CHAPTER 6- The Lost And Found
AT "THE TURNING PAGE" BOOKSHOP
The door opens with one figure entering.
"Well look who finally decided to show up for his shift." Said Infinyrex. " You know Nish has been covering you since this morning. What gives?."
" I just had the best night with a smoking hot babe. Pretty sure that's better than managing a bookstore." Pero said to his companions.
They just ignored it and dismissed Nish. Pero took his shift and began working the inventory in the back.
The door opened with two new customers. Infinyrex immediately went to attend to them.
"Good afternoon". He said with a polite bow. "Please let me know if you need any help finding something. I'm at your service, even if you simply wish to just look around. Be my guest."
"Thank you kind sir." Said a young girl who appeared to be 18 or older. She had with her, her younger brother who also politely bowed.
Infinyrex just let them be while he sat at his desk near the entrance. Writing out plans on how to better investigate the people who threatened to harm Ulbert. He watched the two kids just go to the math section.
'We need to investigate some other kingdoms. Not just this one. There's baharuth. Draconian kingdom. Roble. This Albedo npc could be anywhere. Or perhaps we haven't searched the entire area yet. Nish is out checking demi human settlements and other woodland areas. Ugh. Punitto is right. We just keep digging a deeper trench into more assumptions don't we?.' He said this while rubbing his face in exhaustion.
The door opens up again. An older man walks through. Wearing a black suit and tie. Had some poise to his gait. Infinyrex immediately got up to greet the customer.
"Good afternoon. Welcome to my bookstore. Please let me know if I can be of assistance or if you simply wish to look around. Be my guest." He said with a soft smile.
"Good afternoon sir. I was wondering. Did you see two children come in here? I believe your book store is new so they were curious to come pay your establishment a visit." Said the steel butler.
'Huh. Why does this guy look familiar. No! He looks almost like me in the human world. Perhaps it's just a coincidence. But he definitely looks familiar.' Infinyrex thought to himself.
"Why yes. Two children did enter recently. I believe them to be in the math section two rows down to the left. They should still be there."
"Very well. Thank you." The butler bowed and walked forward.
'Those kids must be from a rich family to have a butler attend to them.' He thought as he proceeded to continue his work.
The butler with the children behind him were at his desk. With a book on hand ready to make a purchase. Just as infinyrex was about to hand them their change. He asked.
"Pardon me sir. But I can't shake the feeling that we've met somewhere before."
"Really? Forgive me if we have but I can't recall having seen you anywhere."
"Hmm I see. Forgive me for asking such an unusual question. Since we haven't met. Now would be a good time to introduce myself. I am Ezra Garrison, one of the managers of 'the turning page' book store. I am at your service." He said with a bow.
"Greetings. I am Sebas Tian. Butler of the great tomb of Nazarick. At your service as well." He also bowed.
'Sebas tian?! Wait didn't I!… No wait. If Tabulas npc came here… then… oh shit…is he real?!'. His eyes widened in shock but his insectoid body dulled his emotions. He was back to being neutral. 'Did he say Nazarick?! Did Nazarick come here as well? How long? Where? I have so many questions! I have to let the others know.'
"Sebas Tian. A pleasure. You're welcome in my establishment anytime and it would please me more if you and your family came to visit as many times as you wish." He continued. 'If Albedo is trying to kill us. Is Sebas out to kill me too? I need to get him out of here. I can't let him suspect me.'
"How kind of you. Thank you. I will keep your offer in mind. Well then I must be going. See you again Mr Garrison. Children. Say your departure."
The children said their goodbyes to the insectoid not knowing who they were really speaking to was someone they viewed as a god and their grandfather. The family left the store. Leaving Infinyrex flabbergasted and panicking.
Message skill ( Ulbert. Get over here NOW. We have a situation).
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AT THE BOOKSTORE'S UPSTAIRS BEDROOM
"What happened? Did a customer demand a refund or something? I was on a lead with Nish so this better be important." Ulbert said annoyed at the summon.
"I met an npc of Nazarick."
