Overlord Premise Chapter 16 (Patreon)

Hey friends and fans! Kairomaru is bringing you a new chapter! With the Lizardmen’s victory over the first army sent by the ‘Great One’, celebration begins! However, the Lizardmen aren’t letting their guard down just yet. In Nazarick, Cocytus must explain his failure. But what are Momonga’s true intentions in all of this?

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So, without further delay, please enjoy.

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Chapter 16 – The Supreme One’s Decree

Floating.

It was the first sensation that Zaryusu felt as he slowly regained consciousness.

Opening his eyes fully, the floating feeling dispersed as the roof of a hut came into view, the opening near the top letting in silvery moonlight.

“I’m alive?” Zaryusu questioned himself, even as he slowly raised his hand to look at it, flexing his clawed fingers in the process. It was then that he felt the weight on his chest and looked down.

Crusch was sleeping atop Zaryusu, clearly having been with him for quite a while. “Mmm…” Crush let out a groggy hum as she curled into Zaryusu more. A moment later and Crusch woke up, her red eyes opening as she raised her head, only to come face-to-face with Zaryusu.

“Can I…put my arms around you too?” Zaryusu asked Crusch hopefully.

Crush’s albino scales took on a pink color as she hissed in embarrassment and rolled off of Zaryusu…and then kept rolling until she was on the opposite side of the hut. “Stupid, stupid, I’m so stupid…” She mumbled out, covering her face with her orange clothing.

Zaryusu let out a relieved breath. “Well, I’m just glad that you’re safe.”

Crusch stopped covering her face with her clothing and gave Zaryusu a smile. “I’m glad that you’re safe too.” She said as she walked back over to Zaryusu’s bedside.

“Do you have any idea what happened after all of that?” Zaryusu asked Crusch as he laid on the straw mat bed.

“The enemy seems to have retreated after you slayed the Elder Lich.” Crusch said as she sat next to Zaryusu. “Your brother and the others managed to clear out any remaining undead and take us back to the village. This was several hours ago, in fact, it might be yesterday, given how late it is now.” She told Zaryusu everything that she knew, having been unconscious from overusing her magic for a while.

Zaryusu nodded as he processed everything. “So, Zenberu isn’t here, but he’s…”

Crusch nodded to Zaryusu. “He’s fine. Apparently, he woke up shortly after the healing magic was used on him. He’s been out there celebrating our victory with everyone else.” Zaryusu tried to sit up, by Crusch gently put her hand on his chest to keep him lying down. “Don’t overdo it. You got the worst of it.” Her red eyes grew soft and warm as she looked at Zaryusu. “I’m so glad you’re safe. So glad…”

“Until I hear your answer…” Zaryusu gently placed his hand on Crusch’s shoulder. “…I won’t die.” Their tails entwined and Zaryusu softly trilled out a mating call.

Crusch leaned closer and returned the same trill to Zaryusu, answering him without words.

The two leaned closer, their eyes meeting and a conversation without words passed between them. With only a few centimeters separating the two, the door to the hut was suddenly slammed open.

“Yo! Are you two done with your baby making?!” Zenberu questioned loudly as he stood in the doorway. Seeing the shocked looks on both Crusch and Zaryusu’s faces made it abundantly clear that nothing had happened yet. “Huh? You’re just starting?”

In the next instant, both Zaryusu and Crush had cleared the distance and slammed a punch into Zenberu’s stomach, curling the large, crocodilian-like Lizardman over.

“Gugh!” Zenberu held his stomach in pain. “N-Nice punches there…” He managed to get out. “Especially Crusch…”

“Would you just tell us what our current status is?” Zaryusu requested with an annoyed little hiss.

Zenberu rubbed his stomach as he straightened up. “Hm? The whole village has been celebrating our victory!”

Zaryusu nodded as that lined up with what Crusch had told him. “I take it that my brother is in-charge of that?”

“Basically.” Zenberu agreed with a nod. “We sent the hunters out to try and track down the enemy. But there wasn’t a trace of them to be found. No follow up wave of enemies either. So, while we’re still on guard, your brother and the other Chiefs have declared victory.” Seeing Zaryusu and Crusch taking in the new information, Zenberu continued. “Your brother was the one that told me to come get you two.” He said with a chuckle. “Something about you two having plenty of time to rest and that maybe you’d both been awake for a while now, but were just ‘busy’ with something else.”

“Don’t lie to me.” Zaryusu narrowed his eyes at Zenberu. “My brother wouldn’t say such things!”

Crusch silenced both males as she gave Zenberu the most flat stare she could. “…you’re the worst.”

Zenberu actually flinched at the look Crusch was giving him.

“So, why are you actually here?” Zaryusu asked directly.

