After following the man through a side entrance that went unnoticed by him because of the large gate taking up his attention, Ulbert was brought into a rather dimly lit corridor that was sparse of any real furniture other than a old, dilapidated table. The end of the room was the most eye catching part, a pair of large double doors that would presumably lead him to where he needed to go. While they were the only thing in the room that would draw attention, they weren't very expensive looking, as they were made of simple iron, and the slight rust near the bottom showed they were not a new addition.
"The workshop will take place through there. But before that we must undergo a bit of a 'test' if you will. While it doesn't look like your carrying any weaponry, I would advise you to not go on the offensive for this next part. If you cannot manage that, I would suggest leaving right away." while one may take such a declaration as mockery or a insult, it was clear from the mans tone and expression that he was simply telling it how it is. No doubt he was used to this.
"That will not be a problem. I'm sure whatever it is I will be fine." in response the gate guard could only give a bitter smile.
With that, everyone in the room seemed to take a few steps back, almost hugging the walls near them. And at that moment, the doors slowly creaked open. To everyone in the room, the temperature seemed to plunge.
While they had been assigned this duty ever since his majesty had taken residence in E-Rantel, they still never got used to this feeling. No matter how many times it was seen, they would always fear for there lives.
The 2 meter tall specter of death emerged from the room, only to stare down whoever wanted to enter, as if daring them to make a move. Its body was clad in thick, black spikes, with even thicker armor covered in tracery that could only be described as blood vessels, as if to show this creature was born to cause death. its rotted visage peered through the cracks in its armor, with lifeless eyes that seemed to gaze into the very souls of the people present. And finally a pitch black cape descended the length of its body, seemingly made of torn and tattered fabric.
In one hand it wielded what was less a shield and more a wall. The mass of rusted metal was nearly the size of the death knight itself, and had it not been moved to the side, it may have obstructed the entire creature. In the other was a flamberge that appeared to be rotted, as if it was plucked from a graveyard, and yet one could tell that it had not lost its sharpness at all. A mere graze may be a mortal wound.
In response to the veritable embodiment of death, Ulbert could only say one thing...
"Oh, a death knight. So these things are here as well?" This half hearted response brought about wide eyed gazes from all who were present in the room, as no one who had come into the city had ever responded so calmly. But to Ulbert, this was only natural.
In YGGDRASIL, death knights were hardly a rare sight. Most necromancers used them as body guards, since there innate abilities made them well suited to the role. But anyone over level 45 should be able to handle one with ease. Was this really worth all of the warning that were being made out? More than that, what was the purpose of having it here at all?
After the show of dominance attempted by the knight, it moved to the side of the door, as if to say "Please, enter."
"So the workshop takes place through these doors right? I just walk through from here on out?"
"Y-yes that is correct. Please, go ahead."
And so, without a care in the world, Ulbert had made his way into the conference room which lied beyond. Seeing there were many seats to choose from with no obvious choice, he simply sat near the front, as he was quite curious what the point of this all was.
After a indeterminate amount of time had past, a figure made itself known by heading up to the podium on the stage set in front of the seats. Ulbert recognized it immediately as a naga, though what type remained to be seen.
"Greeting Bafolk, This old one is known as Ryraryus Spenia Ai Indarun, this kingdoms immigration official, but that name need not be remembered, as it is not a vocation that will bring you into contact with me beyond this moment. This workshop is meant as a way to familiarize the different races that enter the city the differences between here and other country's in the world, as well as go over the rules and laws set within the kingdom."
Now Ulbert understood why they would set up a workshop like this, if the undead really were just wandering around the city, than people would naturally need to be informed of this. And while he disliked being referred to as a '"bafolk", it would probably cause problems down the line if he kept announcing he was a demon. That may not go over too well.
While the workshop had gone over basic things that any city would implement, with the exception of the undead of course, but their was a detail that caught his attention.
