I counted the passage of time with the ticking of the clock.
And then, in the instant the illusion ended—
Darkness swallowed the world.
I opened my eyes.
But it was not the familiar room of my own world.
It was still the Throne Hall of Yggdrasil.
A twisted smile curved upon my lips.
"As expected…"
An overwhelming power coursed through my body, far beyond anything I had ever known.
I understood it instinctively.
I had crossed over into another world, bearing the complete power of the Dragon Demon God.
Strength flooded me, brimming to the point of excess.
Ecstasy and euphoria surged through me—so much that I longed to release it. But an Absolute must always know restraint. I rested my chin upon my hand.
And then—
A voice.
"What troubles you, Lord Kaiselin?"
A woman's voice, elegant and beautiful, one I had never heard before.
I turned toward it. There she stood, her expression full of concern, exuding a sweet fragrance.
"Is something the matter, Lord Kaiselin?"
It was Albedo—the woman of exquisite beauty.
Her scent stirred a moment of bliss within me. When I blinked, she filled my vision.
"Did you not feel it just now?"
"Forgive me, my Lord. This foolish body of mine could not perceive what you experienced. If you would grant me a chance to redeem this shame, nothing could bring me greater joy. Command me as you will."
"It seems Nazarick has been caught up in some kind of mysterious transfer."
"W-what…?! Truly?"
Her face grew grave. I gestured for her to step back, and though reluctant, she bowed.
"Sebas. Attend me."
"Yes, my Lord!"
His voice rang clear and firm. His disciplined bearing pleased me.
"Come before my throne."
"At once."
Sebas obeyed instantly, walking with perfect posture until he reached the foot of the throne's steps, where he knelt upon one knee.
"Sebas. Did you notice anything during my exchange with Albedo?"
"My apologies, Lord Kaiselin. One as lowly as I could not discern the will of one so exalted."
"That is fine. I have a task for you."
"Command me."
"Leave the tomb and survey the surroundings. If you encounter intelligent life, attempt to negotiate and bring them here peacefully. You may yield to their conditions as needed. Limit your range to one kilometer. Avoid combat if possible."
"Understood, my Lord. I shall depart at once."
"Take one of the Pleiades with you. If battle becomes inevitable, have her retreat immediately and bring back intelligence."
"As you command!"
In an instant, Sebas and one of the Pleiades were gone.
I turned to Albedo. She smiled and approached my side.
"The rest of the Pleiades are to ascend to the Ninth Floor. Guard against intruders descending from the Eighth."
"As you will, Lord Kaiselin."
And so they, too, vanished, leaving only myself and Albedo in the Throne Hall.
As silence settled over the chamber, I called her name.
"Albedo. Come closer."
"Yes, my Lord."
With genuine joy in her voice, she stepped near, almost close enough to fall into my arms.
"Let me touch your chest."
"Yes!"
Her black wings trembled, her breath quickening.
—Soft.
Supple.
The sensation was intoxicating.
Even through her dress, the erect tips of her breasts teased me, feeding the fire within. The soft weight shifted and yielded to my hand, its form bending to my touch.
"Hnn… ahh…"
Her sweet moans filled the chamber. At last, I withdrew my hand.
"The feel… is pleasing."
Blushing scarlet, she leaned against me with a sigh heavy with desire.
"Would you… have me give you my first here and now, my Lord?"
The heat of her body pressed against me.
"What shall I do with these clothes? Shall I disrobe myself—or would you undress me?"
"…Enough. Step back, Albedo."
"My Lord?"
"That will be for later, in my chambers. Now is not the time."
"…As you wish."
Though her expression showed regret, she composed herself and bowed.
"Albedo. I have another command."
"Anything, my Lord."
"Summon the Floor Guardians. Have them gather at the Amphitheater on the Sixth Floor in one hour. I shall speak to Aura and Mare myself."
"Understood."
"Good. Go."
She descended the steps quickly.
I watched her retreating figure—the sway of her alluring hips—and swallowed hard. What would they feel like beneath my hand?
Once she had left, I rose from the throne.
"…Time to move."
The Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown.
It bore the same crest embroidered upon the crimson banner behind the throne.
With this ring, one could teleport freely anywhere within Nazarick, without limit. Even from outside, one could instantly return within.
Marveling again at its convenience, I transported myself to the Amphitheater of the Sixth Floor.
The passage was wide and lofty, torches casting shadows that danced across the walls.
At its end lay a colossal iron gate. Beyond it, an oval colosseum of black stone.
One hundred eighty-eight meters by one hundred fifty-six, forty-eight meters high—a structure no less magnificent than the Colosseum of Rome itself.
Magical lights bathed the arena in pale radiance.
As I advanced, a childlike voice rang out.
"Hyah!"
From the VIP box above, a shadow leapt.
The figure twisted once midair before landing lightly, absorbing the impact with barely a bend of the knees.
An incredible leap—pure physical ability. I was quietly impressed.
"V!"
The figure flashed a victory sign with both hands.
Stepping into the light, the form became clear: a child, neither wholly boy nor girl, with delicate features. Golden hair cropped to the shoulders, mismatched eyes—one green, one blue.
Pointed ears marked them as elven. Brown skin revealed their dark elf heritage.
They wore form-fitting leather armor reinforced with crimson dragon scales, over which lay a white vest embroidered with gold thread—and emblazoned with the crest of Ainz Ooal Gown. Matching white trousers completed the outfit, along with a large acorn-shaped golden necklace and gloves plated with magical metal.
"Aura, you've come."
The Dark Elf girl's name.
Aura Bella Fiora—Floor Guardian of the Sixth Floor. Beast Tamer and Ranger.
She dashed toward me, her speed nearly animal-like.
"Welcome, Lord Kaiselin! You honor the floor I protect with your presence!"
"Indeed. But where is Mare?"
At my words, Aura spun toward the VIP box and shouted.
"Lord Kaiselin is here! Come down at once, don't keep Him waiting!"
A timid voice responded.
"I-I can't… Sis…"
Aura's face tightened with irritation. She shouted again.
"Do you realize how shameful it is for a Floor Guardian not to greet the Absolute immediately?! Get down here now!"
"O-okay! I'm coming…!"
With a weak cry, another figure jumped down.
This child, nearly identical to Aura, sprinted toward me, stumbling slightly.
"W-welcome, Lord Kaiselin…"
Mare Bella Fiore.
I smiled faintly.
"Well done, Mare."
And thus, the Guardians began to gather, one by one.