AN: Back to the Alternate Journey. I've been thinking, do some of you still want to see the next chapter of CotD? Because I need some motivation to continue that long story. Now let's go to the story.

Proofread by Thatguywhowrote.

-II—II-

Inside the lustrous castle of Yggdmillennia, Vlad III stood by the second floor window looking outside under the moonlight, still reminiscing about the fight with a certain magus by the name of Momon that he met the other day.

It might be understandable that he as servant was not that strong compared to his peers in terms of pure combat skill. But with his skill "Demonic Defender of State" and the fact that he was within his own homeland gave him a tremendous boost to the point that he would be considered an "Overpowered Lancer" of this war.

He tried to convince himself that he lost against that magus because he hasn't yet secured the ley lines prior his battle with him to utilize his "Demonic Defender of State" skill. But something akin to an instinct told him that even with "Demonic Defender of State" skill already active, it was still not easy to win against him. That thought already made Vlad grin in anticipation. He might not be a man who loves to fight, but if the opponent weren't challenging enough for him then it would be boring.

"But we'll likely not meet again anyway, I guess I can only entertain myself with red faction's servants." He said, talking to himself before a silhouette appeared behind him.

He stopped his thoughts and turned to look at who stood behind him, it was none other than his own master Darnic, bowed before him.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your private time my lord, but I bear good news and bad news, which one do you prefer first?"

"Hmm... such a classic question, then the bad news first."

"The bad news is, the church has informed us that there will be a third faction called the "White Faction" that will join this war in obtaining our purpose my Lord. What really concerned us is that we don't know where they came from; it is likely that they are a group of freelance magi or spellcasters. Or likely a different group entirely."

"Hmm interesting, so it will be a battle royale then? It is indeed very troublesome for us then Darnic. I'm confident enough to fight multiple servants in my domain, so I recommend that we take a defensive stance. Let the White and Red factions confront each other and dwindle in numbers. But there's a chance that they will be working together to defeat us, and since the red faction is out of question due to your bad relationship with the mage's association, try to contact this white faction with minimum personnel to gain information about them." After Vlad said that, Darnic squinted his eyes from hearing his servant's advice.

"Does my Lord perhaps want to establish some connection and likely ally with them to defeat the Red Faction?"

"Correct. If we can put off one of the factions, it will be easier to navigate through this war if we only have one enemy left to worry about. And if we can work together with the White Faction, putting Red Faction out of picture will be a cinch. Of course, we can't really expect them to join us that easily. So for now, all I need is information about them. Darnic, where's our Assassin?"

"We've lost contact with the master of Assassin, Sagara Hyouma. And I've been informed by the church that Assassin went rogue without a master. It is likely that the master of Assassin was killed by an enemy servant before the war even started. But that violates the rules and the church won't let that go unnoticed. So the most plausible answer was that he was killed by his own servant." Darnic said, much to the surprise of Vlad before his expression turned to disgust.

"Tch, incompetent fool. Let this be a lesson to choose a more suitable master Darnic. So we lost Assassin huh? This will make things harder. Let's send Archer to them and have him observe the White Faction's movement the moment we take notice of them. He is the only one that looks competent enough in spying on them at first glance, and I heard he has a lot of wisdom in many expertise."

"Then I will do just that. As for the good news, a feast has been prepared to welcome all the servants that have been summoned. I suggest you present yourself before them to give them advice or just a simple greeting. Also, all preparations have been completed, we're combat-ready just in time before the war commences.

"That's the good news? It's a bit underwhelming, but fine. Then Darnic, I expect good performance from you." Vlad said, to which Darnic bowed his head even more in response before standing up.

"Then let me inform Archer right away my Lord. If you may please excuse me," and with that said Darnic went to meet Archer, leaving Vlad alone again while looking at window.

"Kuku... It's certainly interesting. Let's see what those invaders can do in my beloved homeland." He gazed at the moonlight from above with a smirk of confidence before calling it a day by turning into his spiritual form, vanishing without a trace.

