CHAPTER 8- Party Crashers And Home Wreckers
AT THE BOOKSHOP
"YOU WHAT?!" Ulbert yelled.
"I accepted an invitation to the Momon day party and there's a small chance somebody from Nazarick might be there." Rex said calmly, crossing his arms.
"But then again. Think about this Ulbert. Sebas is a martial lord. If we denied the invitation. He might hit us with an exploding nutsack technique! We couldn't go through that!" Pero said.
Ulbert just ignored Pero and proceeded to the topic at hand.
"I swear. Everytime I turn my back for 5 seconds. One of you is doing something FUCKED UP!... Do you not know what's at stake here?!" immediately. His rational mind regained him to his composure. His intelligence points created a firewall of common sense that restrained him.
" Okay. Sorry about that. Rex . I'm sure we didn't expect something like that to occur. And helping a lost child? I'm sure any one of us would've done the same in that situation."
"Thank you for understanding. I'm sorry that my indecision at the time has caused us trouble"
"Better now than if we were in truly deep shit. We still have anonymity on our side but one slip up can always put our plans into disarray. Maybe we can speak with Momonga at the party. Let's try to use this to our advantage."
"Hey yeah! We can tell him what's going on and that Albedo should be killed or something. Maybe put in shalltears sex dungeon and we can all go back to normal." pero said.
"NO! We can't just tell him that. What do you think we should say? Huh Pero. 'Oh hidey ho Monga we finally came back after 230 years of not seeing each other. By the way, albedo is trying to kill us. Know why? Oh and you should come join us in another dimension. We'll have a party and everything. Oh and i hope it's okay but, we snuck into your kingdom and set up shop like a couple of creeps. We still friends?' ulbert ended his sarcastic scenario.
"But that's exactly what happened! and what we should do!" pero exclaimed.
"Pero! He'd have to be a complete moron to believe that!"
After a while of arguing. They finally settled on a plan. To attend the party. Find anything worth investigating. Just attend out of politeness. And see if they can learn a little bit more about their enemy. After that day. They practiced etiquette for the party. Even discussed with Punitto on plans if something happened to prepare contingencies.
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A FEW DAYS LATER IN THE TOWN SQUARE ON MOMON DAY
The streets were decorated with thighs pertaining to Momon. The colors of black and red were everywhere. People selling Momon accessories, toys, even cakes that resembled his helmet. To the people of the sorcerer kingdom. This day was a tradition that has been passed on from the people's family. In thanks to the hero adventurer Momon during their ancestors' times of distress. There were many things in honor of the hero Momon. They valued the statue of him where many people would volunteer to clean it. There was a street named after him that people in that area kept the roads and buildings properly maintained. Momon's philosophy was even taught in schools. Only two people were considered as the greats. The sorcerer king Ainz Ooal Gown and Momon. Two celebrated figures worldwide.
The greatest celebration for momon day is at the sorcerer kingdom itself where many people from other kingdoms and countries travel a long distance for. Kids played wearing Momon's helmet on the streets. Little girls played damsels in distress. Wives admire and fawn over the paintings and posters of Momon, and hilariuously so do the men. But as fan clubs go. Momon is seen as the pinnacle of manhood. Celebrated as the champion among champions. King of the adventurers. Hero among heroes. The ultimate knight in shining armor.
Parents always grab a book telling tales of Momon as a knight in shining armor. Some weren't true but they were enough to sell the story. Funnily even some comics were made of Momon which the young audience appreciated.
The streets were bustling with appreciation for the hero. And among this crowd stood 4 foreigners not of this world. Just enjoying the scenery. Wanting to know what all the fuzz was about. While also getting ready for their greatest infiltration mission happening later at night.
" Are you sure you want to be out here Hero? It's just a parade.'' said Peroroncino in his human disguise. Addressing the purple slime that's also wearing human disguise as a blonde middle aged man with blue eyes and well shaved and in shape man. Who is eating cotton candy without a worry in the world. "Yeah. No problem at all. It's nice to see humans every now and then, plus I can't stand you guys having all the fun out here, on top of that. I've never been to a parade before. Now seems like a good time." he said so carefree. Slowly savoring the cotton candy in his hand.
"We don't have to worry about you trying to contact Momonga are we?" asked Ulbert. Concerned after how his friend protested Ulbert's idea of maintaining secrecy towards their old guild leader.
"I promise I won't cause you guys any trouble. I'm just here for the parade. That's all. I won't get in the way. And I'm sorry about how I reacted at the courtroom last time. After some talking with the others. I can understand we must be cautious and prioritize our safety first. That I shouldn't get my hopes up."
"Ha! Was it Punitto who told you that? You sound like him." said Pero.
"You know it. And how dare you? That walking cabbage patch talks way more than I do."
"Glad that 'walking cabbage patch' was able to talk some sense into you. Feel free to enjoy yourself out here just don't remove your disguise or draw attention to yourself." said Ulbert.
"Yeah yeah I got you goat. And hey. Am I crazy or do you guys also find human smell delicious?"
"Yeah. it's a thing with our bodies. Guess these races usually feed off of humans. That's on us for picking heteromorphic avatars." said Rex.
"Will that be a problem hero?" asked Ulbert a bit concerned.
"As long as you guys give me money for the corn on a cob over there, we shouldn't have an issue. I prefer fruits and veggies anyways."
Herohero, was actually one of the most beloved and carefree of everyone in NIM. his job took most of him back on earth. To the point where he couldn't sleep. But since he moved to NIM. he became like a carefree surfer type of guy. Always relaxing and taking it easy. Hanging out at the bar and going swimming were his favorite hobbies. He still does his job of keeping everyone in check but did so with a chill boss kind of attitude.
He could be seen also as Infinyrex's secretary since he is in his faction.
The restaurant they were at had outdoor dining. They were sitting at the table outside watching the festival run its course. While the group was conversing, the waitress came and approached them holding their food in serving plates.
"Alright darlings! Here you go! Did ya'll need anything else?" she asked.
Ulbert politely declined. But the waitress persisted. Though they knew that she was hitting on them. Clearly not taking a hint. They dismissed her again. And this time as she left. She left slowly swinging her hips at them hoping they'd notice.
"Jeez. Why did we get attractive disguises again?" asked Rex.
"Because attractive people get trusted easily, unfortunately. That's one of the harshest truths of the world." answered Ulbert.
"I'd fuck and dip. But this body doesn't seem to have a hard on for humans. They just seem like ants to me." joked Pero.
"Same. I wouldn't feel bad if I accidentally burned them to death. Guess these bodies affects our way of thinking towards lower beings. Gotta be careful with that." answered Ulbert.
"Yeah. We were in NIM for a while and never got to see humans. But now that we do. We're learning the hidden secrets of our bodies." Said hero hero. "For example, how much this body loves cotton candy!" He says as he takes another bite.
As Pero took a look around. Watching the parade take place. Kids playing make believe with swords and helmets. Parents playing with their kids. Buying them the latest Momon action figure. Seeing their joy made him feel good about himself. Then looks up to the three friends sitting at the same table as him. He can't help but smile while holding his beer.
