A/N-
Ahhh! I was so genuinely excited about the large number of people tolerating my OC. Yay! I have to ask- do ya like her? She's kind of in likeness to myself, and her and Momingas playful relationship is slightly based off my relationship with my own little brother, who is also, coincidentally, a little over 2 years younger than me.
Thanks for the heads up about all the stupid little typos. Please keep in mind that I will totally keep editing the stuff I post way after the fact as I find the patience for it. I often end up writing all of this on my phone because my personal computer reaally suuucks right now and I often find myself dumping my ideas when they pop into my brain.
Yes. I'm aware the spacing is huge and no I'm not gonna fix it right now, it's too annoying, yes that button at the side blah blah. It's just not working.
I really love reading whatever y'all have to say about what I write, so please feel free to let me know good things and bad things. And now enough of me, onto the story-
———————-
"Well, hey! Look at that! The rings worked!"
Momonga looked highly amused "You're right, it was odd though, it felt strange."
Just by imagining the location they wanted to arrive at, and channeling the mysterious energy they felt in their bodies into the guild ring each had equipped, they were capable of teleporting to anywhere in the Great Tomb of Nazarick. This time, with their first teleportation attempt in this strange new place with living breathing things that were once computer code, they traveled to a medieval style hallway, open on each end, but they were headed in, to the center of the amphitheater, which was made to imitate a gladiator colosseum, on the 6th floor.
Walking down the hallway, Asterix asked Momo a question.
"Heyy… There is a lot of new information to processs…. And although I do agree that we need to give ourselves ample time to think it over and not rush things. I also don't know what we should do with the NPCs. What if they turn on us or hate us? What's our game plan?"
Momonga huffed, though she really didn't know how. "No idea. I was hoping you had something honestly."
Asterix sighed. "I should have expected that much. Are we just gonna go along once we see their reactions to us? Are we planning on ruling over them?"
"1-Ouch, 2-yes, and 3- I guess so? I mean, we are the rulers of the great tomb. Although we may not be fit for the job, if they treat us like royalty in the fashion we programmed the great tomb in, we shouldn't let them down."
Asterix thought this was sweet of him. " I agree. I think that's the best choice we have. For the meantime, let's take care of the NPC's as the rulers they want us the best we can."
"Sounds like a good enough plan for me!"
Asterix was gonna make another snarky comment but was quickly shut up when she finally stepped into the colosseum.
When they made it in the colosseum she couldn't help but stare up in wonder- the entirety of the 6th floor was modeled to look like a beautiful rainforest, courtesy of Blue Planet and Bellriver. In the game it was awesome, an incredible achievement and it was a popular place to hang out, considering here were no forests for anyone to visit IRL, as the entirety of the earth was toxic and dying. But even then, in all its splendor, it still felt stagnant and incomplete, after all, it was still just a game.
But here, in this new reality of theirs, everything was brought to life. The forest felt alive and full of life, they could hear bugs and birds chirping. And the stars.
Here on the 6th floor, Blue planet worked his tail off using a ton of rare materials to make a fake sky that moved with the time, and the stars were simply incredible.
"Wow, Momonga look."
"Yes- I'm looking."
They both got lost for a moment, allowing for a moment of silence, until Momonga suddenly flashed green, confusing Asterix momentarially, allowing them to both get back to work.
Momonga looked around confused, Asterix knew what he was looking for.
"Now where are the twins? Do you think they're asleep?"
To be honest, that made sense. "Oh, shoot I didn't think of-"
"Hey!" A child's voice came shouting out from the VIP stand in the colosseum.
The tiny childlike figure was perched precariously on the rail edge, and proceeded to jump down.
"Oh mY GOS-"
The figure twirled and spun through the air, before landing softly on the ground giving peace signs, giggling.
"Nailed it!"
With closer inspection, Asterix could see that the child was one of the guardians of the 6th floor, Aura Bella Fiora. She was a little dark elf girl in what would normally be classified as boys clothing. In addition to the classic elf features, her skin was slightly more tan and her eyes were different colors, one green and one blue. She was equipped with
red scaled chainmail going down to her wrists and a detailed white vest and pants to match, along with cute little brown boots. The last thing she noticed was her little acorn necklace draped along her hidden collarbones.
Aura ran over to her masters, careful not to get dust on their figures.
"Hello Lord Momonga! Lady Asterix! Welcome to the 6th floors Amphitheater! It's so good to see you, it's been a while!"
"It most definitely has been too long, hasn't it Aura?" Momonga replied. " thank you for the warm welcome.
"Aura Bella Fiora!" Awww crap- full name meant trouble- "you scared the begebies outta me! I should have known you'd be fine, but my goodness that was quite the stunt." Asterix said with a stressed little chuckle.
Aura seemed to shrink a little bit. "Di- Did I anger you, my Lady? I'm I'm so terrib-"
Seeing her distress Asterix was quick to interrupt- "no no not at all! You just shocked me a bit! I really should have known you'd be alright." Asterix said with a happier giggle this time, bending down to ruffle Auras' unkempt short hair. " it was honestly quite impressive."
Auras ears perked up at the reassurance and praise. Leaning into the headpats" Aw! It was nothing'!" She giggled "I guarantee you would do much better than me, Lady Asterix! Your Agility and Dexterity stats are off the chart!"
'Considering I don't even know if I can use my wings yet that sounds unlikely!!!"
Asterix was a little taken aback by the little dark elves' use of game lingo, but she guessed it made sense?
Momonga found his way back into the conversation. "Sorry to intrude Aura, we shall only be here for a short while."
Aura shook her head, quickly and dramatically, it hit her bubbly personality well. " Oh you could never 'intrude', Lord Momonga, Lady Asterix! You are two of the great Supreme Beings of the Tomb, everything and everyone here belongs to and lives to serve you!"
