Momonga was back in his office, working on paperwork. His mana was quite low, as he had just summoned a large group of Death Knights for the City Guard, so he was recovering in privacy. A floating quill scratched against a paper, listening to his dictation and writing it down in flawless cursive.

"...150 bushels of corn shall go to all frontier villages in preparation for the upcoming winter. Additionally, Temperance shall summon his Skeleton Slaves to work on the fields. Ten for each frontier village. Finally, the dwarves have requested that they receive 500 skeletons for the mines. This is too many to spare, so give them 80 Earthborn from Blue Planet instead."

His long years as Guildmaster had increased his logistical skill exponentially, to the point where he finally felt worthy to be the leader of the NPC's and guildmates. He no longer dealt with unrealistic expectations- in most cases, he could actually deliver. I'm not as smart as Demiurge, though.

Just then, the throaty voice of his guildmate echoed in his mind.

"All right, Momonga. I'm done."

"Very well. I will call the meeting, Punitto Moe."

"Thank you, Guild Leader."

The [Message] ended. I wish he wouldn't call me Guild Leader. It seems so… distant. Out of all of the members of Ainz Ooal Gown, Punitto Moe had been changed the most by his avatar. Ulbert had become fiery and almost evil, but Punitto Moe seemed to turn into a tree. He was as wise as usual, but thought deep and long. While not working on one of his endless projects, he simply stood in the sun, basking in the light while maids slowly hydrated his body,

Momonga reached into his inventory, and pulled out a mana potion, pouring it onto a hand. He couldn't drink it, but if it touched him, it had the same effect. The liquid disappeared as it touched his hand, and he felt his mana refill.

[Metaphysical Message]

"All available Supreme Beings, we are calling a meeting in the Conference Room in one hour. Please arrive,"

The main square of the Capital was always full of people, being the center of the religion. Services were conducted 24/7. One of the priests called upon Ulbert to smite their enemies. Another called upon Bukubukuchagama to grant happiness. When the air above the respective plinths of the Supreme Beings crackled as almost twenty Supreme Beings popped into existence rapidly, it felt like they had answered a call.

Silently, each of the Supreme Beings disappeared again, [Teleporting] into Nazarick. In their wake, the crowd was awestruck. Their gods had appeared in a flurry of thunder and lightning, deafening them, and leaving the people reflexively on their knees. Thise fearsome visages dominated their thoughts. All those lucky enough to be in the square at the time would hold the memory in their hearts for the rest of their life.

~~One Hour Later~~

Momonga was sitting in the Conference Room, fiddling with his bony hands. It's been an hour, where is everyone? He got a burst of horrible nostalgia of his days ruling the world alone. He had spent hours in the Conference Room, just looking at the empty chairs and remembering his former glory. However, to his delight, the air trembled a bit, and Touch Me appeared. Shortly after, Bukubukuchagama, holding Peroroncino by a long feathered ear. Garnet. Bellriver. Nishikienrai. Yamaiko. Countless others teleported into the room and took their seats. Finally, Punitto Moe arrived.

"Hello everyone."

"Guild Leader."

"Hey, Momonga."

"What's up?"

Momonga cleared his throat once the greetings ended.

"Punitto Moe has asked me to call a meeting today. Punitto Moe?"

"Thank you, Momonga. Two things. Firstly, my farm has been finished and is working at predicted capacity. Therefore, we should feel more at ease using spells which require XP as a huge amount is being produced. The Exchange Box there is bringing in so much gold that I estimate we can spend thirty percent more on mercenary summons. Anything else may cause too much inflation."

There were mutters of appreciation and agreement from the attending Supreme Beings. Grateful looks were sent at Herohero, who had helped with the construction.

"Secondly, some of you may know that we have been attacked several times in northern villages. Three villages have been destroyed, with six others being attacked. All accounts of the attack report strange, shadowy, creatures attacking and carrying away townsfolk."

Ulbert mirrored the thought Momonga had earlier.

