Overlord & Hellking Book I
Chapter 2
Standing perfectly still among fresh, green grass expanding in all directions but the sky above, Lord Oshikuru removed two long, clawed black fingers from his head as the [Message] spell was dispelled by his best friend.
The Demon Samurai breathed in some fresh air before turning back to Sebas, the dragonoid excellently disguised as an elderly man.
"Even though we've already scouted the area, Momonga wishes for us to keep looking for about one hour. Although it is highly unlikely that we find anything around at this point, his will shall be done."
"Of course, Momonga-sama's orders must always be fulfilled!"
Zero hesitation could be found in the Iron Butler's tone.
"Let us keep walking around Nazarick then, keeping all senses on high alert."
And they restarted the search, circling around the land close to the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
Surprisingly, it was no longer shrouded by the misty, muddy bogs of the large Grenbera Swamps, but surrounded by seemingly wild, empty plains. It clearly meant they were no longer on Helheim, perhaps not even in Yggdrasil.
Even if they had not found any evidence of a civilisation, from the smell of the grass, the way the dirt would break and cling on his hands, how all the animals in the area looked and acted, he understood this was much more than a game. Such details could belong only to a real world.
Hmm, the ring worked, but that was in Nazarick. What if magic doesn't work in this place? I'd rather not personally risk it, though…
"Sebas, would you be so kind to turn in your main form?"
"As you wish, Oshikuru-sama."
And immediately his perfect butler attire disappeared together with the gentle, wrinkly face, revealing Sebas' powerful, dark and huge dragonoid nature.
The demon asked:
"Does everything seem fine? Had you any problems in the morphing process? Something different from usual?"
"I perceive no differences from the past… besides being able to express myself in an easier way, Oshikuru-sama."
Shit, what can I say without making him realise he was just some data in a fun game? Hah, better to ignore the last remark for now, I will figure it out later with Momonga-san. We have bigger problems at the moment, what matters about the NPCs is that they're still loyal to us players, but luckily that seems to be clear.
"Well, that's good. I guess I should reshape myself as well then."
That said, he tried to recall how he changed his body in the game. It turned out to be far easier than he thought, as if all his magic powers were deeply embedded into his mind.
However, never before had he felt pain during the change.
It wasn't excruciating, but being surprised he had to bite his lip from yelping or cursing as bones, flesh and more went through the process of switching forms. Six arms disappeared, his size reduced, the skin changed colour and texture.
And at the end, now it was Sebas who overshadowed Oshikuru. But that did not trigger a difference in the Butler, always deferential.
"A perfect human disguise, my Lord."
"Yes… yes it is." Did he not feel pain when changing? But I can't possibly ask it without letting him know I did… Another question for later I guess.
"Well, let's keep going then!"
They marched on, Oshikuru's Demonwing Geta now barely leaving marks in the fertile ground as in human form he weighed much less.
So boring though walking in a circle in the middle of nowhere… if only there was a monster coming this way… If I had come to this place on my own, I'd be on my way to find someone to pick a fight with, but luckily Momonga-san will make sure I don't get too careless.
Who knows, perhaps there's someone stronger than me in this world… After all, if we got here, there must be a reason why. The only thing I can think of is it was due to some extremely powerful teleportation magic that pulled Nazarick away from Helheim and dragged it into this world…
Let's set our priorities straight:
1. We must find information about who or what got us here, and how and why. 2. We must find general information about this world.
3. We must establish a safe perimeter around Nazarick to hide and protect it from this world, especially if who took us here has got some wicked intentions.
4… We must have fun! This is a real, flourishing world, unlike our dying planet! We'll have real adventures, discover new things and lands, meet new people and test our strength! Oohh, I can't wait for Momonga to let me fight against whatever it is that lies ahead!
But the excitement quickly faded as nothing came into view.
Bored again, the Cursed Samurai turned to Sebas.
"Since you can speak freely now, please do so. Tell me what you think of this situation and ask me all what you want, I'm sure you have many questions."
Sebas seemed to slightly frown, temporarily perplexed by the request. But he quickly came to terms with it.
