CHAPTER 7- Bad Times And Worse Times
LATE NIGHT AT THE BOOKSHOP
"Okay so… what are we gonna do about miss I got fucked by a lawnmower and lost my face privileges?"
"Why are you asking me?"
"You invited her in Rex! What the hell were you thinking?! She's holding a pair of giant scissors!! That should be a major red flag!!."
Ulbert walks up to them after speaking with their guest.
"Alright. I just finished serving chamomile tea to our lovely 'guest'… so. what's the plan?"
Pero quickly turned his head to infinyrex.
"Yeah. Rex. What's the plan?" Pero asked Rex in an accusatory tone.
"Well… I think we should… go over there and… maybe… talk to her."
"Talk to her?!" Ulbert recoiled while Pero looked up at the sky in frustrated defeat.
"Rex. May I remind you. That her sister is trying to kill us. Specifically me. And you want to just waltz on over there and… talk to her?"
"Yes?"
"Great! And while we're at it. Why don't we invite Jack the Ripper to our next barbecue? Or send a postcard to leatherface to join us for Christmas?" Joked Peroroncino.
"Look! The reason I invited her in was because she just bowed to us and said she wasn't gonna hurt us. She said her name was Nigredo right? Ulbert. Look up her file. See what it says about her. I'll go talk to her. Pero. Cover me?." Pero nodded and so did Ulbert.
Infinyrex walked over to the guest. Nervous and gulped once. Pero stayed behind a book stand ready to offer support if needed. Infinyrex sat at the table opposite to Nigredo and began.
"So…ummm… Nigredo? How'd you find us."
"Lord Tabula blessed me with high level detection magic my lord. I noticed milords aura for a while. I work at the nearby orphanage and sensed your auras nearby. When I went to investigate. I found you walking the streets."
'Oh shit. Okay… so she used detection magic. Dammit Tabula! Are all your creations gonna give us problems?'
"I see. And have you told this to anyone? Does anyone know you're here? Or that we're here?"
"No, my lord. It was a last minute intervention. I didn't expect it to be you my lord. But despite your clever disguise. I recognize the aura of supreme beings anywhere."
A sudden interruption came in.
"I'll be the judge of that. {dominate}." Ulbert cast the dominate spell to ensure she tells the truth. "We'll ask again. Does anyone know you're here?"
"No"
"Did you inform anyone of our presence of any kind?"
"No"
"Do you intend to operate against us?"
"No. I live to serve the supreme beings."
"Stop that!" Rex ordered Ulbert.
"I just checked her file. She's supposed to be one of the good ones."
"Really? How?"
"Tabula was big into gap moe at the time. So he made her appearance displeasurable to invading players but her personality… neutral. Almost motherly. She shouldn't be a threat… for now."
"So if she's one of the good ones then why is her sister trying to kill us? Is she one of the bad ones?" Asked Rex.
"Ask her." Ulbert said signaling to Nigredo.
"What do you know about your sister Albedo trying to harm us?"
"I was not aware of that, my lords. Though I have noticed my sister acting strange for years. I assume she's been planning it for a while. I do know that one time. I heard from her that lord Ainz changed her settings to love him just before Nazarick was transported to this world."
"What?! Changed her settings? He can't do that can he?!" Rex said asking Ulbert who would be an expert on such things.
"Love him?! No he shouldn't be able to do that. Though there are ways around it. But even then that doesn't sound like something Monga would do. Maybe it was an accident."
"Maybe. But that still doesn't explain why she wants to kill us. Ulbert. I have to verify one last thing with her… Nigredo. How do you view us?"
"You are the supreme beings. Creators and gods of nazarick. Responsible for every sentient being that duels there. Wise and merciful rulers who stand above all else. Our eternal masters whom we live to serve."
'What. The. Fuck?'
Ulbert spoke. "Are you the only one who feels this way?"
"No. Everyone in Nazarick worships your legacy, your statues, your shrines, your very memory. Even lord Ainz himself or as you know him as lord Momonga."
The room grew quiet. The trio couldn't believe the amount of information they had just received. The belief that they were seen as gods. That the guest sitting on their table worships them.
Ulbert interrupted the silence.
"Your sister is trying to kill us. Not just her but a few others. Two that we know of. Do you recognize these descriptions?"
Ulbert pulled out pictures that Punitto had Lucifer draw up of what he said they looked like.
"That yellow one looks like the guardian of the treasury. And the one on the left. Is the one I feared. Is my youngest sister. Rubedo. I must warn you. She's not like the other npc's under your command. She's different. She doesn't need to take orders from lord Ainz but thankfully she does."
"Right. Rubedo. That secret weapon Tabula made to be our trump card. She's practically a walking world item." Said Ulbert while crossing his arms.
"Yes. You are correct my lord. However. I don't believe her to be much of a threat to you."