At those words. Ulbert stood up in shock. Infinyrex had his full attention. Ulbert demanded him to explain. He told him what had happened. How he just walked into the bookshop. That he wasn't attacked. Kept his composure so as to not reveal himself. Ulbert was pacing thinking about what to do next. He didn't expect the enemy to just walk right in.
"You're sure it was Sebas Tian? Your npc?."
"Yes. It was him."
"And he didn't want to harm you or kill you? Maybe we have the disguise to thank for that. Gotta send Punitto a fruit basket for thinking up such brilliant precautions."
"What now?" Asked Infinyrex.
"This answers a question we didn't even think to ask. Whether other npc's from nazarick came to this world? It seems I'll have to have everyone compile a list of npc's they made during their time in Yggdrasil. Provide a description as well just so we don't get any more surprises."
Infinyrex always admired Ulbert's quick thinking and decision making. He knew he was cheating since he invested points in intelligence but nonetheless it always left him in awe since most of his ideas kept the others safe.
Suddenly. Ulbert gets a message call from Nishikenrai. Informing him of something new he discovered.
"Talk to me Nish." Ulberts mouth then opens wide with an expression of shock. " You're kidding me. You better be joking! I'll be there in a few minutes. Stay put!." Ulbert ended the call.
"What happened? Is Nish in trouble?."
"Infinyrex. Nish just found Nazarick in the forest of tob ."
Both were surprised by this revelation of new information.
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After a few minutes. Ulbert came back with news for Infinyrex and Peroroncino.
"Just confirmed it. It's Nazarick alright. I informed Punitto as well. He will try to piece together some of the questions we have with this new information…Nazarick is here…This changes everything."
"So this means… shalltear is real?!" Pero said worriedly.
"It also means demiurge is real. God why did I make him so evil. I never thought that would come back to bite me on the ass." Ulbert said.
"And what about Momonga?."
"We're gonna look into that too. For now we have so many things on our plate. Our npc's from nazarick are here. So is Momonga. Tabulas npc wants to kill us for whatever reason. Too many variables and questions we can only answer at a time." Ulbert said, shaking his head.
A portal opened in the store. Genjiro the mothman came out of it holding a binder.
"Alright gents. This here's a list of everyone's npc in nazarick. Including mine. We're providing Luci a description as well and that may take a while."
"Make sure they provide abilities aswell. Anything they can remember. If they don't know it now. They better keep a note pad on them at all times if they do. We want to know what we're dealing with."
"Understood boss. I'll send someone over to deliver it to you once it's complete."
He took off as soon as he handed the binder over to Ulbert. "Alright let's see. Lupusregina beta, Entoma, Cocytus, solution epsilon, twin elves Aura and Mare Bella fiore."
At the mention of the last name that grabbed Pero's attention. He shook and froze on the spot and spoke.
"Wait! Who was the last person you mentioned?."
"Ummm Mare Bella fiore?."
"No no before that."
"Ummm Aura Bella fiore?."
"And who created that npc?."
" let's see um ok. Looks like she was created by your sister."
What he feared came to pass. Peros face was expressed with horror. He was freaking out internally. His companions didn't know why. Pero realized the daunting truth of what had just happened.
"Are you alright Pero?." Infinyrex asked.
"I had sex with her." He said quietly.
"What?."
"I HAD SEX WITH HER. We had late night shenanigans. We made love till a new dawn rose. I let her nibble on my carrot! Oh fuck!! I'm so dead!!."
"You what?!."
Both were just as shocked at how their friend could've done something so foolish and unthinkable.
"Pero? What the hell is wrong with you?! You realize they might be trying to kill us right?!."
Infinyrex just put his hand to his face. Not wanting to look at Pero.
"I didn't know! I was just trying to get some coochie at a bar!!. And she was the hottest thing around." Pero said frantically explaining himself.
"How bad does your luck have to be to land an npc?."
After some much needed lectures towards Pero for his indecent behavior towards a possible enemy. They finally calmed down and proceeded to return to the matter at hand.
Ulbert argued that they should gather as much information on Nazarick and its npcs before deciding to attack them. He stated that it was better to attack first while they still have the element of surprise, before the enemy got the chance to attack them.
