They started going inside the temple
The people who took refuge in the temple were terrified to see them, but the priests calmed them down.
It took some time - and many steps of stairs - but eventually, they reached the main sanctuary of the place.
"Visitors, Hardy will now descend here!" The figure who looked like a bishop announced, hitting the ground with the bottom of his excellent staff. "Show her your respect!"
"Khm! As said, Lady Hardy will descend here." the priests started to concentrate, murmuring spell-like incantations, and just like that, a pillar of light shot down from above, a humanoid figure made from white light descending.
Immediately, Rory, Tuka, Dark Elves, and Others knelt, followed by everyone - or supposed to be followed, as a few people still stood straight as a matchstick. They are Ragnarok and his bodyguards.
Itami managed a small bow before the ethereal woman who appeared.
'A hologram? Or maybe It's magic...
No There is No trick here... So this is really Hardy? The one that used the flame dragon to bring disaster to Tuka, Yao, and many others?...'
Why does she feel familiar?. That reminds me... Rory mentioned that gods can take on any appearance they want. So she is basically a plastic surgery beauty! Itami thought
"... What did she just say?"
"It's not plastic surgery! and why they are don't bow "
"Ack... I am sorry ... Wait... Is she reading my mind?" Itami shocked
"Sorry... she is not impressive enough to bow."
"How blasphemous!" the head priest hit the ground with his staff once again; his glare intensified. "You stand before Lady Hardy herself! Show your respect, or be condemned in the deepest pit of her realm, your head on the pike!"
"How dare you say that!?"
"Don't you dare try it? You'll find your head in the pike before you touch the prince!"
YoRHa said pulling out her sword
YoRHa a automaton. Ragnarok's bodyguard
"Eeeee!
"Ah! Clam down! I apologize for Them."
Hardy again contacted Rory via telepathy
"She said She Knew you. You are Prince of Sorcerous Empire. You ordered them to kill her flame dragon"
"Yes, My name is Ragnarok Ooal Gown. I am the second son of The Sorcerous Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown and Prime Minister Albedo. Also, I am head Of The Army of the Sorcerous Empire who located in special regions."
huh! His mother is a Prime Minister! And the father is the Emperor! It's a bit strange
Hardy tried to read Ragnarok and his bodyguards' Minds. But she failed.
Ragnarok has worn Divine class Items for anti-mind protection
Dark elves were trained for this. If they don't think, then no one will know what they are thinking. Dark elves took a deep breath and focused so they could keep their heads empty.
But when Hardy tried to read the minds of the Supreme Guarders, her head began to ache.
"Ah! What happened?"
"Impossible! Is Hardy in pain?"
"Ah! I think Lady Hardy tried to steal information from the Supreme Guarders?" Ragnarok said
"Yes she was" Rory explain
"Oh! It's actually a kind of defense system for the Supreme Guarders. If someone tries to steal information from their minds or databases, it becomes active. And it hurts the enemy's head. But it won't last long."
"I-Impossible! Hurt Hardy in this form! How !?" it was completely impossible! No one should be able to hurt a god - aside from another god - then how !? Just what the hell happened ?! Rory was at a loss for words.
Just what the hell happened ?!
'Oh! I think Sorcerous Empire technology is the most advanced. So they hurt God without touch. '
"He says you guys are strong and attractive," Rory said
"..." Suddenly, Hardy started to look around, seemingly searching for something.
"What is she doing now?"
"Looking for the body to possess," muttered Rory in a flat tone.
The priestess looked around at the apparition that was Hardy with anticipation, awaiting something great would happen to them, even kneeling as they prayed.
"They are offering her use of their bodies. It is regarded as an honor for your chief god to descend into your body..." though, Rory would rather not experience it. Even the thought of Hardy possessing her filled her with disgust. Albeit, it was not against her will to be possessed by her Lord. In fact, she considered it a great reward.
"Wonder if the" lucky one "survives the process."
"They usually don't. But it is expected, that if something as great as a god enters your body, your mind most likely is destroyed, and your body can't bear the burden. However, priests that can endure it can rise to the ranks. "
Hardy concentrated hard, inspecting the candidates left and right, yet, it was evident - none of her priests met her expectations. In the end, she sighed, shaking her head, disappointed.
"Well, she sure takes her time."
"Oh! Lady Hardy, we have a gift for you" Ragnarok said
Then the Supreme Guardians pulled out a coffin from their storage. They opened the lid of the coffin. Inside it is the body of a beautiful woman.
"What is it?"
"This is the body we artificially created for you. It's capable of withstanding your pressure for hundreds of years. When you get into it, you'll think it's your real body."
"Great!"
Then Hardy was very happy and she entered that body.
Ragnarok gave a devilish smile in his mind
Scene Change:
In the place where the forest, mountains, plains, and rivers met, somewhere far away, a great city stood.
Filled with life, thriving since it was established, in ancient times it was a place many people visited each year, taking their route of pilgrimage through this city.
Albeit, in this great settlement, every deity had its hallow site, shrine, and even district - which was dedicated entirely to them - this place was still unique.