"Well, Oshikuru-sama, if there's anything I want to say is how grateful all of Nazarick is, including me, to have you and Momonga-sama still among us, to guide servants who otherwise would fall into despair without leadership. Even if I'm a little sad about my creator and the other Supreme Beings having left us…"
I'm not! Had they still been around, I wouldn't have been able to join Ainz Ooal Gown and maybe missed this incredible opportunity to get to a new world. But I can't tell you that of course… let's try to use some empathy. After all, I feel a little bad about beating the shit out of your own master…
"You see, Sebas, losing your own creator must be awful, I get that. I've lost my parents just like the Guildmaster and what I can tell you from my own experience is that only time can heal that deep wound…
But you've got a blessing in disguise, for you're not alone. Momonga and I will never abandon you and all your colleagues in Nazarick, so I suggest you focus on what you still have rather than what you have no more."
Even if he hid his happiness about the rest of Ainz Ooal Gown since they hated him, Oshikuru did not lie to Sebas. The man had come alive and he wanted to make him feel better.
"I thank you for your kind and wise words, Oshikuru-sama. You are so kind in spite of the strength you have!"
"But of course.
What's the point in being strong if I can't even help the people I care about?"
Surprise, admiration and adoration flashed through the bright eyes of the dark dragonoid.
"So you really care about us… even if it's just a few days since you joined Ainz Ooal Gown!"
"When I pledged my allegiance to Momonga-san, Ainz Ooal Gown and Nazarick I welcomed you all in my heart. Your greatest desire may be to serve us, but I think a true leader must respect and care for his faithful servants.
And I'm sure the Guildmaster feels like that, even more than I do. After all you are the creations of his old friends, their undying legacy, a living proof of their existence and greatness."
Sebas felt tears forming behind his eyes.
We are so lucky they chose to stay with us. Almighty and compassionate, they are the best among the Supreme Beings!
After a pause, during which the sun started setting, Sebas spoke again.
"So, what will happen now, Lord Oshikuru?"
And how the fuck am I supposed to know?! Do I look like an all-knowing god to you? Huh, dealing with someone who worships you isn't as easy as I thought…
"We don't know much about this world we find ourselves in, but I'm absolutely sure someone as smart as the Guildmaster will quickly find a solution.
His intellect is far beyond mine…"
Hehe, this'll save me from having he and other NPCs come to me asking for a piece of advice. I'll just turn them to Momomga!
"… but I think he and I will explore the vicinity until we find some people. Once we squeeze all info out of them, it'll be easier to decide how to proceed."
"I understand. Thank you for your patience and your insight, Oshikuru-sama!"
"Pay it no heed. It's my duty to help you understand the situation we're in. If confusion runs rampant, Nazarick will fall apart. But I trust you and all of your colleagues, you guys are almost as strong and as smart as we are.
Standing together, we'll make sure nothing bad happens to Nazarick even in this strange new world. Whoever dares to move against us will be punished."
"Of course, Oshikuru-sama. We exist to serve and protect the Supreme Beings and Nazarick. If there is someone who stands in your way, he will be dealt with no matter what!"
"Aye. But we must be careful. We don't know yet if others from Yggdrasil have arrived in this world, and since we couldn't find any native yet, we don't know their strength either. For now, our watchword is caution."
And so they kept their guard up while surveying the surroundings of the Great Tomb.
Inside of it, someone else was being cautious.
The first thing Momonga had done upon resigning himself to officially wondering whether his fantasy world had indeed become the real one was to guarantee his safety. The NPCs he had met a moment ago all submitted to him, but that didn't mean the ones he would meet next would. Even if they did prove to be allies, there was no telling what dangers might lie ahead. His survival could very well depend on whether or not the Tomb's facilities, NPCs, golems, items, magic, etc., all functioned as in the game or not, which made confirmation of those things his most urgent priority.
Which is why he had sent Albedo to ask the Guardians to check on that before coming going back to him by the 6th Floor's coliseum.
He went over there to make sure his in game powers still functioned and, luckily they did. After training with the twins in the arena, the Guildmaster was reached by the other Floor Guardians of Nazarick.
As soon as Mare, Aura, Shalltear, Cocytus, Demiurge, Ambition and Albedo were present, two figures appeared out of nowhere.
A demon samurai radiating sheer power and a human butler whose expression was a paramount of kindness.
"We return with news, Guildmaster."