-II—II-

Back at the closed dimension called Nazarick, at the throne room Ainz and the chosen masters have discussed some plans regarding the war. All guardians and the two human masters bowed before the entity that sat on the throne while their servants stood at the far corners of the room to observe them.

"This time, we will be returning to the surface once more with one purpose: to check the greater grail of this world if it's contaminated or not. And for that, our purpose is to win this war. We need servants because I can't utilize Nazarick's full potential continuously while keeping you guys' existence. And for that I'm sorry." Hearing Ainz' plea, all the guardians immediately responded.

"Don't be, Ainz-sama! It should be us that must apologize because we're but burdens to you. If only we could keep our existence by our own means them I'm sure we can lessen the weight on your shoulders Ainz-sama." Shalltear said with hints of regret.

"She is correct Ainz-sama. I promise I will find a way for us to stay materialized in the real world without your own mana to sustain us. With that, Ainz-sama need not worry about us." Demiurge said, deeply bowed.

"I share the same sentiment with all the Guardians present here. No, with the whole of Nazarick. No one in here wants to burden you, it feels like a sin for us. That's why I, Cocytus will help Demiurge find a way for us without your aid Ainz-sama." Cocytus also bowed before him.

'Ah... as expected of Guardians, their loyalty are indeed boundless and unmatched; I am proud to become their surrogate parents.' Ainz thought, clearly happy seeing his Guardians concerned about him.

"Outstanding! All Guardians, if it's you then I can entrust all of my being to you, just like all of you to entrust all your beings to me." Hearing this, all guardians looked very happy, but suddenly Ainz' tone changed. "Then, let us revise the basic strategy and plans for us to go at this war. Demiurge, what do you think is the first step we should take upon returning to surface?" Ainz looked at the demon whom smirked with confidence before standing up.

"I believe learning the topography first is must Ainz-sama. We can use the Mirror of Remote Viewing for that, we also can use familiars that can blend with the surroundings to act as our eyes across the whole town if we want to. Shalltear's familiars are able to blend in the shadows very easily. I believe utilizing recon troops is a good first step."

"It is indeed an appealing move. The war will commence only at night since that's the rule, so Shalltear's familiar can be put to good use, we also have Shadow Demon in case we need it. Then, about the next step..."

Ainz and the guardians shared information to devise the best plan. Meanwhile, in the far corner of the Throne Room the servants chatted among each other.

-II—II-

"Ugh... My stomach still hurts, since when was it a good idea to order that much food?" The Demon King of Sixth Heaven complained to no one in particular, but the swordswoman heard that and approached her.

"I've been wondering why you look so pained this past few hours, clutching your stomach like that. Is it a stomachache?" She asked curiously looking at Nobunaga's stomach.

"No, I'm pregnant!"

"...HAH!? Can we, servants, bear children!?" Musashi was shocked by her words.

"Of course not, it's a stomachache you dimwit! We're just spirits of the dead! We can't gave birth to life except if that was your noble phantasm. Sorry, I just ate too much food back there at that restaurant *burp*" She said, almost puking. Musashi's eyes, at hearing the word "food," sparkled in excitement.

"Food!? Wait, you've already tasted the food of this current era? I'm so jealous! I hope Master can buy me some food too. Say, this is not Japan, is the food delicious in here?" She asked while putting her face close to Nobunaga to which she just took a step back away from her.

"You're too close. I can say it isn't bad, it's definitely considered food, but the Sake in this country is a bit different from what I'm used too. So I can't comment much on that."

"It must be delicious! I hope Cocytus-dono can treat me as well." The swordswoman already imagined herself eating all kinds of food.

"You guys looks happy chatting, can I join in?" Asked the Caster of White while approaching, but Nobunaga didn't look all too happy seeing her.

"Oh, if isn't the Buddha believer. Sure, you can join in" Xuanzang noticed the displeasure in her sarcastic words.

