earlier."
After Nfirea replied to that statement in the affirmative, Momonga tied a rope to a nearby tree, then picked the other end up and headed into the forest.
The rope he was holding was not thick, but it was very strong. It would not snap just by being dragged along the ground. While holding the rope, Momonga and his group could move in a straight line into the forest.
Normally speaking, it was almost impossible to move in a straight line, since the trees would get in one's way. However, the rope they were holding showed the path, and so the two of them could proceed despite their inexperience with the forest.
They moved about fifty meters into the forest, stopping when the rope had almost run out.
Trees and vegetation blocked the way behind them, so they did not worry about being spotted. There was someone nearby who could immediately deal with anybody who was following them, so there was no need to fret about that either.
"Here should be fine." Momonga said
"Yes." Naberal replied.
"Then, let's discuss how to improve our reputation here." Yamaiko said
" May I ask how you plan to do that? Does it involve finding a lot of the herbs they want?"
Nishikienrai looked quietly at his daughter, and then shook his head:
"We plan to fight the Wise King of the Forest."
Narberal seemed to have a question mark over her head, so Nishikienrai explained further:
"Our aim is to impress my might upon them in an easily understandable way." Nishikienrai explained.
" Was the battle with the Ogres not enough to convince them of your power?" His creation asked.
" You're not wrong to say that, but Goblins and Ogres are not enough. When they discuss our accomplishments back in town, there's a world of difference between saying we slew an Ogre in one blow and saying I defeated the Wise King of the Forest. One of them will spread much faster and further than the other. This is why we need to put on a good show." Momonga explained.
"I see! As I thought, your plans take everything into consideration, Lord Momonga! Still, how will we find that Wise King of the Forest?" Naberal asked.
"I've already planned for that." Momonga said.
Just as Narberal was about to ask, a third speaker cut in.
"Yup~ that's why I'm here."
Narberal jerked her head over toward the source of the sudden voice. She even thrust her right hand out, preparing to aim and cast a spell. However, her face changed immediately upon seeing who the speaker was.
"Aura! Please don't scare me like that."
"Sorry~" She apologized.
"Finally, I'm outside." A familiar voice can be heard. "Lord Bukubukuchagama!" Naberal said as she bowed.
Bukubukuchagama put a smile on the faces of her friends. "Hi! I'm here to be your shield in case something happens."
[Tabula Smaragdina: Is this an excuse?]
[Bukubukuchagama: Yeah I want to at least see the beauty of this place.]
"May I ask when you arrived?" Momonga said
"Hmm? I've been following behind my Lords ever since you entered the forest." Aura said.
"That's my girl " Bukubukuchagama said as she pat her creation's head. Aura blushed profusely.
"So, my job here is to find the monster called the Wise King of the Forest, then urge it to attack Lord Momonga." The ranger said.
"That's right. According to our previous intelligence, the Wise King of the Forest is a four-legged beast with silver fur and a snake-like tail. Does that remind you of anything?" Momonga asked.
"Hm, it's fine. It should be that guy," Aura replied as she glanced upward.
"If that's the case, do you want me to tame it directly?" She said.
" That is an alternative, but let's not." Momonga responds.
[Nishikienrai: No complications with the people here afterall.]
"By the way, Aura, how's the progress on that matter me and Bukubukuchagama asked you to handle?"
"Yes!"
Aura swiftly genuflected before Momonga, in the manner of a vassal to her liege.
It did not quite seem like Aura's style, but Momonga responded in kind, listening to her report in his capacity as her master.
"The order you gave me to 'investigate and control the interior of the forest, verify if there are any lifeforms willing to obey Nazarick, and set up a resource storehouse,' is going well, Lord Momonga."
"Is that so," Momonga replied simply.
[Touch Me: What was that for?]
[Momonga: I want to see If I can power level them.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: I do want to know if we can do that as well.]