Heh? how'd you know they just arrived? Curse you and your long-eye…
"Good. I hope you found no enemy out there… but before sharing the news…
Albedo!"
"Yes, master!"
The Guardians' Overseer brightened up as Momonga commanded her.
Turning to the others, she declared:
"Let us perform the ritual of allegiance!"
Before the NPCs could act, the strongest player in Yggdrasil bent the knee.
"I, Oshikuru, pledge once again my banner, my servants, my weapons and myself to Guildmaster Momonga, to Ainz Ooal Gown and to Nazarick."
A smile appeared on the demon's face, to which two fingers connected as he cast [Message].
That's the least I can offer to you, my best and only friend. Nothing will lay a finger on you as long as I live.
Momonga was relieved by the depth of Oshikuru's loyalty, although he never doubted his dear friend would walk through hell unscathed to protect him.
I knew I could count on you. You're the brother I never had.
Then, he plainly gestured for the Hellking to stand by his side.
Oshikuru got back up and went to Momonga's left, struggling not to shed joyful tears.
The NPCs, now perfectly aware of the hierarchy, nodded and proceeded.
Before Momonga and Oshikuru could get a word in, they arranged themselves in a row, with Albedo on the far right and Shalltear at the left end.
It was the cute little True Vampire the first to take a step forward.
"Guardian of the First, Second, and Third Floors, Shalltear Bloodfallen.
I bow before you, Lord Oshikuru and Supreme Leader Momonga."
She dropped to one knee and put a hand over her chest, bowing her head low. After Shalltear, Cocytus stepped forth.
"FIFTH FLOOR GUARDIAN COCYTUS. I BOW BEFORE YOU, LORD OSHIKURU AND SUPREME LEADER MOMONGA."
He took the same humble posture as Shalltear and bowed to Momonga. Nex were the two dark elves.
"Guardian of the Sixth Level, Aura Bella Fiora. I bow before you, Lord Oshikuru and Supreme Leader Momonga."
"G-Guardian of the same, Mare Bello Fiore. I b-bow before you, Lord Oshikuru and Supreme Leader Momonga."
As expected, they also got down on one knee and bowed their heads low.
Then Demiurge took a graceful step forward.
"Elder Guardian of the 7th Floor, Demiurge. I bow before you, Lord Oshikuru and Supreme Leader Momonga." His tone was cool and he made an extremely heartfelt bow without breaking the elegant demeanor.
Ambition's movements were also flawless.
"Young Guardian of the 7th Floor, Ambition. I bow before you, my creator Lord Oshikuru and Supreme Leader Momonga."
Although not officially a Floor Guardian, Sebas could not help but join in the ceremony. With movements even more elegant than Demiurge's, he kneeled before the Supreme Beings to proclaim his servitude.
"Head Butler of Nazarick, Sebas Tian. I bow before you, Lord Oshikuru and Supreme Leader Momonga."
Finally, Albedo stepped forward. "Captain of the Floor Guardians, Albedo. I bow before you, Lord Oshikuru and my beloved Supreme Leader Momonga-sama."
Shalltear, Cocytus, Aura, Mare, Demiurge, Ambition, Sebas, Albedo. They were built differently, so there should have been some discrepancy in the size of their steps, but their kneeling positions formed a straight line.
Smiling faintly at Momonga, Albedo had kneeled in the manner of the other Guardians, but for her that wasn't the end.
"Excepting Guardian of the Fourth Floor Gargantua and Guardian of the Eighth Floor Victim, we Floor Guardians have gathered to prostrate ourselves before you… Your orders, O Supreme Ones! We offer our complete devotion to you."
Being faced with their eight bowed heads was practically enough to make his gulp audible despite a lack of anything to gulp with. The air was tense. Or maybe it was only Momonga who felt on edge.
I wonder what's he feeling… but he let me be alone at the top, responsibilities fall on me… But I don't know what to do! Normal people never experience something like this even once in their lives!
In the confusion, he unconsciously activated some skills: he started emitting a heavy aura throughout the area while a halo of darkness appeared behind him.
Damn he looks cool! Honestly, this guy was born to rule just like I was born to fight!
While his best friend thought so, the Supreme Leader Momonga did not even have the composure to cancel the skills.