"How would you know that?"
"You're auras my lords. It's strong. Probably much stronger than lord Ainz's and Rubedo's put together. I've never seen anything like it. Lord Ainz's aura is like a tornado but yours… is a hurricane. Wherever you disappeared to. You clearly came back stronger than when you left. Was this the reason for your sudden departure from Nazarick my lords? Oh! Forgive me for asking such a bold question my lords!" She said as she quickly knelt to the floor. Begging for forgiveness.
Pero whispered to his companions. "Do you guys think it's because we're omega level now?"
"That might be a possible theory. Guess we finally know what Omega level is worth here" Ulbert answered.
Pero proceeded to speak with the faceless woman. "Hey red skull lady. What about Momonga? Does he miss us?."
"Yes. From what I understand. Lord Momonga misses you greatly. And I hear from other npc's is that your departure affected him the most as he is always sitting in the throne room. Staring at your banners."
"Damn. Now I feel like an asshole for not showing up on the last day. But I couldn't because I ate sis's food and ended up on the toilet past 12:00pm."
"I had work."
"I was too caught up in my thing with Bellriver at the time."
Nigredo slowly got back to her seat to sip her tea.
"Well at least now we know the full story. We know all those involved in trying to kill us. I guess we should ask Tabula what would happen if Albedo's settings being changed would cause any significant change to how she behaves. Knowing squids and his obsession with long settings. It might."
Both nodded. Then they continued to address the other issue that was right in front of them. Drinking Ulberts homemade tea.
Ulbert suggested they should kill her as she is of no use anymore and keeping her alive would just endanger them. But refrained from this after hearing Nigredo stating that she would kill herself so as to not trouble themselves. Even attempted to use her scissors to do it. But was stopped by the others. In the end. They suggested to let her go back to the orphanage that she worked at and that they would monitor her and make her promise not to tell anyone and that their orders would come straight from Tabula himself so as no one could override them. And they heard that npc's are more loyal to their creators than other supreme beings.
When all was well and done with. The trio sat at the table with a candle in front of them at the center of the bookshop.
"So… what now?" Asked Pero.
"We make a plan. And we fuck Albedo's shit up." Answered Ulbert. "But I think we should make sure they still don't have any advantages of any kind."
"Like the world items we left?" Answered Rex.
The realization hit Ulbert hard. "Shit! Our shit! The stuff we left in nazarick before we left. My staff! Pero's bow! Your world champion armor! We don't know if our omega level status can withstand that or not but if it doesn't. We're fucked as one of our persecutors is in charge of the treasury. That could bite us in the ass if not addressed asap."
"We should make a plan to get our equipment back, Ulbert!." said rex.
"Yes, though it might take time. Normally I would say that we should ask Nish to snatch it for us but we have no means to contact him. And we can't risk his life for our stuff like that. Even if it's only a few Npc's that are already targeting us. It'll be worse if it looks like we're antagonizing them all… no, we need a means to get in there but we can't just walk in. Can we?"
Pero the interrupted. "Maybe we can. I mean pizza face without the cheese over there seemed loyal to us. Maybe we can just…" just then it was Rex's turn to interrupt him.
"Pero? Do you really want to face Shalltear bloodfallen?" just from this. Pero shrank and nodded no and stayed out of the conversation.
"Okay. it's late. Were tired. We've had a long day. Let's just sleep this through and come up with an idea the next day. Sound good?"
At this idea. His two friends gave their thumbs up showcasing their approval. The trio then opened the portal back to their home. Leaving today's problems for the future.
"By the way, Ulbert, do you think we should tell Tabula about momonga changing albedo's settings?" asked Pero.
"Nah, I'm sure it's not that important. And besides. I hate talking with that guy."
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IN NAZARICK THRONE ROOM
"Raise your heads."
"LORD!"
"I understand that the yearly celebration of 'Momon day' is upon us in a few days. And I wish to hear your plans for preparation and ideas if any."
"SIR!"
"My lord. Since mortals are such simple creatures that live monotonously. I suggest we do what we did last year." Said albedo.
"Be it as it may. But if we maintain everything the way as is. Eventually they'll start to adapt or think we're disrespecting Momon's memory if it looks like we're not putting any effort."
"I see. Forgive my ignorance my lord."
"I for one believe we can make it more lively than last year with the exception of trying to improve last years gross income money flow. Increase momon products for instance. We can sell newer ones."
"An excellent suggestion demiurge! Anyone else?"
"A. SPARING .REENACTMENT. OF. MOMONS. PAST.FIGHTS!." Said cocytus.
"A petting zoo!" Said Aura.
"A new statue of the hero?!" Said Shalltear.
"Yes!! Let's do them all! These are excellent ideas. Your suggestions please me. Let's do it. Albedo. Make preparations."
"Yes my lord."
