A/N: Hi! Welcome to another chapter! I appreciate all the nice comments from you guys!

I know it has been a while. I thank those who are still keeping up with this. I do. Thank you all for the support and nice comments! I'll be looking forward to more :D By the way, please address me as Yu or Vivienne! I'd love to hear more feedback! :D or any comments really. It was fun reading what you guys thought or just your 'in the moment' comment.

I forgot how fun it was to work on this small little thing, thank you to those who are still reading, and apologize for taking so long! Now please enjoy this very late and waay too lengthy update! I probably will go back to older chapters to fix up some things, especially the random language things haha. I worked on this while i was in my juvenile high school years so a lot of things can sound off compared to the newer chapters. I mostly thought 'oh each of them speaking different languages will be so cool and is one of the ways to differentiate their characters'. Ah, good ole younger years. I'll let you guys know since it'll be a fun project to polish this up to current standards.


Chapter 10 - The Ruler of Death... And Friends


"Yo what the fuck." Takemikazuchi deadpanned as he yet circled back to exactly where he was thirty minutes ago, the mark he left on the tree stump mocking him as he scoffed at the sky with exasperation. He's been wandering in this forest and then swamp for god knows how long. Three sun cycles have passed, so that means it has been three full days since he got stuck in wherever the fuck this world was.

He is not good with maps, and he had come to accept that. That's why he seldom traveled alone when he was playing Yggdrasil. And now, with his less-than-exceptional navigation skills, who knows how long this was going to take before he sees actual civilization? He did manage to figure out the inventory system and also found out that he could feel everything a normal body is supposed to feel. It was surely a shock, but not as shocking as the realization that this was going to be his new life.

His main goal while in Yggdrasil was always to have fun, kill stuff, and defeat Touch Me.

Sadly, the third goal was never fulfilled. When the paladin departed, he just didn't feel that drive to continue playing anymore. The person that he strived to defeat was essentially over thirty percent of his motivation to log into the game. When he was gone... it left him feeling a bit empty and incredibly angry. The things that made him strive so hard to beat the guy were his overwhelming sense of justice and honor, not to mention his wanting to claim that coveted 'World Champion' title. Call him old-fashioned, but who wouldn't want to clash swords with a man like that? Beating the insectoid paladin would've been any true warrior's greatest legacy and accomplishment.

Unfortunately, that title could never be earned by anyone ever again. At least not in the realm that Takemi himself cared for. Developer-sanctioned tournaments like that only happened once in a blue moon. And on the day that he was prepared to go all out against Touch Me, the guy decided that he was no longer interested in playing the game. His departure left a sour taste in his mouth, and his desire to become World Champion dwindled. Players, like Touch Me, was a diamond in the rough. True warrior character archetypes were considered vanilla and boring by many. So there aren't many people like him at all. Defeating Touch Me would have been so cool. He also would've earned the World Champion armor that he would've customized and modeled after Muramasa if he defeated the paladin.

If.

Now he would never know how that confrontation would go, and all of his hard work and grind is basically tossed in the trash.

The thought makes him resent the man just a bit.

He had explicitly expressed his desire to him. He told him how hard he was working to win the insectoid's title multiple times throughout the years that they have known each other. And just like that, the man disappeared. Abandoning the game and his friends. No explanation nor any message was left behind. How could he do that? Touch Me himself should've known better than anyone else that their determination to become stronger, no matter what motivations they have, serves a purpose greater than just playing a game. This purpose transcends their virtual barrier and directly affects their pride as human beings and as men.

What do people like them have outside of their virtual life that is worth striving for nowadays? Many, like him, were mere disposable instruments used in the grand scheme of corporate overlords. Yggdrasil was the only place where he has found passion, enjoyment, friends, and a goal that he thought was attainable. Takemi himself didn't have too bad of a life. But he thought that out of all people—even if it's all make pretend and nothing they did in the game would've mattered nor make a difference outside of it—Touch Me would've understood him the most and care enough to not just up and left. Weren't this an injustice in itself? How ironic. If this exact situation was described to the older male, he would've agreed that it is in no way honorable. Though, he shouldn't have expected a guy living in the lap of luxury and stability to understand his deep desire for a purpose.

But, if he was going to be upset at Touch Me for not saying anything before he left, it wasn't like Takemi himself was any better in that regard. The last thing he said to Momonga before neglecting to ever come back online was: "Hey, man, I'm logging off. Dunno if I'm gonna be on tomorrow. See ya later, mkay?"

He sighed, shaking his head at himself.

Criticizing the guy any further would've honestly been too hypocritical.

He and the paladin weren't the best of friends, or even good friends, really. They were amicable towards each other and friends at best. He doesn't hate the guy, unlike over a handful of their guild members. Touch Me, however, had made a lot of bad—and even worse, boring—decisions while he was their leader. Now he had great respect for the paladin's leadership and insights in battle, but honestly, the guy's overall delegation sucked everywhere else especially when it comes to dungeon clearing and adventuring. In retrospect, it really was for the best that Momonga became the guild's leader.

Speaking of Momonga... What was he even going to say to him when he meets him? If he even gets to meet him or anyone else from Yggdrasil, that is. There was so much to catch up on and so many questions he wanted to ask. Did anything in his friend's life change? What about his job? Did he find a new hobby or any new interests? What about his love life? Did he hear about what happened to Bellriver? With so many questions flooding his head, he had come to one conclusion: He needs to find his guild leader. Immediately. It has been way too long, and he realized how much he missed his friend.

If—no. He's not going to use that word. Momonga is here. He must be. The thought of anything else is too dreadful and bleak for him to even consider. He will find him. And once he finds him, he's going to pull his friend into the biggest embrace ever before geeking out about how weird and cool and outrageous this situation is. Then, after the excitement of finding each other worn down...

He will grovel on his knees and then weep and then beg his friend for forgiveness for not properly saying goodbye—.

—Alright, perhaps not that dramatic. But, just like the samurais of old, he would kneel and bow his head deeply to convey the sincereness of his apology. And then, if Momonga forgives him, he would give him another biggest hug in the world and they will figure this shit out together. It thrills him to imagine that this could turn into a whole new adventure in uncharted territories. Nostalgic memories flooded into his head, and he grinned at the endless possibilities that this world has to offer.

He probably could die here if he wasn't careful, but long-term planning was never really his thing. When he finds Momonga, the skeleton can be the voice of reason and keep him in check instead. He does reckless stuff and pulverizes things, and Momonga will accompany him to keep the two of them alive and plan out their next course of action. Everything checks out.

Though, that also means the chance of his other guild members arriving in this world as well is high if they also logged into the game that day. It'll be good to see any of them again in the event of that happening. The more the merrier. After all, adventuring with a group of people he trusts and had tons of fun with in the past would make it even better. This new reality turns up the stakes but also doubles the hype and anticipation since it is real and very much tangible.

He sighs as he is greeted by the sight of the forest, again. Maybe there is a quicker way of getting through this. He'll just vaporize all the water in the swamp if he circled back to it so he could just walk through without a hassle.

...OK, maybe that was overkill. Uh... Right! He can cut down any trees that stand in his way instead. It'll leave a reliable trail that is easier for him to identify. Plus, eventually, this place will run out of trees for him to cut, which means when that happens, the exit would probably be near. Unless this is a magical swamp slash forest and the trees respawn or regrew themselves. That would be very annoying.

Well. Only one way to find out.

He'll forgo the stronger weapons he had for now. It's better to test out his capabilities starting from the basics. With a clear of his throat and a few shakes of his shoulder, he pulled out one of the older katanas he made and held it in front of him as he activates one of his lower-level weapon enchantment skills. God, it really has been so long since he had last activated it since it's a Tier 6 skill.

"[ Kagutsuchi's Flame ]." His Shinkusasori vibrated for a second in his hand before its black frame glowed a brilliant gold and red hue. The blade felt warm to the touch as he squeezed his hand around the hilt. The sensation was a bit off-putting, but it wasn't anything too shocking to phase him nor did it hurt him. This weapon enchantment would ensure that if the trees were magical, perhaps the flames from his blade would inhibit the magic of this land from messing with the growth and regeneration rate of the trees. He thinks. Maybe common or gaming logic wouldn't apply, but he'll soon see for himself.

"Alright! Time to incinerate some trees and fuck up this peaceful ecosystem! Wait for me, Momonga. I'm coming!"


"MOMO-CHANNNNNNN!" Peroroncino shouted, jumping up and down as he embraced the body of his friend. "What took you so long!?"

"I was waiting for you to use sleep powder on him." Momonga chuckled, patting Peroroncino's head a few times, which drew a secret grin from the two females observing. "You all created a lot of trouble for me, did you know that? I would probably have to go back to wipe and replace Gazef's memories of your grotesque forms..." Perhaps his friends have heard him, perhaps not. But that can be a matter for them to discuss later after they all reunite properly. He didn't plan to find his other friends here, less have them caught up in this little conflict.

"Hiya, skelly. You miss us?" Bukubukuchagama said with a snide voice. Giving the pair a shake of her head and a roll of her eyes. "Geez, if I didn't know any better, I'd thought that the bird brain was the only one here with you."

"...I'm so glad to see you all," Momonga said with a soft and genuine voice as he turned his skull to face the two, making Yamaiko and Bukubukuchagama blinked for a few moments before scratching the back of their heads with embarrassment. Buku certainly made that motion, anyway. It was a bit hard to decipher without seeing any actual emotion on her gelatinous form.

"Awww, well, we miss you too, Momo-chin!" Yamaiko said with a giggle. Pero decided that was the time to nuzzle his head at the side of Momonga's robe, which would have elicited a sweat drop emoji out of the skeleton if they all were still in Yggdrasil.

"Get off of him, idiot. You're so embarrassing."

"Hey! I haven't seen him in like... six hours!"

"Get the fuck off bitch! I'm not telling you twice."

Momonga sighed and shook his head. He was, of course, elated that his friends are here. But nothing much really has changed between the pair of brother and sister. They were still the same as always, arguing at any given chance that they could take. A small smile lay beneath his mask as he chuckled to himself.

He missed this.

"What is it? Momo-chin? You seem awfully happy. Er, I think you are, anyway." Yamaiko said, scratching at the side of her head.

"Nothing. I just really miss the old days. And with you guys here, I'm just... really thankful."

Bukubukuchagama ceased her bickering as she slithered to the overlord's side.

"Awww, really? Awww shucks. Well, we're here to stay." Grinned the slime, patting Momonga's head a few times affectionately. It might have seemed... disrespectful, or rude, but Bukubukuchagama is older than Momonga himself, so it was appropriate enough to allow her to do so. Plus, they're friends! It was socially acceptable! Their warm and mushy conversation, however, was interrupted by the man still sitting on his high horse—literally. But with a more panicked look on his face.

"Who the hell are all of you people? If I can even call the likes of you 'people'. And you with the cloak, where did you come from!? What have you done to Gazef Stronoff?!"

