CHAPTER 4- First Contact
IN ULBERTS OFFICE
"You're sure about this?…You're sure you saw… him?"
"Damn right, mate. Couldn't believe it at first, but… he sure as hell looked like 'im. No denyin' it."
"You're sure it was Momonga? Our old guild leader? Our friend? The man we saw in the casket as we buried him? That Momonga?!" Ulbert asked in frantic disbelief.
"Aye, not the man— the avatar. Same look, same gear. An' the banners were our old guild banner. He was even holdin' the staff of Ainz Ooal Gown in 'is hands!". Shouted Nish.
Too much evidence and coincidences on Nish's report gave credibility to his claims. Even Ulbert couldn't deny it.
"Very well. If you're sure. You're sure and that's enough for me. Write another detailed report on the info you collected in your time at the library and send it to Lucifer. In the meantime. Me and the other council members will devise a plan to make contact with Momonga. Thank you for your hard work as always Nish. You are dismissed".
Nish walked out of the office leaving Ulbert with his thoughts.
'This new world just keeps surprising me every day'. Ulbert is gonna have a hard time explaining this to the others. He himself doesn't know how to handle these news. But he more than anyone wants to see his old friend and believe that he lives in the other world.
*************************************
IN NAZARICK'S 9TH FLOOR
Somewhere in the halls of Nazarick. The sound of heels clicking the floor. With the aura of a powerful woman. One who serves the supreme ruler of the great tomb of nazarick. And the man she hopes to one day call her husband. Was lady Albedo. The guardian overseer. Highest ranked npc. And second in command to the sorcerer king Ainz Ooal gown. Remaining loyal for centuries.
"Good day to you lady Albedo". Greeted a homunculous maid.
" Good day to you, Fith". Albedo returned the greeting.
' Ah, another beautiful day in the great tomb. Another day of serving the supreme one. I must oversee all that paperwork I've been pushing aside. It would be a great insult to the supreme one to neglect the spoils of his hard work all those years ago.'
As she was walking towards the supreme one's main office she stopped. Prepared herself mentally. Pulled up her dress especially around her chest hoping to appeal to his masculinity. Taking one long deep breath and exhaled. She knocked and went in.
"Good day to you Albedo. Have you eaten breakfast yet?" Said Ainz.
" YES! My beloved I have eaten and rested well and stand ready to serve you with every fiber of my being". She announced. Startling the maid in the room.
"Umm… v..very good. (Clears throat) I could use your assistance with these education proposals."
" Ofcourse. As you wish Lord Ainz."
' Aaaah lord Ainz needs my assistance!! What a joyous day! Remain calm Albedo. You must maintain your composure around the supreme one. Your beloved's future queen cannot behave like this. Compose yourself! Compose yourself!' She said this while shaking her head. Proceeded to take her seat next to Ainz.
*****************************
AINZ'S POV
'God! After all these years. Does she still have to act so…so…albedo. Well atleast she's calm about it sometimes. Still though. Can't believe it's been 230 years since we came to this world and how quickly it took for us to conquer it. That's with its challenges ofcourse.'
'Still though. I expected some players to appear after 200 years like the other players before me did…stop it! You're being hopeful again stop it! Yggdrasil ended when you arrived. No one can come to this world if there is no Yggdrasil. Which means no one is coming and I am the last player in this world.'
This realization always came to his mind. Every waking moment knowing he was destined to be alone and filled with regrets. Those regrets being not being able to make new friends in the new world. Not opening up and always being afraid to this day of what others think of him. Always looking to make others happy. But never himself being happy. He hasn't been happy in years. He loves his servants and his servants love him back. But it's master and servant relationship. Never equals. After many years. He remains the same. A lonely ruler.
He still feels immense guilt for desecrating Albedo's original code with a joke. He wouldn't know what to do if he faced Tabula.
'Albedo. Can you handle some of this for me? I need to rest for awhile.' Is the thought that came to his mind when he looked albedo but he knew he couldn't say it out of fear of being judged. Things like 'what would she say or think about me if I just asked to take a break. I can't. She'd think I'm just a lazy ruler and a boss who just throws all his work to his subordinates. Ugh, being in charge is so stressful'.