"Oh! I have an idea my lord I-if your willing to hear?."
"Yes. Mare. Go ahead."
"Should we also throw a ball for the nobles that have greatly helped? You always said it is important to show appreciation for one's work. Though I don't like humans or other species much. I feel this would go well with your idea of showing appreciation so one can continue to show loyalty."
"YES! Mare I'm glad you remembered my words well. We shall do that and bring pandoras actor to act as Momon's descendant to host the party. Mare. You've surprised me. In a good way I must add."
"I'm glad I did so my lord."
"Before I forget. I wanted to remind you that some of you are welcome to join the party to loosen up if you feel the need to. I also understand that some of you may have someone important they may want to take with them to the party." He said while looking at Mare. "This is the perfect time to do so. And Aura. I hear from Shalltear that you recently had a breakthrough in finding a partner?."
"My apologies! My lord! It was just a one night stand! That human just used some sort of charm magic on me! And I-I just." Aura tried to explain but was blushing red and panicking.
"Haha. You don't have to explain anything to me Aura. As long as you're back safe. That's all that matters! Hahaha. I wouldn't have a problem with it if you've chosen a human as a mate. Sebas did the same and his partner lived a very happy life."
Everyone remembered tsuare as a loyal maid of the sorcerer kingdom and late wife of Sebas. Who had passed away many years ago. But birthed two kids before she did.
Ainz informed them that each of them are welcome to bring a guest of their choosing. But secretly he wants them to have a life outside of their jobs. Maybe even a social one where they get along more with humans. He's tried this approach several times and was some times met with failure.
"Alright! You've been given your tasks! Go act faithfully in my name!."
Ainz then proceeded to teleport out of the room. Leaving the npc's to discuss the preparations to come.
"Well I guess I better let Zesshi know about the party." Said Mare.
"You do that Mare. Maybe Aura will invite that human she did the nasty with haw haw haw." Shalltear said making fun of Aura.
"Shalltear I swear!."
"That human must've been desperate if he decided to hook up with you. Or maybe he felt sorry for you. So sorry he had to share his bed with you because he thought you must've looked homeless with that messy hair."
Aura glared at the short vampire. With gnashed teeth. And fury for every word that came out of her mouth. She soon regained her composure to return a comeback.
"Atleast I lost my virginity. Unlike you who hasn't slept with a man in…oh that's right! Never hahahaha!."
"What did you say! Whoever slept with you! Must've been blind and just fucked whatever moved!."
"Even if he was blind he sure felt something. Two somethings actually! Can you guess what they are? Here's a hint! You don't have them. Hehehehe." She said as she puffed up her large chest. Which only made shalltear more angrier.
"ENOUGH!. THIS. IS. HARDLY. SOMETHING. WORTH. FIGHTING. OVER."
"Yes. Please cease this meaningless banter at once we have work to attend to anyways." Said the archdevil Demiurge.
"Yes. We cannot fail to serve the supreme one in something so simple." Said the overseer. "Lets go complete our tasks without fail!". The others cheered and proceeded to teleport to their floors.
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'Okay…so how do I approach this? Should I just tell her that it's just like another date? No! It's a ball! It's not just another date is it? It's a dance! Yes that's what it is. C'mon mare! Lady bukubukuchagama gave you one life! Don't waste it'.
The male elf was about to approach the big tree house in one of the floors where he and his sister reside in. Along with a guest room for Zesshi for whenever she came to stay
'Okay. Time to do this!' He knocked on her door. Hoping she was not there to answer so he had a chance to second guess himself and maybe runaway pretending it never happened.
The door opened almost immediately. 'Shit!'
"Oh! Hello lord Mare. Please come in." She said with a smile beginning to grow just from seeing him and might grow wider if she spent more time with him.
"H-hi Zesshi. Hope I'm not intruding on you or anything."
"If it's you. You're never intruding. Rather you're always welcome. So was there something you needed or did you want to ask if I've been looking after your plants because I can show you that they're in good condition and I follow the instructions you've lent me."
"No! It's not that it's actually something unrelated that I wanted to ask you… if you're available?"
"I'm available." She looked at him with hungry eyes. She was wondering if it was THE question she was hoping for. She was thinking this as she laid on her bed. Leaning on her arm. Exposing her curves. With legs spread out. She already had a mature body of an adult in her late early twenties.
Mare couldn't help but stare at her vertical eyes and stunning figure but quickly looked away out of shyness and increasing nervousness.
"I wanted to k-know I…if you were available."
"If I was available for?" She said as she slowly started to crawl out of the bed and towards him.
"Available to go with m-m-me to a-a."
"If I were available to go to a?" She repeated each line he said seductively and softly. As she slowly started to stand up and move her lips closer to him.
"TO A PARTY AND DANCE!!" Mare couldn't hold in the anxiety any more and went for it.