"Earlier you had mentioned not to bear arms or go on the offensive around the death knights, but what about magic? Would that set them off?" This question served two main purposes. The first was to confirm if magic really did exist in the world. If so, then he didn't need to be as subtle with his attacks. Granted his escapade in the forest wasn't exactly what he would call subtlety, but he needed to send a message. The second was needed so he could know if he was allowed to use his power without alerting guards in case something went wrong.
"This one would not known the answer to that question, as there haven't been any incidents involving magic to date, though that is because anyone with access to magic would be better off using it for themselves instead of living a death wish."
While this was understandable, it wasn't able to answer his question. He would just operate under the assumption that attack magic would aggro them. Even he couldn't defeat hundreds of death knights. Since his spells were AOE, they naturally cost a lot of mana to cast. And with the death knights ability to survive one hit that would normally kill them, he would not be able to take them all down. So while they may not be able to hurt him, they could certainly buy time for someone who can.
As he was thinking of his next course of action, Ryraryus, continued with his lecture.
"Also, while this should be obvious, his majesty has made it illegal to feed on other citizens of the country. I hope I am correct in assuming you didn't need to be told that right?" his expression could clearly be read as him saying "I hope your not that stupid".
"Of course. I had no intention to do so in the first place. Its only natural to not commit murder on 'innocent' people." he purposely left the words innocent in, as he would have no problem dispatching somebody's life if they were terrible a person. Maybe I could become a bounty hunter if I want to earn money?
"Wonderful, than that is all that this one has to say to you. If you wish to enter the city after hearing all that, then feel free to."
"Indeed I will. I appreciate the assistance, uh..."
"Ryaryus."
"Right, Ryaryus. Thanks for your help."
Now then, its time to see what kind of city this really is...
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when Ulbert entered the city, he was surprised to say the least. While He didn't expect to find a terrified mass of people, or slaves following the orders of the undead, he At the very least he expected there to only be humans.
Instead there were all types of people roaming happily throughout the city streets, be they man, lizard, or even goblins. Granted humans seemed to outnumber the non-humans by a substantial amount, but that was besides the point. It was basically the very picture one would have when imagining a fantasy world.
Huh, I guess I was right about a iron hand dictatorship being a good thing after all! Ulbert thought this way because of the way earth was run. While they would like to make you think that the world had the option of choice, peoples lives were set from birth. The political government was nothing more than serfdom's. Each one of the Mega-corporations would rule over there own section of land, trying to out develop the others in a cold war to become the most important one. Lords making there serfs work the land. How else would one describe it?
Many of the guild members though he was crazy when he mentioned this to them, but he assumed that it was because they didn't understand what he really meant. Naturally a dictator would have all the power to do what they wished, but he wasn't trying to say that the world should adopt Totalitarianism. No, he was talking about someone who wanted the best for their nation, someone who would have complete control the make laws that benefited the people, that could not be contested.
Of course, he new this naive way of thinking would never come to pass in real life. Absolute power corrupts absolutely after all.
"But this place seems almost to good to be true. Everyone can live as a equal, and not have to fear discrimination. And under the watchful eyes of the undead, crimes would not be committed, until it eventually fizzles out of being the norm. this is exactly what I always said!"
While Ulbert was getting excited at the prospect of seeing his utopias finally become a reality, he also realized that he needed money. Since he was a demon, he had no real need to eat, but money would still be needed for new gear and housing.
"While the bounty hunter route does seem appealing, I would want something with a bit more excitement. Like exploring the world like in the YGGDRASIL days. Hmm... is adventuring even a profession?"
If a world was filled with magic and monsters, it would only be natural for said world to be a dangerous one for people to live in. adventurers were people who would explore the unknown to document such things and take out threats wherever they appeared. He hoped that at the very least something similar would be a opportunity.
"I'll just ask around then. Excuse me sir, could I ask you a question?" he noticed a fairly well built man who was walking down the street somewhat distanced from the crowds. He also wielded weaponry on him and was lightly armored. Seeing this, he seemed like the perfect person to ask about this.
"Ah, sure thing. What was it that you needed?"