“Oh, I just…” Zenberu began, only to get cut off.

Crush’s petite form almost seemed to loom over Zenberu. “If you say that you came here just to bother us, then I’m going to hit you with every spell that I can think of.” She threatened Zenberu with rage simmering just beneath her words.

“Aww, come on! I came to invite you guys!” Zenberu said as he took a step towards the door. “We’re VIPs, you know?! And when you think about what might happen in the future, we kinda have to go…” He was clearly throwing out whatever he could in hopes of diffusing Crusch’s anger.

“I see…” Zaryusu said even as he thought about that last part. ‘If we put in an appearance, it’ll make it easier to lead everyone later…’ “Got it. You’re okay, right, Crusch?” He asked Crusch, only to see her looking annoyed.

“Yes…” Crusch said, her irritation at having been interrupted clear.

As soon as the three of them were outside, the sounds of splashing and heavy steps got their attention before Rororo practically tackled Zaryusu, rubbing all four snake heads against him. “Reee!”

“Rororo!” Zaryusu hugged and petted each of the four heads happily. “You’re alright!” He was glad to see that his hydra friend had been healed after the battle and was back in perfect health.

A splash came from where Crusch stood, her tail lightly slapping the water as she watched Zaryusu gush over Rororo. “What’s wrong?” She asked as Zaryusu and Rororo stopped moving, the smile she gave the two seemed strained.

Zaryusu and Rororo pulled away from each other after sharing a look. “N-Nothing…”

Zenberu barely suppressed his laughter as he patted one of Rororo’s head and began to lead the hydra away. “C’mon, Rororo! Let’s you and me get back to the party first!”

Watching Zenberu and Rororo walk away, Crusch sighed and held her face with her hands. “Gosh… What’s gotten into me? It’s like my heart isn’t my own anymore…”

“Can you hear that?” Zaryusu asked Crusch softly as he stood beside her. The faint laughter and cheer of the victory celebration could be heard even this far from where all of the other Lizardmen were in the village. “It’s what we protected. And what we have to protect from now on too.” Crusch smiled at the laughter and joy she could hear from their people. “Maybe nothing is over yet. Maybe the ‘Great One’ or whoever will attack us again. But…just for today, how about we relax?” He gently put his arm over Crusch’s shoulders. “Do you wanna go?” He motioned with his head towards the party.

“Yes…” Crusch said warmly as she leaned into Zaryusu and laid her head against his chest. “…dear.”

-Nazarick Lemegeton Outside the Throne Room-

Cocytus stood within Lemegeton, waiting for the doors of the Throne Room to open and allow him entry. As he waited, his thoughts were focused on his own failure. ‘We’ve been defeated… My death alone cannot atone for this… If Lord Momonga became disappointed and abandoned us…’ One of his four hands clenched into a fist at the thought of his failure making Momonga abandon Nazarick in shame.

The large doors opened a second later and Cocytus walked inside, straight down the red carpet that led up to the pitch-black ‘Throne of Kings’ which currently sat empty. All of the Floor Guardians were there, each of them looking at Cocytus differently. Mare looked sympathetic, while Aura appeared neutral. Demiurge was hard to read, his expression blank. Shalltear looked cooly at Cocytus from the corner of her eye, but there was no derision from the True Vampire, as she’d also experienced a failure of her own recently.

With the other Floor Guardians–aside from Demiurge—were their direct subordinates, all of them standing quietly. Shalltear’s Vampire Brides, Aura’s black and gold Fenrir and green-scaled Itzamna, and two of the Dragonkin from the Amphitheater stood behind Mare. Behind the Floor Guardians and their subordinates stood a few of the Pleiades Maids: CZ, Lupusregina, Narberal, and Entoma. Just behind Lupusregina was Clementine—entirely because she was technically under Lupusregina’s command while training up her Weretiger body to become useful to Nazarick—who only glanced at Cocytus once with her red eyes before looking back towards the throne to not be disrespectful.

A side door near the front of the throne room was opened by Yuri Alpha before she bowed at the waist properly, her eyes closed. Through the door walked Momonga, the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown in hand, with Albedo following behind him one step behind and to the right.

“The highest ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Lord Momonga…” Yuri Alpha announced, as was her role when attending to Ainz at such a meeting. “…and Overseer of the Floor Guardians, Lady Albedo.”

Everyone in the throne room kneeled without hesitation. Even Aura’s familiars laid down and placed their heads on the ground in a show of obedience to their master’s master.

Thanks to his wide field of view, Cocytus was still able to see the cold look Albedo sent his way as she ascended the steps towards the throne behind Momonga. Unbeknownst to either of them, both were having the same worry: ‘Would Lord Momonga abandon them all for this failure?’