'Not what I had expected but close enough. He actually invited me to something. I'll take the win, ' Zesshi thought internally. As she gasped at his proposal and instinctively said yes out loud.
"Oh my god! Yes! Mare! I'd love to go! Which dress would look good on me? Or should I go buy a new one? What do you think?"
"Ummm uuuh I think you'd look good in anything. Though. Since this is a big festival. We should go for something over the top. And most of your clothes are… for casual dates."
"Oh! You're right! I need to go shopping. Or rather. We. Need to go shopping.
" Umm actually… I won't be able to. Demiurge is having me help to fix up the gardens for the party. And I'm not really good at helping with dresses." mare said while rubbing the side of his face all the way to the back of his neck showcasing his nervousness.
" Alright." she replied in a pouty disappointed tone.
"Maybe you can take sis with you."
"Eh… you know your sister has threatened to kill me every time we meet, right?"
"Yeah… though I would like it if the two of you could get along.
"I don't mind the idea. But you should tell her that. She always assumes the worst with me."
"Ummm okay. Still though. I would feel better if you went with her as I'm not good with dresses. I'll tell her to give you a chance and not be mean to you. Okay?"
"Okay. Speaking of… I heard Aura lost her first?"
"Huh? Oh yeah I guess she did. I don't know with who. But as long as he treated her nice. That's all I care."
"Oh? And will she take him with her to the party or was he a one night stand?"
"I…I…i d-don't know. You might have to ask her. Sorry Zesshi, I really have to go. I'll see you at the party bye." he left quickly, clearly blushing. Leaving Zesshi alone in the room.
'Dammit! I almost had him. (sigh) when is he gonna make a move? I've been making moves for years now. Maybe I'm lacking something.' She then looks at her chest in wonder.
'Whatever. I have to get myself prepped anyways. I have to deal with that bitch Aura.'
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BACK IN NIM IN TABULA'S LABORATORY
"ARGGHH?!!!"
In the laboratory stood the most brilliant mind in NIM. Tabula Smaragdina. In his old world. He was a janitor working at a video store and was an aspiring scientist. However, due to the condition of the world. He couldn't go to college or further his education. Which is why he worked long hours to save up enough money to eventually attend a school to achieve his dream of becoming a scientist. But this dream was never realized, but rather took another form as a magic concept and theory scientist. He achieved his dream but differently. One rule that guided him. When he was young. In elementary school. He partook in a science fair. He loved participating but when it was his time to demonstrate his project. It worked and wowed his teachers… until it failed him. He tried to tell them what must've happened to cause it to fail but it fell on deaf ears.
He'll never forget the words from his science teacher. A man he admired looked at him with a cold stern look and said to him. "A project that disgraces its creator is not an achievement to defend, but an error to correct. To allow it to persist is to collaborate in one's own humiliation, remember that boy."
When he got home. He destroyed his project into a million pieces for humiliating him. And vowed to never make something that would do the same to him again.
After he found out that Albedo was trying to kill his friends. He was angry at himself. Couldn't blame anyone but himself for this disaster. That he must've done something wrong and now Albedo was disgracing him every second she breathed.
'Argh! How could I have been so foolish?! Albedo wants to kill the others? How? Why?! I didn't program that did i?! NO! There must have been a mistake. NO it was me. I messed up. Tabula. You have no one else to blame for your creation going bad but yourself. How can I even call myself a scientist when I allowed a failure of mine to roam around with my name on it?! I have failed… and now I must correct this failure. Because to allow it to persist is to collaborate in one's own humiliation. My teacher would frown upon me.'
Tabula walked towards a door in his lab. Once opened. It led to a basement in the lab. Walking down the stairs, he held his hands together in calm focus. Thinking about his next terrifying move. When he arrived at the bottom. He opened a chest. And inside was a world item that the council had given to him. A grimoire of dark magic. It was a treasure collected by the skykeepers and was kept in their vault. It was used during their days of the spawn point to defeat enemies. By learning more powerful spells from yggdrasil 2.
As he flipped through the book. He found a spell only his species can achieve. The 'veil between'.
He drew a sigil on the floor. Lit some candles. Sat down in a meditative position. And began the incantation.
"Between walking breath and sleeping bone,
I call the path where shadows roam.
Keeper of doors that open in silence, part the veil and blend the dreamer's horizon.
By token, by name, by unseen thread, I walk the chambers behind their head.
Let fear be fog, let joy be ash, let visions tremble where memories clash.
I enter not flesh but thought, through dream-wrought roads that time forgot.
Until the dawn unbinds the night,their sleep is mine."
"And mine the fright."