Infinyrex admitted that was the best move but that they should first go in with as much information as they could and if they decide to infiltrate Nazarick. They'd need all the info about the npc's, the architecture and floors. Information that can be obtained by all the members back in NIM who know the floors of Nazarick like the palm of their hand.
"Good idea Rex. And just for this occasion. I have this." Ulbert said while presenting his old guild ring.
"You kept it?."
"It was in my avatar's inventory. Guess I just couldn't part with it. But if I am correct and the game mechanics still work. This ring should teleport you to any of the floors in nazarick. Easy for going in and out." He chuckled.
They discussed the reasons for infiltrating their old guild base. That it would be better to observe the npc's behavior in person and report back on how deadly a threat they are. Then assess before beginning a plan of attack.
"Nonetheless. We should strive to collect information on our own as well. Pero. If you see the elf twin again. Try to get some information. Anything would be helpful. Rex. If you see Sebas. Do the same. We can't attack unless we know what we're dealing with. We may be omega level. But we don't even know what power that holds here."
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IN NAZARICK A FEW DAYS LATER
"Hurry! Those toilets must be spotless clean! You there! Make sure to scrub extra hard! Not a single piece of filth must remain." A sassy penguin said to a manservant wearing a butler suit and a mask.
"God! I never had ta deal with this back in me old world. Ankoro. Why'd ya go an' make this little fucker?."
After collecting info on nazarick from the other players in NIM. The council sent Nish to infiltrate and spy on Nazarick residents as one of eclairs manservants. It was considered the perfect disguise as pestonya created him to be seen as a joke along with his manservants. Nish was given training and a file on everything in Nazarick. Its vault codes. Secrets. And trap doors in case he needed them. He came prepared. However, At this moment he was losing his temper with the assistant butler.
'Alright. Just observe. Adapt, an' collect, nothin' more. Don't engage, don't speak unless you're spoken to. Seen, but never heard.' He repeated in his mind.
Nish noticed that rarely anything changed. Nazarick was the same as he had left it.
'Alright, next stop's the Pleiades tea room. Just hopin' me chums made them well put together with atleast a shred of cleanliness.'
Nish went over to the Pleiades tea room. Knocked on the door with cleaning supplies on hand. Yuri alpha opened the door.
'Crikey, she's a stunner. This is Alpha, yeah? Bloody hell. Yamaiko really outdid herself there, gave 'er some proper nice assets.'
"Oh, welcome. Pardon me. Please come in, it seems like my sisters made quite a mess."
As soon as the door was opened and he was let in. He found himself in deep mess. Entoma had been feasting on roaches and leaving body parts everywhere. Lupus Regina stepped in dog poop at carne village and accidentally dragged it in the room. And cz delta accidentally spilled tea on the table.
'Bloody hell, I hate me life. Swear, not even me bosses back home treated me like this.'
Nish began cleaning away while picking up on the Pleiades conversation for anything useful. He was angry at his situation.
'Bloody hell, this place stinks. Ah, hang on… is that Narberal? Huh. I've been so wrapped up in work I nearly forgot about me npc. Crickey, she looks so lifelike. Proper beautiful. Guess I did make her in me dearly beloved mum's image, after all. Real refined, too. Yeah… did a good job with her.' He gave himself a pat on the back.
For the next few minutes he just continued cleaning. While the Pleiades continued their arguing. Then out of nowhere. Lupus started an interesting conversation.
"Hey so random question to Yuri and Narberal. Who do you think would win in a fight? Lady Yamaiko or Lord Nishikenrai?."
This took even Nish by surprise. 'Huh? Me and Yamaiko? Nah, we've never really had a proper scrap. Reckon I'd outspeed her brute force, though. Truth is, we're more just drinkin' buddies these days.'
Yuri announced proudly. "Obviously Lady Yamaiko would claim victory. She's won battles against some of the strongest enemies. So it's clear she'd be victorious."
