Into the Pandemonium

by StarKnight2.0

Part 2 of "Somewhere Far Beyond." Things are beginning to heat up. Follow Gareth and Kane as they dodge enemies and assume new roles. Ainz follows the path of the Overlord while battling a mysterious rival who wants nothing more than to see Nazarick burn. Meanwhile, secrets are unearthed and ancient powers are awakened, threatening both the players and the New World.

1. Scary Little Green Men

(a/n: Hello everyone and welcome to chapter 1 of volume two. For any newcomers who may have clicked on this story, please check out the first part of this story: Somewhere Far Beyond. Any who, let's begin. Big thanks to Lucius Walker for all his help)

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Ch.1: Scary Little Green Men

Ian Als Heim really didn't want to be at this party, but he had no choice in the matter. The silver haired priest stood at the edge of the crowded ballroom, wine glass in hand, watching as the party guests circulated about and chatted. He spied Sophia and her father not too far from him, talking with old friends from the Institute.

At least some of us are having a good time, Ian thought to himself as he took a sip of wine.

The ginger healer looked healthier and happier than before. Ever since Oz had healed him, Archie had been back to his usual lively self. Despite not having as many customers as they once did, the two Lindrehers pressed on with their lives.

Ian scanned the crowded room and picked out an assortment of people he recognized. Ranging from city officials, merchants, soldiers, and even a few of the poorer elements of society, all were gathered in groups and were making polite conversation. The silver haired priest spied the man who threw this inclusive party together. The man's name was Roderich Yeardley, a slim, distinguished looking man who was easily recognizable for his black hair with the white streak. At the moment, Roderic was talking with a bishop from the Ministry of Agriculture. At the merchant's side was a beautiful woman with silky blond hair. The silver haired priest raised an eyebrow. That woman was getting awfully close to a man who wasn't her husband. The merchant didn't seem bothered by her closeness in the least.

Ian shook his head. He didn't know what they were talking about nor did he care. They were not his mission.

That's right. Even though he was promoted to being the new Captain of the Sunlight Scriptures, Ian still had to do covert missions. Apparently, the Cardinals wanted someone they could trust to keep an eye on things and to secure the peace. But that's not really why. No, the Cardinals rarely gave simple missions to their elite units. It was also a rarity that they tell their men everything.

Ian knew the real reason why he was forced to come to this party. The Cardinals wanted him to keep an eye on the people here and on one person in particular. It was pretty easy to see why they sent him here.

Although the ballroom was spacious enough to host a large party, the size of this crowd surpassed the host's expectations. They had to open the doors and let the party flow out into the halls and out onto the immaculate lawn that stretched out around the manor. With this many people, alongside the recent public opinion of the Cardinals and of other elements within the capital, one would suspect a possible riot or a conspiracy. After all, this party was in honor of the Holy Capital's newest celebrity: the wizard known as Oz.

It has been a month and a half since the wizard made the Holy Capital of the Slane Theocracy, Kami Miyako, his home. Ever since then, the mysterious and benevolent magic caster has caught the attention of every man, woman, and child within the city. No matter where Ian went, he always heard people talking about Oz, mostly in a positive tone. Very few spoke ill of the wizard, at least out loud. The last person to have done so, a snide clerk who worked in the Ministry of Justice, ended up receiving dirty looks and thinly veiled threats. People quickly learned to mind what they say in public. Apparently, despite expressing some discomfort at the idea, the emerald clad wizard has gained a strong following among the people.

Whenever he appeared in public, Oz would be mobbed by a small crowd of admirers and supplicants, all hoping to receive the wizard's assistance. Ian had seen this happen once, when he was traveling to one of the major institutes of magic as part of his recruiting duties. The silver haired cleric was in a carriage, passing through the Inner Quarter, when he saw the wizard emerge from an expensive looking dress shop with his twin children. A contingent of his green armored guards kept the people at bay as the trio were ushered into their carriage by Galinda. Ian was a little disturbed at the people's behavior. They tried pushing through the soldiers, reaching and clawing for the wizard. Men begged to touch the wizard's robes, women pleaded that he bless their babies (with some even offering to have his), and children tried to catch a glimpse of the man through the wall of soldiers.

Ian shivered, feeling a little sorry for the man. Oz seemed like a man who valued his privacy. To be the center of attention must've been very uncomfortable. It wouldn't surprise Ian if the man didn't show up to his own party. Judging from the fragments of conversations he heard around him and the overall mood of the party, everyone was waiting for the wizard to arrive. Even a few of the members of government who were invited seemed to be anxious for his arrival.

As the mood continued to build and as Ian continued to search the crowd, the silver haired priest spied a face he hasn't seen in years.

"Arthur?" Ian said aloud. "Arthur Mabbott?"

A short distance from Ian stood a studious man of medium build and height with close cropped hair and spectacles. The man wore the black robes of the Ministry of Justice and held a wine glass in one hand. Although it's been years, Ian could still recognize his old friend from the Institute. Back when the silver haired priest was studying to hone his skills, Arthur was one of the few people who bothered to introduce himself to Ian. One day, after a particularly rigorous afternoon of training, Arthur introduced himself to Ian, and offered to share his lunch with him. Ian was a little hesitant, but he accepted, and even shared some of his with the elder boy. Over time, the two became good friends. They helped each other through the Institute, studying together and offering advice to the other when it came to spell casting. Eventually, they graduated, and lost contact with one another.

"Hey Arthur!" the silver haired priest greeted his old friend as he approached.

The bespectacled man gave Ian a funny look.

"I'm...sorry?"

"Don't you recognize me? It's me, Ian!"

Arthur stared at him for a moment, but then he smiled.

"O-oh, right, I'm sorry. Hello, Ian. How are you?"

"Good. How are you? We haven't seen each other in, like, over a decade. How have you been? What are you doing nowadays?"

Arthur shrugged. "Nothing much. Still buried in my work at the Ministry of Justice, sorting through records and keeping notes on all the trials. Really boring stuff."

Ian nodded slowly. "That's good." Although the silver haired priest was glad to see his old friend, there was something...off about Arthur. For starters, he looked very pale. On top of that, the bespectacled priest seemed very bored and disinterested with the conversation. In fact, if someone were to ask Ian, the new captain of the Sunlight Scripture would say that the man looked very...uncomfortable.

Normally, he would chalk this up to Arthur being anti-social, or otherwise just not wanting to be at the party. But there was something about his former friend that made Ian wary. The way he held himself, the way his eyes seemed to analyze the crowd, if he didn't know any better, Ian would say that Arthur was looking for someone too. Maybe he was looking for a friend or a coworker. But that doesn't explain his actions towards Ian. Sure, it's been years since they last saw each other, but Arthur was an affectionate person. Although he did his best to appear cold and devoted to his duties, Arthur always expressed joy at seeing friends and loved ones. During one festival day, when families were allowed to visit their children in the Institute, Ian remembered how Arthur broke down into tears when he saw his mother and father.

The Arthur that stood before him didn't even bat an eye.

Ian frowned, and decided to continue talking to his old friend. Perhaps he could glean the real reason for Arthur's behavior.

"Hell of a party, huh?" Ian casually said. "I hear there's almost as many people here as there were at the last public speech of the Pontifex."

"Indeed," Arthur said tersely, casting a sideways glance at the priest. "So many h...people. It's astounding."

"Yeah. A lot of people want to see Oz, though I can't say it's a surprise. He's done a lot for the people lately, more than anyone one person has done in a long time."

"That's what's so intriguing about this wizard. How can one man, a human, do so much in so little time? Why would he do these things? What have these people done to deserve such help?"

Ian shrugged. "I don't know. I've asked myself the same questions, but I'd like to believe that he is who he says he is and that he only wants to help."

A strange smile appeared on Arthur's face. "As if humanity needs or deserves help."

"Hmm?"

"Humans are disgusting and aren't worth the effort."

Ian gave Arthur a funny look. "I suppose, but…" he trailed off. The silver haired priest was beginning to feel uneasy around his friend. Although he neither agreed nor disagreed with Arthur, it's a topic for a lengthy discussion at another time. Ian was starting to look at his friend more carefully. There was a strange look on the clerk's face, a mixture of contempt and arrogance, as he gazed out on the crowd around them.

The silver haired priest was unsure of what to say to Arthur, but he was surprised by his words. Despite the harshness of the Institute and the horrors that they were prepared to face, Arthur always deeply believed in the Theocracy's teaching about humanity and their destiny. While others secretly scoffed or mechanically repeated all that they were taught, Arthur took those ideals to heart.

As Ian tried to formulate a sentence to talk to his friend, a servant entered the ballroom and made the announcement that they've all been waiting for.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Lord Oz and Lady Galinda of Castle Garadon!"

The room filled with applause as the servant stepped aside and a precession of the wizard's guards entered the ballroom. First came eight of the wizard's primary soldiers, men clad in green armor and cloaks, all of whom carried thick round shields and swords. Behind them came another eight of the wizard's guards, only these were the wizard's mechanical marvels. The crowd gasped and murmured, stepping away as Oz's bodyguards marched in and motioned for the party guests to make way. Once the mixed contingent of guards had made sufficient room, the guards formed two lines, one on either side of the room. They turned their backs to guests and formed an arch with their weapons. A few seconds later, the man of the hour entered the ballroom.

