If you notice any errors, please feel free to give me constructive feedback. English is not my first language, so if you notice any mistakes, please mention them in the comment section at the end of the chapter. I do not own Overlord. All property rights belong to their respective creators. Let's begin the story!
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Chapter-39
Dragon's Soul;
Chaos Sea, Ninth Floor,
The Eternal Flying Castle of Utopia – Avalon;
New World,
Overlord Verse;
Kai shook his head as he slowly rose to his feet, his thoughts drifting toward his NPCs. The demon in him thirsted for vengeance, and possibly control over his chaotic situation, while his dragon instincts screamed for conquest—to lay siege to the world and claim it as his own for everything that he had to suffer. In the end, both of them ate away at his psyche – his sense of reason, as they both compelled him to let the World suffer and make the World pay.
How the times had changed. He had once pitied Momonga for his undead body and his emotional suppression, robing him of the joys of life. Yet, now he desired for the same emotional suppression, plunged between his instincts as a demon – dragon and his voice of reason as Kai.
"Is this my karma?" he wondered aloud.
He brushed the dust from his clothes—an act that felt strange after years in Yggdrasil where such things were impossible and unneeded. His coat and equipment remained as immaculate as ever, as they were immune to the passage of time with their status as Magical Artefact or equipment, being able to restore themselves for eternity.
He shook his head to rid himself of unnecessary thoughts, as his pride, and various complex emotions that arose from his race disturbed his sense of self – compelling him to give in to his desires – with all his prowess.
Sighing at the prospect of an immortal life that stretched endlessly before him, he steadied his resolve. 'So is this what my existence will be… as a demon who has no concept of life span.' He mumbled.
His gaze shifted to the throne, restored to its former glory. Slowly, he walked toward it, raising a hand to call forth a familiar object. With a whisper of magic,
Kai's lips curled into a faint smile. 'At least my primal flames paired with my primordial demonic origin were worth the outburst.' An attack fuelled by his rage, bolstered by the raw might of his level and stats, had burned and scarred an item classified as divine-tier and a floor of his guild. Even in the midst of all the despair he felt, there was a flicker of satisfaction. It was an unintended consequence of his breakdown, but one that gave him some hope to live, his yearning for magic, soothing his soul. The demonstration made for a good testing of his prowess.
"Anyway… this will be handy," he mumbled. Extending his hand forward, a dark rift tore open before him – space-time folding inward to reveal a dark portal connected to his personal inventory. From within, he drew a staff of gleaming white, its shaft sculpted in the likeness of a serpent.
As the rift closed before him, the weapon's details caught the light. A white snake with a single crimson eye, its body coiled into the shape of infinity, was engraved upon the handle—its head devouring its own tail.
Raising the staff over the charred slate in his other hand, Kai willed to activate the World Item, he held. Obeying his wish, the World Item activated, and the blackened piece of metal began to shift. Edges softened, cracks sealed, and the scorched surface paled, until the object in his palm began to once again resemble the item it had been before – As he finally activated the magic array engraved at its back. [Restore], as the phone was restores to its former condition.
A faint smile curved his lips. 'Wheel of Snake, a World Item that can rewind time for objects, living beings, or even an entire designated region with all the beings present in the region affected.' His gaze lingered on the staff. 'Though, it can't affect those outside the region or weren't within the boundary of the region when activated.' He mused.
Kai stored the World Item back into his inventory and made his way to the throne, phone still in hand. Ascending the short flight of steps, he settled into the seat, resting his back against the backrest, while his right hand supported his chin.
'Fate is cruel, isn't it?' he mused. 'After my own failed attempt at love with my experience, I reacted quite heartlessly on Nameless Shadow and belittled him. And now… what I have become?' A resigned smile touched his lips, as his facial features eased up. 'Never mind them. All I can do now is move forward… and perhaps even seek the truth behind the betrayal, any day now.'