He frantically fought to remember everything he'd seen in movies or on TV to get an idea of how to conduct himself in such a situation.
A little calmer, the Overlord spoke in a deep, commanding voice:
"Raise your heads."
All of them rose together in so crisp a motion that he practically expected to hear a whoosh. It was so simultaneous he wondered if they'd been practicing.
"Well, then… For starters, I appreciate you all gathering here."
"Please save your appreciation. We offer you not only our devotion, but our very selves. It is most natural we should heed your call!"
None of the other guardians tried to cut in. As captain, Albedo was truly their unified voice.
Seeing all their earnest expressions turned his way, Momonga felt a lump in the throat he didn't even have. The pressure to behave like a ruler was once again weighing him down. But that wasn't all. His orders would determine their future. He started to feel indecisive. The worry that the Great Tomb of Nazarick might collapse due to a decision he made flitted across his mind.
"Lord Momonga, you seem irresolute. That is only natural. You must wonder whether it is even worth accepting our help."
Her smile had vanished and a determined look tensed her features.
"However, if you honor us with your orders, we the floor guardians will suffer any trials to carry them out with all our bodies and souls. We vow to serve in such a way as will bring no shame upon our Creators, the Forty-One Supreme Beings of Ainz Ooal Gown."
"We vow it!"
The other Floor Guardians echoed Albedo in chorus.
Their voices were filled with an unstoppable power, their loyalty was like a priceless diamond sneering at Momonga for worrying they might betray him. It was as if the darkness before his eyes had vanished in the morning light, and a shiver went through him. He realized how wonderful the NPCs his guildmates had made really were.
The radiance of Ainz Ooal Gown's glory days was here now. He was so happy to have the fruit of his guildmates' labor with him that his dignified expression broke. Of course, there were no major changes to his bony face, but the beautiful red spark in his eyes burned more brightly.
With no trace of his former anxiety, Momonga spoke smoothly, like the guild master he was. "Wonderful, guardians. It is my firm belief as of this moment that Oshikuru-san and you all can understand my plans and are capable of accomplishing them without error."
He surveyed their faces once more.
"Now, then, there may be some points that are unclear, but I want you to listen carefully. It appears the Great Tomb of Nazarick has unexpectedly become involved in some sort of situation, and it's unclear how it happened.
Oshikuru-san, Sebas.
Please let us know what awaits us outside."
"Aye, Guildmaster. The Grenbera Swamps and Helheim are definitely no more. All around Nazarick it extends a wide open plain, with nothing more than grass and small animals in a 3km radius and as far as my senses can tell.
Also, I carefully analysed the terrain and the creatures, I can say with certainty this is a whole new world, completely different from Yggdrasil.
It may sound obvious, but my suggestion is to run tests in Nazarick as to make sure nothing changed and then explore the vicinity until we find some people. Once we squeeze all info out of them, it'll be easier to decide how to proceed."
"Thank you, Oshikuru-san. Sebas, anything to add?"
"Lord Oshikuru explained the situation better than I ever could. I can only be grateful for he and you guiding us, Momonga-sama."
"Good."
Now, what?…
"Is there anyone who saw any signs this might happen?"
Albedo gazed over her shoulder at the faces of each floor guardian.
After reading their expressions, she said: "My apologies, but no one had any idea this would happen."
"Then I'd next like to hear from each floor guardian as you relayed my order to quickly check on their domains.
Did anything strange happen on your levels recently, Floor Guardians?"
Now they spoke up individually for the first time.
"Nothing strange happened in the seventh floor."
"Agreed, like he said."
"Nor in the sixth."
"L-like my sister said."
"THE SAME GOES FOR FIVE."
"Nothing strange happened in the first, second, or third floors."
"Lord Momonga, I would like to investigate fourth and eighth immediately."
"Very well, I'll leave that up to you, Albedo, but take care in the eighth level. If something happened there, it's possible you may not be able to deal with it."
After Albedo deeply bowed in acknowledgment, Shalltear spoke.
"Then I voluteer to extensively investigate the surface, Momonga-sama."
"No, Shalltear, or at least, not yet.
As suggested by my friend Oshikuru, first we must re-evaluate the status of every single brick in Nazarick, it is possible the Great Tomb has weakened."