People inside the ballroom and outside all managed to tear their attention away from the marvelous mechanical golems and focused on the wizard and the witch. Oz wore a flowing emerald and gold robe that billowed around him like a cloud. His snowy white hair slicked back and cascaded down to between his shoulder blades. Galinda wore a golden dress with long sleeves, a high collar and long skirt. Everyone gazed in awe and wonder at the beautiful pair. People who were circulating about the lawn outside rushed to the windows. They pushed and shoved, hoping to catch a glimpse of the party's guest of honor.

The applause began anew, this time it was louder and more enthusiastic, at least from the poorer and more common guests of the party. Ian noticed a few of the wealthier party guests eyeing the golems curiously, probably wondering if they could buy one or replicate their design. Meanwhile, those who were a part of the government were unnerved by the appearance of soldiers and peculiar looking golems.

Once the two new arrivals reached the center of the ballroom, Oz made a theatrical bow and Galinda curtsied. When the applause died down, Oz rose and addressed the crowd with a smile.

"Sorry we're late," the wizard apologized. "We had to put the little ones to sleep."

There were a few "aws", but some of the upper class guests looked annoyed at being kept waiting. Regardless, with a snap of his fingers Oz dismissed his guards. The soldiers and the mechanical golems marched away, keeping perfect timing.

"So that's him," Arthur murmured, sounding unimpressed.

"Yeah, that's Oz," Ian said, shaking his head a little. "In all the time I've known him, he's hardly ever on time. Except for maybe when I first met him at his castle."

Arthur's head snapped over to Ian. "You've been to his castle?"

Oh, now he's interested, Ian thought bitterly. "Yes, I've been there. It's a long story, but-"

"Oh no, no, please tell me. I'd love to hear all about your encounter with this Oz fellow."

Ian cocked an eyebrow. Arthur gave him a friendly smile that looked awfully forced.

Before the silver haired priest could begin his story, there was a light ringing sound that rose above the din of chatter. Ian looked, and saw that Roderich Yeardley, the host of the party, was tapping on his wine glass with a spoon. The chatter died down and the wealthy merchant raised his glass.

"Thank you all for coming here tonight! And thank you all for being so patient. Now that our guest of honor has arrived, I would like to propose a toast. To the wonderful wizard, Lord Oz, and all his charitable works here in the capital. Thanks to him, sickness and injury have all been significantly reduced. Our people can now enjoy their lives and breath easily now that the Green Fever outbreak has essentially been eradicated. So, here's to you, our selfless, charitable friend!"

The party guests all raised their glasses and cups, saying as one: "To Lord Oz!"

Oz placed a hand over his heart, visibly touched and bowed his head in humility.

Everyone took a drink from their cups. After, someone in the crowd could be heard crying out "Give us a speech!"

It didn't take long before other voices began asking a speech of the wizard. In a matter of moments, almost everyone in the ballroom was urging the wizard to give a speech. The wizard looked around him as the people began to chant: "Speech! Speech!"

Oz sighed and he nodded, causing the crowd to cheer.

With a flick of his wrist, the windows of the ballroom were flung open by an invisible force, allowing cool air to pour in and for the wizard's speech to be heard by those outside.

When the crowd had settled down and silence dominated the party, Oz took a few moments to collect his thoughts and he began to speak.

"Thank you, my friends. I am...humbled by the kindness and generosity shown by everyone here. Really, you didn't need to do all of this for me. I'm just a humble wizard trying to help people and make the world a kinder place."

Oz put his hands behind his back and began pacing back and forth, slowly.

He smiled. "I'm not very good at speeches, and I know that you all have better things to do than listen to me ramble on, so I'll make this brief. Ever since I've arrived here in your land, I have come to understand and appreciate the basic tenets taught to you by your leaders. How it is humanity's destiny to inherit the world, to at last triumph over the monsters and creatures that infest this world. I'll be honest with you, and this may seem a little controversial, but it needs to be said: this destiny is a pipe dream."

An unusual silence filled the ballroom. The clerics in the crowd looked at Oz in outrage, the wealthy looked surprised, while the common people looked curious and perplexed.

The wizard held up his hands, "Now, now, I know what you're thinking! 'How dare he say that! That is blasphemy!' but please hear me out. I say that it is a pipe dream because look at this world and look at society! Humanity will never defeat these monsters and claim the world for themselves when they're busy putting each other down, lying, cheating, and killing each other. It is true, humans are flawed beings, but the only way for us to reach that shining future, and to stave off the unending horde of monstrosities that stalk the night, is by working together."

There were some nods and murmurs of agreement.

"I mean, come on! We may not like each other, and it is easier to betray our neighbors for our own temporary, selfish gains, but wake up people!"

Oz's voice rose to an almost shout, which caused some to jump in surprise.

"I believe in humanity, I believe in its destiny to rise victorious in the end, but we can't get there if we divide ourselves and turn on one another. Not when there's a horde of savage beastmen in the north, just waiting to pounce on the Theocracy or on the Holy Kingdom. Not when there was that disgusting, wretched vampire over at E-Rantel, and how it butchered all those brave Adventurers! Humanity will never reach the top of the mountain if we don't focus on the real issues: monsters."

Ian looked about him and noticed the mood shifting. People were nodding more and seemed to be entranced by the wizard's speech. Everyone except Arthur. The bespectacled priest was scowling at the wizard, gripping his wineglass too tightly.

"Some may say that love makes the world go around," the wizard continued, "but it doesn't. It's fear. You don't raise armies, build walls, or lock your doors at night out of love. You do it out of fear. Now fear is a terrible, infectious thing. However, I say to you tonight that fear is good. Fear can keep you alive, it can give you a surge of needed strength in battle, it can warn you of impending danger. Humanity is too busy with its petty greed and meaningless squabbles to remember their fear of the dark, their fear of monsters. Believe me when I say this, it's not fear that will destroy mankind: it's apathy."

The wizard frowned. "Apathy leads to dull blades, to fat and weak armies. Apathy leads to decay. Monsters don't need to do anything, humanity will just sit back and rot, content with stuffing our faces and ignoring the real issues. Humanity will destroy itself."

Ian noticed some very worried looks on faces near him. Although he wasn't sure what the wizard was building to, the words strangely resonated with the silver haired priest. Humanity has fought each other almost as much as the creatures they supposedly warred against. The Re-Estize Kingdom waged frequent wars with Baharuth, making it an annual affair. Even the Theocracy wasn't guiltless in this. They've been cold and apathetic to the Roble Holy Kingdom and their needs, all because of different views in terms of religious doctrine. If humanity truly stood a chance, they needed to set aside their differences and work together.

Oz raised a hand and balled it up into a fist. "But we cannot allow that! We have to wake up and shake off this apathy before it's too late! There are monsters out there. You know what they're doing right now? They're all just sitting there, waiting, plotting. They're out there right now, hiding in their caves and their dank little tombs, just aching to sink their teeth into supple human flesh. Are you just going to sit here, close your eyes, and ignore the signs all around you? They're coming. Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but soon. They will come in the night and they will slaughter us in our beds and they will devour our children. Will you sit there and do nothing? Or will you wake up and be vigilant? Listen to me or not, I don't care. I urge you to keep your eyes open. Remember, fear is good and can keep you alive. It is okay to fear thy neighbor."

An unsettling silence fell on the crowd. The finely dressed party guests all stood there, sharing odd looks and staring at the wizard. After a few moments of eerie silence, Oz smiled and with a gesture, summoned a golden goblet full of wine.

"To our health and our future," the wizard said, raising his goblet and drinking before anyone else could raise their cups. After the wizard's speech, the party gradually returned to its original, jovial mood. Roderich brought in a band and they began to play sweet and light music, which soothed nerves and encouraged people to dance.

Ian looked at Arthur and gave him an awkward smile.

"Hell of a speech, huh?"

Arthur didn't seem to hear him. The bespectacled clerk was staring at Oz, who stood far across the ballroom, talking to a pair of beautiful looking women in expensive dresses. Ian looked at the wizard, and then to Arthur.

"Arthur?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine," the clerk said dismissively, waving a hand.

"Uh huh," Ian said, not believing his old friend. The silver haired man crossed his arms and watched the clerk closely. He seemed very focused on Oz. Most people get that way when he enters a room, but this was different. The clerk looked like he was staring down an enemy combatant.

After a few moments of standing there and staring at Arthur and the wizard, Ian saw a face he didn't expect to see that evening. A bald, extremely pudgy man in flowing silver and gold robes approached the wizard from behind. The man was shorter than Oz and looked like a gilded egg. He clapped the taller man on the back and chuckled about something. After a few words, the women curtsied and left the two men.

"Huh," the silver haired priest said, surprised. "Now what's a man like Bishop Renzem doing here? You'd think the Minister of Finance would have other things to do on an evening like this, like being at home with his wife."