“Raise your heads.” Momonga said as he sat upon the ‘Throne of Kings’ and looked at the Floor Guardians, their subordinates, and the Pleiades Battle Maids.

“The Floor Guardians have gathered before you, Lord Momonga. Your wish is our command.” Albedo said as her role as Overseer dictated.

Momonga nodded once to Albedo before he spoke. “How good of you to gather before me. First, a word of thanks.” His ever-shifting eyes of myriad color looked at Demiurge. “Demiurge!”

Demiurge perked up and answered immediately. “My Lord!”

“Sorry to summon you so often. I’m grateful for your loyalty.” Momonga thanked the Arch Devil for always heeding his words and requests.

“Oh, what are you saying, Lord Momonga?” Demiurge had a small smile on his lips from the praise. “I am but your servant. It is only natural that I should come when you call.”

Momonga took a moment to let the comment pass, affecting an unbothered demeanor as best as he could, before speaking again. “About the goatskin that you’ve acquired; it has proven capable of being used for low-tier scrolls, is it possible to secure a stable supply?”

Demiurge bowed his head once more. “Yes, Lord Momonga, that will be no issue since we’ve captured a sufficient number of the beasts.”

“Ah, yes, what was the name of the goat creatures that you’ve been domesticating?” Momonga asked, as if such a thing was beneath his notice; when, in reality, he’d truly forgotten and needed the reminder.

“They are called ‘Dahu’, my lord. A species of magical goats from the Abelion Hills.” Demiurge answered promptly. “Those that have taken well to the domestication are already breeding, and as we use healing magic on the adults that we skin, each individual can be used multiple times without issue to bolster our supply.”

Momonga nodded, having taken a look at the Dahu Farm through a Mirror of Remote Viewing a couple of times now, since he hadn’t found the time to visit in-person just yet. “Good. Then continue as you were.”

“As you command, my lord.” Demiurge bowed his head as he accepted Momonga’s orders.

“Your success cannot be properly thanked with mere words, Demiurge.” Momonga said as he reached into the black void that was his inventory and removed two items. One was a black velvet over the shoulders cape with a red interior, while the other was a black top hat with red stitching along the top and a red band at the base, a golden clock, almost like a pocket watch, was attached to the front of the top hat. “Your creator, and my friend, Ulbert Alain Odle, left these items in the care of Ainz Ooal Gown. They were his first attempt at creating the items that would go on to be his main equipment. While I’m sure he’d find it slightly embarrassing to have anyone see his first attempts, they are part of Ainz Ooal Gown’s history. I cannot think of anyone that would treasure them as much as you, Demiurge.” With a mere motion of his hand, the two items floated over to Demiurge and the Arch Devil received them as if they were sacred relics…because to him they very much were.

Demiurge trembled slightly as he held items made by his own Creator. “My lord, this servant cannot thank you enough for your grace! I shall endeavor to serve you with even greater devotion!”

“Equip them, if you’d like, Demiurge. They are yours now to do with as you see fit.” Momonga said as he watched Demiurge’s reaction to his gift/reward. ‘Score! Giving the Floor Guardians items made by their creators is definitely the way to go when it comes to rewards!’ The fact that both the hat and cape were only Legacy Class Items meant that they weren’t overly powerful by Nazarick’s standards, but it wasn’t the power that mattered when giving a gift to the Floor Guardians, as Demiurge had clearly demonstrated as he stored the ‘relics’ of his Creator into his own inventory.

“Cocytus, Lord Momonga has something to say to you.” Albedo spoke coldly, as she moved the meeting onto the next topic. “Please listen.”

“I saw the battle with the Lizardmen, Cocytus.” Momonga said, touching onto the immovable core of his Primordial Deity being to keep his emotions steady. “It ended in defeat, didn’t it?”

“My lord!” Cocytus bowed his head. “My humble apologies for this error. I-”

Clack

The end of Ginnungagap was tapped on the floor, cutting Cocytus off.

“…Cocytus.” Albedo said coldly, her golden eyes looking down on the other Floor Guardian without remorse. “If you’re going to apologize, raise your head.”

Cocytus immediately did so, realizing his disrespect to Momonga. “Do pardon me!” He requested of Momonga as he looked up at the Supreme One.

“Cocytus.” Momonga waved off the apology. “Let’s here from the general of the defeated army. How did it feel to be in command?”

“My lord!” Cocytus placed one of his hands on his chest. “My humble apologies for being unable to make effective use of the soldiers that you gave me, as well as for losing the Elder Lich you created.”

Momonga barely raised an eyebrow at the apology. “Hm? Losing an undead of Iguva’s level is fine. Don’t worry about that. What I’m asking is: what was it like to lead an army?” He held his chin with one hand, as if thinking about his words. “I’ll say this first; I have no intention of blaming you terribly for this defeat.”