After a long day of filling out paperwork. Ainz headed to his throne room. Sat in silence. Looking up at the old guild banners in longing. Then he opened up a book that contained the guilds chat logs. The only remnant of what it was like talking with his old friends. He read each word. Fantasizing about actually talking with them. He'd read this book more times than he can count and has memorized them to heart. Hearing their voices in his head so he wouldn't forget. This is how he'd spend most of his free time. That and journaling other adventures he'd had with them.
This was comfort for him. And in some ways. A method to keep himself sane.
' I miss you guys so much' he said with a voice on the verge of breaking down.
'It's been a while but maybe I should go pay Pandora's actor another visit. Those always make me feel a little better'.
He then proceeded to go to the treasury for his appointment with the guardian of the treasury. Though he still cringes at his every movement. He has grown quite attached to pandora over the years as he found a way to use him as treatment for his melancholy.
"Ahhh— Mein Lord Ainz Ooal Gown! What unparalleled honor it is to recieve your August presence within the treasury once more! It has indeed been far too long, ha! Pray tell, how may this most devoted and exceedingly humble servant place himself at your sublime command?". Pandora said while clicking his boots. Presenting himself with the same dramatic flair he was known for.
"Ahh pandora's actor. Pleasure to see you. I'm sure I don't need to tell you about our secret arrangement?".
"Indeed, mein lord! I would never, under any circumstance, divulge your most sacred secrets to the unworthy— you may entrust them to me without the faintest shadow of doubt! Ja! Now then… shall we proceed? Whose appearance would you have me assume on this occasion? I shall perform the role precisely as you command!".
Ainz looked up at the ceiling. Wondering which friend he misses most. Which one he longs to feel in his arms once more. He then has it.
" Do Peroroncino!". Ainz commanded.
In a split second. The doppelgänger changed forms. He assumed the form of an avian. With perfect white feathers. Long brown hair. Gold armor and mask. Two wings. Even emitted his aura perfectly. In front of Ainz stood his old friend. The first friend he made after touch me. The one who stood by his side and claimed the title of being his best friend.
This arrangement started many years ago and was brought to being by Ainz in an act of desperation. He has had Pandora's actor do this routine for many years and has served as a comfort to Ainz if only a little.
"Pero? Pero…Pero…Pero!… Peroroncino!!". Ainz yelled longingly. One could tell that even as a skeleton with no tears. His voice gave away the sound he was crying.
He quickly approached the imitation of his friend and hugged him lovingly and tight. Like a man reunited with his brother after so many years apart.
"Pero?" He said mournfully. "Dear friend. I want to see you again… I want to hold you again… I want talk with you like before… laugh at your jokes… I WANT TO SEE YOU!!!.. I want to be with you again!! Was it my fault you left?! Did I offend you somehow?!! Please!! I'm sorry!! I'll be better!!! I want to see you!!! Feel you!! Smell you!!!please!!! I'll cross heaven and hell for you!!!!".
His emotional suppression was going non stop to no avail. Ainz wasn't going to let this body deprive him of his feelings for his friends.
His friends absence was a continuing struggle for him to accept and move on from. It has manifested in many ways. Sometimes anger. He felt anger and envy when looking at the hommunculous maids converse or when he saw his guardians sitting at a table together. Having lunch and talking about their days. This often made him angry when spying on them from afar.
He had also grown depressed. To the point of contemplating suicide. But decided against it as it would be insulting to the tomb and his friends. But the thought always lingered.
He very nearly took his frustration out on his subordinates a couple times. before coming to his senses.
In a moment of weakness. He asked Shalltear to tell him a joke. She did as told. But it didn't have the desired affect. He nearly lashed out at her for not living up to peroroncino's legacy of making others laugh without trying. He was left not laughing at her attempt to make him laugh and activated his aura of despair on accident. Which gave Shalltear the impression she had displeased him greatly.
To prevent these slip ups. Ainz had pandora assume the forms of his friends to prevent any further resentment towards the children of his friends.
The embrace lasted for an hour. Ainz let go and thanked pandora. Reminding him to not to reveal their arrangement to anyone. And left.