Ian could guess as to why the rotund man was doing here and none of them were pleasant. Although he presented himself as a warm and cheerful man, the silver haired priest knew that on the inside, Bishop Renzem was a snake. After what had happened with Sophia and Archie, Ian decided to ask around and investigate the man at the head of one of the most powerful organizations in the Theocracy. In short, the good bishop had no shortage of enemies. Not only did he increase taxes, he also seemed to enjoy playing games with people's livelihoods. Numerous small shops and businesses were forced to close because of the crushing fees and taxes imposed on them. Meanwhile, others slipped by with only a slap on the wrist. Then there was the Healer's Guild. One couldn't mention Renzem's name without mentioning the Healer's Guild. Although they publicly claimed to have no ties to the Guild, it became obvious that was a lie as the Green Fever outbreak spread through the capital.

Arthur and the silver haired priest watched as the rotund bishop grabbed hold of Oz's arm and whispered something to the wizard. The wizard looked up and Ian followed his gaze. A short distance away, the priest saw two identical greasy looking men in black coats leaning against the wall. They both had dirty brown hair and sported a scar on their cheek. Ian scowled. The Jalet brothers. The two were a pair of common thugs who somehow became Renzem's top lieutenants. Whenever there was a debt to be collected or someone refused to deal with the Healer's Guild, the Jalet brothers were sent in to deal with it. A lot of what they did was common thuggery and bullying. Despite numerous complaints and near arrests, the two went about their business as usual. Apparently, they had a guardian angel watching out for them. Or perhaps a very greedy bishop.

The bishop guided the wizard toward the exit, carefully navigating the crowds and casually nodding and greeting passing guests. When the wizard and the bishop had left the ballroom, Ian saw the Jalet brothers set aside their cups and follow suit. A moment later, Roderich also excused himself, and departed from the party.

Ian scowled. This didn't look good.

"Where do you think they're going?" the silver haired priest asked Arthur.

When he didn't get an answer, Ian looked and saw that Arthur had disappeared. The priest looked about and saw that he was alone. When he asked if anyone near him saw Arthur, nobody appeared to have seen him leave.

Ian sighed deeply, and went looking for a refill. He didn't get paid enough for this nonsense.

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The creature that wore the face of Arthur Pembrook followed the wizard and the other humans at a safe distance. Although he could very well kill those men without a second thought, the false clerk wanted to see where they were going and why. It wanted to see how this Bishop Renzem was connected to the one called Oz. Perhaps they were comrades. Whatever the connection, the fake Arthur Pembrook was going to get to the bottom of the mystery of this "Lord Oz."

The creature (its true name was Divi) had arrived not too long ago in the Slane Theocracy, and has made significant headway. At first it was disguised as a simple peasant from the country, and after some stalking and information collecting, it found a more suitable identity: Arthur Pembrook, a middle ranked clerk in the Slane Theocracy's Ministry of Justice. Although it wasn't very prominent, the position afforded him some leeway. It allowed him to sit in on meetings between high ranking members of the Theocracy's government, learn its inner workings, and move among the humans unnoticed.

On top of collecting information on this country, the disguised slime's secondary objective was to locate and study the culprit behind Lady Shalltear's possession.

The slime shivered at the event. All of Nazarick talked about it. At first it was believed that one of the Floor Guardians had gone rogue, but it was soon revealed that she was under the control of a sinister, nameless entity. Although the thought of some entity being able to control any of them, even the undead, was frightening, the rage of Lord Ainz was even more frightening. The glorious undead overlord of Nazarick raged shook the foundations of the Great Tomb itself. Once he had calmed down, the Supreme Being began giving out orders. He sent out new spies out into the world to collect information. Some went deeper into Re-Estize, others began journeying into Baharuth, and Divi was sent alone into the Slane Theocracy.

Divi smiled to itself, thinking of the moment that Ainz Ooal Gown had called upon Divi and entrusted it with what Lord Ainz called, a "special assignment." Although he wanted new information, Lord Ainz was still cautious of sending his subordinates into the Slane Theocracy without more information. After all, they despised monsters and demi-humans, and were the more advanced nation of humans in this world. Divi was going to be the vanguard. The slime was going to arrive alone and gather information within a specific timeframe. He was to then report in and relay the information to Nazarick. If what it found was satisfactory, Lord Ainz would send another agent to assist in the work of information collecting. Before leaving the Great Tomb, Divi was instructed to be cautious and wary of any strange individuals.

"What do you mean, my lord?" the slime asked.

"I want you to observe the people of the Slane Theocracy," Ainz told the curious creature, "and if there should be a magic caster among them, or any other individual that is stronger than average, I want you to stay away from them. Observe them, log the information, and report back to me at once. This individual may be dangerous, since they may be the one who harmed Shalltear."

The slime stiffened and nodded. "Yes, my lord. I won't fail you."

In all its time in the Slane Theocracy, Divi found much, but it had yet to uncover any exceptionally strong or unique individuals. Then again, all humans were disgusting and weak to it anyway. It may not be as strong as Lady Solution, but Divi was still stronger than any of these humans. It was stronger than Arthur Pembrook, that much is certain. However, as days turned into weeks, Divi began hearing rumors of a magic caster that's been going around helping people. Some of the rumors say that his magic was unlike anything anyone has ever seen. Some said that he resurrected a woman. That caught Divi's interest. The Slime began collecting as much information it could on the one called Oz.

Surprisingly, there was more rumor than hard facts. The man was a mystery. Despite widely differing rumors and opinions, all had agreed on a few key facts: the wizard was private, he arrived not too long ago in the capital, and his power was such that it made the Cardinals afraid. When it heard of this party, Divi knew that it had to be there. The slime managed to slip past security and hide amongst the party guests. Until that silver haired human saw it and recognized the face it wore.

The fake Arthur ducked behind a large marble statue. The creature's shape melted and molded itself to match the statue's. Divi watched as the man named Oz and the rest of the humans stopped in front of thick, oak double doors. The raven haired man with the white streak in his hair, Roderich, stepped forward and pulled out a set of bronze keys from his crimson coat's pocket. He unlocked the doors and pushed them open. Bishop Renzem ushered Oz in, his beefy hands still clamped onto the wizard's arm.

Roderich followed, pocketing the keys, with the smelly identical twins in black following suit. The doors closed behind them and were locked with a soft click.

Divi frowned, and after making sure no one was watching, emerged from its hiding place and approached the door. Outside the door, the slime could hear muffled voices through the door. The fake clerk knelt down and peered through the lock, spying a sliver light through the keyhole. The slime leaned forward, closer to the keyhole, as it's eye stretched out if it's head and squeezed into the lock. The slimy, slippery material slithered through the tumblers and tight spaces within the lock, until it came close to the other side.

From this vantage, Divi could see the inside of a spacious study. The walls were all lined with bookcases, wrapping around the room. A grand marble fireplace was off to one side, providing the only source of light, and a grand wooden desk sat on the other. Oz was sitting on a stool, looking like a young school child, while Roderich sat behind the desk in a high backed armchair. To the merchant's right was Bishop Renzem, who was nursing a glass full of maroon colored liquid. The twins stood behind Oz on either side, looking ready to grab the wizard should he attempt to move.

The wizard crossed his legs and rested his chin in the palm of his hand, a bored look appearing on his handsome face.

"So, what's all this about?" the wizard asked. "I only caught every other word coming out of the good bishop's mouth. Something about a lion up your end?"

The bishop's face turned red. "I said that your fun has come to an end, you presumptuous little bastard!"

"Please, Toby," Roderich holding up a hand. "Calm yourself. There's no need for such rudeness."

The bishop scowled at the wizard and took a sip from the glass in his hand.

"Now then, we'll get right to the point," the merchant said, turning his gaze toward Oz. "While we appreciate your charity work with the riff raff, we believe that it is time that you...fall in line."

The wizard raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry?"

"Look," one of the twins said, his voice was rough and had a slight accent. "There's an order to these things, got it? In the old days, any old idiot can work some magic and heal people, but times have changed. You see, healing is big business, and you've been causing a lot of trouble for us."

"Yeah," the other twin agreed. "Nobody needs the Healer's Guild when nobody is sick or injured."

"Ah," Oz said, in realization. "I see, so that's how it is."

"Like my esteemed colleagues have pointed out," Roderich chimed in, "there is an order to things. We established this system to benefit us all. From top to bottom, everyone can receive help from a healer."

"For a small price," the first twin added.

Roderich shrugged. "Nobody gets hurt. It's a business and it is a business that benefits everyone. Money flows to the guild, where healers from the community earn a decent living. The money from member fees and from services rendered go to paying off various expenses and flows back to the community."

Oz frowned. "How so?"

"A slice of that profit is used by the military for example," Bishop Renzem said, swirling his glass of wine. "Our lads need food and weapons after all to continue slaughtering those damned elves, for the gods and for the Theocracy."

"Another slice goes to infrastructure, like buildings and roads," Roderich continued, "another goes to funding the Cardinals various little ventures."

"And only a pittance ends up in our pockets, for our selfless services."

Oz nodded slowly. "I see, though I still don't get how that money goes back to the community. People are starving and growing poorer everyday."

Roderich shrugged. "I don't know what to say. Times are tough after all, and sometimes things get misplaced."

Divi grunted softly. Typical humans, greedy and selfish. They were no better than maggots to be crushed on its foot.

