A woman wearing a cloak sneaks around until she finds the E-rantel communal graveyard, sneaking further until she reaches the center and enters a building at the center of it. Inside she finds a necromancer using magic on an orb. But she was expecting to find this particular one here, "Hello Khajit~!"
Khajit Dale Badantle looks less than thrilled to see her in his hidden sanctuary, "Clementine, how did you find this place?"
"Is that any way to treat a friend?" Clementine said innocently as she swayed from side to side, the largest grin adorning her already frightening look.
"If I must remind you we of the Zurrernorn have a ritual to perform. I must fill this Orb of Death with as much Mana as possible."
"Oh, I know! So I thought this little thing would be of interest to you," Clementine pulled out the Crown of Wisdom, one of the sacred treasures of the Slane Theocracy.
"That-, How did you get that?"
Clementine faked a pout, "You know I was a part of the Black Scripture before, I just stabbed the bitch that had it when I was defecting from the Theocracy," She sounded all too pleased with herself.
"I even heard a rumor about a certain boy who lives in E-rantel who can use any Item, which means the usual restrictions of this item would not matter. If you would allow me to cause chaos I am more than happy to snatch him."
Khajit considered it and despite not wanting Clementine involved he agreed because having someone under his control who could use Seventh-tier magic would greatly help his plan to turn E-rantel into a city of the Undead.
Herohero, "Nine", walked into the adventurer's guild with Solution or Soi, and Lupusregina or Regi. When Herohero was looking over the quests, he pretended to read but did not understand the world's written language, so it was impossible to see what each quest was. Of course, the Woman behind the desk normally repeated most of the information of the quest so he got by just fine yesterday. He wondered if he could take a job request for a higher-ranked adventurer, from what he could gather most quests were just eliminating monsters in the area. It was a little boring so he hoped higher quests meant dungeon-based quests or more diverse activities than just basic monster hunting. He was fine with it yesterday because it allowed him to learn you have to gather materials from the creatures rather than them having drops like in the game.
Herohero took one for a rank much higher than copper and placed it in front of the lady by the desk, he had no idea what it was. "I wish to take this quest," He pointed at the paper with a list of information for a job quest.
The lady felt a little bad but said, "I informed you yesterday Sir Nine that you are your group members are only copper rank, I can only give you copper rank quests." The lady smiled and added, "Considering how fast you completed your first two quests I don't doubt it will take long for you to rank up to Iron and so forth."
Soi slammed her hand on the table, "Cut the crap, I can beat a gold-rank adventurer team with one arm tied behind my back. Allow us to take this quest and stop wasting our time!" Solution played her brash adventurer role well but Herohero wished she took it down a notch.
"Don't be so harsh Soi-chan. She is just doing her best-Su~!" Regi walked up and leaned over the counter as her intervention helped ease the lady. "But, I know how to convince you so to say." Regi winked at the lady behind the counter.
'Nevermind Lupusregina is just as bad' Herohero thought.
"I-I don't know what you are implying but I should warn you I have a husband at home."
"The more the merrier-Su!"
"W-what?!"
Lupusregina laughed and reached over the counter and patted the woman on the shoulder, "Just kidding, I just meant I could be a compelling woman when I talk one-on-one with someone."
Herohero stepped forward now and pulled Lupusregina back by her hidden tail causing her to yelp a little while her cheeks went a little pink. Herohero cleared his throat, "Sorry about that at least give us the hardest quest you have for copper rank."
The woman smiled and was about to suggest one that was a little challenging for copper-rank adventurers, but then someone called out "Nine."
There stood four people, a warrior named Peter Mauk, A Ranger named Lukrut Volve, A druid named Dyne Woodwonder, and a magic caster named Ninya. They were remembers of the Silver-ranked team, Swords of Darkness. They also had seen Own Goal complete their last quest yesterday, neither team knew much about the other, but Herohero knew of them specifically because they complimented them yesterday.
"Peter, good to see, don't mind us we won't hold up the desk for long." Herohero just needed the lady to give them the quest.
But Peter had a reason for calling out Herohero's cover name besides just getting him, "Actually since you are looking for higher-ranked quests, would you care to join us on ours?"
the two teams went upstairs and discussed the details. Herohero was a little disappointed as it was just more monster experimentation, just for one with a larger group of monsters and slightly stronger ones as well. Which was still a little boring. But if they assisted on this quest it could hasten their rank up.
"We are in, Just to be sure we are splitting the reward," Herohero said pointedly. He figured the Swords of Darkness were good people, but he also knew his team would be doing most of the work, so he wanted to ensure they were compensated as such.