Wh- Well thank you Aura. By the way- where's your little brother at? Is he asleep? I'm afraid I'll need him awake, as I have some information."
"Oh uh- yes!" Aura looked around as if she was expecting him to be there already. "He should still be awake. I'm sorry! I'll get him right away!"
With out warning, Aura skipped a distance over to the VIP tower, and-
"MARE, COME ON ALREADY!"
'Ah. Well she is a kid after all.' Asterix thought to herself after her shock from Auras sudden outburst.
A little shuffle could be heard from the stands-
"COME ON MARE! YOU'RE BEIN RUDE TO LADY ASTERIX AND LORD MOMONGA!" Aura stomped her feet angrily. Asterix thought it was actually kinda cute.
"I- I'm coming!" A shy voice replied- "Can't I just come down the stairs? I- i'll just be a mi-
Aura looked exceedingly annoyed. "MaRE, come ON!"
"F-fine!"
The quiet voice replied, and all the sudden, instead of what was supposed to be a little boy, Asterix saw the outfit of a little girl, the elf had neatly cut hair and bangs, drooping elf ears, blue chain mail instead of red, the same little acorn necklace, and the most drastic difference was the tiny little skirt and knee high socks.
Of course, this was still Mare Bello Fiore, a boy, and this was to be expected.
BukubukuChagama, their creator, made them as cross dressers. 'Because when was Bukubukuchagama normal?'
Asterix made a move to stop the boy- but Momonga reached out an arm to stop her, she looked over at him.
"They are level 100 NPC's, I'm sure he'll be fine, besides, Aura wouldn't make him do anything that would hurt him."
Asterix was gonna retort, but the little boy already jumped, and he landed on two feet, but the landing was most definitely not as graceful.
"C-coming!"
His movements were slower, and he ran like a girl- 'oooh cute little mareeee.'
Hello! Lady Asterix, L-lord Momonga, sorry for making you wait." The cross dressing boy hung his head in shame.
"Truly, it's alright, Mare, please don't fret over it."
"Asterix is right, we do not mind at all. We came here to tell you that there will be a meeting held with all of the floor guardians excluding those from the 5th and the 6ths in one hour."
"Oh-o- ok!"
"Umm- does that include Shalltear too?"
Momonga loooked a little thrown off. "Yes, Shalltear shall be in attendance as well."
At that, the little girl let out a groan and the two supreme beings looked at eachother with confused glances. 'Relationship drama?'
"A-Anyways." The Overlord added. " I was hoping for your assistance with a few tests while we wait" he tapped his staff on the floor.
'Huh, nice dude, not a bad idea.'
Aura and Mare looked absolutely amazed, stars in their eyes as they gazed at the staff. Aura spoke eagerly. "My lord! Isn't that the guild weapon, the one only you can wield?"
Momonga chuckled, "HA, that's right- its materials for creation took collectively hundereds of hours for to create. With the seven different god- level jewels imbedded in its crown it's nearly equivalent to that of a world item - it"
Asterix playfully shoved him in his bony arm. She was very confident that if she allowed him to continue, he would ramble forever. The twins nodded in agreement, their eyes gleaming with fascination, making the two adult shut-ins swell with pride from the praise of small children.
Asterix spoke quickly to not leave a silence after his interrupted monologue. "However, we must go through with a few tests to make sure it matches up with his build and fits his stat load up."
The little elves shook their heads eagerly. "Of course!"
She was glad that excuse worked, it would not be really smooth of her if she was just like, 'yea we totally don't know if we can use magic or not sooo.'
Yea, this was better.
"Would you two mind sending some of the dragon kin to set up dummies for us?"
"It would be our honor!"
After sticking two of her fingers in her mouth, Aura let out a loud whistle which called two big dragoniods to start carrying out some straw figures.
The twins were off working, and Asterix's mind had been working overtime. Ever since she was transported here, through whatever means it was, she could tell that her once-human mind had been greatly enhanced, as she had noticed she was capable of much more than she originally was. I mean, when she was human she wasn't outright stupid, but she was also not capable of thinking of so many different things at once.
Very early on she started dropping the stupid questions such as 'Is this a fever dream?', and started asking herself helpful questions- Answers to which could not remain unanswered for too long for the sake of her sanity. She knew she and Momonga had many different things to discuss.
But there were a few things she wanted to know right now.
"Hey Momo." Asterix asked timidly.
"Yes, Rix? What's wrong?" Momonga asked in a similar tone, as Asterix's behavior was unusual, he had noticed her daze.
"I- I have a lot of questions-" Momonga simply nodded his head in agreement as she continued "I have to know. And I'll respect your answer no matter what.. but I have to ask."
"Not gonna lie, you're scaring me." Asterix half-huffed half-groaned.
"Momonga- If this really is a new world, and all of our NPC's and stuff are loyal and trustworthy.. would you still want to go back?" She asked timidly
Now that was a table flipper. It was truly a loaded question.
He had addressed this question subconsciously but the excitement and the urgency of the situation had suppressed such questions.
Momonga spoke slowly but steadily. "Well.. to be honest, I feel like I had much less than you did back home…. I mean. I know your office job was screwed up, but you loved your babysitting job, wouldn't you want to go back for that?"
To this, Asterix snorted- " As much as I'll miss that bumbling bunch of piglets, you do realize that there will most likely be children to babysit in every world.. Besides- I was thinking about it- and Momo, I'm in an entirely new body."
Momonga paused at this, the truth of her words kicking in, his sister could finally get what she wanted, here. In this 'new world' of sorts.
"But anyway- your dodging the question, what is your answer?"
Momonga let out a long drawn out sigh- he went to answer, but the twins came bumbling over, having finished setting up the straw figures.