Cocytus didn’t need to even turn his head to briefly focus his gaze on Demiurge. ‘So, just as Demiurge said, Lord Momonga was…’

“Everyone fails sometimes.” Momonga said to everyone in the throne room. “Even me. What matters is what you gained from the experience.” He refocused on Cocytus. “Let me rephrase the question. Cocytus, how could you have won?”

“I underestimated the Lizardmen.” Cocytus said first after a moment to think. “I should have gathered intelligence…on their strengths, the lay of the land, and proceeded more cautiously.”

Momonga nodded once. “Correct. No matter how weak an opponent may seem, you should never make light of them. What else?”

Cocytus took a second before responding, running the battle through his mind again. “We also didn’t have enough commanders. We should’ve attached a commander to the low-tier undead to give them orders.” The Vermin Lord thought for a short moment before continuing. “Considering the Lizardmen’s weapons, we should have hit them with zombies to tire them out or used all our troops at once…”

“Hmm.” Momonga nodded slightly. “And besides that?”

“My apologies. That’s all that I can come up with at the moment.” Cocytus apologized to Momonga for his lack of further responses.

“Well done.” Momonga said to Cocytus, letting the entire throne room hear his words. “I can think of some other things, but you have learned well enough, Cocytus.” He held out his hand towards the Vermin Lord. “Really, I wanted you to discover these things on your won without being asked, but…” Momonga’s eyes briefly glanced toward Demiurge, knowing from Entoma’s report that Cocytus had contacted the other Floor Guardian. “I suppose this is acceptable.”

Cocytus bowed his head to Momonga, remaining silent as he knew this wasn’t his time to speak.

Momonga’s wings ruffled once from where they rested along the ‘Throne of Kings’. “But why didn’t you choose these courses of action from the start?”

“…I hadn’t thought of them.” Cocytus admitted to his lord. “I believed that we could simply keep pushing.”

“So, when you lost the soldiers, you realized some things? Good!” Momonga said with a thrum of power that only those in close proximity to him could feel. “If you strive to avoid failure the next time, then this will have been a meaningful defeat. Besides the Elder Lich, all of those undead were auto-spawning monsters. Losing them won’t affect Nazarick in the slightest. It’s much more important that you learned something.”

Cocytus looked up at Momonga with gratitude, even though his insectoid expression couldn’t change. “Thank you, Lord Momonga.”

Momonga rested his cheek on the palm of his right hand, propped up on the armrest of the throne. “That said… It’s true that you were defeated. So, I will have you accept punishment.” Momonga was taking Albedo’s advice about proper rewards and punishments and displaying it here by rewarding Demiurge for his success with the goatskin for their magic scrolls, and by punishing Cocytus for his failure in battle against the Lizardmen. “Honestly, I thought I’d take you off this operation…” There were few things more dishonorable than a general being relieved of command for incompetence, after all. “…but this is a better idea.”

Cocytus—and everyone else in the throne room—looked up at Momonga for the punishment that he was about to order.

“Cocytus…” Momonga pointed at the Guardian of the Fifth Floor. “Exterminate the Lizardmen! This time without anyone’s help!”

One of Cocytus’s fists clenched against the floor at the order. “Lord Momonga…there is something that I’d like to ask of you!” That made more than a few of the Floor Guardians flinch just slightly as they glanced at Cocytus. “Please, Lord Momonga!”

“You fool!!” Albedo snapped at Cocytus, her golden eyes practically glowing in rage. “You dare petition Lord Momonga, despite being the one that brought defeat to glorious Nazarick?! Know your place! Back dow-”

“That’s enough, Albedo.” Momonga’s words cut off the Overseer and made her go silent in the same instant. “Raise your head, Cocytus. Why don’t you let me hear what it is you want to ask?”

Cocytus was silent, wondering if he’d truly overstepped his bounds as Albedo had said.

Momonga pressed a little further. “What’s wrong, Cocytus? I’m not mad or anything. What are you thinking? What do you want to say? I just want to know.”

“I am…against killing all of the Lizardmen…” Cocytus said after a moment to resolve himself. “Please, have mercy, Lord Momonga.”

Albedo visibly bristled at Cocytus’s words. “…Cocytus. Do you know what you’re saying? That you would object to the punishment Lord Momonga ordered… Are you scared of the Lizardmen?” Not getting a response from Cocytus, Albedo took a step forward in anger. “What do you have to say for your-”

Clack

The bottom of the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown hit the floor of the throne room and seemed to resonate throughout in a display of power.

“Albedo.” Momonga turned to look at Albedo pointedly. “I’m asking him. Don’t interfere.”