While she pouted, Momonga started thinking.
Also, since it's not clear why we ended up here and what here is, it seems like we should raise Nazarick's alert level. We might be in someone else's territory. Suddenly taking up residence in a foreign land without permission from its owner will surely invite anger. We'd be lucky if anger is as far as it goes.
"Guardians. First, raise the alert level by one on each floor. There are too many unknowns right now, so don't let your guard down: you patrol and check on all places. If raiders come, take them alive. Capturing without injuring would be ideal. It goes without saying, but we don't want to complicate things while we're in this uncertain situation."
Everyone bowed together in understanding.
"Next, I'd like to hear about how things operate here. Albedo, how do you share security information among floors?"
In Yggdrasil, they'd just been NPCs operating according to their programs. There shouldn't have been any movement of information or mobs among floors.
"The security of each level is left up to the individual guardians, but we do have a system for sharing information, which Demiurge oversees."
Momonga was slightly surprised but then nodded his head in satisfaction.
"Splendid. Defense Operations Coordinator Demiurge and Floor Guardian Captain Albedo, I trust you to work toward a more perfect system.
"Yes, my lord. To clarify, we can except levels eight, nine, and ten from the system?"
"Victim has eight covered, so that one is fine. Actually, I'm making eight off-limits. I take back the order I gave you earlier, Albedo.
Only Oshikuru-san and I will be allowed to enter the 8th Floor.
Albedo, undo the seal that prohibits direct travel between 7th and 9th floors then have the security system cover 9th and 10th levels as well."
"I-is that all right with you?" Albedo's astonishment was plain on her face.
Behind her, Demiurge's eyes opened wide, and he said what they were actually thinking. "You will permit lowly minions to enter the domain of the Supreme Ones? Is the situation so serious as that?"
Minions were the monsters that members of Ainz Ooal Gown did not create, the mobs that spawned automatically. Come to think of it, with few exceptions, there were no minions in the last two levels. Momonga wasn't quite sure what to say and glanced at Oshikuru as if to say: Help me out here!
But his friend's gaze seemed to reply: It is you who brought it up!
Albedo seemed to think those areas were some kind of holy ground, but the truth couldn't have been further from that. The reason there were no mobs assigned to the ninth level was simply that by the time a group of raiders broke through the eighth level where all the strongest monsters were, they figured they didn't have much chance of winning, so they decided they would just lurk in the Throne Room like proper villains.
"I have no problem with it. This is an emergency, so let's up our guard."
"Understood. I'll choose the very best, most noble minions for the job."
Momonga nodded and turned to look at Mare.
"Is it possible to hide the Great Tomb of Nazarick somehow? I'm not sure if illusions alone will cut it and thinking about the energy required to maintain something like that…"
After a moment, the fidgety dark elf spoke.
"I-it would be difficult to use magic if we need to hide all parts above ground… But maybe if we covered the walls with dirt and grew plants on it—"
"You intend to soil the walls of glorious Nazarick?" Albedo's tone was sweet and gentle, but the emotions contained were confrontational.
Mare's shoulders jerked. None of the other guardians spoke, but they all seemed to be in agreement with Albedo.
To Momonga, however, her comment were unnecessary heckling. They weren't in a position to be concerned with such things.
"Albedo, don't interrupt. I'm talking with Mare."
"Ah, my apologies, Lord Momonga!" She bowed low, her face frozen in fear. Sebas and the guardians' expressions instantly stiffened as well. Although the reprimand was directed at Albedo, they must have taken it personally.
Hehe, good job, my friend! Let'em know who's in charge here!
From the sudden shift in mood, Momonga realized he'd said too much and regretted it, but he continued his discussion with Mare. "Is it possible to cover the walls with dirt and hide us?"
"Y-yes. That is, if you'll forgive me doing such a thing…"
"But if we were spotted from a distance, wouldn't a huge mound of dirt seem out of place…? Oshikuru-san, are there any hills in the area?"
"No, it's all flat as the ch… cough, cough, it's all flat, Guildmaster!
But if we want to conceal our walls, Mare's plan is a brilliant one. What if we mounded up dirt in the area to create several dummy hills? In that case, it all would seem natural."
"Okay, thanks, Oshikuru-san."
He turned back to the Guardians.