"Pleased to meet you, gentlemen of the Slaine Theocracy. We are Ainz Ooal Gown. You have already met with my comrades, I take it." Momonga began with a calm voice. "Not to worry, Gazef Stronoff is perfectly safe," Momonga said with a sarcastic voice and a hidden smile.

"Why you—!"

Momonga stopped the man in his track as he raised a hand. "I would like to make a deal with you. Might I have a moment of your time?"

Nigun paused, unsure of what will happen as he frowned deeply. He raised his chin, indicating that he was listening. "Since your... friends, did not want to negotiate earlier, perhaps you have more common sense than them."

"Hey! What was that—." Bukubukuchagama began to raise her voice in anger.

Peroroncino placed a hand on his sister's shoulder—or where it should be anyway—and shook his head in silence. Her 'skin' feels... like jelly. But if he was phased by it, he certainly didn't show it.

The pink slime took a moment to figure out what he was trying to convey but then nodded as she drew herself back to stand next to her brother. This is Momonga's territory now. He knows what he's doing. Moreso than her in this situation, she was sure. From the sound of it, they were doing some real business around here before she met up with them, so if Momonga is just doing Momonga things, then there was no need for her to interrupt. Plus, if they have been transported into this world at the same time, Buku herself didn't have direct confrontation with any sentience life thus far; in which the same cannot be said for their Guild Leader from obvious evidence of his interactions with her brother.

"Wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to listen to me. Then, I would like to start by making one thing clear to you gentlemen. That would be: there is no way you can defeat me. Nor my comrades. But you must have already known that."

"..." Nigun growled and clenched his fist together in a display of displeasure. Even though he was bested earlier, it was merely because he was not prepared for any opposition that would put up a decent fight! Yes, that's all it was... Though deep down, Nigun was a bit afraid that the skeleton's words were right.

He knew he had a trump card with him, and his Principality Observation has yet to enter the field of battle. But it didn't really lessen his worries after the Herald of Fire itself showed up and obliterated his Angels within seconds. They did that, and that was only one of them.

He was more careful now, and even more unsure than he was before. He did not know the name of this organization nor recognize the faces of these... people. In fact, he was certain that these people aren't even... people. They, after all, have that strange talking pink creature with them, and what appears to be a man with bird wings... This was uncharted territory. Thus, he was not sure if the violent and confrontational approach would be the best way to handle the situation. He must be careful, lest he ruined this entire operation.

Or his life. His darkest thoughts said. But he pushes them away to make a place to assert his authority. I am the one with numbers. They are the ones without. Nigun repeated the phrase in his head like a mantra.

"You have yet to see our full capabilities. Your arrogance and ignorance are baffling, magic caster. You know what they all say about ignorance." Nigun said. If they were this confident, then he has to show the same in return.

"Oh? Haven't we? And pray tell, what do they all say?" Momonga said in mock curiosity.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance." Replied Nigun.

A low chuckle rumbles out of Momonga as his eyes gleamed with indescribable delight. The skeleton was delighted because he knew how much he will enjoy seeing this man's face paling with fear and begging for his life when his time comes. Somewhere in his mind, a voice whispers to him that what he feels isn't right. But at this moment, he simply allows himself to bask in this exchange that will surely lead to the demise of one—and it certainly would not be of him nor his friends.

"You are the ignorant one. I observed your battle earlier, so mine and our presence here would indicate that we are confident of victory. After all, if I was not sure that I could beat you, would it not be wiser for me to leave things as it is? And let my comrades handle the situation instead? You've seen what they're capable of." His friends all had a smirk on their faces as they silently stood, watching the exchange between their leader and the enemy's commander.

"Enough. Tell me where Gazef is if you wish to continue this... negotiation."

"I teleported him to the village," Momonga said bluntly.

"...What?"

It appears that the man was not expecting Momonga to answer him at all, and he has to chuckle to himself at how baffled the man sounded when he spoke of 'Teleportation'. There really was nothing to worry about, after all, if this man didn't even know one of the simplest and most useful forms of magic available to man. Well, not just man, but every single being in existence, except the ones that can't use magic, that is.

"—It is not a lie. I merely answered your question. Well, there is another reason why I have replied to your query."

"...Could it be that you want to minimize casualties on both sides? If you help us save some time, I will forget everything that happened and we both can be on our merry ways. Just keep your disgusting pink blob of a pet in check and hand me Gazef Stronoff."

Bukubukuchagama almost growled at the insult, but keep herself in check as she let her rage slowly build up. He'll pay for this soon.

"...No." Said Momonga with exasperation. "The offer to negotiate stays. But you will have to comply." The overlord said, his glowing red eyes flashing a threatening look through the mask that obscured his face. A quiet sense of anger was building within him, but it was not because of the ignorant man, but rather what he said about Momonga's friends.

Nigun paused, frowning deeply before addressing Momonga once again. "...Fine, let's hear it then. I do not want to waste any more of my time. We'll see whether if I will 'comply' or not." Nigun didn't like the man's tone. Something was really unsettling about the way the male carried himself. It was as if... he was looking down at him from the start. Now, Nigun was a proud man. But he was not a stupid one. Before coming to any sort of conclusion, he must observe.

"Wonderful! Then, let me tell you why I responded to your question. The truth is, I overheard your conversation with the Warrior Captain. And I do admit, you have a lot of balls."

"Eh?" Great confusion was infused within the voice of Nigun, and he looked at Momonga as if Momonga just sprout out butterfly wings. "What blasphemy are you talking about now?" Nigun said with great irritation and confusion.

Momonga's tone changed suddenly, and he continued speaking as he looked at the man mocking him.

"To think you would dare say that you would massacre the villagers that I took the time to personally rescue. I cannot think of anything that is more offensive than that."

"...Offensive? Big words, magic caster. And what of it?" Nigun said with a sneer.

Nigun's worries were for naught, he thought with a smirk. This man looked like he is all talk and no show, after all. There was nothing to be afraid of. He has all the resources that he needs available at his disposal right now. All this man has managed to do is make meaningless talk. If he had to think about it, the man's friends are a lot more intimidating than him, since he has seen what they are capable of.

"I mentioned a deal earlier. These are the terms. You will hand your lives over to me without resistance. In exchange, you will not have to suffer. However, if you put up a fight, then the price you fools shall pay is to die in despair and agony. And we will enjoy every single second of it."

Momonga then took a step forward.

It was just a single step, but Momonga's body seemed to swell massively before their eyes. Cowed by him, the men of the Sunlight Scripture reflexively took a step back.

"Ahh...!"

Several hoarse cries came from around Nigun.

They were cries of fear.

His presence was filled with unimaginable power. This was the first time Nigun had been faced with such might. Therefore, he could understand his men's fear. Nigun was a powerful individual himself, a veteran of many battles who had grazed the edge of death countless times and had taken many lives. He could feel the power radiating from the mysterious magic caster, an oppressive, potent pressure. It must have been worse for his men.

Once more, Ainz ignored Nigun's panic and spoke in a cold voice.

"That is why I did not lie to you and answered your question honestly. It is because there is no point in lying to those that are about to die. Isn't that right, Pero?" Momonga chuckled. "How would you rate their chances of living?"

The archer pretended to ponder for a moment before giving out a chuckle of his own.

"If it was rated from zero to ten, I'd give it... say... a ten. Negative"

A cold chill ran from the bottoms of Nigun's feet to the top of his head. He had felt this countless times in his struggles along the edge of life and death. It was a sign of impending doom.

"Have the angels charge them! Don't let them get close!" Nigun's voice broke slightly as he shouted his orders. It sounded more like a panicked scream. It was not to raise Nigun's men's spirits. He was simply afraid of Ainz Ooal Gown. About four Archangel Flames flapped their wings in response to Nigun's command, launching an attack as they drew closer to the group of four.

They did not make it to Momonga, for their advances were halted by the pink slime stepping up to block their path with her body. She held two of the angel's heads within her hand, and they struggled to move from her iron grip. The remaining two were destroyed on the spot as their bodies went up in flames from the archer's arrows.

The avian let out a slightly angry scoff as his sister clicked her tongue together.

"...Hey, who do you think you are? You can't just go for the boss man and be expecting it to be easy."

"Y-You are the leader!?" Nigun said with a shaky voice as his gaze shifted onto the man dressed in grim attire.

Amused laughter was then exchanged throughout the group.

"I will not grace you with an answer. It is a very stupid question. Therefore, I will not reply to that query." Momonga said with a bored tone.

"Isn't it obvious?" Peroroncino snickered and shook his head. "I mean, he's holding a giant fucking staff. How hard is it to identify someone of important status when they're holding something flashy?"

"You know, I never asked for your name. It doesn't matter since you're going to die either way. But I'm... sympathetic. I'll allow you to at least die a somebody with a name instead of another countless of thousands of nobodies." Momonga said with a soft and eerie chuckle, making Nigun squirm as he could feel a cold sweat running down the back of his neck.

The pink slime proceeds to smash the two angels' heads together, pulverizing them to mere dust as their heads collide together.

"I overheard his men earlier. Name's 'Nigun'. What the fuck kinda name is that?" Snorted Bukubukuchagama when Peroroncino visibly choked on his own laughter. "Why don't you send that big buddy of yours, Nigun. Maybe its head will be tougher than these flimsy scrap metal."

Nigun froze for a moment before looking to his right.

That's right. He still hasn't mobilized Principality Observation yet.

But should he? He felt as if they were provoking him, tempting him to come to action. Be rational. Nigun thought to himself, even if it's very hard to do so at the moment.

"W-While I am confident that Principality Observation can eradicate all of you, why should I do that? After all, not mobilizing it has a use of its own. I have my own trump card, but the likes of you do not deserve to witness its glory." Nigun said with as much calmness as he could muster up. But even so, Nigun felt how empty his own words sounded.

Momonga scoffed and shook his head, obviously not buying Nigun's tough facade.

"Well then. If you're not going to do anything, you can sit there and silently face your death as you should. Yamaiko!" Momonga then shouted, clicking the heel of his staff to the ground, making a loud 'Clang' noise upon impact.

At the seriousness of her leader's voice, she immediately sprang into action. The Nephilim wasted no time as she mentally prepares the possible set of spells and skills for whatever was going to happen. Just like the old days, but with a bit more thrill to it.

"Yes, Momo-chin!?"

"Protect them with your barriers."

"...Roger!"

"Pero, stay behind me. Bukubukuchagama, you know what to do!"

"Roger!" The avian and the slime said, springing to immediate action when they were discreetly told about Momonga's plan by the 'Message' spell.

Bukubukuchagama grinned, feeling a rush of adrenaline in her gelatinous body as she readied herself for combat. Damn, it's been a really long time. She thought with a smirk that wasn't evident on her face. She really missed the feeling of excitement before and during a battle. This feeling, she missed it. It was as if she was saying hello again to an old friend, and funny enough, in both literal and figurative senses, she is.

