Hey Guys! Crescent Rider here and I am back with another chapter of the story. But before you all begin, there is something that I'd like to share with you all.
The results from the poll have been given and the Winner of the next story is Danmachi. Particularly, My 'Is it Wrong to Keep Thy Faith' Story.
And lastly, I want all your opinion on something. Ever heard of the Violent live-action series called 'The Boys'? Whether you know or not, I wondered what if I made a story about it.
It particularly involves two different OC Characters, One is the Alien Character I used in AO3 and the other is a Teenage Girl. If you want a reference of the two, search Kai'sa and you'll understand what kind of Character I'm going for.
That is all, and enjoy the chapter!
Great Tomb of Nazarick
As soon as Ainz, Albedo, and Hope returned to Nazarick, they teleported straight into the Treasury and have Yuri Alpha and CZ Delta as their escorts. Normally, Ainz wouldn't bring Hope there since she isn't a member of Ainz Ooal Gown.
But due to the times she had been loyal to the Guild, he decided to make this an exception. Any further visits to the Treasury will require permission and supervision since Nazarick holds several items worth more than gold.
Speaking of gold, their arrival at the Treasury began with mountains of Yggdrasil Spoils that the guild has amassed through its years of activity. Though Yuri made a remark about the unorganized method of stocking treasure.
However, she quickly apologized when Ainz remarked to look more closely. The mountains of treasure were less eye-catching than the items stored on shelves everywhere. Scaling from where they stand all the way up to the ceiling.
But these treasures and items were merely a fraction of what's truly contained here.
Ainz proceeds to cast [Mass Fly] to the group and took off. But as they flew, they soon realized a faint purple poisonous gas hung in the air...
Yuri looked around to find the source of this gas, but couldn't pinpoint the source from the walls, ceilings, and corners. But her thoughts were answered as Hope spoke, "This poison in the air. Isn't this the [Blood of Jormungandr]?"
"That's right, I didn't tell you all this. But the air in the Treasury is toxic. Anyone without poison immunity or items granting it will die within three steps," Ainz replied,
"That's pretty smart, Ainz-san," Hope remarked, "And I understand why you chose these three to accompany you,"
"You are right, though I merely brought Shizu for more than that reason. She is also here for verification," Ainz clarified, "Though I'm quite curious, How are you immune to this poison?"
Hope brought her hand up and revealed a ring on her finger. When Ainz glances at it, he recognizes that the ring she wears provides a highly resistant buff towards poison. Hence, she wouldn't die from such poisons.
As they got over the mountain of gold, they soon arrived at some door. Or rather, it looked like a bottomless black shadow in the shape of a door.
"This is the armory, so what is the password..." Ainz wondered,
"Ainz-sama, if there is an armory, does this mean that there are other treasures stored in other locations?" Albedo inquired,
Ainz glances at her and thought to himself for a moment. Apparently, he had no idea as to why Albedo had her doubts about the armory. However, he understood why she wouldn't know such things. For the Treasury did not exist within the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and it can only be accessed via [Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown].
Thus, it was natural for Albedo to ask about things she doesn't know until now...
Ainz had several questions about what exactly the NPCs knew, but he soon dismissed them as being trivial and just answered Albedo's questions.
The reason for this armory was due to Genjiro, another one of Ainz's friends and Entoma's creator, had a knack for organizing items in an orderly fashion. As he chattered on about Genjiro and his tendencies for cleanliness, Hope reminds herself of her time with Genjiro.
When she recalls his visits to the Manor on the 8th Floor, he was quite appreciative of how everything was clean and organized. He even praised the manor library due to the books being neatly and alphabetically organized on their shelves.
As for her relationship with him, they were on neutral terms and nothing more.
By the time Ainz snaps out of his chatter, he quickly apologized. Though Yuri reassured them that it was fine, in fact, she praised him for being a knowledgeable individual for answering questions they have yet to answer.
Ainz sets his priorities straight towards the door and tried to remember the password. There were so many gimmicks in Nazarick, he would only be able to remember a certain password he used frequently. The reason why he comes to the Treasury is to maintain Nazarick's upkeep costs with the money he earned.