"Wrong sister. Lord Nishikenrai surpassed her in speed and could summon weapons at close range. He was also the best stealth member of the supreme beings. I don't mean to offend your creator but Lord Nishikenrai would claim victory just from dodging lady Yamaikos punches and find an opening. That was his greatest technique from what I've read in the Nazarick chronicles." She said maintaining a neutral expression.
'That's me girl!'.
Nish was genuinely proud to the point where picking up the dead roach parts didn't bother him.
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SOMEWHERE IN THE SORCERER KINGDOM
"Yeah. Alright I understand sis. I'm just gonna walk around the park for a while. Before I start heading back. No I'm not gonna do anything I'm not supposed to with Zesshi. Just trust me okay? I can handle myself just fine. Alright thanks. Bye." A young male elf just ended his messaging skill. This elf was blonde with short ruffled up hair. Tall and muscular and was a direct subordinate of the sorcerer king. He is just wandering the streets for peace.
' I wish sis would stop calling me non stop. I'm not her timid little brother anymore. I'm a lot more mature than she thinks I am.' He thought to himself before he was called over by his servant.
"Mare! Mare! Over here!." She called out to him. A pale skinned. Elf girl. With parted black and white hair. And heterochromatic eyes. Long curled yet messy hair. In a usual dress that can also be used for combat. Ran up to him.
"Zesshi. Hey what's up?."
"What's up? You wandered around again my lord and I had to go looking for you." She said breathing heavily and maintaining a neutral tone.
"You don't have to call me that when it's just us two you know?."
"Yeah but last time I did. I got a severe beating from your colleagues and a lecture on showing respect to my superiors."
"Last I checked. You're older than me."
"Last I checked. You beat me in a fight. Fair and square. Anyways, what are we doing out here?"
"I heard from Sebas that there was a newly opened bookstore around here and I wanted to check it out. But I think I only got lost."
While Mare was thinking about Sebas's directions. His suitress, Zesshi was fixing up her skirt and puffing up her chest hoping her date would notice.
Mare then just asked a random passerby for directions and sure enough received them and knew where he was headed from there. Completely ignoring his suitress attempt to woo him.
After a few walks and turns. They made it to "The Turning Page" bookstore. Mare had always liked books as he was programmed to. As they were standing in front of the shop with Zesshi holding mare's left arm close to her chest to make sure he doesn't run off on her again. She asked him.
"Mare? I fully support your love of literature and consider knowledge to be an admirable goal. But why do you want to check out a human bookshop when you have an entire library built by supreme beings beyond our comprehension. back in nazarick.?"
"I don't know. Maybe they might have something that Ashurbanipal doesn't. Or maybe more information about this world that Lord Ainz should know about."
She knew he was just making the last stuff up and really just liked entering libraries and bookshops but she found this trait of his adorable. So she went along with it. They both entered the bookstore to find an aging man greeting them.
"Good afternoon. Welcome to my bookshop. Please let me know how I can be of assistance to you or if you simply wish to look around. Be my guest." Said the shop keeper.
"Thank you". the two elves said in unison as they proceeded to walk around and were in awe at the foreign furniture.
Mare went to look over to the plant logs section and found that most of the books were ones he'd already read. He proceeded to the mystery section and was amazed at all the whodunnit novels.
"Wow. So many mystery novels. Some I've never even heard of. I think I might have to come here more often." Mare said in excitement.
"Good. Then I have some ideas for our next dates and what to get you for your birthday." Zesshi said with a tone that suggested she was quietly excited about the future to come.
As he scrolled through the pages. He began to look around the shop once more then his eye caught a strange looking clay made artifact. The shape was too familiar. One that reminded him of his creator.
"Lady Bukubukuchagama". He whispered quietly.
"Your mother?… sorry, your goddess?. Huh. I suppose it does resemble her slightly." Zesshi said.
She noticed that his mood became sad. And could tell he was reminiscing. She knew about the supreme beings and knew that his creator had left a long time ago with no word or trace. She was told that the other supreme beings left for reasons beyond their comprehension. But she always got sad when he got sad when he was missing his creator. Or as Zesshi referred to her as Mare's mother. Despite creating Mare from nothing.