Nigun was not surprised, but he was very shocked at the sudden change of atmosphere. He silently gulped as he then raised his voice at the monstrous group of enemies.

"What the hell are you people planning to do!? What is the meaning of this!?"

It was there.

Definitely there.

There was no denying it.

There were a murderous intent and aura in the area. He could tell that these monstrous individuals were no longer playing around. He could feel a sense of regret begin to fill him, despite not knowing what he was supposed to regret. And he finds himself speechless as he silently stared at them, not really knowing what he was supposed to do.

"You will know soon. You have made it clear that you have no intention of complying with our negotiation. Since you dare provoke us, you will taste despair, fool." Momonga said coldly. All of his potential feelings for the man had vanished, whether positive or otherwise. And he no longer wished to converse with a fool that doesn't see reason. It will be just a pointless waste of time if any further conversation were to be made.

Nigun clenched his teeth together and quickly shouted at his useless men. "What are you fools standing around for? Summon another set of Angels immediately! Do not let them make the first move!" He said, quickly stirring his scared shitless men to action. He too was scared shitless, and his orders were compulsively made out of fear for himself. However, it was also because he must either take charge of his predicament or face the consequences of his inaction.

Nigun's men quickly scrambled to get a hold of themselves as they summoned another set of Angels, their numbers reaching thirty-five and growing as they then mobilized the white creatures to charge at the man known as 'Ainz Ooal Gown's' leader.

Dismissing her giant gauntlet, Yamaiko replaced it with her 'Astral Divinity' as she raised the magnificent staff to the sky, channeling her healing powers into the weapon. It glowed a bright cotton candy color before erupting in a milky pink and gold wave as she used one of her barrier spells.

" [ Angelic Blessing ] !"

With her words, everyone except Momonga was covered in a milky pink aura as a cluster of gold glitter surrounded their bodies. Just like the name, the gold glitter gave those covered in it a divine-ish feel and look. Like how an angel would be bathed in their own luminescence glow.

Yamaiko, after all, was a Nephilim; no, not the offspring of humans and angels, because that would be unbearably lame. Her angelic and demonic origin had allowed her to utilize the skills and spells of both the Angel and Demon race. Though it was an inconvenience that she takes heavy damage against both Divine and Unholy elements, she was built to sustain herself in many grim situations and has many utility skills to ward herself against the extra damage.

As the archer and the pink slime retreated into the barrier, Momonga, in all of his confidence, raised his bony hands of death to the sky as omens of demise and destruction then spilled out from his nonexistent lips.

Peroroncino, Yamaiko, and Bukubukuchagama each have a discreet smile on their face and a brief feeling of goosebumps crawling across their flesh, whether they have some or not, as Momonga spoke out an all too familiar spell of his. One that was used many years ago against the Seraphs. The one that shook their spirits and broke their crumbling resolve to fight.

Despite the level of the spell, it always gave them a sense of nostalgia whenever Momonga himself would call upon it. And although all three of them didn't get to witness the victory of the guild's first fight with the Seraphs, they have heard a different version of the story, and they could imagine the look on their enemies' faces as the leader of Ainz Ooal Gown brought down the sky's fury.

" [ Meteor Fall ] !"

And like one of the ten biblical plagues that haunted ancient Egypt, the sky darkens slightly before an eerie red and orange glow descends down from the heavens. It brought an unbearable amount of heat along with them as fiery rocks fell from the sky, exploding violently on contact when they collided with any Angels standing in their way.

The meteorites spared none, obliterating the things they touch and those that are stupid enough to be near them. Waves of heat coursed throughout the vicinity when the meteorites crashed upon the ground below, blasting rocks, earth, and chunks of other unidentifiable things along with it; Peroroncino suspected that it was bits of the humans stupid enough to not get away from the scene as it was happening, and though the thought was a tad bit terrifying, Peroroncino couldn't help but be feeling a bit satisfied and amused.

Momonga was safe from the impact, as his passives activate themselves. His friends, too, were spared from the aftermath of the mini-sized Big Bang due to the potency of the healer's defensive barrier. Unfortunately for the people of the Slane Theocracy, they were not so lucky.

"A-ah, Chief! It burns!" Cried a voice with desperation.

"God, make it stop!" Screamed the lackeys as they rolled themselves on the ground to avoid the flames that are burning through their armor.

Nigun's face paled visibly as he took a glance at his side of the battlefield.

Well, there wasn't much battling going on at all. His people were just obliterated after an utter of a single spell. His men, the ones that were far away from the impact zones were fine, even though the heat could still be felt. The ones that weren't so lucky... It was sickening to gaze upon them. Most of them were burned to ashes, which also means that they were very much dead. It was fortunate because, for the ones that aren't already dead, they would have wished they were. The sight of burned skin peeling out from their faces as their blood stained the ground was a horrific sight. Some have their body parts scattered in different places, some were crushed underneath the large slab of meteorites with parts of their body sticking out.

...Was that even considered a spell?! That was more like a forced natural disaster! How was that even possible? If these people can control the weather and sacred beasts, then what else can they do!?

"Sorry. Your God can't do much for you now." Peroroncino said dramatically and gravely as his voice dropped an octave in pitch. Then for the final touch, the avian then said: "What is God to non-believers?"

And at that moment, Nigun realizes that he was utterly and thoroughly,—mind his foul language—, fucked.

"Didn't know you're a fan of the classics." Momonga sighed and chuckled softly at his friend.

Peroroncino giggled delightfully. "Oh, hell yeah baby! For a long time, too. The classics, that is. Especially the older ones! 'When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie~!'—" The avian began singing with obvious glee.

"—'That's amore'!" Bukubukuchagama, Yamaiko, and Momonga all finished as they all exchanged amused laughter together, seeming to have completely forgotten about the people of the Slane Theocracy for a moment before their laughter died down and Momonga resumed glaring at the leader of the group. The male, having the full attention of these extremely dangerous individuals unnerved him as he flinches under their gaze.

"Right. So. Ready to die a slow and painful death yet?" Peroroncino asked, sounding bored as Momonga took a step forward, effectively making the rest of the Slane Theocracy's group fumble to move at least a yard back.

"You know, I did give you a choice," Momonga said, his voice a nonchalant one that is laced with a bit of sarcasm.

Nigun's breathing became heavier as he began to panic. What was he supposed to do now? He doesn't want to die, not this early! There are goals and ambitions of his that are yet to be realized. This... This is not the way for him to go, killed by the hands of these soulless heathens! In the midst of his panic attack, Nigun's eyes looked frantically around, not particularly looking for anything. However, it does land on the large frame of his Principality Observation standing tall and idle amidst this chaos.

Suddenly, he felt as if he was baptized all over again, his mind clear of the foggy midst of confusion and fear. He is cleansed of his doubts and felt like a fool for being so dimwitted and fearful. Well, he does admit that he was very much still afraid of them. If they were showing off, then... well, they were doing a bloody good job. But he won't back down, he won't let them see that he was scared. The Gods have granted him two treasures, and obviously, they have no love for nonbelievers. He'll show these godless heretics the errors of their ways. Divine wrath will be their undoing for foolishly defying the higher beings.

They haven't seen all of Nigun's cards yet. And he is definitely planning to use them.

He wasn't sure if it would intimidate them, but there was no need for that. At the moment, dignity be damned. This group of individuals is too dangerous to be kept alive if he managed to capture them. They must be eliminated.

"A choice, you say?" Nigun began, fumbling in the pocket of his robe as he searches for the weapon of his enemies' demise. After finding it, he closes his hand around it securely. Although he is sure that this little object will certainly save them from these lunatics, he couldn't help but hang onto it as if his life depended on it. And if he was being frank with himself, it might actually come to that. "You're not giving me much of it."

"That's just how it is supposed to be," Momonga replied with a lack of interest. "Now, if we are past the pleasantries, let us cut straight to business then, shall we?"

"I agree! Enough talking!" Nigun replied, contrasting the other's tone of disinterest with his fiery spirit. Sure, he was a bit uncertain of how things would turn out, but he was determined to come out of this alive. Plus, it'll be a complete disgrace to the Slane Theocracy if he didn't put up any fight and let himself and his nation be mocked for inaction.

Momonga tilted his head slightly, intrigued by the sudden change in the other's attitude. A few minutes ago, the man appears as if he was going to shit his own pants at any given moment. But now, he seems more confident than he has been before, even if only a bit more. There was uncertainty in his composure, but his head was held high and dignified. Even if just a little bit.

Momonga wondered what could have caused such a change.

"What will you do, then?" Momonga asked with an exasperated sigh that held some form of interest; only a little, though. "Well? Come on. We're waiting."

Yamaiko gave her leader a silent smile as she observes him from behind, staff held up and barrier surrounding the targets it was supposed to protect.

Momonga has changed. He wasn't the timid kid that she knew back in the day anymore. He no longer needed someone to guide him on what to do. In his stead was a confident leader that wasn't afraid to assert his importance and authority. It suits him. Being in charge, that is. Taking matters into his own hands and being a figure of authority. Momonga is a good leader, or he was, from what she used to remember. Right now, watching him talking the other man down with the slightest amount of sass and sarcasm made her chuckle silently with pride and amusement. Although her leader does sound a bit arrogant, which was unlike the old Momonga that she used to know. Momonga has every right to flaunt his dominance around, but it does make her wonder: Was he always like this?

Perhaps it was this strange world that has changed him, perhaps it was time. Yamaiko was a bit concerned and saddened by the fact that she does not know why due to her absence. The role of the leader of an entire group was very stressful. She'd know because she is a teacher; somewhat a leader figure to her students. People looked up to her, and usually, there is an enormous amount of responsibility and burden that came along with the job title.

From the looks of it, she fears that Momonga is under an enormous amount of stress and pressure. From what? She could only begin to imagine. She might not be the type of person that can easily read people, unlike Tabula Smaragdina, but she can be observant if she chose to be. Momonga's mannerism towards them was different from when he was speaking to the leader of their enemy. With the group, he was softer, more relaxed and casual; there was more warmth in the way that he spoke to Peroroncino, Bukubukuchagama, and herself.

But, towards their enemy, there was no love nor casual friendliness; Momonga was assertive and cold. There was nothing in him now that doesn't look like he doesn't mean business, and Yamaiko herself has to wonder if it was tiring, appearing to strangers as an indisputable leader. He was strict, maybe even too strict; as if he doesn't want anyone other than the people he trust to see any possible flaws coming from him or that he might have flaws at all.

And that, made Yamaiko frowns a bit. Pretending is hard, and pretending to be someone you're not is even harder; for some. She wasn't saying that Momonga was pretending; after all, he can certainly be both stern and gentle. And she is certainly in no place to even think that he can't handle it. But, it must've been taking a toll. Now, Momonga and her weren't that far apart age-wise. Blame her occupation as a teacher, but she has this natural affinity that compels her to care about others. She never really denies it when her friends called her the 'mom' friend, because she often felt like one too, with her friends and students constantly looking up to her for guidance and support.

