Welcome!
Thank you for reading my fanfic and giving me a chance.
My mother language is not English so please be patient about the grammatical issues.
I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.
I would like to thank the wonderful job what the Skythewood translator team done with the light novel translation.
Without their hard and persistent work, I surely couldn't write this story.
Please review it I know I will make mistakes what I will intend to correct and try to learn from my mistakes and improve myself.
Let's continue our little story!
Previously:
"Finally, we have a question for the Guardians. To begin with, Shalltear — what kind of person we are to you?"
Now:
"Momonga-sama is the incarnation of beauty. You are the most beautiful person in the world. Even jewels pale in comparison to your snow-white body and Esdeath-sama darkness are shining through the cosmos like a lamp in the darkest night I-I can barely contain myself."
Shalltear did not pause to think about her answer before she gave it. From the lack of delay in her reply, she must have been speaking from the heart. While it seemed to a breeze of joy ran through in her spine.
"—Cocytus."
"One. Who. Is. Mightier. Than. All. The. Guardians. And. Deserving. Of. The. Title. Of. The. Supreme. Overlord. Of. The. Great. Underground. Tomb. Of. Nazarick.
The. Other. Who. Has. The. Greatest. Battle. Potency. In. Nazarick. The. Last. Of. Her. Kind. And. The. One. Whom. I. Gladly. Spar."
"—Aura."
"A merciful leader with great foresight and beside him the great protector and battle planner of The Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick."
"—Mare."
"Th..The, two gentlest persons I know."
"—Demiurge."
"Momonga-sama is a wise leader who makes decisions and acts on them quickly. Truly, a man worthy of the title 'inscrutable.' and beside him the pinnacle of the angelic and demonic evolution. Esdeath-sama who enforce The Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick authority if it's necessary and planning her battles wisely."
"—Sebas."
"The one responsible for assembling all the Supreme Beings. In addition, the merciful leader who did not abandon us, but stayed by our side until the very end.
Esdeath-sama too remained us in the very end and never abandoned Momonga-sama therefore we are very grateful for her"
"—Zero Rei."
„The ruler of the 41 who is by orders of magnitude better than the meat bags outside. And beside him my creator who's I'm very glad to create me."
"And finally, Albedo."
"The man who rules over the Supreme Beings, and our highest, most exalted master. In addition, the man I love most deeply.
Besides him the hybrid who remained by his side to the very end. A great rival."
Momonga and Esdeath just looked each other hearing this answer.
"...I see. We have heard and understand your opinions. Then, we shall hand the tasks that were once performed by our former comrades to you. Carry them out faithfully."
After seeing the Guardians genuflect once more, Momonga and Esdeath teleported away.
The scenery before their eyes changed in an instant, from the Colosseum to the chamber of the Golems of Lemegeton. After looking around to make sure nobody was looking, they sighed deeply and Esdeath sweatdropped.
"I'm so tired…" Momonga though
Although his body did not feel tired, the mental fatigue was weighing down on his shoulders.
„No pressure Momonga-san huh?"
"Yes indeed...Those guys… why do they think so highly of us?"
„Who knows I think they just feel betrayed and lost without their creator and they seek a handhold a pillar what they can reach for. In my opinion, they are like children whose need an exemplar to hold their hands and lead them on the dark side of the world."
„That was very philosophical from you Esdeath-san. Do you practiced it?"
„No, I'm just that good" Esdeath said with a smirk
„Maybe you are right. It's the worst feeling when you think you are alone and the ones who you thought you can trust is betrayed your trust."
„Sadly We both know too well that feeling Momonga-san," Esdeath told Momonga with a sad tone.
He or now she and Momonga knew this feeling too well.
Esdeath was not the most popular child in the school and University. He saw his environment different than other people so the others avoided him.
He was a very retractable and keep oneself to oneself person was and after his car accident he even lost his ability to walk because of his critical spine damage.
The only way was to him to walk again a spine replacement procedure what only the richest could afford it.
After that, he remained completely alone. He had no family because his retractable nature and his parents died long ago. The few real life friends fastly abandoned him referring to „we will help you in another time" or „we don't have time at the moment".
Typical. The human nature just like this contradicts the law of the jungle. The pack is stronger together most of them never understood this. They mostly leave the crippled alone just like It's some kind of disease what they can get caught.
„Huh, humanity was always a funny race." Esdeath thought
But fortunately, he found the game YGGDRADASIL. Thenceforth he was not alone anymore.
He found real friends in the virtual world and had a good time while he adventured with his friends.
„Sadly this is true."
The Guardians were describing someone else's entirely. After hearing the Guardians take turns to share their opinions of them, Momonga wanted to laugh and mock them, but from the looks on their faces, it did not sound like they were joking at all.
In other words, their words were sincere.
If he did not act in a manner which fit their views of him, it might disappoint them. As he thought about that, the pressure on him grew and grew. And in addition to that, there was another problem, which made Momonga frown.
Of course, his skeletal face could not show expressions, yet it seemed as though it did.
"...What should we do about Albedo… if this keeps up, how will we face Tabula-san…"
„ Her comment about me was very strange. What was in her mind when she referred me as a „Rival"?
„ I don't know Esdeath-san. But I don't like how it sounded."
„Huh. It cannot be helped. I think we should retreat our rooms Momonga-san for a while to process everything that happened today."
„Good idea Esdeath-san I [Message] you if something comes up in the meantime."
„Ok Momonga-san take care."
„You too Esdeath-san."
Activate item [Ring of Ainz Ooal gown] selecting destination: personal quarters.
They both activated their rings in unison and disappeared
Scene Change: 6Th floor Arena:
The pressure that was crushing their heads to the ground suddenly vanished.
Even after the departure of the master of their revered creators and the one who remained with the Guildmaster until the very end nobody raised their heads.
After a while, someone sighed in relief. The tense atmosphere was gone now.
The first to get up was Albedo. Her white dress was stained where her knee had touched the ground, but she did not mind at all. She flapped her wings to wipe off the dirt on her feathers.
After seeing Albedo rise, the others followed suit, though nobody dared to speak.
"That, that was scary, nee-chan."
"Yeah, I thought I'd be squashed flat."
"As expected of Momonga-sama and Esdeath-sama, to think their presence would have such a great effect on us Floor Guardians…"
"As. A. Supreme. Beings. Their. Might. Overmatches. Ours. But. I. Did. Not. Expect. them. To. Be. This. Powerful."
Thus the Guardians shared their impressions of Momonga and Esdeath.
The aura that Momonga and Esdeath emitted was the source of the power that had crushed the Guardians to the ground .
[Despair Aura] and [Aura of the Transcended One]
Momonga [Despair Aura] Besides inflicting a fear effect, it could reduce the status of its victims. Normally, it would not have an effect on the level 100 NPCs, but on this occasion, its effects had been strengthened by the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown.
Esdeath [Aura of the Transcended One] was lowered the target resistances increased the surrounding target weaknesses caused a low-level fear effect and generated a minimal leech field around the target. It was almost potent enough to keep up Momonga strengthened [Despair Aura].
"Momonga-sama and Esdeath-sama must have unleashed the air of authority that represents Momonga-sama right to rule."
"Indeed. Before we stated our positions, Momonga-sama and Esdeath-sama did not exert their might. However, once we showed ourselves in the role of Floor Guardians, they must have revealed a fraction of their awesome power to us."
"In. Other. Words. Momonga-sama. Revealed. His. Face. As. A. Ruler. In. Response. To. Our. Pledges. Of. Loyalty.