*******************************
THE TREASURY
Shortly after Ainz left the treasury, another figure entered with an alluring aura. Pandora's actor can sense the sense that he should take things seriously around this person.
"Ah— Lady Albedo! I most humbly and enthusiastically welcome you to the treasury! Might I inquire, with the utmost respect… have you enjoyed a most agreeable day thus far?"
Feeling irritated enough from his flamboyance. Albedo got straight to the point.
"That will be enough. We have to discuss your latest investigation". She said sternly.
Pandoras actor offered her to take a seat. She quickly did so while demanding his report.
"So. I anything new from the neighboring countries. Any reports from the adventurers guild about encounters with "unidentified creatures" of interest?."
" None, im afraid. Merely the usual organisms native to the land. Adventurers conducting themselves in strict accordance with established safety guidelines. No newly observed species of any classification. There was an earlier report, however, concerning a slime- like entity within a cavern… but alas it proved to be non sentient in nature. Ja!simply excessive accumulation of residual sludge, nothing more." He said. Dramatically lowering his head in disappointment.
" Of course. Just another false alarm." Albedo was disappointed and had this cycle of disappointment for years but nonetheless wouldn't wish for a different outcome.
" Lady Albedo". a sharp bow, arms sweeping wide. "If I may— mit Ihrer Erlaubnis— pose a most serious inquiry? I understand, vollkommen, the reasoning behind this operation… however!". Straightens suddenly, finger raised. "I must humbly—yet firmly— recommend that we submit a formal petition to Lord Ainz himself to dissolve this unit. Ja!".
He steps aside. "We have pursued this objective for years, and nothing has changed. Not a whisper, not a trace! We must therefore conclude— so schwer es mir auch fallt—that the supreme beings shall never return."
With one more exhale. " there has been no evidence of their existence in this world. No mention of their names" voice lowers. " Thus… we should disband."
Albedo has the feeling he was not finished. "I fear that in time, Lord Ainz… and the other guardians… will inevitably discern our true intentions. And when that day comes". A sharp inhale leaves him. " the consequences may be catastrophical". He announced in a grave tone.
The guardian overseer looked at him neigh a straight face yet with anxiety in her mind. 'he's right. If we continue any longer. Well risk being discovered. Eventually Demiurge will find out and he won't just report us to lord Ainz. He'll be the one inflicting the punishment. Nonetheless we must continue with our primary goal!… to prevent the other pieces of filth from ever entering the hollowed grounds of Nazarick'. She inhaled deeply then exhaled. She then began to speak.
" I understand your concerns however. I informed you that in the event that we are discovered. I would take full blame for everything and request to lord Ainz that you are to be exempted from any punishment". She said confidently. Trying to maintain his loyalty to the cause.
" You knew from the start that this secret op came with risks. You know the reason for this. If any other supreme beings return. Nazarick's hierarchy will collapse. And don't forget what they did to Lord Ainz! Abandoning him! Abandoning nazarick! Abandoning us all! Without a care in the world!. Should they return. Are we to welcome them with open arms?! Maybe a feast in their honor?!! They are the only ones who can say no to Lord Ainz's orders. The only ones who can be capable of disobeying him. Challenge him. Maybe even kill him if they don't agree with anything he has to say! And we'd be powerless against that. With this team. We can ensure that Lord Ainz maintains his power. Those pieces of filth don't deserve our lords respect nor to set foot on the hollowed grounds of Nazarick!!".
"Are you forgetting that they built these hollowed grounds you yourself are setting foot upon? The very floors? The architecture? Down to the carpet you walk scrape your shoes upon?" He answered.
" Are you calling me ungrateful? If they truly cared about this place. They wouldn't have left."
"Lord Ainz informed us they had their reasons! Do you question his reasoning? We are servants. It is not our right to know what those reasons are if lord Ainz told us not to think too hard about it. That it was their decisions. And I know you don't know what their reasons are any less than the lowest denizen in nazarick. And if we don't know. Then who are we to judge? To assume that they acted with malice." Pandora said with a mix of calm fury.
