Overlord>11. Confusion and Understanding

Ainz: Umm...This is bad. I never thought that I have to resort using a god level item...

Narberal: (Beep beep) Lord Ainz.

Ainz: It's better been important, Narberal. I told you not to disturb me...It's okay. Forget about it. What do you need?

Narberal: You received a message from adventurers' guild. The leader Ainzach wants to meet with you. A vampire has been terrorizing the area outside of E-Rantel. The guild needs your help. They sound desperate.

Ainz: Hmm...I'm on my way. Let him know I'll be there soon.

--- <OP> ---

Ainzach: I'd like to thank you mithril level adventurers. For taking your time out of your busy schedule to meet with me. Now, let's get down to business. Last night, seven adventurers were attacked. And, five Iron class men were killed. They claim it was a vampire. She ambushed them from the forest outside of town. Here's what we know. The monster has blonde hair, and a large mouth containing very sharp fangs.

Ainz: That describes Shalltear to a T...

Ainzach: If this creature indeed a vampire, we need to keep it from entering city at all costs. Left unchecked, it could turn E-Rantel's populate into slaves.

Bellote: Was this fellow beast involved the recent cemetery incident?

Moknach: Well, I'm sure Mr. Momon here know the answer to that?

Igvarge: It must be nice to get bumped up to mithril after only one quest, huh?

Bellote: Don't be like that, Igvarge.

Igvarge: ...

Ainzach: After investigating the cemetery, we know without a doubt that Zuranon follower were behind the attack there.

Bellote: Wait, Zuranon? The dangerous cult obsessed with the undead? Then...the vampire has to be involved them.

Moknach: We can't say that for certain. Though, if I had to guess, it's a decoy.

Igvarge: Sure, but it doesn't take a vampire to kill Iron plates.

Ainzach: Let's just concentrate on finding in the field. She was last seen near some caves. I'll send out a search party.

Ainz: I'm positive this creature is not affiliate with Zuranon.

Ainzach: And how can you be so sure?

Ainz: That vampire is known as...Ponyoponyomm...

Ainzach: ...Eh, what?

Ainz: Honyopenyonko!

Ainzach: So is this, Honey...pod, er, I take it you're familiar with this monster.

Ainz: Indeed. I have quite a history with it. I've tracking her for years. She's powerful. Now just any man could compete with her strength. But my team will get rid of this nuisance for you. No problem.

Everyone: Oh...

Igvarge: The hell you will!

Ainzach: ...You're sure you can kill her?

Ainz: Definitely. Because I have this. There is Eighth-tier magic within this crystal.

Everyone: Oh...!

Ainzach: That's impossible! Everyone knows that Eighth-tier is just a myth!

Igvarge: No way. That thing's a fake!

Ainz: I can get it appraised. But we'll be wasting valuable time.

Ainzach: ...Your reward?

Ainz: Details can be hammered out later, however, I expect the promotion to orichalcum.

Igvarge: Orichalcum?!

Ainz: Must I demonstrate my strength time after time?

Ainzach: ...As you wish.

Igvarge: I'm going, too!

Ainz: You'll just slow me down.

Igvarge: How dare newbie like you talk to me like that?! Screw you! We don't even know how powerful this vampire really is!

Moknach: Knock it off, Igvarge!

Bellote: There's no need for such hostility.

Ainz: Tag along, if you must. But I warn you...

Igvarge: ...?

Ainz: It means certain death.

---

Igvarge: No! You bastard! I can't believe this you [???]. I'm gonna kill you! All of you!

Ainz: I explicitly said this will happen. You have no one but to serve to blame. Now, it's time to face the consequences of your actions. Death might come slithery.

Igvarge: Ugg...Damn you all...!

---

Mare: ...I hope that satisfactory, my lord?

Ainz: Yes, excellent job. Those men were so weak. It was a waste of time to call for you.

Narberal: So, what should we do with their bodies?

Ainz: Take them to Nazarick. Let's see if we can create high-level undead creatures with their corpses.

Narberal: It will be done.

Ainz: Mare, I need you to escort Narberal. And Hamsuke as well.

Mare: Yes, Lord Ainz.

Hamsuke: Lord, afraid to go to Nazarick Hamsuke is...Am I do eaten I will be...?

Narberal: You are the property of Lord Ainz. As his pet, no one would dare eat you.