"So what do you say?" the merchant in red asked. "Do you think you can take a break for a little while? Let our system readjust and do as the gods intended and allow us to help the people. If you cooperate, you too can reap the rewards of our finely tuned creation."

"Otherwise, it'd be a shame if those lovely daughters and that exquisite wife of yours were to suddenly fall ill," the bishop said, nearly licking his lips.

Oz looked at the bishop.

"What about helping people?" the wizard asked, his voice was soft, causing Divi to strain itself to hear. "What about all that stuff about being equal in the eyes of the gods?"

Bishop Renzem rolled his eyes. "Forget such childish notions! This is a world where you're either a predator or you're a prey. We are the wolves and they are the sheep. We know what's good for them. We keep them safe. Without us, they will fall victim to the real monsters out there."

"Really?" Oz asked. He looked to Roderich. "And what about you? What do you have to gain from all this? Isn't it enough that you have a wife that loves you, children to adore you, and all this?" He gestured to the lavish study around him.

Roderich's eye twitched, and a nasty smile formed on his face. "My wife? That insufferable airhead? I was finally free of her. I had it all planned out. I was going to dump those brats into the care of the temple, maybe split them up and send each of them to a different one. I would then be free to pursue my own goals. But those whiny brats had to beg you to bring their stupid mother back from the dead. I was free, but you had to meddle in things where you don't belong!

Divi noticed Oz going visibly stiff. Something flickered across his expression for a moment but the slime didn't know what it was. After a few moments of silence, the wizard began to laugh. His laughter sounded mirthful and amused. Bishop Renzem, Roderich and the twins gave Oz an odd look. After laughing for about a minute, the wizard gave the bishop and merchant a smile.

"Oh man, you got me good!" Oz chuckled, slapping his knees. "I was wondering when you finally worked up the guts to confront me and boy did you. You were even more daring than I thought, doing it in your own house at a party that you are throwing. Man, you're more ballsy than I thought!"

The twins shared an odd look, while Bishop Renzem sneered at the wizard.

"He's clearly mad."

"Like a hatter!" the wizard said, jumping to his feet. "Now then, that crown over there!" Oz walked over to the fireplace and plucked an item from the mantle. Divi watched as the wizard returned to the desk and held up a silver crown, inlaid with glittering sapphires that seemed to glow with a supernatural energy.

"Where in the world did you get this?" the wizard asked, inspecting the crown in his hands, turning it over slowly.

"This is serious," Renzem sputtered, no longer amused by the wizard's behavior. "Consider our offer or-"

"Yeah, yeah, you'll give my girls the Green Fever like you did to the people, and try to make a pass at my wife," Oz said, not looking up at the pudgy cleric.

The chubby man blinked in surprise, and Roderich frowned.

"How did you…?" the merchant began.

"Know? Well, as I said to a friend of my a while ago, I have seen the effects of this plague before, and it looks like my hunch was right." He held up the crown, a knowing smile appeared on his lips. "You really don't know what this is, do you?"

"Enlighten us," Roderich said tightly, waving a hand. "If you can."

"Back in my lands, this little beauty was called 'The Crown of the Plague King', a nasty little item that allows the wielder to inflict all sorts of diseases upon a target. While it is not the most powerful item in my lands, not by far, it can pack a serious punch." The wizard's emerald eyes gleamed in the dimly lit study. "Which was how the Green Fever came about, was it?"

Roderich's lips tightened to a thin line, while Bishop Renzem sputtered and tried to retort, but the only thing that came out was spittle and gibberish.

"I'm right, aren't I? I mean, why a Healer's Guild specifically? It's a clever idea, but it's a little too coincidental for it to crop up just as a nearly incurable disease strikes the capital, seemingly out of nowhere mind you. So what happened? You try it on one night just to see if it fits, and everyone all around you began feeling sick the next morning?"

"This is absurd!" Renzem squeaked. "Preposterous!"

"Yes," Roderich admitted with a sigh, he rubbed his eyes and glared at the wizard. "But it was an accident. It took some time and the sacrifice of a few good servants, but we managed to understand the power of the crown."

"Roderich!" the bishop exclaimed, shocked.

"Don't worry," one of the twins said with a nasty smile. "Who's he going to tell?"

"Who will believe him?" the other twin said in agreement. "That one of the worst plagues in the history of this country was created by a respectable man like yourself, Bishop."

"Besides," the first added, "there's a reason why we're meeting here, where no one can hear us." he gestured to the walls of the study "Besides, enchanted walls. Keeps things nice and quiet."

"Oh...oh right," the bishop said, looking slightly relieved and reassured.

"Not bad," Oz said, a toothy grin forming on his face. "Not bad at all. It's not a bad grift, I'll give you that but I'm afraid that I can't let you have this thing. It could seriously hurt someone."

An amused smile appeared on Renzem's face. "Let us? Who the hell do you think you are? You're nobody! You're just a common wizard who thinks he's a hero!"

"And we've killed wizards just like you," sneered one of the twins, drawing a really long dagger.

"Oh my sweet, naive children" the wizard said, a dreamy look formed on his face. "You've never faced a wizard like me. For example…." he pointed at the dagger wielding twin, and the man was sent flying across the study, crashing into one of the bookcases.

He turned toward Bishop Renzem and Roderich, but the two stood close together, and the chubby cleric held up a golden amulet in front of them to protect themselves. The amulet was roughly the size of a chicken's egg, and had a variety of symbols carved into it.

"Your magic may be strong, but even you can't overcome the Amulet of Alah Alaf," the bishop told Oz smugly. "It even negates the power of the crown, for such is the power of the God of Light and Life."

"I see," the wizard said, studying the amulet closely. His emerald eyes flashed green for a moment and Oz smiled. "That is true, it does look strong enough to save you from minor spells and a majority of the crown's harmful effects. However…"

Oz held up a hand, showing that his thin fingers bedecked with several rings. He reached up and touched one of them, a band of silver with an emerald set into it.

For a moment there was nothing. The humans stood around, staring at each other. But then Divi watched with amazement as the chubby human's hands began to tremble. Beads of sweat began to form, and his face began to turn green.

"W-what is this?" Bishop Renzem wheezed. He began to cough, globs of flem and blood began to fly from his mouth. The bishop looked at the amulet in his hand. "Why...why isn't it working?"

"That amulet, while certainly a useful one, was built to counter the Crown specifically, alongside any tier-equivalent spells/ailments. My ring, however, far surpasses what that puny amulet can protect you from."

Roderich looked at the ring in a mixture of confusion, fear, and fascination.

Oz wiggled his eyebrows. "Funny enough, that crown and this ring once shared the same demonic master, with the said crown merely acting as a support item for this little toy. At least, until it was slain by a group of players, and they foolishly separated the two cousins. Mind you, however, that this piece of jewelry far exceeds the capability of that pathetic tiara you fumbled with. Not to mention that it's far more fashionable in my opinion. Say hello to the Ring of Pestilence."

Renzem was now on his knees, gasping for air, now completely drenched in sweat.

"You bastard!" the twins yelled in unison. The first twin, who was knocked into the bookcase, was on his feet once more. He aimed a hand at Oz and cried: "[Dampen Magic]!"

Oz's body glowed purple for an instant, but the bishop's condition didn't appear to be improving.

"Taste this!" the second twin snarled, drawing out a pair of curved daggers before swinging for the wizard's throat.

Divi expected the blades to tear through the wizard's exposed flesh, but instead of the lone magic caster, it was the twin who got hurt.

"Gaaah!" the man screamed as his severed arms went flying in either direction, hands still gripping the daggers tightly.

"Wh-what the hell?!" the first twin cried in alarm.

Standing between the wizard and the now disarmed twin was a towering, solid mass of darkness. It looked like a silhouette given form. The humans appeared to be shocked and ignorant of what the creature is, but Divi knew full well what it was.

It was a Shadow Demon, something these humans had no chance against, not unless the bishop was at full health and could cast potent holy magic. Judging from his current condition, lying on the floor and vomiting blood and the contents of his stomach, Bishop Renzem is in no shape to help anyone.

"Well then, let's wrap this up" Oz said cheerfully, clapping his hands together. "I have a party to get to."

"Wait, please!" Roderich begged. "Have mercy on us! What we did was hasty and foolish. Please, let us live and we-we'll give you anything you want! Gold? Jewels? Power? Let us go, and we can cut you in on the Guild. We can make you very rich!"

The wizard turned to face the merchant, who sank deeper into his chair, as if trying to burrow himself into it to escape the walking incarnation of power. Oz towered over the man, a smirk on his face.

"You never were going to let me live, were you?" the wizard asked. "I mean, sure, you probably would've left me alone if I played along, but let's face it, you need me out of the way. I understand, but that's just not right. I was willing to play fair, and maybe even cut you into my schemes, but after listening to your bullshit about business and the economy, I realized that I don't need you - matter of fact, I don't need any of you."

"P-please!" the uninjured twin cried. He jabbed a finger at the bishop and Renzem. "It was their idea, they made us do it!"

"I don't believe you~!" Oz said in a singsong voice. The wizard grinned. "Besides, it's like your friend said: this is a world where you're either a predator, or you're prey. You thought you were wolves but in reality, you're just filthy, overgrown rats. I, on the other hand, I am the hellhound."