"They're ready, my Lord! My Lady!"
Ahh thank you so much, Aura, Mare. Now go ahead and stand off to the side, maybe the VIP stand? We don't want you in the crossfire."
They both nodded, Aura vigorously and Mare more timidly. Huh, their personalities were obvious in the way they shook their heads. That was an amusing thought.
———
With the twins in the stands immediately to their left and their heavy lifters behind Momonga and Asterix, they began their test.
'Hmmmm- now really focusing on it- I feel so much stronger than I did before, I feel strong and agile, in fact, I've been standing for a while now but I have no need to pop my back or shift my weight, I'm most definitely a level 100 being.'
' I- I also feel my magic, question mark?'
Although she had no idea what magic was supposed to feel like, by paying close attention, she would feel a weird warmth and jello-y feeling radiating throughout her body. It felt flexible yet strong, giving her firm, like an unbreakable vine in the form of a pleasantly warm-but-also-somehow-cold liquid form flowing throughout her body.
Asterix was 99% certain, this couldn't be anything but her magic. It was like a mysterious flowing mist flowing through her veins and orbiting around her body. It was otherworldly.
"Momonga? I think I got it?" She stated it as a question.
"I- me too, but let's do those tests anyways."
"I was hoping you'd say that."
Momonga lifted up his dominant hand- the one not holding the staff, and he cast a [fireball] a tier 3 spell.
Asterix grinned as she watched the magic swirl and burn the target to ashes- how utterly amusing. God, the way the fire moved and swayed, all consuming with its fierce glow- it was gorgeous.
"Woooo- someone's a bit of an arsonist!"he said in a sing-songy fashion. Momonga saw the gleam in her eye, and knew the look well.
She blushed slightly "Pffft, uhhh, no I'm not! I was just fascinated is all."
"Uhhh huhhh- sure- just, go ahead and give it a shot"
"Ok- ummm- [Flame]"
MOMONGA POV-
Momonga was slightly confused when the flame originating from the palm of her hand was very dense, but his confusion was only increasing when he saw the magnitude of the damage the phoenixes spell had cause once it was launched.
The flame was simply incredible- intense and strong and bold. It was dense and beautiful, dancing in circles around its once target, which had long since been turned to ash.
'Ohhhh that's right!'
'The Pheonix had a very special skill given to her directly from the game devs after completing a series of challenges on the Pheonix Territory at Helheim, one of Ygddrasil's nine worlds. The skill was called [Chosens Flames]. And it basically acted to boost any flame skills power drastically. Anyone could get it, but the Pheonix was basically dying to get it when it came out in one of the updates. Combined with her racial trait giving her a natural affinity for fire, her fire spells were mean.
After this, the dummied were gone, and both the twins jumped down in awe over the fire spells demonstrated by the Pheonix, and the sheer force of the that the skeleton was capable of wielding.
" wow! Oh my gosh!" Aura half-screamed, running over. Despite the fact that she was a highly feared floor guardian, the supreme beings realized she was truly just a child at heart.
Mare looked up with sparkles in his eyes."T-Truly amazing, my Lady!"
The Phoenix stood proudly, as did the lich. Both were too shy to admit that they were both holed up enough that the compliments of children had them flattered. Also they were freakin pumped they had just used magic, it was invigorating.
Asterix just wanted to go crazy, go nuts, get all this excess energy out. She wasn't used to her body working so fast, both in a physical and mental capacity. She wanted to fly.
Momonga turned to look at his sister, but she wasn't there, he looked left and right, all around him, like a kid lost in a grocery store. When he felt a sudden weight on his shoulders.
"Boo"
"BGAH"
The Pheonix he was searching for perched on his shoulders. Effectively scaring the crap out of em'.
"What in the hel- " Momonga remembered there were kids in the room. "What are you doing?"
The perched bird grinned mischievously. "I'm just testing my agility. And man is it fun to be fast. Woo-hoo!"
'She's acting like a five year old child. Ah well, I might have behaved the same way if I had that much energy, I imagine she must be bouncing of the walls right now.'
The phoenix was one of the few players in the game that heavily focused on her agility. Her defenses weren't bad at all, but they weren't on par with your average level 100 player. Instead, she made up for it with her ability to dodge.
"Ya know" Momonga teased, looking up at her, "Yer basically just a parrot right now?"
"Oh shut up." She tightened her grip on his shoulders, but her frown was quickly replaced with a smile, evidently forgetting the offense entirely.
"I'm totally gonna go fly outside and act like a child later." She giggled like a toddler.
Momonga laughed at this, "if you wouldn't mind, I'd love to join you."
The bird-woman got down from her perch, "of course!"
Aura and Mare were awed. Seeing the supreme beings chill and kind like this was always a wonderful sight. They adored the little antics between their different masters.
Aura turned to her brother, half- whispering. "What kind of speed would it even take to take Lord Momonga by surprise?"
"I-I don't know sis- by- but the way Lord Momonga holds himself- he's so cool!"
Currently, a clueless skeleton was trying to think of another quick snarky remark, but he suddenly remembered the twins present in from of them. 'Ok, that was embarrassing, what was I supposed to be doing again? Oh right"
The Elder ouch cleared his throat.
"Aura, Mare, back up for a second, as promised, I'll show you the might of the staff."
They both looked delighted and excited, even if Mare was just the slightest bit fearful.
"Yes, Lord!"
Momonga raised the staff in his left hand, admiring the way the light bounced off somehow drawing attention to its every detail.
He focused on dumping the magical energy he was previously expelling into the open air into the magical staff instead, until he -by some unknown force- knew that he gave enough Mana to fulfill the requirements for the summoning.
