Disclaimer: I do not own Overlord, all credits to Kugane Maruyama.
Guest: Thanks! I'm glad to hear you are enjoying this project.
Awareness Bringer: I've given it some thought and I think that is going to be one point of contention between Momonga and the status quo of the Adventurer's Guild. I really liked how in the LN how that particular 'rule' functioned. Roberdyck, for example, stopped being an adventurer because he was not allowed to heal for free, he was punished whereas Blue Rose gets a pass because they are one of the two Adamantite teams despite actively hunting Eight Fingers. As for [False Life], I've looked at Momonga's ability and Equipment page on the wiki as well and I think you're referring to [False Data: Life] which he does use in his fight against Shalltear. That along with [False Data: Mana] allows Momonga to fake his health and mana values. The 'concept' of [False Life] is not original, by any means. There are plenty of stories where the Momonga is either permanently or temporarily a living being; human or otherwise. I don't think it's a bad thing. We're used to him being an undead Overlord, so I think stories like that could be a breath of fresh air. Though I have to admit that the perks of an undead body are numerous. Originally, I had planned [False Life] to just be a high tiered illusion spell that allowed Momonga access into humanoid controlled towns in Yggdrasil. This would give him 'glimpses' into what could have been, and a different experience for Momonga despite his new-found undead body. I don't mind your questions at all. In fact, I welcome these discussions and I do genuinely enjoy conversing with you. As always, thank you for your comment.
ILikeGoodStories: In the LN, Momonga has stated that though he enjoys the many benefits of being an undead Overlord, he does miss some quirks that come from having a living body. Hopefully I can attempt to bridge that gap, but be rest assured that Momonga in the long term would probably prefer his undead body especially if he plans to travel. For this 'version' of Momonga, don't expect him to be a white knight, or a cold-hearted killer. After all, he's got a reputation to maintain. Thank you for your comment.
NoelRahlis7: Thank you very much for the high praise.
Dregus: Even without Nazarick, Momonga is likely to be doomed to be held in everyone's high regard. Such is the fate of our respected Overlord.
myeccentriclife: Magic is something he will use sparingly in public. I don't think he would want to show his hand, but at the same time he will definitely be more well-known if he was capable to use magic on top of being a competent warrior.
SpecialSpirit12: Thank you!
Guest: Thank you for your kind words.
Dialogue Tags:
[Spell/Martial Art]
'Inner thoughts'
{Message}
The moon claims the night sky and shines with all its majesty glory. Gazef could not help but admire its beauty as he sat on a bench thinking over the events of the previous day.
It had been a few hours since the battle had ended. Gazef had the bodies of his men gathered as he and the villagers of Carne mourned their sacrifice.
Gazef stretched his arm and much like he expected, it felt fine. Momon had healed the wounds of him and his surviving warrior band. Gazef felt his debt and respect towards the warrior grow but so did his questions.
'Momon-dono is capable of healing magic? Is he a paladin? Though his strength far surpasses what paladins are capable of.' When asked about this, Momon replied with, "I am simply a man who can handle himself."
Gazef sensed something in the tone of his voice and decided not to inquire any further. He did not wish to pry and risk offending the man whom he owed so much. 'I owe Momon-dono my life and gratitude. To spit on the kindness he has shown me would be unforgivable.'
Gazef pushed that thought aside as Nigun came to mind. Gazef did not think that Nigun was the type to have loose lips but after seeing what Momon was capable of, It was inevitable that he would speak, and speak he did.
'I must report this to the King at once. I am not one for politics but even I can see the possible repercussions of this incident. I pray that the King will be able to ensure that the deaths of our people will not go unpunished.'
Gazef sighs as he looks away from the moon shining brightly overhead. His request for shelter had been met with approval from the village chief and currently he was outside a cottage which he had been given permission to stay in. Gazef takes one last breath of the crisp night air before retiring indoors. He fell into a deep slumber the moment he hit the mattress as his exhausted mind sought rest.
...
Under the cover of darkness, a goblin warrior from the Gigu tribe arrived at the entrance of an unassuming cave. It was located within a rocky clearing in the forest and there was only a single ogre who stood as a sentry within the cave.
