A small, dimly lit restaurant stood tucked away in a hidden alley near the border between Gehenna and the D.U. It was the kind of place no ordinary student from the academies would dare step into—after all, this was a sanctuary for those who had severed ties with any school, a haven for the unaffiliated. Here, students who had abandoned their academic allegiances sought work, weapons, or a means to organize their next crime.
At a table near the back, two criminals engaged in hushed conversation, their voices barely rising above the murmurs of other patrons.
"Hey, have you heard the rumors? One of the Seven Prisoners is in the area," one of them muttered, glancing around as if to ensure no unwanted ears were listening.
"What? Could she be planning something?" the other asked, his voice laced with unease.
"Most likely. But considering how quiet things have been, she's probably waiting for something."
"What could that be?"
"I don't know… but it will not take long for her to make her move."
The conversation trailed off as both criminals turned their attention toward the entrance. The creaking of the restaurant's old wooden door drew their eyes to the figure stepping inside.
A student—taller than most—walked in with an air of commanding presence. The pride in her posture was unmistakable, and behind her, a pair of sleek black-feathered wings made an immediate impression. At first glance, one might assume she was from Trinity, given her angelic features. However, a single glaring detail shattered that assumption: the prominent, curved horns adorning her head. A little above it floated a white halo that was shaped on a form of a sigil the two young criminals were unable to recognize.
"Who's the new girl?" one of the criminals murmured.
"No idea, but damn… she's beautiful." Another bandit, a woman, observed the stranger with a mix of admiration and curiosity. Yet the moment the newcomer's crimson eyes landed on her, a wave of oppressive bloodlust washed over the room. The bandit's breath hitched, and she immediately looked away. "…And terrifying," she added in a whisper.
The winged student strode further inside, each step deliberate and precise, before settling into an empty table. The restaurant's owner, a bearman with an apron stained from years of service, hesitated before cautiously approaching.
"Do you want to order something?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of wariness.
"I'll order later. I'm waiting for someone," Albedo responded flatly, not even sparing him a glance.
"I see. Then I'll come back later."
As the owner stepped away and returned to the kitchen, Albedo shifted in her seat, her brows furrowing in irritation. The chair's rough, aged wood did little to provide comfort. 'This garbage doesn't even come close to the furnishings of Nazarick,' she thought, her fingers tapping against the table in barely restrained frustration.
Then, the door creaked open once more.
A heavy silence fell over the room as another figure entered.
"It's Wakamo," one of the bandits whispered urgently, her body tensing at the sight of the newcomer. There was no mistaking her—the Fox Calamity, one of the Seven Prisoners, had arrived.
She entered the restaurant with her mask on her face.
"Wait… could she be here to talk with the new girl?"
"Maybe. They might be planning something."
"But how the hell did some fresh face manage to get a Prisoner's attention?"
"No idea."
The restaurant fell into a tense hush as the infamous Prisoner made her way through the dimly lit establishment. Her steps were slow, deliberate, exuding an air of silent authority. Every eye was on her as she approached the newcomer's table and, without hesitation, took the seat directly across from her.
"With you finally here, we can start our little chat," Albedo said, her voice carrying a knowing edge.
"Indeed," Wakamo replied smoothly as she took away her mask.
For a brief moment, the two locked eyes before subtly casting their gazes around the restaurant. It was a silent command, but one that everyone immediately understood.
"Hey, let's go," one of the bandits muttered, nudging her teammate. The tension in the air was suffocating. One by one, the other patrons stood, quietly making their way to the exit. Within moments, the restaurant was empty, leaving only the two girls behind.
Now alone, Wakamo leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table as she peered at Albedo with curiosity.
"So, Albedo… how's your 'research' going?" she asked with a smirk.
Albedo's lips curled into a dreamy smile, her fingers lightly drawing an heart on the hard wood of the table. "Oh, it's going wonderfully. I managed to watch my beloved sleep through some openings in her window… Hehe, Lady Momonga sleeps so peacefully at night." A delighted shiver ran through her as she reminisced.
Wakamo chuckled but then let out a quiet sigh, her expression darkening slightly. "That's great for you… Unfortunately for me, my darling has been working so much lately. It's getting harder to follow him, let alone find a chance to talk. He's always buried in paperwork or visiting other districts…"
Her voice carried a hint of frustration, laced with something bordering on longing.
Albedo tilted her head, studying her for a moment before offering a knowing smirk. "It seems we both have our struggles," she mused. "To be forced to stay away from my beloved because of work was horrible."
"Yes… Sometimes I just wish he could rest more and spend more time with me," Wakamo sighed, resting her chin on her hand.
Albedo nodded in understanding. "Yes, I completely agree. But we must remain patient and wait for our opportunity. Love always finds a way."
"Indeed. Indeed."
The two exchanged knowing smiles, their shared obsession forming an unspoken bond between them.
"So, what's your plan to meet him?" Albedo asked, tilting her head curiously.
"I was thinking of catching my darling the next time he returns to Schale," Wakamo replied. "Maybe convince him to go out for ice cream with me."
"Oh, that's a wonderful idea! A simple but effective way to spend time together." Albedo tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I've been considering ways to get Lady Momonga's attention… but I fear she might not appreciate me showing up in her quarters uninvited."
Wakamo chuckled. "Maybe you should 'accidentally' bump into her while she's out for a walk—make it seem like fate brought you together."
