Natural Warrior
Chapter 2: Arrival

Disclaimer: I do not own Overlord or any of the characters involved except Guardian N. Nature

Momonga leaned back into his throne and made a gesture for the guards to stand down. Nature nodded his thanks as he came close to the throne. Albedo growled and ground her teeth in frustration as Nature did not bow to Momonga.

"Now then, as I said previously; my people are looking for powerful allies, and you made our list. I've been sent to ask for your assistance."

Momonga nodded, "Can you tell me more about the situation? Why are you going to war for instance?"

Nature shrugged as he casually slid to lean on his left foot, "My people, as our name implies, are Guardians. We protect the Worlds from outside influence. Our counterparts, the Corruptors, are those who have sworn to use the resources available in the Worlds for their own gain."

"Do you believe they would come here?" Momonga asked.

"If you prove yourselves enough of a target."

"What would make us a target?"

Nature thought for a moment, "First you'd have to have something they want. I'd say your vault of World-class items would be a good start."

The whole room tensed as he mentioned them, "How do you know about those?"

"Ah, apologies. There is a Guardian of Time who provides insights into the Worlds we visit. He peered into the future and informed of your use of the items later on."

Momonga pondered what Nature was telling him, putting a bony finger on his chin.

"If I may continue?"

"Please."

Nature nodded his thanks, "In addition to having a worthwhile target, you'd have to prove yourselves easy enough to take the items from. Which, given how powerful Nazarick is, would make any Corruptor think twice about attacking you by themself."

"So you're saying we have nothing to worry about from these… Corruptors?"

Nature shook his head, "For the moment maybe. But given enough time, they might be able to amass a force strong enough to take the Tomb of Nazarick, and when they do they will not stop at simply taking your items. They know the risk of leaving an enemy at their back. Any world they take from they purge from existence."

Momonga's eyes widened in shock, "You're saying they would destroy this whole world just to be sure we wouldn't go after them?"

Nature nodded, "They've done it in the past. Which brings me to now. Their behavior and actions have caused enough problems for us. We're taking the fight to them to end this permanently. Can we count on your assistance?"

Momonga went to reply but was cut off as Sebas appeared in a blur.

"M'lord Momonga. The lands surrounding the Tomb of Nazarick are vastly different in all directions than previously."

"What do you mean?"

"It seems like we have been teleported to an unknown destination," Sebas elaborated.

Nature crossed his arms as he watched the conversation.

Momonga noticed the movement and looked at him, "Perhaps we might prove our mutual use to one another? What is the saying… 'you scratch my back…"

"And you scratch mine," Nature finished, "Very well. What would you have me do?"

"As you just heard, we have been teleported to an unknown land. We'll need information on how to proceed. Perhaps some of that foresight you were given by your companion might be beneficial here?"

Nature shook his head, "Unfortunately I wasn't given specifics. Think of it as the cliff notes version. I was told you used World-Class Items, but not when or why."

"Was there any information about this new locale?"

Nature shook his head again, "I'm sorry. But I can help you scout the area and report back."

Momonga nodded, "Yes, please. Sebas. Take our guest to the perimeter and have him examine the area."

Sebas nodded before standing and turning to Nature, "Please follow me, sir."

The pair turned and departed the throne room. Once they were through the door and the closing slam echoed to them Albedo erupted.

"Lord Momonga! How were you able to keep your calm with that insect!?" she shouted.

Momonga turned to her, "What do you mean Albedo?"

"For him to so casually approach and speak with one of the Supreme Beings! And to ask for our assistance like that! He should've been begging for you to spare his life, not asking for your aid!"

Momonga was taken aback by her fervor, but then he remembered the personas he and his friends had portrayed in the game.

"I guess I'm supposed to be the evil mastermind to them. So it makes sense that Albedo would be so upset by how casual Nature was."

He cleared his throat, "Well, I'm merely lulling him into a false sense of security. I assumed that was obvious."

Albedo stopped her tirade to look at him, "You were?"

"Of course. How else am I supposed to extract information on these Corruptors? If we make him think we are trustworthy allies, that will make it all the easier to betray him and take the information we need."

Albedo's confused look turned into a wicked smile.

"Yes, yes! Of course! That's genius Lord Momonga!"

"I wouldn't call it that considering I just made it up!" he thought.

"While they're gone Albedo, bring the other floor guardians here. We need everyone to be on the same page on this."

Albedo nodded before disappearing in a flash of light. Momonga dismissed the others, leaving him alone with his thoughts as he perched on the throne.

"If Nature needs our help, it only makes sense we get as much information as we can about the situation, and if I can get him to help us figure out what happened here that'll be for the best. I'll need to figure out exactly where we are and if anyone else was teleported with us… and why the NPCs are acting so… real."

Momonga was so engrossed in his thoughts that he did not notice the floor guardians enter the throne room and bow before him. They knelt for a few minutes before Albedo cleared her throat, drawing Momonga out of his daze.

"Ah, there you are… good. We have a pair of situations on our hands, and I want us to come up with a plan."