Also... perhaps it was due to the fact that she can't conceive a child which makes her all too eager to take a couple of people under her wing and be some sort of parental figure to them. She never knew what being a real mother felt like. Maybe it was a bit delusional and pathetic in a way, but she still likes to take care of others; it gave her a slight feel of how it was supposed to be, even though it will never substitute for the real thing. And with that, she finds herself getting a bit worried about the Overlord's mental state of mind. Perhaps they can talk about this after this little endeavor is over. And hopefully, the man under the mask would still be that kid that she has grown to love and treat like family.

And perhaps, she can apologize to him as well for never properly saying goodbye despite claiming that she cared for him.

"What is that statue thing that's just hovering next to that guy?" Yamaiko mumbled, cutting herself off from her train of thought as she squints her eyes in the direction of said thing that was assumed to be another Angel. "Never seen it before."

"Really?" Bukubukuchagama asked with a chuckle, sounding genuinely surprised. Perhaps it has been a while since she has played Yggdrasil, so Yamaiko's memory might not be the best regarding something so insignificant. Hell, even the slime herself wasn't sure what the thing was. A memory of her and her old teammates resurged, reminding her of once upon a time when they had difficulty defeating low-level creeps.

Good times.

"Well, nothing to concern yourself about. After all, it's just a low-level angel!" The pink slime said, shouting the last few words out on purpose as it drew a chuckle from their leader and the avian. The blond man scoffed, looking annoyed as he then points his fingers towards them. The motion drew their group's attention as their sense of awareness and alertness kicked in, preparing them for a confrontation, whether they will have one or not.

"Low level? I'll show you low-level, you Godless heretics. Angels, surround Principality Observation and be its shield. Principality Observation, advance! Smite them with your righteous wrath! Crush them with your Divine Mace of Light!"

At the male's command, the eyesore of an Angel that has been still for the entire time gave them an interesting shudder as its bulking mass then mobilized itself. With that, the lesser Heavenly Messenger swarmed themselves around the thing as they make their way towards the heteromorphic group of people.

Realizing what they are planning to do, Momonga smirked with sudden interest as he then tilts his head a bit to look at what would descend upon him as 'Righteous Wrath'. Bukubukuchagama too had realized what they intended to do. And on instinct, she began to make her way out of the protective barrier to act as Momonga's shield. But before she could fully make her way out, Momonga raised a hand to her, indicating for her to stop.

"Wait. It's alright. Let's see what they're going to do." Said the Overlord, his voice suggesting that he was smiling a bit as he put his hands down and the pink slime backed her way back inside the circle of protection. They're acting smarter, Momonga has to give them that. They must have realized that rash decisions and a meaningless display of strength will not be able to help them. So, they're organizing themselves, making sure that their current best shot at taking Momonga's group down was to be protected at all costs; and besides, it didn't take much to summon a few sets of Archangel Flames.

Why, he wonders. By now, Nigun must have known that these things will never be able to defeat them. Not even with that pathetic little Principality Observation. If Momonga remembered correctly, there was a small buff that Principality Observation grants when it is standing still, so why bothered to mobilize it? Why send a potential essential part of their 'army' to the front line while cloaking it with hordes of Archangel Flames?

A distraction? Stalling?

If so, for what, he wondered? That so-called trump card the man was talking about? Momonga doubted that the bastard had anything worth worrying over, but then again, it wasn't like he knew everything there is to know in this world.

"Man, reminds me of those old World War II things!" Peroroncino said with glee and a hoot of excitement. The archer was pumped at the fact that they were finally getting into some real action, and his wings twitched with enthusiasm as he readied his bow and arrow.

"You're talking about those bombers and their escort, right?" Bukubukuchagama asked with amusement. "Interesting comparison."

"Yeah, but it fits, doesn't it? And although Momo-chan told us not to do anything..." The archer grinned, the arrow holstered on his bow glistened with a bright gleam as multiple phantoms of the arrow appeared atop of the bow for a brief moment before disappearing. "...It wouldn't hurt for a few flies to drop." Brother and sisters grinned at each other as the avian then took aim of his targets. A few ones in the front. Thought Peroroncino, his eagle sight locked onto his targets as target crosshairs appeared within his vision, latching onto each of his desired victims.

With a soft exhale, he released his hold on the arrow. Gently, delicately, and twice as deadly, the arrow whizzed through the air like a gentle storm. As the single arrow gets closer and closer to its target, the phantom streak of the arrow glimmers for a moment before it duplicates itself, flying out in different directions. And with a delicious thunk, it connected with its targets, breaking them into bits and pieces of glittering crystal fragments as they dissolves themselves in the air.

Of course, the oncoming swarm of angels did not deteriorate much, and their advance was not halted by Peroroncino's small display of power.

"Pero, they are still coming!" Yamaiko said in a slightly worried voice, but it only made the archer chuckle in soft delight.

"Don't worry, my dear Yamaiko, I only intend to make our friends waste their resources to summon more sets of angels. If I wanted them to be dead, they'd be dead." Peroroncino said with a small snort. The archer looked at his leader for a moment, then brought his gaze back to the Nephilim as he held up a claw-tipped thumb. "I already got my chance to show off earlier. Just thought I'd do it for a bit of fun before Momo-chan takes over the show, eh?" Peroroncino clicked his tongue at Yamaiko with a wink, making the healer giggle a bit.

"You're such a dork, Peroroncino." Yamaiko snickered.

"Heh, to me, it seems like wee birdie's just making sure his crush gets enough spotlight time, innit?"

Momonga seemed to overheard their conversation, for the Overlord gave them a small exasperated but without scorn sigh. Peroroncino choked on his own tongue at his sister's comment and turned to her with a baffled noise.

"Psch, you—. Y-you—. Eheh. Don't just—, y-you idiot..." Peroroncino said incoherently, making Yamaiko and Bukubukuchagama giggled with delight at the archer's flustered state. "Don't just—. Don't just say that!"

"I can say whatever I wa-a-ant~!" Bukubukuchagama said in a sing-song voice. She then made a sound that suggested that she was sticking her tongue out at her brother.

"Settle down, you all. We should take a bit of caution since they are slowly, unnecessarily, and surely approaching." Momonga said, a hand to his bony chin in deep contemplation.

Peroroncino and the girls stared at each other for a moment before the archer spoke up to his friend.

"'Unnecessarily'?" Peroroncino said with curiosity. "How so? I'm not the smartest bird in the nest but even I could tell that the guy is sending his strongest card of the deck out into play in hope of defeating us in one blow. What's the phrase? It's all or nothing. Right?"

The pink slime and the Nephilim both nodded in unison.

"Yeah. He's usually dumb, but he's right. That does sound like the only alternative 'Nigun' could do at the moment." Bukubukuchagama said, completely ignoring Peroroncino's indignant scoff.

"That's right, Bukubuku-chan. In a direct way of thinking, then that would be the only left for him to do. But it appears to not be the case." Momonga said, continuing to stroke his chin as he spoke in contemplation. "Since we can demolish those Archangel Flames with perfect ease, it would have made more sense if he just sends Principality Observation to fight on its own instead of wasting energy and resources on those Archangel Flames. They are traveling in a group, which made them that much more of an eyesore. They're being obvious, drawing attention to themselves deliberately for a reason."

"...And what reason is that?" The Nephilim said with slight worry laced in her voice.

"They're using it as a distraction."

"A distraction? But... for what?" Peroroncino said with a frown, his hand automatically clenching itself tightly around his bow. 'Distractions' are never good, especially if they're out in the open like this. Does this son of a bitch plan on pulling an ambush like what he did earlier? He made sure to scout ahead before he came to get his sister, there was no way anyone else is coming to their aid in a ten-mile radius. Should he have looked further before reporting back?

Damn it. The archer growled to himself with clenched teeth.

"I know what you are thinking, Peroroncino. There won't be any reinforcements coming for them. Judging by what they have shown me so far, they are a solidarity organization operating a lone operation without outside intervention or support, not even from the people or places that have organized them. What they will show here today is everything they have at their disposal." Momonga spoke up to partly ease his friend's mind, but to also speculate further on the thing that has been bothering him since Principality Observation has been mobilized.

"The thing is, we have yet to see it all. And while I don't plan to let them think that we're so incompetent to the point of just letting them stall long enough for their 'trump card' to arrive, I am very, very curious." The overlord concluded with a small hum, clicking his staff on the ground a few times as he pondered.

Before they know it, the Archangel Flames picked up their speed as their numbers then increase rapidly, so much to the point of not being able to see what could be waiting behind them; like a thick veil of fog. With this, Momonga snapped his attention to what is currently going on as Bukubukuchagama readied herself to protect their inhuman group of four.

"Tch. They are going to do something, we better act with haste." Momonga warned his comrades as he raised his staff to the air, preparing to call upon a spell. What in the world are those people planning to do? What purpose could this unnecessary act of sending hordes of their disposable cannon fodder to slaughter have? The only thing that irritated him the most was the fact that Momonga had absolutely no idea as to what this 'trump card' of theirs could be. It could be anything. There are over five thousand possible combinations and variations of summons; the possibilities are endless. It could've been a low-level summons like Spider Queen Arachne, a rare-tier summon like The Kraken, Nightmare of the Deep, or even God-Tier summons like Bringer of Chaos and Darkness, Apophis.

If said 'trump card' was to be within the range of the God-Tier summons, then their current group would have to put in their best effort in order to take it down. In times like these, Momonga wished that some of his old comrades were here with him. No matter the situation, having people like Leviathan, Nyarlathotep, Belphegor, or Fantome Blanc by his side would really lessen his worries.

Leviathan is a Knight Enchanter, so his versatility with both magic and close-quarter combat would definitely be useful in an unknown situation; plus, it helps that he is tanky as fuck too. His calm and stoic demeanor would always inspire a feeling of peace and calmness to those around him. When Touch Me resigned as the leader of Nine's Own Goal, the first candidate Momonga had in mind was Leviathan since he was one of the few people in their guild that could rival Touch Me. But to everyone's surprise, the man refused outright as soon as the suggestion of electing a new leader was brought up and someone in the group uttered 'What about Leviath—'.

It was later revealed that, just like Tabula Smaragdina, Leviathan already cast his vote upon Momonga. The male had no interest in becoming any sort of leader, he called himself unfit to rule while others beg to differ. But Momonga knew that the main reason why he refuses to become their leader was because of something that happened to his old guild in the past, which occurred a long time ago, before Momonga and before Fang even became his friends. Momonga never found out the reason why, and couldn't find it in him to pry into a sensitive issue. Momonga missed the albino dragon and his no-bullshit attitude. If the male was here, all of his worries would dissipate easily. Not that Bukubukuchagama and his current squad mates were unreliable, no. He just thought that it would be safer if there was another set of strong and reliable arms on deck.