His thoughts grew quieter, assailed by memories, of a time when everything felt new, when her presence had brought joy to his monotone life. Thinking about the betrayal, his desire to dig the reason, sort of motivated him, but as the feeling of gloom assaulted him, tearing away at his heart. He exhaled slowly. "Never mind that… I can think about it later."
"This is a sad state of affairs," he muttered to himself.
He was about to focus on assessing the state of the guild base—anything to keep his mind moving—when the massive doors at the far end of the throne room rumbled open. Though, the hidden entrance to the Dragon's Soul lay behind his throne, concealed by a pillar. The entrance to his throne room, only opened by the giant doors present to the opposite end of the throne, irrespective of the door or teleportation array used to access his floor.
Kai waited, patiently, for whoever would enter.
The door creaked open, revealing Arrodes, who wore a black suit, and Deicide in the form of a small wolf pup. Gazing at them, Kai hurriedly stored his phone inside his inventory. His gaze locked on to them, he had known this would happen, yet the sight still filled him with wonder. His creations brought to life.
Still, he realized with faint dismay that he was slouched in the throne like some corpse left to rot. Hardly the posture a Supreme One should have for his first meeting with his creations. But by the time that thought struck, they were already within arm's reach—it was far too late to correct himself now.
Kai straightened slightly, his gaze locked on them. He had known this would happen, yet the sight still filled him with wonder. His creations… alive. The feeling was a quiet, almost disbelieving happiness.
They stopped at the base of the steps and bowed low, dropping to one knee in greeting.
"Greetings, Great Master—my creator, Lord Mor Initium Kai Telos," Arrodes said, voice steady.
"My master," Deicide added simply, his tone joyful.
Kai studied them closely—the way they moved, their speech pattern – his mind cataloguing every detail. A part of him wondered about the whereabouts and state of his other NPCs, but he pushed that thought aside. These two were here now, kneeling before him, and he couldn't keep them waiting.
"Hmm. Greetings to you as well, Arrodes, Deicide. You may stand - there's no need for such formalities," Kai said at last. Even as the words left him, he wasn't sure if they were befitting of a Supreme One. He had only ever spoken to humans, never to NPCs whose loyalty bordered on worship.
"We could never…" Arrodes began, but was cut short when Kai lifted a hand, cutting off any resistance.
Beside him, Deicide raised his head. Then, without hesitation, the wolf pup broke into a sprint up the steps. The motion drew a sharp flicker of irritation across Arrodes's face, but he remained kneeling. To Deicide—who had been with Kai since hatching from his egg—such an approach seemed natural, almost instinctive.
Kai was taken aback by the sudden movement, but didn't stop him. The small form leapt onto his lap, sniffing at his palms before pressing close. With a slow stretch, Deicide curled up and settled upon his lap as though the throne were merely a warm seat for the both of them.
Oblivious to Arrodes's quiet dissatisfaction, Kai began to brush his fingers through the wolf's fur, petting him with absent care. Arrodes masked his jealousy as stern disapproval toward the dragon, yet said nothing. To ask for such a gesture himself felt unthinkable—presumptuous, even. Such a reward was not for a lowly being like him. Any action that might inconvenience the Supreme Lord, no matter how small, would be blasphemy against the very purpose for which he had been created.
Despite the dissatisfaction he harboured toward the dragon, Arrodes didn't consider himself worthy to question his master's choices. He voiced no protest, for he knew that his master was too kind, his love knew no bounds. So, he remained silent while Kai continued to pat Deicide, a faint smile playing on his lips as he enjoyed the feel of the wolf pup's fur. Memories of his adventures with Deicide surfaced unbidden, pulling him down a familiar path in his mind, back to when the little one had been no more than a fragile egg, a mark of his achievement during beta days, along with his wooden club preserved inside a museum built by him and his friends.
Finally, Kai raised his gaze to the other figure before him. Arrodes had still stood still, silent and composed – awaiting his master's command. Kai felt guilty at the sight, he had kept Arrodes waiting, drowned in his fun.