"I was wondering where the adventures guild was in this country? Could you possibly help me find it?"
Ulbert had decided to be direct with his approach, because for one, if this world really did have a adventures guild, and it was also common knowledge, he would look pretty suspicious trying to discretely ask about such a thing. And even if there wasn't one, he could just deflect with a "Oh, I guess they aren't in this country after all."
"Oh you must be new to the city then. Sure thing. I was actually just on my way back there myself. Were you thinking of registering?"
"I was as a matter of fact. Could you please lead the way?"
"It would be my pleasure."
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As they reached their destination, the building was exactly as Ulbert had pictured it. The entire place was bustling with activity from people who ranged in every spectrum there was. There were warriors with bulging muscles, who looked like that had seen countless battles, standing next to newbies that seemed to be deciding there next quest. A group that Ulbert would soon be a part of.
He walked up the the desk to register his status, but he couldn't help but notice as he did that everyone in the building other than the employees, were hurriedly leaving the room, or moving into separate areas of the building. While he was inclined to believe it was because in their eyes, he was a demi-human, he didn't think that was all there was to it, since there were several in-human species in the room at the time. In the end around 80% of the rooms previous occupants had left.
"Excuse me miss, why is everyone leaving so quickly?"
"Oh that. Well his majesty is scheduled to come in today, and word had gotten out they he was already nearby, so most people like to clear the area since they aren't used to him yet. Even I still get scared when he approaches even though I see him more often than most."
"I see. Well that's good for me since I was going to register as a adventure today. Less of a line for me to deal with hehe."
The receptionist gave him quite a shocked look before giving a smile in his direction. "Well you don't look like your scared at all. I can see why adventuring may be a good career path for you. Well if you want to register you will have to fill out this forum. Once that is done, we can register you as a copperplate and you can immediately set off."
"excellent."
After receiving the paperwork that would no doubt be a pain to fill out, he sat himself into a corner of the room and began to write.
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"Ainz-sama, may I ask why we are going to the adventures guild? I was certain that the master of that place was sufficiently under your thumb due to your incomparable charisma?"
Crepuscule had asked this because of her limited understanding of his goals that she overheard through the other maids. From her understanding, her lord wished to incorporate the adventures guild into the sorcerer kingdom for his plans to fully take effect. Though she did not know what they were, they must surely be important if Ainz-sama had thought of them. And if Demiurge, the most brilliant mind in Nazarick could not figure them out, what hope did she have?
"I wish to see how my plans are developing with the adventures guild. The labyrinth we are constructing is set to be finished in a few days, so I want to hear from Ainzach how adventurers have ajusted to the new implementations I have added."
"If Ainz-sama thought of those ideas, than there can be no doubt that they would succeed."
"Y-yes, quite."
While she did not mean to, those words suddenly filled Ainz with gut cramping stress. Unlike with the internal affairs of the kingdom, those ideas were not made by Albedo, but by Ainz himself. How would the NPC's react if his plan had failed. How would he even begin to explain that to them. It would be hard to spin it into a victory, because he had put forth effort in trying to get them to his side, so why would he suddenly make them unhappy?
While he tried to calm himself down by saying that he had made those ideas after adventuring himself and coming to understand the mindset of a adventurer, the fact that he was the one that made the plans was what gave him such worry.
"Well we're almost there, so there is no need to think about things like that. It should be only a few minutes away." He was beginning to enjoy taking these walks through the city. While the streets were still quite barren compared to the times when he adopted the persona of Momon, it wasn't like the street was completely empty anymore. There were a brave few souls who mustered up the courage to walk past him, and that could only tell him that he was slowly becoming more liked by the general public. At least he hoped that was the case.
Well I suppose things like this take time. If even Albedo said that it could take five years without the help of Momon, than it can't be helped... still at least I'm not in a ghost town anymore. Though those people must be truly brave to walk past me.