Before Touch Me took over the World Champion title, there was one particular individual that held it before him: Belphegor. King of Sloth, Sorcerer of Chaos, Disruptor of Peace, Bringer of Dissonance; most of those titles were self-proclaimed, but at least one was earned. A black dragon-goat hybrid demon named after one of the Princes of Hell and a damn good PVP player. One of the best in the entire game, actually, before the upset which leads to Touch Me's acquisition of the World Champion Title. Who would have thought that Touch Me was a nobody before that fateful event, eh?

Regardless, Touch Me was Belphegor's first and last defeat. The male never competed for the title again, but he never fails to maintain his position in the regular PVP ranking chart either. Belphegor used to belong to a guild called The Magnificent Seven that constantly competed against Ainz Ooal Gown for a long time before a disagreement with his guild leader, Lucifer—no, not Luci*Fer—, led him to turn his back on the guild; which was those guys' mistake, really. Belphegor's presence in a PVP match made it extremely difficult to go toe-to-toe with the guy's guild without using up half of their inventory items. With him gone, The Magnificent Seven lost its core and quickly crumbled, its members scattered throughout the game's vast world.

After a duel against Shizyuutensuzaku, Belphegor was introduced to Ainz Ooal Gown and quickly became one of its most valuable players.

No one was sure who was the stronger magic caster between Belphegor and Ulbert. Half the guild bet themselves on Ulbert's 'Grand Catastrophe' while the other half bet themselves on Belphegor's 'Imperial Ruination'. Neither of them has tested it out since they themselves were good friends with each other as well; according to Ulbert, anyway. Belphegor, though, did say this: "Between the two of us, Ulbert definitely has the firepower advantage. But what happens after he ran out of that firepower will be left to your imaginations, hmm?" Something tells Momonga that the two of them have already settled it out among themselves, but refused to give out further details to the guild or even their close friends because they had the knacks for the dramatics and wanted to be ambiguous about the ordeal.

He would have liked to see that legendary battle with his own eyes, but it doesn't look like he can anymore. Not with only one of the aforementioned participants.

" [ Black Hole ] ."

Pushing the bitter thoughts of his comrades aside, the skeleton then focuses on what is currently at hand. Momonga wasn't sure what the enemy's intentions were, so the best course of action he can take is to clear this monster wave so that he could reclaim the full vision of the Slane Theocracy's side of the battlefield. An unseen enemy, no matter how powerful or weak, is still dangerous.

Seeing their leader taking the lead, the rest of the group quickly moved into place to fulfill their role within the group. With her Divine Class item in hand, Yamaiko raised her staff to the sky as the tip of it glowed with two differently colored lights, neither one blending in or joined with one another as she begins to channel her power into the staff to conjure up the spells that she desired. After about two seconds, the glow on the staff intensifies for a brief moment before it shot out two rays of light out of the weapon and onto the archer and the slime.

" [ Boon of Athena ] , [ Fervor of Ares ] !"

A cool, jade-colored light enveloped Bukubukuchagama while at the same time, a dark, blood-red crimson mist wrapped itself around the archer's body. With that, the two siblings did not waste a second longer and began to quickly act as Momonga's 'Black Hole' took out a good chunk of the enemy's legion of Archangel Flames. It looks like they were going to summon more, however. Peroroncino wasn't going to let that happen. And with Yamaiko's spell empowering him, Peroroncino's bow went aflame with a black-red fire as he then quickly spun around and took aim.

" [ Infernal Fire ] !"

Drawing his bow back, the archer then focuses his strength on this next shot. And after a brief moment of concentration, nine astral projections of arrows appeared atop his bow. With a deep intake of breath, he then releases his hold as a burning fire, hotter than anything he has ever felt before, flies across the air. While in its aerial state, the tip of the arrow took the shape of a head of a dark Pheonix before it connected with the Archangel Flames' bodies. It reminded him of the legend of the nine Sun Birds in Houyi the Archer's tale. The flames did not burn him despite how he could feel the heat, but Peroroncino could tell that it wasn't the case for his enemies. Despite them being mindless monsters, they must have the ability to feel pain as well.

Momonga, Yamaiko, and Peroroncino have their front and rear covered, however, their sides were left exposed; the enemy was not making a move for some reason, but that is no reason for them to slack off.

" [ Slime Separation ] !" Bukubukuchagama said with haste.

Like something straight out of a horror movie minus the gore, the female ripped herself apart into two halves with her own arms. Those two parts then moved to their respective position at the nine and three o'clock positions. And when they reached their positions, each of the halves molded themselves into two separate Bukubukuchagamas, effectively weirding out Peroroncino.

"Eww! That's disgusting!" Peroroncino feigned a face of displeasure for a moment before snorting.

"I honestly didn't think the skill would do that in this world. What the actual fuck?" The Bukubukuchagama at the nine o'clock position said.

"Yo! I am still very much one person, but at the same time, I'm not! This is so weird!" The other Bukubukuchagama standing at three o'clock said, waving to the other-other Bukubukuchagama. The two pink slimes couldn't help but giggle at each other simultaneously at the strangeness of what they are experiencing.

"Dude! Stop talking, it's distracting enough hearing only one of ya!" Peroroncino said with annoyance as he unleashed another wave of fiery arrows at the group of Archangel Flames that respawned but maneuvered themselves behind him. Despite teasing his sister, he didn't really feel like talking too much. There were still too many Archangel Flames at hand, and unlike Momonga, he's more of a 'shoot first ask question later' kind of guy. So he's relying on his guild leader to be the brain of this current operation. As of the moment, the skeleton was oddly quiet. It's not like Peroroncino hasn't seen the non-talkative side of Momonga before, it's just unsettling when it happens. Plus, he would really appreciate the skeleton's commentaries and update on the current situation right now.

"Big fat enemy!" Yamaiko said just as Principality Observation descended upon her, catching the entire group off of guard as the giant enemy swing its mace of Light upon her. "Urgh." Huffs the female as she intercepted the weapon with her right hand, her left hand held tightly onto her 'Astral Divinity'. The groups of Archangel Flames still have plenty in numbers, but it appears that the Slane Theocracy will no longer attempt to summon more of them.

"Yamaiko!" The two Bukubukuchagamas and Momonga said with shock and anger.

"Are you alright?!" Momonga asked, his voice filled with worry.

They dared to target Yamaiko, the sole healer of the group?! So they plan to attack the core of their current cross-shaped formation to throw them out of balance? That couldn't be it, could it? It's not like it will be hard for even Yamaiko to take down this disgrace of a monster. But of course, their adversaries don't know that.

"I'm fine, guild leader." Grumbles the healer. Her arms trembled a bit as she held back the gigantic mace with raw strength alone.

Peroroncino stopped his onslaught of arrows as he took notice of the commotion going on behind him. And upon seeing what was in front of him, the archer's jaw dropped. But he then recovered quickly, his face contorted with pure rage as he then immediately points his Houyi's bow at the towering Principality Observation, ready to shoot it down at the spot.

"No, Pero. Let me." Yamaiko said calmly as her staff once again glowed with arcane energy, her eyes dark as they stared intently at the towering Angel currently struggling to remove its mace from her grip. "Just because you're an 'angel', it doesn't mean you can escape from this. Witness a real Angel's power, you piece of shit." Yamaiko growled in a low voice as her staff vibrated intensely in her hand. As the vibration intensifies, she then whispered in a soft voice:

" [ Parousia ] ."

Upon Yamaiko's words, the remaining three guild members of Ainz Ooal Gown immediately moved at least two feet away from where they were standing as a shining, glorious form of Christianity's 'Christ' appeared in his entirety. 'Christ's' benevolent face was smiling as he glances at the Principality Observation. Then from the sky, a ray of light shone down from above as a fissure appeared. Within that fissure, six figures with wings descended down from the heavens. Each of the figures' hands held a different weapon; one was holding a spear with shining light, another one held a sword cloaked in a multicolored fire, and so on and so on. They were the real Archangels. Without any further notice, each of the Archangels then pointed their weapon toward the Principality Observation as pure energy erupts from those instruments of destruction.

Nothing further was said as the Archangels' merciless forms brought down their divine wrath upon the lonely Principality Observation. After the deed was done, 'Christ' and his Archangel departed as their form was bathed in light, their visage disappearing as their forms blended in with the heavenly rays.

"Don't think you can just pick on me, bastard!" Yamaiko's voice trembled as she shouted at the towering form of the Principality Observation that is slowly melting into the air, leaving behind a trail of glittering mist.

"Good job." Momonga chuckled as the Archangel Flames moved away from them when Principality Observation completely disintegrated.

"T-thank you, Momo-chin. I don't know why but I was just really angry when that thing suddenly came down on me... You guys weren't hurt, right?" The healer asked with concern but sighed in relief as the three others shook their heads in unison. "Thank god. Literally." Giggled the female before the two Bukubukuchagamas ran up to her with a somehow tearful expression on their faces—which is saying a lot because neither of them had a face—, surprising the Nephilim as they stared at her.

"AAAAAAAARRRGH. I AM A FAILURE AS A TANK, FORGIVE ME, YAMA-CHAAAAAN!" The two Bukubukuchagamas sobbed with sorrow and sadness.

"Yeah, you are." Peroroncino snorted.

"What the fuck did you say?" Both Bukubukuchagama said in anger, the sadness from just a second ago no longer evident.

"I SAID YOU ARE A FAILURE AS A TANK!"

"UWOOOO—!"

"Now now. We are still in the middle of a battle, guys. Don't slack off just yet—." Momonga began, but as if on cue, the earth let out a low rumble as the ground beneath them quakes and trembled; though not to the extent of an earthquake. It was strong enough that they have to steady themselves or else they will stumble and fall.

A faint voice could then be heard as a gleaming bluish-white light enveloped the entire area. Something glowing white could be seen slowly rising behind the forms of the Archangel Flames being dismissed by their summoners. No one could really make out what the voice was saying, but all of them assumed that it was the enemy leader, Nigun.

"—Use Holy Smite—!"


"—isrespectful... when... to wake up...?"

What?

What the fuck is going on?

"—urge. ...Do not... —Tabula Smarag—..."

What, who? The squid? Ah, right, Tabula Smaragdina. Why was the squid mentioned? Why was there talking?

Why the fuck is it so loud in here?

Can't he just get a goddamned wink of sleep around here?

Wait, where is he?

What happened?

Is he dead?

"You question... ability...?"

"—ourse not ...lord... —ina..."

Nope.

It's way too fucking loud for him to be dead. Death should be quiet and soundless. Filled with silence.

This was not silence. This was the opposite of it. Which annoys him to no end. He really wants some peace right now.

Why can't he just be dead?

Death sounds nice. Death means quiet.

"—ggest leave him... sleep... —ssary."

"—how long...?"

"Demiurge. Stop—..."

Demiurge? His adorable son?

Well, his adorable son that he created that just adopted a few days ago? Still, why is he mentioned?

Isn't that Demiurge's voice? What was he doing here?

"Enough. He is Demiurge's creator, I can understand the concern."