His voice boomed "[Summon- Primal Fire Elemental]"
There was a sudden heavy wind along with a heavy flash of heat. The twins hid behind the dragonoids while Momonga put his bony arm in front of his face instinctually to protect himself from the flash heat. Although a moment later, he realized it didn't actually hurt at all. In alarm for his sister he looked over, just to see her with her arms and wings open, in a welcoming fashion.
'Oh, I guess this is nice for a Phoenix.'
The wind subsided, and before them stood a towering monster of flames, which let out a mighty roar.
Not gonna lie, it was rather intimidating.
"Aura, Mare, would you like to fight it?" Their lord asked them.
Aura's face lit up. "Can we truly, my lord?"
"Be my guest."
Aura looked devilishly thrilled at this, almost creepily so, Mare looking exceedingly nervous.
"I-I think I actually have some errands to-
"Nope- not a chance, Mare~" Aura grabbed her retreating brother despite his protests as the Overlord commanded the summon.
"Primal Elemental, I command you to fight the Dark Elf Twins!"
The beast took the challenge eagerly, and they began to fight.
Aura was up in the combat, whip in hand, jumping every which way around the flaming beast, Mare cast perfectly timed support spells and attack spells- they were clearly well-versed in the art of fighting, they were a formidable duo.
ASTERIX AGAIN-
She looks over at his brother, hand to his temple.
"What are you doin?
"I'm trying to cast a message, see if anyone is there."
She waited a couple minutes.
"Anything?"
Momonga morosely shook his head, "None"
"I tried everyone from the guild, gamemasters, allies, but no one."
"Maybe someone logged on before the end and were taken here with us, but they're out of range?"
The Pheonix suggested optimistically. He nodded in response
"That's what I was thinking, we must stay hopeful. But on the chance that there are other players here or strong beings outside the tomb, we must be cautious, we might be lambs for the slaughter in this new place."
Asterix huffed, "one step at a time," elbowing him lightly, tryna lift the mood.
Momongas eyes lit up (literally) and he raised a hand to silence her momentarially, lifting a hand to his temple.
"Yes, Sebas?"
The Pheonix understood, and her eyes lit up as well. 'His message spell connected to Sebas'
"No, Sebas, it is of no issue. Here are your orders, hold your report and send the maids with you to reunite with the rest of the Pleiades at the entrance to the ninth floor. We will need security for the duration of the meeting. They can work shifts in groups of two for rest."
"No, no, if they have items, it is fine. Sebas, I need you to report to the Amphitheater in 20 minutes, contact shalltear if you need a gate. I have collected the floor guardians for an emergency meeting, you can give your report here."
Asterix watched dumbfounded as he paused for a moment, and finally took his bony fingers away from his temple.
"Sebas is coming to report his findings at the meeting. Also, remind me to tell you something later."
Asterix responded "Speaking of bringing up previous conversations, you still haven't told me if you wanted to stay."
Momonga turned to face his sister. He let out a huff.
"Now, if you weren't here, I would have tried my hardest to go back to you. But.. since your here.. I really don't have anything else to go back for.. mom and Dad are gone. Both of our main office jobs suck. I wish the guildmates were here but they had other stuff. I guess, I'm trying to say that I don't mind staying here forever."
The phoenix stared at her brother.
Such an option. A future in a new home, a new body, with new friends, in an entirely new world?
Nothing could be better in her eyes.
"I agree Momo- if your willing, I'd like to stay here, in this world, earth or Ygddrasil or whatever it is." She went to hug him. Such a prospect, the idea of getting a second chance, was so exciting!
He hugged her back. "I would too," he chuckled. "One step at a time"
They quickly pulled apart, when they heard the elven twins - particularly the sisters- whoops and celebratory cries, having taken down the elemental, they ran toward their masters.
"My lord! Did you see? Did you see us?"
Despite the fact that they were monster killing, whip welding, magicasting, murderous subordinates, they were also attention starved children. 'What an interesting combination.'
"Yes, yes" He replied, chuckling, messing with their hair, "that was quite the spectacle."
"Definitely, well done you too, Buku would be impressed." She pulled them into a hug "Aw you guys are just too cute!"
They practically glowed at that compliment.
"Awe shucks! Hehe-he"
Asterix let go unwillingly, and smiled at the twins.
She saw Momonga stare at the twins for a moment, after he got his fill of messing with their hair, which they seemed to thoroughly enjoy, he apparently noticed the sweat dripping down their faces, and he began to reach one skeletal hand out into nothing…?
'What?'
He put his other hand in the hole as well. It disappeared into what looked like a hole in space, until both hands came out, one clutching two cups and one, a magical item [infinite pitcher] it was just a simple pitcher that held an infinite amount of ice-cold drinking water, most players had one.
Suddenly it made sense for Asterix. 'Oh! It's his inventory!'
He poured two drinks and offered them to the twins, but he was quickly met with resistance.
Aura and Mare went nervous. "Please, I couldn't take something from you my Lord, Im fine!
"Y-yes, as my sister said, I-I can use water magic."
"Oh please, it's already here. Truly, it's not a big deal. Take it."
They looked up at him with wonder, love and admiration.
"T-thanks, Lord Momonga!"
"Yea really! To think you'd pour drinks for us!"
They took the cups timidly, but quickly began to drink to sate their dry throats.
Even with drinking, their personalities were obvious. Aura drinking quickly and Mare taking sips. Asterix pretended to pout.
"Aww Momo you aren't even gonna offer me anything?"
'Momo' scoffed, "Oh please, you're a Pheonix, you don't get overheated." He playfully pat her on the head too, much to her mild annoyance. "Maybe when you do something good I'll get you something." His tone was dripping sarcasm.
"Oi!!"
Shortly after putting the cups away, they noticed a small black hole appear out of thin air.
" Oh? Am I the first to arrive?" The child's voice asked.