"Surely it is just some rogue Demihumans? The account of shadowy creatures could be exaggeration, or some type of cloaking magic. Magics like that exist, don't they, Temperance?"

Temperance nodded, causing some black mist to come off his face and reveal a yellow eye.

"Indeed, there are such magics. I have similar spells."

Punitto Moe shook his head.

"I would have reached similar conclusions if not for one fact. Three of the villages had Death Knight guards. I don't think there is any band of Demihumans capable of even taking out one Death Knight, let alone five per town."

The Supreme Beings frowned. That fact put the events into a different perspective. Variable Talisman spoke up.

"Well, we just need to investigate the threat. Then, we can deal with it."

Others spoke up in agreement or disagreement. Momonga simply sat back, soaking in the familiar scene. Finally, a strong voice broke through the ruckus.

"Silence! Here is what we will do: send an army accompanied by competent scouts up north. If they are destroyed, we will mobilize a much larger army. Is that alright?"

"Yes, thank you, Touch Me. Working together with Suratan and Luc_Fer, I believe we can summon an army of undead strong enough to wipe out the threat."

There were nods of approval, and the Supreme Beings relaxed as consensus was achieved. However, a lone voice spoke out, voicing its thoughts in high and childlike tones.

"One more thing!"

"Hmm?"

"I want my idiot brother to be punished for what he did!"

"What did he do?"

Bukubukuchagama drew herself up, and hopped onto the table. She reached into her inventory and pulled out a mushed and bruised human maid. The woman had a dazed look on her face, and she was barely breathing.

"I found this yesterday. Do you know what it is? It's one of his toys! He makes these poor humans fuck him, and they don't say no! He's so much stronger that this happens to them!"

Peroroncino looked aghast at the limp woman.

"Matilda?"

"Shut up!"

"Sorry!"

Momonga sighed.

"Peroroncino, what were you thinking? That's rape, you know. We can't misuse our power."

"I'm sorry! They are just so attractive, and ever since coming here, I have such uncontrollable lust. Also, they all wanted to."

"...Peroroncino, I understand, but this isn't okay. Bukubukuchagama, what should his punishment be?''

Momonga was glad there were no maids in the room, or they would have been very confused to see one of their exalted masters treated in this way.

"I want him to lead the army we are sending to investigate personally, and I want him to have no sex until this threat is dealt with. Not even with Shalltear!"

"Not even Shalltear?"

Peroroncino looked so downcast that Momonga almost felt bad for him, until he looked back at the woman laying on the table. He didn't feel empathy very strongly, but he knew it wasn't right.

"All in favor of carrying out this punishment?"

Every hand went up, except for Herohero's. The Elder Black Ooze appeared to be sleeping.

"Very well. Peroroncino, you shall have no more sex until this threat is dealt with. Sorry man."

Peroroncino looked quite shocked, but he didn't react. Becoming all-powerful gods to a faithful population isn't good for the mind, I think. At least I'm undead. Momonga returned to his duties as guild leader, and stood up.

"Is that all?"

Nobody spoke up.

"Very well, the 382nd meeting of the Supreme Beings of the Great Tomb of Nazarick is hereby concluded."

Jircniv leaned back onto his throne. It was fairly modest, as far as thrones went, but it was quite comfortable. The cushions were made out some kind of magical material known as 'memory foam,' which contoured to fit his body comfortably.

Jircniv was sitting on a throne in his Regional Palace, the head administrative office for the western quarter. The room had rows of arches and flags, each with one of the 41's banners. In the sides of the room, his court stood, talking and making plans. Gone were the days when they were scheming, however. Each was desperately trying to work together to make their patron proud. Every once in a while, a Supreme Being would grace the hall with its awesome presence, stirring them into a fury of hard work once more.

In front of Jircniv, one of his human servants stepped forward.

Dame Maxos was wearing elegant armor of white with gold trim. (Think Kingsguard from Game of Thrones). She stepped forward, and kneeled, causing her crimson cloak to flare, and settle around her legs.