"I was going to suggest that anyways Nine, but we can shake on it if you want to be extra sure," Peter extended a hand.
Herohero stared at Peter and shook his head, "No it is alright I will take you at your word," He still had no idea how different spells worked in this world even if they come from an item. If Peter can feel that "Nine" is actually a slime-type creature who knows how it will end?
"I-I look forward to working with you," Ninya said nervously.
"Oh to work with two bountiful beauties, Soi and Regi. I should count myself lucky," Lukrut held a hand over his chest and motioned toward the two.
Solution's eyes tightened, "pests like you need to keep their mouths shut," Words could not describe how badly she wished to consume Lukrut and delay his dissolution just so he would feel more pain when absorbed.
"Owch, you wound me," Lukrut softly fell to his knees.
but Lupusregina had a different reaction, "wah, you speak as if we are the only cute ladies you have ever adventured with-Su!"
Lukrut stood up and held the werewolf's hand, "well certainly very few if any can match such lookers like yourselves."
Lupusregina smirked but kept her teeth hidden, "Finally someone understands, makes me want to eat you right up!" She wanted to play with Lukrut, which in many ways was far worse than Solution eating him, at least his death would come quicker.
Herohero slammed his fist on the table, "I would appreciate it if you would stop ogling my teammates."
Lukrut backed off, "sorry did not mean to come on to your ladies Nine. Having two, you are living the dream."
Herohero grumbled, an archer and a pervert, what was this Pero's human twin?
"It is not like that, I care deeply for them as teammates," And because they were his and his friend's creations but he did not say that.
Solution's cheeks puffed out slightly but Herohero did not notice she was a little upset. While it was for their cover she felt like she was turned down so badly.
Lupusregina however whimpered, "Oh, how cruel of our leader, not even seeing me as an option."
Herohero would have melted into a slime puddle if he could.
Dyne crossed his arms a little, "Sorry on behalf of our friend. But we also do not adventure with women unless they are from a team on the same quest. We did not even look for any when forming our team."
Peter tried not to make it sound bad, given how Soi and Regi looked to be female, "Female adventurers can cause some serious issues. Problems I am not sure we can deal with."
Soi glared at Peter, "You saying I would cause problems for Sir Nine? Because I can make sure your legs will be broken beyond repair."
Peter sweated heavily, "W-well no. I just. well-"
By some miracle, it was Lukrut who saved his leader, "I am sure our leader does not doubt you or your leader's abilities it is why we came looking for you. It was more so about what we can handle rather than Nine."
Lupusregina looked at Ninya and then after a few seconds said, "So you have never recruited females?"
"Yup! Why do you ask?"
Ninya could suddenly feel both Regi and Soi's stares. It was brief, 'can they tell?'
Regi turned away from the group, "Oh no reason. Let's get to it! I am sooooooo bored!"
Ninya breathed a sigh of relief.
Lukrut saw Regi's look but misunderstood what it was for, "maybe these two just have a short fetish? That or Nine also has a baby face under his mask."
Dyne patted Lukrut on the shoulder, "whatever you need to tell yourself."
Just as they were leaving though Herohero spotted a boy at the bottom of the stairs, "Hello there Nine I was told you were still here. My name is Nfirea Bareare and I have a job request for yo-"
Solution moved in front of Herohero and reached for a dagger but Herohero stopped her by pulling her back roughly, "Soi, he is just making a request," Solution must have felt something was dangerous about Nfirea if she felt like she needed to attack, But Herohero was not sure what that could be. In fact, he was worried like she was, because he right now was just copper rank, why go for a low-ranked adventurer? A new one as well.
"I appreciate that you're specifically requesting me but I already have taken a quest with another group, perhaps another time."
Peter and the rest of the Swords of Darkness seemed surprised.
"Nine, this is a request specifically for Own Goal. Very rarely do adventurers ranked below Mithhril get specifically requested, you should at least hear him out."
"I-it is not that, we just already had a deal. For me personally, It is bad business ethics to make a deal and bow out for something better."
Nfriea spoke up as he was still in earshot, "My quest is for you to escort me to Carne village and the Great Forest of Tob to collect certain plants and herbs I need to brew potions. I do not mind stopping along the way so you can complete your first quest."
Herohero had two thoughts. First he really hated taking more than one job at a time, due to how often his bosses gave him three or more entirely different assignments and expected him to complete each within a often short time limit. But his other thought was this would be good for them.