The one who emerged from the portal was barely taller than Aura, her name was Shalltear Bloodfallen, a True Vampire made Lolli. She wore a deep purple victorian style dress with a bonnet, both of which sported pink accents and delicate lace details. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail by a large striped bow.
"Ugh- and here she is- the one and only-" the female Dark elf cast the True Vampire a raspberry. Shalltear shuddered in apparent disgust in response.
"Ugh! You child! You should really learn how to show some manners to those stronger than you."
To this Aura rolled her eyes and used her go-to comeback- (not that she ever would before this because she was previously a computer).
"Fake boobs"
The vampire doll turned around, hands over her chest, "Excuse you?"
"Ha! As I thought!" The female dark elf grinned victoriously. "Dang, your so defensive about it, your stuffed bra~"
The Vampire lashed out at her words.
"Oh shut up! You're just jealous I have more than you- simpleton!
——-
[Message]
Asterix-"Oi! It worked!l"
Momonga- " Well done I guess-"
Asterix - "Shut up! Anyway, keep this message active incase we need it, it looks like we can leave our hands down, probably since we are in close range.
Momonga- "sounds good,"
Asterix-"Ah- it's Peroroncino's creation! Didn't he dump, like, the entire fetish wiki into her bio or something?"
Momonga let out a mental sigh- "I wouldn't doubt it."
——-
It was time for her to speak out loud.
"Hello, Shalltear, thanks for making it here so quickly."
"Of course, my Lady, my Lord! When I heard we were having a meeting, I knew I just had to get here early so I could once again be witness to your glorious forms~"
'Hoooo I am not into girls. Now I'm uncomfy'
Momonga looked just as uncomfortable as Shalltear went to clutch at his robes.
"Ugh, let him go, Shalltear. You're just so clingy." Aura let out an exasperated sigh.
Asterix noticed how poor Marr was slowly backing away from the two, he clearly wanted nothing to do with this.
"Oh, shut up, your just a little child!" Shalltear retorted, but Aura put up her arms in a so/so motion.
"Well I still have time to grow, I'm only 76 years old! Unlike you, you're stuck in a child's body forever." Aura said with an unfriendly grin.
Shalltear was about to lash back, once again, but a deep voice boomed out.
"Watch your language, both of you. You stand before two supreme beings."
The voice belonged to a huge, ice-blue, insectoid with four arms and a tail. Even from over here, Asterix could feel his chill aura, competing with her own aura of heat. She tried to suppress it.
The girls realized their arguing was inappropriate considering their masters were present, and they were quick to apologize!
"Please forgive me, Masters!"
"I ask for forgiveness, Supreme ones!"
"You are forgiven." Momongas voice boomed out. "Watch that it doesn't happen again in such situations."
"Yes, Lord!" They bowed in a synchronized motion.
The Lich turned back to recognize the Bipedal Bug beast. "Welcome Cocytus, it's good to see you."
"It has been a while, Cocytus." Asterix chilled in.
"Truly. I'm blessed to have the privilege to be in your presence once again, Supreme ones."
One more figure came from the Amphitheater entrance, accompanied by Albedo.
"Good Evening, my Lord, my Lady. It appears I'm the last to arrive, please forgive my tardiness."
"Oh Demiurge, don't fret over it, your right on time."
"Ah Demiurge, welcome." The ElderLich acknowledge. She noticed her brother was stiff, but it was probably because of nerves. "Thanks for traveling so far."
"My Lord! There is no need to thank me, I shall always come when you call."
To be fair, she was nervous too- she was so nervous to see the Guardians behavior.
Out of all of them, both her and Momonga knew that, out of all of them, they needed to impress Demiurge the most- he was the head of Defenses, and although his stats weren't incredibly intimidating, if the lore on his character sheet was to be believed, he was an evil mastermind, so much so that he was never given the title of 'Leader of defenses', for, in case of emergency, he would be the one to arrange the guardians for combat.
They couldn't risk letting the mastermind hate them.
Demiurge was a handsome devil (literally) as he was a demon, the creation of her good friend, Ulbert Alain Odle. He held himself like gentleman, the way he moved, he held himself, he was fluid and graceful, much like Sebas, the butler.
He wore a crimson suit orange stripes with a white undershirt and with black gloves and pants. His body lean-built, his skin was tan and his features bold and pronounced. He had black hair that swept back and his eyes were, oddly incredibly squinted, but one who was looking closely would be able to see a shiny glimmer past his circle glasses- the shine came from the shining crystals that took place of his eyes.
Everyone started to gather, Albedo had arrived and they had exchanged pleasantries, everyone was assembled, but something was off.
Cocytus seemed to hesitate, he was an awkward distance away, and he seemed to be contemplating what to do.
The Pheonix looked at the hesitant figure, "Cocytus, you look conflicted. What's wrong?
The insectoid stumbled in his words. "I, um, my Lady, I mean no offense, but.."
"If I may- my lady? Demiurge spoke, a slight growl in his voice.
"Forgive my intrusion my lady, he's simply afraid his frost aura might not clash well with your natural emission of heat."
The lightbulb clicked.
"Ohhh! Forgive my ignorance, it's been a while, hasn't it? Give me just a moment, Cocytus."
Asterix pulled in her heat aura as much as she could, until it was very faint and under control, it was annoying to do, but she could stand it for the duration of the meeting.
Cocytus had a good enough defense to where, with her suppressing her aura, she would no longer cause any damage or discomfort. She realize that standing in each other's presence with no protection, would still do little to no damage, but it might be slightly uncomfortable for both parties involved, like putting an ice cube in a sauna, or a lit match in the freezer, it just wasn't natural. Cocytus simply didn't want to cause one of his rulers any amount of discomfort.