“P-Please excuse me…” Albedo clasped her hands together near her waist and bowed slightly to Momonga in apology.

Momonga returned his attention to Cocytus once Albedo stepped back. “Cocytus. You must have a reason for this request. Some benefit to the Great Tomb of Nazarick?”

“My lord!” Cocytus nodded quickly. “These Lizardmen are full of potential. It’s possible that in the future they will produce robust warriors. I believe instilling loyalty to Nazarick within them would be of grater benefit than exterminating them.”

“Your proposal does make sense.” Momonga said thoughtfully. “I’m not convinced that making undead from Lizardmen corpses would produce anything more powerful than using human corpses.” Before Cocytus could speak, Momonga raised his hand for silence. “However, undead never betray you. They also don’t require resources like food and drink to live. Could you tell me the advantage of keeping them alive?”

Cocytus was silent, though even with his exoskeleton making emotive expression impossible, it was clear that he was trying to think of a reason to give Lord Momonga.

“What’s the matter, Cocytus? You don’t have anything?” Momonga asked again.

‘There’s no way that I can say that I’m attracted to their warrior spirit.’ Cocytus thought to himself, trying to give a legitimate reason to Momonga. It was a couple of seconds before he saw something at the corner of his vision that reminded him of a reason to keep the Lizardmen alive. “Martial Arts.” He said, moving his gaze from Clementine’s bowed form and back to Momonga.

Momonga actually raised an eyebrow at Cocytus’s reasoning. “What about Martial Arts? We’ve already thoroughly studied them, thanks to Clementine.” He motioned towards the Weretiger woman and Clementine bowed her head lower, a small smile on her lips at the acknowledgement.

“Yes, Lord Momonga. I am aware.” Cocytus said, recalling his own attempts to learn the fighting arts of this New World, only to be unable to. He could copy the motions of the techniques easily enough with some practice, but there was no boost from them, it was merely motion without the power granted by successfully using the Martial Art. “However, while none of the denizens of Nazarick can learn Martial Arts, the Lizardmen can and do utilize them. Would it not be a boon to Nazarick to bolster our forces with more Martial Arts users as we expand our territory, my lord?”

Everyone in the throne room at least glanced at Cocytus in some surprise. Demiurge especially, as he knew how Cocytus normally was and had been prepared to speak up if things looked like they were going to get too far away from Cocytus’s ability to reason through.

“Hmm. That’s not a bad proposal, Cocytus.” Momonga said with the barest hint of a smile on his face. “As our territory expands, we will naturally encounter other races and will have to decide whether to bring them under our rule or annihilate them. This could very well be a chance to experiment with leading such a group without resorting to fear or oppression.” He looked at Cocytus, his ever-shifting eye colors becoming mostly warm tones, a hint at the joy and pride that he was feeling. “What I wanted was an original idea, no matter what it was. In that regard, you’ve impressed me, Cocytus.”

Cocytus bowed deeply to Momonga. “Thank you, my lord.”

Momonga looked at each of the Guardians, directing his next words to them specifically. “Listen well, my Guardians. What’s most important is not blindly following orders, but determining their intent.” He tapped the side of his head with his index finger. “Think about what will benefit Nazarick the most. If you believe an order is mistaken, then make that case to me or whoever made the proposal.”

“Yes, lord!” All of the Floor Guardians responded immediately.

“Now, let’s return to the previous topic.” Momonga looked back at Cocytus. “As we’ve now changed the fate of the Lizardmen from extermination to occupation, your punishment has changed as well, Cocytus.” He pointed at the Vermin Lord. “Govern the Lizardmen and instill in them a loyalty towards Nazarick. But rule by fear is strictly prohibited. We want this to be a case study.”

Cocytus nodded while looking up at Momonga. “Understood. I swear to perform in a way that lives up to the mercy that you’ve shown me!”

Momonga stood up from the ‘Throne of Kings’. “Then I order all Guardians to sortie. We need a feint and to show the Lizardmen our power.” He looked at Cocytus directly. “If it will cause obstacles in governing them later, we don’t have to do it. What do you think?”

“I don’t believe there will be any issues.” Cocytus said with certainty, a cloud of frigid air escaping his mandibles.

“Then all Guardians, prepare for departure!” Momonga ordered.

Every Guardian and subordinate bowed low to Momonga. “Yes, Lord Momonga!”

Momonga turned to look at Albedo with a small grin. “Albedo. I’m going as well. Prepare the soldiers.”

Albedo closed her eyes and bowed with a soft smile on her lips. “Understood.” She straightened up and opened her golden eyes to look at Momonga again. “Should I presume that a third-party spy is watching and choose personnel that will cause a misunderstanding?”