Esdeath-sama did the same with a difference. She wanted to strengthen Momonga-sama rule. As an enforcer intended to do for his or her ruler."
"That does seem like the case."
"They didn't radiate that aura when they were with us. Momonga-sama was kind, and gave us something to drink when we were thirsty."
„Esdeath-sama did the same and gave us candies. I don't know how she knew we both love candies but she just did."
Aura's and Mare's words caused the other Guardians to emit an air of tension. It was condensed jealousy that was almost visible to the naked eye. The worst-off was Albedo, whose clenched fist was trembling and whose nails threatened to rip through the fabric of her glove.
Mare's shoulders trembled, and then his eyes went wide.
"That, that must have been the true power of Momonga-sama, the ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. It was amazing!"
That changed the mood instantly.
"Exactly! Momonga-sama showed us his ability as an absolute ruler in response to our feelings… as expected of our creator. The zenith of the 41 Supreme Beings, and the kind master who remained here with us until the very end."
The Guardians, no, every entity created by the Supreme Beings wanted nothing more than to aid their creators in some way. The next best thing would be to receive their trust and to be treated as useful servants.
This was a simple, natural truth.
This was the greatest joy in life for these characters who were created to aid the Supreme Beings. Then, as though to wipe away this jubilant atmosphere, Sebas said from the side:
"Then, I shall take my leave first. I do not know where Momonga-sama has gone, but I should stay by his side."
Jealousy was written all over Albedo's face, but she quashed her feelings and replied:
"I understand. Then, Sebas, serve Momonga-sama well and do not disgrace him. Report to me if anything happens. In particular, if Momonga-sama summons me, you must let me know immediately. Everything else is of secondary importance to that and please notify me…"
A pained expression crossed Demiurge's face as he listened quietly from the side.
"But if he desires me in his bedchamber, you must inform Momonga-sama that I might be a while, in order to bathe and cleanse myself for him. Of course, if he wants me to proceed to him immediately, that is fine as well. After all, I do my best to keep clean for him, and my clothes have already been selected so I can heed his call whenever it comes. In any case, Momonga-sama's wishes will always come first—"
"—I understand, Albedo. If I waste too much time here, I will not have enough to properly serve Momonga-sama, which would be disrespectful. Therefore, forgive my abrupt departure, but I must take my leave. Floor Guardians, I bid you all a good day."
After saying his farewells to the wide-eyed and open-mouthed Guardians, Sebas immediately jogged away, as though to leave Albedo (who was preparing for a long monolog) behind.
"Speaking of which… it is fairly quiet around here. Shalltear, is something the matter?"
After Demiurge's question, everyone's eyes went to Shalltear. She was still on her knees.
"What. Is. Wrong. Shalltear?"
She lifted her head after she was called on again. The dazed look on her face would make people think that she had just been woken up.
"...What. Happened?"
"Ah, after being exposed to the Supreme One's awesome presence, I could not help but get excited… I fear my underwear has gone through a bit of a crisis…"
Silence.
Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what to say. The Guardians mused that Shalltear had, by far, the most fetishes among them and that one of the said fetishes was necrophilia and a fetish to gravitate toward dark presences.
Esdeath according to the lore was equally dark and light a completely neutral entity. Emitting strong presence in both sides. So Shalltear set the goal to snatch it and push it toward the darker side.
They facepalmed as they thought about this, although Mare didn't quite get it and was thoroughly confused. No, one of the Guardians was not content to simply shake her head and sigh.
That was Albedo.
The jealousy surging in her made Albedo come out and say:
"You slut."
Shalltear sensed Albedo's hostility as she heard those scornful words. Her lips curled in hostility, and she responded with a bewitching smile.
"What? Having Momonga-sama and Esdeath-sama the most beautiful of the Supreme Beings, bless us with their energy is a reward! Anyone who doesn't get wet from that must have something wrong in their head! Or could it be that you don't just look pure, but you don't have any fleshly desires at all, you big-mouthed gorilla?!"
"...Lamprey!"
The two of them glared at each other. The Guardians did not know if they would fight as a result of this, but the way they were looking at each other was very unsettling.
"My appearance was created by the Supreme Beings, do you have a problem with it?"
"Shouldn't I be saying that?"
Shalltear slowly raised herself, and the two of them closed in on each other. Even so, their eyes remained locked. Eventually, the two of them came so close that they collided into each other.
"Don't think you've won just because you're the Guardian Overseer and can stay next to Momonga-sama and Esdeath-sama. If you really think that way, I'll laugh my ass off."
"Hmph. That's correct. While you're stationed in a faraway place, I'll swoop in and achieve a complete victory any way I'm only interested in Momonga-sama. Esdeath-sama can be yours."
"...What do you mean by 'a complete victory'? Teach me, Guardian Overseer-sama."
"As a slut, you should be fully aware of what that means."
With a pacha, Albedo unfurled her wings in a threat display. Black mist-wreathed Shalltear as she responded in kind, unwilling to admit weakness.
"Ah — Aura, matters between women should be settled by a fellow woman. If anything happens I'll come to help, let me know when the time comes, all right?"
"Hey, wait, Demiurge! Are you planning to dump all of this on me?"
Demiurge simply waved lazily as he walked away from the feuding pair. Cocytus and Mare took a step back as well. Nobody wanted to get drawn in by them.
"Really, do they have to argue over this sort of thing?"
"Personally, I would be quite interested in the result."
"What do you mean by 'the result', Demiurge?"
"I refer to the increase in our fighting power, the future of Nazarick, and so on."
"D-Demiurge, what do you mean?"
"Hmm…"
Demiurge pondered how he should answer Mare's question. For a moment, an evil impulse swept through Demiurge's head and he thought of infusing the simple Mare with adult knowledge, but he promptly discarded that line of thinking.
Demiurge was a devil, and he was cruel and ruthless, but that only applied to people outside Nazarick. To Demiurge, the characters made by the 41 Supreme Beings were his comrades.
"Any great leader requires a successor, no? Momonga-sama may have stayed with us until the end, but if he loses interest in us one day, he may leave for another place like the rest of the Supreme Beings.
Thus, there is a need for a successor to whom we can pledge our loyalty.
However, Esdeath-sama could lead us if the situation requires it sooner or later she may decide to leave us too in another hand she never take interest to lead The Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. She always left this thing to Momonga-sama However I don't know why she had the ability and the and the wits to fulfill this job.
Nazarick fighting power would be greatly diminished if she had to remain in Nazarick and rule from there.
Maybe if we can convince her to give Momonga-sama children or breed with any of us. Her kind could rose again and in the process, Nazarick strength would greatly increase."
"How. Disrespectful. As. Guardians. We. Are. To. Serve. Momonga-sama. Faithfully. So. He. May. Stay. That. Is. What. We. Were. Made. For."
Demiurge turned to the interrupting Cocytus.
"Of course I understand that, Cocytus. But do you not wish to pledge your loyalty to Momonga-sama's heir or train Esdeath-sama children?"
"Hmm… Of. Course. I. Would. Like. To. Swear. My. Allegiance. To. The Supreme Ones. Heir…"
Cocytus began imagining himself running around with said heirs on his shoulders.
Then he began imagining himself teaching him swordsmanship, drawing his blade to defend the Young Masters, and even hearing the full-grown Young Masters giving him orders.
"...Oh. How. Wonderful. What. A Glorious. Sight… Uncle… Uncle…"
Somewhat unable to bear it, Demiurge averted his eyes from Cocytus, who was fully into imagining himself as a cool old uncle, faithfully serving Momonga's heir and training Esdeath children.
"Ah. What. A. Beautiful. Sight… Truly. it. Was. Everything. I. Have. Ever. Dreamed. Of."