[Bukubukuchagama: We did put out a lot of orders to the NPC's to do stuff. Such as having Sebas gaining intel while Shalltear is off capturing those with Martial art's.]
[Momonga: Oh and that I had her make a storehouse.]
"Still, the construction of the storehouse will take a long time to complete." Aura said.
[Yamaiko: That was perfectly timed ]
"That can't be helped. After all, it has only been a short while since I gave you that order." Momonga said.
[Momonga: I gave her golems and undead since they are tireless.]
[Nishikienrai: Just like You and me huh.]
[Touch Me: Yeah except you can eat while Momonga can't.]
[Bukubukuchagama: That's a shame. There are lot's of good food at Nazarick.]
[Momonga: Just Shut up...]
"It's all right if it takes extra time. Try your best to make it perfect. Make ample preparations for defense, so we won't fall short if we're attacked." Bukubukuchagama said.
"Yes! Understood!" Aura said
"Very well. Then, Aura, I'll leave the matter of the Wise King of the Forest to you." Momonga respond.
"Yes!" Aura replied energetically as she stood back up.
After Momonga bade Aura farewell, a gigantic black wolf with a lustrous black pelt padded out from behind one of the trees, as though it had been waiting for that moment. Its fiery red eyes blazed with intelligence, proving that it was no mere beast.
That was not all.
On the branches of another tree was a six-legged monster which looked like a fusion of a chameleon and an iguana. Its scaly skin ran through a kaleidoscopic array of lightning-fast color changes. It was as large as the wolf from earlier.
"Fen, Quadracile, what's with you? Worried about me?"
The massive wolf called Fen whined and nuzzled Aura. Quadracile stuck out its tongue and lightly licked at the top of Aura's head.
"Hey hey, we still have to do the work our Lord's gave us."
As they heard Aura's words, Fen and Quadracile stopped playing around.
"All right, let's go!"
Aura led the two magical beasts in a sprint through the forest. Even though they were surrounded by dense woodland, they were not impeded in the slightest, moving as fast as the wind.
Momonga and his friends looked at them as they vanished into the forest. "So then, what is your best potion." Yamaiko sheeply said. "Hmp. I'm gonna win this bet."
Momonga look at Tabula Smaragdina with worry. "Tabula, please back down from this bet. Yamaiko is too strong in these type of things." He said.
"I'm not going to back down from a challenge." Tabula stood his ground.
"Please. She's too lucky."Momonga pleaded.
Naberal is very confused over what is going on but she won't question her Lords.
Momonga is not the only one. Everyone just looked at him while Yamaiko smiled maliciously.
There was a disturbance in the forest
Lukrut pricked up his ears as he sensed the change in the air. He surveyed his surroundings with a grim expression on his face and wariness in his heart.
"Something's coming."
"Is it the Wise King of the Forest?"
Nobody answered Nfirea's uneasy question as he stuffed the herbs into his bags. Everyone merely watched the depths of the forest in silence.
"This is bad."
Even the usually flighty Lukrut was speaking in a serious tone:
"Something massive is coming. I don't know why it's moving in a serpentine pattern, but from the sound of trampled grass, it should be here soon. However we can't be sure if it's the Wise King of the Forest." Everyone look at the rope.
'Please Momonga, don't overdo it.' Nfirea mentally said.
"Damn They might think it's not the Wise King of the Forest and even if I bring it back to Nazarick, I need some proof of having beaten it Should I cut off one of its legs?" Momonga mutterde.
"Lord Momonga." Naberal said
"Has our guest arrived?"
[Yamaiko: Technically, we're the guest.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: No matter. Nishikienrai can you see his form?]
[Nishikienrai: You're pretty eager to lose.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: I'm not going to lo-]
[Momonga: It just attack me with his tail as you two were talking.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Oh sorry.]
"How spectacular; to think thou could endure the blow of this one. Perhaps this is the first time this one hath encountered a foe possessed of such prowess." The king said.