"Apologies, Arrodes," Kai said, his voice softer now. "I was just lost in the memories of when this little guy was all but an egg."
"No, Great Master. Please do not insult this lowly servant by apologising. I won't be able to look myself in the mirror." Arrodes's tone was low yet firm, carrying the weight of unshakable devotion. "I and every member of Avalon live to serve you. Our very existence is to serve you… and die for you. And surely you might have been contemplating about the future, reminiscing about the old days."
The words struck Kai speechless. Arrodes, realising the potential weight of what he had just said, immediately bowed low.
"My apologies, Great Master, for speaking out of turn," he murmured, his head lowered almost to the floor.
Kai rose from his throne, unwilling to let the conversation continue and possibly drift toward anything resembling Momonga's situation. Last thing, he wished for was to make a joke out of his life, to live the life of a Supreme One, burdened by the expectations of his subordinates. The things he had laughed at in his previous life, could turn into his future – He definitely didn't wish to live that life.
'I'd better move before they start working on some 10,000 year plan,' he thought dryly, lifting Deicide into his arms.
He glanced around the throne room, then gave the wolf pup a small nudge before looking toward Arrodes. The sudden movement drew the NPC's full attention. Arrodes straightened instantly, his eyes fixed on his master, ready to act, to follow his command, whether that meant plunging the world to war or conquering the world, if necessary – All to fulfil his master's wishes.
Since re-establishing communication in Avalon after the Supreme Lord's earlier outburst, Arrodes and the others had gathered intriguing reports from Albion, information gathered by the Knights of Avalon as they observed the lands surrounding the floating castle.
"Arrodes, there's been a change in our situation," Kai said quietly.
Both Arrodes and Deicide turned their full attention toward him, keen eyes fixed on their master, unwilling to let a single word escape them.
"After Yggdrasil met its end," Kai continued, his tone measured, "our guild base has been transported to a new world, and possibly to another universe."
The servants of the Supreme Lord absorbed the words in silence before Arrodes spoke, his head inclining in acknowledgement.
"I understand, Great Master. So, what would you like for us to do?"
Neither of them questioned the fall of Yggdrasil nor the circumstances of their arrival here. To attempt to fathom the Supreme Lord's will was, in their eyes, an act of folly. It was peak foolishness to even try, and only a fool could ever hope to dream of such impossibility. In their hearts, the matter was clear: their presence in this New World was connected to their master's will. As no force in existence could move against their master, or think of such action, without their master's consent. Everything that ever happened, has-happened, is-happening, and will-ever-happen is all their master's design, HIS consent is what empowers any action or thought throughout existence and non-existence.
Whether by his direct power or by forces allowed to act under his permission, Avalon's relocation could not have occurred without his will. For the Supreme Lord was, to them, beyond all mortal definitions—omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. A Supreme Lord, who defies any and all form of logic, reasoning, power and laws. 'He is the Supreme Existence in truest sense; above all Supreme Beings; A Supreme Entity, masquerading as a Supreme One, residing amongst us lowly beings, blessing us with his presence. There is nothing that he can't accomplish, yet he grants us lowly beings the opportunity to serve him, and aids us in our growth; providing us with the guidance.' Arrodes mused, as he admired his master's brilliance. Forever wishing to serve his master and live under his grace.
******
Kai felt a flicker of doubt, as he felt something wrong from their conversation, as if he was missing a major puzzle. As his gaze shifted between his loyal NPC and the small wolf pup in his arms, but he pushed the thought aside.
'First things first.' He needed to confirm their surroundings and whether this was indeed the same New World from Overlord or some entirely different world and verse. The timeline mattered too. 'Which point in the story am I standing in right now?' The thought sharpened his focus as he began sketching out a rough sequence of actions. Basing his actions, on Momonga's plan of action, to get things in motion faster.