With the password out of his mind, he decided to use another password. Particularly the Master Password, "All glory to Ainz Ooal Gown,"
In response, the jet-black door displayed a series of words: "Ascendit a terra in coelum, iterumque descendit in terram, et recipit vim superiorum et inferiorum,"
Hope's eyes twitched in wonder as she recognized the language, "This is Latin, isn't it?"
"It is, and I expected Tabula Smaragdina-san to be a perfectionist," Ainz commented, and Albedo reacted to his words,
"Do you mind if I translate them?" Hope inquired, "I want to try to unlock it,"
Ainz thinks for a moment, he could have Hope open the door for him. But when he takes the account her not being an official member of the Guild and her first visit to this floor, he states his decision to her, "I would let you, but this matter is something I must tend personally,"
"If that's what you say, I'll let you do the honors then," Hope stated, and Ainz turns back to the door,
He wondered for a moment as to try and recall what this hint means, then he found the password, which slumbered within his memories, "It should be... By the means you shall acquire the glory of the whole world, / And so you shall drive away all shadows and blindness. Am I correct,"
Ainz turns to Shizu, and the latter nods in response.
The shadow door soon collapses and reveals a large set of doors for the group.
"Let's go," Ainz ordered and everyone followed him through a narrow tunnel.
Eventually, they soon arrived at some sort of room with a glass table and two couches at the center.
"The Mausoleum is up ahead," Ainz said, and this caused Hope to flinch as she knows what that term is,
"The Mausoleum?" Albedo remarked in confusion,
Ainz caught on to Albedo's unawareness, then proceeds to ask her another question, "Do you know of Pandora's Actor?"
"Yes. He is the guardian of the Treasury and Manager of Nazarick's Finances and Rivals Demiurge and Myself in Strength. And he was created by you personally,"
"Exactly, however..." Ainz paused as all heard footsteps approaching forward,
When everyone sets their sights on the approaching figure. Albedo, Yuri, and Shizu expressed great shock at the figure they were seeing, but out of all of them...
...
...
...
Hope was more shocked than the rest...
The figure in front of them had pale skin, short albino hair, and small horns going towards the top, the sclera of its left eye was black, and its pupil was violet while its right eye retains a white sclera and its pupil is brown.
All four limbs had sharp and spiked scales reaching the elbows and knees, and its clothes consisted of a black open leather coat with short sleeves, a black tattered kilt that reached the knee caps, and empty dagger straps.
He may be mistaken for a Humanoid Race, but this figure is a Heteromorphic Race due to the dark malevolent aura it somehow conjured...
"D3ath 3 Br1ng3r-sama!" Albedo yelled out in surprise, "But, how?! No, just who are you!? You may try to imitate one of the Supreme Beings, but I will not fall to such a trick,"
Hope just stared as the game avatar of her father was standing in front of her. Though Albedo's words are true, a small part of her misses her father and wanted to speak to him one last time.
As for Yuri and Shizu, the latter aimed her gun at him while the former raises her fists in a fighting stance. As for the pretender, he just tilted his head and gives no response to them.
"I see... Kill it," Albedo ordered,
"That's enough," Ainz intervened, "Turn back, Pandora's Actor,"
Upon Ainz's order, the pretender changes back to his original form. He was a Doppelganger dressed in a yellow Neo-Nazi-esque uniform, has no distinct facial features except for three holes in his face, and his hands show only four fingers.
"I bid you a fond welcome," Pandora's Actor greeted, stepped upfront, and clicked his heels before saluting in a grossly overacted salute, "My creator, Momonga-sama!"
"... Y-You look well," Ainz nervously remarked,
"Yes! I'm doing quite well," Pandora's Actor replied as he formally bowed at his creator, "And so, what is your business here this time? Are you perhaps... Finally in need of my power?!"
"No. I'm here to retrieve some of the World-Class Items in the Back," Ainz clarified,
Pandora's Actor dramatically gasped, then goes on to do several poses as he dramatically described the power of World-Class Items. Albedo and the two Pleiades blankly stared as he goes on while Hope's stare was filled with confusion.
By the time Pandora's Actor finished, he had his back turned from them, and gives a dramatic glance at Ainz while tipping his hat down, "Are you saying their power will finally be unleashed?"
Hope glances at Ainz, and noticed his speechless expression. She also noticed his emotions were being repressed but paid no attention to it as she turned back to Pandora's Actor.