"No-" the twin began to sob, but didn't get to finish his desperate plea.

The wizard waved a hand and said calmly: "Sic 'em, boy."

The Shadow Demon attacked. Even though it despised humans, Divi watched with a mixture of amazement and shock as the shadowy figure tore apart the two humans. Literally. Limbs torn from sockets, bones were shattered, blood splattered all over the walls, silencing their pathetic screams within seconds.

Roderich began sobbing and screaming as blood splattered all over his face.

Once the massacre ended, the Shadow Demon sank into the floor, merging into the long shadow of the emerald wizard.

Oz turned, his face partially covered in blood. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away the blood of the now dead thugs.

"Well that was excessive," he said in the same tone some people use to discuss the weather. "Now then, Mr. Yeardley, to you."

The merchant, who, only moments ago, was cool and in control, was now a trembling, blubbering mess. His face was splattered with blood, with tears and snot further disgracing the man's once pristine, arrogant image.

"P-p-please," Roderich begged.

Oz circled the desk and turned the man to face him, facing the back of the high chair toward Divi, obscuring the slime's vision.

"I have something else in mind for you," Oz said, rolling up up sleeves. "I need your help with an experiment.

"P-please," was all the merchant could say.

"I haven't done this before, at least not outside of YGGDRASIL," the wizard continued.

Divi's eyes widened. Did that human say Yggdrasil? How does he know about that? Unless… The world went still for the slime. Unless this wizard was from Yggdrasil! Divi thought. He needed to inform Lord Ainz.

"Please no!" Roderich sobbed as Oz reached up and placed the Crown of the Plague King upon his own head.

"Now then, lets see, what to do? Hmm" the wizard tapped his chin thoughtfully. He snapped his fingers "I know! How about a dose of Wormbone, followed by a dash of the Butterfly Fever and then, my personal favorite, the Grey Plague!"

The merchant squeaked and tried to beg, but all that came out were choked sobs.

Oz touched the emerald on his ring. Both the sapphires of the crown and the jewel of the wizard's ring both glowed emerald green in harmony. Divi could see Roderich's head turning about fearfully, and could hear the merchant babbling something about horses.

Divi couldn't see what was exactly happening to the merchant, but the slime could hear wheezing coughs, and saw the chair quake. Oz then stepped back, and watched with a mixture of wonder and amazement.

"So it's true," the wizard murmured. "This crown really was meant to support this ring."

"W-what did you do-ACK!" the merchant tried to speak, before he fell out of the chair and hit the floor with a loud CRUNCH! The man screamed as he trembled helplessly on the floor, his bones now brittle as thin, rotten wood, as evident by his broken arms and legs.

"Didn't you hear me from before?" the Oz scoffed. "I just gave you not one, but multiple illnesses. You see, the problem with both of these items is that separate, they can only give one illness to the target. But reunite them together, and you become the very embodiment of the apocalyptic horsemen. Pretty cool, huh?"

The man couldn't answer - he couldn't even speak, as he continued to tremble, only able to whimper in pain as his skin began sweating red fluids.

"Ahh, there's the bloody sweating," Oz nodded in approval. "And now, for the grand finale!"

Just then, the bloody sweats began to stop as his flesh began to turn grey and stiff. The whimpers stopped as the merchant finally opened his mouth to scream - but nothing came out. By the time the man summoned the strength to let out a cry for help, it was too late. The man had turned to stone.

Silence reigned in the blood soaked, corpse filled study. The wizard stood there, still and silent as a statue, looking down at the dead merchant coldly.

"Good riddance to bad rubbish," Oz said emotionlessly, before stamping on the petrified merchant. There was a loud CRACK, and the man's body broke into pieces, crumbling into dust.

As Oz began wiping blood off his robes, he heard a soft gurgling sound. He frowned and looked and saw, poking out from beside the desk, was the bishop. His face was dark sickly green. Blood, bile, and saliva were dribbling out of his mouth. Although he was immobile, Divi could see that there was still some life in the pudgy human's eyes.

"Still alive?" the wizard said, surprised. "My, you are a stubborn one. That's good, actually. I nearly forgot to ask you a very important question."

He knelt down and gestured to the crown on his head. "Where did Roderich get this?"

The bishop weezed and gurgled something. Oz sighed heavily, seemingly out of annoyance at being inconvenienced. "Fine, don't worry, I promise that I'll help you with your sickness. Now tell me."

Oz leaned in closer and Divi saw the green bishop's lips move slightly. Unfortunately, it couldn't hear what was being said. The slime could try to extend itself further, but that would risk exposure. In a matter of moments, the bishop stopped speaking and Oz rose, nodding slowly.

"Interesting," the wizard murmured "I'll have to check that out for myself." He smiled and dipped his head in thanks "Thank you. Well, off to the party."

The wizard turned to leave but the ailing bishop seized upon his robe, holding him in place.

"Please...help…" Bishop Renzem managed to force out of his mouth. "P...promised…"

Oz's smile widened and he tugged his robe free from the pudgy man's grasp. "I said I'll help you and I will. I'm going to inform the other party guests that you have fallen ill. Maybe together they can chip in enough money to pay the Healer's Guild's service fees."

The man's eyes widened in shock.

Oz giggled and quoted Roderich. "'From top to bottom, everyone can receive help from a healer'"

The bishop tried to grab on to the wizard's robes and beg him for his help but he merely drifted away, backing toward the door.

"Trust the system my friend, let it run its course. I'm doing what you asked of me and not interfering!"

Divi pulled its eye out of the keyhole and turned to leave, having seen everything it needed, but stopped when he came face to face with a beautiful woman in a golden dress.

The woman gave the slime a captivating smile. "Now where do you think you're going, you nosy parker?"

The woman's eyes glowed blue, and before the slime could react, ice began to crackling up and its body. In a matter of seconds, the slime was frozen to the core, immobile and vulnerable. Internally, Divi began to panic. How did the woman sneak up on it? It should've sensed her!

Divi could hear the study's doors open.

"What's all this then?"

"I caught this...thing spying on you through the keyhole, my lord."

"So much for being soundproof," the wizard murmured.

Divi saw the wizard step in front of him, his eyes looking the slime up and down. Oz reached into the folds of his robes and pulled out a pair of green spectacles. He held them up to his eyes and looked at the immobilized slime through them.

"I see that you're stronger than the average joe," Oz said, intrigued. "And have a few traits that most certainly don't belong to a human. If I were to guess, I would say that you are a...slime, a predatory slime, if I'm being generous."

Divi couldn't move, but the slime was surprised at how the wizard was able to know who and what the slime truly was. It's the glasses, the slime thought in its head.

"Wait, I've seen you before," the wizard said, pointing a finger at the frozen creature. "Yeah, I think I saw you following my carriage a few times last week. At first I thought it was nothing, but after seeing you show up a few other times throughout the week, it was too much to be a coincidence."

"I saw him speaking with Captain Als Heim in the ballroom," the woman informed Oz, "and he was watching your every move after the speech."

"Did he now?" the wizard's eyes lit up. "And who, pray tell, do you work for?"

Divi didn't answer. The slime's mouth was frozen shut. Even if it could talk, the slime would never reveal its secrets. The spy would rather die before betraying Lord Ainz.

"Oh, right. Frozen. Galinda, would you be a dear and unfreeze his lips?"

The woman nodded and, with a gesture, the slime felt warmth and sensation in its mouth.

"I have nothing to say to you," Divi growled.

"Maybe not," the wizard conceded. "but we have ways of making you talk,'" He smiled, amused by his own words. "I've always wanted to say that."

Divi stared at the human, unsure of what to make of his words.

Oz reached into his robes and withdrew a golden pocket watch.

"Hmm, we're running a little late" he said, eyeing the time. "so we're gonna have to finish this discussion elsewhere."

"What shall we do about the bishop and the others?" the woman asked, nodding toward the study. The wizard thought for a moment. He glanced at the study, and then to Divi.

A smile worked its way onto his face.

"I have an idea" he said in a way that made Divi feel very worried.

...

Ian wandered the halls of Roderich Yeardley's grand manor house. Although the party had overflown to other sections of the house, the silver haired priest found very few guests on the opposite wing of the manor. As Ian searched for Arthur and Oz, he took in the fine furniture and artwork that adorned the merchant's home. He shook his head in disbelief when he saw a painting he recognized. He once saw it, in passing, through a window of an art gallery. The painting alone cost almost as much as he made.

It was baffling to Ian that people paid so much money for things that had little or no use. There was a time when Ian, much like any other man, dreamed of reaching that upper echelon and enjoying the lavish lifestyle. However, after so many years in the Sunlight Scripture speaking, Ian quickly learned to appreciate the simple and practical. What good is a vase that was worth a thousand coins when he could have a good sword at his side or a Spell Scroll? For a man who purportedly understood the needs of the common folk, Roderich seemed to own things that most people wouldn't be able to afford in several lifetimes.

Maybe we've lost sight of what's important, Ian thought. Oz's speech began echoing in his mind. Before he could think more on this, a blood curdling scream echoed through the manor. The silver haired priest turned his head and he felt his hair stand at attention. It sounded like someone was in trouble. Instinctively, Ian began running in the direction of the scream. He raced through the corridors and turned a few corners until he came to a skidding halt when he saw Lady Galinda lying on the floor, blood dribbling out of her mouth. Nearby, Oz and a familiar face were engaged in battle.