"You know. I'm really happy right now. This moment feels like everything life should've been. Do you guys feel that maybe if our old world wasn't so fucked up. We'd be able to go out to places IRL like this? Out in public. Meeting up at restaurants, drinking a beer together, talking about stupid stuff like cotton candy and human smells. Hehe" this question made his friends have sorrowful eyes but with soft smiles and smirks. Acknowledging and fantasizing the what ifs of their old world and the thought made their smiles wider.
For a moment. They looked at their food, took in the scenery. Though none had a religion. They prayed for more moments of peace to come. Looking down at their food. None at the table would take this moment for granted. Remembering having to eat pills in their old world for sustenance. Feeling bad for the unfortunate ones they left behind. They swore they would live for this moment and savor every bite and drink. Slowly they grounded themselves back up. And discussed their plans.
"Okay, but what if Rex encounters any npc's? If he encounters shalltear? He needs to get out if that happens." Exclaimed Pero.
"If he encounters her. Then Rex should watch his words carefully. That was the weakness of getting through the first second and third floor guardian correct Pero? As long as he doesn't anger her. He should be able to get through." Explained Ulbert.
"Well yeah… I did design that into her. But now let's talk about something you've been trying to avoid. What if he encounters your npc? Demiurge?" Asked Pero.
At the mention of the name. Ulbert turned white cold. He knew that he made his npc as cruel as possible. An embodiment of everything he feared and hated back in his old world. Demiurge was especially inspired after Ulbert's old boss who used to treat him poorly. The thought of seeing that suit and tie shook Ulbert. Ulbert acknowledged him as the embodiment of evil.
"Yes. That would be a problem…" after thinking about it. Ulbert gave his response. "Should you encounter demiurge…get out of there as soon as possible." He said as grim and serious as he could with a straight face. "He's different from shalltear. He's incredibly intelligent. Smartest in nazarick actually. He'll spot you almost immediately if something is wrong. He was created for defense purposes. I wouldn't put it past him if he worked in counter intelligence. He's also skilled in intelligence extraction or 'torture' simply put." He began rubbing his temple harshly. "I don't know how we're gonna do it with him. Even if you do everything right. I have a feeling he'll investigate you later. You are Sebas's guest. Forgive me but I added "dislikes Sebas" in his character description. Fuck! Didn't think it would come back to haunt me like this."
"Hey man. It's on all of us. Not just you. If I didn't know all those fetishes in shalltear would come back to bite us in the ass later on. I would've made her a harmless Loli princess." Said Pero.
"And I wouldn't have made Solution so into sadistic foreplay. Fuck me man. If she's there. I'm sorry if my settings on her cause you problems. All I can tell you about her is to make sure she doesn't touch you. She won't melt you but one touch and she'll suck you right in. You have a 10 second window to try anything to get out."
"Well that helps a little… I guess." Rex said with a low tone.
" I feel bad for Nish every day he's in Nazarick. And regret every second he's breathing the same air as solution. She'll hurt him I'm sure." Hero said with great worry and shaking hands.
Ulbert then spoke. "Hero? Did you read our report on that time we encountered Nigredo? She said that all the npc's are loyal to their creators. Tell me. Do you believe that?" Hero nodded no. "Good. I don't trust her either. Especially considering who her creator is. But in the small chance that she's right. Nish's npc will step in to the rescue." Ulbert only said this to reassure his companions so that they wouldn't feel as bad. But in his mind he too felt nothing but worry for their friend. Questioning if it was the right decision to send him there.
After they were finished with their lunch. They took a stroll around the town trying to avoid the crowds. Finally reaching Hero's destination. The corn on a cob stand.
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IN THE NAZARICK TREASURY
The treasury was as well kept and well organized as it always was. Maintained perfectly with great care. Housing the treasures and collections of the 41 supreme beings. These aren't just artifacts. These are relics of the creators of everyone in Nazarick. The most important floor of them all. And the guardian of the treasury. Was a well meaning albeit strange figure by the name of Pandora's actor. As of this moment. He was cleaning a sacred relic. One that his creator lord Ainz held in great importance. And speaking of. He was to be visited by his creator himself at this moment.
" Good afternoon Pandora's actor. Is that Houyi's bow you have there?"
"G–Good afternoon to you, Lord Ainz! Ahh, what a most pleasant afternoon it is indeed! Y–Yes, this is none other than the divine armament known as Houyi's Bow. Pray do not mind me, for I am merely polishing it to absolute perfection as part of the four-times-per-week maintenance regimen you so graciously entrusted to me! I shall ensure it gleams in a manner befitting your majesty, ja!"
"No… forgive me for intruding upon such a delicate process. Still, it brings me great joy to behold the weapon itself. I have placed special importance upon its maintenance, Pandora's Actor." Ainz walked closer to the weapon to witness its perfection.
"I–Is it perhaps its overwhelming power that captivates you so, my lord? Or might it be its regal form? Truly, it is a masterpiece beyond reproach! Such a magnificent artifact languishing unused within a vault is indeed a lamentable fate… and yet, how fortunate that it continues to preserve its noble and majestic bearing, ja!"
"Hahaha… yes, it is a tragedy. Yet this weapon belongs beside its true archer. As for why I hold it in such esteem… it is because of the one who wielded it. My dear friend—Peroroncino. He was the first companion I made after Touch Me. He cherished this bow deeply; it is the final remnant I possess of him. He possessed a rare gift for laughter, and together we embarked upon countless adventures—never once did he set forth without it at his side. In truth, they were partners… almost as though they were one and the same. This bow saved my life more times than I can recall. To allow even a speck of dust to mar it would be akin to watching a dear friend slowly wither away."
"I–I see… then I owe this magnificent bow a profound debt of gratitude for granting you the time necessary to create me, my lord. In that case, I shall continue to preserve its perfection with utmost devotion, so that—should it ever be reunited with its rightful owner—it may do so in a state befitting both the archer and the bond they shared! Ja!"
"Hahaha… Thank you, Pandora's Actor. I am certain even Shalltear would appreciate that. You know, Pandora. Peroroncino once told me something rather amusing about this bow—he claimed that, when held by its true archer, it simply refuses to miss its target. I believe he said it with a laugh… yet I cannot deny that, in practice, it proved distressingly accurate."
"A-ah, I see! Truly, a legend most befitting such a weapon! Its countless years of maintenance and constant attention are more than justified–indeed, it is an honor beyond measure! To stand among the elite artifacts of Nazarick is no small distinction…and this bow bears it with unparalleled dignity, ja!"
"Yes. Thank you. Of all the treasures of the treasury. This one holds precedence. Now that we've had our fun. Let's talk about your duties today."
The two proceeded to sit down at the couch after Pandora gently set the bow down.
"Now as you know. Today is Momon day. As such you will have to attend multiple celebrations here shortly. One being the parade. The second being an attendance to a few parties in other kingdoms. Then the last. A party hosted by you as Momon. Do you have any questions?" Pandora's actor had no other questions once this was explained to him. "Good. With that. I must take my leave. I know you won't disappoint me." with that. He teleported out of the treasury. Leaving the doppelganger saluting where he stood. Heathen proceeded to attend to the bow laying comfortably on its temporary stand. The caretaker walked with bow in hand after concluding its cleanliness. He marched forward to the mausoleum to entrust the bow in the hands of a statue of its owner.