"Yes, that's right. I plan on taking [Avarice and Selfless], [Hygieia's Chalice], [Billion Blades], and [Depiction of Nature and Society]," Ainz listed,
"Yes! I understand, Momonga-sama!" Pandora's Actor replied, "And what of the other two?"
"Leave them, they're a one-use item." Ainz stated, "Also, call me Ainz now. My name is Ainz Ooal Gown,"
"I understand. My creator, Ainz-sama!" Pandora's Actor responded in another dramatic way,
*Hope: He's... kinda cute to be honest...*
*Ainz: Don't say anything... I don't want to hear your opinion about him...*
Hope seems confused as to why Ainz was acting this way, especially when his emotions are repressed once more. She assumed that he just made a mistake in making his NPC, therefore she remained silent so as to not upset him.
"Is something wrong?" Pandora's Actor questioned, and Ainz averts himself from his NPC as he covered his face and emotions repressed once more,
"Then, let's go," Ainz commanded,
"Yes," Albedo replied,
"Ainz-san, after you've finished your business here. May we talk somewhere private?" Hope requested,
Ainz stops and glances at her, after some consideration he gives a response, "Very well,"
"Thank you, as for where we'll meet. The Manor will suffice," Hope said, and Ainz nods in response,
As they continue, Pandora's Actor had to express himself once more, "Have a safe trip, Ainz-sama, and ladies,"
Albedo, Yuri, and Shizu stop to turn toward Pandora's Actor, "Ladies?"
"Oh, my apologies. I couldn't help myself in front of such beautiful roses as yourselves!" Pandora's Actor apologized,
'Again, he's quite cute...' Hope remarked,
"Hey! Come here for a second!" Ainz intervened and pushed his NPC towards the wall, far from Albedo and the Pleiades. Hope just watched as Ainz privately conversed with his NPC.
Even with her passive, [Supernatural Senses], she doesn't understand the situation between the two. By the time they finished, Ainz returns to them, "My apologies for the delay,"
"Not at all," Albedo assured while Hope just nodded her head,
"Now before we proceed, I would like you two to hand your rings of Ainz Ooal Gown over to Yuri and Shizu," Ainz demanded,
"If you insist," Hope complied, pulls the ring out of her finger, and passes it to Shizu, "Be careful of this, please,"
"I will," Shizu replied,
As for Albedo, she was hesitant on giving up her ring. But she would comply as she pulls the ring out of her finger, placed it onto a handkerchief, and passed it to Yuri. However, Albedo was still reluctant of leaving her ring behind.
"It's alright, Albedo. It's not like you won't see that ring again," Hope assured,
Albedo heeds her words, lets go of the handkerchief, and returned to Ainz's side.
They ventured further deep into the hallway, and find themselves in a hallway illuminated by red lights from the sides. Above these lights appeared to be statues, but when Hope stares at them. She noticed that the statues were equipped with items that belonged to the former members of Ainz Ooal Gown.
"You cannot teleport to the treasury without the guild ring, but if you enter this room with it on. The golems here will attack you," Ainz explained,
"These golems... Are they created in the likeness of the Supreme Beings?" Albedo inquired,
"You noticed," Ainz remarked, "I created them in the memory of my old comrades. They look pretty shabby, don't they?"
"Quality doesn't matter," Hope stated as she stared at a particular pair of golems, "What matters is that they're distinguishable by what they used to wear,"
When Albedo turns to Hope's perspective, she soon learned that the latter was staring at the golems that resembled her parents, D3ath 3 Br1ng3r and Arachnida.
"Ainz-sama, you called this a mausoleum, and their likeness is here. Could it be that the other Supreme Beings have perished?" Albedo questioned,
"That's not exactly right..." Ainz replied, then he remained silent and turned to a golem equipped with Peroroncino's Equipment.
After reminiscing about the past, he turns to Albedo. Who was equally silent as she stared at him, "What's wrong?"
"No, it's nothing!" Albedo replied, but looked rather dejected,
Ainz was at a loss for words, then he blurts out the following words to her, "S-See? There's an empty spot, right? I plan to put a statue of myself there,"
Hope turns to him, while Albedo gasped at this. Then the latter finally expressed herself to him, "Please don't say such words. Please don't say things like that!"