The sigil glew bright as he immediately closed his eyes and was somewhere else entirely. In a dark empty space. He roamed for a while until he found open clouds of visions. He realized this was the dreamscape. He saw the dreams of those around him that were happily napping and dreaming in the waking world. But he wasn't interested in their dreams. He had a target. A mission. He then roamed even further. Until he reached the dreams of the new worlders. He recognized it immediately as soon as he saw humans. Now that he found his starting ground. He said to himself.
"Little succubus…I can feel you in here somewhere. Let's see where you're hiding." he said in a cold, terrifying tone. As he began his search.
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SOMEWHERE DEEP IN THE FOREST OF THE NEW WORLD
"Okay, how are we doing on that part Sera?"
"We are almost done connecting it to your specifications lord Lucifer." answered an angel summon.
"Good. I want extra durability on it ya hear?"
"Yessir!"
After Ulbert had notified Lucifer that it was safe to be in the new world so long as he was away from the kingdom. He had the go ahead on a long time project he'd never had the chance to work on.
'At long last my lifelong dream will be realized. Sucks I never got to do it back in nazarick because of… Momonga.' He ended with a sneer at the name as if it stirred bad memories.
'That fucking bone head. We never really told him did we? Why a lot of us left. Why I left. The game was fun but it was him that made it boring. Always "must increase security" "we must take this seriously guys" " Lucifer I need those golems done as soon as you can there's talk about a possible invasion" yeah sure! Like I already don't have a lot on my mind in my real life what with work, ex wife and my miserable apartment!! Not all of us have our lives to the game like you did Monga. It was like a second home for you, ugh he was so pathetic. Always stuttering and couldn't even get a girlfriend to keep him in the real world. He really was a real life loser. So was Ulbert but he didn't let that stop him.'
The more he contemplated. The more bitter memories came to his mind about his past encounters with his old guild leader.
'Why are the others so hell bent on bringing him with us? He's only gonna make it boring again. And what if he takes the leadership role? No no no. The trio is fine but Monga will run NIM like a military unit. The heaven we have built will crumble. Margarita nights will cease to exist. And then he'll place more rules on top of rules!'
'Ugh. You better be right about this, Ulbert. If not?... I'll do what needs to be done.'
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AT THE SHOPPING MARKET IN THE SORCERER KINGDOM
The markets were bustling with crowds of merchants from all over the continent. Many traders sold clothing from the baharuth empire. Some offer jewelry from the roble holy kingdom. And in one store. They sell both. And in this store were two girls discussing what to wear to a formal event. Trying on different dresses and shoes. Two beautiful elven women trying on dress after dress until they found one that matched their style and was tight enough to show off their curves.
"What about this one?" asked Zesshi. Holding a black dress with golden lining.
"Yeah whatever. but you're not going to a funeral you know." replied Aura while she was picking out her own dresses as well.
"I suppose you're right." Zesshi sighed with some slight frustration. "Finding the right dress is harder than I thought." she said this while picking out another dress rapidly from the pile to gain her friends approval. "How about this one?"
One glance and Aura knew what to say. " We'll put that in the maybe pile."
While going through various other dresses. Zesshi thinks about what would be seductive enough for her to wear to catch Mare's attention. This isn't the only thing going on in her head. She had many questions. Taking a deep breath. She believes that she is close enough to Aura to ask such questions. And if it fails. The worst she'll get is no answer at all.
"So… I heard from Mare that you met someone recently."
"Yeah. What about it?" Aura replied scornfully.
"Oh no. I was just curious about how generous you were to grant a lower life form even a moment of your time is all Lady Aura."
Aura stopped to think to herself about what to say. While thinking, she was trying on a red dress and checking her curves. And finally. She had her answer.
"To be honest. I couldn't tell you. It was strange for sure. I've met many pick up lines at many bars. And this one seemed no different but something was drawing me to him. Like a force. And strangely. I might be crazy for this. But… it felt like I was near Lord Ainz. but different…I don't know. God! I'm so stupid for trying to compare lord Ainz to a filthy human like that."
Zesshi didn't know what to say. The aura of gods is hard to replicate. 'Perhaps she had a little too much to drink that night' was her first thought.
"Were you thinking of inviting that person to the party?" Zesshi asked.
"Tch what do you care?! Its not your date you brother snatching cunt."
Zesshi was already regretting bringing her along but tried to remain unfazed as much as she could and continued with the subject. "Are you supposed to bring a date? I know Mare's bringing me."
"Yeah, I suppose. But Nah. pretty sure Shalltear will just shit on me for bringing one. And he'd be a poor excuse for a date considering he's a low life hanging out at a bar. But anyway. What do you think? You think my bust can handle walking in this for one night?" Aura teased herself.
Zesshi could only nod and feel a tad envious of Aura's mature figure.
After going through many dresses later. They both managed to pick the perfect ones to the party. They paid for their dresses and left. And when they left the shop. They were met with the same glances they had when they came to the kingdom. Though it was common that elves had unique and stunning features. It could be an understatement that these two embodied that fact and the proof was in the stares they received from both men and women including beings of other races. This often bothered the two. But also built an ego on them that being made by a goddess and being a descendant of a god had it's perks.