"Thou this one " The beast look at Momonga.
Everyone except Bukubukuchagama in her human form's illusory face hardened, and then he considered that those words had already been translated. Momonga decided that this was the closest equivalent to what had actually been said.
"Then, oh trespasser upon mine demesne. Shouldst thou decide to quit the field, this one shall not pursue thee, in honor of thine magnificent defense what say thee?" He said.
" What a foolish question. Of course we plan to defeat you for our own gain speaking of which, are you so insecure about your appearance that you have to hide in the shadows? Or are you shy by nature?" Momonga declared.
" What a wild tongue thou hast, oh trespasser! Now behold this one's mighty form! Stare with eyes wide and tongue tied, and tremble in dread and awe!" The beast self proclaimed.
The Wise King of the Forest slowly emerged from the trees, revealing its body to him.
As he saw it, everyone with illusionary eyes went wide.
"Fufufu, this one senses thy fear and alarm from beneath thine helmet!" The king declared.
"What is this " Everyone said while Yamaiko smiled.
[Yamaiko: Hah! You owe me a potion Tabula!]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Son of bitch!]
" I have a question; what is the name of your species?" Momonga asked.
"This one is known in thy tongue as the Wise King of the Forest. Apart from that, this one holds no other titles." The beast said.
Momonga looked on, and then asked further:
"Your species, might they be called Djungarian Hamsters?"
"This this one hath lived in solitude all mine life. This one canst not answer thee, for this one knowst not of this one's or dost thou imply that thou knowst of this one's species?" Momonga said.
"Um er I guess, sort of... one of our former friends once kept a creature, which was similar to you, as a pet " Momonga explained.
[Bukubukuchagama: A sad incident...]
[Touch Me: Wait, did it die?]
[Momonga: Yep]
"What!? To think beings like this one would be raised as pets!"
The Wise King of the Forest puffed up its cheeks.
[Yamaiko: Honestly, he's adorable.]
Momonga had no idea whether it was unhappy or trying to intimidate him, or something else. The only thing Momonga could be sure of was that it was definitely not eating.
"Hm This one prays thee enlighten me on that matter. This one is a living being and must procreate. If others of this one's breed exist, then this one must go forth and multiply, lest this one become a failure as a living being." The beast said.
[Tabula Smaragdina: That's every animal these days.]
[Bukubukuchagama: It doesn't help that Momonga is undead, so he can't.]
[Peroroncino: Wait can slime have children?]
[Bukubukuchagama: Well I could try with Herohero~]
[Herohero: No.]
"Er, it wasn't as big as you, anyway." Touch Me said.
"Be that as it may perchance it was a juvenile?" The beast asked.
" No, even fully grown, it was small enough to fit in the palm of my hand." Momonga explained.
With a vague sense of sadness, the Wise King of the Forest's whiskers drooped down.
"Indeed, that is quite a stretch this one must pass the years in solitude, after all " The beast said.
" If you were a more impressive looking species it wouldn't be so bad but you're a hamster. I do sympathize with your circumstances, but if there were others like you, your numbers would increase without end and the world might end up being destroyed " Tabula Smaragdina said.
The Wise King of the Forest twitched its whiskers. While its eyes were the same shiny black as always, there seemed to be some anger in its tone:
"What an outrage! Increasing the numbers of one's species is important! And this one hath lived without companionship all mine life! 'Tis only natural to desire others of mine kind!"
"Oh um well, that's certainly true forgive me, I misspoke " Tabula Smaragdina apologized.
[Tabula Smaragdina: It's hard to speak with a cute creature such as him.]
[Yamaiko: You're right about that.]
"...Think naught of it. This one grants thee mine forgiveness. Then, let us abandon this idle banter and show each other our fatal resolve. Listen well oh trespasser who hath profaned mine demesne, offer thy life as this one's sustenance!"
"Er um "
Everyone except Naberal felt their motivation draining away.