"Lord Jircniv, Lady Renner is waiting outside. She wishes to conduct a meeting."

"Very well, please see her in."

Minutes later, the golden doors set at the end of the hall opened, and Renner walked in. She was as ageless as Jircniv, and looked as young as she had half a century ago. Jircniv had never quite gotten over his dislike of her, but the two of them had eventually reached an agreement. As the only humans in charge of a regional quarter, they had to band together to get certain things done.

Renner stopped in front of the throne, and curtsied. Jircniv rose and gave her an ironic bow.

"Lady Renner. How kind of you to grace us with your presence."

"Thank you, Lord Jircniv. It is my honor to be here."

"May I inquire what your business is?"

"I have come to request your aid in figuring out a personal problem."

Jircniv had learned how freakishly intelligent Renner actually was during the early years of his service to Lord Momonga. In the past, she never would have needed his advice. However, his intelligence had been raised to her level, so they occasionally consulted each other.

"Of course, I am always available."

Jircniv turned towards his court.

"I apologize, but I will be meeting with Lady Renner for a while. All who have been waiting in line, I will get back to you later."

Those waiting in line sighed, but the rest of the court understood, and sat down on rows of chairs underneath the arches. Jircniv knew they would continue tirelessly planning the success of the Supreme Kingdom even with him gone.

Jircniv turned, and exited the Throne Room. He knew that Renner would follow behind him. He didn't order her to be escorted out of spite, but only because he knew she didn't need the help. He would never allow personal motives to interfere with business.

Jircniv had time to sit at his desk and get ready before Renner let herself in. She waited for me. Goddamn her, why does she always have to be so polite? It was a game they played, trying to unsettle the other privately as much as possible. Jircniv hated to admit it, but Renner generally won.

"So, Renner, what do you want? What's the problem?"

"Well recently, I have had a couple of my villages get raided. However, that isn't what worries me. I'm sure one of the Supreme Beings will quickly deal with that. No, what's actually bothering me is the new religion that has sprung up in the northernmost villages. Apparently, the villagers have begun worshipping some northern god. They leave it sacrifices and beg it not to attack them. Those who do so call it the Shadow Faith, and themselves the Shadow Faithful."

"Not a very imaginative name."

"Truly. In any case, I have come here because I need to stamp it out quickly. If the Supreme Beings find out I allowed another religion to prosper in my land, it will be a shame I cannot bear. They may not forgive me. I might as well retire before letting that happen!"

Jircniv would usually gleefully delight over the imminent demise of one of his rivals. However, he wanted what was best for the Supreme Kingdom, and he knew that Renner was a capable and efficient governor. I guess I must try to help her.

"Well, is there any mind control involved? It seems unlikely they would switch faiths like that when there are Supreme Beings constantly killing Demihumans up there."

"I conducted tests on one of them. They have no mind control, but all Shadow Faithful had one thing in common. They all had a disease called the Grey Plague, which spreads and has mind-altering effects on its victims, which explains the religion."

"Then, you are in the clear on the religion part. If it comes to it, you can say that the people were essentially mind controlled."

"That's true, however, I still need some way to deal with the plague."

"In my experience, I would limit trips far outside town borders, quarantine those afflicted, and arrange for [Purify] to be cast on all citizens."

"I don't have access to [Purify]. I arranged for three magic casters with it to be sent to my afflicted towns, but they were apparently killed before reaching the village. Additionally, while I have a many casters capable of [Sanctify], its not nearly as effective."

"Then, this is my advice. Lord Momonga is preparing a punitive force against the raiders. Therefore, if you send magic casters capable of [Purify] with that army, they should be able to root out the plague, and not be killed."

"If Lord Momonga is preparing an army, is it even necessary to go to these lengths? I think it's certain that he will deal with the problem with ease."

"No doubt he has seen a solution which eludes us. Shall we ask him what to do?"

"He is too busy. I would hate to waste his time, and I already know he would rather have us figure it out by ourselves."

"He always does it for us once we fail, though, so maybe he is disapointed? For all of our intelligence, it is impossible to predict the Supreme Beings."

