Guest reviewer: Why do you think Ainz should be insecure? He is one of the strongest beings other than God and homunculi. He is from around Volume six of Overlord, and had no reason to not be confident.

Arrival
Location: Amestris, Central City, Unknown Alleyway
Time: 0800 Hours

In an alleyway in central a homeless man was sleeping by some dumpsters, with a few cats. Some wind came through the alley, rattling a few cans. The man looked around cautiously, but couldn't see anyone. He settled back down and was falling asleep when he heard in again, but louder. This time he rose up and looked out of the alley, as it was a dead end alley with no entrances. Something caught his eye, and he turned to see the shadows twisting unnaturally. Then a crackling sound came from behind him.

The homeless man whirled around, pulling out a small blade he had on him. On the wall behind him was a large, blood-red transmutation circle with a pentagram as a center. The man backed away as a large vertical eye appeared in the center of it, about six and a half feet tall. Within that eye, a figure appeared to be walking towards the man.

"Stay away! I-I'm warning you!" The man shouted. The figure had exited the eye, now standing right next to the wall. It was a large armored figure, with two huge mounted broadswords on its back. The figure took a menacing step forward. The man took a step back. The armor moved forward again, and the man moved with it. One more step. The man couldn't handle it anymore, and ran. The armor watched him run. Within the armor, Ainz watched amused as the man ran like a chicken with its head cut off.

Ainz observed the man. 'He seems to be poor, most likely homeless. I doubt anyone would listen to him if he reported the occurrence, but I can't take many chances at the moment. Oh well, now I have to dispose of him.' The thing about Ainz's armor that was different than his previous set was that is boosted spells slightly, allowing him to use [Tier I] and [Tier II] spells while wearing it, but they would take more energy than normal, and he still cannot regenerate mana while using it. He raised his hand, and used a charm spell on the man.

"You shouldn't have shouted. Then I might have actually spared you." Ainz whispered into the man's ear. The man paled and tried breaking the charm spell. Ainz put the man under a simple immobilization spell. The man stared at him, wide eyed, trying to move. Ainz dragged him into the back of the alley. Ainz clapped, already knowing how to transmute because of the knowledge gained from the gate, and clapped the floor. A hole opened up in the ground with an open space underneath it. He undid the immobilization spell, and broke the man's neck with his hands. He put the man in the hole, and sealed it. He placed a simple illusion over it so people wouldn't take notice of the alchemic symbols until much, much later.

Ainz looked through the knowledge he gained from the Gate, which was quite a large amount. He spotted something that sent a chilling grin upon his masked face. 'What is this?' He chuckled as he looked over the knowledge, an idea forming. He un-equipped his armor, and cast an invisibility spell to prevent anyone from seeing him. He put his armor in front of him on the ground. He clapped his hands, and pressed them to the chestplate. Blue lightning arced, crackling across the armor, changing its shape. The end result was different than if he had used an aesthetic spell, as it was actually solid. What he had done was emblazon the logo of his guild across the front of the armor in a dark gold that matched the trim of the helmet and chestplate. It was still maneuverable. In fact, alchemy naturally lines up the molecules and elements to the users will, so he actually strengthened the integrity of the armor. As well as strengthening it, he changed the shape of the armor, so it still looked sleek, but it looked to be used, so people didn't assume he was some rich arrogant asshole who thinks he's great because he has fancy armor. He quickly did the same to the rest of the set. As he put it back on, he had an idea.

Reaching into his Dimensional Pocket, he pulled out the red cape he used when he was using the identity of Momon with Narbaral.

A few moments later, now fully equipped, Ainz left the alleyway, now fully visible. The surrounding area appeared to be a town from around the early 1900's, and had electrical lines hanging over the streets, and electric lights on poles along the street. The place reminded him of poor areas he had seen before, with dilapidated buildings on every few corners. It was day time, and Ainz judged it was around early morning. He started heading down the road. As the houses passed by he couldn't help but notice how much it felt like he was back on Earth. Albeit an older earth with 1920's tech and different countries with different histories. Lost in thought, he eventually noticed that where he was was much more lit up, and more like a highly populated city he had been to in the past. He saw a few people on the street, mostly civilians, who looked strangely at him when he passed, then walked away nervously though he ducked out of sight when he saw an officer coming out of a late day bar. A few cars went by, but no one seemed to try to stop him yet.

He realized that people were looking at him because of the armor and how suspicious he was. He straightened his back, and made it look like he was supposed to be there. Discreetly reaching into his spacial storage space, Ainz grabbed a backpack he had used before he gained the use of pocket dimensions. It was in pristine condition, due to backpacks technically not having durability, as the developers didn't want gear spilling everywhere if it broke. As he reached into the pack to put some items in there for easy access, an envelope was in there he did not remember.