"Peter, would your group be interested in joining us on this quest as well?" He also saw this as an opportunity to learn more about the world from the adventurers, building a good relationship with ones higher ranked would help with that.
Nfriea was here because Brita had come to his grandmother's potion workshop and showed them a red potion, something neither had seen before but his grandmother had a name for it and proclaimed it a rare potion, she had suggested to him to find this adventurer who had it, Nine. All the while she tried to convince Brita to sell it to her which Brita declined multiple times. Nfriea felt it was also a perfect excuse to go to Carne village and see a certain someone. But he had mentioned neither while explaining the request of Nine and the others.
After agreeing to the quest and the reward for both parties they set off.
Elsewhere Sebas and Narberal are dressed up because they were going to head down to the fancy restaurant near the place their were staying so Narberal could show off her cover as a rich girl. They had found out about a group of bandits that attacked Rich people and nobles on their way to the capital from E-rantel, one that was rumored to be lead by a warrior of great skill. they already lured a carriage driver they suspect is involved because he was a part of the last attack.
"Albedo we are heading out, keep an eye on our target, and if he does anything suspicious," Despite the fact that Albedo was the guardian overseer it was Sebas that was put in charge of this mission. Albedo would be left on her own once they've found the bandit location, her only job was to capture the bandit leader alive besides that she was free to do whatever. She could return to Nazarick after that.
But she still hated this. Albedo had to remain on her best behavior so that Sebas's report would not reflect badly. That was she could return to her beloved Momonga as soon as possible. And the sooner she could get Shalltear away from him, it was she who was meant to be at his side after all!
"Of course, The shadow demon is also watching just to be safe."
After Sebas and Narberal left Albedo grasped her hands together tightly and sent the shadow demon away to watch the carriage lead despite having a mirror of remote viewing on him. She would then say, "Curse you Herohero for taking me away from him."
It did not take them long to find the monsters. Goblins fast approached the carriage. Herohero, Solution, and Regi went for the ogres approaching more slowly behind the goblins.
Peter cut down some goblins before taking damage himself, and Dyne protected the cart directly. Ninya and Lukrut picked off goblins from afar, the former with magic arrows and the latter with regular arrows.
Herohero and the two Pleiades sisters watched, though they were weak it reminded Herohero of the early days in YGGDRASIL, only then it was against other players due to his racial class as it was with the rest of his former guildmates.
"Let's show off as well," Herohero used his monk abilities and killed each Ogre in his way with a single punch. He had to hold back his racial abilities as best he could since his Ooze could melt some of the Ogre's skin. Solution cut a few ogres down quickly with her dagger.
"Weeeee!" Lupusregina meanwhile was a lot more enthusiastic as her Crosier shaved through groups of ogres. Despite being a healer she could still easily deal with any of these ogres. She even moved quickly in front of the few attempting to flee she wiggled her finger, "ahah, I am not done playing~!"
The Swords of Darkness and Nfriea watched the carnage and how easy it was for them, Ogres were tough monsters individually but to see a whole group of them dealt with so easily it was quite a shock.
"T-they are quite strong," Nfriea said as he held the halter for the horse a little loose because he was amazed by their strength.
"Mithril? Orichalcum?" Peter said adventurer ranks were near the top because despite being new copper rank adventurers Own Goal looked to be at their level, if not higher at Adamantite.
Dyne was going to heal but Lupusregina took care of it, "All greater Heal!" All of the Swords of Darkness were healed up from the damage they took, she even spread the effect to Solution and Herohero despite neither taking damage.
"What was that?" Ninya's mouth was wide with amazement.
"Regi that was, well, I suppose you learned a lot under the clergy," At least that was what Dyne assumed.
Lupusregina puffed out air, "Yes, praise me more, Su~!"
Herohero could feel Nfriea's stare burning a hole in the back of his head, the boy already worried him because he specifically requested him, now what could it be?!
Night time rolled around not long after and they all set up camp for the night and to take a break. Herohero, Solution, and Lupusregina would be perfectly fine at night but they were supposed to be coming off as human so they did not argue when Peter had brought up setting up camp a couple of hours after completing their original quest.
Lukrut made soup. Solution despite her apprehensive eating it like a drink and down it from the bowl, not because she liked it. In fact, she wanted to excrete it from her quickly but resisted.
Lupusregina finished quickly and held her bowl out, "More, please! and don't skimp on the meat this time!" Lukrut of course obliged despite Nine telling him not to or else it would not stop. It did not stop luckily everyone else did not need more than one bowl because the werewolf finished what was left.