"O Houyi's Bow… how I long to witness the day your dormant splendor is awakened—to feel the air tremble as you are drawn by a worthy hand, and to behold you once more grace the heavens with your arrows! How regrettable that your master left you behind… yet fret not. You shall always be welcomed and meticulously cherished here within Nazarick. One day… yes, one destined day, we shall discover an archer truly deserving of your bond. Until that hour arrives, time alone shall lift you from this shadowed vault. You were never meant for darkness—nay! You belong beneath the sun itself, commanding the skies as a rain of arrows descends!" he said with such passionate fervor of a declaration. With his hand held high. And the other covering his chest. Praising the weapon itself.
After locking up the vault. Pandora went to attend to his duties as Momon. "A–Albedo does raise one point concerning the Supreme Beings… how could they leave behind such precious artifacts to languish within a vault? Would it not have been kinder to entrust such treasures to those who would truly cherish them? Those poor artifacts… waiting endlessly to be held by their masters once more—what a profoundly tragic fate. I am immeasurably grateful that Lord Ainz remained. Otherwise, I too might have become no different from those silent relics within the treasury. And yet… I am equally glad that these treasures stayed behind. To safeguard them, to maintain them, to honor their legacy from battles long fought—this is my greatest pride, ja."
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IN NAZARICK HALLWAYS
Nish had been exhausted after all the nonstop cleaning work he'd been doing for weeks. And working under Eclair was the worst for him. He was cleaning the floors with a rag with soap and water. Trying to get any dirt off the cracks. He especially hated when someone important like the guardians or pleiades came out of nowhere to pull him out of his current task to do some other work that took longer and put a pause on his other tasks that came after which earned him some scolding from Eclair. And as a lower subordinate. He wasn't even allowed in the bar like his superior Eclair. He had to rely on getting his drinks from the servant cafeteria. Liquor was not allowed to servants of his standing since he 'needed to do his job without distractions'. So he really hated Eclair. He did like the maids as they were always willing to offer their help when he seemed like he needed it. He couldn't pursue a deeper relationship with the other manservants he served with since they didn't speak and if he was going to play an accurate manservant. He had to do the same. He could only curse and complain in his mind. Thinking who in their right mind would want to find friends in a place like this.
Since sneaking into Nazarick. All he had heard was how great Ainz was. Things like 'what a genius' or 'lord ainz is so wise and humble' and all he could think about was how nervous Ainz was back in the past and that compliments always made him uncomfortable. All he could think about was that Ainz had told the guild many times that he was a power house not a strategist. Suzuki was actually really stupid and relied on things like planning to others like Punitto moe or bellriver. That his friend was actually an amateur. But he couldn't tell anyone that. They held him in high esteem. If he did. He had a feeling he would be executed right on the spot.
The time went by very slowly. Cleaning was all he did. Nish considered being a manservant to be the worst way to gather intelligence on the inside. He wasn't even allowed to clean a room when someone important was in it or when a meeting was being held. And manservants traveled in packs so even if he wanted to listen in on people. He couldn't do it without his coworkers thinking he's suspicious.
'At this point, a chinwag with Take'd be lookin' real appealing. If this bloody oppressive silence drags on any longer, you lot are gonna find me swingin' in the broom closet.' he thought to himself as he drowned his rag in the bucket full of soap and water.
His superior Eclair came out of nowhere and accidentally knocked over Nish's bucket over the floor which he would have to clean up. 'Argh! Damn penguin! Ankoro, you and I are gonna have words when I get back!' he thought as he forced himself to salute Eclair. He was tasked to clean the supreme ones office since the maid in charge of that task got held up by another task. He wasn't allowed to touch the desk though but simply dust and clean the furniture.
He did as told and took the duster with him, along with a special spray used only for furniture. As he approached the office. He knocked to see if anyone would respond. No response came so he went inside and closed the door behind him. Then went on about his job.
'Good Lord… when I was told we had an infiltration mission, I didn't reckon it'd be this much of a bore. Ugh… oh well. But since this is Albedo's office too, maybe a quick peek wouldn't hurt, eh.'
Nish quickly looked around the office in a swivel. Then ran up to the office next to Ainz's and began looking over the paperwork that was on the table. 'Borin', borin', borin'… just price estimations on Death Knights from Baharuth and the Draconian Kingdom. This one's about transports, that one's food price policies… borin'.
He quickly looked through the papers and was about to give up. Until he looked down to the side of the desk and saw 3 cabinets with key holes. His instincts were telling him to leave it. But his curiosity got the better of him.
Nish tried to open the cabinets at first to no avail. He then saw paperclips on the papers that were sitting on Albedo's desk and got an idea. Being skilled in stealth and practicing lock picking the Vault in NIM. He took the paperclips. Changed their shape. Proceeded to use two to pick the lock. Moving them around trying to push the top lock upwards and slowly sliding the other to trigger the unlocking effect. In a few seconds. He finally got it. And the cabinet was ajar.
'Eureka!'
He quickly opened the cabinet all the way and found nothing in it but a bunch of pens. Disappointed he thought to himself. 'Nah, no chance. No one's got a locked cabinet with nothin' in it.'
Just as he slid the cabinet back. He heard a sliding sound with his acute rabbit hearing. He knew something was still in that cabinet. He then opened the bottom board of the cabinet and found it came off easily. When he removed it. He found a large folder. He grabbed the folder out. Put it on the desk. Sat down on the chair. He could feel something was wrong with this folder and that it might have something he was looking for. The folder was written in large red words at the front "SBHS". As he opened the folder what he found was reports on martial arts training on a specific group of death knights. 15 to be exact. All equipped with different magical weapons and armor for different circumstances. He scrolled a few pages more and found another on world class items in the treasury. What their uses can be used for. He scrolled again. And found stories of combats which Nish immediately recognized as battle logs from when they were still playing yggdrasil 1. Some words were highlighted with a few annotations on the side. 'Crickey… What a stalker.'
But the next few pages frightened him down to his core. His widened eyes couldn't fathom the awful sight of those pages. He kept scrolling through them and skimming, seeing the same thing over and over again. Each with different types of information that only added to his horror.
He quickly closed the folder as he couldn't take in the awful sight. He breathed heavily for a few seconds. Trying to calm himself down. Rubbing his face. He composed himself and thought. "Ulbert's gotta see this. This is fucked… I need to get outta here, now. This shit's even deeper than I thought."
Just as he put the folder in his inventory and put the board back in. The door creaked open and a figure came out and took him by surprise.
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THE PARTY AT GREATSWORD MANOR LATE EVENING
Late in the evening. A portal opened in a drawing room at the greatsword manor said to be the home of the legendary Momon and his descendants. And from this portal came two figures. A doppelganger and a male dark elf.
"A-Are you feeling well, Lord Mare? Perchance your constitution wavers because you have not partaken of sustenance? If so, pray allow me to procure nourishment for you with all due haste, ja!"
"No! I'm doing well Pandora I-I mean Momon! I just hope this is a decent suit. Do you think Zesshi will like it? Do you think Aura will not complain about it?"
"Oho! Young love — truly a most resplendent spectacle, worthy of chronicling in the annals of emotion! The sole counsel I may bestow upon you is thus: be thy truest self! Whatever garb you don, she shall surely find you agreeable, for attire is but a trivial ornament compared to how you regard yourself and whether she envisions a future by your side! You have naught to fear, nein, naught at all! As for your sister… ah, that matter may prove—how shall I say—variable, ja?"