The hairpiece Asterix was wearing- the one she never unequipped in-game- served no other purpose, other than to make the wearer immune to temperature and extreme weather. It was a divine item gifted to her from the guild due to her lack of resistance to cold-damage when she first started out.
The whole process took less than a second.
Asterix spoke, trying to appear regal,desperately hoping she wasn't failing. "Alright then, come forward. Cocytus, I appreciate your kindness, Demiurge, thanks for your assistance as well."
"Why of course, my Lady." They said in unison. Demiurge's ears went slightly pink at the tips, cute.
Cocytus's mandibles shuttered. She had never seen that before and she didn't speak insectoid, so she had no idea what that meant.
Albedo made her way the the front of the line up, and all of the sudden, the Guardians fell to their knees.
"Now, for the vow of fidelity.
'The what of what?'
"All of us here take absolute pride in being able to serve the Supreme ones, and we shall follow through with any orders we are given, whether that demands us to traverse the world or give up our lives, we are at your service, Supreme One's. This, we vow." Albedo spoke for them
The voices of all the guardians chimed together.
"We serve and obey, forever and always. This, we vow."
The sheer volume of their collective determination and will was tangible, it was dense. There was no disputing this claim of theirs, it came from the heart, overbearing and extreme though it may be, it was true.
'Well that's one issue handled.'
A steric was honestly exceedingly releived, she was scared of what might happen to the NPC's after the switch, what they would be like, but in the end, they were pretty much what she expected, they followed their flavor text, but she still though the subject needed further investigation.
However, just because that problem was solved didn't mean she felt at peace. If anything, it brought only more questions, she watched as her brother got slowly more and more tense, until, it was like he unraveled, losing control of his passive [Aura of Despair V]
Already almost loose, Asterix's aura flew out in a wave. She was just barely able to keep it from touching Cocytus, as she was determined not to hurt him.
She needed to talk to Momo, and fast.
———-
[Message]
Asterix- "You're the freaking guildmaster- got a plan?
Momonga- "Nope, gonna bullshit it."
Asterix- "Not surprised, but do the bullshiting now because they're waiting."
Momonga- "goddam-"
———-
Momonga raised his arms in an almost theatrical display. His death aura did not disappear, but it dissipated significantly. Asterix let hers disappear entirely as Momonga began to speak. "Wonderful my guardians! I have no doubt you shall be able to fulfill your duties without fail!"
Finally- they seemed to relax ever so slightly, a tiny, minuscule amount.
"Raise your heads"
Their heads snapped up in one fluid motion, as if they were all being puppeteer by one person. Like they had practiced or something. Asteric probably would have found such a though heavily amusing if she wasn't so overwhelmed by her predicament.
Momonga spoke. "Once again. Let me thank you for coming on such short notice at such early hours- the time now was just barely past one in the morning. Odd hours for a meeting, to say the very least."
Albedo spoke for the guardians as their head. "Please, my Lord. Quite literally, we live to serve. We were created to carry out any task you ever desire. It is an honor." As preposterous as it would seem, it looked like all of the guardians agreed with the notion.
"I-I see." Momonga opted to not thank them again because he had a feeling it would turn into a 'thank you- no thank you' kinda thing, and those were always hard to break.
"On today's topic of discussion, we have not gathered here for a simple reunion, in fact, much has changed. I fear we are in a new area, a new world possibly, with thousands of unknowns."
This got a reaction.
Sebas approached, Momonga motioned for him to hold his tongue and allow Asterix to speak, as it was clear she had something on her mind.
"I must ask a question. Albedo"
"Yes, my lady?"
"Do you remember the discussion I was having with Momonga before the transport? What I said about 'the end?'"
She needed to know. How come the NPC's weren't confused, they were all acting like they were always alive, not just computer bits. Did they have memories? Could they remember their creators, old interactions?
" umm. Yes my Lady. If I could be so bold as to quote you, you said that Ygddrasil was ending."
This got a huge shock from all the guardians present, the twins even let out a small squeak, all of them were trembling, dying to speak.
Asterix looked to Momonga,
———-
[Message]
Asterix- 'we're gonna have to answer questions-'
Momonga- 'Shit'
————
Momonga motioned with his hand, holding up a palm. "Please, allow Asterix to explain."
'Ohhh, fuck you'
She'd have to get back at him for this later.
She had herself 10 seconds to think,mostly so she would stutter over her world, which unfortunately still happened. "Fo-For certain reasons- unknown reasons- since the strike of the clock at 12, there have been several small changes. Me and Momonga have both noticed differences in our figures, bodies, and skill sets, the way we cast magic is different, my ailments from IRL are gone, and, most importantly, me and Momonga are 99% positive we are in an entirely new world."
The guardians sucked in a breath. Their minds racing. Demiurge in particular, A/N: but, if we're being fair, when was he not overthinking things?
"Has anyone noticed anything weird on their respective floors at the strike of 12? Please answer truthfully and honestly."
After a long moment of silence, a brave vampire spoke up. "There have been no huge differences, my lady, but it appears that some of the auto spawns seem to have turned on us. Of course, my Vampire brides quickly immobilized them, as none were above level 15. Please forgive me, as I have no idea what would have caused them to behave so. I'll accept any punishment." Her forehead approached the floor.
"No punishment will be imposed. Thank you for your honesty. Is that the same for the rest of you?"
"Yes, Lady Asterix." They voiced in mass.
"Understood, anything else?"
After a moment of silence, confirming no more oddities- Momonga spoke. "I appreciate your efforts. For what to do with them is up to you individually. It appears they lost the ability to tell friend from foe and they lost the rest of their mental capabilities. Each floor guardian had the right to use them as they see fit, since they are not loyal, you can dump them in pits or holes designed for no escape, or simply kill them, I can create more of what you might need anytime you ask it." Momonga looked to his sister, who nodded her approval.