Ainz,
Within this envelope is papers confirming that you are an Amestrian citizen, born there at birth, as well as a small amount of money until you become a State Alchemist. I doubt someone like you would need any help, but I wouldn't want you to be stopped by something as simple as that. I don't care whatever sob backstory you come up with, just remember, you are doing this to get back. This is all I will help you with. Prove that you are worthy to claim you have killed gods.

Don't Fail,
Truth

P.S. Saying you can do circle-less Alchemy in your interview page should attract enough attention to guarantee a pass on the test.

Ainz chuckled at the message Truth had left. 'This shouldn't be that bad.' Ainz thought confidently. He made his way through Central, looking for anyone who could direct him to where he could take the State Alchemist test.

'Now THAT's a wall'

Ainz had been walking down a street, taking note of how the cars looked. He turned a corner and stopped at a sight that was unlike something he had seen in a while. In front of him was a huge wall, one of five that made up a pentagon around the middle of central Central. Something about that statement sounded wrong in his head, but he couldn't tell what it was. As he took in the sight of the city, he couldn't help but let out a sigh of amazement. "Wow..."

Someone nearby heard his words.

"Amazing, isn't it?" a nearby soldier standing by a gate said. Ainz turned to face the soldier.

"O-oh, yes, I suppose so." Internally, Ainz scoffed at the wall. 'It has good construction, but against anything other than humans, it would come tumbling down. Even a simple [Tier III] spell could clear it if the proper one was used. It is pretty good for a human building it.'

"Are you new around here?" the soldier asked curiously. Ainz nodded quickly.

"Yes, I have recently arrived around here. Why do you not find my armor strange?" he asked, wondering why the man hadn't immediately arrested him or at least interrogated him for having large weapons on the street. The soldier blinked.
"Well, you don't seem to be causing any problems. Also, everyone is so used to seeing Alphonse Elric and his armor, it must be not too unnatural for them. Also if you wanted to cause a problem you wouldn't be going around like that."

Ainz nods. "Those are fair points. Can you inform me where I can take a test to become a State Alchemist? I came here trying to become one."

The soldier nods. "Hey! You're in luck, the tests are being held later today. If you get in line you might make it in the list on time. Just remember to have your papers ready. Just head down this street here, and take the third left, and you should see the building right there."

Ainz bows respectfully. "Thanks you for your troubles."

"Glad I could help!"

Ainz walked away, armor clanking as he walked.

The Test
Location: Amestris, Central, State Alchemist Examination Facility
Time: 1200 Hours

Ainz looked around the large lobby to the facility. It was pretty large, as it was a government facility, they could afford those kinds of things there. There weren't many people in the area, only the officers by the doors, the receptionist, and two men waiting on seats by the door. The receptionist turned to the door as he came in.

"Hello! Is there anything I can- Oh!" her eyes widened as she saw him standing there in his armor. She quickly caught herself staring and continued. "Is there anything we can help you with today sir?

"Yes, I was wondering If I could take the State Alchemist test?" he said politely. She nodded, reaching under the desk to pull out a small stack of papers.

"Of course, here you go! This is just a form for your identity and background, Mr...?" she stopped, not knowing his name.

"Ainz."

"Yes, here you go Ainz." she said with a smile. He took the papers and clanked over to the seats by the two men. One of them was very young, around 21, with a small beard and very tan. The other was an older man, who was around 40, and had a large beard, with red-copperish beard hair. He walked over and sat down by them, the weight of his armor bending the metal seat slightly. 'That'll leave a mark.' Ainz absentmindedly noted. The two men looked over at him, then paled a bit at his imposing figure, and promptly returned to their own work, ignoring him. He turned his attention to the papers in his hand. It didn't look too bad, really just a fill in the blank sheet.

Name:Ainz Ooal Gown
Age: 35
Occupation: None
Gender: M
Previous Jobs: None
Abilities: I have a good sized experience with Alchemy, and can transmute without a circle. I also have decent skill with a sword, and hand to hand combat. I can speak many languages.

It was mostly true. He could speak languages due to an undead skill which allowed the understanding of spoken languages, but not written ones, as many of the monstrous races speak different languages in YGGDRASIL. The next question had Ainz temporarily stumped, but it wasn't difficult to come up with a reason that was a half truth.

Medical Conditions: I cannot take off my armor easily, as without it my skin will burn in any kind of bright light. I also am comfortable wearing it due to how long I have worn it as well as not wanting to show my scars publicly.