The words of the doppelganger had an effect on Mare as he resolved to be as confident as possible and straightened his back. Ready to go through the door that led to the party downstairs.
Taking one deep breath in and one long exhale out. Mare opened the door with the doppelganger transforming himself into the host Momon. His sight was soon met with bright lights and a crowd of guests already there.
As soon as the duo walked out everyone clapped but Mare knew it was for his companion. He knew Momon and his "descendants" were beloved by all.
As soon as Pandora made his way to greet the guests for the party. Some unexpected guests watched from afar and one was about to infiltrate through the front door.
(message skill) "Alright Rex. testing testing does this work can you hear me? Are we ready to do this thing?" asked Ulbert.
Rex responded. "Yeah. I can hear you. Let's hurry up and do this thing." Rex went up to the front of the entrance gate. Showed his invitation card to the guard. And was allowed entry. Earlier, he bought a nice suit from a shop near the store. But even the suit itself wasn't enough to contain his nerves.
'Just go in. hang out for a few hours, then leave. Nice and done' Rex repeated to himself as a mantra.
Pero and Hero were back at the bookshop closing up and Ulbert was hiding nearby the party to offer Rex backup if needed.
As Rex walked inside. Seeing all the nobles and ladies. He couldn't help but think that he didn't belong here. He was a cop and a knight. Not a noble. He passed through the crowds just looking around calmly. Took a chardonnay drink that was offered to him by the servants. He ignored the advances given to him by the women. Feeling awkward and out of place , he was already prepared to leave, until he saw Sebas walking side by side with whom he recognised from Pero's description as Aura bella fiore and a black and white haired elven girl he didn't recognize from the npc folder. He immediately contacted Ulbert and found more npc's. Afterwards he just continued to dine on the food that was there though no amount of food could mask the smell of human meet he could smell in the humans at the party. He forced himself to eat some of the meat that was already present at the table being served.
Sebas then spotted him and on instinct got more nervous than he already was. 'No! Don't look this way don't look this way don't look this way Fuck!' he thought to himself.
With a straight face. He was greeted by Sebas.
"Evening to you Mr. Garrison. Glad you could make it." Sebas said. And with him was the two elven girls in nice dresses.
"Ah greetings to you lord Sebas" Rex said bowing. "I too am glad to see you have time to make it to the party, considering your work, I am very grateful you took the time to greet me." 'okay Rex. Just pretend Unity is bringing home and introducing you to some of her work friends along with their husbands for a halloween party. Just meet and greet. Be polite and make sure she doesn't think she's catching you staring at her friend's breasts when you're not. Basic etiquette!'.
The two elven girls stood before Rex before he could raise his head once more. As he did. He bore witness to the blonde elf wearing a red off shoulder dress that complimented her figure nicely and revealed the true size of her chest. She wore beautiful jewelry that he noticed from a store in the quagoa district. Same with the black and white haired elf girl who appeared older and wore a patterned black and white dress complimenting her hair well. And wore obsidian and gold jewelry. In his eyes both were stunning and glad he was not Pero who would think lewd thoughts about these two. "Madams" Rex said, addressing the two elven women. The two just nodded with smiles on their faces. Just then Aura spoke to Sebas.
"Sebas to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"
"This is Mr Ezra Garrison. One of the owners of the turning page bookshop that just opened down the street, Lady Aura." She seemed unimpressed and barely glanced at Rex. 'Wow, Okay fuck you too then. Clearly Buku didn't add manners to your settings.' "Mr Garrisson. This is Lady Aura Bella Fiore, direct subordinate to the sorcerer king and beside her is Lady Zesshi, a suitor of her brother's."
'Zesshi? Don't remember an npc named that. I may have to review that folder again tonight.'
Zesshi simply looked at him and rolled her eyes. Clearly uninterested in talking to him. 'Bitch. I would've taken a hand shake or a nod at least. Kids these days I swear. No wonder Ulbert didn't want to accompany me. These rich kids are all assholes. When I'm done here. I'm gonna tell Unity to stop hanging up those damn elves on the shelves on Christmas.'
"You must excuse me Mr Garrison but I must now escort these ladies to the drawing room. Forgive me for not being able to speak with you more. Please enjoy the party and thank you again for what you did for my son." They just departed and bowed to each other. Wishing them well.
As Sebas was leading the girls to the drawing room. Aura spoke. "What a worthless human Sebas.you said he saved Jon right? I don't know if that's a reason to invite an unimportant guy like him." then Zesshi spoke.
" I'm familiar with that bookshop. Mare and I visited there one time. It seemed boring and the furniture was too tacky. It was small and unimpressive. Just like him"
" I can't say I share that sentiment. All I care for was that his services helped Yuri, Lupus and Vic locate Jon when they couldn't. Outside of that. I too believe he is unimportant. And the unimportant cause the least trouble wouldn't you agree?" the two girls just nodded in agreement at his statement.
After a moment. The trio reached their destination. Behind the door they found Mare. Demiurge. Shalltear and the guardian overseer Albedo. Zesshi was tasked to stay outside and guard the door while the meeting ran.
"So glad you could all make it. Now let us begin." said the guardian overseer.
Everyone sat down as they awaited for their overseer to begin. "As you all know. Momon day is a celebration to honor Lord Ainz's alter ego. The hero the people of this world, treasure deeply. But overtime. His image has served to increase our country's income. With the money we increase our military and expansion of lord Ainz's influence. Should the population increase in the years to come. We can be prepared to expand more buildings until every corner of this world. Not just this continent. Knows our lords great name. Every house will have a shrine dedicated to our lord. Every town shall share his name. Every town square shall have a grand statue. The education systems have already taught worship to lord Ainz as part of their upbringing. Every temple and church already practices worshipping our lord. Thanks to Demiurge's plan all those years ago in the holy kingdom. Everyone sees our lord as the true savior." Everyone turns to the demon.
"I wish I could take credit for it. But it is not mine to claim. It was all our lord's plan when he allowed that mouthpiece from the holy kingdom to preach his wisdom and the number of followers that compounded since then." he said while pressing his glasses back to the bridge of his nose.
"How noble Demiurge." she said with a smile. "Nonetheless, the corners of the world have been explored. And we have the information from the years of information gathering from the adventurers guild. It seems Lord Ainz's adventurer project was for a reason after all. I never doubted him." Everyone nodded in acknowledgement. " But that doesn't mean we've explored the deepest corners of the world. Although Nazarick is the strongest force in the world. Both magical and militaristic. We've confirmed there aren't any other players alive neither any life out there that isn't an unintelligent animal or monster. Safe to say that the lands out there are safe for easy picking. 200 years of adventurers exploring confirms this data. Aura has already begun sending in dwarves and demihumans to start posts on these faraway lands. Today we are not just celebrating Momon day. But the success of enough posts to claim that we command half the world. From its lush grounds to its tallest mountains." She said with a smirk that others shared with smiles and small sinister giggles.