"Thank you, my Lord, you are too kind."
Momonga spoke once more after a moment that felt like an eternity had passed. "Sebas. Please tell us your findings.
——
"Grasslands?"
"Just grass? In nighttime?
"Yes, My Lady." The butlers expression remained stoic and unmoving. " Nothing but grasslands for at least two kilometers in all directions."
After a quick pause- Asterix spoke. " I believe we should take steps to ensure the defenses are solid with the lack of low-level summons first, I'll figure out a work schedule and we'll go from there. Is that fine with you 'Momo?"
Momonga nodded his approval. "That sounds appropriate. For the forseeable future, please continue your duties monitoring while also striving to strengthen securities. Defense Cooridnator Demiurge and Guardian Overseer Albedo will Co-lead this Operation. Any issues can be taken to me or Asterix as needed."
"Yes, Lord!"
"Aura, Mare, is there any way for us to conceal the tomb that you can think of?"
After a moment, Mare spoke.
"I-Umm, it would be difficult only using magic. B-but- if we disguised the walls with dirt and vegetati-"
At this, Albedo snapped- "you want to smear Nazaricks Great Walls with Dirt?!" She seethed.
The flame Aura around Asterix flared again. "Albedo! I'm currently speaking with Mare. Hold your tongue." The Pheonix did not scream, which made it scarier. "The rest of you. Do not judge a fellow guardian so hastily. It's shameful."
The other guardians flinched at her words- in truth- they did judge the cross-dressing elf boy. They should have shown more restraint. They wanted to apologize but they did not want to speak out of turn.
"My- my apologizes my lady." Cocytus relented.
"You are forgiven. All of you" Asterix quickly moved on, they learned, and she wasn't gonna press on it.
"Thank you, Aura, for supporting your brother, that's what us older sisters are meant to do."
Although they had just been ridiculed, this threw most of the guardians off. Although Sebas, Albedo, and the twins knew, from previous conversations they heard between the other supreme beings, the rest were clueless. The terminology she just used implied she was also an older sister.
Demiurge, greatly confused and propelled my intense curiosity, gathered himself. "My Lady, if I may be so bold, I believe I might have misheard you, of course, I'm certain you spoke correctly but I don't know what you meant by 'us older sisters'"
"What?"
Demiurge flinched hard, expecting severe repercussions.
"Oh, you didn't know? Momo is my little brother."
Everyone froze. Shaking, they didn't want speak out of turn but-
She sensed their desire "You.. may speak?"
"Oh my goodness!"
"T-Truly?!?"
"I had no idea."
"What a truly strong family!"
"I should have known."
Aura seemed delighted, looking at Shalltear eagerly.- "See, see?! Older sisters are cool!"
They were all taken aback yet very pleased to see Asterix laughing lightheartedly, yet quickly taking her position beside Momonga once again.
Asterix felt that this revenge was only slightly satisfying, as Momongas figure, with a hand up to his face, was not nearly enough retribution for what he did to her earlier,
Momonga was clearly seeking an exit. "Mare, your plan will work great, if there are no other hills, work with Sebas's insight to create a natural looking landscape. The pride of Nazarick is not so weak as to be tainted with a bit of dirt."
"Y-yes, my lord! I will do you p-proud!" The little elf blushed.
Momonga looked back at the kneeling figures. "Lastly, I have one question for all of you. I want you to answer it truthfully. In your own words, tell me how you see me and my sister- Shalltear, you first."
"You my lord, are beauty incarnate, no one can compare to your undead figure. Your magical might a sight to behold. Lady Asterix's feminine charm is also unmatched, and her nickname as 'bringer of Karma' rings true." The Vampire was on the verge of tears.
"Cocytus-"
"A man who takes on all challenges prepared and determined. Truly, you are fit to Lead the great Tomb. Lady Asterix's intelligence, speed and magical influence is great, but her heart for others is the most impressive of all."
"Mare-"
"Y- you are both s-so kind and caring!"
"Aura-"
"Intimidating, and powerful! Truly amazing!"
"Demiurge-"
"Your cunning and intelligence completely outmatches my own, along with your bravery. Our Lady's stratigizing intelligence and determination is also unmatched, along with her true genuine care and dedication to us NPC's, along with yourself. You both are truly unpredictable, fitting the definition 'inscrutable'"
"Sebas-"
"Truly, a natural-born leader. No one was better fit for the position as guildmaster. Lady Asterix has the biggest heart out of anyone I've ever met,
but on the battlefield she is a force to reckon with. Truly, your kindness for staying behind with us is more than we could ever deserve."
"And lastly, Albedo."
"Lady Asterix's healing magic and sheer speed and agility is unparalleled. She is merciful and kind, and merciless and evil, truly amazing. Lord Momonga is the absolute best man in the entirety of the world, the one I devote myself to, and the one I call my love."
There was a moment of silence. Until Momonga let out a hearty, somehow regal laugh. "Wonderful my guardians. I have heard your thoughts and you have received your orders. Now, go work faithfully in our names."
"Yes!"
And with that, both Asterix and Momonga disappeared.
———-
OK, authors note here. I realized I had two different ideas for how the guardians would figure out that Asterix and Momonga were siblings, and I couldn't just pick one of them, so I chose to write both. Fill in whichever one you like better, and the other scene would just play out how it did in the anime/light novel. Lemme know which you prefer. K, sorry about that!.
It took a moment after both of their masters disappeared before any of the Guardians felt brace enough to stand back up, but after a second's pause, Albedo made her way to her feet, brushing the small amount of dirt off her dress, and the other Guardians followed her lead.
Surprisingly, the timid Mare spoke first.
"W-wow…"
Aura nodded her head aggressively "For real! That was really scary."