[Momonga: I can't kill him. I mean, we look like the most vile things that ever existed and we're going to fight a hamster.]
[Nishikienrai: Imagine if people saw us with the beast's dead carcass. They be sad instead of awed.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Let set it to capture instead of kill. People would be more impressed if that's the case.]
"All of you, stand back." Momonga said as everyone stay back.
[Momonga: I want to measure him.]
[Nishikienrai: Actually, it is a she.]
[Yamaiko: Seriously?]
[Nishikienrai: Yeah. Took me while to figure it out.]
"Oh but know thou that being outnumbered is no handicap for this one?"
" I can't do something as embarrassing as fighting a hamster two-on-one." Momonga explains.
After hearing those words and seeing Momonga raise his weapons in a fighting stance, the Wise King of the Forest lowered its body and tensed its entire body.
"Regret not thy decision! Now bear the charge of this one!"
The massive body forcefully kicked off the earth with a mighty bang, and lunged at Momonga.
The flying tackle of the Wise King of the Forest's massive body would have tossed any ordinary person away, had they been hit by it without using a martial art.
However, Momonga used the blades of his greatswords as a shield, and took the Wise King of the Forest's charge head on.
Despite its fearsome destructive power, Momonga still easily resisted it..
The Wise King of the Forest was surprised by the unmoving Momonga, and slashed with the surprisingly sharp claws on its forepaws. Momonga raised the greatsword in his left hand to block the strike, and swung with the greatsword in his right.
He did not put his full strength into it, but it was still quite a forceful blow.
There was a loud crash, and Momonga's strike was deflected away, his arm numbed from the impact. It would seem the Wise King of the Forest had blocked Momonga's strike with its claws, and the two attacks had bounced apart after an intense mid-air clash.
"Well done! But how about this? [Charm Species]."
Mind-affecting effects were useless against the undead. Ignoring his opponent's magical attack, Momonga swung both his great-swords.
There was a sound of clashing metal again, and Momonga's swords were deflected once more.
Momonga narrowed his eyes under his helmet.
While that had only been a probing attack, the Wise King of the Forest had deflected that strike with its skin. It would seem that its hide was harder than most metals.
[Tabula Smaragdina: Was it not soft and fluffy fur?]
[Nishikienrai: Now I'm interested.]
It was quite surprising, but Momonga chased away these thoughts which had no place in a battle.
Momonga's physical attack power would be around that of a level thirty warrior, in YGGDRASIL terms. However, that was greatly affected by spells and equipment, so he could not be sure. Still, with that as a baseline, the Wise King of the Forest had the fighting power of a level thirty or so character.
A frown grew on the illusory face under Momonga's helmet.
[Momonga: Not bad, very suitable for melee combat training.]
[Touch Me: Very impressive actually.]
[Momonga: I'm certain that as long as I went all-out, I could definitely defeat him. Although I had to stay alert, it still good practice for being a frontliner.]
[Bukubukuchagama: Clearly, that is true.]
Momonga continued swinging his twin great-swords, and the Wise King of the Forest continued its adroit deflection of his blows. Then another glyph on its body lit up, and it cast a spell.
"[Blindness]."
Unlike the previous [Charm Species, this non-mind-affecting spell of blindness could potentially have affected Momonga. However, Momonga had a racial skill which rendered him immune to low tier magic. Therefore, the spell vanished without ever taking effect.
[Tabula Smaragdina: A different symbol lit up when it used that spell, it seems the symbols on its body represent the spells it can use ]
[Nishikienrai: I know that there are monsters that had those type of things.]
[Momonga: I can't let my mind wander in message, in combat. Although there's certainly enough leeway for it, I can't be careless even if my opponent is a hamster ]
[Yamaiko: You're right about that.]
He imagined the countless sword strokes his companions had made, and Momonga attacked continuously, trying his best to reproduce those moves. At the same time, he used the great-sword in his left hand to intercept the Wise King of the Forest's counterattacks.