"They're staring again. So this is what Albedo felt when I was young. But at least It's proof that Lady Bukubukuchagama knew what she was doing when she made me heh."
At this. Zesshi couldn't help but ask her next question lingering on her mind.
"Speaking of. Mare mentioned her the other day when we checked out a newly opened bookstore. He got very sad at the thought of her. I was wondering. I've heard and read many stories about her but I want to ask you. What was she like? Lady bukubukuchagama? As a female I imagine she was a kind goddess."
Zesshi felt the air get heavy and Aura's mood started to change. Almost melancholic.
"She was the kindest actually. The kindest of the supreme beings. Kinder than even Lord Ainz. She was said to have been a magnanimous being. She made the sixth floor with concepts of nature that was pleasant to most of the supreme beings. I heard that one time. Lord Ainz was in a bad place mentally and that she pulled him out of it. Inspired by her kindness. A lesson he treasures to this day. She valued individuality. And she expressed that during our cross dressing days. She always played with Mare and I when we were young. Dressing us up. Building our tree home. Throwing parties inviting other supreme beings to our home. She was very lively. All of those moments showed that she was a caring being." Aura finished with sorrow in her eyes and a soft smile. Zesshi could tell she was happy and sad to talk about their creator. She was also surprised as this was the most Aura had ever spoken to her that wasn't a threat or an insult directed towards her.
"If that is so. Then one day I'd like a chance to meet her. Do you think we'd get along?"
"She loved everybody. Accepted everybody. Maybe even a hussy like you would be seen by her. But I pray she'll see you for what you really are."
"Hmmm…and do you know when she's coming back?"
Suddenly the air felt denser as Aura stopped in her tracks. And looked down and sniffled from her nose for a second. She was silent. Not wanting to think about the question but answered anyway.
"Zesshi." she said cold and sternly. "The 40 supreme beings are entities of the unknown. Their origins. Whereabouts, and reasons for leaving are the greatest mysteries in Nazarick. Answers for questions that are not theirs to give nor ours to receive. I don't know when or if she's ever coming back. I wish I had the answer. Hell. all of nazarick would kill for that answer. It's too bold of a question to ask of lord Ainz. So at this point nobody knows. I doubt she'd grace us with her presence with you around"
'Wow. so it's not just Mare. it's all of Nazarick. What reason could a goddess have for abandoning her creations? Whatever it was. It must have been a big one to abandon a great tomb full of worshippers.'
"But anyways. I'm hopeful. After all. Me and Mare were her most beloved creations. So I'm sure she hasn't forgotten us."
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IN A CANTINA IN NIM
"YES!!!!!!. I've finally perfected it!" a pink slime said behind the counter of the bar. In font of her crowd awaiting her news. "Behold!! My greatest creation!!! THE BUKU-BERRY CHAGAMA SPLASH!!!!." Everyone was in awe as they were celebrating their girls night. Until the male bar owner showed up.
"Dammit Buku. get that crap out of here! All you did was mix chocolate milk with vodka in a fruity drink." Said Herohero.
"Shush! It's my secret recipe. And I'm proud of it! Here's to our girls night!." The other female players raised their drink and began to consume the drink and were met with displeasure.
" Buku! I thought you tasted this before you made it!" yelled Yamaiko. Who spit out the drink as fast as she could.
"Oopsie daisy. I'm a slime so I can't taste anything. Sowwy." she said with a cute bubbly voice while raising a slime tentacle to her head lightly hitting herself like a cartoon character messing up. "Hehehehehe."
"How did Pero survive his childhood with you?" herohero asked, face slapping himself.
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IN THE STREETS OF THE SORCERER KINGDOM
In the quiet part of town. Two kids and two maids walked together. Coming back from a short visit from the sorcerer kingdom orphanage.
"C'mon! Vic, you're so slow!." said the dragonoid boy.
"A lady doesn't rush in her gait. Father said so. And a gentleman should do the same. Ms Yuri, Ms Lupus. Please tell him."
"She is correct young Jon. A gentleman such as your father never runs unless absolutely necessary. Though you are a child. You must compose yourself with the elegance worthy of Nazarick." said Yuri Alpha.
"Yeah. what she said kiddo! But if you do, run around. Do it when no one is watching." Lupusregina said with a sly smile.
While the girls are giving him lessons on manners. From afar. He manages to outrun them. Eventually getting himself lost in the markets.
Jon is scared as to what to do next. He sees many people walking around. Strangers. He's gone on errands before but never alone. He wanders around. Trying to find his companions. But only increases his chances of getting more lost. He resorts to trying to find the biggest castle as that is where his lord and god resides. However, he realizes that he doesn't know the way and runs to the nearest alley hugging his knees. Frozen and disappointed at his incompetence. He forced himself to not cry to no avail. Minutes passed by as he remained lost.