"Is that so… well then, that's good... Are Albedo and Shalltear still fighting?"
"They're… done. Right now, they're arguing about…"
"The problem of who should be the first wife."
"It would be strange for the ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick to only have one wife. The question now is who is worthy of being Momonga-sama's first wife…"
"...While that is quite an interesting question, we should probably discuss that later. All right, Albedo, won't you give us our orders? There will be many things to do later on."
"Indeed, you're right. I need to issue orders soon. Shalltear, I'll discuss this matter with you at length soon enough. We'll need to spend some time on it."
"I have no objections, Albedo. No other matter is more worthy of our time."
"Very well. Then, let us move on to our plans for the future."
„One more question to Zero Rei-san before we depart. What do you think about the current situation who do you serve loyally?" asked Albedo
„Everything will take place according to the Supreme Beings wish.
I only perform commands according to my best of abilities.
As the question of the inheritance.
We don't have the right to make this decision instead of them they will surely produce heir if times comes.
And lastly. The question who did I serves loyally.
If Esdeath or Momonga-sama say to jump. I ask how high. If they ask to eliminate the target. I eliminate even if It's a floor guardian or Rubedo herself. Either I succeed or fall trying.
But you must understand Esdeath-sama is my creator. So if she orders me to turn against Momonga-sama or any of you. I will not hesitate and do my best even if it means my extermination."
Albedo frowned and her face twitched „You dare to say this before the Floor Guardians and the Floor Guardians Overseer do you have a deathwish machine do you not fear your master life or she is in danger?"
„I am not designed to fear termination meat bag. Besides that. She is in not in danger. She is the danger. She is the one who knocks." Zero Rei shot an unusual killing gaze to Albedo while he said these words with his calmly bored but professional tone.
The tension in the air was palpable between Albedo and Zero Rei.
Demiurge Interjected „Zero-san, Albedo-san we all want what is best of Nazrick. I'm sure Zero-san just only sketched an almost impossible scenario. Right Zero-san?"
„As you say Demiurge-san. I just outlined the possibility a very unlikely thing." He said with a bored tone
„It's better to be or you will be destroyed mercilessly machine!"
„Duly noted meat bag. I'm going back to my duties I bid farewell to everyone."
„Good Bye Zero-san." They bid farewell to him while he jogged away
Demiurge and Mare sighted and sweatdropped.
„This was close. If those two start to fight here in the arena. The arena most likely destroyed before we can restrain them."
Mare just shrank a little hearing this.
Scene change Esdeath room:
After using [The Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown] Esdeath found herself in her her personal quarters.
Her room style combined both modern and archaic architecture.
Her walls adorned with scenes of battle between angels, demons, humans and many other creatures.
If you looked around all scenes you should realize. This was a story about the circle of life. One dies one rises from the ashes of the dead civilization. They build their civilization and find an another civilization.
Then they battle with each other because of their pitiful mistrust and misunderstanding and in the pinnacle of their civilization they just wipe each other out because of their narrow-mindedness thinking. Then all of this cycle start again.
Yes, it was a beautiful scene those whose can be accessed such things.
In the middle of her room, there was a king sized bed. Adorned with jewelry and carvings and the bedding was crafted from the finest materials what you could find in the game.
The bed can be repositioned with a simple command underneath it there was a personal Hot Tub the tub enchanted so the water never left the tub itself. Besides this, the water produces buffs to the users.
In the room, there was many enchanting tools and an enchanting table where Esdeath could make more complicated enchantments what she cannot do without it.
There was a big wardrobe what contained Esdeath clothes.
While he played the game he bought and acquired almost every cosmetic item what was available so she had accessed a quite of collection of cosmetic outfits in her current situation.
Behind one of her wall, there was a personal vault where she kept her spare equipment what she doesn't give into the guild treasury. Weapons/armors/consumables/money etc.
She kept most of her money into her vault because she was in the money gate in the game and she could not carry any more money.
He acquired his riches while he boosted other guilds and peoples while he was in the game. Of course for the right price. After each run, he acquired valuable information/weapons/resources etc. for his guild.
The vault door was enchanted, strengthened and programmed. If anyone besides him or the guild master want to open the door. The content automatically transported to the guild treasury and summon high-level suicide NPC-s then after all the NPCs dead the room blow itself up. So you could say it was rigged to the teeth
In her suite, she built a private bathroom, a guest room, and an armory to exhibit her most shiny and good looking armor and weapon skins. Of course, they were just skins and not contained any data crystals. She kept all of her data crystals in her vault and inventory.
Players could produce a nearly infinite variety of original magic items in YGGDRASIL. Defeated monsters dropped data crystals, which formed a magic item when they were set into an item skin.
Therefore, people would immediately buy item skins that they liked.
Besides these things, there was a media system in her room designed for her own taste. The media system contained devices what can play music,digitalized video contents and old games what the user imported into the game.
At least now it's seemed to worth it because now she could enjoy the treasures of the modern era.
But she doesn't know if it still working in this new world or not.
The only way to her to acquire this information is to try out the system.
„Well never venture, never win," she thought
„Media System play music: Devil May Cry 3 -"Devils Never Cry"
„Affirmative playing music: Devil May Cry 3 -"Devils Never Cry" the system answered
and the music started to play from the hidden speakers.
"Steel a soul for a second chance
But you will never become a man
My chosen torture makes me stronger
In a life, that craves the hunger
A Freedom and a quest for life
Until the end the judgment night
Bless me with your gift of light
Righteous cause on judgment night
Feel the sorrow the light has swallowed
Feel the freedom like no tomorrow
Stepping forth a cure for soul's demise
Reap the tears of the victim's cries
Yearning more to hear the suffer (of a)
Of a demon as I put it under
Killed before, a time to kill them all
Passed down the righteous law
Serve a justice that dwells in me
Lifeless corpse as far as the eye can see
The eye can see
The eye can see
The eye can see
The eye can see
The eye can see
(Clean Voice)
Bless me with the
Leaf off of the tree
On it I see
The freedom reign
We are falling
The light is calling
Tears inside me
Calm me down
Midnight calling
Mist of resolving
Crown me, with the
Pure green leaf
Praise to my father
Blessed by the water
Black night, dark sky
The devil's cry
Bless me with the
Leaf off of the tree
On it I see
The freedom reign
We are falling
The light is calling
Tears inside me
Calm me down
Midnight calling
Mist of resolving
Crown me, with the
Pure green leaf
Bless me with the
Leaf off of the tree
On it I see
The freedom reign
Praise to my father
Blessed by the water
Black night, dark sky
The devil's cry
(Demonic Voice)
Life of vengeance, a passive test
Until the grave, I will rest
Engage the pressure until it crumbles
The existence of the lifeless black souls
Onward to the sacred battlefield
Where justification and limits are revealed
Tools of steel in rage they conquer
Weed out the killing of victim's stalker
The powers proved to end the madness
Upon I take it to end the savage
The rays of light a truth of meaning
To my father the blood is pleading
A justice rage for all to feel
With innocent cries and hatred squeals
The gore of evil seems to satisfy
When slain and maimed and pacified
My chosen torture makes me stronger
In a life, that craves the hunger
A Freedom and a quest for life
Until the end the judgment night
Watch the footsteps but never follow
If you want to live tomorrow
Steel a soul for a second chance
But you will never become a man"
The room was enchanted to be sound proof and contained other enchantment what prevented information gathering from outside. So doing things inside the room doesn't cause any noises for the outside.
„Huh. At least this works."
„ By the way in the great confusion, I don't even have time to check my new physical appearance."