Both sides went back and forth, neither side being able to strike a decisive blow, until Momonga's greatsword finally breached the Wise King of the Forest's defense.
"What!?"
The scent of fresh blood followed the sensation of the great-sword piercing into flesh. The great-sword in his right hand grazed the hide of the Wise King of the Forest, sending hairs flying.
He planned to continue his assault with his left-hand great-sword, but the Wise King of the Forest sensed it was at a disadvantage and leapt away, landing about ten meters away from Momonga.
[Bukubukuchagama:I've heard hamsters escape their nests by jumping, but I've never seen one retreat before.]
Just as Momonga began losing himself in the message after battling the giant hamster, the Wise King of the Forest lowered its body.
Momonga watched his opponent's movements in surprise.
[Momonga: What does it plan to do at that range? If it's a charge like just now, then I'll just hold my sword out to let it kill itself, but it's most likely that it's going to use another spell.]
[Touch Me: Wait a minute she-]
The Wise King of the Forest curled its tail up behind it, but judging by its length, it probably shouldn't be able to reach
" No, that's not it!"
Momonga realised that he had miscalculated.
The tail strike at the beginning had come from a long distance away. In other words, he was still in range of the tail attack.
As expected, the tail swung in a huge, sweeping arc, speeding at Momonga with its surprising length. Momonga blocked it with his right-hand great-sword and his eyes went wide with surprise. This was because the tail had turned at a right angle, using the great-sword as a fulcrum of sorts.
[Momonga: You know it more distracting when you guys talk!]
[Touch Me: Gah! You're right! Sorry...]
[Momonga: Yeah I'm gonna end this now.]
What art thou doing!? Could it possibly be dost thou intend to yield before the battle is decided? Come at this one with all thy strength! This is a duel to the death!"
The words from the angry Wise King of the Forest chipped away at Momonga's heart. Fortunately, great emotional upheavals were suppressed immediately, so he still had some strength remaining.
"That's enough."
Speaking with a cold, crystal clear voice, Momonga pointed his right-hand great-sword at the Wise King of the Forest and activated his skill.
Since [Despair Aura IV] instant death effect was too strong, he decided to reduce its potency and instead activated "[Despair Aura I]" fear effect.
A cold, soul-chilling vapor gusted out from Momonga.
The moment that mass of cold air washed over the Wise King of the Forest, every single one of its hairs stood on end, and it rolled over with surprising speed. All he could see was its silvery fur, and its soft, defenseless belly.
"Craven! This one yields to thee!"
" Ah in the end it was just a beast "
As he muttered tiredly in response, Momonga walked over to the Wise King of the Forest, observing its vulnerable belly, and then considered what he should do next.
Bukubukuchagama quickly put her head to the wise king belly. "So soft~" She smiled.
[Momonga: It's a creature of this world, so chasing it away would be a shame. Sadly, it's just a hamster, so should I not raise it as a pet, I should make use of its corpse at the very least .]
[Bukubukuchagama: No. I would like him alive. So soft...]
"Shall we kill it?" a cheery voice rang out.
Momonga turned, and found that Aura had mysteriously appeared beside Narberal.
"If you kill it, I'd like its hide. It looks like it would make a great pelt "
[Momonga: Ah dammit. The wise king is giving me that look of sadness.]
[Touch Me: Don't want to get depressed even further.]
[Momonga: Fine ]
"We are a group called Ainz Ooal Gown and my name is Momonga. If you are willing to serve me, I will spare your life."
"Th-Thank you very much! This one shall offer absolute fealty to thee for the gift of this one's life! The life of the Wise King of the Forest shall be an offering to the great warrior, Lord Momonga."
After saying goodbye with Bukubukuchagama. They left the forest, they encountered the others, who rejoiced that Momonga and Narberal were both unharmed. Only Lukrut seemed to have his doubts.
