Hey Guys! Crescent Rider here and I'm back with the first chapter of season 2! As promised, I've gone ahead with mass-releasing chapters and I'll admit. It's a bit better than posting once per story.
And just a reminder, this story follows Hope instead of Ainz and I plan to give both OC and Canon Characters the spotlight in the story.
That is all and enjoy the chapter!
E-Rantel
A week has passed since Hope became an Adamantine-ranked adventurer and a leader of her party. The place in which she resides would be Lizzie's former shop after some remodeling changes.
By then, the townsfolk, adventurers, and magic casters flock over to her home as she also converted it into a shop for low-ranked items, medicine, and ingredients under reasonable prices.
But she wouldn't be the one tending to her customers...
Slumping down at the counter was a young woman with pure albino hair, amber eyes, fine leather clothes, and a silver necklace around her neck. This was the second member of her party, Celicia Veyron a.k.a Ninya of Swords of Darkness.
She practically sighed to herself after a hard day's worth of work on the counter and Hope would go about her way to meet her, "Good work as usual,"
"Thank you very much," Celicia thanked,
"As for your payment," Hope would pull out a spell book from her [Inventory] and pass it to her hands, "This book contains a variety of 2nd Tier Spells. Try them out or master them if you can,"
Celicia smiled and took the book off her hands. It hadn't been days since she was supposedly resurrected by Hope's hand, but in exchange for her resurrection life, she became Hope's eternal servant...
It may seem like a curse, but for her, it was a blessing in disguise as Hope kept her word in making her an apprentice in the arts of Magic. The only thing she regrets is her former friends not sharing her miracle...
Flashback
In just five days, the Arachnoid Egg hatched, and what emerged from its shell was Ninya with a child-like physique as well as a modified version of the Arachnoid.
She would gasp for air as her change is relatively recent, and then Hope would stand before her.
"Hope-san?" Ninya muttered with recognized,
"Welcome back to the land of the living," Hope greeted, "I hope you were comfortable in your sleep,"
"Huh?" Ninya mouthed with confusion, then it clicked when she recalled a particular memory, "What of the others?! And Nfirea-san?"
"Nfirea is fine, as for the others..." Hope dons a sorrowful look, "I'm sorry, but you were the only one I could bring back,"
"No..." Ninya muttered with widened eyes,
"Peter, Lukrut, and Dyne's souls were contaminated by necromancy while yours remained clean," Hope explained, "I wish I could do more for them, but the deed was done,"
With that, Ninya starts to cry and Hope pulls the reborn Magic Caster close to ease her grief...
Present
As Cecilia continued to read her newly acquired spell book in her room, she often glanced at the black dagger hanging by the side of the cabinet. A close reminder of the friends who helped her.
Hope: Cecilia
Cecilia flinched upon hearing her master's voice, and replied, "Yes, Hope-sensei?"
Hope: There's an important matter I must attend back at Nazarick. Take care of the shop while I'm gone
"Of course, safe travels, Sensei," Cecilia said,
After she felt Hope's teleportation spell, she sighed to herself as she was made aware of what Hope and Ainz truly were. Though it frightens her at first, she slowly begins to accept this life especially when she has become a monster herself and is under the threat that if she reveals any of Nazarick's secrets, she will be expunged without question.
Even Hope herself clarified that she'll kill her despite their agreement...
'Looks like I've got a lot on my plate today...' Cecilia said and tended to the shop,
Nazarick
As soon as Hope returns, she is met with Ainz and greets him properly, "Hello, Ainz-san. How are things on your end?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary," Ainz admitted, "How are yours?"
"Same as you, but Cecilia's been improving since I've trained her for the past week," Hope said,
"Good to hear," Ainz said, then the two approached the entrance,
Mare would greet them, and respectively present their guild rings to them, "W-Welcome back! Um, here you go,"
Ainz and Hope wore the rings onto their respective finger and the former asked, "Has Albedo gone out, as well?"
"No, she's here," Mare responded, "Um, she said she would be waiting for you in your room, Ainz-sama,"
"I see. She may have an urgent. secret report for me. I will go there immediately," Ainz declared, then he turned to Hope, "What about you?"