„It's soo good feeling walking again. I almost forgot the feeling," she muttered under her mouth
She walked to the mirror of her room and she can not believe what she saw. His or now her character face was completely alike what she designed for it but it was more lifelike, more animated.
She started to poke and pinch her own face to check it's really hers.
Then she started to check the other parts of her body. From the upper parts going downward. After her face, she checked the two mounds on her chest.
You could say she was full red while she did this. It was really sensual.
She then checked her wider hips and lastly she grabbed her groin. She reddened even more than before. You could say her face now was as red as a lobster.
„It's gone. Little I is gone" she thought with a full red face.
She gulped deeply.
„Focus you still need things to test! First, I have to check my shapeshifting ability." She shook steeled herself
She concentrated the forms and the details what she wanted to change.
Firstly she only changed minor things like her eye color and hair color.
Then she tried to mold her body a different shape. She tried many things, for example, make her ears look like an elf change her face propositions, height, body sizes.
She even tried to shapeshift into male or other races what doesn't resemble humanoid but none of them worked. Everything worked perfectly everything according to the race lore. Her appearance molded before her very eyes for a whim of her very thought.
In the end, she changed her appearance back to her base form.
„I need to distract my attention with something else. Yes! I will try out my enchanting skills working properly."
With that though she turned away from the mirror and headed to her enchanting table.
She grabbed a low-level weapon from her dimensional pockets and started the experiment.
Firstly she tried with a low-level enchantment what contained an exigous quantity of data. Then she tried to enchant the weapons with multiple enchantments. It worked!
But when she tried the same thing with a higher level enchantments on the weapon. The weapon just disintegrated with a big flash.
„Huh. It seems if you want to enchant weapons with multiple high-level enchantments the level of enchantment must be lower or equal to the level of the weapon what you want to enchant. „
She tried this with multiple weapons each of them contained different level of data. Normal, Rare, Epic, Legendary.
„Interesting I must try this with armors too." she though while she banished back the previously drew weapon to her personal storage. In It place, then she summoned a low-level armor with the same quality as the first weapon.
She did the same experiments with the armors and items as the weapons and she get the same result from the experiment.
„If you want to enchant items with multiple enchantments the level of enchantment must be lower or equal to the level of the armor/weapon or item what you want to enchant. Any weapon can keep any kind and data level enchantment until there is one enchantment on the item. „
This was the conclusion what she got from this experiment series.
Scene change: Momonga's suite
The dressing room which adjoined Momonga's suite was a chaotic mess of items, with hardly any place to put one's feet. There were items like capes, with which Momonga could equip himself, and suits of full plate armor, which he could not use at all. In addition to armor and other protectives, there were weapons ranging from magic staves to greatswords. This was truly an assortment of gear.
Momonga picked out a greatsword from the weapons in the room. Freed from its sheath, the silvery blade sparkled in the light. The runes carved into the blade's body sparkled as well, etching themselves into any onlookers' eyes.
Momonga swung the greatsword around. It was as light as a feather.
Of course, this was not because the blade was light, but because Momonga was very strong.
Momonga was a mage and his spellcasting stats were very high, but his physical stats were lower in comparison. Still, the strength he had gained from reaching level 100 was not an inconsiderable figure.
If he encountered weak monsters, he could easily pulverize them with his staff.
Momonga slowly took a fighting stance, and then a loud sound of metallic clanging ran through the room. The sword he had been holding a moment ago was now on the ground
The maid standing by in the room immediately picked up the greatsword and handed it to Momonga. However, Momonga did not pick it up but looked at his empty hands.
That was it.
That was what confused Momonga.
In YGGDRASIL, Momonga had no levels in warrior classes, and so he should not have been able to use a greatsword. However, if this new world was a reality, it only made sense that he should have been able to wield it.
Momonga shook his head and decided not to think about it. After all, he would not be able to find the answer no matter how much he pondered.
"Tidy this up."
After Momonga directed the maid to clean up, he turned to look at the mirror that almost covered the entire wall. What he saw was a clothed skeleton.
He should have been afraid after seeing what his body had become, but Momonga was unmoved. Indeed, it even felt natural to be that way.
There was another reason for this, besides being used to this look from his time in YGGDRASIL.
That reason was that his mind had been changed, along with his body.
The first sign of that was the fact that whenever he felt an intense surge of his emotions, he would immediately calm down, as though something was suppressing it. Another thing was that he could not feel thirst, hunger or fatigue. There might have been something resembling lust, but he had felt no excitement even when he was caressing Albedo's soft breasts.
A terrible sense of loss filled Momonga, and he instinctively glanced down to his waist.
"Could it be… it vanished because I never used it?"
However, his small voice and the sense of loss vanished as he spoke.
Therefore, Momonga concluded that these changes, in particular, the mental changes, were part of the undead immunity to mind-affecting effects.
Right now, he possessed an undead body and mind, but there were some remnants of his humanity left. Therefore, even when he experienced emotions, if they surged to a peak, they would be immediately suppressed. If he continued on like this, he might end up losing all his emotions in the future.
"[Create Greater Item]!"
Once Momonga cast the spell, his body was sheathed in a suit of engraved full plate armor. It glowed darkly, and its surface was covered with gold and silver patterns. It looked very expensive.
He moved around in it to see how it felt. Although it was somewhat restrictive, he was not immobilized. In addition, the armor fit his body very well, which was quite unexpected considering the gaps between his bare-boned body and the armor.
It would seem that he could use magic-generated items, just like in YGGDRASIL.
As Momonga silently applauded the wonders of magic, he peeked at himself in the mirror from between the gaps of his closed helm. A dashing warrior looked back at him, nothing at all like a magician. Momonga nodded in satisfaction and gulped in his non-existent throat.
"I will be stepping out for a while."
"The guards are ready for you," the maid reflexively replied. However—
The truth was, he disliked them.
On the first day when the guards followed him around, he felt pressurized; on the second he was used to it, and then he felt like showing them off. And on the third day—-
Momonga suppressed the urge to sigh.
It was all too stiff and formal for him. The guards followed him everywhere he went, and whenever he met someone, they bowed to him.
Even though strong emotions were promptly suppressed, his mind felt like it was being boiled by a low flame all the time.
And then there were the unbelievably beautiful women who plastered themselves to his side at all times, taking care of him in all ways. As a man, he was delighted by the attention, but the invasion of his personal space and his life was wearing him out as well.
That stress was another relic of his humanity.
In any case, it was not a good sign that he, the master of Nazarick, was being subjected to this emotional distress amidst these strange circumstances. It might lead to him making a poor decision in times of emergency.
He needed to refresh himself.
"No... there is no need for the guards to accompany me. I simply wish to walk by myself."
"Pl-please wait and reconsider, if something happens to Momonga-sama, we must become your shields. We cannot allow any harm to come to your person."
„...I have to do something in secret, and I will not allow anyone to follow me."
A brief silence followed.
Just as Momonga was starting to feel that it was dragging on, the maid finally replied:
"Understood. Then, please be safe, Momonga-sama."
[Message]"Esdeath-san are you here? I hope I will not disturbing anything important or your sleep."
[Message]"I'm here Momonga-san. No, you don't disturb anything important. I just finished testing the past three days my enchanting shapeshifting and reequip abilities."
[Message]"Is that so. I hope it went well."
[Message]"Yes it was success everything worked according to the game rules and I realized a few thing."
[Message]"What do you realized Esdeath-san?"
[Message]"I don't need to sleep but I can still do it if I want. I don't need food or drink consumption but I still get the buff from them and I don't even breathe. How crazy is this."