In a tone that combined surprise and praise, Nfirea asked Momonga:
"You're unhurt Did you avoid fighting?"
Just as Momonga was about to answer, Lukrut cut in:
"Momon-san, what did you bring back? Were you charmed by something?"
"I battled the Wise King of the Forest, and tamed it. Oi, come out."
They could all see the pearly-white fur of the Wise King of the Forest as it emerged from the trees. The Swords of Darkness gathered around Nfirea, shocked expressions on their faces as they all took a step back with weapons raised.
[Momonga: Well, it's huge, even if it's just a Djungarian Hamster ]
[Tabula Smaragdina: I would also be freaking out if I seen a giant hamster back on earth.]
Though it had cute round eyes, its massive body was still a fearsome sight, and it was only natural that these adventurers should be wary on behalf of the client they were escorting. With that in mind, Touch Me decided to calmly say:
"Be at ease, everyone. I have subdued it, so it will not lash out wildly and hurt people."
Then, he approached the Wise King of the Forest, and made a show of patting its furry body.
"It is as milord says; this Wise King of the Forest is loyal to milord, and is milord's faithful servant. This one swears to milord that this one will not inconvenience thee, fine gentlemen!" She said.
In this way, the Wise King of the Forest displayed its loyalty to Momonga and his friends.
[Nishikienrai: The biggest obstacle would be getting them to believe she is the wise king.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Damn right. I wouldn't blame them, I mean seriously nobody can-]
"So this is the Wise King of the Forest! Unbelievable! What a majestic beast!"
[Tabula Smaragdina: What..?]
[Yamaiko: Oh no...]
The players looked back and forth between Ninya and the Wise King of the Forest, checking to see if Ninya was making fun of him, but Ninya seemed to be entirely serious.
" Wow, the Wise King of the Forest, so the legends really were true! I can feel its mighty presence just standing before it!" Dyne gasped.
[Tabula Smaragdina: Mighty presence!? Bullshit! Bullshit! How is that mighty! It's a fucking hamster! That's all she is! A hamster! I'm gonna kill them!]
Momonga quickly used a stop-time-item and everyone held Tabula. "Let me go! I want to kill them." Tabula screamed.
"Calm down! Jeez, don't kill them! We still need them!" Tabula calms down for a bit while Momonga turned off the time-stop.
[Tabula Smaragdina: I swear this world hates me...]
"Uwah, that's pretty awesome. You actually pulled it off. Someone as strong as you is certainly qualified to have Nabe at his side."
"If we had encountered him, we would have been killed for sure. I expected nothing less of you, Momon. Amazing work."
As Lukrut, Peter, and the others showered him in praise, Momonga looked to the Wise King of the Forest again.
[Momonga: Why are they so intimidated by her? She is just a hamster ]
[Tabula Smaragdina: What is wrong with these people...]
"...Everyone, do you not think this creature's eyes are very cute?"
Their eyes went wide as they heard those words, as though their eyeballs were about to fall out. It would seem that statement was quite absurd.
"Mo-Momon, do you think this beast's eyes are cute?"
Of course. After mocking the reply in his heart, Momonga magnanimously nodded, and then he began to wonder if the Wise King of the Forest had used a passive charm skill.
"Unbelievable, that's Momon for you. Ninya, you looked into its eyes, what do you think ?"
" They are eyes filled with wisdom, and I could feel the power of this beast. There's no way it could be cute by any stretch of the word."
[Tabula Smaragdina: She's not even-! Ah! Fuck!]
Momonga looked dumbfoundedly at the others. After realizing that they shared Ninya's opinion, Momonga felt his head spin for a moment.
"How about you, Nabe?"
"Actual strength aside, those are powerful-looking eyes."
[Tabula Smaragdina: Fuck you!]
[Momonga: No way seriously ?]
[Nishikienrai: First of all, this world is weird...]