"The only reason I ever considered joining your little crusade. Was that in the chance that you are right. And they are a threat to lord Ainz's position. I would ensure my creators safety. But for the past hundred years we've only acted on the assumption alone. Not logic. We don't know what the other supreme beings were like. If they even want the throne of Nazarick. Maybe they left to avoid the responsibility? Who knows? All I'm saying is that should lord Ainz find out about this unit's secret goal. He would be even more hurt learning that we intended to bring harm to his comrades. I want lord Ainz's safety, yes. Without a doubt. But I also don't want to bring him undue emotional harm. And should that come to pass. Do you also not think that he would be displeased with us and serve as a motivator to abandon us as well?".
" That's why we must make sure he never finds out". She answered losing her patience with the doppelgänger who seemed to lose his flamboyance a while ago.
" So you intend to keep lying to him? You whom claims to love him more than life itself."
" Do you intend to inform him of this?" She asked calmly.
" As much as I am sickened at the act of lying and keeping secrets from mein fuhrer. I will not take chances if the other supreme beings are indeed a threat to lord Ainz. But should lord Ainz ever ask me about this matter. Don't think I will take your side from there".
" And I wouldn't blame you for it. You are Lord Ainz's prized creation. You are loyal to a fault." She continued. " everything I do is for Lord Ainz's happiness. Even conquering the world was for that purpose alone." She was then interrupted by the doppelgänger.
" You do this in hopes that the more loyal and devoted you are to his will that he will return your feelings of affection?". He said already noticing her death glare from the other side of the table. " But perhaps you're doing this for a personal reason. I am aware that the other denizens of nazarick including its guardians have feelings of abandonment. And all have not recovered from these issues. I'm sure you're not exempt from this. They say there are many stages when experiencing abandonment. Disbelief. Denial. Anxiety .bargaining. And finally…anger." He finished this statement with unwavering conviction.
An intense silence filled the room. As both guardians stared each other down. Not a word was said. Albedo felt as if this intelligent being in front of her who was created by her beloved was insulting her.
"You think I'm broken? Do you think maybe that's the reason lord Tabula Smaragdina left me. Why each supreme being left their creation? How could you possibly know what any of us are experiencing?! How dare you assume such a thing when your creator is the only one that stayed! That didn't leave you!! Maybe it was out of pity lord Ainz stayed. Or maybe out of kindness!! Or maybe you just did something right that none of us could've done!!! Is that it?!! Do you think we're just trying to keep your creator all to ourselves!?!!! No we're trying to keep him here!! Trying to keep him safe!! And you act smug judging us. Looking down on us for not being able to keep our creators here!!!!." She said in anger while breaking down in tears and a voice cracking.
" You're a talented actress lady Albedo. I must admit. Before we dismiss each other I will say this. As long as Lord Ainz is safe. I don't care what happens to anyone else. Can we agree on that?." He said in a cold, calm, logical manner. Crossing his arms. Looking at her blankly.
" I can agree to that". She said. Quickly wiping her tears.
Feeling she had had enough of conversing with "the yellow thing" as she often referred to him in her mind. She dismissed herself. Content knowing that although they both don't see eye to eye. They both want the same thing. To ensure lord Ainz's ascension.
She stood in front of a painting in the hallway. Bearing Ainz's image. Softly whispering. She said.
"I will do anything for you my love… even if it means killing the other Supreme Beings." She ended menacingly.
***********************************
IN ASHURBANIPAL
( grand library of Nazarick)
In the grand library of Nazarick were two students. Both young and residents of Nazarick.
"Vic! Please read me the story again! Again! Please!".
" Alright! Haha just don't yell in the library. Alright Jon. Who do you want to learn about this time?. Lord peroroncino? Lord Takemikazuchi? Maybe lord touch me?".
"Stop teasing! You know who I want to read about".
" Lord Ulbert it is". She said not expecting anything else when it came to her little brother. While rolling her eyes. She was more of a fan of her patron god and grandfather Lord Touch Me.
"Very well. Let's read about the great demon of disaster."
"Yay!" The little boy said.
Before Vic could begin the story. A stoic figure appeared and called out to them.
"Vic! Jon! That will be enough today. You both must attend to your duties." Said the head butler Sebas Tian. The father of the pair.