Hamsuke: If you say so, mistress Narberal. In your hands my life is...

Ainz: Hm, Albedo, let's continue our mission.

Albedo: Lord.

---

Ainz: ...Shalltear.

Albedo: Shalltear! Answer your master! You disrespectful little wi--Eh?

Ainz: Be quiet! And, this really be happening...! No...It's impossible...But Shalltear's clearly affected. Even though she's undead...I can see there was a battle, and the victor took control of her mind...Then, so she has left here alone without any orders to obey. And now, she waits...
We need to break the spell over Shalltear. There's a thin to way such a strong magical item on a counter spell.

Albedo: What is that?

Ainz: A super rare ring. It's known a shooting star. Three times a day, it lets the wearer cast the spell, "Wish upon the Star". I hope she's impressed. This thing wasn't cheap, costing entire my summer bonus...

Albedo: That's powerful...

Ainz: You've never seen Super-tier magic?

Albedo: No. I've only heard rumors of its existence. And it's stronger than Tenth-tier spell...

Ainz: Correct. Using it requires some certain skill set. One but I happened to possess, magic points don't affect the spell at all. And rather, long casting time. However, we don't have to worry about that. This ring cancels out the casting time. Plus, it activates the spell without using any experience points. I should be able to release Shalltear in no time to left.

Albedo: But, Lord Ainz, Shalltear is a servant. It's unnecessary to use such an important item on her. Oh, your compassion knows no bounds...

Ainz: "Shooting Star"! Now, ring, cure Shalltear of all her status affects! I command you!
...Huh?! What's this...?! It doesn't make sense! Someone here stronger than Super-tier magic?! No... We're leaving! Albedo! Let's go!

Albedo: Lord!

---

Albedo: Nn...

Ainz: Damn it...Damn it! Damn it...! Damn it! Damn it! Mwwah!

Albedo: Are you okay?

Ainz: ...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have acted that way in front of you.

Albedo: There's something go wrong with the spell, my lord?

Ainz: The ring was definitely activated correctly. However, the wish was not granted. Only one thing is capable of withstanding a Super-tier magic spell, and I honestly never thought this world can contain such a power...

Albedo: No way, you mean...!?

Ainz: A World-level item.

Albedo: !

Ainz: Albedo.

Albedo: Lord?

Ainz: The security level of Nazarick needs to be raised to maximum. Also, all the guardians need to return home immediately.

---

Mare: Excuse me. Lord Ainz sent orders for all of us. We are to supervise the first, second, and third floors.

Servants: (Noise)

Cocytus: Nazarick is currently following the top most alert protocol. Let's use this situation to show the Supreme Beings that we are completely loyal to them.

---

Demiurge: The all-powerful ones created us to do their bidden. If anyone fails to meet their expectations, then they have absolutely no purpose for their existence...and they should be terminated at once.

---

Aura: Umm...What could she possibly be doing down there...?

---

Solution: I can't believe Shalltear would rebel...Sebas, shouldn't we return to Nazarick with all other guardians?

Sebas: No. We were given special role. It's to continue onward mission. Our presences' needed in E-Rantel. You should never question Lord Ainz' wishes. He is a great man. I have no doubt that he will choose the best course of action.

---

Albedo: Ah...

Ainz: This is your first time in the treasury?

Albedo: Yes. I couldn't enter without the ring of Ainz Ooal Gown. It is the only key.

Ainz: A security feature.
..."Glory to Ainz Ooal Gown." Let's see..."By this means, you will acquire the glory of the whole world, and so, you will drive away all shadows and blindness." At least I believe that's correct...?
...We are ahead to the Mausoleum. It's not far.

Albedo: Mausoleum...? I didn't know there was one...

Ainz: Hmm...I guess it has been off-limits. Are you aware Pandora's Actor?

Albedo: Of course. I know his existence. But we've never actually met. Pandora's Actor...His power and intelligence rivals my own...created by the masters to be the one true guardian of the treasury. If I'm not mistaken, you designed him yourself, my lord.

Ainz: Yes, that's right.

Albedo: He's also responsible for keeping our finances and check.

Ainz: Nn, yes.

Albedo: Eh...? Lord Tabula?! Is that really you?! ...Wait a second. It's imposter! Who are you? And why are you disguised as my creator? You may have the copy of his appearance and his aura perfectly, but I was able to see past your facade!
...Kill this thing.