The squid is talking again.

The squid? Wait, Tabula? Was he here too? What is going on? Are they throwing a party here and they didn't tell him?! No, even worse: Are they throwing a party while Momonga's out there fighting for the glory of their guild?! Fucking unforgivable!

"Though, I do ask you to limit your questions. Since I will have to now attend to the duties that your father supposedly was to assume. I cannot afford to leave Momonga unattended for an extended period of time."

Momonga!

Unattended? Who was the moron that was supposed to supervise the Overlord's activity!? He'll slit their throats and feed them to the Cerberus!

"That's right! There are more important matters at hand, Demiurge. Lord Ulbert is in perfect condition right now, he just needs some time to recover as my father said. I suggest you cease with your queries this instance. Just be by Lord Ulbert's side and he will be well when he wakes up."

That feminine voice... Albedo.

"I... Yes. I see. Forgive me, Lord Tabula. I will do as you ask, and I shall not question you any further. I have complete faith in your skills, my Lord. Please take care of the Supreme Lord Momonga."

"You do not need to tell me that. I will do so without qualms."

Wait, wasn't he the one that was supposed to take care of the skeleton?

"—Now hold on just a minute." His fatigue magically left his body as he broke away from his sleep trance, sitting up abruptly. "That's my job!" So does that mean he'll have to kill himself now? But... what happened? He felt like something akin to that has occurred already, but his memories before this are fuzzy... Ulbert scratched behind his ears in confusion as three shocked faces—or was it two? He couldn't tell if Tabula was shocked or not at all—stared back at him.

"Why are you all bickering like fools while I am slumbering? Why was I sleeping anyway..." Ulbert mumbled.

He might not be able to recall everything that has happened to him, but the last thing he remembered was that it was daytime... Shaking his head, Ulbert looked to the three and find that they have yet to speak a word to him since he woke up. Why are they looking at him like that? The scrutiny is making Ulbert uncomfortable while infuriating him at the same time. How dare they gave him those looks when they were the ones that disturbed him from his slumber that he did not remember taking? And then there's Momonga, he's forgetting something that has to do with him... His brain hurts so much from thinking about this.

"What!? Why are you all looking at me like that!? Hey, squid, explain your predatory glare at me this instance!"

At the word 'squid', Tabula's shock was quickly replaced with annoyance and relief as he sighed at his comrade.

"For the hundredth time, I am not a squid," Tabula said with a shake of his head, but at the same time, he took a few steps to get to his friend's side as he sat on the edge of the large bed, head craning to look at the demon with genuine concern for his friend. "The only individuals in this entire organization that might look at you in a 'predatory way' is Peroroncino and Fang, and neither of them is here. Anyway, how are you feeling?" At that statement, Demiurge and Albedo quickly knelt at the edge of the bed and their faces were full of nervousness and anxiety as they looked up at the goat demon with anticipation.

The odd behavior didn't go unnoticed by Ulbert, of course. But he decided to not comment on it for now.

"Like I got hit by Belphegor's 'Imperial Ruination'." Ulbert sighed, rubbing his forehead as the fatigue came back in full force after the adrenaline died down. Only if he didn't get woken up so rudely, he might have felt a lot better. Tabula just laughed with his eyes closed, his frame shook visibly with each rumbling laughter he let out.

"My. Though I've never witnessed the famous duel that you claimed didn't happen, I assure you it isn't that severe. But, I suppose it is within the ballpark." Tabula smiled with his eyes. Demiurge frowns and bites his lips as Albedo lowered her gaze to the ground with... shame?

Demiurge was wondering what Supreme Lord Tabula Smaragdina was referring to regarding 'the ballpark'. But this matter can be investigated later. As of now, his Lord father's well-being is the top priority.

"Demiurge, my lovely, dearest, hellspawn! Why are you so far away from me?" Ulbert asked. When Demiurge hesitated, his smile did not waver as he continued his insistence, his eyes widen ever just slightly as his sharp teeth showed themselves through his smile. "Come now. Next, to, me." His smile dropped as he spoke, his voice leaving no room for debate.

"Do not make our Lord wait, Demiurge," Albedo said, fidgeting nervously under the scrutiny of Ulbert. He is indeed a very intimidating man when he wants to be, and unlike the rest of the group, Albedo hadn't the chance to see the demon's more playful side. She does not want to offend nor annoy him any more than necessary, which is none at all.

With the insistence and permission from his 'father', the demon wasted no time as he quickly ran to his father's side, kneeling beside the bed and taking the goat's hands in his own, effectively surprising said goat.

"I apologize for all the pain our insolence has caused you, my father. I will receive all punishments if it means that your pain will be lessened even if just a little." The demon said with a face of extreme seriousness, making Ulbert blink a few times.

"Wait wait wait... What? Did something happen?" Ulbert said in shock, scratching the back of his ears in confusion. Ulbert thought that Demiurge was avoiding him for some reason, so he wanted to directly ask his creation about his strange behavior, nothing else. He wasn't accusing the male of anything. "I was merely suspicious as to why you are avoiding me, but it appears that you are not... Though it does look like something happened while I was... gone?" With a pause, Ulbert then looked at his creation once more as he tilts his head with curiosity. "'Our insolence'?" He asks.

But when there was no answer, Ulbert sighed exasperatedly and looked to the alchemist that has been dead quiet for a while now. The brain-eater just chuckles as their eyes meet.

"So do you want the shorter, more boring version or the longer but fun one?" Tabula asked with a hint of mischievousness in his voice.

"Boring is fine with me. Though, it can't possibly be since it is coming out of the Tabula Smaragdina himself." Ulbert smirked when a pleased chuckle came out of the alchemist. Knowing Tabula, the 'long' version will probably last for about an hour or even more, so that was out of the question. Plus, the male loved flattery, even if Ulbert was being sarcastic. So he probably has dodged a bullet there and will probably thank himself for what he has done today in the future.

"You were poisoned," Tabula said.

"WHAT!?" Ulbert's eyes widened with shock and his brows contorted in anger. "Poisoned!?" He said in outrage. So even within their own base, they were not safe. But how? Who!? They had yet to even venture ten miles beyond Nazarick aside from Momonga's expedition, so there was no way they would have had an enemy already! Was it... an internal problem!? So this was why he ended up in this bed! But when was he even poisoned in the first place? It's not like he ate anything, did he? Ulbert cursed himself for being unable to remember anything prior to him being in a mission briefing with the group.

He could feel Demiurge's reassuring grip on his hand, and he was somewhat glad for that, but his anger did not dissipate. If this carelessness were on him, he would be very disappointed in himself. But at least then he'll know it was his fault. The one thing that bothered him the most is that he has no idea how it happened, why, and who would have the balls to do this to him.

Tabula nodded at his outburst, and at the same time, Albedo retreated even more behind Tabula as she clung to his cape like a little child. Ulbert then realizes his anger must have been a bit fearsome, and he clenched his fist together as he then let out a heavy sigh and waited for Tabula to continue.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...Aren't you going to continue?" Ulbert asked after two minutes of silence, his face deadpanned as Tabula chewed on a dainty little biscuit. Seeing that, Ulbert reached out to grab some but Tabula batted his hand away before he could even reach it. "Hey! Let me have some!"

"No." The alchemist replied without even a second thought, and Ulbert pouted as he crossed his arms in annoyance.

"To which statement?"

"Both of them," Tabula said, popping another one of those very delicious-looking biscuits into his mouth that is hidden from the world, obviously trying to rile up Ulbert.

"What!? Why?" Ulbert protested, making another attempt to grab the biscuit, but to no avail as his advance was halted by a few of Tabula's tentacles. "I'm hungry, come on now!"

At that, Tabula quirked up an eyebrow muscle as he stared incredulously at the demon.

"After all of that, you still have the stomach to... stomach food?" Laughed the alchemist, sounding very amused. Albedo gingerly comes out of hiding from her creator's side, shyly offering one of Tabula's biscuits without a word. Before Ulbert could take it from her, Tabula gently took the biscuit out of the imp's delicate hands as he shook his head. "He's hungry all the time, do not be deceived by his 'sweet' words." Chuckled the alchemist at the demon's angry face.

"B-but..." Albedo began. "It is our duty to tend to all of the Supreme Beings' wellness and desires..."

"After what happened, his stomach is not ready for food just yet. This is for his own good." Tabula said in a firm voice that suggests that they should not continue to discuss this any further, and Albedo nodded, withdrawing her hands away from the goat demon. Ulbert narrowed his eyes as he sat up a bit more from his position, looking down at Demiurge as he then spoke to the demon.

"What does he mean by that? What exactly 'happened' to me aside from the poisoning? And do not give me a curt answer like that of Tabula's, Demiurge."

"You did ask for the boring version. I simply delivered." The alchemist commented and shrugged when Ulbert glared at him.

"It is as Lord Tabula said, Father. You consumed edibles that did not undergo our chef's quality assurance, resulting in your being poisoned. Lord Tabula tended to you and removed all of the poison's effects on your body. And thanks to his unmatched abilities and talents, your divine self has been restored, perhaps it is even better than how you were before!" Demiurge said with a smile as he bowed his head to Ulbert, then he turned to the alchemist and did the same. "Thank you, my Lord. Forgive my pestilence and insolence to you not too long ago. I was merely worried about my father, my deepest and most sincere of apologies, my Lord."

Ulbert scratched the back of his ears again in confusion as Albedo smiled sweetly, seemingly pleased at Demiurge's submission to her creator and Tabula's acknowledgment of Demiurge's apologetic gestures.

"When did I eat anything?" The demon said incredulously. "And who the hell brought me food that hasn't gone through safety check by our 'certified' chef? That level of incompetence cannot be brushed away so easily." Ulbert frowned, crossing his arms together with disappointment.

Sebas stood quietly at the door with a paled face as Naberal hung her head down in absolute shame, a gloom hung around in the particular corner that they stood in that is currently going unnoticed by the demon or the rest of the inhabitants of the room.

"Eh?" Albedo perked up with wonder and shock. "My Lord, you do not remember anything? At all?" The imp blinked, tilting her head adorably.

"What is there to remember in the first place?" Ulbert asked with annoyance. It wasn't that he was annoyed at the question or the one that asked it, he was annoyed at the nagging feeling that he was forgetting a big chunk of events that was supposed to be important. "But most importantly, who even made the food if it wasn't our chefs?"

"Well." Tabula began. "Both Albedo and Shaltear wanted to present us with delectable creations made with love. The intentions were there, however the execution almost... well. Executed you."

Albedo looked like she just got punched in the gut as she stared at her creator slack-jawed. Shaltear has been very quiet throughout this whole exchange, and with the brain eater's words, she attempted to make herself even smaller and slinked away at the corner. Everyone else in the immediate vicinity had a similar expression to Albedo's on their face as a loud silence was heard for at least ten seconds before it was broken by the same man that triggered the awkward mood in the room.