Albedo gasped, eyes shining. "That would be perfect! Just imagining Lady Momonga's surprised expression… Kyaaaah!" She clasped her hands together, nearly trembling with excitement. "Perhaps I should consult one of those so-called doujin writers for inspiration!"
Wakamo raised an amused brow. "Albedo, you're getting a bit more animated than usual."
"I can't help it! My passion is running wild!" Albedo declared, placing a dramatic hand over her heart.
Wakamo chuckled again. "It is nice to be able to speak with someone who understands the arduousness of love."
"KOSAKA WAKAMO! YOU ARE UNDER ARREST! EXIT THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY, UNARMED, WITH YOUR HANDS RAISED!"
The blaring voice from a megaphone echoed through the restaurant interrupting the conversation of the two students. From the outside, the sound of boots on pavement and the faint crackle of radios signaled the presence of law enforcement surrounding the building.
Albedo arched a brow, unfazed. "Did you get yourself into trouble on the way here?"
Wakamo let out a small chuckle, casually leaning back in her seat. "Just a run-in with some pests I've dealt with before. Looks like the law didn't appreciate the little… mess I left behind."
"Well, that's hardly my concern," Albedo said with a dismissive wave. "Will you be handling them?"
"Of course." Wakamo stood, stretching her arms lazily as if she were merely preparing for a warm-up. "You stay here—I'll clean this bunch of insects. Same time next week?"
"Yes," Albedo replied with a graceful nod. "I wish you luck for the next time you meet Sensei."
"And you with this so-called Momonga." Wakamo smirked.
Albedo remained elegantly seated, exuding an air of absolute composure as Wakamo reached for her mask. With a smooth motion, she secured it over her face before striding toward the exit. The moment she stepped through the door, the calm inside the restaurant was replaced by the rising storm outside—one that Wakamo was more than ready to face and to enjoy.
"Did you hear? A team got into trouble with one of the Prisoners."
The hushed whisper cut through the otherwise quiet Valkyrie base, where students stood lazily at their stations, many sleeping under the dim glow of overhead lights in one of the calmer neighborhoods.
"Huh, again?" another officer replied, letting out a sigh as she leaned back in her chair. "Was it Wakamo? She's been stirring up trouble in the district for a while now." Her tone carried a mix of frustration and exhaustion—memories of past destruction flashing through her mind.
"Well, at least it's been happening less often ever since Sensei arrived."
Now that she thought about it, the officer frowned. "Yeah… ever since Sensei came to Kivotos, she's been launching fewer attacks than usual."
"Do you think she's scared of him? Or is there something else going on?"
"Maybe. It's rare to find someone with as much influence as Sensei. Controlling multiple schools like that? Even if all Seven Prisoners worked together, they wouldn't stand a chance if he decided to turn every single academy against them."
"Yeah, that's true…"
The conversation was interrupted as the stadium doors swung open. Six figures stepped inside—five rough-looking bandits, followed by a blonde, dark-skinned girl who strode in confidently. Without any care, she shoved the bandits aside as she made her entrance.
"I'm back," she announced, her tone casual.
"Hey, Aura. Good work."
Aura waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, can I go see my br— I mean, sister? I don't like leaving Mare alone for too long."
"Go ahead, it's your free time anyway."
"Alright then, I'm off."
With that, Aura took off, dashing through the streets of the D.U. Even with the overwhelming crowd of students at every turn, it didn't take her long to pinpoint Mare's likely location. Even without magic or tracking skills, she had an instinct for finding her sibling. After all, she knew Mare better than anyone—especially after his transformation into a girl, much like their lord.
"Mare!" she called as she turned a corner.
The sight of Mare was exactly as expected—standing motionless, watching the traffic with an indifferent expression.
"Sister?" Mare responded in a calm voice, turning to meet Aura's gaze.
Aura waved. "Mare, how are you doing?"
"This is… rather boring," Mare admitted, his—no, her—golden eyes drifting back to the passing vehicles with disinterest. Unlike Aura, who was often given active duties, Mare had been assigned to more mundane tasks. Not that it mattered. As far as Mare was concerned, anything that wasn't a direct command from Ainz was irrelevant. Still, she played her role, just as their lord had instructed all of Nazarick's guardians to do.
"I get it, Mare. The bandits around here aren't much fun either. Hunting them is boring," Aura sighed, shrugging her arms. "But honestly, I still think our jobs are better than Shalltear's. She just sits there, watching a bunch of prisoners all day."
Mare hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Sister… I'm worried about Lord Ainz."
Aura's playful demeanor softened. "I get what you mean… but there's not much we can do. We all have our roles to play."
"Understood, sister."
"Besides, if you do your job well, I'm sure Lord Ainz will praise you."
"R-really?" Mare's cheeks flushed at the thought.
Aura smirked. "Of course. Anyway, have you seen anyone else?"
"Other than Demiurge? No. Nothing to report."
"I see. Well, as long as they're all playing their roles, everything is fine." Aura stretched her arms before grinning. "Hey, Mare, wanna grab a hamburger? The ones in this city aren't as good as Nazarick's, but they're decent."
Mare gave a small nod. "Okay."
With that, the two dark elf officers strolled through the streets of the D.U., blending into the bustling crowd as they continued their assigned roles in this unfamiliar world.