"YES SIR!." The two kids said in unison. Both went to attend to their duties. Vic Toria was the eldest. Though she had the appearance of an 18 year old. She was much older due to her slow aging dragonoid side. She was immensely beautiful with blue eyes and blonde hair. One could say she resembles the late calca bezares. And her little brother Jon Athan, who was much shorter and younger. Looked 10 years old but also due to his dragonoid side he aged slowly. Both were children of Sebas Tian. Both maid and butler in training.
"Were you both reading the Nazarick chronicles again?". Sebas asked sternly.
" Oh yes father. Such interesting stories are always in store in that book. Me and Jon could barely contain ourselves". She said humbly and with fascination in her voice.
"Thats good to hear. A servant of Nazarick should be well educated in the history and facts of Nazarick should a guest come over and ask such questions."
" Yeah! All the Supreme beings are so great, father! I love all the story's of lord Ulbert Alain odle!! I hope one day the supreme beings return and lord Ulbert Alain odle can show me great catastrophe". Said Jon with excitement. "Father. When will the supreme beings return?." This question shook Sebas.
"I don't know, son. I assume whenever their work is finished. I can't say for sure. But should the occasion ever come. We must prove our unwavering loyalty. And stand ready to serve their every command."
This question was asked by every denizen in nazarick. No one wanted to think about it as the question itself caused the denizen to fall into deep melancholy and sadness. Reminding them of their master's absence.
" I shall have you both working with the head maid Pestonya, Vic. Jon. You'll be with Eclair."
"Yes! Assistant butler Eclair is so funny!". Jon said eager to once again see his trainer.
*********************************
SOMEWHERE IN THE ADIPOCRE THEATRE
"Hurry! The painting must be clean of any dust". Exclaimed one vampire bride.
"If we make one mistake. Our mistress shalltear will be displeased. Anything that pertains to the vampire god and his image. Must be dealt with great care as to not disrespect him or our mistress".
These vampire brides were frantic as usual as they performed their routine cleaning of their mistresses' lair. However. The things that took immense priority were the things pertaining to the god and creator of their mistress and whom they believe is the creator of vampire kind.
The one thing their mistress held dear the most was a painting of her creator. The vampire brides treated it with utmost care. Careful to not ruin the painting in any way. Making sure the frame was always shiny enough to see one's reflection and that the image was always picturesque and free of dust.
"There". One bride said with relief in her tone.
" The frame is clean. Nothing behind it either."
"Good. If anything else is wrong. We'll only receive a light beating. But if that painting is imperfect in any way. We will all be replaced faster than however our mistress wishes us to die."
" Did you double check newbie? If any debris is left on that painting. It is equivalent to disrespecting a god".
" Yes. I double checked. Nothing for our mistress to be upset about." She said shuffling. She looked at the painting of the avian god in awe. She was new so she hadn't had the chance to be in the presence of such an exalted being she'd only heard about from her mistress. " Have any of you ever met him?". She asked curiously to her fellow brides.
" Who? Lord Peroroncino? No. None of us have. He came before the existence of even the eldest bride. But from what I hear from our mistress. He was said to be a very powerful and wise being." An elder bride said.
" I heard from a bride that came before me. Before she died for being careless around our mistress. That he was the originator of vampire kind." Another bride said. That statement alone left the others in amazement.
" I heard from mistress shalltear that Lord Peroroncino was one of the founders of Nazarick and had a very close relationship with the sorcerer king Ainz Ooal Gown. So good. He gifted lord Peroroncino all three of the first floors to which he left mistress shalltear to guard."
The new bride was impressed that a being like him existed as she spoke once again.
" Amazing. No wonder our mistress holds our god with such high regards. He must be truly worthy of the title supreme being." They all agreed to this.
(Crash)
A loud thunderous voice came closer to the door as they waited in front of it with neutral expressions. Ready for their mistress's return.
The door slammed open with a true vampire coming out. " Argh!! That shorty bitch elf!! Who does she think she is showing off those…those!…argh!!." Shalltear stopped and looked at her vampire brides who all wore the same neutral expression while greeting her.
She then proceeded to inspect the room. Inspecting for flaws in their cleaning duties.
While inspecting. She found herself staring up at the painting of her creator. As if the painting itself was judging her very worth. Immediately she calmed down.