The ogre eyed the goblin warrior with suspicion but allowed him to pass. A tiny goblin like him would not be able to harm the mighty Giant of the East.
The goblin warrior sees a troll deeper within the cave and begs him for an audience with the Giant of the East. The troll was thoroughly confused but decided that it might be worth the entertainment. This goblin would likely be ripped apart if he offended the mighty ruler and the troll chuckled at the thought of such an event occurring. The goblin warrior waits anxiously before he is summoned deeper into the cave.
Guu, a massive green war troll sits on a shabby stone throne. He awaited the goblin warrior that his troll underling had informed him about. It was not long till he saw the scrawny being bow before him. Guu grunted in annoyance and the goblin understood that the war troll had little patience for him.
The goblin bore news of a Gigant Basilisk threat. Guu originally rolled his eyes at those words but his eyes soon shined with interest at the news that a herd of such beings had attacked the goblin's village.
Gigant basilisks were indeed tough foes, even for him. He could resist their poison but it would severely weaken him. Trolls could regenerate their wounds, but fire and acid could completely nullify their regeneration. Still, a mere Gigant Basilisk would not pose a threat to Guu. He was the ruler of the Eastern Forest, a mighty being only matched by two others. He led a troop of ogres and trolls, among other beasts such as barghests. All of whom were mere weaklings in his eyes, but still stronger than those scrawny goblins.
His troll minion seemed worried about the numbers of the basilisks. Guu stared him down and quickly cut down the offending troll. He went down with a cry and grasped his chest with tears in his eyes.
"Get out of here, coward. Go gather the weaklings together, because tomorrow, we are going to deal with these damn lizards!" Gigant basilisks were definitely worthy foes. Even he himself could only fight one and only emerge victorious after a long, arduous fight. Though such a fight would severely weaken him, he had the advantage of numbers on his side. He had many minions to sacrifice, and they could weaken the basilisks for him. All he had to do was swoop in and finish them off to claim all the glory. He was the mighty ruler of the Eastern Forest; it was only right for him to defeat these interlopers who had appeared in his territory. Guu smiles smugly as was surprised by his own intellect. Surely only a genius could come up with such a plan.
He was only displeased when he was informed that a different goblin was on his way to inform that blasted Serpent of the West. Guu did not want him to take his glory that belonged only to himself. With that bit of news that displeased him, Guu dismisses the puny goblin and sits back on his throne while quietly pondering how much stronger he could get by eating a basilisk.
…
Momon is wide awake as he lies in bed. He was currently alone in the cottage that had been offered to him. Seeing that he had no reason to refuse, he decided to take them up on their offer. After declining the offers of a meal, he quickly went to bed, only to remember that he lacked the need to sleep.
'Being undead does come with its benefits, but I wonder what the food tastes like in this village? It would be a shame if I am unable to sample this other-worldly cuisine.'
Momon smiles bitterly at the thought but focuses his attention on the information he had gotten out of Nigun.
'The information provided by the imposter knights seems to be the first half of a jig-saw puzzle, with Nigun filling in to be that missing half. Still, is this truly their objective? If Gazef is indeed the strongest man in the surrounding regions, then his death would be a great loss to the Re-Eztize Kingdom. If they were to lose their trump card then this Baharuth Empire would have a much easier time conquering this region.'
Nigun's exact words swirling within his thoughts.
"The deaths of these villagers and Gazef were for the benefit of all mankind! The Kingdom is corrupt and slowly killing itself. The territory and human resources within the Kingdom would surely be better utilized by the Empire! Please, you have to believe me! I did not do this out of hatred! I am just following the gospel of the six Great Gods!"
Those words filled with passion could not easily be dismissed, but they also bore a stench of betrayal that Momon could not help but notice.
'Is this Kingdom really so wretched and corrupt that their very own nobles would plot with a foreign power? Just so this land would fall into the hands of another nation? As I thought, this requires further investigation. It does help that I have the gratitude of one of the most respected figures of this country. I will make good use out of this connection. But even so, I still have to consider my future options.'
