At the same time, in the Otherworld.
A dimension where even time seems consumed by eternal night, with no daylight, only a deep, cold abyss of unending darkness. A dark veil tightly wraps the entire world, with occasional flickers of Netherworld light whispering like vengeful souls.
And at the center of this darkness stands a castle that makes hearts shudder—Overlord City, towering atop a majestic peak, like a Demon God born from the darkness itself.
On the edge of Overlord City.
A Demon soldier on duty yawns, listlessly swinging the weapon in his hand, approaching a shadowy corner.
He looks around, seemingly confirming no one is nearby, then leans his weapon against the wall and drops his pants.
Water begins to flow with a rush.
"Ah~"
The soldier lets out a long breath. Damn it, standing guard for so long, he was about to burst.
Just as he feels relief, a sudden chill runs down his spine, and an extremely ominous sensation fills his heart.
He instinctively turns around stiffly, his pupils suddenly constricting.
He sees three burly men.
Three burly men, six eyes staring at him with ill intentions, their faces full of schemes.
The soldier's pupils contract in fear, and he feels paralyzed, unable to let out the water. He opens his mouth to shout.
But just then, he feels a sudden thud at the back of his neck, as if struck by a heavy blow. His vision goes black; he loses consciousness without a sound and falls face-down with a loud thump.
Even years later, when the soldier recalls this day, he's always filled with regret.
The moment he discovered the intruders that year...
...he should have pulled up his pants first.
"..."
Yugen, Judai, and Joey successfully infiltrated Overlord City.
They even found a chance to strip off three sets of armor, each wearing one. All three were clad in cumbersome black armor, the massive helmets largely concealing their faces, hiding their original appearances completely.
The trio also captured a Demon to act as their guide.
"Alright, we're in."
Yugen held the short Demon, less than a meter tall, like lifting a chick, and asked.
"Overlord's room. If you don't want to become Evil Emperor's snack..."
As he spoke, Evil Emperor's shadow had already appeared behind them, with dark waves radiating out, his eyes glowing blood-red like a wolf starved for ten days.
The little Demon shivered in fright, quickly demonstrating the self-discipline expected of a guide.
"Of... of course no problem! It's right ahead, past the front hall, and up the stairs inside is Lord Overlord's room!"
Yugen and the others exchanged glances.
"Alright, lead the way."
So the little Demon hunched over, leading the way.
The hall was fairly empty. The trio followed behind the Demon, nearing the stairs, but a figure descended the staircase.
Yugen raised an eyebrow.
Well, it seemed to be a familiar face.
The Chaos Wizard, a Chaos ace often used by Yugen before. After Pioneer's Envoy was confined, it became an active lower-tier substitute, known as Little Pioneer in the community.
In the animation, the Chaos Wizard was one of Overlord's trusted henchmen, ranked among the strongest of Overlord's Five Generals, known as the Five People in Overlord City.
The Chaos Wizard walked toward them.
Joey secretly held his breath, clenching his fist under the armor, instinctively cautious of potential sudden hostility from the other side.
Though they weren't exactly afraid of the Five People, avoiding trouble was better. With Overlord's room already ahead, there was no need for extra complications.
They passed by each other.
Seeing no suspicion from the other side, Joey let out a sigh of relief, but then the Chaos Wizard, seemingly past him, suddenly stopped and turned around.
"You lot, wait a minute."
The group halted in tandem, slowly turning around.
"The entire army is assembling for the upcoming battle exercise." The Chaos Wizard swept a cold gaze over them, "What are you doing here?"
The little Demon instinctively wanted to cry for help, but before he could open his mouth, he felt a chill at the back of his neck, remembering Evil Emperor's predatory gaze earlier as if he were eyeing a succulent lunch meat, and shuddered.
He lowered his head and mumbled, "Uh... well... Skeleton Bishop! Skeleton Bishop has a message for Lord Overlord, we're about to deliver..."
"I see, no problem then, you may proceed."
Chaos Wizard smiled, waved them off, and continued to walk away.
But after just a few steps, he suddenly turned back and unleashed a blow. A swirling chaos exploded from his palm, striking the little Demon in the heart, sending him flying like a severed kite, crashing into a corner.
"Wh...why...?"
The little Demon wailed.
"Ha, traitor." Chaos Wizard snorted, "Skeleton Bishop always reports directly to me. You think you can pull something here against Lord Overlord, don't make me laugh."
"Wh...why like this..."
The little Demon sobbed once, then turned into golden light dots, dissipating.
"We thought it might save a bit of trouble."
Joey sighed, directly removing the armor, the heavy plates crashing to the floor.
"Well, this stuff was stifling; I haven't wanted to wear it for ages."
Joey stretched his muscles.
"You guys go ahead, leave this guy to the great Joey."
Judai glanced worriedly, "Are you sure?"
"No problem, no problem."
Joey gestured a thumbs-up.
Judai reconsidered, thinking he's right. The guy's a legendary Gambling God; there's nothing to worry about.
Yugen patted Judai's shoulder, "Let's go."
Judai nodded, and the two continued forward.
Chaos Wizard glanced but showed no intent to pursue, simply sneering, "Well, if you think you could pose a threat to Lord Overlord, that's truly laughable."
"Shut up, save the nonsense." Joey activated his Duel Disc.
"Good," Chaos Wizard chuckled coldly, "then prepare to experience my Complete Ultimate Form Giant Moth's invincible power!"
Joey: "?"
Wait, your...what?
His expression immediately turned strange.
Ultimate Giant Moth, isn't that Butterfly's ace, somewhat tied to him?
But you, a Chaos Wizard, choose to play Giant Moth instead of using your true self; what's the meaning of this?
"..."
Yugen and Judai dashed up the stairs, when another figure flashed out in the corridor.
"Who are you? Overlord City isn't a place you can trespass!"
This person was clearly Guardian Bao from the Five People of Overlord.
"Damn, almost there..."
Judai raised his hand, ready to display a Duel Disc.
But Yugen stopped him.
"No worries, I'll handle this guy," Yugen said, "You go do what you need to."