This place served as the gathering point of all gods. Each chief deity had at least one shrine or temple here; each had its priests and disciplines stationed here. Even smaller, almost unknown divine beings owned a small land here.
And of course, to crown the whole thing, a unified temple symbolizing the gods were standing together even in times like these stood in the middle of everything.
For a few days, the traffic in this town had increased drastically. Almost like the leadership of the place - the gods - were preparing something great! Indeed, even ordinary folks recognized this change in the air - something was up to happen.
As we proceeded deeper from the tall outside walls, in the middle of a sizable square, a magnificent temple stood, freshly built, standing in the middle of the city, carrying the symbols of eleven chief gods, advertising their influence over the world, and mere mortals.
Indeed, all gods should make their presence known here. But strangely, the logo of a chief deity was still missing from the great building, the emblem of Hardy was nowhere to be seen.
It was like this all around the town, surprisingly, out of some way, the worshipers, shrines, and even the priests of the goddess of the underworld were banned from the whole city for some time.
For the people of this world, it was a strange sight, seeing the deities working together so closely - yet, neglecting one particular goddess - all of it was unheard under the course of history.
Just now, gathering on the steps of the newly hallowed central temple, almost 10 apostles gathered, standing here for a few hours. The passing people just stared at them for some time, wondering Why are all the Apostles doing here?
It was all a mystery, no one had notified them of what would happen. The only visible signs for ordinary people were the increased traffic and the arrival of the high-ranked church figures.
"Aren't that folk think too much about himself?" asked one of them, certainly frustrated she had to stand here for a few hours.
"Don't be so grouchy, Mabel. I've met Lord Ainz; he is certainly a person who wields the domain of death and magic. Offending him with your bluntness certainly won't do. His servants can destroy you with just a gaze!" Granham scolded the youngest apostle. Indeed, remembering the harsh lesson Albedo offered to Rory, she was still filled with dread.
"Hmph! Some outsiders you met only once, and you are already calling them gods. You certainly feel low, sister."
"If you were there, you wouldn't say such things, Mabel Forn. He is A Supreme God" Granham wanted to look sharp, yet, her form still trembled. No way she wanted to offend people who could put her down for good despite her demi-god status.
"Hmph!" the carrier of the Blood Sword Diva just frowned on the accusation, turning her head away.
One more hour passed, and seemingly, the apostles, priests, and paladins behind them moved not. Yet, suddenly, something changed! The sky! The very world seemed to move differently.
It was like, the sun blotted out by an eclipse, darkness descended to the world. Reality bent and fractured as something unnatural closed on the city.
'Crack!'
Cracks appeared in the sky; the ground trembled, something menacing was to approach!
"Wha-What is this!?"
"Is this the apocalypse? Is this the end of the world?"
The citizens questioned. All were scared, knowing not just what happened - praying to their chief deities.
The fighters and apostles prepared around the temple. Chaos ensured everywhere they gazed.
"Granham?! Do you know anything about this?"
"This is new! I have no idea what it is!" the apostle of Flare answered, almost panicking. Albeit, she had a glimpse of what, or rather who had caused all of this disorder.
20 dragons, 20 Griffin riders, 10 Pegasus Riders, and 2 airships descended from the sky.
"Impossible! Dragons?"
"These are as big as the flame dragon!"
"Now don't say they have 20 dragons as strong as a flame dragon?"
"You can see it for yourself!"
"Also, look at those flying ships!"
They also saw quite a bit of weirdness! Terrible, mounts on which are mounted soldiers in black armor. They stopped in front of the temple.
Then came some carriages, wagons, armored vehicles, and trucks.
Soldiers descended from the wagons and trucks and lined up.
"Who are they? If they attack us?"
"No, It is him!" Granham, right away, suspected who would make such an entrance. "Quickly! Posture yourself!"
"Are you out of your mind!?"
"Do as I say!"
Mabel Forn could only frown. She, bowing before an unknown figure? The apostle of Zufmuut would rather die than do that.
A carriage came to a halt right next to the temple stairs. Ten black-Suits bodyguards ran and came to the carriage side. This carriage is Special.
Two armored Skeleton horses looked fierce, radiating godly, primordial powers. Even the apostles nearby shuddered to be near them. Moreover, some felt them threatening, raising their weapons.
"Granham, just what the hell you brought here?" the whole town was in a panic, thinking the terrifying demon god was on to descend.
The ones waiting before the central temple though moved not; they were all afraid. Even a glance from those terrifying beasts filled them with some ancient fear originating from the creation of the world.
The supreme guard opened the door of the carriage. From the carriage came first Ainz then Albedo, Aura, and Mare.
"So this is Sorcerous Emperor Ainz Ooal Gown. The Ruller of Death?"
"But I can't feel any strong aura from him!"
"Actually he uses a kind of item which seals his aura. I don't want to say that, but he is undoubtedly the most powerful deity. Rory and I have felt his real aura. We have never received such an aura from any deity. All. The aura of the gods is insignificant compared to him! "
"Are you kidding?"
"What do you think?"
"Okay, I agree. They're strong also they have horrible monster armies!"
"Also, why did that Dark Elf girl dress up for the boys?"
"I don't know!"
...