'If these so-called 'Great Nobles' are as corrupt as Gazef's men say, then I might be able to gain a lot by working with them.' Momon considers the potential benefits of such a decision but shakes his head. 'No, that is out of the question. Not after what I and my former comrades have lived through in our previous world. It would be best to either remain neutral or help rid this country of its scum. For now though, I think it would be best to remain neutral and to observe for any additional leverage or significant figures within the Kingdom. Acting too hastily would be ill-advised especially in my current disposition.'
'Gazef seemed to be surprised when I said I was not an adventurer. I should inquire further about this topic when I have the chance. If my current objective is to gain more information, then I need to consider an alibi. Since I have come from 'foreign lands' then I need to decide on what would fit best. A travelling merchant might work, if not for the fact that I am wearing what warriors would typically wear. Not to mention my lack of goods to sell and barter with. The items within my inventory are out of the question. I do not want to run the risk of someone tracking the items back to me.'
'It would then narrow it down to a mercenary looking for work, or as an adventurer. I am unfamiliar as to the intricacies of such an occupation in this world, but in Yggdrasil it was a lot of fun discovering new things about the nine realms. Surely, it should be a similar case here?'
As Momon thought about adventuring and exploring the world, he remembered what had interested him earlier. 'Martial arts, I think Gazef referred to them as such? Such things did not exist in Yggdrasil. They seem to be special skills that warriors could learn and master. I should also question Gazef on that topic. There may exist martial arts that could bypass my High Tier Physical Immunity. I should be prepared for any and all threats that may come my way.'
Time was a blur for Momon who had been lost in his many thoughts. It was not long before the sun slowly began to creep up above the horizon. Momon had long since left his bed and was sitting out on his porch watching the world wake up from its slumber.
"What a beautiful sun rise. I cannot believe that in my past world we destroyed the very world we lived in just to pursue greater profits. It would be a shame if this world were to be marred by pollution to the same extent. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to preserve the pristine condition of this world to honour the memory of Blue Planet-san."
The sound of an opening door causes Momon to look away from the beautiful sunrise. Gazef emerges from the cottage next to his and stretches as he takes in the morning sun.
Gazef grins as he notices that Momon was also awake. He quickly walks over and waves.
"Good morning, Momon-dono. I see you awoke quite early."
"Good morning to you as well, Gazef-dono. How are your wounds?"
Gazef smiles warmly at the concerned words of the dark warrior.
"Thank you for your concern. I feel truly refreshed, like you've removed all exhaustion that rested in my bones. I am truly in your debt, Momon-dono."
Momon waves his thanks aside.
"What are the plans for today? I assume that the matter regarding those operatives need to be addressed."
Gazef nods in response.
"Yes, you are correct Momon-dono. In a few hours' time we will begin the trek back to E-Rantel. I will stop there momentarily before leaving for the capital. What of you, Momon-dono?"
"Regretfully, I am new to these lands. Could I trouble you by allowing me to accompany you?"
Gazef smiles wryly.
"Of course, Momon-dono. I would dare say that it would be far more beneficial for us to be in your company, rather than it be the other way around."
Gazef seemed to go into deep thought as Momon studied him curiously.
"Is something the matter, Gazef-dono?"
"No, I was just thinking how it would be a few hours before set off towards E-Rantel. I was just thinking of how to pass the time."
"Ah, is that so? Then perhaps I have an idea you may agree with."
Momon kicks two sticks off the ground and catches them nimbly. He tosses one to Gazef who caught it readily.
Gazef smiled as he understood the dark warrior's intentions.
"I'm afraid I won't be much of a sparring partner, but I am honoured."
"You praise me too highly, Gazef-dono. Now you may make the first move."
The smile on Gazef's face instantly disappears as he takes up a stance and focuses his eyes on the dark warrior. Gazef takes a step forward, leaving a small rut in the ground from where he was just standing as he speeds towards the immovable figure of Momon.
…
Ryraryus Spenia Ai Indarun, the ruler of the Western Forest, listens intently to the goblin warrior who sought an audience with him. The goblin warrior before him had arrived with the break of dawn. The goblin in question was near exhaustion, but his eyes shone with determination. Seeing this, the old Naga decided to humour his request.