At that moment she leaned closer and gave him a side hug. Trying her best to comfort him. She realized a long time ago that Mare and his sister never really accepted or could let go of the departure of their mother. All she could do right now was offer some comfort. Eventually. Mare pulled himself out of that moment. looked at zesshi and smiled to which she smiled back.
"S..sorry."
"Shh it's fine… did you pick out which book you wanted to get?."
"Yeah."
The elven couple. Bought one of the crime novels and left the bookstore.
"Where to now?"
"I did promise you a date didn't I? How about one at a nice restaurant." Mare suggested.
"I'd like that."
"By the way. I like your dress." Zesshi flustered at the mention of her dress. They walked away hand in hand. Thinking of returning to the bookstore on their next date.
Meanwhile back at the bookstore… 'Alright! Almost closing hours. Can't be late to dinner or Unity will reprimand me for being late again.'
'Huh… was that elven couple looking at the arts and crafts clay statue Vortex made in one of Yamaikos classes? I admit. It was poorly made and he just gave it to me as a last minute Father's Day gift. But when Buku saw it, she demanded I throw it out because it resembled an ugly version of her. Then again. That was 15 years ago. Maybe I should've thrown it out.'
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SOMEWHERE IN NAZARICK
In Ainz's office sat Albedo doing her usual paperwork for the day.
'All these new regulations and policies for the next generation are getting out of hand. But I cannot fail the supreme one. A future wife must always prove her worth and serve her man dutifully. No matter what chores need to be done around the house.'
As she finished the last of her paperwork. She let out a long exhausted sigh. Then proceeded to unlock a personal cabinet in her desk. Containing secret files.
'Me and Pandora kept going to that site for 4 days. And still found nothing. The information provided by that anonymous lady was substantial and accurate in description. Yet she was the only one who saw him. Perhaps Ulbert was startled by her and decided to go into hiding?… no. A supreme being hiding from a lower life form? Impossible. But then again. I've heard demiurge say that a supreme beings mind works in unorthodox ways and that some things they do or don't do may be strange at first. But in time. One will see the reason behind it.'
She immediately remembered Pandora's actors' words of whether they were still underestimating the beings they were hunting.
'No! It's an absurd possibility that all supreme beings' intellect would rival or surpass that of Lord Ainz. The proof of their stupidity was leaving Nazarick. That alone proves their unworthiness. Perhaps they left out of jealousy of Lord Ainz and his magnificence that they decided to go somewhere else to chase their own delusions of grandeur. That sounds like the most likely explanation to their cowardice.' She smiled at the idea of her theory being right.
'Still though. No trace. No foot prints. Not even another sighting from a nearby town? Maybe it was just a black furred bafolk with specialized abilities in fire magic. I've seen other creatures do things like that before over the years. But this description matches Ulbert's. We haven't seen him once pop up near Nazarick since the sighting. Could he be planning something?… stop it Albedo. There's no way he could know we were trying to kill him. I used detection magic in that area and I'm pretty sure Pandoras actor would've known if he used invisibility. Goodness! Is this what that foolish emperor of baharuth felt all those years ago when he had the fortune of running into lord Ainz? Is this what lord Ainz's enemies think and feel like when trying to outsmart him?!' She looks around the office trying to regain her confidence. She stands up and proceeds to walk out the hallway doors.
'It may have probably been a bafolk but if it really is him. I should consult with the only other person in nazarick who knows him personally and witnessed his work.'
She proceeds down the hallway and teleports to the cafeteria where there is a special area reserved for guardians and another for Pleiades and another that is off limits and reserved for supreme beings. Though no one's ever used the last one once.
The guardians have their own room for them to enjoy their lunches in one singular table. Ainz created this in order for the guardians to have a more leisurely time when eating even if some of them didn't require food; he thought it would be great for strengthening their relationship. And at this table sat all of the guardians ready for their lunches and waiting on their last guardian.
"Good afternoon. I see you all managed to make it to lunch without issues." She spoke.