“Exactly. But don’t forget that we still have to awe the Lizardmen into submission.” Momonga appreciated how easy Albedo made things like this.

“Then perhaps an army with Nazarick Old Guarders as the linchpin would be attractive.” Albedo suggested with a little smile.

‘Nazarick Old Guarders are plenty strong… I’d expect nothing less from our Overseer.’ Cocytus thought to himself as he was just close enough to hear what Albedo and Momonga were talking about.

Momonga nodded at Albedo’s suggestion. “How many do you need?”

Albedo only took a moment to consider the numbers. “Three thousand.”

“That’s not very many. To really terrify them, we should have double that.” Momonga said with a thoughtful look as he held his chin.

“Then how about mobilizing the Nazarick Elder Guarders and Nazarick Master Guarders?” Albedo suggested with a polite grin that hid the fact that even one or two of the Master Guarders would most likely be able to lay waste to all of the Lizardmen, if allowed. Yet they’d only be using them as a show of their power.

Momonga nodded at the suggestion. “Great!” He then looked into Albedo’s golden eyes. “And is there any issue with activating Gargantua?”

Albedo’s expression was cool and even, the barest hint of a smile gracing her lips. “No, my lord. He is fully mobile.” She thought of the massive stone golem that was the Guardian of the Fourth Floor of Nazarick.

“Then, Shalltear,” Momonga turned to the True Vampire watching as she perked up immediately. “…use [Gate] to transport our troops all at once.”

Shalltear looked up at Momonga with a slightly uncertain look. “I may not have enough magical power.”

“Then have Pestonya support you.” Momonga said before thinking on it a little more. “In fact…” He looked over to where the Pleiades were still kneeling. “Lupusregina Beta, you will assist Shalltear and Pestonya with transporting our troops with [Gate]!”

“Yes, lord!” Lupusregina accepted immediately, a smile on her face at getting to be useful to Momonga.

“Thank you, my Lord Momonga.” Shalltear smile up at Momonga before bowing her head properly.

Momonga turned to face the throne room at large. “Well then… Move out, everybody! Tomorrow we’ll show the Lizardmen the power of Nazarick!”

-Momonga’s Room ~ Later-

“Hah…” Momonga threw himself onto his large bed and sighed heavily from the powerful front that he’d had to put on all day. “Man, I’m beat… I want to throw back some drinks and get wasted…but I can’t.” Immunity to poison included alcohol, much to Momonga’s displeasure. ‘But still… To think that Cocytus would say all of that. It was totally unexpected.’ He rolled onto his back and stared up at the canopy of his four poster bed. ‘But now I’ve confirmed that the Guardians and other NPC’s can grow. That’s a great outcome.’ He let out a small groan as he thought about the downsides of said growth. “That said… If they keep growing and eventually turn on me…” He rolled onto his side with a heavy sigh. “Ahh… That’s too scary. I wish there was someone in Nazarick who could give me a crash course in Kingcraft!”

He then thought of the few NPC’s with royal designs, like Kyouhukou the ‘Prince of Fear’ or Gashokukochuuou ‘The King of Hungry Prolyferum’ and immediately decided against learning from any of them.

With a sigh, Momonga rolled over, burying his face in the pillow. “Mm?” He sniffed the pillow some more. “What’s this floral scent? Are they perfuming my sheets?” Taking another sniff, Momonga realized he knew this scent. “Why would Albedo’s scent be on my bed?” He then imagined the most likely reason and his face went a bit red as his mind conjured the image of a naked Albedo rolling about in his bed to leave her scent all over it. “Don’t think about it!” Momonga shook his head. “You have to be up in the morning! Go to sleep!” While he didn’t require sleep, it was something he enjoyed since he could now indulge in it unlike in his old world, and it also helped with mental fatigue.

-Razor Tail Village ~ Morning-

Zaryusu woke up a little groggy in the later half of the morning. He was happy to see Crusch sleeping beside him. But his moment didn’t last long as he noticed the striking silence from outside. “Crusch, Crusch…” He gently shook his female awake.

“Ngh…” Crusch let out a soft groan as she opened her red eyes and slowly sat up.

“Something’s happened.” Zaryusu said, making Crusch blink before they both quickly headed outside.

They stopped and looked up at the sky almost immediately, seeing thick, dark clouds spreading unnaturally fast across the sky and blocking out the sun.

“They’ve…returned?” Crusch knew that such a sight could only come from the ‘Great One’.

Both Zaryusu and Crush rushed towards the wall surrounding he village where they knew everyone would be gathering.

At the village gate, Zenberu, Sukyu, Crusch, and Zaryusu looked out across the lake to the massive forces gathered on the shore. Thousands of undead, all standing like unmoving sentinels, even as the dark clouds blotted out the morning sun.