Ainz was taken aback by her outburst, then he sees her gripping on her dress as the tears well up from her eyes, "Ainz-sama. The merciful lord Ainz, who stayed behind us. Please! Please rule over us forever! I beg of you from the bottom of my heart! Please! Please!"
"Albedo..." Hope muttered as she saw her on her knees,
Ainz walks up to Albedo, firmly placed his hand on her shoulder, and the two were eye to eye with each other. With the use of his cloak, he wipes Albedo's tears, "Forgive me,"
"A-Ainz-sama! P-Please, promise me," Albedo pleaded, "Promise me that you won't toss us aside and leave this land!"
"I'm sorry, but..." Ainz apologized, but Albedo interjects before he could finish, "Why? Why won't you promise me?! What are you dissatisfied about?! If you tell me, we will quickly eliminate the problem! If you say I'm the one in your way, I would kill myself immediately!"
"That's not it!" Ainz yelled, "Listen to me, The effect of the World Item's Mind Control over Shalltear is absolute. In order to defend ourselves against it, we have to wield world items as well,"
"That's why we came here?" Hope presumed, "To retrieve some of the World Items, and pass them to the other Floor Guardians? To protect them from this type of threat,"
"Correct," Ainz said as he momentarily shifted his gaze at Hope, then goes back to Albedo "There's actually a way to save Shalltear,"
"Th-That's..." Albedo presumed,
"One of the Twenty, the twenty World Items of unrivaled destructive power, is back here," Ainz revealed, "However, the power of a Twenty is so large, you lose it after one use. Now that we know there are world items in this world as well and that an enemy is in possession of one, I'm hesitant to use such a trump card right now. Goodness, I am such a pathetic master,"
"Th-that is not true!" Albedo denied,
"In fact, it's wise of you not to use such an item without prior knowledge of this world," Hope stated, "Had you used one, who knows where it'll respawn in this New World. For all we know, it might spawn in an inhabited area, where anyone can claim such power,"
"Always the knowledgable one, aren't you, Hope," Ainz remarked, "Reminds me of the times when Arachnida-san made the critical decisions. But please allow me to explain my silence, I plan to fight Shalltear by myself,"
Albedo gasped, while Hope retorts such a plan, "Are you serious, Ainz-san? From what I understand from Peroroncino-san's description, Shalltear's gear specializes in close combat and her magic may put you at a disadvantage. If you engage her in a one-on-one fight, I doubt you'll survive,"
"Just as Hope-sama said. If that is the case, we should crush her with our numbers!" Albedo suggested, "Why must you fight her alone?!"
"That's not it, it's just..." Ainz straightens himself, "Well, there are three reasons. The first is because I have doubts that I am an adequate ruler. Thinking logically, if I thought there was a chance other Yggdrasil players were here, I should have thought about the existence of World Items. Does someone this foolish deserve to be a ruler?"
"Your existence here in itself has worth, Ainz-sama! And we may be lacking, but we will support you completely!" Albedo vowed,
"The second reason is that there is a high chance that this is a trap," Ainz stated,
"A trap?" Albedo mouthed,
"I see what you mean. If Shalltear is left in an open area, chances are she's a bait and the enemy may lie in wait," Hope concluded,
"And in that scenario, they will be wary of hidden forces if I appear alone," Ainz finished, "And the last reason, I will kill Shalltear,"
"If that's the case-" Albedo was about to say, but Hope interjects before she could finish, "I'll go with you,"
Ainz and Albedo turn to Hope as she continued, "As I said, you will be at a disadvantage when you face Shalltear alone. But if I go with you, then our chances of killing her will rise,"
"Hope-" Ainz was about to say, but Hope raised her hand at him, "My skills and experience may not be on par with the likes of experienced players. But some of Shalltear's advantages don't apply to me. She's strong, that much I know, but if we stand together we can succeed,"
"Hope, Do you really have any chance of winning against her?" Ainz questioned,
"Yes," Hope answered without hesitation, "It's slim should I face her alone. But that is better than nothing at all,"
"Then is this why you wanted to talk to me privately? You want to accompany me in killing Shalltear," Ainz assumed, "To prove that you have what it takes to fight someone as strong as her?"