Ryraryus had a grave expression on his face as he heard the news of a basilisk herd. If this information was to be believed, that meant a very strong individual likely led the herd.
A single Gigant Basilisk was a foe mighty enough that only Ryraryus would have any chance of victory in a one-on-one fight. Within the forest of Tob, only two other beings rivalled Ryraryus in terms of strength.
That meant that even an alliance between the three rulers of the forest and their minions would be hard-pressed to fend off a dozen basilisks. The possibility might exist that the basilisk who leads this so-called 'herd' is a foe stronger than even he could handle.
Ryraryus is shaken at this revelation and questions the goblin warrior on the whereabouts of his remaining tribe. He is informed that they are fleeing south, hoping to come into contact with the Beast of the South. Ryraryus agrees with that decision and calls for all his minions to prepare to travel. Time was of the essence and Ryraryus knew full well what this 'herd' could be capable of.
…
Agu calls for his tribe to stop and rest as sunlight begins to filter through the dense leaves of the forest. He and his tribe moved without rest throughout the night and now they were exhausted. The stamina of the young children and the mothers carrying them would not hold out for long.
Their pace the night before was slow but determined. But now, without the cover of darkness, it would be far too risky to move further south. Now was a good time for him and his tribe to catch what little sleep they could.
Agu chews on a piece of jerky slowly, softening it as he grinds it in between his molars. He washes it down with some water before lying down on top a pile of leaves. His eyelids could no longer support themselves and slowly drooped. After that, it was not long before sleep claimed his exhausted body and mind. It was good fortune that he was not plagued by nightmares, for he would need all the sleep he could get.
A few hours pass before he is shaken from his slumber. He groggily stumbles up to greet the excited, but exhausted scout who had awakened him. The scout informed Agu of a cave to the south. There were markings on the rock that indicated the lair belonged to Beast of the South. Agu felt his mood lift at this bit of good news and called for a quick meeting between those who were still awake.
Agu decided that while the rest of the tribe rested, he would travel to the cave with two warriors and plead for assistance from the Beast of the South. If they did not return by the time the sun sets once again, the remaining members of the tribe would head towards the west, in hopes of contacting the ruler of the forest that resided there.
It would be too risky to seek aid from the ruler of the Eastern forest, for they might cross paths with the basilisk who had been seen around their village. The faces of all his fellow goblins were grim, but determined. Many of their kin had given their lives so that they may live. They would not squander their sacrifice. There was much at stake, with the annihilation of their tribe hanging over their heads.
It was not long before Agu stood before a large cave entrance. The cave seemed quite spacious. He takes a deep breath steels himself before walking in with the two warriors who had volunteered to go with him.
Agu feared displeasing the Beast of the South, but he would still plead on behalf of his tribe. He was driven not to shame the efforts of those who had sacrificed themselves. He walks into the dark interior of the cave with his chest held high, knowing that whatever the outcome of this exchange, his tribe would live another day with, or without Agu.
The interior of the cave was well ventilated and wasn't as dark as it first seemed. Agu took a few steps inside before he announced his presence.
"Oh mighty Beast of the South! My humble name is Agu! I am the new chieftain of the Gigu tribe! Please grant my lowly self an audience for I bear news of great importance!"
Agu could hear the sounds of rustling deeper within the cave, and he could feel himself shuddering as he was bathed in the gaze of a being he could not hope to defeat.
The darkness of the interior of the cave was of no concern due to his dark vision and soon he laid eyes on the Beast of the South. He could clearly see its silver coat and a snake-like tail that coiled around its body.
"Thy bravery is to be applauded, young goblin. This one shall grant thee an audience that thou desire."
Agu bows his head in respect at the generosity he was shown despite being an uninvited guest.
"Many thanks, oh mighty Beast of the South! My tribe faces annihilation at the hands of a Gigant Basilisk. I seek your aid in ridding our home of this invader. Please, I beg of you to consider our selfish request!"
The beast seemed to pick up on Agu's earnest feelings and softens its tone of voice.