And after a maid brought me food and drink. I tasted it and it was extremely good. It was like an orgasm in my mouth."
[Message]"Lucky one I can't even eat, drink or taste anything anymore and there's a constant stress on me because I can't refresh myself with a good sleep."
Anyway. I'm heading outside do you want to come?"
[Message]"Of course Momonga-san. Where do we meet?"
[Message]"In the first floor at the entrance of the tomb. In tow hours time."
[Message]"Ok. We meet there Momonga-san. Take care!"
[Message]"Take care Esdeath-san." after this sentence Momonga terminated the [Message] spell.
Scene Change: First Floor Entrance of The Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick
Momonga destination was a large hall. There were rows of narrow mortuary slabs on both sides of him, but there were no corpses on them now. The floor was polished limestone. Behind Momonga was a flight of stairs leading down, and at their end was a set of double doors, through which one could access the 1st Floor of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. The sconces in the walls had no torches; the only light came from the bluish-white moonlight streaming in from the outside.
This was the closest location to the surface that the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown could take him, the central mausoleum on the surface of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick.
Momonga meet Esdeath here as they discussed it.
„Ahh. Welcome. Momonga-san. It's good to see you. What about the armor?"
„I welcome you to Esdeath-san. About the armor I thought with different armor the NPC-s can't recognize me and I can sneak out to refresh myself a little."
„Hmm.. maybe I should have to do that too. But instead, I just said to the NPC-s what I meet either I just explore the tomb further or patrolling. Some of them insisted a personal guard party but I just said them it's fine and can take care of myself."
„And they just let you do it and walked here by on foot from the ninth floor?."
„Yes of course. I wanted to stretch my limbs a little. They numbed greatly in the past three days. You know in my real life I was crippled by a car accident and lost my ability to walk. So it was a quite good feeling using my legs again."
„I'm sorry Esdeath-san. Anyway lucky you I can't even set my foot outside my suite without a personal guard squad."
„Well, that's suck Momonga-san."
„Yes, it is. Let's head out."
„Lead the way oh great leader."
Momonga just chuckled about this sentence.
All they needed to do was take a few steps to reach the outside world. But despite the vast space before them, Momonga and Esdeath could not take those steps.
That was because of the thoroughly unexpected encounter before them.
The silhouettes of heteromorphic beings loomed before them. There were three monsters in total
One of them looked like a fearsome demon. Fangs protruded from its mouth and its body was covered in scales. It had stout arms and sharp claws, as well as flaming wings and a snake-like tail.
Another was a feminine-looking monster with a crow's head, dressed in a tight-fitting bondage outfit.
The final one wore full plate armor that was open at the chest, proudly revealing its abdominal muscles. If not for the black bat wings and the two horns protruding from its temples, it might have been mistaken for a beautiful young man. However, its eyes held a desire that knew no limit.
They were the Evil Lords of Wrath, Jealousy(Lust) and Greed, respectively.
All the Evil Lords turned their attention to Momonga and Esdeath, but they did not move, only watching with their unwavering gazes. The grim atmosphere weighed down on everyone present.
They were all monsters around Level 80 or so, and they should have been assigned to sentry duty around the Infernal Shrine where Demiurge lived, near the Gate to the 8th Floor. Shalltear's undead minions should have been stationed in the upper floors to stand guard. So what were Demiurge's subordinates, his elite guards, doing in here?
Behind them was one more figure. Momonga had not noticed him until now, but it had been watching Momonga from the beginning. Once he revealed himself, everything became clear.
"Demiurge…"
Momonga decided to place his bet on a slim possibility and advanced. If he stopped now, it would be a miracle if his true identity was not uncovered. In any event, his plan was to slowly move forward while staying near the wall, ignoring the monsters and walking past them.
He was fully aware that their eyes were on him. However, Momonga suppressed his feelings of weakness with sheer willpower, held his chest high, and continued moving forward.
Esdeath only moved beside him like a bodyguard with a mask of carelessness on her face.
Once they had gotten close enough to each other, all the demons simultaneously genuflected, bowing their heads to them. The one at their head was, of course, Demiurge. His neat movements were slick and elegant, as though he were a nobleman.
"Momonga-sama, Esdeath-sama. May I ask why you two have come here, without your escort, and dressed like this?"
"Ah… it's complicated. Demiurge, you should know why I am wearing this. As the matter of escort. Esdeath-san escorting me doesn't she?"
Demiurge's elegant face twisted in consternation. He took several breaths before answering:
"My deepest apologies for being unable to divine your fathomless intentions, Momonga-sama—
As a matter of Esdeath-sama escorting you. It not the wisest move to the two last Supreme Beings to walk outside without any escort."
„Do you not trust our ability, our power to protect ourselves Demiurge-san?" said Esdeath with the tone of authority.
Hearing this Demiurge bowed more deeply and shaken a little before answered to Esdeath.
„It's not the matter of the abilities of the Supreme Ones to defend themselves Esdeath-sama."
But the possible threats what can loom in every corner. We don't know this new world yet we have to be careful and protect you two with the best of our abilities, with our lives if it's necessary.
We can not risk losing either of you."
"Is that so. Anyway. Call me Dark Warrior." answered Momonga
"Pardon me, Dark Warrior-sama…?"
Demiurge seemed to have something to say, but Momonga tried his best to ignore it. Although it was a pretty embarrassing name, it made sense when one considered the names of other monsters in the game.
The reason behind having Demiurge address him by a different name was quite simple. Although only Demiurge and his vassals were here at the moment, this place was an exit, and many underlings would be passing through here. Momonga simply did not want them to call him "Momonga-sama, Momonga-sama" wherever he went.
How much did Demiurge understand without knowing Momonga's thoughts? Just then, a look of enlightenment filled Demiurge's face.
"I see… so that's what's going."
„Eh? What's going on?"
„What do Demiurge meant by that?" so that's what's going." They seriously believe the pile of bullshit what we gathering together . I hope they not overthinking them?"
Though Esdeath while internally sweatdropped
"I believe I have some grasp on your profound schemes, Mo… no, Dark Warrior-sama. Truly, they are considerations that only the ruler of this domain would have taken into account. However, I cannot allow your noble selves to proceed unaccompanied. I am aware that it may inconvenience you two, but I hope that in your boundless mercy, you will permit one of us to escort you."
Truly, they are considerations that only the ruler of this domain would have taken into account. However, I cannot allow your noble selves to proceed unaccompanied. I am aware that it may inconvenience you two, but I hope that in your boundless mercy, you will permit one of us to escort you two."
"...It can't be helped. Very well, I will allow one person to travel with us."
Demiurge smiled elegantly.
"My deepest thanks for humoring my selfish request, Dark Warrior-sama."
"...Just call me Dark Warrior, you can dispense with the honorifics."
"How could I! To do so would be unforgivable. Of course, I can obey such an order while acting as a spy or performing special missions, but within the Great Tomb of Nazarick, how could anyone not show the due respect to you, Momonga-sama… no, Dark Warrior-sama and Esdeath-sama!"
Momonga and Esdeath sweatdropped internally.
„Why are they overthinking everything in such manner?"
"Forgive me for wasting your valuable time, Mo-Dark Warrior-sama. Then, you lot will wait here for orders, and explain to the others that I am on the move."
"Understood, Demiurge-sama."
"Well, it seems your subordinates approve as well. Then, Demiurge, let us be off."
Momonga and Esdeath walked past the bowing Demiurge, who raised his head and followed his master.
"Why was Mo… cough, why was Dark Warrior-sama dressed like that and why he brought only Esdeath-sama with him?"