" Oh Lord Peroroncino". She said in a longing tone. " How I long to bask in your perfection once more. To serve your every whim without question. Perhaps my failure during my mind control led you to forego the thought of gracing me with your presence. Perhaps I had offended you somehow my lord. Or perhaps your departure is some sort of test. The other guardians think so too. If it is. Then I declare that I will not fail to disappoint whatever plan you have in mind for me." She proclaimed passionately. " and if you do return only to decide to leave again. I only ask that you take me with you this time." She whispered.
She noticed no flaws on the painting or the frame. As it should be.
*********************************
BACK IN NIM
"Order!! Order in the court!! Order." Demanded Infinyrex to his countless friends whom he'd known for many years.
The crowd calmed down. And he began to speak again.
" We understand that these news are… shocking." He was then interrupted by hero hero.
" Shocking?! Our best friend is not dead but in another world we can cross over to. I saw him last. He was upset that we couldn't make it to the last day of Yggdrasil. You know what Monga is like. He needs us! He is our friend!" He then stopped and looked towards Ulbert.
"Why haven't we gone to bring him here?! You've confirmed it from Nish's report that it was him!."
Tabula then spoke as well. " Everyone!! I understand that our dear friend. Whom we buried together is out there. But!. We are missing an important detail in all this! He died in our world. Yet he lives in this one? Does that mean the same for us? We all died and continued living in this world? This changes everything. It truly confirms our greatest concern. We are incapable of going back even if we wanted to. Without our bodies. We can't go back." This theory now turned fact did quiet everyone down as many now had the answer they've wanted for years. If they get sent back to that awful world at any point in time.
" I guess you're right about that Tabs. Guess that means I don't have to deal with my shit for brains boss." Said herohero. "Nonetheless back to Momonga. We should at least make first contact with him to let him know where we are."
" We will!! But just not the way you think!" Yelled Lucifer . " People of NIM! Dear friends and comrades. I know what you're all thinking. Our friend Momonga is not dead but alive somewhere in the other world and we're not doing anything about it? NO. We are doing everything we can about it. However. We must proceed with caution. For those who are ill informed." Looking at herohero in a patronizing way. " he had the appearance of Momonga. If I recall correctly. His appearance was quite common in the original Yggdrasil game was it not?." He got them there. Back in Yggdrasil. An undead avatar always held the same form.
"And our guild. Was it not popular and widely known. Perhaps someone wanted to steal our glory in hopes of scaring their enemies. And let's say this is Momonga. in theory!. Nish's report indicates that he's been in that other world for around 200 years maybe more. A lot can happen in those years I'm sure you all know from your personal experience." Everyone looked at him knowing he had said the truth.
"Herohero! You said he was upset we all couldn't make it to the final guild meeting correct?. In the span of 200 years. One could develop resentment for such a thing. Hoping he's the forgive and forget type! But also like you said. You know what he's like." Lucifer had practically backed herohero to a corner as no one could speak against his logic.
Deep down. Lucifer just didn't like Momonga. He always played pranks on him and as a result always received lectures from him. He would also hate for Ulbert to lose his position should Momonga return. But he was also a carefree guy who can let bygones be bygones. He wouldn't mind it if Momonga was given a position lower than him. He remembered how much Momonga hated making big decisions. He didn't wish ill on Momonga. He's just looking out for his friends in case it was a trap.
" Well… anything to say Infinyrex?." Infinyrex stood silent imagining the possibilities if they allow the unknown into their realm where his family lives.
A plant wizard then stood up. " Okay! As much as I hate to admit it. Lucifer is right. We have yet to hear anything that could confirm that it's truly Momonga and not some other player who just took his form. I suggest we do an indirect test." Punitto moe announced.
"An indirect test!!" Everyone said in unison and confusion at the genius strategist.
"Yes." He continued. " We should lure him to a place of our choosing. Using vague details that only HE would know. If he comes out personally. Then we'll know it's him. If it's not. Then we're back to square one."
"And how do you suggest we do this? Do we just throw a paper airplane through his window and hope he gets the idea" Asked peroroncino. Clearly not into the idea of messing around with his best friend.