Cocytus voiced his agreement. "I. Knew. The. Supreme. Ones. Were. Stronger- I. Had. No. Idea. By. How. Much."
Demiurge spoke his part "Truly, our lords are a spectacle. Despite the urgency and nature of the situation, they are calm and controlled, simply incredible."
Albedo turned around, stars in her eyes "wasn't it simply amazing?! My Lord was so intimidating and regal, truly, the pinnacle of might, and leader of all supreme beings. I can't imagine a title more grand!"
All of the NPC's nodded in agreement, but Aura and Mare had more to add.
"They weren't like that at all when they were alone with us a second ago, they were super playful and kind, they complimented us, and even got us something to drink when they saw we were thirsty!"
Mare pitched in, nodding his head aggressively, "Lady Asterix even offered to play with us later!"
They knew their lords were kind and generous, but for them to be so selfless was a gift. The jealousy in the air was almost tangible, although many weren't sure about the playing part, their lord's generosity was something they wanted to be a part of.
All of them made comments about it, until one demon noticed a particular Vampire's absence from the conversation.
"Uhm, Shalltear? Are you alright?"
The girl in question sat unmoving on the floor.
"Are. You. I'll?"
"No, no, I'm fine." Her head turned up, her eyes were watery in the corners. "Just their power was so overwhelming that I- I- ehe."
EW
The floor guardians quickly went to move on, but suddenly, a strong bloodlust began to form behind them.
A normally mostly normally-behave succubus suddenly went feral, a smile forming, stretching from ear to ear in a way that as all but natural and reassuring.
"You DISGUSTING LAMPREY."
A similar bloodlust formed from the blonde lollicon figure and thus Demiurge made a swift exit, allowing the remaining female guardian, the lovely Aura, to deal with the cat fight herself. Much to her distress, naturally.
The other male floor guardians also retreated, and it resulted in an interesting conversation.
"You know." Demiurge started, "Despite their continuous cat fights, I do see why they are so desperate. I mean, it would be absolutely lovely if Nazarick had an heir."
Both Cocytus and Mare looked up in confusion at the demon.
"What. could. you. possibly. mean?"
Demiurge smile widened, " I mean it would be fantastic if our lords decided to have an heir, a child. Think about it, one day, given the worst comes and Lord Momonga and Lady Asterix decide to make their way back to the other supreme beings, we will still have someone of their bloodline to pledge fidelity to."
"B-but! That should never happen!"
Cocytus agreed in full, anger was obvious through the increasing amount of cold air. "Mare. is. Right. If. We. Do. Our. Jobs. Right. They. Should. Never. Leave."
Demiurge nodded in agreement. "Why yes, that would be ideal. In fact, I can hardly imagine a world without them." The male guardians present momentarially shivered at the prospect "but imagine, being able to pledge outselves to his line."
Cocytus seemed lost in thought, but then- "That. sounds. Amazing! I. would. be. Uncle. Cocytus!"
Mare seemed a little lost why Albedo and Shalltear would be needed, or of the entire conversation in general, but Demiurge largely ignored that, deciding that a Sex-Ed class was not appropriate for the current situation.
Aura called over to them. "Oi! Can I have some assistance please, they are done with the cat fight, but now they are just arguing!" Aura looked utterly defeated, if not somewhat amused.
Shalltear was still seething. "Stay out of this Elf-girl! This is MY fight!"
Albedo seemed to rejoice. "Ooooh- did I hit a nerve with the bug bi-"
"SHUT UP."
"D-Demiurge?" Mare finally spoke up again. "What about Lady Asterix? Who would she have an heir with?"
At this, the demon was flustered, as he didn't know how to address the question, although he didn't have to at all, because a vampire cut in, all her bloodlust seemingly vanishing.
She rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, Mare dear, it obviously has to be Lord Momonga, right?"
At this, the entire amphitheater went silent.
Cocytus stopped ranting about neices, Sebas's stoic expression faltered, Demiurge twitched like mad, Aura looked utterly disappointed with the vampire, and Albedo, although uncomfortable at first, started laughing like a fool at Shalltears expense.
"Ha~Haaaaaaaa~! Oh, oh my gosh. Shalltear, you fool! You don't know?
Poor Shalltear was positively confused. "I-what, what did I possibly say wrong? Did I do something funny?" She asked innocently.
Demiurge felt the need to question. "Shalltear, what gave you the impression that Lord Momonga and Lady Asterix had romantic interest in eachother?
At this, Shalltear scoffed at everyone else's ignorance. "Are you serious? Come on, it's obvious. From the way they joke around, they smile radiantly at each other, the way they laugh with each other. That's what you do with a romantic interest, even I knew that one." She stated it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Aura looked completely crestfallen. "Shalltear, you dummy, Lord Momonga is Lady Asterix's younger brother."
…
"Whaaaaatt?!?!??"
———-
With them both finally out of the scrutinizing gaze of the NPC's, they both visibly slumped.
"They think so incredibly high of us."
Momonga nodded in silent agreement, allowing silence to take hold for several moments.
Momonga spoke first "Oi, not bad, thanks a bunch."
"No problem, you jackass. I'm totally getting back at you for putting me on the spot back there sometime."
Momonga shuddered.
Asterix was gonna continue giving him crap for it, but she was interrupted when she yawned, she had been running on adrenaline this whole time but, now that she was out of the thick of it, she was exausted.
Momonga noticed this, and it totally made sense, with it being so late, additionally considering that so much had happened.
"Sister, we will have a lot to do soon, we should both probably try to get some rest, I'll call you to my office later in the morning."
Asterix shook her head 'yea', gave her brother a quick hug, and hastily teleported to her bedroom.
She barely stripped herself of her shoes before she fell asleep.
A/N- ok- second chapter done! Let me know what you think.