"I don't know, but there should be some reason for it."
The remaining Evil Lords muttered to each other in confusion.
After all, they had not seen through Momonga's disguise because he teleported here and Esdeath doesn't even bother to disguise herself.
Momonga and Esdeath had no idea of knowing this, but the denizens of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, or rather, all of Ainz Ooal Gown's servants radiated a certain aura that the servants could sense in order to determine whether a stranger was friend or foe.
Within the guild, the aura of the 41 Supreme Beings that ruled Nazarick — now reduced to Momonga and his companion Esdeath alone — was enough to tell them that the one before them was their absolute ruler and the Enforcer of Nazarick.
They could sense their mighty presence from a distance and they could not have mistaken Momonga for anyone else, even through his full plate armor. They would have seen through Momonga's disguise immediately, regardless of how he arrived.
It was easy to differentiate their aura from the others in Nazarick.
The doors to the first floor swung wide, and someone climbed the stairs.
Judging by the aura that came from the stairs, the newcomer was a Guardian.
The Evil Lords saw the beautiful face of the Guardian Overseer, Albedo, rising from the steps. They went to one knee as they realized that they were in the presence of someone who was the equal of their master, Demiurge.
To Albedo, the vassals kneeling before her was merely natural, and she paid them no heed as she looked around.
Only after Albedo failed to find the person she was looking for did she turn back to the Evil Lords. She spoke without addressing anyone in particular:
"...I don't see Demiurge around. Where is he?"
"He… a Dark Warrior-sama and Esdeath-sama passed through just now, so Demiurge-sama decided to accompany them outside."
"Dark Warrior...sama? I don't recall a name like that among the servants… Which servant did Demiurge accompany? A Floor Guardian following a lowly servant? How strange…
But if this Dark Warrior...sama accompanied with Esdeath-sama and Demiurge that means. „ Albedo eyes shoot wide open from the realization
"...Momonga-sama came here!"
Albedo's voice seemed to crack a little, and so the Evil Lords calmly replied:
"...His name was Dark Warrior-sama."
"...And his guards? Did Demiurge receive some notification from Momonga-sama? But I already arranged to meet him, so does this mean Demiurge did not know Momonga-sama was coming? Ah, forget it, I need to change and bathe!
The nearest bath… the one at Shalltear's place?... But then she might get suspicious… although I'll just have to bear with it. You lot, go to my room and get my clothes! Quickly!"
Just then, one of the Evil Lords called out to Albedo, who was pacing around. She was the Demon General of Jealousy.
"...Albedo-sama, though this might be rude, would your present attire not be better?"
"...What do you mean?" Albedo angrily retorted as she stopped in her tracks. She thought the other woman wanted her to see Momonga in her unkempt state.
"...No, I simply meant that a beautiful woman like yourself would be best served by showing the signs of your hard work. In the end, you will still benefit, will you not, Albedo-sama?"
"I see—" Albedo mused. They had a point.
"That makes sense… it seems I panicked because I have not seen Momonga-sama for such a long time. I can only meet Momonga-sama after 18 hours, don't you think 18 hours is too long?"
"Yes, it is."
Scene Change: Outskirts of the Great Underground Tomb Of Nazarick:
After leaving the mausoleum, Momonga and Esdeath were greeted by a beautiful sight. The surface area of the Great Tomb of Nazarick was 200 meters square, protected by six-meter thick walls, with an entrance and an exit at the front and back.
The Tomb's grass was trimmed short and felt refreshing. On the other hand, the Tomb's trees had leafy branches that shrouded much of the grounds in shade, and the extensive shadows gave the place a gloomy air. There were also alabaster tombstones scattered about.
Apart from the large central mausoleum, there were four smaller mausoleums in the north, south, east and west, each defended by statues of armored warriors, each six meters tall.
The central mausoleum was the gateway to the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and it was from this place that Momonga had emerged into the outside world.
Momonga and Esdeath stood at the top of the stairs and quietly surveyed the landscape before them.
The Great Tomb of Nazarick had originally been located in the icy world of Helheim, which was perpetually shrouded in darkness. The atmosphere was grim and dark, and the sky was constantly overcast. Yet, what he saw now was vastly different from that.
They were looking at a beautiful night sky.
"Amazing… to think they could include such detail in a virtual world… the air here is so fresh that it must never have been polluted. People born in this world wouldn't need artificial lungs to breathe…"
„Indeed it's really amazing Blue Planet–san would really love to be here."
sigh..„True. He would really like to see this beautiful sight."
They had never seen such a clear night sky in their life.
Momonga wanted to cast a spell, but he was hampered by his armor. There was a certain mage class that allowed for the casting of spells in armor, but Momonga did not have that class. As a result, his full plate armor kept him from using magic. Even armor created by magic would not allow its wearer to cast spells while wearing it. Currently, there were only five spells he could use in his armored state, but sadly, the flight magic Momonga wanted to use was not part of them.
Momonga reached his hand into his pocket dimension and withdrew an item. It was a necklace with a pendant shaped like a bird's wing.
He put on the necklace and focused on it. The power buried within the necklace took effect.
"[Fly]."
„It's time to try out my wings. If everything works according to the game rules then I could summon my character wings if I want." Though Esdeath
Activate Race Ability: [Wings of Nephalem]
Two angelic wings sprouted from Esdeath back. One of them was pure black and radiated white aura. The second was white and radiated an aura of darkness.
„Hmm. It seems it work. Now let's try the flight with them."
She readied her wings and flapped with them. In a strange way, she felt like her wings were part of her body all the time and she could use them like they were part of her in her whole life.
She fastly caught up with Momonga.
Although Demiurge was frantically trying to catch up with them, they paid him no heed and ascended steadily. Before they knew it, they were several hundred meters in the air.
The blue-white light of the moon and stars chased away the darkness of the land. The grasslands, ruffled by a gentle wind, seemed to be glowing. The countless stars and the moon gave off their own radiance as well, shining brilliantly against the light coming from the earth.
Momonga could not help but sigh:
"This is beautiful… no, beautiful would not begin to describe this… what would Blue Planet-san say if he were here?"
„I think he just stuck it in words. But who knows. He was always the one who surprised everyone."
Momonga just nodded for this response
What would he do if he saw this world whose air, land and water had not been polluted?
Momonga recalled his comrade from the past, the man who had shown up for the guild's offline meetings, whose stony face had broken out into a delicate smile when he was praised as a romantic — that gentleman who loved the night sky.
"...To think one could see so far just by the light of the moon and the stars… it's hard to believe that this world is real. Blue Planet-san... this world is like a chest of jewels."
"Perhaps it is. I believe the beauty of this world exists to adorn The Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick," Demiurge said in a reverent voice.
"Indeed, it is beautiful. You say these stars exist to adorn Nazraick… perhaps that is so. Perhaps the reason that we have come here is to claim this chest of jewels which belongs to nobody else."
Momonga clenched his fist before him, and it looked as though he was taking the stars into his grasp. Of course, that was simply because his hand was covering the stars up. He shrugged at his childish behavior and said to Demiurge:
Esdeath only smiled on the behavior of his comrade.
"...No, this is not something we can claim for ourselves. Perhaps these jewels are meant to adorn the Great Tomb of Nazarick; myself and my friends from Ainz Ooal Gown."
"...What a moving statement. If is your wish, then by your command, I shall lead Nazarick's forces to claim this chest of jewels. I, Demiurge would like nothing more than to present this chest of jewels to my lord and master, Momonga-sama and Esdeath-sama"
Those cheesy lines made Momonga chuckle. He wondered if Demiurge had been intoxicated by the atmosphere as well.