"It's not that," Hope stated, "It's much more important than proving myself stronger than her. If you can just trust me on this, I promise that I will tell you,"
Ainz was uncertain of this option and glances at the golems that represent Hope's parents, D3ath 3 Br1ng3r and Arachnida. He wondered how they'll react when their daughter wishes to fight in a duel that may result in one's death.
Some part of his mind assumes that he'll get scolded for having their daughter participate in such a problem. But the other part, of which he's well aware of his friends' personalities, they would express some measure of pride for their daughter.
When they were still around, the duo weren't just strong but smart as any opposition that they face often leads to their victory despite the odds stacked against them.
After putting some serious consideration to Hope's proposal, he firmly stands to his decision and looks right at her in the eye, "If you are willing to follow my orders, then I shall allow it,"
"Considered it done," Hope said, "For I shall follow even the most drastic of orders,"
"Good, but as you said before. Shalltear is physically optimized for battle, and she's also a holy magic caster. Which are strong against the undead," Ainz reminded, "In other words, I am at a disadvantage, is that what you want to say, Albedo?"
Albedo clutched onto her dress while Hope remained firm in her stance, "I'm afraid so,"
"That way of thinking is correct, but it's also incorrect at the same time. I might as well say that both your knowledge is only as we inputted," Ainz stated,
"What do you mean?" Albedo questioned,
"I will show you that you do not call me the Supreme Overlord of Nazarick without reason," Ainz pridefully stated, which leaves Albedo gaping in awe, "I will not lose against somebody who just depends on ability alone. And, most importantly, Peroroncino-san and I were close friends. In other words, the battle has been decided before it has even begun,"
Albedo rises from the floor, and straightens her posture before him, "I will no longer try to stop you. Just, please promise me that you will return,"
"I promise you," Ainz said, "We will defeat Shalltear and return to this place,"
"Then it's settled," Hope stated,
Short Timeskip
After everything was prepared, a [Gate] opens and the ones who come out are Ainz wearing ripped robes instead of his usual attire, Hope in her standard attire, a staff with a blue orb on top known as [Mindseeker] on her back, and the Dark Elf Twins equipped with World Items.
Aura holds a large scroll on her back known as [Depiction of Nature and Society] and Mare wears a pair of gauntlets known as [Avarice and Selfless].
As they overlook the cliff, Ainz spoke to the Dark Elf Twins, "Aura, Mare. This is where we part ways. After we separate, begin scouting the area for enemies,"
"Yes," Aura and Mare responded simultaneously,
"But if the number of enemies outnumbers you, retreat back to Nazarick immediately," Ainz ordered, "Hope will provide the necessary means to ensure your escape,"
"I understand," Aura replied, then Mare followed suit after a brief pause, "I understand..."
"Listen, make sure to retreat. That's also an important part of my plans," Ainz reminded, "Also, [Depiction of Nature and Society] and [Avarice and Selfless] are World Items treasured by Nazarick. They must never be taken. Depending on the situation, they are more worth than your lives,"
"Yes!" Aura and Mare replied,
With that, Ainz and Hope depart from the cliff via [Mass Fly] and walked their way towards Shalltear. Due to the quietness of the forest, Ainz decided to vent out his anger for a bit, "Shit! I wanted to spread the name of Ainz Ooal Gown to search for my allies. I planned to do whatever it took. However, I moved quietly so I could avoid unnecessary fighting, So how did it come to this?"
Ainz grabs a branch while Hope stops as she stares at him, "I don't know who did this, but I'll be sure to destroy them. I'll make sure they regret their own folly. Don't think that things will end like this after starting a fight with Ainz Ooal Gown!"
As Ainz snapped the branch, he casts it aside and Hope proceeds to make a statement, "On that, I agree with you and such offense must never be treated lightly,"
The two continue to make their way toward Shalltear and stop once she was in full view. Once again, Shalltear remains motionless with [Spuit Lance] on hand. Ainz had made considered several other solutions in handling this situation, but the thought of having the NPCs fight against Shalltear would pain him since such a choice would be like sending his friends' children to kill one of their own.
Speaking of children...
"Hope, I will ask you one last time," Ainz said, "Are you willing to follow my every orders?"
"Yes, but I will not back out of this fight," Hope replied,
"In that case, we shall begin," Ainz declared for he swore victory under his guild's name, "[Body of Effulgent Beryl]!"