Herohero meanwhile was having a hard time, like Solution very technically he could eat since as a slime-related race he would just absorb whatever entered his body. The problem was he would have to remove his mask and risk the illusion messing up how his face looked, he had already briefly taken it off just to show it as a sign of trust but even then he put it back on just as quickly. Since they had seen his "human face" he did not want to risk it.
"What's the matter Nine? Don't tell me you are not hungry?" Peter asked in a friendly manner.
"T-trust me, Lukrut is an amazing cook despite how he is," Ninya added with a nervous smile.
"I can hear you," Lukrut said offensively.
"It is not that, I just, was reminded," Herohero needed to stall, and the first thing he thought of was, "when my friends and I would do this after completing a job." Technically what Ainz Ooal Gown did was sit around their round table and laugh about all the bosses. Fighting about loot. The occasional encounter and subsequent takedown of another guild or clan attempting the same dungeon. Or talk about how fast raids of Nazarick failed whenever those happened. Regardless whenever it got too rowdy Momonga managed to keep it from going to far, even when it came to Ulbert and Touch-me and their constant bickering.
"They must have been quite the group for you think so fondly of them."
Herohero chuckled, "Of course, there was no other group of people I would have asked for. They helped me and gave me so much."
Solution Epsilon and Lupusregina Beta felt so happy hearing that. After being gone for so long they would not have blamed Herohero for forgetting the other supreme beings but he remembered everything, and that last part about being given so much felt aimed at them and the rest of the denizens of Nazarick.
Ninya said something that unintentionally brought down the good mood of the conversation, "I am sure you will find others like them."
Herohero felt a mixture of mad and guilty, he spent so little time with AOG at the end and the one member who kept it all going could not even move. If Momonga was even alive.
"Her-Nine are you okay?! you got soup all over you!" Solution yelled as she suddenly brought out a lovely-looking cloth and used it to "clean" him.
"wait isn't that..." Lukrut grumbled as he realized she stole it off of him at some point, she was a thief after all, "I got that from a lovely lady a week ago."
Herohero had melted the bottom of the bowl with his corrosive abilities without even realizing it, Luckily it would just look like he squeezed it too hard. Still, he had let his emotions get the better of him. "I...I will go act as lookout for now," He stood up and Solution followed him.
Ninya felt guilty which was obvious to tell.
"They are all gone aren't they," Lukrut leaned back and also looked a little sad.
Peter looks sympathetically at Regi, "I am sorry, we did not mean any offensive."
Lupusregina giggled, "Well, I know. I am sure Sir Nine knows as well. His old friends are important to Soi and I as well in ways you cannot imagine. It is just a sore subject."
Dyne looked at Ninya, "you said something that cannot be taken back. But it can be made up for later."
Ninya nodded but still looked guilty.
Lupusregina pulled Ninya into her lap which caused Ninya to be embarrassed and Lukrut to be very jealous.
"Do not feel so bad. I cannot say a lot, but Know that right now one of Nine's friend needs help, and He will stop at nothing to do it," Lupusregina could not just say if the other supreme beings were dead or not, she would hate the thought of her creator being dead even if he may never return regardless. But At least Momonga could be brought back.
Ninya was comforted by being made to think at least one of Nine's friends was still alive, "I will make it up to him a swear."
Lupusregina patted her head like a dog which was a little ironic but she liked doing that.
"If he needs our help for his friend we are more than willing to," Peter's words were agreed with by the other swords of darkness.
Lupusregina's smile could be seen thanks to the fire, "I am sure he would love to hear that."
Herohero and Solution sat away from the group, close enough both groups could see the other but not hear each other without yelling.
"Those disgusting humans, do you want me and my sister to get rid of them Lord Herohero?" Solution was eager to do that.
"No, I just need a moment..." Herohero looked at the starry night sky.
He felt he made a mistake back there but he also felt saddened by his remincing. He wondered how the others would feel in his shoes right now. He wondered how Momonga would feel given he had never abandoned the game like they all basically did. 'Momonga how often did you think back to the good times while in a tomb that was practically void of anyone else? and...did they feel just as terrible to think about as it does for me right now?'
Solution wrapped her arms around Herohero from behind. She did not say a word just silently let him know she was there. Herohero held one of her arms but said nothing and remained staring at the stars.
From the Desk of Herohero to Momonga
I'll make up for lost time when you are cured Momonga I swear it!
Also, I am kicking myself for wasting soup! wasting food of any kind is a crime! right?
-Herohero