Yuri: Are you sure?

Ainz: Pandora's Actor, change your form.

Albedo: What...?

Pandora's Actor: ...Hello, darlings. It's nice to have company.
Greetings to my creator, Lord Momonga!

Ainz: Um...You look like you're doing well?

Pandora's Actor: Yes! I couldn't feel better, my good sir! It has been a while. To what do I owe this honor?

Ainz: I'm in need some World items.

Pandora's Actor: Oh! World item! Changing the world with the immense power! Showing the greatness of the mighty Supreme Beings! ...These sacred treasures have been sleep for ages beneath the Nazarick. Has the time finally come to wake them up?

Ainz: This stupid is so lame!
...Yes, you are correct. I need Billion Blades, Hygieia's Chalice, Avarice and Selfless, and Depiction of Nature and Society.

Pandora's Actor: Outstanding! Great choice of Lord Momonga.

Ainz: Another thing, address me as Ainz from now on. I'm known as Ainz Ooal Gown.

Pandora's Actor: Oh, what a great name...It fits the wonderful man who created me, Lord Ainz!

Albedo & Yuri: Hmm...

Pandora's Actor: Oh, no. I wonder how hard cold are judging me because of this doofus!

Ainz: Just look at him, what the hell was I thinking when I designed his personality?! It's beyond embarrassing! Oh, well, at least his military outfit is still rad...

Pandora's Actor: Are you okay, my liege?

Ainz: Oh... Let's continue.

Albedo: Lord.

Pandora's Actor: Be careful now, Lord Ainz, and you two, lovely ladies...

Albedo: What did you call me? I am leader of the guardians, and Yuri is second in command of the Pleiades. You will show us the respect we both rightfully deserved.

Yuri: I agree with Albedo on this, sir.

Pandora's Actor: Ah...Please, forgive me. I can't control my tongue out around such beautiful flowers--

Ainz: I need to talk to you in private!

Pandora's Actor: Ew!

Ainz: You are aware that I am the lord who created you, correct?

Pandora's Actor: In fact, I take the deepest pride of it.

Ainz: Then, as your maker, I demand that you stop all the ridiculous saluting! That's an order, you hear me?!

Pandora's Actor: ...What?

Ainz: Okay, so, here's the problem, it's unnecessary, your outfit works as it shows your strength, but all the saluting makes you seem unstable...!

Pandora's Actor: Um...Das ist meines Gottes Wille! Eh?!

Ainz: Do not speak German in front of me! That's another direct order!

Pandora's Actor: Understood...

Ainz: Please, obey me.
I can't believe I've struggle to keep my emotions in check because I created this weird idiot...! This is more embarrassing than riding a giant hamster...
Sorry to keep you waiting. Now, Albedo.

Albedo: Lord?

Ainz: You need to give Yuri the ring of Ainz Ooal Gown that you are currently wearing.

Albedo: Eh...Um...

---

Ainz: Nobody's able to teleport to the treasury without possession of the guild ring. However, you can't enter this specific room with it on. Or the golems will sense intruders, and attack.

Albedo: These golems look familiar. Are they based off to likenesses of the Supreme Beings, my lord?

Ainz: How perceptive of you. Indeed, I had them made to honor the memory of my old comrades. They staring to look shabby, though...

Albedo: No, they're not! ...Lord Ainz, you called this place a Mausoleum. So then...does that mean the other Supreme Beings are dead? And, that's why there are statues of them here?

Ainz: ...To my knowledge, they are still alive.
Crap, I don't know why I just said that to her...Truth is, right before the game shut down, each of them gifted me the surprise...

---

Momonga: These items should the trick. Peroroncino told me to sell them all...But I just can't do it. I wasn't ready...

---

Ainz: I keep waiting for you all to come back. Please, guys...I need to believe that you are all stuck in this world, too...That I'm not alone...

Albedo: Um...

Ainz: What's wrong?

Albedo: Oh, sorry. It's nothing...

Ainz: ...Albedo, do you see that spot over there? That's where I'll put a statue of myself one of these days.

Albedo: ...! Please, don't talk like that!

Ainz: ...

Albedo: I can't bear to hear it! It tears my heart!

Ainz: Um...