It was partly true, as many undead burned in light, such as lesser Vampires, and some zombies. And for him being albino, his red soulfire eyes and white skull do match the color of an albino person, allowing himself some truthfulness in the statement. He quickly filled in a few other questions, such as place of birth, which he passed off as his family moving out of Amestrian years ago, and eventually his coming back here when he had gotten older. It wasn't his problem if his birth certificate doesn't exist. Signing his full name in a fancy scrawl, he stood up, the seat creaking, and handed the paper to the receptionist.

"Please wait in the seats until you are called." she said. Ainz nodded and sat back down in the chair, which was groaning in protest under his weight. He observed the men near him, and immediately dismissed them as threats. He sat there for a while, but wasn't really bored because anytime he got frustrated from nothing happening, his undead body got rid of the emotion. After about half an hour, a man in a soldier uniform came from the door next to the desk.

"Can Isaac Vermillion, John George, and Anz All Gown please come this way." Ainz winced at the butchering of his name, but didn't bother correcting him on it. He stood up and transmuted the metal chair back to its former unbent condition before leaving. He walked through the door, ignoring the other men's expressions at his circle-less alchemy.

The next room was a few tables with dividers between them, and one had a stronger seat than the others. Someone clearly noticed Ainz's issue with hus weight when he sat on the other chair. He sat down in that chair, and faced the front of the room. The same soldier explained the next section of the quiz.

"Alright, so in this part of the test, you will be asked mostly simple questions, all pertaining to laws and alchemy. That was the harder part of the test. The questions were rather complex, but some were pretty easy, since he had knowledge from Truth.

What molecules make up an average brick building... What is the circle for transmuting air into hydrogen... What is the atomic number and weight for Argon.

Some of the questions, however, seemed to be advice rather than a serious quiz answer.

How can Roy get rid of his paperwork fast if he only has ten seconds?... Can Edward be held down with metal bars if he tries to kill someone for calling him short?... Can Roy make a statue from transmuted gold if he wants to steal Havoc's girlfriend?...

Ainz frowned at what we're clearly accidental questions, most likely a prank that slipped into the quiz, but he still answered them seriously. Answer 1: Roy should use Flame alchemy if he is capable of doing so, or else just own up to it like a man should a bit back out. The work would just build up more. Answer 2: If Edward if human, then metal bars should usually hold him down. If he is stronger than average, try a steel alloy. Answer 3: If he wants to steal someone's girlfriend, he should try to take one who isn't so easily swayed by money, buy rather by emotion.

He shivered a the last one, remembering a rant Albedo had started about people who only went looking for money and not love, so Ainz was quite informed in that department. He clomped up to the desk, and turned in his papers. The woman glanced through them, and sent him to another room next.

Finally, he was in the room that would be the final part of the State Alchemist Exam. It was actually an arena, rather than a room, and had men in military uniform all around it. 'This would make it way too easy for a head officer to be assassinated. Really, it wouldn't even take me that long at all.'

It was paltry compared to the coliseum in the Jungle Area of Nazarick, but we'll kept. When he walked in wearing his armour they started muttering, many staring at his armour either with mostly curiosity. Through two other doors the two men from earlier showed up. A man in a uniform wearing an eye patch stepped forward, his eye taking them in, lingering over Ainz's armour and his swords. He stared at the man back, both of them eyeing each other. Something about the man felt off. Ainz narrowed his eyes behind his helmet.

Suddenly someone began speaking from the side. "Alright, we will now begin with the final stage of the State Alchemist Exam. These three men will show their skill with both fighting and alchemy however they wish. As you can see, we have targets representing enemy soldiers. Any questions?" No one responded "Ready, beginning with John George."

The older man reached down and traced a perfect circle on the ground. As he filled it out, one could notice the skill and talent over the years he must have practiced. He traced on summons for Earth and Stone. It took some time to finish, bit was really well done for good age. He placed his hand on the circle and created a pillar of stone that allowed him to see the arena. He transmuted the pillar in such a way that layer of the pillar shot out and hit the targets in the arena with great accuracy. It shot out chunks at a time, the pillar dropping a few feet at a time until he reached the ground. The military officers clapped at the display, but not too loudly, as they shouldn't show favoritism.

"Next up, Isaac Vermilion!" Isaac pulled out a cloth with a circle on it. It flashed as he used it, and the result was water condensing out of the air to splash to the ground. He pressed another cloth with a different circle to the water, and it froze the water in a formation of spikes that slammed through the targets.

"Finally," the announcer paused. "Ainz All Goon."

'Why is my name so hard to pronounce?' he sweatdropped to himself. Ainz stepped forward casually, noting the way the man with the eyepatch was glancing through his papers. The man's eye widened, his head snapping up, staring at Ainz. 'Ah, he must know the significance of circle-less transmutations. Well, I might as well put on a show.' Ainz grinned, glad that it had been so easy to find someone who knew of Truth, or at least clapping transmutations. He subtly sent a {Discern Entity} at the man as he readied himself. He had an idea, a great one, based on the {Flight} spell.