"Mhmm."

The two of them felt a moment of brief kinship, the type that too people with similar problems at work will develop. Living in the shadows of the Supreme Beings can be frustrating.

"In any case, I would definitely quarantine the afflicted, and take steps to prevent more from catching the plague. Other than that, we can only wait for Lord Momonga's help."

[Stamina Recover]

Fluder sighed as his aching bones settled. He was sitting in his corner of Ashurbanipal, resting on a large pillow filled with little beads. Although this may sound uncomfortable, it suited his old body very nicely. However, Fluder was nearly three hundred. Despite the extreme comforts of his living conditions, he still needed magic to get through the day.

He groaned, and leaned forward, slowly getting up out of his chair.

[Fly]

He hovered into the air and made his way towards the library desk. He preferred to [Fly] around rather than walk, as it was far more comfortable. He could recover the lost mana while reading. Fluder maneuvered through mathematically arranged bookshelves, and stopped in front of a Skeleton Mage, who was conducting some sort of experiment.

"Hello, Titus."

"Hello, Fluder."

"I was wondering where On Binding Mana went. I was reading it yesterday, and it seems to have disappeared."

"Oh, that. I'm afraid that copy was needed for the Gateway project. One of the dwarf runesmiths requested it."

"The Gateway project? What's that?"

Titus's face could not move, but Fluder got the distinct impression of him gaping in shock.

"Truly, you have no desire to know of the outside world. You have never heard of the Gateway project?"

"No, I haven't. What is it?"

"It is the greatest magical construction ever built. All 41 of the Supreme Beings ha participated in some way in its construction. The Gateway is a giant portal which is capable of staying open indefinitely without mana cost and directs all who enter it to wherever they wish to go. I have heard it is covered with runes and enchantments overlapping so cleverly, they don't warp or even effect each other."

"Can it be? Is it truly possible for such a marvel to exist? Titus, I thought we were friends, and yet you have not told me of this sooner?"

Fluder's head was spinning. His entire life, he had desired to glimpse deeper and deeper into the Abyss of magic. It could be said his magical knowledge was second to none but the Supreme Beings. For him to find out that a construction of such perfection existed excited him tremendously. I must see what the Supreme Beings have created, so that I may someday understand it. Fluder was seized with an instant obsession. I will see this construction before I die.

"I'm sorry, Fluder. You were always buried in the back of Ashurbanipal somewhere, reading. You haven't moved much in the past twenty years, so I just let you be."

"I forgive you, on the condition you take me to this Gateway."

The skeletal mage made a dry chuckle, and turned toward Fluder.

"My friend, I was about to head there myself. If you would like to accompany me, feel free."

Fluder nodded vigorously. He would have hugged the Head Custodian if he could have.

~~One week later~~

Fluder stood up. He shivered as he felt a warm breeze tousle his beard, and the sun shone on his face. He had kept his complexion due to the sunlight in Ashurbanipal, but simulated light is never the same. He instinctively stretched his arms, raising them, and standing in the sun. Beside him, Titus moved. Seconds later, he felt a sharp pain in his side.

"Fluder, sit back down."

The two of them were in the the Great Square of the capital, in the midst of a massive crowd. Around them, thousands of citizens had assembled for the grand unveiling of the Gateway. People were looking at Fluder, taking a second look as they realized who he was. Fluder's reputation could not even scrape that of the denizens of the Nazarick, or even that of Jircniv. However, not being as revered as such legendary beings was no shame, and indeed Fluder was treated as one would treat a celebrity.

"Is that him, mama?"

"Yes, dearest. If you eat all of your vegetables, you may be as strong as him someday."

"He's so old!"

"Hush, child. He could kill you with a snap of his fingers."

The child seemed more amazed than scared, and made a 'woah' sound which brought joy to Fluder's heart.