Ian blinked and saw that it was Arthur. The bespectacled clerk was wearing a murderous expression and was holding a mace that was glowing purple.

"Arthur!" the silver haired priest bellowed.

"Stay back!" Oz cried, holding up a hand. "This man is not Arthur!"

On the opposite end of the corridor, Ian saw party guests appearing. Women gasped, and men tensed up. The clerics and mages amongst the guests rushed forward, shouting incantations and drawing weapons.

Arthur's body glowed in an ever shifting rainbow of colors and hues as the bombardment of spells from the recently arrived clerics and mages began to take effect. Unfortunately, the bespectacled, mace wielding clerk didn't show any signs of slowing down. He let out a sound that didn't belong to a human, a shrill alien scream, and charged at Oz.

The emerald cladded wizard raised a hand, and cried: "[Freeze]!"

In a flash of blue light, Arthur was covered in a layer of ice and was frozen in mid attack, his mace was raised and a hideous snarl on his face.

Once the clerk was frozen, Oz sighed with relief and sank to the floor. Ian and the other clerics rushed to the man's side.

"What happened? Who was he, and why did he attack you?" one of the clerics asked, a man wearing the red robes of a disciple of the Fire God.

"He-he said his name was Arthur Pembrook," Oz explained, breathing heavily. "He-he said he wanted to talk with Mr. Yeardley, Bishop Renzem and myself. When we were alone, he-he just went wild! He attacked us. That mace of his…" he pointed to the ice encrusted mace in the clerk's hand. "It's...it's cursed. With a mere touch it can poison a man's body."

"By the gods!" cried one of the clerics, who was looking through the open double doors behind Oz.

Ian looked and very nearly threw up. Through the open doors was a study, blood was splattered all over the walls. The priest caught a glimpse of severed limbs and mutilated bodies near the fireplace. Bishop Renzem was sprawled out on the ground, his face was bloated and green, his eyes glassy and unfocused. There was a strange mound of grey dust near a bundle of fine clothes. However, it didn't take long for Ian and the others to recognize the crimson coat and surmise the fate of Roderich Yeardley.

"My dear Galinda," Oz continued, he crawled to his companion's side, "she came looking for us. I managed to escape, but Arthur pursued. He only knocked her out with a spell, but I feared the worst."

"Why would he do this?" a black robed man wondered aloud. "I knew Arthur! There's no logical reason for him to behave like this."

Ian recalled Oz's words, and looked to the wizard. "You said that he wasn't Arthur."

Oz nodded, a grim expression on his face. "Indeed. When he got us alone, this imposter revealed that he was a Slime."

There were some gasps and perplexed looks.

"A slime?" one of the clerics, bewildered. "Impossible! There's no way a slime could perfectly imitate a human!"

"Actually," another cleric chimed in. "It has been recorded that some sub-species of slimes can imitate other creatures, like small animals, in order to capture prey and feed. There's a theory that, if left to their own devices, slimes may very well evolve and gain the ability to imitate more complex organisms."

"Blasphemy!" a surly looking man in yellow robes cried.

"Theory?" the first cleric scoffed. "What theory? I've never heard of this."

"It's from a recent study published by a very clever scholar in Baharuth, I believe her name was Sophie Noia."

"That pervert!?"

Ian scowled, and bellowed. "Gentlemen, please! Silence!"

The clerics fell silent. The silver haired priest sighed. "Thank you. I need all of you to keep the guests away, especially Mrs. Yeardley and the children. We can't let them see this."

The men nodded and returned down the hall from the direction they arrived at. The gathered crowd was growing and more guests were arriving, all clamoring to see what had happened. Ian was glad that they listened. If left unchecked, these men might have come to blows. Although united in purpose, there were still divisions among the different departments and sects of the Theocracy. It was also very easy for a simple discussion about research or theological ideas to turn into a brawl.

Ian looked and saw Oz holding Galinda in his arms, her eyes fluttering open.

"W-what happened?" the woman asked.

"It's okay, you're safe now," the wizard assured her, holding her closely and kissing her on the head.

"It's very lucky that your husband held his own for so long" one of the remaining clerics said, the man was wearing the blue of the Water God. "Otherwise you both would've been killed."

Ian frowned. Something didn't seem right. When he first met her, the villagers of Frith said that Galinda slaughtered a horde of ravenous beastmen without any effort. How did Arthur defeat her?

He probably caught her by surprise, Ian guessed in his mind. After she was healed by the blue robed cleric, Oz helped her to her feet. She wobbled a little, and held on to the wizard's arm for support.

"We'll cancel the party," Ian told the two. "We'll send these people home and we can call up the City Watch to deal with Arthur."

"No," Oz said, his expression showed anger. "No, not yet. The people need to see this. They need to know the truth."

"Truth?" Ian asked.

The wizard said nothing as he helped Galinda down the hall. As they passed Arthur, Oz used [Levitate] to lift the frozen slime off the ground, magically pulling him behind.

Ian and the blue robed cleric hurried after the two.

The group arrived at the ballroom where everyone was gathered, chattering with worry about what was going on. The clerics from earlier, who assisted in stopping Arthur, were trying to calm everyone down. However, the mood became energized once more when Oz and Galinda arrived, bringing the frozen levitating clerk with them.

Galinda stepped aside and sank into a nearby chair. A few of the guests flocked to her side and inquired after her health and if she needed anything.

Oz set the frozen clerk down in the middle of the crowded ballroom. The people in the room stared at the frozen man, mace still in hand and his face a mask of rage and aggression.

"T-that's Arthur!" Ian heard one man murmuring.

"So that's the man who caused such a stir," another whispered.

"What's going on here?" demanded one of the members of the crowd. Judging from his authoritative tone and his robes, Ian saw that the man was a highly ranked cleric in the Ministry of Justice. "Why do you have Arthur Pembrook frozen like this?"

"Proving a point," Oz said as he reached into his robe and pulled out a bottle filled with green liquid. He looked at the people around him. "You see, the reason for my speech earlier was because I was being followed."

There were some scattered mutterings and whispers, but Oz continued.

"At first I wasn't concerned but then I kept seeing this...creature, always there, always following me. I originally believed that it was an agent of the Cardinals, or perhaps a gang of some reprehensible characters. Oh, how wrong I was."

Oz leveled an accusatory finger at the frozen clerk. "This...thing is a Slime! It was sent here to kill me, to kill as many prominent figures in this country, and thus paving the way for an invasion!"

The wizard uncorked the bottle and splashed its contents all over Arthur's face. The moment the liquid touched the frozen man's face, the liquid hissed and bubbled as it chewed through the layer of frost covering his skin. Ian and the rest of the party guests watched in horror as Arthur's face bubble and began to melt off his head like candle wax. Globs of flesh colored matter landed on the floor with a splat. There were some cries of horror and a few shouts of protest, but those quickly died when they saw the globs flesh roil and shake and began to turn blue. Where Arthur's face once was, everyone saw gelatinous blue matter as it emitted a high pitched screech of pain as the green liquid continued to burn through the imposter's head.

Ian's eyes widened, and a shocked silence filled the ballroom. Everyone watched as the face of the creature they once believed to be Arthur Pembrook screeched and melted, causing small chunks of slime to fall to the ground.

The wizard adopted a somber look. "I know that this is sudden and unnerving, but it's as I said! These ghastly creatures are out there, plotting our demise!" his voice began to fill with emotion "This...this thing murdered our kind and generous Mr. Yeardley! It murdered the honorable Bishop Renzem and his guards, and it tried to kill me too. I barely escaped with my life."

"B-but what does it want?" one woman asked, sounding very afraid.

"Want? These things want nothing but to see us all dead, and our children to be used as slaves or food!"

Oz looked into the crowd, right at the late Mr. Yeardley's wife, and looked away.

"I-I'm sorry. I could've, no, should've done more to save them. Maybe then they would be alive."

Ian saw tears welling up in the woman's eyes. He looked around and saw that the mood was beginning to shift. At first people were alarmed, but now he could see outrage and fear on everyone's faces. In fact, the priest could feel the tension in the air.

"But we will not let these bastards get away with this!" Oz declared.

There were a few shouts of agreement.

"These beasts take what they want, do what they want, and they expect us to roll over and die. But we won't let them, won't we?"

"No!" roared the crowd.

"Are we just going to sit back and wait as they undermine us from within?"

"No!"

"Then take up arms and take matters into your own hands! Rise up and show these monsters what happens when they try to destroy humanity!"

The ballroom erupted into cheers. Ian watched in astonishment as people began grabbing hold of pieces of furniture, rocks, and whatever they get their hands on. The crowd surged forward and washed over the frozen, partially melted slime like a wave and began to club and beat the immobile creature. Armed with whatever they had on hand, the crowd showed no mercy. Some resorted to their fists. Little by little, the crowd broke off a piece here and snapped off another piece there. One woman, Roderich's wife, tore the mace from the slime's grip and began to bludgeon the false clerk's face, over and over again.