'What would Lord Ulbert Alain Odle do! What would he do in this situation?! Please lord. Please save!.' He prayed and prayed to the gods of legend he was told from birth. That would guide him in times of despair.
A large shadow then loomed over him. Making him feel smaller than he already was. There stood the man he met at the new bookshop.
'Huh? Is that… Mr Bookkeeper? From the bookshop'
"Hello young man. Forgive me for intruding. But are you perhaps lost?" he said to him. With a bag of groceries from the market. Hesitating. Jon replied that he was. "I see. Perhaps I can help. Do you by chance remember where you came from? I'm very familiar with the surroundings. A minor detail can be of great help." he said to Jon with a sincere smile and an offering hand gesturing to pick him up. Jon took his hand and immediately got up with him. Jon whipped his tears and proceeded to follow him.
"Alright son, so here's what we"ll do. We will go to where you last saw them and look for them. If we haven't found them yet. We'll go to the authorities and wait for them there. How does that sound?" Jon just shook his head. slowly regaining his smile.
Only 5 minutes have passed since Jon informed the bookkeeper of where he was last with his companions. The bookkeeper decided to ask around if anyone has seen the location of Jon's caretakers. A few people didn't have the answer. They decided to give up until one of the citizens passing by told them where he last saw the maids. Without a moment to lose. They quickly ran to that location.
After finally reaching their destination. The center of the city. A fountain in the middle of a few buildings in front of the main entrance. They began to look around and finally. They found the two maids and a blonde girl looking as if they lost something. Jon called out to them. Getting the attention of the girls, upon seeing him. Ran up to him with open arms. Vic hugged her little brother tightly with tears strolling down her eyes.pleading him to never run off again.
"It's okay sis. I'm okay. Mr bookkeeper here helped me find you." Vic turned her head upwards to see the old bookkeeper walking up to them at a slow pace. Once he reached them. He explained.
"This young man got lost in the southern part of the city. Near my bookshop. Luckily I was coming back from the market and found that he was in an alley. I'm so glad we were able to find you. We were very close to going to the authorities to wait for you." The maids approached him. Bowed and thanked him for bringing the lost child to them. Even informed him that his deed will be reported back to their king for his kindness. The bookkeeper only blushed and told them that there was no need to involve the king in such a trivial matter and that he was not worthy of such attention.
Vic thanked him as well. Soon after. They all departed. The bookkeeper going his way. The group their own. When the group was alone. The two maids discussed.
"What a kind human. I've never met a humble one like that in my many years in this world. He was even considerate of our lords time." Said Yuri.
"Yeah. Plus he wasn't too bad looking for a human either. But strangely enough. He didn't smell human either. Maybe his parents were halfbreeds." Said lupusregina.
"In either case. He helped young Jon in trouble and expected nothing in return. Most humans would expect something. Perhaps lord Ainz's influence is starting to diminish human greed." Continued yuri. "We should inform lord Sebas of what has happened so this doesn't occur again."
The maids and the children went back to the castle to rest after a long day. Meanwhile somewhere else…
'Oof. You did good, Rex old boy. You did good. I hope that doesn't come with any risks in the future. Those maids though… I should probably check the binders and see if we have those maids on file. If I were to face them again. I'd like to know who created them.'
Infinyrex made it back to the secret base bookshop. Once there. He met with the person covering his shift. Pero.
"Hey buddy old pal. Did you bring the peanut brittle?" The birdman asked in his human disguise.
"Yeah. Here." Rex said while handing him over the rest of the groceries.
"You're running a bit late. Anything exciting happen?"
"You could say that. By the way. Do we have that nazarick binder yet? I ran into some npc's and I'd like to know who they are." Infinyrex explained the whole situation to his friend.
"Damn. Well yeah. Genjiro finished compiling it this morning. It's in Ulbert's office upstairs."
As soon as they were done talking. Infinyrex went to grab the binder. Read it next to Pero at the checkout counter. And began investigating.
"Huh? I always wondered what Yamaikos npc would turn out like. And beast king did a decent job with his. Though he wrote a warning that she is secretly sadistic and to be wary of her as she can be quite cunning. Not as formidable as Yamaiko's but that she'll play with her food…yikes. We really over did it on the villain role play didn't we?"
"Yeah. But those two are nothing compared to shalltear. If you see her. Either run. Or surrender your booty to her. Because she doesn't care what you are. She'll fuck you like you're the finest piece of meat on the menu. And not in the good way." Pero replied.
"Strongest guardian of them all huh? Damn it Pero. You really screwed us over with her."