"Yeah but Mare was almost late because of his "date" with that no good hussy skank!." Aura said with grit in her teeth and frustration in her voice. Prompting Mare to look at her in annoyance.
"Shut up sis! We were also doing important work!." Mare recoiled.
"Oh yeah? What? Trying to figure out where babies come from?! That's what that slut wants from you Mare. how stupid do you have to be to not notice that!?."
"Deary me. I don't know why you're all up on him about love lives. When you don't have one at all save for that human that took your first the other night." Shalltear stated. Teasing aura out of spite. "You thought we wouldn't notice when you practically stank up the room with your red mess at that meeting. And may I remind you that you were late to that one too? hahahahaha."
"THATS. ENOUGH!. I. DONT. WANT. TO .HEAR .THIS .NONSENSE. I.JUST. WANT. TO. EAT."
"Quite right my friend. Shalltear. I believe what cocytus is trying to say is that it would spoil our appetites if you were to continue your spat with Aura. This would displease lord Ainz as well if we were not well rested and not taking care of our health." The guardian in charge of defense Demiurge said. The person Albedo wanted to speak to.
Albedo took her seat and already had the maid attend to her order. When the maid left. Albedo then spoke.
"Demiurge. I wanted to speak with you actually."
"Oh? And what business does the guardian overseer have with me?"
"I'll hope you can enlighten me. By answering my curiosities."
"Those being?"
"Just things I've always wondered about your creator Lord Ulbert Alain Odle."
At the mention of the name of one of the supreme beings. The other guardians froze in silence. Yet Demiurge's smile widened and his tail was wagging. Signaling he was excited to talk about his creator. Albedo knew that there's only two people in Nazarick who knew about Ulbert the most. Those being lord Ainz who knew him best and on a personal level. She couldn't risk talking about Ulbert with Ainz. So she went with the second person who knows the most about him.
"May I ask for what purpose you wish to know about my creator?."
"I never got the chance to meet him when he was still here. And I got curious about him when lord Ainz told me once that everything he knew about scheming. He learned from Lord Ulbert himself. So naturally that fact alone managed to fascinate me. I was hoping you could educate me a little further on what kind of person your creator was."
"Aah I see. I actually did not know that Lord Ulbert taught Lord Ainz personally. I don't doubt that for a second. Lord Ulbert truly finds ways to impress even without him being present." The other guardians were in awe at hearing what was said. " What would you like to know?"
"You met him in person. Have you witnessed any of his schemes and machinations?"
"Unfortunately I have not. I was not allowed to leave the 7th floor at the time and planning was between guild members in the guild war room. Where npc's aren't allowed in."
"I see." 'Well that's disappointing. I'm gonna have to find other ways to find out what kind of person he was.'
"How would you describe lord Ulbert to someone who's never met him?"
"A genius. A greater demon lord. The father of evil. No! The physical embodiment of it. A manipulator of manipulators. Like lord Ainz. He too is an unstoppable force of nature."
The other guardians just stood in awe at learning the magnificence of another supreme being.
"Interesting. I expected nothing less from the person who created you. And all the time you were with him. Has he ever done anything…unorthodox?." 'Shit! Did I get carried away?'
"Unorthodox?… I don't know what you mean, Albedo. Are you referring to when he left?."
"No! Nothing like that. I meant anything out of the ordinary when he was still operational in Nazarick."
"Hmm. Well that's difficult to answer. Everything a supreme being does is unorthodox. Perhaps you're thinking of things that they would do that are not for us to understand. Did you recently experience something like that with lord Ainz?."
"You could say it's that. I'm just left so baffled by anything the supreme one does. I can't help but want to know what goes on in his mind."
"I've warned you before. Truly understanding a supreme being is an impossible feat. Even more so for a servant. Their actions may seem inscrutable at first. But that's only because their true intellect is beyond our kin. Brilliant minds like us can't even come close to those with divine level intellect."
"I see. So it's truly impossible to find ways around it. How upsetting. Nothing would please me more than to know what a supreme being thinks about so that I may know what they need to better serve them."
"An admirable goal. One that I myself am pursuing as well."