As he continued the drab exposition in his head, he noticed that he had reached his destination, the adventurers guild. While he knew that this place was usually quite busy, it seemed to be rather empty whenever he visited. Was he just not picking a good time or... Well, not that I mind. Less the witnesses to this sort of thing the better.
As he entered the building, the receptionist immediately recognized him and signaled that she would be getting the guildmaster. Or rather, if she hadn't recognized him, one would be led to worry about her mental state.
After a minute or two Ainzach exited the back room and respectfully bowed to Ainz. "Your majesty, it is great to see you again."
"Umu, you as well Ainzach. I trust that you've been enjoying that gift I gave you?"
The gift in question was a weapon from YGGDRASIL that he had given him for his loyalty. He had heard that Ainzach had gone out adventuring quite a few times since his new policies had taken effect, so it was only natural to ask him about such a thing.
"Indeed you're majesty, that sword has saved my life more times than I can count. Truly it is a masterwork of a blade. My I ask where you acquired such a item?"
"I had found it in a ruin long ago. But were getting off topic." truth be told, that wasn't a complete lie. The item was found in a random ruin back in YGGDRASIL in a chest he had found. But that was back in the days of Nines own goal, so it wasn't the strongest item in the world. Therefore, he could safely give it to him without worry.
"Of course forgive me your majesty. May I know what has interested you today to enter my humble guild once more?"
"Ah yes, I simply wished to confirm how things are going in the guild ever since I have assimilated it into my nation. Are there things that need changing, or is everyone satisfied with what has changed?"
"Truly your majesty is kind beyond words. Ever since the new policies have been adapted, things have been busier than ever! I truly cannot express my gratitude that the pipe dream many have when they are young, myself included, is finally able to be accomplished."
"Marvelous, I am truly glad to hear that. Than one more thing while I am present. Is it..."
as he was about to go on to his next point, he had felt a slight tug at his robe from behind him which interrupted his train of though. The source of the action was none other than his duty maid.
The NPC's have never interrupted me before, what could have caused her to do such a thing? While he could have kept up his image as a king by telling her to wait, he was truthfully so curious at this display, that he could not help but want to known what was wrong. "What is it Crepuscule? Has something gone wrong?"
"I truly am sorry for interrupting you Ainz-sama, but if I may be so bold, is the person over there not Ulbert Alain Odle-sama?"
his had snapped to the direction she was pointing to in the blink of an eye. And sure enough, there was a familiar goat-legged fellow that was occupying a seat in the corner of the room. While the race known as the bafolk looked similar in appearance, and he was not wearing his usual panoply of magic items, he could never forget the look of a friend.
"Ulbert-san, is that you!?"
the Demon looked up for a moment, very confused at who could have said that, which basically was proof in of itself that this was indeed his friend. However as soon as his saw the undead magic caster, his face instantly shifted to one of surprise.
"Momonga-san! What are you doing here?"
He immediately dropped whatever he was doing and came over to greet his friend face to face. This, naturally, drew the gazes of the many slack jawed people in the room who could not even believe what was happening before their eyes.
"I could ask you the same Ulbert-san! How did you enter this world. I had though I was the only one for a time, but it seems I'm being proved wrong recently. I have never been so happy to have miscalculated."
While he was overjoyed at being able to see his friend again, there was another reason why he was so happy. Ulbert had a similar lifestyle to himself back on earth, with nothing to truly live for. So it would be highly unlikely that he would want to go back lie Touch-Me did.
In other words, he would be able to spend a eternity with one of his cherished friends.
As his emotional suppressant immediately went off, he realized that here was not the best place to conduct dialogue, seeing that everyone in the room had their eyes focused on the pair of heteromorphs.
"Ulbert-san, we should probably have this conversation somewhere else for the time being as we are disturbing the people around us. I apologize Ainzach, but we will have to schedule this meeting for another day."
"O-o-of course your majesty."
And with that, he had contacted Entoma to let down the barrier, and opened a gate to head to Nazarick. Leaving a room filled with wide eyed people, who could only think, What the hell just happened?