"As long as we do not know anything about the beings which live in this world, I can only say that your idea is foolish. For all we know, we might be minuscule weaklings in this world. However, conquering this world might be quite interesting."
„Do you mean we going out adventuring again Momonga-san. It would be delighting to face new challenges. Defeating new enemies, exploring new territories and secrets and acquiring new friends."
Esdeath said while she still smiled like a madman
Momonga just nodded for this statement.
Conquering the world was something that only the villains in children's shows would say.
The fact was that conquering the world was not easy. And then there was the matter of ruling the world after conquering it, preventing insurgency and maintaining public order, as well as all the other problems that came with ruling a host of nations. When one thought about these things, one would realize that there was hardly any point in conquering the world.
Momonga knew all of this, but he still spoke of conquering this world, because seeing its beauty awoke that juvenile desire within him. In addition, as he was getting into the mindset of being the leader of the dreaded guild Ainz Ooal Gown, those words accidentally fell from his mouth.
And there was one more reason.
"...Ulbert-san, LuciFer-san, Variable Talisman-san, Bellriver-san…"
It was because they remembered what their former guildmates had once said, "Let's conquer one of the worlds in YGGDRASIL."
„Let's conquer this brave new world," They said in unison
Of Momonga and Esdeath had seen the smile that had spread across Demiurge's frog-face, they would surely not have left matters at that.
But Momonga and Esdeath did not look at Demiurge, instead of turning their gaze to the horizon where the infinite expanse of the earth and sky met.
Deep in thought, Momonga looked over to Nazarick and saw a curious sight.
A wave over a hundred meters across was moving along the land as though it were the sea. Little ripples rose from the surface of the plains, slowly heading in the same direction as they fused together, finally becoming small hillocks as they approached Nazarick.
The gigantic pile of dirt shattered against the sturdy walls of Nazarick, like waves crashing against the shore.
"...[Earth Surge]. He used his skills to enlarge the effective area, as well as his other class skills…" Momonga muttered in respect.
„Mare is very effectively using his skills" said by Esdeath
Demiurge only calmly smiled at this comment
„Indeed" came the reply from Momonga
"That's Mare for you. It seems camouflaging the walls is an easy task for him."
"Indeed. Mare has also recruited several golems and undead - who are tireless - to help. However, their progress is slow and hardly ideal. In addition, some gaps will be left after moving the earth, which will need to be filled with plants. But that will be gone after we grown a forest in the surrounding area. That will only increase his workload further."
"Our early-warning net has already been constructed. We will know of the intrusion of any intelligent beings within five kilometers, and we will be able to observe them without their knowledge."
"Well done. However… this net is manned by the underlings, right?"
„Good work Demiurge I knew you could manage to implement this task perfectly."
Said Esdeath while she showed a big thumb up to Demiurge.
„Thank you Esdeath-sama! However, I'm not worthy to your sincere praises."
„Don't sell yourselves too low Demiurge. You and the others did an excellent job."
„Thank you for your praises again. Oh, mighty ones!"
Demiurge replied in the positive, Momonga suggested it might be good to erect another security net, just in case.
"...I have a plan for the security net. Put it into motion."
"Understood. I will discuss this with Albedo and then combine her suggestions with your orders. Also, Dark Warrior-sama—"
"Understood… may I ask about what you plan to do next, Momonga-sama?"
"Since Mare has carried out his task splendidly, we intend to check in on him. I also plan to give him a suitable reward in person…"
A smile appeared on Demiurge's face. It was a gentle look that seemed completely out of place on a devil's face.
"I believe the Supreme Beings thanks will be the finest reward he can receive, Momonga-sama… my deepest apologies, I suddenly remembered something I have to do. As for Mare…"
"It's fine. Go, Demiurge."
"Thank you very much, Momonga-sama, Esdeath-sama."
„It's become quite tiresome hearing always sama,Sama,sama.," said Esdeath with a puffed face after Demiurge left.
„Huh. It cannot be helped" Momonga sighted while they flew toward Mare
As Demiurge and Esdeath spread their wings to fly off, Momonga aimed for a point on the ground and landed, donning his helmet along the way. The Dark Elf near their destination seemed to notice their descent and looked up, surprise written all over his face as he saw Momonga and Esdeath.
Mare ran over with a tatata sound as Momonga landed upon the ground. The hem of Mare's skirt fluttered around his thighs as his legs pumped up and down.
For a moment, something peeked out from below, then vanished again… no, Momonga was not interested in looking under Mare's skirt. He was just curious about what he wore underneath it.
"Mo-Momonga-sama,Esdeath-sama w-welcome ."
"Mm… Mare, there is no need to be nervous. Take your time and go slowly. If you're not used to it, you can also dispense with the polite language… though only when we're in private, of course."
"I, I can't do that, how could I not speak respectfully to the Supreme Beings… actually, Nee-chan shouldn't be doing that too. It, it's terribly rude…"
"I see, Mare. Well, if you insist, then we are fine with it. However, we want you to know that we will not force you to do so."
„As he said, kid, as he said" Esdeath confirmed what Momonga said
"Y-yes! ...al-although, may I ask why you two came here, Momonga-sama, Esdeath-sama? Did I make a mistake…?"
"Of course not, Mare. In fact,we came here to praise you."
The expression on Mare's face went from fear that he might be scolded to
surprise.
"Mare, your work is very important. Even with our security net in place, the inhabitants of this world may be over level 100. If we are faced with opponents like that, concealing the Great Tomb of Nazarick will be our top priority.."
Mare nodded furiously in agreement.
"Which is why, Mare, we wanted to let you know how satisfied we are that you have carried out your task. In addition, I want to tell you how relieved I am that you were the one handling this matter."
One of the ironclad rules of society that Momonga believed in was that a good boss should compliment the good work of his subordinates.
The Guardians thought highly of them; conversely, in order to have them continue to be loyal to them, Momonga and Esdeath had to act in a way that was worthy of their praise.
"...You understand what I'm thinking, don't you, Mare?"
"Yes! Momonga-sama!"
"Very good. Then, for your hard work, I shall give you a reward."
"How, how could I accept such a thing? I was simply doing my duty!"
"...You deserve a reward for your good performance. It's only natural."
"It, it's not like that! We exist to give our all for the Supreme Beings, so working hard is only to be expected!"
This back and forth went on for a while, and the two of them could not meet in the middle. Momonga decided to cut this sequence of events short.
"Then, how about this. In exchange for this reward, continue your loyal service to me. That should do it."
"Is, is that really alright?"
To cut him short, Momonga produced the reward in question — a ring.
"Mo-Momonga-sama… you've taken the wrong thing out!"
"No, I—"
"—It can't be right! That's the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, a treasure which only the Supreme Beings possess! I can't accept a reward like that."
„Yes, and you will Mare. This is the symbol of our unwavering faith in you and your hard work. We insist on accepting it. If not for us then for your own faith in your own good work. Besides it will help your work inside the tomb. So you could see this reward as a promotion." Interjected Esdeath
After hearing this, Mare slowly regained his composure.
"My hope is that during an enemy attack, the Guardians will command their respective Floors' forces. At the same time, it would be quite sad if a Guardian was unable to move around freely due to the teleportation block. Therefore, I give this ring to you."
said Momonga While he handed the ring to Mare
"Mare, we are pleased with your loyalty. At the same time, we understand your reluctance as an NPC to accept this ring which symbolizes us. However, if you truly understand our intentions, you will accept my orders and this ring with them."
"But, but, why me… shouldn't everyone else have gotten one too...?"