" Nish. You're report said something about a direct public advisor named Momon right?." Nishikenrai nodded. " Perfect! We'll just use him to send a message to Momonga without knowing it's us. This test is to confirm a few things for me. Personally I have my doubts. We buried our friend. As much as I admit that the idea of our friend being alive and seeing him immediately is appealing. We can also do that without endangering ourselves if something goes horribly wrong."
As the best strategist. Everyone naturally agreed with him as his many ideas helped them during their war with the spawn point.
" Good. Now that we're all on the same page. Council! I ask that we review the information once more and decide a plan to make contact."
"Right!" The trio agreed.
" Meeting dismissed." Announced Ulbert.
**********************************
IN THE SORCERER KINGDOM A FEW DAYS LATER
"How d' I keep gettin roped into this crap, eh?." Said the ninja rabbit.
"Relax… this time I'm here with you aren't I?" Said Punitto moe. Contacting him from afar.
"Yeah, well, I appreciate that, mate— but now I wanna know why ya've got me lookin like some old lady?."
Nish asked because one of the parts of this mission was to use the doppelgänger ring to transform into an senile old woman.
" I told you! It's so that if anything goes wrong and they try to trace you. They'll be tracing someone who doesn't exist. That way you can go in and out of the kingdom in your true form if you like. And also. Who'd wanna hurt an old lady?."
" Pay me a million bucks and I'll throw me morals out the window, right now." Nish said jokingly.
" Look just stick to the plan and we can all go home. Am I gonna have to worry about you not following your script?."
" Don'tcha worry 'bout me —I always clean me plate."
Nish walked the sorcerer kingdom streets for a few minutes and found himself in front of the home of the so called champion of humanity. Hero among heroes. Momon's manor. His report stated that if any of the people have any issues with the sorcerer king. They go directly to Momon so he can voice their opinions to him. In other words. A direct line to send a message to their friend Momonga.
He was immediately let in after confirming he was harmless. He was asked by a servant to wait in the waiting room before Momon could have some availability. After a short while. He was let in to his office.
" Good afternoon ma'am. How are you doing this lovely day." Said a tall. Raven armored man. Whose voice was authoritative yet gentle.
Nish. In an elderly woman's voice. " I'm doing alright. How about you? Lord Momon."
" I'm doing just fine. So… may I ask the reason for your visit? Perhaps you have a problem with the recent healthcare changes?."
"No. It isn't anything like that deary. Actually I wanted to ask for something to be done about a monster I saw on my walk to the sorcerer kingdom."
" Oh? That's quite unusual. There hasn't been a monster roaming about in the wilderness in ages. And may I ask what ferocious beast you encountered? Perhaps it was a mere traveler."
" No! It was one I've never seen before with magic I've never heard of. It was a goat man with black fur. Tall. Four horns. Wore majestic clothing and had fire magic."
" Interesting. Perhaps it was a bafolk?." He asked.
" No No No. a folks are white fur creatures. This one had black fur. And many horns."
" And you said he used fire magic? Did he cast any spells that you know of?."
' Alright. Improv time Nish'. Punitto told him over message.
" I believe he cast a spell called (fire storm). I'm not sure. I've never heard of it."
" I see. And where did you spot this creature?."
" Somewhere near the woods beneath the azerlisia mountains. Oh please lord Momon! Please do something about this creature. It's aura was terrifying. I believe it to be a threat."
" Don't you worry madam. I shall report this to the sorcerer king as soon as possible so as to send adventurers to deal with this creature. But lastly. Is there anything else I should know about this creature?."
" No that is all."
"Very well then. I shall deal with this problem immediately."
Nish departed from the manor and left to the streets.
" Well, that was easy. Just like ya planned."
" Good. Now all we do from here is wait." Ended Punitto moe.
Back in Momon's manor
(Message) " Lady Albedo. I think we may have finally found one". Said the doppelgänger.
********************************
SOMEWHERE IN THE ASERLESIA MOUNTAINS
" Are you sure about this Pandora? You're sure that's what she said?." Albedo asked questioningly.
" Ja! That is precisely what the old lady reported to me!". He adjusts his posture. "A goat man, black fur, vier Horner, elegant attire, und mastery over fire magic!".