"I've got some matters to tend with the manor," Hope revealed, "One of its esteemed members is making a fuss in their respective sectors,"
"In that case, I'll inform you of the details of Albedo's report after you're done with the manor," Ainz said,
Hope just nods happily, and uses the ring for the 8th Floor. Under normal circumstances, no one is allowed on the 8th Floor without permission from Ainz himself, and [Guild Rings] worn by respective Floor Guardians were modified to prevent such incidents.
But Hope's Ring was modified differently, and her destination would always reach the Manor on the 8th Floor. If she wanted to go to the other areas of the 8th Floor, she would require permission from Ainz himself.
Without said permission, The ring would teleport her back to the boundaries of the manor. A precautionary measure by Ainz himself...
As she walked towards the entrance, she was met by two of Marshal's knights, and stood attention, "Welcome back! Ojou-sama!"
"Hello, Marshal. What happens to be the issue this time?" Hope inquired,
"It's Envy's Pawn," Marshal reported, "After they learned of personnel leaving, they wished to leave as well. After they were refused, they immediately threw a tantrum and threw whatever they conjured at anyone who tried to intrude,"
"I see, have them know that I'm coming," Hope ordered,
"Of course," Marshal stayed silent for a second, then spoke once more, "They've been informed,"
Hope marches her way into the manor after she slips the manor ring above her guild ring. The Manor's Envious Sector is located on the left wing of the manor's first floor. Through the ring she possesses, she'd arrived at her destination through two sets of doors.
The room was themed and decorated with space-like walls and lighting, various glowing star and planet ornaments all over, and a large bed with one peculiar individual.
This individual was a humanoid boy roughly looking ten years old with light-blue skin, wearing full-body clothing resembling pajamas, decorated with small stars in the trouser area, and bedroom slippers with light gray star pom-poms at the top.
(A.N.: For reference, its appearance resembles that of Collector from Owl House)
Hope would walk up to him, and he would spot her. This seemingly brightens his day, jolts his way off his bed, and goes to hug her, "Hope-Onee-san!"
"Hello, Solstice. It's been a while," Hope greeted while gently caressing his soft, light gray hair, "I heard that you've been making a fuss around the manor for some time. Care to explain why?"
"It's because of the others..." Solstice admitted, "You've sent the Wrathful King, and Indolent Queen to someplace great, Lustful Queen outside the manor, and the Indolent Pawn acts as your maid. When do I get a role?"
"Hmmm... I don't know," Hope remarked, "As far as I know, there isn't any task I could assign you to do and I'd have to get Ainz's permission as well. I can't just bring you out of the manor without permission, you know,"
Solstice groans against Hope's chest, and the latter proceeds to carry the former off the floor, "Tell you what, how about I stay here and play with you for the time being? After we've had our fun, I may as well try to convince Ainz to have you out of the manor as well. What do you say?"
"Really?! That's great!" Solstice expressed with joy, then a few of the stars from the ceiling began to wander around the room,
The two watched them whiz all over the room like a school of fish, and what soon appeared were several small and transparent demi-humans with fish scales and mermaid tails. This was Solstice's way of starting fun and what follows is Hope spending an assortment of games ranging from traditional to modern.
Nazarick Bar
As usual, Shalltear miserably spends her days wallowing from the fact that she raised her weapon against Ainz and Hope, The Supreme Leader and Child of Nazarick. She continues to drown herself down with the strongest alcoholic beverages, much to Clavu's displeasure.
The one next to her was Matrone, Manor's Lustful Queen, and continued to comfort her in ways she could cope with such disgrace as an esteemed Floor Guardian.
"Have you made any progress?" Clavu asked directly to Matrone,
"I have, but satisfying a [True Vampire] in bed takes a lot of time and effort," Matrone elaborated, "She even wallows in her sleep, and I often comfort or reason with her that everything was not her fault,"
Clavu sighed upon her response, "Do your best,"
"I will," Matrone said with a smile,
"Pardon me," Matrone and Clavu turned and saw Eclair carried by one of his subordinates, "It gives me great pleasure to meet you, Shalltear's consort,"
Matrone doesn't change her expression, but she finds his remark quite offending since she is by all means Hope's loyal servant, not Shalltear's consort. After that, Eclair intentionally sat next to Matrone and ordered one of the bar's special, Nazarick...