Ainz crouched slightly, then jumped using a decent amount of strength. He shot up around fifteen feet into the air, and he clapped his hands, then straightened his arms out in front of him. The air sparked with the blue lightning as it shimmered. The lightning spread all around him, reflecting off of the armor he wore. The air shimmered before him, in a flat horizontal platform with shimmering lines through the air attaching it to the ground. Ainz landed upon it, the alchemy crackling to hold it in place. As he was controlling the air, it was not necessary for him to directly touch the platform, rather just the air near it, much like someone who uses Flame Alchemy.

'Please, I don't even need my swords for this.' he thought. He simply altered the formula he was using for the air in his head and his hands changed the air to shoot down slivers of condensed air that shot straight through the targets, shredding the area all around the arena, not hitting even near any of the officials. As the dust cleared, the audience was shocked to see not even a single target remaining whole, all riddled with holes the size of fists. Ainz, calmly stood there for a second, then created and walked down a set of air stars in silence. He reached the bottom, and then the room was filled with polite clapping, but clearly less than the others, as most of the men were speechless at how quickly he had decimated such a large amount of targets.

The announcer took a moment to get his bearings, but quickly realized his hesitation. "Thank you for demonstrating, you may now leave the area and wait for your results."

"Thank you." Ainz said aloud, and nodded. He did a sharp about face, and walked out of the room. As he walked back through the halls, he pondered the complications caused by his bout of recklessness. It definitely altered his plans now that someone recognized the significance of his abilities. Hopefully the man that saw him wouldn't be too high ranking to do anything about it.

He checked the results of his subtle {Discern Entity} spell. He was surprised at what came up, but expected the results.

Name: Wrath the Furious (Alias: Fuhrer Bradley)

Race: Homunculus

Job: Fuhrer of Amestris

Age: 61

Level: 85

Karma: -500

Despite his outward facade, this homunculi is extremely dangerous, and quite capable in combat. Watch out for uncanny reflexes to sneak attacks.

He paused for a second, then sighed. 'Goddamn it. I swear, I need to level up my Luck stat.' he chuckled to himself. 'So that was the leader of this country. Huh. So I guess he is a homunculus as well. They must be clever to get one in at such a high location in the Government.' he thought curiously. 'I'd better watch my back since he'll be in charge of me if I pass the test.' he checked his money from his backpack. 'Also, I need a place to live.'

"Ah, excuse me, Ainz?" a voice spoke from next to him. Ainz broke out of his thoughts and looked down. It was the receptionist from earlier. She was holding a manila folder.

"Ah, are those the results? I didn't think they'd be done so fast." he noted.

She smiled. "Well, you have been standing here for a while." she pointed out. He blinked, noticing that much time had passed when he was thinking.

"Ah, well thank you." he said, receiving the papers from her. He pulled out a fancy looking paper with gold trim. If he could have whistled, he would have. 'Man, why didn't I think of gold trim and writing for the Nazarick papers? I never come up with fun ideas first. I should get Albedo on that when I return'. Out loud, he mumbled it to himself. "Ainz Ooal Gown, we hereby..." Ainz skimmed down the page. "By the order of King Bradley you shall hereby go as the 'Armored Alchemist'! Huh, how original." he deadpanned. He shook the envelope, and realized there was a heavy weight in it. He shook out the folder, and a heavy silver pocket watch fell out, with an insignia of a dragon on it.

"Hmm? What's this?" he said aloud. The receptionist happily explained. "That is your State Alchemist pocket watch. It is the symbol of the State Alchemists, like their badge."

"Thank you." Ainz replied, already reading the second sheet of paper. "Report to headquarters at 0700 sharp for assignments to a squad." he frowned at the idea of someone having complete and total authority over him, at least on paper. Satisfied, Ainz stuffed the sheet into his backpack and began walking to the door.

"Now to find a place to live."

NN (Nyx Note): I was planning to let the homeless guy go in this chapter, but Ainz wanted to kill him. Better luck next time old guy. Also Ainz won't say he is an Albino, because that would make him sound liek an Ishvalan, but he will say he has sensitive skin, which is common with Albinos, but not quite solely found with them. The next update will be the GEDN story, or the Green Eyed Demon of Nazarick story if you haven't read it yet. Ainz's Alchemy platforms are like Weiss' glyphs. But with air. It's hypothetically possible, and all FMA explained was that Alchemy could do anything so long as there is a circle and formula for it. In this story I am also having mana allocate for Alchemy use, but he can use a flight spell for extended amounts of time and can use HUGE spells, so this shouldn't be too hard, right? Please try not to flame, or Roy will simply put them out. Advice is welcome.