But if you take this monster away, and thus its sphere of influence, won't the other monsters attack En, Carne Village, because it's not there to scare them off any more?" Nfirea asked.
Momonga raised his chin to indicate the Wise King of the Forest. It got the message, and said:
"By village you mean ah, well, the balance of power in the forest is now in chaos. Even if this one was there, this one would not be able to guarantee their safety by any means."
"No way "
Momonga did not comfort the shocked Nfirea. He merely smiled inside.
[Momonga: The Wise King of the Forest is hardly a fitting name, let's see what I can get out of this.]
[Nishikienrai: Let's get our minds on to this.]
[Momonga: I understand his turmoil he want to protect his crush afterall.]
"Momon."
"Yes?"
[Momonga: Alright let's see.]
"Momon! Please let me join your team!"
"Hah!?" The players scream.
"I want to protect Enri Carne Village, but I don't have the strength to do it now. So I want to become stronger! I want to learn the secret to your strength, Momon! I don't mind if it's just a little bit! However, I can't hire an excellent adventurer like you on a long-term basis with the amount of money I have! So please, let me join your party! I have some confidence in my ability as a herbalist, but I'm willing to carry luggage and do other menial labor! Please allow me to do this, I beg you!"
Just as Momonga was blinking his non-existent eyelids, Nfirea continued:
"I've always been researching herbological knowledge. I didn't give that decision much thought because my grandmother and father were both herbalists but now I've found the path I want to walk, and it's not as a herbalist."
"So, you want to become a great magic caster and protect Carne Village, then?" Tabula Smaragdina asked.
"Yes!"
Nfirea seemed to have shed his youthful attitude, and looked straight at Momonga, his eyes filled with a manly resolve.
[Momonga: This reminds me of our application back in Yggdrasil. Some wanted personal gain, some wanted to steal. However he's clueless on what we are and that's refreshing actually.]
[Tabula Smaragdina: Finally someone that is clueless but still wants to join.]
"...Ha, hahaha!" Momonga and his friends laugh.
Naberal is very uncertain.
"...Forgive me for my laughter. That was a mistake on my part. But I would like you to understand that I was not laughing at your determination. In order to join my team, you must meet two criteria. At the moment, you have only met one of them. Therefore, I am sorry, but I cannot let you join." Momonga explained.
"I understand how you feel, and I will remember that you wished to join my team. As for protecting this village, I will exert all my power to aid you. However, I might need your help "
"Yes! Please, I'm eager to help!" Ninya said.
"Is that so, is that so " Momonga mutter.
As Momonga nod, he met Ninya's gaze. He seemed to be enjoying the show, which made Momonga feel a little embarrassed.
"Then, we'll discuss that matter later. Before that, I have an interesting story to tell everyone about the taming of the Wise King of the Forest."
Currently at Nazarick, Warrior Takemikazuchi is sparing with Cocytus who was able keep his stand until Takemikazuchi pull out a item that blinded him while knocking him down. "Be careful of surprises Cocytus. You never know how people use items to ensure their victory."
The warrior pull's his son's hand to help him stand up. "Yes. Father. I. Will. Keep. This. Advice. To. My. Heart." Cocytus said as he and his father sat down at the table.
A homunculus maid appeared, carrying trays with food on it.
Warrior Takemikazuchi smiled at the food he can taste now. "Thank you." The player said.
"Your thank is wasted upon me " The maid said as she went to the door.
"Now then remember, eating can be important in some battles especially if the food will grant bonuses. So be weary of the other side doing the same."
Cocytus look back at his father. "I. Will. Keep. This. Advice. In. My. Heart. Like. The. Rest. Of. Your. Wisdom." Cocytus said as they began to eat.
Author's Note: GOOD GOD I WAS TIRED AFTER THIS. Anyway since I made five chapter of this story now I move on to my other story. Until I finish with that... I hope you guys enjoyed it.