Suddenly, a wave of silence blanketed the crowd, spreading out from the podium rising from the center of the square. Fluder knew what that meant. I wonder which Supreme Being it is. As usual, his ancient heart hammered in his chest at the thought of seeing one of his ultimate masters. He hoped it was one of the mage Supreme Beings.

Every head was craned towards the top of the podium, waiting. Suddenly, there was a cataclysmic boom, and a bright flash. The air seemed to shudder and twist, until it finally snapped back to normal. In its wake, it left behind a being. An eight foot tall goat man stood at the top of the podium. No, to call it a goat man would be an insult. It was black-furred Chaos God. His aura sparked the desire to defile and rape, to kill, maim, and burn.

Ulbert Alain Odle. The Keeper of the Four Catastrophes. The Lord of Chaos, and the Archdemon Emperor. Out of all of the Supreme Beings, he was the only one feared more than he was loved. He had his fair share of worshippers, yet he was also the Supreme Being who mothers told their naughty children would 'get them.' The crowd was deathly silent, simply staring at the embodiment of Chaos. Fluder flinched as he heard the Demons voice echo across the square.

"Well, well. Humans. Ho ho, my favorite species. So… temptable. Perhaps you would like a little edge over your neighbor?"

A taloned hand reached out and pointed at a man in the crowd. Those next to him edged to the side.

"You gave me a prayer yesterday, didn't you? You, John, looked at your friend being happy with his wife, and for a second, you wished it would all be ruined. I heard that my, friend. I do love a little maliciousness. As payment for such a delicious prayer, I followed up. I'm afraid that your friend will find no further happiness… Mmm, that's the terror I wanted. The guilt."

Indeed, Ulbert was feared more than he was loved. Those who worshipped him knew they walked a dangerous path, fraught with betrayal and hatred. However, they persevered, for he had many rewards. Despite Ulbert's evil, he was still a Supreme Being. His mere presence threatened to overwhelm the humans in the crowd. His aura was not so strong the last time I met him. Perhaps he has let more of his unfathomable strength show.

"Kneel, humans, lest my wrath fall upon you!"

The entire crowd dropped to their knees, wildly praying that the Fourth Calamity would not fall upon their heads.

"I have come with a message for you today. The Gateway, the long awaited project of the Supreme Beings, is finally complete. Witness the greatness of your Lords!"

As he spoke, a powerful breeze stirred. Behind Ulbert, ten buildings disappeared as if they had never been. In their place, a massive arch shimmered into existence, as an illusion spell was dispelled. Fluder stared in awe at the construction. The top of the arch was nearly 70 feet high, and it was all made of pure white marble. Fluder could see that almost half of the construction was made of summoned marble by the underlays of power infused in the stone.

The arch was decorated with hundreds os strips of golden runes, and there were elegant loops of enchantments guided along golden wires. Through the lens of magic, it was a truly wondrous sight. Fluder was struck dumb by the sheer elegance of beauty of hundreds of solutions. A rune caused a disruption here? The enchantment was cunningly looped around it. Everything he witnessed further cemented his belief that the Supreme Beings were the masters of all magical knowledge.

Up on the pulpit, Ulbert made a gesture. Underneath the arc, a portal of blue splashed into existence. Immediately, a deep thrum sounded, echoing off of the nearby buildings. It made a bang, and then settled again. Ripples ran through the surface of the portal. For all of its apparent tranquility, Fluder could sense the massive amount of magic flowing through the runes and enchantments The entire structure was a beacon of mana.

"This portal is infused with the power of the 41! All of us have stretched a mighty hand out, and helped to lift this Gateway into being. What we have created is a portal which will run forever! Anyone who enters it shall be able to transport themself wherever they wish. My people, are you not impressed?"

The crowd had mostly risen to look upon the portal in awe. At Ulbert's words, they raised their arms and let out a mighty cheer.

"Indeed! And well you should be. My children, stay and watch, for at any moment, the Most Supreme, Lord momonga himself shall appear with an army of myth and legend. We go to one final crusade to root out any and all threats. You are blessed to be here on this day!"

Sorry it's so short. Leave a review!