Ian caught a glimpse of Oz, who was standing at the edge of the frenzied crowd as they tore apart the helpless slime. The wizard's eyes gleaming and a smile on his face, looking pleased with what was happening.

In a matter of moments, the crowd receded, shouting and howling triumphantly like animals. The silver haired priest shifted uncomfortably and began pondering what he was going to tell Cardinal Lauransan. Where would he even begin?

They're really not going to believe this, Ian thought to himself.

---

When Divi came to, the slime saw that it was in a small dark, windowless room. The walls were of smooth stone, showing no cracks or seams. The creature's essence ached. After remaining on the floor in a puddle of blue goop for what felt like hours, the slime focused and assumed the form of Arthur Pembrook once more. Looking around, the shapeshifter tried to remember how it ended up here. One minute ago, the slime was following Oz and those other humans, and the next, there was this great pain, and then here.

Before the slime could wrack it's brain for further information, there was a loud, metallic squeak and the room filled with light. Blinking, the fake Arthur's eyes slowly adjusted to the new light. The slime saw that the light was pouring through a doorway that didn't appear to be there before. Standing in the doorways a tall, imposing figure with white hair.

"Oz?" the fake clerk said aloud. "Where am I? What is this?"

"Oh give it a rest," the wizard said, annoyed. "The jig is up. I already know that you're not this Arthur fellow. Hell, the entire capital will know that the real Arthur was killed and replaced by a slime by morning."

The slime stiffened. How did he know?

"I bet you're wondering how I know," the wizard said, a hint of smugness in his voice. "Well that's because you told me."

"I find that hard to believe," Divi said, doubtful.

"It's true and everyone knows it! The sinister Slime told me its name before it butchered two upstanding members of the community, and attempted to kill me too. All of this was part of it's secret scheme to infiltrate the Slane Theocracy."

The slime said nothing. The creature was surprised by what the human was saying, and was unsure how to respond.

Oz sighed and leaned against the doorframe. "Well now that we got that out of the way, let's get down to business. Your cover is blown, and I highly doubt that ol' bonehead will welcome you back with open arms."

Divi's eyes widened, realizing what the wizard had done. The slime had failed Lord Ainz, and every human in this country knows about it. They'll be on high alert, and will be watching out for any other agent of Nazarick trying to sneak into the country and gather information.

"If you were a normal person, I'd offer you sanctuary and my protection, but we both know that won't happen."

"I-I'll never betray the Supreme One!" Divi said defiantly.

The wizard yawned. "Yeah, yeah, I figured that you'd feel that way. I suppose that's the problem, isn't it? You're nothing more than a wind up toy, no free will or sense of self-preservation. No imagination either. It's all about Ainz, Ainz, Ainz in that gooey head of yours. Then again, that's about eighty percent of what was rattling about in Shalltear's noggin too." He tapped the side of his head.

Divi stiffened. "You? You're the one who harmed Lady Shalltear?!"

"In the flesh!"

The slime lunged forward, screaming angrily, and attempted to tear the human to pieces, but collided against a solid wall of violet magical energy. A sharp jolt of pain caused the slime's form to break up, and retreat back into the cell.

"Yeah, you might want to be careful with that. I helped reinforce these things myself. Take one too many jolts like that, and you might seriously hurt something."

"I will kill you, you bastard!" the slime seethed.

The wizard blinked, a confused look appeared on his face. "Why?"

"For daring to insult the honor of Nazarick, and harming Lady Shalltear!"

"Well, if we're talking about insulting and harming, then Nazarick is the one who struck first. I was merely retaliating against an aggressor."

Divi gave Oz a funny look. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, it's nothing," the wizard waved a hand. "It's a long and boring story, but let's just say that this whole revenge trip that you're on started because of your boneheaded boss. I'm merely defending myself."

The wizard crouched down to meet the slime's eye level. "So, you ready to talk? Maybe I can put you somewhere more comfortable."

Divi smirked. "Don't waste your breath! Lord Ainz will avenge me and Nazarick shall burn your nation to ashes!"

A slight smile appeared on Oz's face. "You really think that Ainz cares about what happens to you?"

The slime gave the wizard a bewildered look. "Of course he does! He's the Supreme One, he's our maker!"

Oz's smile widened. "No he doesn't. Sure, he may give a shit about his little loli vampire and a select few others, but nameless peons like you? You're expendable. You're what we in the business call 'cannon fodder.' Your only purpose is to follow orders and drop dead when you're supposed to. Also, 'maker'? Buddy, Ainz and his pals may have created those Floor Guardians of his, but you? You're ones and zeroes, you're a corporate manufactured little toy. Whatever allegiance and love you feel for Ainz, it isn't real."

A ponderous look crossed the wizard's face. "I suppose that's what sets us apart. I'm a bit of a realist. Although this world is real and you and all others like you are now sentient, living creatures, you are still nothing more than toys. Dangerous toys, I'll grant you, but still toys nonetheless."

The slime stared deeply into the wizards eyes, which seemed to faintly glow green. A deep, unrelenting feeling of dread and hopelessness filled the creature. Why was it doing this? What was it doing here? Did Lord Ainz truly care about Divi? He was the Supreme One for crying out loud! He said that he cared for all of them. If he truly cared, then Lord Ainz would save the slime in distress!

Or would he? A voice hissed in the back of Divi's mind.

The slime shook its head. No! This was a trick. The wizard was trying to trick the slime, and shake its loyalty to Lord Ainz.

"You're lying," Divi hissed.

"Am I?" Oz said, and then shrugged. "I could be but who knows. So, what do you think? Do you want to cooperate? I could make life very sweet for you."

"I would rather die than renounce Lord Ainz."

"Lord Ainz, Lord Ainz, Lord Ainz! Come on man! You're stuck in a loop! Don't you want to know what freedom is like? Don't you want to be your own boss and taste the sweetness of existence? If you didn't have your head so far up Ainz's ass, you could be living like a king!"

"Even if I were to betray my lord, which I won't, you would not keep your promise," Divi spat. "You humans never keep your promises!"

"That would be true, if I were actually human," Oz said.

A strange silence fell between them.

"What?"

"Look, we don't have much time. Are you in or are you out?"

Divi scowled at the wizard. "You know my answer. I will never betray my lord."

Oz sighed and rose to his full height. His face became solemn. "I see. Well, can't blame a guy for trying. Although it seems your programming is too strong to overcome."

He rolled up the sleeves of his robes and his eyes began to glow a bright, eerie green.

"Time to do this the hard way," the wizard said.

Before Divi could react, the slime's body began to glow, and a shrill scream of anguish was torn from its mouth.

---

Shalltear stood alone in the dark. The diminutive vampire looked about her, wondering how she got there. Only moments ago she was back in Nazarick, trying to drown her sorrows with alcohol, and the next thing she knew, she was standing here.

Suddenly, bright, blinding lights blazed to life, and shone directly in her eyes.

The short vampire recoiled and covered her face, but stopped when she saw that her hands were made of wood. She inspected the rest of her body, and saw that every inch of her flesh was turned to wood. Burrowed deep into her transfigured flesh were wires, connecting to her wrists, joints and limbs.

Oh no, the vampire thought as horror and realization dawned on her. Not again!

Looking around her, the diminutive vampire discovered that she was standing on a stage of sorts. Beyond the footlights and the blinding spotlights above, Shalltear could make out humanoid shapes sitting as an audience in rows of cushy chairs. Among the sea of shadows and silhouettes, the vampire could see the faces of those adventurers and bandits she butchered not too long ago. Fear, surprise, and anguish frozen on their pale, lifeless faces.

Shalltear turned and tried to run, but was gruffly tugged backwards, causing her to squeal and fly backwards through the air. Laughter erupted from the crowd, followed by applause.

"Stop it, please," Shalltear whimpered, but her mouth suddenly closed of its own volition.

"And now, enjoy the show", a smooth, velvety voice said, echoing through the theater.

Looking behind her, a painted backdrop of a scenic hill country dropped down. There was the soft clacking of wood as another wooden figure came hopping onto the stage from Shalltear's left. Standing there was a thin, pathetic looking man who was also made of wood. He wore a green cap with a feather in it, a white shirt and lederhosen.

Shalltear recognized the man. He was the pathetic human who drove Solution and Sebas's carriage. He tried to betray them to those bandits, on the night Shalltear could hardly remember.

The pale, lanky man's face had terror carved into it, and was painted with such vivid detail. It almost looked lifelike. The man's limbs were also strung up with wires, like Shalltear. He hopped around, lifted up by the strings, and moved by an unseen hand that lurked in the darkness above the stage.

A melodic voice began to sing. "High on a hill was a lonely goatherd, layee-o-dl layee-o-dl lay-ee-o, Loud was the voice of the lonely goatherd, layee-o-dl layee-o-dl-o!"

The man with agony carved onto his face gestured with his hands, making it seem he was singing a song and calling out to someone. Soon wooden goats on wires came bounding on to the stage, crowding around the two.

Stop this, please! Shalltear moaned, trying to call out, but her mouth was sealed shut. The puppet show continued. Shalltear and the dead man danced together, as did the goats, performing a choreographed routine. The audience cheered and clapped. Shalltear caught a glimpse of those she killed, they were all clapping and roaring with laughter.