"If I was in the same room as you were before you greedily consumed food that wasn't meant for you, I would've advised you against it since I do an item check for most things I pick up." He chuckled, voice full of amusement. "Though, I did receive a vague description of the item's appearance as well. So what on earth made you decide to proceed with eating mystery creepy pastry, hm? Your fatass self couldn't help it, so this is technically your fault." He poked a finger at the demon's snout before full-on jabbing at the other's stomach, causing the male's fur to redden up as he squawked indignantly.

"HEY! I am not fat!" Ulbert fussed, batting away the other's hand as he glanced down at his body, feeling suddenly very self-conscious at Tabula's comment.

"Well. Not yet. Keep it up and we'll see about that." Chuckled the brain-eater, eyes closed in a humorous smile at Ulbert's flustered scoff. "You must forgive Shaltear and Albedo for this accidental transgression. They only meant well. I will further train Albedo on this endeavor when possible, and I will remind Peroroncino to do the same. I think he has a lot to work with since I don't believe Shaltear has a very high level in the cooking subclass."

Which is to say: None at all. He didn't have to lessen Shaltear's fault by throwing his Albedo under the bus. But, he can use this as leverage if he wanted Peroroncino to do something for him in the future. Not that it was necessary, but blackmail is always so very fun. And, he knew that the vampire is most grateful for him helping her out. "The birdbrain could use all that time he daydreams about H games to do something productive for once. So it works out."

Ulbert stared at Tabula for a while before huffing, turning his head away in deep thought. After some moments of internal debate, the demon simply let out a deep sigh as he waved his hand dismissively. "You know what, let's leave this discussion for when all of us are here. I want to have a word with Pero." The demon then turned his gaze towards the succubus and the vampire who has their heads hung down so low he was sure that they would've hit the ground if they bowed any further.

"Shaltear and Albedo, you are forgiven. For now. I must go back to the meeting room." The demon grunted out. At that, Albedo and Shalltear visibly relaxed as they did, in fact, bowed even further in gratefulness.

"I am eternally thankful that you would forgive a worthless person such as myself, my Lord." Shalltear whimpered, on her lips a shaky smile and her eyes full of tears. Albedo snidely whispered something akin to 'Yeah, you are, filthy bitch'. But that largely went unheard or just flatly ignored by the vampire as she continued. "I deserve only the worst of punishment, please let me atone in any way you deem fit when the other Supreme Beings returns. I-I deeply apologize to you again, Lord Ulbert."

"Yes, I agree. We should receive punishment for this transgression. Our sole duties is to make sure that the Supreme Beings are taken care of and to make sure no harm comes onto your precious bodies. We have failed. We deserve nothing less of death!" The succubus exclaimed with a determined look on her face. Ulbert had to stop himself from sighing out loud as he thought of how melodramatic their response was.

"Well, I certainly do not think death is an appropriate punishment for this particular situation. But, I will think about your punishments. It was all just an oversight on my part and an accident on yours, so don't be too hard on yourselves. After all, the person most at fault in this situation was myself! Gahaha! My gluttony got the best of me. I must actually thank you two for fetching Tabula for me. You handled it well."

"It is the least we can do, my Lord! We are overwhelmed by your graciousness and kindness!" Replied the two females in unison. Their face was a bit flushed and their eyes starry at Ulbert's slight compliment.

"And thank you, Tabs. For curing me." The demon grinned, waggling his eyebrows at the brain eater. In return, he received a deadpanned look from the other before Tabula reached out to punch him in the shoulder. "OW!"

"If you want to thank me, just please think and study your surroundings before you do anything in the future." Tabula let out a soft sigh and stood up quietly to make his way out of the room, with Albedo hurriedly excusing herself to follow the alchemist. Ulbert also took that as a cue as he got up and out of bed and began to make his way toward Momonga's study to resume his duties previously given to him.

"Before you do that," The alchemist spoke as Ulbert was halfway out of the door, thus stopping the demon in his tracks as he turned around with a mildly displeased expression. The goat said nothing, but waited for Tabula to speak with crossed arms as his hooves tapped the ground with clicks of three. So impatient. "I suggest you head over there instead. I had to leave because of your predicament. But since I'm already here, it would be awfully inconvenient for me to head back. You go in my place. I'll take it from here."

If he had to be honest... Tabula. Did not want to stay here.

He would rather go back and assist his guild leader as soon as possible. At least a few hours had passed since his departure. He was worried, but he did not show it. Aside from the idiot that went and got himself poisoned, Tabula Smaragdina was the only other leadership figure that was present in Nazarick. He must be strong to be a good example for his underlings. Plus, he's used to unexpected situations too much to be fazed by the pressure of maintaining a façade.

He also needs to be a good example for his friend, Momonga. This is what Momonga has to deal with now as the head of Nazarick in both literal and figurative senses. He'll share and take on his beloved guild leader's burdens as much as he can shoulder if it means it would help him and alleviate his stress, even if just a little. But, his worries got increasingly larger as time passed by and Momonga still hasn't returned or made any attempts to communicate with any individuals in Nazarick. He or Peroroncino probably has tried to send messages to Ulbert, but the glutton was passed out until now. Why hasn't anyone reported anything back to him about any communications from Momonga, then? If they had news and Ulbert wasn't available, the next thing Momonga would've done was to just relay the message to any of the Floor Guardians. So why was there nothing?

There were so many things to think about his guild leader's situation that just unnerves him further and further.

However.

As much as he would like to rejoin Momonga so he would know what is currently happening with the situation and with his friend, he would rather have someone competent to do an utmost important task that his dear friend had entrusted to, well, not him. But, taking responsibility and making sure things worked out well and go smoothly is what he likes and wants to do.

Plus...

Momonga... This is what you would have wanted for me to do, right? Right. I'll go forth with doing something I don't want to do, so I can unburden your duties and mind. You would be happy that I went out of my way to do this. For Nazarick.

For you.

"Make haste. And don't look back, Ulbert. Else I will take your place instead." Said the alchemist, his eyes closed in a smile as he dismissively waved away the demon. Ulbert nodded without a word as he turned to walk away, his cape fluttered with the movement as his hooved feet carried him away from the room. Albedo and the others within the room curtly bowed to the retreating demon as Demiurge began to move, seemingly wanting to accompany his creator but was stopped by Tabula's raise of his hand.

"Stay with me, the two of you." He then looked to the vampire, the female straightening her posture as his gaze landed on her. "And Shalltear, you are dismissed for now. I would like for you to go to Momonga's study and make sure it's presentable for when he comes back, alright?"

"Yes, my Lord! I will go right away!" Shalltear replied then bowed to the alchemist before hastily making her way out to accomplish the command she was given. Tabula nodded before turning his attention back to the demon and the succubus.

"Anyway, I would like to discuss a few things with you in addition to having you spread some newfound information across the floors. If that is alright with you two?"

"Always, Father!" Albedo nodded enthusiastically but not overly so, as she still feels a bit of shame for indirectly being involved in Lord Ulbert's little accident. Tabula gave her head a short rub as she leaned in with bliss, closing her eyes with more happiness than she previously had.

"Of course, my Lord!" Demiurge replied with a little bit less enthusiasm than Albedo. But if any of them noticed, they didn't comment on it. "If a lowly being such as I am allowed to ask, have you and Lord Momonga discovered new information about the world we are in?" The male asked, sounding intrigued. His tail swished calmly behind him as he gave Tabula a small bow like he always does with the other guild members.

Tabula, delighted at the curiosity and insightful question, beckoned Demiurge and Albedo to follow him. "Correct. I have gathered useful and odd information when I and Momonga were spending our time in the village. Albedo, fetch me our observation crystal before you leave the room, hm?"

"Yes, Father!"

"Are we heading to any particular destination, my Lord? I will summon a Gate for you right away so you do not have to expend your energy while we servants are here at your service!" Offered Demiurge as Albedo took large strides to catch up with the two of them, in her arms was a crystal orb with a slight lavender hue, faintly glowing and humming softly.

"Thank you, Demiurge, for your helpful offer. I, however, would like us all to enjoy the walk there. Gaze upon the beauty of Nazarick while I enjoy the impending thought of knowing what we will be doing shortly." Chuckled the brain eater, slowing down a bit to look around him as he took all of Nazarick's sights in. Always so beautiful. "In addition to that, I have my Guild Member ring. I can teleport anywhere in Nazarick if I ever wanted to or chose to do so." Tabula said teasingly, slightly raising his eyebrow muscle as he looked back at the demon man. Demiurge had a sheepish, slightly bashful look as he bowed his head to the brain eater.

"Yes, my Lord. Forgive me for my thoughtlessness."

"Though thoughtless, he only had the best of intentions for Supreme Beings of greatness such as you, Father! I hope you can forgive us for our mistakes!" Albedo quickly said, also bowing her head but carefully so as to not drop the crystal she was holding. Albedo was a woman of great strength. However, in the presence of her father and the nature of the crystal, she is still a little bit nervous and she definitely does not want to make a fool out of herself for not being able to handle a simple task and object!

"You are forgiven, although it is never wrong to offer assistance." The alchemist said nonchalantly, waving a hand in dismissal. The succubus nodded gratefully along with her compatriot.

"Father, where are we going, if I may ask? What will we be doing?"

At this, Tabula stopped momentarily before giving them a smile and an answer filled with an eerie sense of delight, inciting Demiurge and Albedo to shiver. Despite that, their curiosity was piqued. "We are going to do something fun. You'll see. A bit of an... experiment, it will be." Cackled the brain eater as the trio descends, a faint scream echoing out from the darkness they are walking into.

Both Ulbert and Albedo shared a sinister grin as they realized where they were going.

This was going to be fun indeed.


Before he leaves, Ulbert hastily—but not sloppily—fixes his outfit as his mind is solely focused on getting to where he needed to be.

By Momonga's side.

He was out cold for quite a few hours though, and a part of him was angry at Tabula for leaving their guild leader's side, but also grateful for him coming back to help a friend in need. Ulbert knew Tabula and how he is. The man does not like it when someone interrupted him doing whatever it was he was doing, and he doesn't like leaving tasks unfinished. If he did, would he be the oddball of Nazarick that he is today? The author of over ten thousand words for NPC's descriptions and the self-proclaimed mad scientist of their guild?

Ulbert felt a bit of guilt also, the more he thought about the brain eater. They probably had done some good work while they were out, and it didn't appear that they were quite finished either. Tabula hated having his time wasted. If a few hours really have passed, then his friend has abandoned the task he set out to do just to come back to tend to him. Does Momonga know? If so...

The demon had a small blush on his cheeks as he summoned the [ Gate ] spell.

How careless. Ulbert usually wasn't too impulsive...

Well. That's not completely true. He usually is impulsive. Especially when roleplaying with his friends. However, even this was a bit uncharacteristic for him. He used the excuse of taking revenge on Peroroncino to eat. But personally, he only needs to think about the biscuits to want to devour them. If Ulbert was the so-called ultimate devil that he made himself to be, then would that behavior reflect on the sin of gluttony?