"Hey! You named yourself touch me. Don't blame me if that's an invitation for her to do exactly that." Pero replied with a laugh. "And they call me the pervert." Pero finished while drinking his coffee and looking at the daily sorcerer kingdom times newspaper.
All infinyrex could do was just shake his head in frustration.
A few hours later. The door swung open with the sound of the door hitting the bell indicating a customer has come in. Infinyrex immediately stood up. Ready to attend to the customer already knowing that his companion had a history of being lazy when it came to such things. He immediately went to greet the customer. But before he did. He was shocked that the customer was already standing in front of the desk and that it was none other than his own creation. Sebas Tian.
This surprise shook him down to his core. Believing that his previous actions outside have caused undue consequences and that his companions would be in danger.
'Fuck! I was so careful. Did I make a mistake helping that boy?! No! You had to. He was lost. It was common sense to help him! I do not regret it. If anything happens here. Me and pero should be able to win. Granted it's only Sebas'
"Can I help you with anything sir?" He regained his composure and greeted him as usual. Sebas responded.
"Yes. Are you the one who helped out my son find his way back to his caretakers a while ago?"
'Oh shit! It is because of that. What should I do? What should I say? Pero is getting his dagger ready beneath the table. Should i let him go for it? Pero's skills far surpass that of Sebas. He could kill Sebas in one blow without effort. What's the move here? Is he threatening me?'
"Yes. That would be me. I sincerely apologize if my actions have caused you and your family any trouble in any way." Rex bowed. Never keeping his eyes off of Sebas. Peroroncino Just stayed sitting down. Pretending to read the newspaper. Holding his dagger. Getting ready if Sebas makes a wrong move. Even back in yggdrasil. Pero sought out as many skills in the game. Finding an advantage beyond being an archer. Sebas may be a martial lord class. But Pero is a martial king class in yggdrasil 2. The odds would be against Sebas either way.
"No need to apologize. I merely came to thank you. As his father, I should've taught him better. I'd also like to apologize for any inconvenience he may have caused you." It was sebas's turn to bow.
"Please. There's no need. I was merely acting on my own civic duty. I'm just glad the boy made it home to his family."
Infinyrex was trying desperately to get Sebas to leave. He noticed that Pero was slowly starting to loosen his grip on his dagger but not lower his guard.
"Very well. If you say so, that is your right. I still believe that the fault was mine for not educating him further on public settings. My purpose here remains the same. As a reward for helping the next generation of servants to Nazarick. I'd like to give you this invitation to the anniversary ball in memoriam of the hero Momon." Sebas said while handing him an envelope with the ainz ooal gown emblem on it.
'Oh shit, no' Rex said in his mind as pero. Who was hiding behind the newspaper. Spat out his coffee out of being taken by surprise by the invitation.
"Oh. there's a an event going on? Are you sure it's alright for me to go? I am but a commoner with no importance to the kingdom." Rex responded clearly flabbergasted by the invitation.
"It wouldn't be the first time a commoner was invited to such an event. So it's alright if you come. Did you perhaps already have a prior engagement that needs attending to?" sebas asked.
'What's the move rex? What should I do? Will it be rude if I don't accept his invitation. Maybe Ulbert can find some use in it? Fuck it! We can't afford to be killed right now. Maybe Sebas will report back to get reinforcements to kill us.'
"Very well. I accept your invitation. Will you be attending yourself?"
"Yes. though merely as an escort to the sorcerer king. Very well if that is all. I must be going."
"Yes. Thank you for the invitation. I hope to see you there, even if you are busy my lord." Infinyrex said hesitantly.
The butler of steel left the store. And as soon as he did. There was a moment of awkward silence in the store. Both the attendants just looked at nothing. Until Pero broke the silence.
"What the hell?! What just happened?!"
"I don't know! I didn't know if it was bad if we accepted it or worse if we didn't accept it! Was this the right move?!"
"I.. I… I… I don't know! Oh fuck! What are we going to do?! Ulbert's gonna kill us. We already had a plan. Now this is going to fuck us back to square one."
"Maybe it won't be that bad. It's just a party right? We can handle it."
"No! Rex! My biggest concern is that if sebas will be there. Then shalltear will also be there! And if she's there. She can smell your ass coming from a mile away. She'll come on to you with her vampire powers and fuck you right on the spot!.if you value your marital status with your wife! Then you best not go to that party!"
"Okay then why don't you go in my stead?"
"Excuse me! Did you not hear what I said!? I'll spell it out for you. Shalltear will fuck my brains out. My consent is not needed. I may be a freak under the sheets but she's a fucking psychopath with the need to have us chained up in her sex dungeon. You hear me! She wants to make us her bottom bitches!" Pero yelled trying to knock some sense into his friend.
"Alright! Fine, I got the picture. Let's discuss this with Punitto and Ulbert on how to go about it. We good?" pero nodded and the two waited for their friend to return from their errand.