"The purpose of these posts is to prepare the surrounding lands to be either preserved or used to build civilization should we have to relocate any species or if the populace grows overtime. Truly our lord has thought of everything. Nonetheless he warns us to not go overboard and endanger anything pertaining to this world's natural beauty. I have a list of the things we should be wary of so as to not displease lord Ainz. Sebas. Please pass it around." The butler did as told and one by one the papers were passed down and all saw the list.
Mare was the first to speak. "The night sky? Oh! I have noticed many times that lord Ainz goes outside the tomb at night to look at the sky at night. It's not as impressive as the sky on the 6th floor. But if Lord Ainz wants to preserve it. I will do what I can." he looks nervous and uneasy after saying his statement. This was noticed by the others. "Mare? Is something wrong?" asked the well suited demon.
"O-oh umm…it's just that. Something that I've always wondered about. For years actually. A question that's been on my mind since seeing lord Ainz look up at the stars of this world."
Aura then spoke brashly. "Well! We don't have all day Mare! What is it?"
"I-its just that… I wonder if all the supreme beings share the same love of the night sky?" at the mention of their gods. Everyone started questioning the same thing in their minds. They looked down and tried to remember if their creators ever mentioned anything about it. But nothing came to mind. Sebas then broke the silence.
"Excuse me for speaking out of turn. But I do believe that lord Ainz sees the world in ways we can never fathom. Sees beauty in things we cannot. Answers to questions we seek. I have no doubt that the supreme beings are the same. Though I can't remember anything my lord said about the night sky. He used to talk about his love for the trees and the colors that the leaves changed into during their cycles. He often left the swamps of the tomb to go witness them during the change of seasons. And perhaps it's a coincidence. But trees are actually on the list you see before you." Everyone looked at the list to confirm it. Then another voice broke out.
"Oh oh! I recall my lord Peroroncino talking about his love for flying. Always talking about how amazing the sky was." said Shalltear excitedly.
"I do seem to recall also that Lord Ulbert Alain Odle spoke of his love of inhaling fresh air on rainy days." said Demiurge with a smile and a wagging tail.
"Oh! I remember that lady Bukubukuchagama spoke of the many kinds of flowers she's always wanted to see. Because of it. She made that huge garden near our tree. Right Mare?" her brother just nodded with a smile.
Then they all looked down and in shock. They noticed that they've just covered half of the list on what to preserve at all costs. And were smiling long smiles knowing that Lord Ainz was trying to preserve what their creators held dear. They felt that they were carrying on not just Ainz's will. But their patron gods as well.
But not everyone felt the same. 'How disgusting. Those traitors hold these things with such reverence. Now they want to push these responsibilities onto our sweet lord Ainz. Typical of those false gods! To rub their nonsense on us even when they're not here!'
"If lord Ainz holds them with such reverence. Then so shall we. Aura, Demiurge. Begin making policies to ensure this." the two nodded. "It is worthy to note that although we've claimed this continent for many years we should still plan ahead for future problems before they arise. Since we no longer have any enemies to deal with. We can begin planning for the future. Does anyone have any ideas on how the mortals of this world can better worship our lord?"
Immediately. Everyone's hand was up. A new discussion was formed. The same could be said for downstairs between someone enjoying the party and the other one being outside watching from a tall building to ensure his comrades safety.
(message skill)'This is so boring. Hey Ulbert. You alright over there?...' no answer came so he asked again. 'Ulbert?!'
'Yes! I'm here, yeah sorry.'
'You alright? You seemed startled just now.'
'Yeah I'm fine…I was just lost in the beauty of the night sky.'
'I can relate to that. I love when it's dark out. So many stars."
'Yeah. our world never had this view. Gaseous fumes replaced it long before we were born.'
'This world has an unimaginable beauty to it don't you think. I always dreamed of sitting under a tree with my son on my lap while telling him stories. It has always been a dream of mine since I saw it in a picture once.'
'That's a nice dream Rex. though what I love most about this world is the free air. Back then I had to pay for a fresh tank of unpolluted oxygen just to breathe something similar to it. Especially on those acid rainy days when the oxygen outside got extremely sparse'
'I wonder if Monga feels the same. I hope Pero and Hero are having way more fun than us.'
'Those two slackers can make anything fun.' Ulbert chuckled 'to be honest. I'm glad we all stayed past curfew. I couldn't think of anyone else I would rather be trapped with in, a different world'
'Right back at you'
'Yeah I- oh hang on I'm getting a message from…Nish?' this interruption was unexpected as they were forbidden from messaging each other in the case that they were intercepted. The first thing that came to Ulbert's mind was that perhaps Nishikenrai forgot or there was an emergency of sorts. But they had planned for emergencies just in case and it did not involve messaging each other. Ulbert was curious to find out.
"Ulbert! I've been made! I don't have much time!" Nish yelled ecstatically over the messaging skill.
"Shit! What! How did-ugh nevermind! Are you still in the tomb!?"
"Aye. And I don't have long. I'm in hidin', but I'm safe… for now."
"Okay that's good! Do you have the ring of Ainz ooal gown I lent you?"
"Shit—shit! I left it back in the servants' dorms. They were gonna rope us into bloody toilet duty later!"
"Okay —Fuck! Okay lets focus on getting you out of there. How far are you from the dorms? Is there anyone in your path? Can you use stealth?"
"Aye, I can do all that, but the real problem's the guard. All the Guardians are out at some meetin' right now at the sorcerer kingdom, but I've got no clue how long that window's gonna stay open, y'know?"
"Okay has anyone spotted you?"
"Nope." Then in the background a loud shriek was heard from down the halls that both could hear. "Yeah—now they've done it. Gotta leg it. Any chance you can kick up a distraction big and loud enough to grab the Guardians attention? If they're still in the Sorcerer Kingdom. Do it before they slam my window shut."
"Okay. gotchu! I'll call you once it's done. In the meantime. Get that ring and tread carefully." The message was over. When it was. Ulbert contacted his team still in the kingdom.
"Rex, Hero, Pero. We've got a situation. Nish has been found out." Immediately the messaging chat was met with confusion and panic.
"What the fuck!"
"How?!"
"Is he alright?!"
Ulbert continued. "He's alright for now but he needs time. Pero. scout the skies with stealth skill. See if you can find any guardians. Take Hero with you and let me know when you do."
"COPY!" the duo said.
Then just suddenly on Infinyrex's end. At the party he spotted the guardians upstairs looking over the guests. He then sees Albedo put her fingers to the side of her head and knew that it concerned Nish.
Albedo having received the message on her end spoke to the guardians. "There's an intruder in Nazarick we must leave at once."
Infinyrex messaged his people too. "Ulbert! Wait! The guardians are here! At the party. Right now." This surprised Ulbert a bit until he looked over with his binoculars to see that they were indeed in Rex's location.
"Pero hold that thought." after some thinking on what to do. Ulbert came up with an idea.
" I guess I'm gonna be the one to cause a distraction today. Pero standby. Rex! Get ready to lure people out to the balcony. I'm gonna give them something to talk about when they get home." he ended the call and began casting a spell.
Everyone got in position with Rex near the balcony. Ready to see what his friend cooks up.
{firelord's spiral}
Just then. A towering swirling tornado made of flames appeared moving so fast and so bright. It was easy to spot outside the manor. The tornado kept spinning and with each spin. Its size grew. In truth this was a visual spell. Not meant to harm but to create an illusion that it was a threat. Perfect for this occasion.