Albedo: ...My dear lord Ainz, you're the only one with enough kindness not to leave all of us alone here...Master, please say that you'll stay in Nazarick and be a leader until the end of time...! We need you! I beg of you! Don't go...don't go!

Ainz: Um...Albedo. Forgive me.

Albedo: Promise me something! Say that you won't abandon us! We'll never survive on our own...Not without your wisdom!

Ainz: I can't promise that.

Albedo: Why not?! Have I done something that has offended you?! Tell me what I've done, then I'll fix it! There is nothing I wouldn't do to make things right in your eyes, my lord! If I am the problem, I swear I will repent and end my life here!

Ainz: Stop it! Listen closely! The only way to combat to World item level brain-washing is to fight fire with fire. We have no choice but to utilize World level items ourselves.

Albedo: So, you're positive? There's no doubt that a World item was used on her?

Ainz: I'm sure. And the guardians need to be the ones who wield these weapons. I have a plan. We will be able to save Shalltear.

Albedo: But...how?

Ainz: The answer's down here. Known as One of Twenty, the twenty world items of unrivaled destruction. They are currently in my possession. However, the power of the Twenty is so large. They would be expended after just one use. I'm not aware whether the World items the enemy holds, so I'm hesitant to cast its mighty spell right away. In the end, we may not have need for such extreme measures. What's wrong with me...could I be more pathetic?

Albedo: No! Please don't say that about yourself. The Supreme Ones worked hard to collect all these World items. We shouldn't let them go to waste. They are more valuable than all of the guardians' lives to put together!

Ainz: Albedo, there is a reason I won't promise you that I come back to Nazarick. I'm going to fight Shalltear...by myself.

Albedo: !

Ainz: I won't promise...because I'm not sure I'll survive the battle.

Albedo: Please rethink this! It's true that Shalltear has to be dealt with, it's too dangerous to leave her as she is. But, for me, don't go. You have an entire army under your command! She doesn't stand a chance to get the forces of Nazarick!

Ainz: You don't understand, Albedo. I have to. Let me explain. There are three reasons why. First stuff, I need to prove to myself that I'm a competent leader, worthy of my title. It was foolish of me not to consider the existence of World level items in this ground. Of course they would exist if other Yggdrasil players are here. I completely overlooked this. Not a sign of good leader, is it?

Albedo: Your destiny, is to rule over Nazarick, my lord. And though we may be lacking, we will do everything we can to support you...

Ainz: The second reason, I'm not convince this isn't a trap.

Albedo: A trap? Are you sure...?

Ainz: Shalltear may be bait. The enemy could be waiting for us to attempt her rescue. And if they founds, I'd rather be taking alone than risk having my people captured, maybe killed. The final reason is, I may have to exterminate Shalltear.

Albedo: In that case, let me come with you! I'll be the one to kill her instead!

Ainz: You honestly think you could beat her?

Albedo: ...

Ainz: She is a strong foe. I'm sorry, but it has to be me. Other than everyone who reside to Nazarick, I'm the only one that can overpower her.

Albedo: That is true...But you will have a greater chance of victory if you are armed with World items.

Ainz: Shalltear is the one who has the advantage in this fight. She is a holy magic caster which strong against the undead. Her body was designed for battle. So, you see, there is the possibility that she will defeat me.

Albedo: I'm afraid, you're right...

Ainz: You have a knowledge to protect me, which is part of your programming. And your feelings and actions are solely based on your configurations we set...

Albedo: Ah...Lord Ainz, I do not understand...?

Ainz: It's about time you'll learn to why I am called the Supreme Overlord. You'll see that I was given that name for a reason.

Albedo: Ah...

Ainz: I will not be defeated by a person's abilities alone. Remember, Peroroncino and I used to be very close friends...The outcome of this battle has already been decided. I will win.

Albedo: I understand your situation now. But, please, promise me that you will return. And I will no longer try to stop you.

Ainz: ...If that's what you mean, then I promise you I will come back alive. But first, I have to defeat Shalltear.

---

Ainz: I've learned the unfortunate lesson that an Overlord who cannot protect his subordinates is worthless beyond compare. I cursed my own foolishness as I stand there, seeing Shalltear's vacant mind-controlled gaze. Those pains me to fight her. I must, even if it means using Super-tier magic. Shalltear, my most powerful guardian, this battle will decide our fates. Well, there is no time to waste. Let's begin!
Chapter 12: The Bloody Valkyrie.