"This is for her," Eclair insisted, and tried to slide the drink to Shalltear,
But knowing that the drink will tip over, Matrone takes said drink and brings it next to Shalltear. Eclair would bow his head to her, "I thank you for passing it to her,"
Matrone responds with silence, but she requests Clavu, "I'll have this drink as well,"
"Of course," Clavu said, and processed said drink with a variety of mixed alcohol.
After the drink was properly poured into the glass, it consisted of ten layers of dense alcohol. The sole purpose of its name is its pure representation of Nazarick's ten floors, the bottom being the most dense out of the previous nine.
Matrone would easily drink it while Shalltear continued to wallow around her grand folly as a Floor Guardian. Afterward, she starts questioning Eclair's motives, "So, what will you gain in all this?"
"Pardon?" Eclair questioned rather directly than obliviously,
"Offering one's drink to a wallowing girl isn't done out of the kindest of your heart," Matrone elaborated, "Especially when it's offered by one of the low-ranking servants of Nazarick. Just what do you gain for currying a Guardian's Favor,"
"Ah, I see what you mean," Eclair understood, "You see..."
After a dramatic pause, Eclair posed in a glorified posture before the Lustful Queen, "I intend to become Nazarick's Next Ruler!"
Shalltear pays no attention, Clavu cleans some glass, and Matrone just blinks before questioning his intention, "You do realize that that's an impossible task for a monster of your stature. And let's say Ainz Ooal Gown does indeed relinquish his title as Nazarick's Leader, what will do should the slightest chance of you becoming ruler do?"
Eclair smirked, then went about another glorious pose, "Cleaning!"
"Cleaning? quite noble but absurdly redundant," Matrone bluntly remarked, "And with your power, I highly doubt you'll lead everyone so easily. Let alone convince anyone,"
"Of course, of course. But with Sebas absent, I was assigned with tending matters all over the 9th Floor," Eclair said, "It shows how capable I am,"
"As a substitute leader, yes. But a ruler? I doubt it," Matrone said, "If there's anyone in Nazarick who's truly worthy of becoming its next ruler would be Hope-sama, The Child of Nazarick,"
"That is indeed true, but until the day I become Nazarick's Ruler. I shall hone my skills in cleaning! And everyone has realized my utmost potential!" Eclair declared,
"Your tone is getting on my nerves," Matrone plainly muttered and stood from her seat, "Let us return to your quarters, Shalltear. It's time for another session,"
"... Yes," Shalltear sobbingly replied, and gets carried by the Lustful Queen's arms,
As they leave the bar, Clavu takes the 'Nazarick' beverage and passes it to Eclair while the latter rubs his beak's underside before asking the bartender, "Do you think she'll be a suitable ally?"
"Her allegiance matters little to me," Clavu remarked, "What does matter is that Shalltear-sama sobers by Matrone's aid, cleaning up her empty glasses was quite a hassle,"
"Well, I, for one, don't think she's trustworthy to be my subordinate," Eclair said, "If anything, she'd be the second to turn against me,"
"But she does speak the truth," Clavu remarked, and Eclair turned to him, "If Ainz-sama were to relinquish his title as Supreme Leader, the position would undoubtedly fall onto Hope-sama's hands. Or that's what the rumors I've heard from the canteen,"
"My ambitions aside, I wholeheartedly agree," Eclair said, "I wouldn't even mind biding my time while working under her rule,"
These thoughts would remain within the confines of the bar. Afterward, they'd return to their usual duties in their respective areas...
E-Rantel
Sebas and Solution received a report from Ainz himself, it revolved around two Manor personnel en route to their location and acting as Solution's Noble Parents and Sebas' Superiors.
A few days later, Sebas and Solution met with said people and bowed their heads respectively to them. Likewise, Furher and Reyna greeted them appropriately, "A pleasure to meet you both, I am Furher, The Manor's Furious King,"
"And I am Reyna, The Manor's Indolent Queen," Reyna followed, "We shall look forward to working with you two,"
"It's quite an honor to have you here, I have heard rumors regarding the manor personnel," Sebas remarked, "But never have I expected you two would look perfectly human,"
"I would say the same to you as well," Fuhrer said, "But what surprised me is that you and I are of the same species. It's quite comforting, knowing that I'll be working with a fellow [Dragonoid],"
"Ho? You're a Dragonoid much like Sebas?" Solution then turns to Reyna, "What about you?"