"It looks like something ticked you off Archer. I don't know what it is or why, but I recommend learning the flow of breathing to contain your negative emotions. It is effective among Buddha's disciples and Shaolin that learn the way of Buddha hood." She said, still smiling at her while Nobunaga still look displeased.

"Whatever you say Miss... Buddha's disciple. I'm gonna search for a toilet, bye guys. Hey you, weird bird! You show me the way!" Nobunaga commanded, approaching the strongest cleaner in Nazarick.

"Hmph, what a brat. I guess her reputation as an Atheist really is true. Say, you're from the same country as that girl. Do you know anything about her?" The monk asked which Miyamoto tried to remember anything about her.

"We're separated by a few decades, she was already dead before I was born so I don't know much about her. But she was certainly an influential person that united the whole of Japan. While I never approved of her radical methods like burning the temple of Buddha, she is still one of the figures that are important in Japan. Without her, maybe my era would have been more chaotic than it already was... Still never thought she was a 'she' though."

"She did what!? Burning the temple of Buddha?! That's sacrilege, unforgiveable! Thanks Saber, looks like my errand as a monk is not over yet." She said confidently, earning Miyamoto's confusion.

"What are you gonna do?"

"Of course, show her the path to enlightenment. She is like a lake; the water just stays there for an untold amount of time. But with the teachings of Buddha, I will create a path for that water to become a river and guide her to the sea. I'm confident in my teachings when I was in journey with Goku and the others. I'll try to convince her, bye Saber." She bid farewell before running off to where Nobunaga went with that penguin.

"We're at war and she is doing emissary work? Guess our team indeed has many unique individuals. *chuckle*" Since Archer and Caster were gone and her master was still discussing plans with Ainz and the other masters, Miyamoto looked around to find Lancer, Berserker and Assassin chatting at the opposite corner of the throne room. Since she didn't have anything better to do she decided to know them better. It's not every day you got to see a Dragon girl and a legendary Oni at this day and age. Even she has never seen one in her lifetime.

"Hello everyone! I'm Saber, and since we're working together, it's only proper to formally introduce ourselves, right?" Miyamoto said, trying to join in on their conversation.

"Ah, if isn't Miss Samurai, or should I say 'Ronin?' No matter, we're just discussing about what an 'idol' is with Miss Lancer here" Said the drunken Oni.

"These guys want to know what idol an is, all I can say is that they picked a good person to ask. An idol is someone that brightens up the hearts of every person by utilizing their angelic voice and cheerful dance, like me that shines until the end of the world. You could say it's the perfect job for me." Elizabeth said confidently.

"So it's like a Geisha, right? I heard humans called them that back in my time with Shuten. You basically turn into a candle-like human while you sing and dance?" Ibaraki commented, much to Elizabeth's confusion.

"'Candle-like?' No way, an idol never waxes herself with candles. I don't know what the hell a geisha is, but how can turn yourself into candle to make yourself beautiful?"

"I know, right!? They once considered white people as a symbol of beauty so they made a geisha's skin so white to the point it was no different than a candle. And most importantly, they dare to paint me similar to a geisha. Do you know how it feels when humans try to portrait you incorrectly? They should acknowledge how fearsome I am as an Oni of fire."

"Ah I know that feeling, I have the same case as you. To think we have the same problem back in our lifetimes... How about it? Want to become my partner in the idol industry? You're quite beautiful yourself, I'm confident you can become a star." Hearing that offer, Ibaraki just scratched her head.

"Me? Become something like an entertainer? Are you kidding? I'm a fearsome leader that maintains the order of the Onis in Mount Oe. Doing something like that will only stain my reputations and charisma."

While both Lancer and Berserker chatted among each other, Shuten just giggled at them while sipping alcohol from an expensive looking glass and jug in each hand. For Shuten, it was very rare for Ibaraki to have a long conversation with even her fellow Onis. And if there were any, it were only for businesses like where to raid again for the sake of treasure hunting. Seeing her like this was quite refreshing for her.