Infinyrex barely did any work as all the guests immediately went to the balcony to witness the event. Thinking it was part of the party as a form of celebration. But this neat little trick did just the job. It attracted the main audience that it needed.
The guardians noticed the bright light outside and went to check it out. Stunned they were at such a sight.
"Demiurge! You're an expert on fire magic! What is that?" asked the overseer Albedo.
"I— I don't know. I've never seen that spell before." Demiurge replied.
From atop a tower. Stood Ulbert in the shadows. Looking at the guests. And had the misfortune of seeing his creation Demiurge from afar.
"Rex! Be very careful. I've spotted Demiurge. Do not draw attention to yourself. Wait until the crowd leaves and you can blend in without being noticed." Infinyrex confirmed. Ulbert was filled with anxiety. Hoping it was enough to buy Nish time and to draw enough attention away from Demiurge. He gulped once more at the sight of his creation. Truly it reminded him of the old world.
"Nish! You have your window, now go!"
Back at the tomb. Nishikenrai walked towards the servants dorms with calmness. Trying to not seem indifferent. Until his gait sped up, upon hearing Ulbert's message.
Upon making a turn at a corner. He was accidentally knocked down by a towering blue giant.
"MY. APPOLOGIES. HERE. LET .ME. HELP. YOU. UP." Said cocytus. Offering his hand to get him up.
Nish got up with his help. Then proceeded to ask. "PARDON. ME. BUT. HAVE. YOU. SEEN .AN. INTRUDER. WALK. BY. HERE?"
Nish immediately composed himself back to his manservant act. And said nothing but nodded yes. He then raised his hand and pointed to a location in the hallway.
Cocytus turned his head to where he pointed towards. Thanked him and left to search for the intruder he didn't know he was speaking to.
Nish sighed in relief and continued on his way to the dorms. While going there. He noticed a few maids holding some weapons going in the opposite direction to him. Not just them but other low level servants such as the cook. Pestonya and the one person he did not want to see. His superior Eclair.
"You there! There was talk of an intruder within these halls! Point him out to me!! This is the perfect chance to show that I am capable of ruling the great tomb of Nazari—." He was interrupted by a hit in the head by his sister Pestonya.
"Forgive him for his outburst. But we must hurry. Did you spot the intruder on your way here? Did you come to gather support?" Asked the kind dog headed woman. Although their interactions were limited. Nish didn't have anything against Pestonya.but rather respected her for always showing such care in her managerial duties. He often envied the maids under her employ. Mainly because he was always stuck as Eclair's subordinate.
But now he was stressed because now he had to lead the group to their 'intruder'. So he just pulled the same trick with Cocytus and a few ran with it.
"At last! Now we shall prove my worthiness to rule over the great tomb of Nazari—!" Out of nowhere. Nish had kicked Eclair far away like a football hitting a touch down. Leaving him flying and screaming while flapping his little flippers hilariously.
'Nah, that's it —I'm done rollin over an' being' your bloody bitch, ya piss-off bird!' Nish said in thought. And behind him. All the maids and servants looked at him in silence until it was broken by clapping and cheering for what Nish did.
'Guess I wasn't the only one thinkin that. Serves ya right'. As he said this. The other servants began moving towards where he was coming from. He proceeded to the dorms. Opened the doors. Found his bed and from there. Found his ring.
"Time to GTFO out this motherfucker!" he yelled before teleporting outside the great tomb.
Meanwhile back at the party. Ulbert's spell ended. He was notified by Nish that he was out and safe. Now all that was left was to call everyone back.
**************************************************************************************
THE NEXT DAY AT THE BOOKSHOP AFTER MOMON DAY
"Okay Nish. To start things off. Let me be the first to welcome you back from your long and taxing job of infiltrating Nazarick" announced Infinyrex. They were all in the back of the bookshop in a private room. Pero, herohero and Ulbert clapped. Thankful for his safe return. And congratulating him on holding out as long as he did.
Nish was thankful to everyone in the room for the warm welcome and for their help in making his escape possible.
"Right. First off—cheers, all of ya. From the bottom of me heart, truly. But let's not muck about. What I'm about to show ya might scare the piss outta ya… did a proper number on me when I clapped eyes on it. Found a folder tucked away in Albedo's secret cabinet. Have a squiz—here."
Nish pulled a folder out from his inventory titled SBHS. Then left the room for the others to read.
Upon reading the contents of the files. They were utterly mortified. Never had they seen such daunting information.
"Oh my god! Albedo's more crazier than I thought." said Ulbert.
"These are our old chat logs. And they have psychological profiles on us from those chats?!" exclaimed Infinyrex.
'Now i like me a good crazy girl every now and then even the yandere stalker type maybe. But this bitch is nuts!" said Pero.
After reading the first contents of what the task force consisted of. Their psychological profiles that were just theory. Past sightings of creatures that looked like them. They found other papers that showed their files with detailed explanations of their magic kits. And weaknesses and what world item to use to counter them. But when they got to the last few pages. What they saw shook them more than they already were.
"What. The. Actual. Fuck?" Ulbert said slowly with his mouth agape.
"Is that a drawing of Tabula's head being ripped off?!" Pero asked in a frightened tone.
"Oh my— this is sick! Albedo's sick!!" exclaimed Herohero.
"The pages go on and on with drawings of us dead! Each more violent than the last! It's like ted bundy's kindergarden drawings…–this is messed up." said Infinyrex.
"At least now we know exactly how she feels about us." said Ulbert in straight, matter of factly tone. All while looking at a picture of Albedo removing the guts from his dead body.
"But we have proof now! We can just show this to Momonga. Convince him that the npcs of nazarick are unstable. And he can come with us!." said Infinyrex.
"Maybe he already knows they're unstable and they're just holding him hostage." Said Ulbert.
Nish walked through the door and said "Actually, mates…turns out they've got a pretty high opinion of us on the inside. That's excludin albedo and the other two ofcourse"
They all looked at him. They knew that Nigredo told them that everyone was loyal to them but they didn't trust her enough to actually take her word on it so they asked Nish again.
"It's true! Everyone and their uncle was singin' our praises. They've got shrines, statues, even bloody paintings of us. Flat out worship the ground we walk on. It's bonkers… and if I'm being honest, a bit uncomfortable thinkin about it." Nish finished.
The group looked at each other. Finally concluding there being some truth to what Nigredo told them.
Nish felt uncomfortable hiding a secret he had held for too long. So he spoke up.
"Actually…there's somethin' I need to tell ya lot as well. Not everything went smooth durin me escape."
He then began telling them the story of what happened when he was discovered.
MANY HOURS EARLIER IN THE OFFICE
Just as Nish was about to leave with the folder. The door to the office opened. A homunculus maid came out.
"Sorry for the wait. I was held up. Did you start the dusting without me?"
Just as the maid looked at him. She saw that he looked like he was rummaging through their masters desk. A sin a servant wouldn't dare to commit. Just as she gasped. He accidentally broke character and spoke.
"Oi— wait it's not what it looks like!" Nish covered his mouth. Realizing a manservant wasn't supposed to speak.
This agitated and scared the maid even more. As she tried to run to warm the others. But Nish was too fast and caught up to her. Put his hand over her mouth and tried to shush her.