"Mare, work on that. Aura, look after your sister and survey the area as well until she's done. Go ahead and take anything you need from your Floor. We'll conceal the tall parts you can't cover later with illusions that work on anyone not from Nazarick."
"Yes, sir. Understood."
That was all Momonga could come up with for the moment. He felt like he was probably missing a lot of things, but he would discuss about it with Oshikuru at length once the Guardians weren't around. It had only been a few hours since the crisis began, but he felt like he had aged a hundred years.
"Okay, that's it for today. Everyone take a break and then begin your tasks.
It's hard to tell when we'll be able to take it easy for a bit, so don't work too hard."
The guardians bowed their heads in understanding.
"Finally, there is something I would like to ask each of you. First, Shalltear: What kind of person do you see me and Oshikuru as?"
"A concentration of beauty, Momonga-sama. You are truly the most beautiful person in this world. Jewels don't hold a candle to your fair body.
About Oshikuru-sama, your power is unlike anything I've ever felt."
Shalltear had replied promptly, it was obvious from the unhesitating speed at which she responded that she said what she really thought.
"Cocytus?"
"YOU ARE A STRONGER FIGHTER THAN ALL, OSHIKURU-SAMA.
WHILE YOU, MOMONGA-SAMA, ARE WISER THAN ALL AND THUS TRULY FIT TO BE THE SUMPREME LEADER OF THE GREAT TOMB OF NAZARICK."
"Aura?"
"You're merciful and exceedingly considerate, Momonga-sama.
And Oshikuru-sama is exceedingly strong and loyal to the Supreme Leader"
"Mare?"
"I think you're both s-super nice."
"Demiurge?"
"You are wise in judgment and always take the best choice to get things done, I think the word inscrutable describes you well, Momonga-sama.
And while Oshikuru-sama certainly is the most powerful weapon in Nazarick, I am sure he is so much more than just that.
"Sebas?"
"You were the leader of the Supreme Beings and you are the merciful one who did not forsake us, but stayed, Momonga-sama.
Lord Oshikuru is also compassionate and understanding. This shows how being a loyal friend exceeds being a powerful warrior.
"Last but not least, Albedo."
"You are the one I give my thanks to, Oshikuru-sama, for being the one true friend of our Supreme Leader.
You, Momonga-sama, hold the highest position among the Supreme Beings as our exalted master… and you are the one I love!"
Oshikuru barely managed to keep his laughter from leaving his mind.
Hahaha! Look at who's got a girlfriend already! You lucky bastard, she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!
Momonga had already realised she was in love with him and tried to ignore his friend's side glance.
"I see. I think I have a sufficient understanding of everyone's thoughts now. I'm entrusting a part of the work my friends used to do to you. Strive to be ever loyal!"
"Now, Oshikuru, come with me." Momonga touched his friend and teleported away as the guardians humbly bowed before them again.
The scenery changed at once from the arena to Lemegeton and its golems. After he'd looked around to make sure no one beside them was in there, he heaved a sigh.
"I'm exhausted…" He wasn't experiencing any physical fatigue, but he could feel the mental weariness weighing down his bony shoulders.
"Oshikuru, why do they all think so highly of me? They must've me mistaken for someone else!" As he was listening to them talk he'd wanted to laugh and point out their error, but they'd been serious. "At least you are mostly seen as a warrior, while they see me as some sort of all-knowing god!"
If he didn't live up to their appraisal, they might be disappointed. The more he thought about it, the weaker he felt.
And there was one other problem. Remembering it made him wince so hard it seemed like it would show on his skull.
"What should I do about Albedo…"
"No mistake, Momonga-san! You are the Guildmaster, you are the one even I look up to…
Especially for making that sexy Albedo fall in love with you! Now, that was a masterpiece!
Although, I wonder how can you get a boner when you're all bones—"
The Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown fell hard on Oshikuru's helmet and the sound of it echoed across the Lemegeton.
Still, after that Momonga chukled and stated:
"I'm so glad you're by my side. Had I been here all alone with the NPCs, I'd have ended up running away from the responsibility."
Oshikuru shook his head.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, my friend. You're a great leader, even better than you think you are. And don't worry, I'll always be with you. I don't know what world we've come to, but together we'll make it tremble!"