"I see, thy home is threatened and thou seeketh aid in vanquishing the invader. While this one hast no qualms in providing aid to end thy plight, what does thou offer this one in return?"
"I offer the allegiance of myself and my tribe. We will, from this day forth, serve you to the best of our abilities. On this, I swear." Agu speaks with no hesitation as he pours forth all the emotions he had buried the previous night.
"I respect thy courage, and this one accepts your pledge of allegiance. Raise your heads, and tell me more about your plight."
Time seemed to be a blur as Agu sought to tell all that he knew, of his tribe and of his former home. Their current group of refugees was mostly made up of women and children. They had left behind a group of warriors and a few ogres to defend their village. The Beast of the South listened quietly as she took in all that she heard. Agu was only aware of the fact that a few hours had passed when one of his warriors ran into the cave and interrupted the conversation.
The warrior apologized profusely as he brought news that Agu did not expect to hear. The Serpent of the West and his minions had arrived and currently his tribe was in their company. Agu looked towards his new master, and she seemed to gone into deep thought.
"This one was not aware that others existed that could rival myself in strength. It would be worthwhile to meet these fellows."
The goblins did not intend to disagree with their new master and before long, Agu was face to face with another ruler of the forest. The so-called Serpent of the West. Agu gulped as he viewed the long body of the powerful Naga.
Ryraryus observes everything with a sharp eye. He eyed the Beast of the South with an intense gaze as he sought to study her.
His eyes passed over her silver coat of fur, long winding snake-like tail and finally upon her beady black eyes. Within those eyes, he could sense great wisdom and power. Seeing this, he nods with approval and smiles.
"Greetings, Beast of the South. This old one is known as Ryraryus Spenia AI Indarun. You are perhaps more familiar with my title as the Serpent of the West."
"Greetings, Ryraryus-dono. This one lacks a name but is known as the Wise King of the Forest, a title I received from the humans. Thou may refer to me as Wise King."
Ryraryus was surprised to know that the Beast of the South was familiar with humans, and that they had given her such a title.
"Truly a fitting name for one whose eyes shine with such power and wisdom."
His facial expression hardens as he begins to speak about the blight upon the forest of Tob.
"Wise King-dono, I bear grave news of a Gigant Basilisk threat. A herd of the creatures has already destroyed the village of these goblins. It would not be long before they too, make their way here in pursuit."
Agu feels his heart sinks as he hears the news. If it had just been one basilisk, there may have been a slight chance his tribe could have held on, until he could return with the aid of the Beast of the South. He feels despair as he thinks how much havoc a herd of those creatures would be capable of.
"This one agrees with your assessment, what does thou propose we do?"
Ryraryus seemed puzzled for a few minutes until an idea struck him.
"Wise King-dono, you said the humans gave you your title?"
"Yes, that indeed is the truth, Ryraryus-dono, though it was a number of years ago. Why does thou ask?"
"Are you aware of any human settlements in your territory?"
The Wise King ponders the question asked of her and nods.
"Yes, this one vaguely remembers seeing human activity from a settlement not far from my nest."
"I propose making contact those humans. The threat of these Gigant Basilisks far out-exceeds what we can handle. The humans have likely heard of your mighty name, and thus we may be able to win them to our favour. What do you think, Wise King-dono?"
"Your plan has merit, Ryraryus-dono. Yes, we shall do as thou say. Come, let us move with most haste."
The Wise King and her new-found subordinates are accompanied by Ryraryus and his minions as they all head south. Their movements are anxious, but filled with determination. Their very survival hung in the balance, and they all knew it.
…
It was mid-afternoon while the village of Carne was still celebrating their heroes with a feast. Gazef originally planned to decline the offer, but he eventually caved in. His men were weary from days of patrolling the countryside and now they could get some much-needed rest. This feast would do good for both he and the villagers of Carne.
Gazef and Momon sat as the seats of honour in the village square. The villagers had brought out long tables typically reserved for celebrations and now every seat was occupied by either the villagers or by one of Gazef's surviving men.