"Shh—hey, darlin' please. I needs ya to stay quiet right now, yeah? I don't wanna hurt ya, alright?."
But this only made her struggle more. Nish recognized the maid as fith. One of Herohero's creations. No one was supposed to get hurt is one of the things he was told prior to his mission. But she continued to struggle despite not accomplishing much to Nish's immense strength. Eventually she used her free arm and hit him in between his legs. Which caused him to utter in pain and accidentally snap her head while pushing her off him.
While in pain. He heard the snap and hoped he wasn't right. But when he saw her lifeless body on the floor. He knew what had happened. Nish was a man of duty. He knew it was either his friends or them. And he piled pick his friends. So he pushed his guilt aside and hoped Herohero would forgive him. He believed that everyone felt changes in emotions when they were transferred in their new body. He was no different. His class was assassin. And assassins don't cry for the lives they've taken, only the ones they failed to protect. Since fith didn't meet these requirements. He didn't feel anything for her death. Only seeing it as a nuisance and a setback.
Hurriedly. He rushed towards the door. Tried to make his escape before anyone discovered the body.
'Shit.shit.shit!'
*************************************
BACK TO THE PRESENT AT THE
BOOKSHOP
"You killed a Maid?!" Asked Infinyrex. The rabbit ninja Nish just stood at the end of the table. With his arms crossed.
"She startled me, alright? I was rattled after readin those files and felt rushed. I didn't know what to do—wasn't thinkin straight. It was an accident."
After Nish finished replaying the scene to his friends. Everyone in the room was in shock. Utter shock. They knew it was an accident but they also knew that she was gonna cause problems for Nish and if he didn't do what he did. He would've been in even greater trouble and not have escaped the tomb. They were baffled by this. One of the things they wanted for this mission was to ensure no one would get hurt. Unless it was somebody from Albedo's team or someone who got in their way and they had a reason to kill them. And in a sense it ended up being the latter and had a good reason to not remain. But they also knew this would cause problems in their plans. They were now seen as enemies. And this would put them in a difficult position with their friend Momonga.
After some thinking. Ulbert spoke.
"Okay. Okay. This was an accident right Nish? It was an accident is all. It wasn't your fault. She was in the way. She was dealt with. However the issue isn't that. The issue is that we've just committed murder in the great tomb of Nazarick. If I was still there and in charge. I wouldn't let that slide. Rather several repercussions would follow. Repercussions that may make our goal seem more difficult."
"Difficult! Nazarick is gonna be locked tighter than Fort Knox!" Said Infinyrex.
Seeing the opportunity to make a joke. Pero said. "That's what she said hehe."
The group just looked at him seriously. Reminding him that it is most definitely not the time for jokes. Pero just closed his mouth and shrunk in his chair with an awkward smile.
Nish broke the silence. "Hero…I'm sorry to say this, mate but it was one of yours as well. One of your creations. A maid by the name of fith. I'm real sorry mate." Nish said with a stoic expression.
"Oh that? Pfft I don't care. As long as you're safe that's all that matters. Homunculous maids are just a bunch of ones and zeroes anyway." Herohero said in a carefree manner. Telling his friend he shouldn't worry about it too much.
Agreement was shared by the others in the room. Acknowledging his claim. Feeling that they shouldn't fret over the death of a stranger who interfered in their plans.
Though they were met with some resistance from Infinyrex who believed that the murder was still wrong. But was out voted. And the logic for the action taken was overwhelming and he could not stand against any action that would've prevented his friends escape. So he ended up staying quiet.
Now they decided to change their course of actions going forward. The difficult part was trying to explain this to their lead strategist back home. Punitto moe. Whom they are sure would scold and lecture with anything he could come up with. He'll be even angrier when they ask him for a plan with what little they have to work with now that they've exposed themselves even a little.
************************************
MEANWHILE BACK IN NAZARICK
In the luxurious throne room. Always commanding and worthy of its noble title. Sat the undead king on the throne of kings. To the bottom of the halls kneeled the guardians of this great tomb. Ready to receive a scolding from their master.
"How could this happen?! How could we have not noticed someone had infiltrated Nazarick until now?!!!!" Demanded Ainz ooal gown.
The guardians just stood there. Shaken. Not knowing how to answer their master. What answer to give that may or may not calm or infuriate their master even more then he already was. They looked at the floor, despite being given the order to raise their heads. In their mind. They wish they had a perfect answer. But right now they wish someone other than them would speak up. And one did.
"My lord. As the one in charge of Nazaricks defense. This falls squarely on my shoulders. If it pleases you. I will end my life here to atone for my failure!." Spoke the well suited demon.
But Ainz was having none of it. As he lowered his head and his bright red eyes shone brighter than jewels in a deep mine. His aura of despair kicked on. Making the air feel thicker than it already was. Slammed the right arm of the throne. Then spoke.
"What would please me is an explanation! How did we not notice a spy in our home?! Desecrating these hollowed grounds with their filth! Making a fool out of us in the process! Answer me!"
Demiurge just stood up and gulped. Trying to pick his next words carefully so as to not add more ire to his master.
"I beg for your forgiveness my lord. During the early days of our arrival to this new world. I have created multiple contingencies and replayed multiple scenarios to ensure no outsider is capable of entering Nazarick without our notice. Even to this day I review ways one would sneak into Nazarick regardless of their race and capabilities. But this has baffled me. I ensured infiltration into Nazarick would be virtually impossible. Yet whoever this trespasser is, has…" he gulped again showing his anxiety. "Managed to find a blind spot? One that I could not have ascertained?."
Ainz interrupted him.
"Yes, that is strange isn't. As much as I despise this tresspasser. I must also feel a need to commend them." Everyone in the room gasped in confusion. "No one. In the history of Nazarick. Has anyone accomplished such a feat. To infiltrate Nazarick unnoticed. Especially on the 10th floor. A feat even my comrades and I could not have pulled off when we first conquered this tomb. There hasn't been a trespasser in these halls long even before any of you gained existence. I can't help but feel that our long standing record had just been crushed and humiliated by this unknown trespasser in the worst possible way."
Everyone in the tomb. Even the maids looked sorrowful. Feeling shame and humiliation for not noticing a trespasser sooner. That their legacy of being unconquerable had just been revoked.
Everyone then felt the same thing in an instant. They felt that the banners in the throne room. The emblems of their creators. The legacy they sought to uphold. Had just been disgraced. They felt the banners judging their worth. Feeling as if their creators would disown them for allowing such a disaster to occur.
Ainz felt that the banners were looking at him in disappointment. Deeming him unworthy of the throne he sits upon. Feeling as if they made a mistake placing him as guild leader.
"Demiurge. As the one in charge of defense. How do you think they managed to get in unnoticed? Out of all the scenarios you've played in your mind. Which one seems the most likely?" Ainz asked.
Demiurge just looked at him. Then looked down. Scratching his forehead. Trying to come up with an answer. Then spoke.
"Forgive me my lord. I have no answer. For one. I never anticipated anyone to be able to even set foot on the 10th floor. And most of my scenarios would have involved entering through the front but even then we would have noticed them in the first or second floors. And even without shalltears interference. I doubt any human or demihuman would be capable of surviving the traps in those floors. It's just unthinkable. We would have noticed if a single trap was set off. Even if they used a world item. I've taken special precautions against that. Again. I ask for forgiveness for my incompetence, my lord."