"I belong to a variant race of slimes" Reyna replied, "But my abilities and knowledge come down to my profession in the medical and alchemic field,"
Solution smiled, and then the four went to the guest room for tea. They would discuss certain matters regarding their missions and learn more about each other. One side would learn of the hierarchy of their respective sectors while the other would learn of their origin as Floor Guardian and Subordinate of Nazarick's 9th Floor.
Quite the casual conversation these four have, and what follows is their recognition of their roles and Solution graciously accepts Fuhrer and Reyna as her 'supposed' noble parents. The latter is a patient but oblivious noble mother and the former is the self-aware yet collected noble father.
Ainz's Office
After Hope returns, she walks up to Ainz's desk and greets him with a bow.
"How are the manor's personnel?" Ainz inquired,
"Nothing major in particular. It's just one of the manor's Pawns was making a fuss about not being able to leave the manor much like the others," Hope said, "After a few games, he calmed down. Though he is asking for permission to leave the manor, I'd even act as his guardian shoulder,"
"And who might this pawn be? I recall that there are seven of them, two of which I already met," Ainz questioned,
"It's Solstice, The Envious Pawn," Hope elaborated,
"Solstice?" Albedo mouthed in confusion,
"A monster in child form, he specializes in Star-based spells and summons and always wants to have fun," Hope summarized, "And in case you ask, he doesn't possess any [Super Tier Magic] Spells. Those are reserved for the top-ranking officers of the Manor,"
"And should he be let out, what he will do first?" Ainz questioned,
"He's a hyper-energic child," Hope revealed, "But only I can control him from wandering off on his own,"
Ainz considered this proposal since most of the manor's personnel are always confined within the 8th Floor as part of his friends' design. Even though they are stronger than the average mobs, their personalities are aligned with their creators and may act against any order bestowed on them.
They wouldn't even recognize him as the Supreme Leader much like the other NPCs of the Nazarick. However, he was aware of a certain item that ensures utmost control over manor personnel and only four were made by Hope's Parents specifically.
Once done, he makes a clear decision to Hope's suggestion, "Very well, you may bring him out of the manor for a certain amount of time. I'll also assign you as his guardian, should anything out of line occur, the one responsible for his actions is you, and not him. I hope you're well aware of what may befall you,"
"Of course," Hope understood,
Ainz soon stands from his chair and makes their way to the throne room where Cocytus awaits him. He would depart to the Dummy Nazarick constructed within the Great Forest of Tob.
He was given clear instructions to annihilate them after eight days had passed. The purpose of such a time is to give the Lizardmen time to bolster their numbers, form alliances, and face the inevitable.
Though Cocytus swore he wouldn't let Ainz down, the players suspected that he'll lose went it comes down to leading an army. With that in mind, Ainz plans on leaving for E-Rantel, and Hope goes to the Manor to pick up Solstice for an outing.
Albedo graciously handles Nazarick on Ainz's behalf duty as his wife. Ainz seemed stunned while Hope sighed at her behavior, in the end, they departed to their respective places with Ainz posing as his adventurer persona and Hope handling precautions for Solstice's outing.
Lizardmen's Village
The young Lizardmen play, and the adults socialize with each other until they notice dark clouds gathering and what appeared was a monster with fearsome, ever-changing heads the chieftain of the Lizardmen would take heed of its message as it declared,
"Listen. We who serve the Supreme One come to declare your deaths."
"The Supreme One has mobilized an army to destroy you all. But he is merciful. He allows you to prepare your futile resistance."
"Eight days from today. you will become the first lizardman tribe of this lake to become offerings to him."
"Offer your desperation and resistance to give pleasure to the Supreme One."
"Remember, Eight Days!"
The Messenger then pulls itself into the dark clouds and delivers the message to the other Lizardmen Tribes.
Thus, the war between Nazarick and Lizardmen began...
That is it for this chapter, if any of you have any questions you'd like to ask. Feel free to do so, for I plan on answering every question you all have in mind.
I'm also open to Suggestions of future Servant since this is still a Fate/Overlord Crossover Story. But don't expect them to be accepted on the get-go since I'll be doing a lot of planning and work on future chapters.
Lastly, I've decided that some of the chapters will be fixated on Manor Personnel. For they might bring interesting outcomes to changes in the story.
That is all I have to say, and I'll see you all in the next chapter!