With deliberate flair, Kai extended his right arm wide, his left cradling Deicide close.
"Arrodes," he began, his voice carrying across the chamber, "Inform Alucard and Medea. They are to survey the surrounding lands, and check for nearby settlements. And If they find any, they are to approach with a friendly disposition." He paused.
"Remind them this is purely an information-gathering mission, and nothing more. And make it clear; if they encounter an opponent stronger than themselves, or even equal in strength, then they are to withdraw immediately. The same order applies to all within Avalon." Kai commanded.
"But, Master…" Arrodes' voice carried a note of protest, almost a groan, at the thought of retreat. To him, the NPCs' very existence was to serve and, if need be, die for their Master. It was a great honour for them to be of any use to their master, to serve the purpose of their lives.
Kai silenced him with a raised hand, the gesture brooking no argument.
"It is acceptable to retreat," he said, his tone soft but firm. "Your lives hold more value than any task assigned to you or any action of your will, but there are exceptions to it I am sure." Kai muttered, earning a nod from Arrodes, happy at being acknowledged by his master. Yet, Kai continued, "But there is no need to experience death, live through it when you could just avoid the situation altogether. As, you take on tasks, mistakes are bound to happen, and you might even experience failures, but owning to your mistakes and acknowledging your shortcoming will aid in your growth." Arrodes, wished to argue but remained silent, acknowledging the love their master had for them. Yet his thought of serving the Supreme Lord, persisted.
While, Kai concluded his speech, "And that's how you grow and learn. Your lives hold meaning, and you all are very dear to me. It would pain my heart to see you throw away your life."
'This is our reality now, and not a game anymore. The pain felt would be real, and the trauma from death would be real. I've experienced it, I wouldn't wish to experience them again.' Kai mused, while his NPCs were lost in a different world, their commitment to lay their life for their master strengthened, contrary to Kai's wishes.
The words struck deeper than Arrodes had expected. His eyes welled with moisture, and with a swift motion he produced a handkerchief from his pocket to dab them away. Even Deicide's eyes shimmered faintly, betraying an uncharacteristic softness and joy.
"Understood, Great Master Mor Initium Kai Telos," Arrodes said solemnly.
"Just Mors is enough," Kai murmured, tired of the conversation, his mentality drained from the antics of fate.
"If that is all, Great Master. Then I'll take my leave to get things started."
Arrodes inclined his head in acceptance. Now that he had his orders, he turned to leave, already formulating the steps to see them carried out.
"Arrodes," Mors called after him, halting him mid-step, "after giving Alucard and Medea their instructions, add Merlin to their party as well." His gaze turned thoughtful. "Also, summon all NPCs of Avalon to Agartha. We'll have a meeting to bring every member of Avalon up to speed. Everyone should be prepared with reports on their respective floors. You will review these before presenting them to me at the meeting."
"It will be done, Great Master Mors," Arrodes replied, his tone steady once more. "What time should I set for the gathering, Great Master?"
"Ten hours from now," Mors answered. "That should be sufficient for them to complete their surveys and prepare. Alse, allot other members of Avalon to the task, have them assist floor guardians to smoothen up the process."
Arrodes bowed again and began to depart, but Mors' voice stopped him once more.
"Before you return, go to the Key of Light and deliver my command to the Laplace Demon. Tell him to survey this New World—cautiously. I expect whatever findings he can gather before the meeting begins."
"As you wish, Great Master," Arrodes intoned, lowering himself in a deep bow before turning on his heel to see the will of the Supreme Lord carried out. Happy at the opportunity the Supreme Lord had provided them with, despite already being aware about everything, he had let them all be useful, to serve their purpose.
Though the talk about his outburst avoided, as both Arrodes and Deicide had imagined the situation resolved by the look of it, and by their conversation with their master. For their Master had set aside his avatar to punish the insolent fool, who had angered their Master. So, they didn't consider themselves worthy to question their master's decision.
******
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**The End**
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