Nobody judged him as they were all at fault as well for not being able to see this coming. They all created scenarios in their respective floors should an intruder cross their floors. And yet… one did. So they were in no position to judge.
'Fuck! How did this happen?! How did someone infiltrate Nazarick unnoticed until now. Did we grow arrogant after claiming complete control over half the world? This has never happened before. What do I do? What do I say? Is there someone smarter than we thought in this world? Someone with the power to harm nazarick? Why did this have to happen on the day when most of the guardians were not present in nazarick? This whole thing feels planned. Someone who can outsmart even demiurges scenarios. I've reviewed them and even I have to admit that it is virtually impossible to break into Nazarick, much less sneak into! Ooh what do we do?' Ainz thought in his head as his emotion inhibitor kicked in. Regaining his calm.
"Another thing to discuss is the topic of one of our fallen. This intruder not only snuck into Nazarick but committed murder. Though we managed to resurrect her. We should bring her in for questioning at a later time. For now. I wish to get everyone's opinion on something. I'll start with you Demiurge."
"My lord?."
"Based on what you've been told. What is your honest opinion of this intruder? If you were to rate their threat level. What would tht look like?"
"My lord. Based on what we've seen here today. I can ascertain that this intruder is not to be taken lightly. We're not dealing with some commoner but a true mastermind of the highest ranking. We must consider their threat level to be of the highest level. This…mastermind baffles me. He snuck into Nazarick… and not only played us for fools but refused to steal anything from the treasury? According to Pandoras actor. Nothing was taken from the great tomb. So perhaps he was after something else. Knowledge. Which is the worst thing to steal from Nazarick. Knowledge that could bring us to ruin someday. This genius mastermind not only did all this. But picked a day when we would all be out of the tomb. That meeting shouldn't have been leaked in anyway. Yet he found out regardless? And the killing of fith was probably a message. The message I have yet to decipher. What worries me though my lord is how long they have been stationed here in Nazarick."
Ainz then spoke. "Interesting. And just how brilliant do you think this mastermind is?"
The demon. Looked down and pressed his glasses with a grim look.
"My lord. I am ashamed to say that this mastermind may have an intellect that could rival. Maybe even surpass my own." At the mention of this. Everyone in the room. Guardians. Beasts and maids alike. Gasped in horror at the possibility of a threat that has the ability to surpass Nazarick's brightest.
Ainz secretly knew what Demiruge was trying to say but knew he wouldn't.
"Enough beating around the bush. Demiurge. I asked for your honest opinion, didn't I? Be it blasphemy or not. Tell me. I will not be offended I only want the truth."
Demiurge just looked at his master with anxiety showing on his face and sweat pouring down. Looking behind his back then back at Ainz.
"I—I believe this mastermind's intellect to be capable of even rivaling your own m—my lord."
Gasps and outrage filled the throne room once he finished his sentence. Nobody could believe that someone was smarter than a supreme being much less be on equal terms with one. They yelled 'blasphemy' at the thought. Ainz raised his hand. Silencing them.
"That impressive huh? Our odds don't seem that favorable. But I want to know. What else have you seen that made you come to this conclusion Demiurge?"
"Other than everything else we've seen so far. One other thing to note is that that they snuck in under the guise of a manservant of Eclair's. Our weakest link. And someone whom I would say we don't grant even a passing glance. Truly the perfect disguise if one were to infiltrate. As that would grant them immunity and protection as a lower than low servant especially if they serve Eclair. Someone who wouldn't have noticed if an 11th manservant just showed up out of nowhere."
The room was quiet with silent ire towards the assistant butler for his ignorance to notice something so vital.
"As such. This mastermind has identified our weaknesses. I am unsure if they've discovered all of them or our strengths. Nonetheless. The whole plan was brilliantly orchestrated. I don't even know if the spectacle outside momon manor was their doing either but we can't rule out that possibility. We just need to find out for what purpose. We know so little of what he did or what he wants from us. There wasn't a single clue. I may have to speak with renner later to get her opinion. But I doubt it'll be fruitful." He was interrupted by the overseer who showed immense anger at the situation.
"You praise this filth for their ability to make us look like fools! We should go to every kingdom and demand they surrender this intruder that dared to sully these sacred halls! Demand their deaths and if they do not, we will punish them slightly for not cooperating."
It was Demiurges turn to interrupt her.
"I understand how you feel Albedo. But this is a threat that infiltrated nazarick flawlessly. They may be more clever than you, me or pandoras actor put together." He then stopped and gasped as he was about to explain the conclusion that arose in his mind.
" Perhaps the death of poor Fith was to anger us! Causing us to act recklessly. To invoke martial law on the outside world. To sow distrust amongst ourselves. And if we were to announce to the world that someone. Broke into the great tomb. Known for its unconquerable reputation. It may embolden those who still have doubts of our greatness to act against us. Causing collapse on everything we've built!."
At this. The room was in shock. No one knew what to say other than gasps and relief that Demiurge managed to pick up on the masterminds plan before it was too late.
Albedo was the most ashamed. For almost falling for the masterminds plan. Doing as they wanted.
"Forgive my ignorance my lord!" she pleaded to Ainz. He just waved her off.
"This plan was very well thought out from start to finish. I doubt it'll do much but we should endeavor to not fall for any of their tricks." Finished demiurge.
As soon as this statement was finished. Ainz asked for the opinions of the other guardians as decreed earlier on the mastermind. Everyone responded with scornful remarks.
When everyone's voice was heard. Ainz dismissed them and asked that they write a report on the matter and investigate more clues as to the why? How? Where? And when of their mysterious foe.
All were thinking the same thing. What was this mastermind thinking? What was their next move? And whether he was an enemy they could hope to defeat.
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BACK AT THE BOOKSHOP
Just when nightfall struck. The group had just finished coming up with a plan to present to Punitto hoping his strategic mind would approve or at least point out some flaws. While they sat around the candle finishing up. They were taken by surprise by an unexpected visitor.
A portal opened and from within. Came out a huge bulking being the size of 6 refrigerators.
"Nishikenrai… old pal. I hear you is back from trip, da?! How it vas, hmm? You look… still on feet. Is good sign!. You alright, yes?! Come—ve go get drink, eh?" Takemikazuchi arrived after hearing the news that his best friend had returned. But the bookshop wasn't meant to handle his size. He went over to hug his friend with a tight squeeze and knocking over a few things in the process. One of them being the candle they had. Gradually this started a fire. The group was panicking as the fire grew. They tried to put it out. Grabbing random things like blankets to do so. Peroroncino was successful in putting it out by hitting the fire with a few of the paperwork he's been putting to the side. The fire was out.
"Oof good job Pero." Said infinyrex.
"Yup! No problem and all it took was all the inventory papers I've ignored." he announced proudly.
"You mean dose inventory papers?" asked Takemikazuchi with one hand hugging his friend and the free one pointing at a pile of papers at the corner.
Everyone looked at the pile of papers then back at Pero with shocked expressions and mouths agape. Pero lifted his hand and found the folder that contained the information they collected from Nazarick. Pero's face revealed awkwardness and concern as his eyes were wide open and sorrow took place.
"Oops."