Maybe he'll think about that more later. After all, it's not like any of them have fully explored or figured out the behavior and quirks of their new bodies just yet. Perhaps Tabula will allow getting to freely research Ulbert's body and behavior as an acceptable token of his gratitude.

Before he steps through the gate, Ulbert cleared his throat and fixes his beau and vest one last time. If I'm late I might as well be fashionably late. Chuckled Ulbert as he walked forward, into the momentary void. Sharp brightness greets his eyes for one second, but before he could see anything else, all he heard were loud static noises. It was like a cacophony of sounds instead of words. He knew, in the back of his head, that he could understand them. But at the time, he could not comprehend nor hear anything other than a strange voice in the far distance as a beam of light descends from the heavens.

"—Use Holy Smite!"

He does not know what or who was speaking, and where those words were coming from. He didn't even really recognize the words themselves. He didn't really care. To him, they would've been better off unspoken nor existed. But heard them he did. And he sees the sight unfolding in front of him. He can see and can connect the image to the words that he heard. What he saw, were his friends and a blinding flash of light that struck them where they stood. It didn't shock nor surprise him that there are now more of their guild members present here now. Somehow that didn't register in his brain. It wasn't really important right now. What's important, is the sounds of the earth shattering as that beam of light struck the ground.

His eyes tunnel-visioned upon a sole figure within the light.

Momonga.

His hands stretches out towards his friend as his lips parted, his eyes widens and his pupils narrowed to a slit as that blinding light enveloped his friend, ironically darkening his figure into a frame of shadow.

No.

No!

No, no, no, no, no!

Momonga!

A snarl made its way on his face as he clenches his fist.

...Suzuki.

Darkness enveloped his body, a ghastly purple and blood-red aura swirling and wrapping his frame like a mesmerizing cloak of death as his eyes zeroed in on a figure standing in the distance. A short mop of blond hair, the man's arms stretched out in a commanding posture, and on that human's lips a vile grin and the mantra of profane that has caused his dear friend to bear such a pain.

Ulbert felt his insides boil with pure hatred. He had no idea how many minutes or seconds have passed since he witnessed what happened, but he could feel something inside of him finally snapped as the ground beneath him trembled. His lips then opened as he looked towards the sky.

"Weep, O brood of sins.

Come forth, arms of calamity.

May your prayers reach empty thrones,

As your transgressions returned to you tenfold.

Know despair, for death reaps even God.

[ Grand Catastrophe ]."

A single thought inhabits his mind as the sky darkens, sinister clouds forming and twisting in the heavens in a crimson-black symphony of rage.

Die.


Author Note:

This chapter was getting too long so I have split it into two. the next one should be coming out at some point this month!

Please take these stats I put with a grain of salt! Just here for reference but not to be taken too seriously since I suck with gaming stats LOL.

Relic Class Item: Shinkusasori (Player-made Item )
One of Warrior Takemikazuchi's weapons he created that he couldn't bear to discard despite it being under level for him at his current state.
It would've had a really cool lore, but Warrior Takemikazuchi was too lazy, so the description page was intentionally left blank after he gave up halfway through.

Divine Class Item: Astral Divinity - The staff made from stardust.
The Goddess of the night has created the stars to be her children, for she was alone in the vast expanse of the dark skies.
Legends said that this staff was made from the very first star that she had created, using the dust from the star itself.
Legend also said that it was crafted by the Goddess's own hands as a memento of her firstborn's passing.
It was rumored that those who carried this staff were granted protection from all the dangers of the night and from all darkness.
Those who carried this staff will never be lost under the night sky.

Mother's Blessing - When Equipped, Astral Divinity radiates out a small aura of protection.
Grants the user protection from evil creatures, reducing damage from demons, undead,
goblins, werewolves, vampires, and other dark creatures by 80%.
Damage received from Divine or Dark forces and opponents is reduced by 50% in PVP.
Physical Damage Dealt is reduced by 40%. Damage taken from Critical Hits is reduced by 20%.
Healing and protective spells' effectiveness is increased by 50%.
Bonus - After using a protective or healing spell, grant the healed or protected users
15% bonus attack speed for 10 seconds, but drains the healer's health by 2% per second for 10 seconds; CD is 8 minutes. ( Effect does not stack )
If healing self, reduce self's attack speed by 10%; CD is 15 Seconds. ( Effect does not stack )

Kagutsuchi's Flame - Imbues the user's weapon with the Fire God's power. Increases attack damage greatly and applies 'Scorch' to all attacks. Additionally applying 20% magic power scaling with the user's base AD to each strike. Ignores magical resistances and magical armor effects. Reduce the target's physical resistance by 30%.

Angelic Blessing - Blesses designated allies, bathing them in divine light. Those with the Divine Light take 34% less damage from Angelic and light damage and take 68% less damage from Unholy, Dark, and undead forces. If cast within a protective barrier, it can cover up to ten individuals. If cast normally, it can cover up to three targets at a time. Angelic Blessing will last for two minutes.

Infernal Fire - Calls upon the fire of hell to imbue within the user's bow. After charging for one and a half-second, fires out an explosion of nine bolts of crimson flames in a cone shape in a straight direction. Bolts of arrows will pierce through all enemies behind it in a half a mile radius, apply 'Burn' DPS status for six seconds, and deals the user's physical damage amount plus 60% physical damage; can critically strike and applies an on-hit effect. It cannot be deflected by physical attacks or skills such as 'Counter' or 'Deflect'. The user's projectile attacks for the next twenty seconds will apply 'Burn' to its target.

Boon of Athena - Grants self or an ally the protection of the Goddess of War and Wisdom Athena. Increases the target's magical attack by 30% in addition to their current magical damage status. Grants a shield that lasts for five minutes that shields the target for 50% of incoming physical damage and 20% of incoming magical damage.

Fervor of Ares - Grant an ally the fervor of the God of War Ares, increasing the target's physical damage by 35% and increasing the target's attack speed by 15% for two minutes and thirty seconds. Decreases resistance to all elementals by 10% and applies 'Fatigue' to the target for five seconds after the duration of the buff.

Fatigue: Attack damage dealt within the duration of 'Fatigue' has their damage reduced by 30% and attack speed is reduced by 20%.

Slime Separation - Split the user into two. The user can control both halves. Both halves can use the original's skills and power, although usage will be limited and the cooldown will be longer than normal. Each half will receive 30% more armor and magic resistance, but if either of the halves is killed in battle, immediately rejoins the two parts and applies 'Exhaustion' for the next ten seconds.

Exhaustion: Incoming heals or protection will have its effectiveness reduced significantly. All spells or skills are inaccessible until the end of 'Exhaustion'. Basic attacks deal 40% less damage.

Parousia - Immediate invokes the Second Coming of Christ. Summons the 'Avatar of The Lord' and applies 'Judgment' to a target radius.

Judgment: Those with 'Judgement' applied to them will be executed by the Avatar of The Lord immediately if their level is below 70. There are two types of execution: 'Eternal Damnation' and 'Righteous Punishment'. Enemies with 'Holy' affinity and alignment will be executed by 'Righteous Punishment'. Enemies with 'Evil' affinity and alignment will be executed by 'Eternal Damnation'.

Righteous Punishment: The Avatar of The Lord comes forth with his Legions of Archangels; Gabriel, Michael, Uriel, Raphael, Israfil, Azrael. Avatar of The Lord will direct his intentions to his Archangels, and at once, the Archangels will smite the target with their full might; thus, executing them. Applies direct 180% of Holy and Light magical attack damage to the targets if the targets' level is above 70.

Eternal Damnation: Avatar of The Lord opens up Hell's chasm filled with demons in the targeted area. Lucifer, Beelzebub, Mammon, Sathanus, Asmodeus, Leviathan, Belphegor appears from the pit and drags those afflicted with 'Judgment' to Hell. Applies 150% of Dark and Unholy magical attack damage and 50% physical damage to the targets and curses them with 'Flames of Gehenna' for 50 seconds if the targets' level is above 70.

Flames of Gehenna: A stronger version of 'Burn'. Targets afflicted will be burned and the burn's damage will be increasing by 2% for each second that passes by during the duration of 'Flames of Gehenna'.

Sorry for taking so long. Procrastination is a powerful, powerful enemy But also I've gotten a job and finished school! Hey, and I've got to ask! Although I said that I wasn't gonna put any OC to play any important part in this story, say, if I was to do so, would you guys be alright with it? They won't take over the main spotlight at all, but I have quite a few plots planned with them! I do have a large amount of OCs for this fandom plus the concept art for them. If you would like to see a visual, please message me or leave a review! If I have enough interest, I'll put up a link in my bio or link them at the end of the fic :D A few that were previously mentioned are:

LinoRE (but goes by Lin): The female banshee, a close friend of Momonga, and in a way his mentor. Gentle with friends, but mischievous with those she considers family. Though quiet, she almost has no filter when it comes to any subjects. Especially on private and sensitive topics. With her mentor mindset, she feels like talking about anything is a good way to learn. Many members of the guild have connected history with her, and many are a part of the guild due to her connections with them. She is a very old player, playing the game since its opening day.

Fantome Blanc: Playful, flirty wolf. He is remembered in the guild for his undying loyalty and support for his friends. Charismatic and likes cooking, he's popular with the male and female denizens of their guild. He doesn't like competitive ranking in Yggdrasil. He only participates sometimes if his friends needed him. Which is a great disappointment to many of the guild's members since Fang is a versatile bruiser class player and would have surely made it in the top 50 charts if he had put himself out there. But it's too much work, and he liked the role-playing and adventuring aspect with friends more.

Leviathan: Contender for Touch Me's guild leader position, yet never considers himself one. An albino dragon with a no-bullshit attitude and a massive fucking great sword. A great commander and shot-caller in any group, he is highly respected in the guild. Never ask the guy to take you out drinking. He can't hold his alcohol but loves to give his friends a good time. Not a great combination. Though he has a stoic and tough-guy attitude, he's quite the gentleman to most people. Except Luci*Fer and Pero. They had pulled one too many jokes and pranks on him. He is also Lin's ex and almost is never allowed to be on the same team with her since he is always too overprotective and easily distracted by said banshee.

Belphegor: Despite his name, he is a hardworking man. Cunning and ruthless, he spares no expenses nor actions deemed dishonorable in battle. He is Ulbert's personal rival in terms of battle power, but the two get along quite well outside of roleplaying their persona in-game. Often expressive of his thoughts objectively but rarely let people know what his own stance on personal matters is. Over half of the guild doesn't really talk to him. His sophistication is deemed off-putting and pretentious by some, and some are just intimidated by his mannerism. He treasures his friendship with LinoRE and Bellriver, and is often seen speaking with them on personal subjects.

[ Belphegor's character design is not mine! Just a disclaimer! I don't have a design for him yet, but the art from mumuthelion is what I imagined he would look like! I'll put up link if you guys are interested :3 ]