Ainz spell becomes active and shrouds his body with the defensive spell. However, Shalltear doesn't react as she remained still in the exact same spot.
"As I thought, Unless I unleash an actual attack, you won't go into to battle mode," Ainz stated, "Just like in games!"
"That means we have must more prep time than we thought," Hope remarked, "And that makes things easier for us,"
"In that case, Shalltear. Sorry, but we'll have you wait a bit before we engage," Ainz said, then proceeds to cast the following spells, "[Fly], [Bless of Magic Caster], [Infitiny Wall], [Magic Ward: Holy], [Life Essence], [Greater Full Potential], [Freedom], [False Data: Life], [See Through], [Paranormal Intuition], [Greater Resistance], [Mantle of Chaos], [Indominatality], [Sensor Boost], [Greater Luck], [Magic Boost], [Dragonic Power], [Greater Hardening], [Heavenly Aura], [Absorption], [Penetrate Up], [Greater Magic Shield], [Mana Essence], [Triple Maximize Magic: Explode Mine], [Triplet Magic: Greater Magic Seal], [Triplet Maximize Boost Magic: Magic Arrow],"
(A.N. Notes: The reason why I added this part is that I grew fond of it. So don't judge me for it,)
"I'm done," Ainz said, "Now provide some of your buffs to me, and lay your traps"
"Understood," Hope responded and pulls out [Mindseeker] from her back. Since she possesses the majority of Ainz's buff, she decided to use a few buffs that he doesn't possess, "[Nigh Magic Potency], [Greater Elemental Resistance], [Unbreakable], [Greater Wisdom], [Greater Magic Boost], [Triplet Maximize Magic: Magic Seeker Orb], [Triplet Maximize Magic: Phantom Spear], [Triplet Maximize Magic: Explode Mine], [Triplet Maximize Magic: Magic Webbing]"
"Now, let us begin," Ainz declared and starts off with a [Super Magic Tier] Spell,
Hope knew this spell and teleports out of the spell's range to avoid unintentional friendly fire. Once she was out of range, she stood on top of a branch and watched as the spell ready.
By that time, the spell activates and devastated everything in the area. Hope may have seen the power of this spell in the game, but witnessing it in this New World brought a different perspective on how such a powerful spell could destroy the land in an instant.
When the spell had done the deed, the battle against Shalltear begins...
I know it isn't much, and I'm aware that I skipped the part where Ainz was supposed to talk to Hope privately. But that part is intentional since it doesn't fit in this kind of chapter, or so I think.
Rest assured, I will show the conversation between them in the Manor soon.
As for the battle, It'll start off with Ainz fighting Shalltear but I did include her applying a couple of buffs and traps for Shalltear. (I'll provide quick descriptions of the spells she used below).
As for the second part of the battle, that's where she'll jump in on the action.
And lastly, I am aware that this chapter isn't perfect. It may as well be confusing since I included Hope in their visit to the Treasury. For that, let me know what I need to fix and I will try to work it out as much as possible.
That is all I have to say, stay safe from the virus, and I will see you all in the next chapter!
Hope's Spells
Nigh Magic Potency: Greatly Increases Damage of the User/Ally's Magic Spells. The Effect Lasts up to 7 Spells and Remains for 3 Minutes.
Greater Elemental Resistance: Grants the User/Ally Greater Resistance to Element-Based Attacks.
Unbreakable: Provides Immunity against Effects of Crowd Control. Lasts against 3 Crowd Control Effect and Remains for 3 Minutes.
Greater Magic Boost: An Enhanced Version of [Magic Boost]
Greater Wisdom: Greatly Increases the User/Ally's Mana Regeneration. Lasts for a 2 Minutes
Magic Seeker Orb: Magic Orbs that lock onto a Target's Mana and deal Explosive Magic Damage. As a trap, it conceals itself to avoid detection by the naked eye and reveals itself when triggered
Phantom Spear: Untargetable Spears that can only be seen until it enters a certain range toward its intended target, Ignores Physical Defenses, and Deals Unholy Damage. When visible, they can be destroyed via spells that counter or destroys the magic.
Magic Webbing: Entangles an Enemy for a short period, and can only be dispelled through Magic Means. Those who possess High Magic Nullification can immediately negate this spell.