"O-ho laydee-o-dl-ee-o, O-ho laydee-o-dl-ay, O-ho laydee-o-dl-ee-o, Laydee-o-dl-ee o-lay!" sang the disembodied voice.

Shalltear struggled against the strings that dictated her movements and carried her around the stage, but it was futile. The only thing the petite vampire could do was dance to the tune. Before she knew it, the show was over and she stood in a long line of marionettes made from the dead. The shadowy audience was on its feet, clapping, whistling and shouting, "Encore! Encore!"

It was then he appeared on the stage.

No matter how hard she tried, Shalltear could never see the figure's true face. All she saw was a tall, slender silhouette with glowing green eyes.

She didn't know why-no, she couldn't remember why, but seeing those green eyes made her struggle even harder, her mouth struggling to let out a scream, a cry of help, but once again, she found herself at the mercy of whatever demented being bound her to their will.

"Give her a hand folks!" the green eyed demon boomed, gesturing to Shalltear. The vampire could feel the eyes of hundreds on her, the spotlights zeroed in on her, filling her vision.

Shalltear wanted nothing more than to bare her fangs and tear this figure to pieces. Unfortunately, but no matter how hard she struggled, her mouth remained sealed shut, and her body refused to obey her.

Looking out into the audience, the petite vampire saw her fellow Floor Guardians sitting amongst the shadowy people. Lord Ainz sat there with a playbill in his lap, burying his perfect face into his hands, ashamed. Lady Albedo scowled at the vampire, while Demiurge's lips curled in disgust as he muttered something disparaging. Aura and Mare both sat there, looking dumbstruck and appalled. Cocytus sat there with folded arms, trembling with rage, until he exploded.

"You dishonor Nazarick with that shameful display!"" the giant armored insect bellowed, hurling a tomato at Shalltear. The launched tomato sailed past the vampire's head, narrowly missing her.

The green eyed demon seemed unbothered. An eerie smile spread across his obscured features, his teeth shining like diamonds in the spotlights.

"Ain't she a doll?" the figure chuckled.

Shame and rage filled the short vampire, bubbling and building until she lashed out. Shalltear managed to force herself to move, and was only an inch away from the demon before she was gruffly tugged backwards. She tumbled backwards, causing the audience to roar with laughter.

"And she'll be here all day everyday," the figure announced, his voice growing cold and mocking "doing as she's told!"

Shalltear blinked, and she found a hand cupping her chin, lifting her off the ground with unnatural strength. The shadowy figure now wore flowing emerald robes that were covered in intricate patterns and symbols that made Shalltear's eyes ache when she looked at it. The figure wore a hood, continuing to hide his features, save for the luminous green eyes.

The vampire grabbed the demon's hand, trying to wrench herself free from his grasp. Despite the thin, boney fingers and wrist, the demon's grip was like steel, painfully trapping her on the spot.

"You are nothing!" the demon growled, his voice was deep and rough "You think you're mighty? You think that you're real? You're nothing but a toy, and I shall do as I please! I own you!"

Shalltear snarled defiantly, but when she gazed into the demon's eyes, she felt an overwhelming sense of despair and hopelessness. The theater setting grew warped and twisted, the audience took on monstrous shapes, their laughter turning cruel and insane. The horde of monstrous shadows stormed the stage and began to crowd Shalltear. Hands, talons, and teeth began to sink into the vampire's flesh, tearing and pulling her in every direction.

"Stop this! Get away! Get away!" Shalltear screamed, but the shadows laughed, undeterred by her attempts to drive them back. Just as she became overwhelmed by her attackers, a pair of short curved blades cleaved through the darkness. The shadowy attackers screamed in pain, and quickly dispersed.

"What?" the hooded demon exclaimed, turning to face the new arrival. "You?!"

Shalltear looked and saw standing there a strangely familiar face. The vampire couldn't exactly place where she saw him, or whether he was friend or foe. Regardless, she was glad to receive some assistance.

Standing there, at the edge of the stage, holding two short swords with black blades, was another vampire. He looked human, but Shalltear could tell that he was a vampire from the pale skin and ruby colored eyes. The vampire had long black hair that flowed in the breeze. Clad in a black cloak and white shirt, he looked like an assassin or a thief.

A rather handsome thief, the vampire thought to herself, before shaking her head, remembering that her heart belonged to Lord Ainz.

"So, it's you," the demon in emerald hissed. The demon crouched low and held out a bony hand, a blue magic circle appeared before him.

Shalltear tried to warn the vampire of the demon's strength, but her mouth was sealed up once more.

Despite being outnumbered and outclassed, the vampire gave Shalltear a confident and reassuring smile.

"Don't sweat it, I got this," he said, exposing his fangs.

The vampire twirled the swords in his hands and assumed a fighting stance. Time and space seemed to go still as these two mysterious figures stared each other down. After what felt like an eternity, the battle began. The black clad vampire charged. The demon hurled a bolt of emerald energy. The vampire vaulted over the attack, spinning gracefully and landing on his feet. The nameless vampire leapt high into the air and brought his swords down-

---

"Lady Shalltear!" a familiar voice said loudly. The vampire's eyes flew open and she sat up. Looking around her, Shalltear was confused as to where she was.

Standing in front of her, behind the counter, was Sous-chef. The mushroom headed Myconid gave her a stern look as he cleaned a glass with a rag.

"Please, Lady Shalltear," Sous-chef implored. "You need to leave at some point. Don't you have important duties to attend to?"

The vampire blinked at him and frowned. She held out her empty glass and grunted, "Another."

The mushroom man stared at her for a moment, then sighed. He walked away to go get another drink for the Floor Guardian. As the Myconid went to fulfill her order, Shalltear tried to collect herself.

It took a moment for reality to sink in: she was back in the bar on the Ninth Floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Slowly, as sleep and drowsiness faded, Shalltear remembered how she ended up there.

The guardian of the first three floors had spent most of the day there, trying to drink her troubles away. For the past month, the vampire had frequented the bar to numb the shame of being the puppet of some unknown entity, and harming Lord Ainz. Despite being cleared for duty by everyone, Shalltear couldn't bring herself to leave the tomb or the drinking establishment.

It embarrassed her to no end that not only did she harm her own lord, the man she loved most in the world, she couldn't even remember the entire event. Then again, it was probably for the best that she didn't remember such a terrible ordeal. The vampire considered throwing herself into her work, but wherever she went in the Great Tomb, she'd get these looks. They weren't obviously judgemental, but she knew what they were thinking about. They were thinking about how she betrayed them, how she allowed herself to be controlled, and how she hurt Lord Ainz.

She withdrew from active duty and made her home in the bar, drinking round after round of booze. Unfortunately, due to her immunity to poisons, Shalltear can't get drunk. No matter how hard she tried. She just wanted to forget the shame and agony of her failure and of how the others were judging her. Not even in her dreams could she find escape.

A few days after her resurrection and her liberation from the control of the mysterious puppeteer, Shalltear began dreaming about that awful theater. There were minor variations of the dream, like the song and performance, but it was generally the same. The horde of jeering shadows, the disappointed and disgusted members of Nazarick, and that green eyed demon. Was it a lingering effect of the World Item? Or was it her subconsciousness trying to tell her something? In those dreams, Shalltear was always at the mercy of the mysterious demon. Even though there were brief instances of rebellion and nearly breaking free, the demon always reasserted control. The pessimistic part of her believed that those dreams were a warning and a revelation of her true self. Because of her arrogance and carelessness, she became the pawn of a terrible evil and harmed the man she loved. Therefore, there was a chance that she may fall again, and could be a liability for Nazarick.

Despite being assured by Albedo and Lord Ainz, Shalltear couldn't help but feel different. She couldn't put it into words but deep down, the petite vampire felt something lurking in the back of her mind. Something that gnawed at her confidence and her peace of mind. She didn't know what it was, but the vampire wanted nothing more than to dig it out of her skull and get rid of it. But she couldn't. Maybe that's all she'd be going to be from now on, Shalltear the traitor, Shalltear the helpless little puppet that dances to the tune of some mysterious entity who may use her to cause further harm to Lord Ainz.

Sous-chef returned with her drink, a violet concoction with a little pink umbrella sticking out of it.

"Here you go," Sous-chef said in an even tone as he set the glass down on the counter. "A Velvet LeChance."

Shalltear mumbled a thanks and accepted the drink. Despite being haunted by the crushing guilt of her calamitous failure, a pleasant thought came to Shalltear. For once, the dream had changed. Instead of being torn to pieces by the cruel and mocking horde of shadows, she was rescued by someone she's never seen before, and yet, somehow recognized.

Although Shalltear's heart belonged to the divine overlord of Nazarick, the petite vampire couldn't help but feel her thoughts drawn to the stranger who came to her rescue. His confidence, his smile, and the fact that the green eyed demon seemed to fear him made the Floor Guardian's heart flutter.

Shalltear felt her cheeks grow warm, and she downed her drink. Maybe she'll see him again in her dreams. She hoped that she would.

---

(a/n: what do you think? Feel free to leave a review and all that. Until next time, have a great day!)

(References)

(chapter title): song by Ozzy Osbourne