Musashi couldn't join in on their conversation since the 'idol' business was out of her reach. Even she never came to any ceremony to know about geishas, so she decided to talk to the black-haired Oni sipping her alcohol.

"You look happy Assassin. Is that because of that beverage?" Musashi once more tried to strike up a conversation, Shuten glanced at her and smiled.

"Ah yes, This sake, it's so~ delicious! They called it the 'Nazarick Special,' made by the best brewer in here. I wonder how they made this, its so~ good and it tastes otherworldly. I never thought I would be conquered by alcohol when it should be the other way around. Haa~" Her tone was very suggestive like she was currently having an orgasm, that indicated how good Nazarick's sake was. Musashi never really drank in her lifetime, but just by smelling the scent from that sake was enough to pique her curiosity. However she steeled herself since she must be in her best state of mind. (1)

"Is that so? Must be nice. Say, what do you think about your own master?" Musashi asked, steering the topic elsewhere.

"Hmm... A cunning individual, something that even the greatest minds in Japan must fear. This is what I know for having a conversation with him. And quite the scheming individual, he treated me as tool and nothing more. And it looks like he is the strategist in this domain. Well, as long as I have my own freedom, I don't really care who my master is fufu~" She said, playfully drinking to her heart's content.

After some time, all the guardians that so far bowed before Ainz stood up and dispersed. It seemed the meeting was over and the Guardians were returning to their own servants.

Cocytus the 5th floor guardian and Demiurge the 7th floor guardian approached both Assassin and Saber.

"Assassin, new orders have come from Ainz-sama, we will use your presence concealment skill to infiltrate the Yggdmillennia fortress with my aid. There shouldn't be any problems, but with your state of mind, can you even do your job properly?" Demiurge asked since he was worried Shuten would screw up as she was drunk right now.

"Do not worry Master~ I'm perfectly in my best state of mind. If you think me being drunk makes me weaker, then let me surprise you later~" Assassin said confidently.

"Then that's good. Lets go."

With Demiurge and Shuten gone, Cocytus began talking with Musashi.

"Saber, we're currently the reserve unit, we will deploy when Ainz-sama orders us so for now, all we can do is wait until further notice."

"Well, that's fine, but what can we do in here Cocytus-dono?"

"Hmm... I can't let you enter crucial places per Ainz-sama's order. How about a spar with me at the 6th floor? I'll tell Aura and Mare to let us practice in there, I want to see how strong you are as my servant."

"Spar with you? I guess that's fine, I want to see your fighting style as well."

"Then let us go. If I deem you worthy enough to be Nazarick's servant, I will let you ask something from me, this I vow." Cocytus said to which Musashi's eyes sparkled once more.

"Really? Then, can you treat to food here? I have seen the alcohol Assassin had and it was from Nazarick. Can I taste the food of this place too?" Musashi said enthusiastically, making Cocytus a bit troubled seeing the smile of this warrior which was too innocent for his liking, but he won't judge Musashi's capability by her smile.

"It should be no problem. Then, follow me." Cocytus said, leading the way as she followed him.

With this all the chess pieces have been set, and soon the war will commence. It was only a matter of time before the greatest war in history happens and it would create a battle field that trembled both earth and sky in its wake. Let the wheels of fate turn, and the world shall know that Nazarick has finally returned.

Meanwhile, under the cloudy night sky at Shisogahara Street, a lone robed person walked aimlessly inside a thick fog that engulfed the entire streets.

"...I can smell Papa's scent... Where are you Papa?" A mysterious person called out, still walking until its presence vanished within the fog.

END

And done my friends. Still no action I know, but the next one should have plenty. Now all the guardians have their own missions as shown with Demiurge and Cocytus. Guess you all can guess who the mysterious person is in the last sentence like 99.9% lol. Then, farewell. Next should be Counter Force Messiah.

(1): I forgot if a Servant can get drunk or not. But if not, then let's make it possible here.