"Fufufufufufu..." Ainz chuckled, almost like finding the expression of the gathered amusing.
"We are here to meet your chief deities!"
"Ye-Yes." Granham gulped, experiencing firsthand how much might this being could exert. No way she wanted to raise his ire.
"Please, lead on."
Wordlessly, the apostle of Flare nodded, leading Ainz, his aides, and Supreme guarders, the apostles following close behind them.
It took a few minutes, but soon, they reached a long hallway
...
Scene change
"Can they make an artificial body for a god?"
"Awesome!"
"Their magic and technology is so high!"
"This body is perfect! Thank you so much, Prince!"
"I'm happy, you like this body."
"Hmmm"
"Now Then, Let's Go!" Hardy said hugging Ragnarok's arm.
"Huh! Where? Where are we going?"
"Hmm .. now it's dinner time. Let's go. I have arranged for eats and drinks."
"OK"
"Follow me"
They all started following Hardy
A few moments later
They came to a terrace near Hardy's Temple. They all sat around a table, and they all leaned silently in front of themselves, just jumping from the unclean food.
"AAH ... There's nothing to do when you are a God. As you simply fulfill your duties in the endless. Flow if time, You grow increasingly numb. To the point of forgetting all feeling," Hardy said
"That's why you're eating?" Tuka said
"Indeed!"
"Wouldn't a spirit such as yourself understand? After thousands of years, Elves' lives end"
"When they grow, tired of everything and choose to become the seeds of a great tree, don't they?"
...
Tuka looked upset
"Miss Hardy, you can keep this body permanently."
"Really!"
Hardy came and hugged Ragnarok
[Ragnarok 60% Overlord, 40%Demon]
He was calm even after a beautiful woman embraced him as a result of his overlord nature and his training.
"Welcome!"
"Ah! Prince Ragnarok, what are you here for?"
Ragnarok looked at the Dark Elves
"You know why we here?"
"How to mean, I can't read your mind"
"The reason we have come here today is to officially quit being one of your followers. It may have been different before but ... after losing our friends and family to the Flame Dragon. We wonder why we worshiped you!"
"Yao control yourself!"
"...Yes!"
"...Indeed but I will not apologize for it"
" why not "
" What a pointless question"
"In which case, you should just hate me there. There is no need to pretend I know your reason. If you wish for me to feel Remorse "
"P-pretend"
"Is that what you think of our anger and pain?!"
"Exactly, I feel absolutely nothing everything I do is Pereme dictated"
"That is just too cruel !"
"cruel? what is? survival of the fittest is the rule of this world what the Flame dragon ate is something only it knows. It is not like I tossed you onto the plate for it. As such, I won't complain about that cute little thing being killed. in any case, I am the ruler of The Underworld. I guarantee the dead happiness. All of your friends family and lovers. Merely transferred from this world to that one and now they live there happily
Dark elves are very angry at Hardy's words.
"happily! happily! "
"Happiness is not something the Gods grant us! we have to obtain it ourselves !"
"You don't get to decide on that for us!"
The Dark Elves were about to attack Hardy when the Supreme guards stopped them
"You do not have permission to do this"
The Dark Elves bowed their heads and apologized
"I forgive you this time. But next time you will be punished by Marshall law."
"We understand!"
"Prince Ragnarok how hard you are!"
"Oh! Prince Ragnarok, I haven't been able to contact Giselle since your soldiers killed the Flame dragon. Do you know where she is?"
"Yes, she is in our prison."
"What! You're holding my little Giselle captive?"
"Yes, you can free her if you want."
"Are you asking for money from a god?"
"According to our rules, no matter who you are, if you commit a crime, you will be punished."
"How much do I have to pay?"
"At least 10 thousand gold coins!"
"What! 10000!"
"What!"
"...Ok"
Belnargo is a city where people of every religion come. Since people come here to wish their relatives peace in the hereafter, many people give money to their relatives. There are also many mines in Belnargo.
"I'll give you money soon"
"Thanks"
"Prince Ragnarok, I don't think you've come here for all this. You must have some other purpose?"
Ragnarok went to Hardy and put on a baslet.
"What is it?"
"Ah! Yes. I came here to capture you. But it seems the other gods didn't agree with this decision. So Dad asked me to seal your strength."
"Hey, it's a hoax!"
...
"You betrayed me!"
"It's your punishment!"
"Can you seal the power of a god? Impossible!" Rory said
"Prince Ragnarok, if it doesn't get a little too much. Sealing the power of a goddess?" Itami said
"Then we're going now," Ragnarok said, completely ignoring him
"Wait! Free me!" Hardy shouted
However, Ragnarok did not pay attention to his words.
"We will release Giselle after payment."
Hardy wanted to attack Ragnarok. She felt a big electric shock when she attacked Ragnarok. She screamed in pain
"What?"
"This is what happens when you try to use your power without permission"
...
"Guards, stop them!" Hardy said
Then some Sorcerous Empire's dragons flew there. The guards panicked and retreated. Hardy also panicked
"Dragons!"
"Then see you in the future! Come on Dark Elves"
"Yes sir!"
They all left
"Wait, !" Hardy said