“Five thousand is a low estimate…” Sukyu said as the Lizardmen had only been able to do some minor reconnaissance since the undead army had seemingly shown up out of nowhere.

“Can’t believe they managed to bring out a force this large after the damage we did last time.” Zenberu scratched at the scales on his head.

It was Crusch that realized the weapons, shields, and armor the undead were holding wasn’t normal. “What…no way?!” She gasped as to her eyes all of the equipment had a faint glow around it.

“That’s ridiculous… Magic weapons?!” Zaryusu noticed as well after a moment to look over everything. “A mythical undead army?” It was the only thing he could think to call such a force.

Woooooooo

A chill wind swept across the lake and through the village.

“How’d the wind get cold so suddenly?” Zenberu questioned at the sharp drop in temperature.

“I don’t believe it…” Crusch said in disbelief. “The only thing that could change the air like this is [Control Weather], Sixth Tier Magic.”

Zaryusu grunted, realizing that Iguva, the most powerful enemy he’d ever faced, absolutely paled in comparison to the power now before them. “Are you sure, Crusch?” When she nodded in confirmation, Zaryusu looked back across the lake to the undead army. “So, this must be the power of the ‘Great One’.”

“Remain calm!” Shasuryu’s voice called out loudly as he approached with Kyuku at his side. “Do not let fear rule you, brave warriors!” He stopped in the middle of the gathered Lizardmen warriors. “The ancestor spirits are watching! Don’t do or think anything that would make them hang their heads in shame!”

Kyuku looked towards the army as he noticed movement. “Enemy. Making. Move.” He pointed out that the undead had begun moving.

“They don’t look like they’re entering a battle formation.” Zaryusu said as he watched the undead in the silvery armor move in formation, stepping aside in long rows with perfect synchronicity. “What is that…?” His eyes widened as Momonga came into few, wearing his silvery robe and powerful items, both of his wings spread wide behind him as darkness and light seemed to exude from him in equal measure. “Is that…the Ruler of Death?” He couldn’t think of what else this being could be, even though it was wreathed in both pitch-black darkness and brilliant light at the same time.

All of the watching Lizardmen couldn’t help but suck in a breath at the sight of Momonga.

Momonga raised his right hand and an intense white and blue light burst into existence around him, multiple magic circles orbiting the towering light and making everyone unconsciously tremble at the power they were feeling.

“Crusch, what is that?” Zaryusu asked her, knowing that Crusch knew the most about magic out of all of them.

Crusch shook her head slowly. “I don’t know… It’s completely new to me…” She’d never seen or even heard of magic like this before.

The towering light expanded, three magic circles rising up through the center before it burst apart into motes of bright light and then faded away. All of the Lizardmen saw the far shore freeze over in a fast-moving glow, but before anyone could react, the ice had spread across the entire area. As far as the eye could see in any direction, the lake was frozen. The speed of the spread had frozen all of the Lizardmen in the thick ice as well, dealing cold damage to them as they struggles to break their feet free.

“Everyone to higher ground!” Shasuryu yelled out, putting the Lizardmen into a defensive withdraw back into the village.

The various priests and druids worked hard to heal the ice damage done to those that had been touched by the ice. Every Lizardman was shaking with chill, trying to stay warm to avoid torpor or outright death. As the Chiefs were the first healed, they all climbed up the thick mud wall to stare at the frozen lake.

“I’m guessing we can be sure that this is the ‘Great One’ after that little display.” Zenberu said with a grunt.

“Most likely.” Zaryusu agreed, still stunned to see the lake actually frozen.

Kyuku shook his head once. “Powerful. Beyond…expectation.”

Sukyu agreed with a sharp nod. “I didn’t even know such things were possible with magic.”

“This is beyond anything I’ve ever heard of, even in stories and legends.” Crusch said truthfully, even though it wasn’t exactly boosting morale.

“Well, I’m sold.” Zenberu said as he sat down atop the wall. “We don’t stand a chance against this thing. Might as well be dung beetles from where he’s standing.”

Zaryusu blinked and then blinked again to try and clear his vision. “Am…Am I hallucinating?”

“Not unless we’re BOTH hallucinating, brother.” Shasuryu said as the thunderous footfalls of a towering stone colossus drew everyone’s attention. “What is that thing?!”

Walking through the forest, sending what few birds still remained with so many undead close by flying away, was a massive golem that was at least thirty meters tall. The cracks that spread out from its torso glowed a dark, ominous red as did its eyes.

As all of the Lizardmen watched on, the colossal golem tore up a massive, mostly cube-shaped rock from the ground and then threw it straight towards the village. The arc of the flying stone made it fall directly short of the village wall, shattering the ice and sending up a huge spray of icy cold water to rain down on the village. The way the massive stone block had landed perfectly made it abundantly clear that the golem’s aim hadn’t been off, but completely intentional.