" That description matches lord Ulbert Alain odle to the very nose, ohne Abweichung! There can be no mistake!." He finished.
"Very well. This is the first time in centuries. That we received such a detailed description of a supreme being that wasn't of a regular slime. This information is worth investigating nonetheless."
Albedo was excited at the prospect of finally encountering and assassinating a supreme being. To execute what she would consider a traitor to Nazarick.
' At last! Have the supreme beings decided to return? If they do. I will make sure not one makes their way into Nazarick. Those traitorous scumbags deserve only death. If Ulbert alaine odle has returned. We best be careful as he is considered one of the big three supreme beings stronger than lord Ainz. Next to him is Peroroncino and the strongest of them all is touch me.'
"Rubedo! Copy. Do you see anything from the sky, little sister?"
"Nothing to report." Rubedo said with a neutral tone.
They brought the strongest weapon in nazarick rubedo for combat should the supreme being they battle proves too much to handle. Along with 15 high level death knights to overwhelm them with numbers. Pandoras actor for battle strategy and can shapeshift into any of the 41 supreme beings and mimic their abilities up to 80%. Albedo was determined to make sure that the supreme beings had no chance of winning any battle.
" Keep your eyes open Rubedo. Should any escape. We've put precautions in place to block teleportation. And we've brought a few world class items from the vault only to pin those traitors down." Albedo messaged the team.
"Lady Albedo. I cannot dispel this sensation… that something is amiss." His hands fold behind his back pacing slowly. " I do not believe the information itself to be incorrect— nein, the data is sound. Und yet… something feels off…perhaps it is merely the immense reputation the supreme beings hold over us. Their shadows loom long… sehr lang. but what if… we are still… underestimating them?". He asked while speaking slowly and menacingly.
" I don't have any doubts that the supreme beings will be easy foes to defeat. But that is why we came prepared. Why we brought Rubedo. The death knights. And world items. We have resistance to magic and raw force attacks."
The unit had been roaming the forest for hours searching for their objective. They had found no traces of their target. No signs of destruction. No disturbances. Not even a footprint. But they weren't gonna take chances. They spread out to search in different parts of the forest. In teams of three. Yet no matter how long they searched. How deep into the forest they looked. How many rocks they've turned. They came out empty handed.
Albedo was furious at the thought that the supreme being in question was probably laughing at them somewhere. That they had wasted their time on a detailed piece of information from a commoner. That time not being by her beloved's side. Was time wasted.
" Argh! He's messing with us! That has to be it. He couldn't have gotten far. Where is he?!" Albedo had enough.
" Lady Albedo. I ask that you keep your voice down." Pandora tried to keep her calm and composed. "Perhaps this is just another false alarm. Perhaps it was a unique bapholk. That learned how to use equipment that can deal with fire. It's not an impossible theory."
"It's possible that is the case. But it's just as possible that it really is him. The creator of Demiurge. With that in mind. We must consider Ulbert Alain odle to be a great threat to Lord Ainz and he must be eliminated as soon as possible before he makes his way to Nazarick where he will be practically untouchable even to us."
The thought shook her. If a supreme being makes their way to Nazarick. It's over. All the npc's will be surrounding them on every corner. Worshipping them. And Ainz would keep them close and put precautions in place to monitor them. And she will lose any authority over Rubedo as Ainz will hand over that authority to them as well. Then that supreme being will take over her position as second in command or maybe be Ainz's equal in authority. These thoughts flooded Albedo's mind.
"Why do we not continue tomorrow? It is growing late, ja… and I am quite certain that if our absence persists for too long, lord Ainz may begin to grow concerned."
' He's right. Any longer and our activities may grow suspicious'.
" Very well. We'll call it a day. Well search for a couple more days and if we find nothing. We'll chalk it up to misinformation." She declared while calling Rubedo and the other death knights back.
They all left through a portal. The serene silence of the forest returned.
Amidst all the shrubs and grasslands, was a bush that was shaking. Then it shifted. It grew arms and legs and a mouth with two glowing eyes. This disguise blended with the undisturbed nature quite well.
Soon the plant wizard, after realizing all that had happened, spoke.
" Well shit." Said Punitto moe.