After the conversation was done with. The guardians proceeded to converse amongst each other. They'll speak about their days. Their recent encounters with a lower life form. How their assigned tasks are going. And plans to get together for a friendly sparring session or game night. The guardians relationship has gotten closer over the years and thanks to Ainz's recommendation that it would make him happy to see them all together.
After their lunch was finished. The guardians parted ways.
'I didn't learn a single thing about Ulbert or his possible motives. Just got myself more lost and confused on how he would act. If any other supreme being that wasn't lord Ainz, was really smart. They would kill themselves for thinking they were ever Lord Ainz's equal.'
She left for her office. Feeling defeated.
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MEANWHILE AT THE 7TH FLOOR
"I'm just saying glut. You can afford to share some of that human meat."
"No! Last time I shared. You complained that it wasn't juicy enough or that it was too bitter!"
"That was ONE time and you know my tastes are different from yours. So maybe a little accommodations are in order."
"Fuck you sloth!"
"That's enough! Lord Demiurge will be here any minute. Compose yourselves!" Their older sister Envy declared to her irritating siblings.
"Glad we're on the same page sis. Wrath, greed and lust are on their way." Just then the 3 figures appeared behind him. "Well… speak the devil's name and he shall appear. Here they are now." Said pride, the eldest brother.
Just then. Envy spoke.
"You're late."
"Yeah, we got caught up with training some of the lesser demons. Honestly not a single one of them even had good looks or a decent body to work with. They're all disgusting!"
"Good to see you as always, little sister. Honestly for the demon of lust. You're quite picky."
"I'm selective." Lust said blankly. "It's not my fault. Perfection is so hard to find. If I'm gonna offer my stunning. Flawless. Perfect body. I expect the partner I'm hooking up with to have the same."
"You haven't been with anyone since the supreme one brought you into being." Said the eldest brother."
"Oh hush!"
The air became still as another figure in a red suit arrived.
"Glad to see you all here on time." Said the smiling archdevil. "Now we can proceed to business. How goes the demon summoning? And the humans you've been chosen to corrupt?"
All the demons kneeled at his presence and began giving their reports. All reported success with their tasks which greatly satisfied Demiurge.
"Very good then. I have nothing else for you. Take the rest of the day for yourselves. I'll be on my farm if you need me."
As they all left. They all walked through the halls of the ruined temple. They passed by the many paintings and mini monuments of their creator and lord. One of the sins. The youngest of the siblings. Sloth. She was also the most unhinged but loyal nonetheless. Stopped and stared at the painting of the demon lord. And began speaking to it.
"Good afternoon Milord Ulbert. We completed our tasks today. With precision and on time. I'm sure you would've been proud. Proud enough to maybe… oh I don't know… come back ?(whispering). Lord Demiurge and Lord Ainz are keeping us busy. But I think they miss you too."
The other siblings just looked at her. It wasn't the first time they caught their youngest sister speaking to something that reminded them of their creator. They all soon joined her to comfort her. Even demiurge partook in offering some form of comfort.
"I'm sure he would've been proud of us."
"Di…did I do something wrong?. Something that made him leave? Maybe I made him angry and he doesn't want to see us." Sloth got close to breaking down on the spot.
"I'm not sure sloth. But lord Ainz assured us that, that was not the cause but that he had left for his own reasons. Reasons were not meant to understand. It's hard to accept it and even harder to continue living with his decision to leave. But we must stay loyal to his legacy and not disgrace it. He left us with that." Demiurge finished.
With that. The siblings hugged and rested some of their heads on each others shoulders while staring at the painting of their long lost creator. Whom they long to see once more.
"You know. Lord Ulbert is perfect in every way. He's probably the only male I would accept. He's good looking and looks like he's hiding a muscular frame." Said list. Biting her lower lip while looking at the painting. " I wonder what kind of lover he would make."
"Seriously? That's your first thought?" Argued pride.
"I wonder what kind of human body part he finds delicious. I'll prepare it for him everyday."
"His power and status make him irresistible I'll admit. He can call me to his bed anytime" Spoke envy.