"We had intended to give the others these rings; however you are the first. This is we are pleased with your work. If we gave this to someone who did no work, then this ring would have no meaning. Or do you intend to devalue this ring?"
interjected Esdeath with a serious face
"No, no, of course not!"
"Then take it, Mare. After accepting this ring, continue working hard for Nazarick and ourselves."
Mare nervously reached out his hand and slowly accepted the ring.
"Momonga-sama,Esdeath-sama th-thank you for this great gift... I promise that from today onward I will work harder so I do not disappoint either of you!"
"Then, we will trust you with it, Mare."
"Yes!"
"Ah, excuse me, Momonga-sama… but why are you dressed like that?"
"...Ah, about that…"
[Message]"I hope you had a plan for this situation Momonga-san. Because if not we will be in very cocky situation"
[Message]"I'm thinking of it I'm thinking of it." Momonga said in panicking tone under the [Message]
Because I wanted to get away — obviously he could not say that.
Mare's eyes sparkled as he looked up to the troubled Momonga . How should he bluff his way through this? If he failed here, all the acting he had done to appear like a commanding superior would have gone to waste. No subordinate would respect a superior who was trying to flee.
Momonga desperately tried to calm himself down, and then help came from an unexpected quarter.
"That's simple, Mare."
Momonga looked back, and his eyes were instantly drawn to the person he was looking at.
It was Albedo.
Although Demiurge was behind her, such was Albedo's beauty that Momonga's eyes did not even register Demiurge's form.
"Momonga-sama wore this armor and concealed his identity because he did not wish to disturb the others at work and asked Esdeath-sama to escort him for the same reason.
He knew if Esdeath-sama patrolling around Nazarick and accompany with an unknown NPC that will not raise suspicion."
"When Momonga-sama approaches, it is only natural for everyone to stop whatever they are doing and bow to him. However, Momonga-sama did not wish to interrupt anyone. Thus he disguised himself as Dark Warrior-sama so the others would not cease in their labors to pay him his due respect. Am I correct, Momonga-sama?"
After hearing Albedo's question, Momonga nodded repeatedly.
"As, as expected of you Albedo, you understood my true intentions."
[Message]"You are really good at bullshitting eh Momonga-san?"
[Message]"Don't make it worse please Esdeath-san. Any way you too are become quite proficient at this."
[Message]"Indeed I became" [Message]-d Esdeath with a bright smirk
"It is only natural, as the Guardian Overseer. No, even if I were not the Guardian Overseer, I am confident that I could read your heart, Momonga-sama."
As Albedo smiled and bowed deeply, there was a bizarre expression of Demiurge's face as he stood behind her.
Although it weighed on his mind, he could not object to the people assisting him.
"So, so that's why…" Mare said, with a look of realization on his face
As he looked toward Mare, Momonga saw a sight he could hardly believe was real. Albedo's eyes had suddenly gone wide open, to the point where it seemed like her eyeballs might fall out. She was pointing at Mare in a strange way.
Just as Momonga was thinking about this, Albedo's face returned to its usual beautiful state, so quickly that Momonga thought it had all been an illusion.
"...What's wrong?"
"Ah, no, nothing… alright, Mare, sorry for disturbing you. Take a break, and continue the camouflage work afterward."
"Y-yes! Then, Momonga-sama, I'll be on my way."
"Speaking of which, why did you come here, Albedo?"
"I heard Demiurge say you and Esdeath-sama would be here, so I wished to greet you two, Momonga-sama. However, I apologize for making you see me in this filthy state."
"Certainly not, Albedo. Your radiance could never be diminished by something as insignificant as dirt. That said, I feel a little uncomfortable about making a beautiful maiden like yourself run around. However, since this is an emergency, I must ask you to continue working for Nazarick for the time being. I apologize for that."
"I can endure any hardship as long as it's for your sake, Momonga-sama!"
"I am grateful for your loyalty. Ah, yes… Albedo, I have something to give you."
"...What might that something be?"
"You will need this item in your position as the Guardian Overseer."
"...Thank you very much."
Her reaction was so different from Mare's that they were somewhat disappointed. However, they immediately realized that they were mistaken.
The corner of Albedo's mouth was twitching and she was desperately trying not to let her expression change. Her wings were shuddering because she was trying her best not to spread them. The hand which took the ring had clenched up (when had she done that?) and then it opened up, trembling mightily. Even an idiot could see her excitement.
"Continue your loyal service, As for Demiurge… some other time."
"I understand, Momonga-sama. I shall continue working hard in future to prove myself worthy of such a mighty ring."
"Is that so. Then, I have abandoned the tasks that I must take care of. I'd best return to the 9th Floor before I get scolded.
Esdeath-san would you kindly escort me back to my suite."
„Hai" Esdeath replied fast and respectfully salute
After seeing Albedo and Demiurge lower their heads in response, they activated the teleportation effect of the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown.
In the instant before them the scenery changed, Esdeath thought she heard a woman shouting "ALL RIGHT!" However, she felt he must have been mistaken, because there was no way Albedo could make such a crude sound.
Scene Change: Carne Village Outskirts
Enri looked at the longsword raised high before her.
Panic was written all over her face as she watched the malevolent gleaming of the terrible swift sword, and she realized two things.
The first was that her life would be over in a few seconds. The second was that an ordinary village girl like herself had no way of fighting that fate.
The tip of the sword was stained with some of her blood. As her heart beat faster, the pain spread through her body, along with the scorching heat of her wound.
The pain she had never felt before filled her with fear and made her want to throw up.
Perhaps vomiting would clear the feeling of nausea that filled her.
However, Enri was looking for a way to live, so she had no time to throw up.
Although she wanted to abandon her struggle, there was a reason why Enri had not given up until now. That was the warmth pressed against her chest — her younger sister.
She had to let her sister live.
That sole thought kept Enri from giving in.
In contrast, the armored knight in front of her seemed to be mocking Enri's resolve.
The raised sword swung down.
Perhaps it was because all her energies were concentrated here, or because her brain was working overtime because she was on the verge of life and death, but Enri felt that time was passing very slowly, and she desperately tried to think of some way to save her little sister.
However, she could not think of anything. All she could do was use her own body as a shield, letting the blade cleaved deeply into herself, in the hope of buying time for her little sister to escape.
Could Nemu escape the hell that was Carne Village by herself?
Even if she fled into the forest, she might run into patrols of soldiers. However, as long as she could survive, there was a possibility of escape. In order to give her little sister the chance to survive, Enri would bet her life — no, she would bet everything.
That said, the idea of being hurt again frightened her, so she closed her eyes. In this world of darkness, she prepared herself for the pain that would come—
Suddenly the knight whose previously intended to strike her and her little sister down stopped and gasped in pure terror.
Enri looked up and what she saw frightened her more than anything before her whole previous life.
She saw the Avatar of Death shrouded with the most beautiful black robe adorned with jewels what seems to emit a dread aura. Behind him from the black nothingness what spat out this creature walked out a beautiful pale woman. She would not have been frightening but she saw her eyes.
Her eyes sclera was pure black. Her heteromorphic eyes pupils were blood red and pure white.
And she wore a strange white uniform.
It can be said she was never been more frightened in her whole life.
„So you little toy soldiers can kill innocent villagers but frightened before an unknown opponent. Pathetic!" the woman in white uniform spat these world like venom beside her the Avatar of Death just waited for her to finish her monolog
„Oh but don't worry we will play with you. Like as intended with the tin cans as you are," she said with a sadistic unnaturally wide smirk
to be continued.
In the next chapter: Dance Angel dance