The villagers of Carne usually had little to spare, but on this occasion, they could not afford to skimp out on celebrating their heroes. Alcohol was given out in moderation, in respect to the warriors on duty and food was aplenty. Various cuts of meats, vegetables bread and fruit lined the long tables and all the those attending the feast enjoyed themselves to the fullest.
As Momon sat in the seat of honour, he silently lamented his undead body. The food and drink he would 'consume' would likely just fall through his bones. He managed to excuse himself from eating by citing religious reasons. He would attend the feast, but he would not touch the food or drink due to him 'fasting.' Momon breathed a sigh of relief as the villagers easily accepted his reasoning. The world was vast and there likely existed many beliefs and religions, thus his reasoning would not be too far-fetched.
Momon smiled warmly as he saw the inhabitants of Carne toasting to the bravery of himself and Gazef. He did not think that the villagers were ungrateful and quite frankly, he was surprised as to the full extent of their gratitude.
'It truly does feel good to be recognized for the work that you've done.' He thought to himself as he laughed watching the awkward young couples of the village dancing. He had to decline many requests from the young women of the village who sought him as a dance partner. Momon was confident of his footwork, but had never danced before in his life.
The villagers capable of playing music happily played their tunes on the few instruments they had available and Momon watched with a faint smile at the celebrations of this simple village. They were poor, and lived harsh lives, and yet they still strived to make the best of their lives. Momon could not help but admire their tenacity, as happiness like this were rare in the world he once lived in.
{Momonga-sama, please excuse this humble servant for interrupting you.} A familiar raspy voice could be heard in his head.
Momon puts a hand up to his ear and whispers quietly so that he would not be heard.
"It is fine. What is your report?"
{A large group of demi-humans are approaching from the forest. A group consisting of mostly Goblins and Nagas. What are your orders, my lord?"}
"Continue observing them, but do not make yourself known. Prevent their escape by all means if we do engage in combat."
He lets his hand drop as he ended the [Message] and looks around the village square. Everyone continued their celebrations as usual. Momon was planning to speak up but before he could, a hunter who had been out in the forest rushed into the village square and ran straight towards Momon and Gazef.
"Momon-sama! I heard the sounds of many footsteps coming from the forest, and when I went to investigate, I saw countless demi-humans approaching!"
Momon looks briefly at Gazef who nods, seemingly coming to the same conclusion. Gazef readies his men for combat as Momon calms all the villagers with his regal voice, promising their safety. The villagers were all worried, but had complete faith in their saviours.
Once everyone had prepared themselves, they all moved towards the north side of the village that bordered with the forest. Momon stood at the head with Gazef as his warriors formed a barrier protecting the villagers who carried any sort of weaponry they could find. The imposter knights had threatened their homes and caught them unawares, but this time they were determined to contribute to the defence of their home.
Soon the group reached the edge of the village and waited anxiously as they scanned the treeline. Only Momon seemed to be at ease and that had a soothing effect on all those present. They did not have to wait for long, as they could all hear the sounds of footsteps rumbling through the forest.
Over the course of a single afternoon, the hardy inhabitants of Carne Village have faced certain death twice, yet they lived to tell the tale. As the villagers celebrate the heroes that saved their lives, they are interrupted by sounds of footsteps coming from the forest. Are they under attack once again, or is there more to this than what it first seems?
Thank you for reading! If you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to share them.
In preparation of writing this chapter, I took a little dive into both the wiki and the LN to see the speech pattern of both Hamsuke and Ryraryus.
Hamsuke mostly speaks in archaic English, and while I am not able to perfectly replicate her speech pattern, I will try my best to keep her speech consistent.
Ryraryus seems to be capable of speaking in both modern and archaic English. His speech in Vol 8 was much more formal when meeting Ainz for the first time, which is understandable. While in Vol 12, his speech has become much more casual as he addresses the envoys of the Holy Kingdom. For the sake of simplicity, I will stick to his speech pattern from Vol 12.
If you've read this far, I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has left reviews. Be they positive or negative, now or in the future, I will always appreciate the feedback that you, the readers, leave me. I hope to improve under your scrutiny, and I am honoured you have taken the time out of your day to read this humble project of mine.