One by one. The siblings made comments regarding their creators' tastes. And demiurge just stood silent. Trying to ignore the nonsense surrounding him.
****************************************
AT THE TURNING PAGE BOOKSHOP
Three supreme beings sat at a table in the bookshop. Ready to discuss their situation and the progress of their many missions on hand.
"I don't like this. We can't contact Nish and he's in enemy territory with no help from us."
"Rex. We did all we could to prepare him for it. All the known exits of Nazarick. It's layouts. It's npc's. Traps and security. We made him memorize it all and trained him on how to converse with each specific npc. We can't say we didn't try. As long as he has that ring I gave him. He should have no problems. But I understand your concerns." Ulbert said.
"Guys! guys guys. You're forgetting who you're talking about. It's Nish. He can get through anything. He's the man. Or well the rabbit. He'll be in and out with what we need in no time." Pero's carefree attitude often annoyed the two.
"Aren't you the least bit worried Pero? He's in your faction after all."
"Yeah. But like Ulbert said. We did all we could and if shit hits the fan. We send in Lucifer to send in a seraphim to get his ass out of there. No worries." Truth be told. He was extremely worried but was told by the ninja to keep them calm so he could do his job while he's away. "But anyway. We've been so focused on collecting info. Preparing for battle. And integrating ourselves into society. that we haven't done anything fun in this world. I say we check this city out and just have fun like the old days. There's an ice cream shop nearby."
"Pero. There's an npc out there trying to kill me. You think it's safe for me to just be out there looking for trouble?"
"Granted. Yes. It's dangerous but that's why there's three of us! Were omega level and the three of us can take down a world level boss all on our own. Besides, Tabula taught us spells for detecting threats in our surroundings."
"It has been a while, Ulbert. If we don't rest. We'll overwork ourselves and lack focus when the time comes."
"Fine! We'll check out this city. Only because we need to familiarize ourselves with our perimeter.
With the trio agreeing to the outing. They put on their human disguises and headed out to explore the city.
They explored the beauty of the city. Took in its sites. Infinyrex was most fascinated by seeing many races coexisting together. It was the world he always wanted to see back in Yggdrasil. Ulbert was surprised by the peace and admired the law and order of the country. Pero was fascinated by the many species of women whose curves attracted his attention.
They checked out the market. Bought many fruits and goods to take back home. Along with seeds for their npc farmers. They witnessed many traditional celebrations in small parts of the town. When they visited the Demi human district. Many Demi humans steered clear from them. Sensing their power. Though there were some that saw them as weak humans. This irritated Ulbert.
They saw many cultural dances in the Demi human district. Visited many Demi human shops. And found many clothes and accessories to bring home to their friends and families. Bought things they knew their friends would appreciate. Potions for tabula. Vacation spots to visit for hero hero. Weapons for Amano and Take.
The trio enjoyed the ice cream shop that Pero recommended. Having never had ice cream even in their old world. They stopped at a park with a fountain with a statue that looked like their old guild leader.
They also noticed that no matter where they went. They always got looks of interest from females. Indicating that their chosen disguises were appealing to the opposite sex.
They laughed. Joked. And reminisced about old times. What their plans were once they eliminate the threat. Maybe continue to come in and out of NIM every now and then to visit this world's natural undisturbed beauty.
Just as the group was about to head back to the shop after realizing how late it was getting. A sudden voice took them by surprise.
"My Lordships?" A mysterious voice that sounded muffled yet female.
When they turned around. The sight frightened them beyond measure. They saw a woman in a maid uniform. But what frightened them was that the face of the woman had no skin and revealed a red. Skinless. Bloody face. With silky long hair that stretched down to her feet. To them. She looked like something out of a horror movie. While Pero shrieked. The other two got on the defense.
"Aaaaaah what the fuck is that?!!!"
"What do you want?!"
"Identify yourself."
The unexpected happened. The woman bowed to them. They looked at her while she did. Confused as to what was happening while still on the defensive. And pero cowering behind them.
"My lords!. You have returned!. Forgive this humble servant for addressing you like this. I am Nigredo. I live to serve the supreme ones."