As the water settled, the Nazarick Old Guarders, undead that wore darkened hoods and armor with almost black shields, weapons at their waists, and bows with quivers of arrows on their backs, all moved forward. Their march was perfect, every step taken simultaneously, making their skeleton steps sound like distant thunder as they marched straight up to the massive stone block. The first row put their shields on their backs and then dropped onto all fours. This was followed by the next row doing the same and then climbing onto the backs of the first row. Row after row continued to do this while the Lizardmen could only watch in shock and disbelief as a massive staircase was made form the undead and their magical weapons.

The Nazarick Master Guarders moved next, all of them equipped with shiny, golden, full-body armor, and holding lustrous spears in their hands. Across their backs were draped dazzling red capes. The golden-clad undead switched out their spears for flags on long poles which they held high as they marched forwards in two perfectly parallel lines until they reached the massive ‘staircase’ of undead. They then turned and raised the poles higher before angling them at a perfect forty-five degree angle.

“Hold on…” Zaryusu recognized this from his travels. “Is this a royal procession?!”

Momonga walked forward first, his wings curled inward a bit, now wrapped closer to his body. Behind him Albedo, as Guardian Overseer, walked next as was proper for her rank. Albedo was followed by Aura, who had her hands behind her head wand a smile on her face, and Mare, who looked a little meek at being watched by so many strangers. Following the twins was Shalltear, her ballroom gown bouncing slightly with each step that she took, her long silver hair in its normal ponytail swayed behind her. Bringing up the rear was Demiurge, his armored tail swaying behind him and a bit of a smirk on his lips.

All of them walked up the ‘staircase’ of undead to reach the top of the high stone block.

Momonga stopped and behind him a black throne with an incredibly tall back seemed to phase into existence. He sat upon it and rested his elbow on the arm rest and then his cheek on his fist, with both his wings once more flared out wide. Albedo took her spot at Momonga’s right, the wing behind her curling just slightly, as if to hold her. To Albedo’s right stood Demiurge, his hands behind his back as he looked down at the Lizardman village. On Momonga’s left stood Shalltear, the wing behind her once more curling inward slightly, as if to hold her. On Shalltear’s left stood Aura, nearly leaning against the soft feather of Momonga’s wing—and she would’ve leaned against it entirely if it wouldn’t have ruined the image they were going for—while Mare stood to her left, holding his staff with both hands.

With a mere wave of his free hand, Momonga summoned forth a dozen of the same monsters that he’d initially contacted the Lizardmen Tribes with. The undead monsters that resembled a cloud of roiling black mist, with countless fearsome, ever-changing faces emerging and disappearing within the mist belonging to many species and races. All of them flew forward until they hung over the Razor Tail Tribe village and began to speak simultaneously.

“We carry a decree from the Great One!”

“Our glorious Master wishes to converse with you!”

“Let your delegate step forward and seek your judgment!”

“Know that time wasted is displeasing to the Great One!”

“Do so at your own peril!”

The specters immediately flew away after delivering their message.

“That’s all they wanted to say?” Zaryusu couldn’t believe it.

As the various summons returned to Momonga, Shalltear merely clapped once and dispelled them all without a care.

“What?!” Zaryusu’s eyes were wider than they’d ever been before. ‘She wiped out all of those monsters just like that?’ I strained little chuckle escaped Zaryusu’s mouth at the absurdity. ‘So his followers are just as powerful as him?’ That didn’t bode well for the Lizardmen at all.

“That’s crazy…” Crusch mumbled out, just as shocked as everyone else in the village.

Shasuryu put his hand on Zaryusu’s shoulder. “My brother. Will you walk with me?”

Zaryusu nodded to his older brother without hesitation. Shasuryu leapt down from the wall first, landing on the frozen lake.

“Zaryusu…” Crusch said, clearly worried.

“Don’t worry.” Zaryusu said with confidence he didn’t truly feel. “I’ll be back.”

Crusch pulled him into a hug and the two squeezed each other tightly for a moment. “You better be.”

Zaryusu leapt down the wall and stood next to Shasuryu before both brothers began to walk towards the towering block of stone.

“Thanks for this.” Shasuryu said as they walked across the ice, each step annoyingly cold on their feet.

“I would never let you go alone, brother.” Zaryusu replied as his clawed feet found traction on the ice. “Besides, they might take a single delegate as an insult. And, if he decides to make an example of us, then our newly formed tribe will only have lost one leader, and a lowly Traveler.” The two stood before the block of stone and the immensely powerful beings that stood atop it. “I’m fine with that.”

Shasuryu looked up at the ‘Great One’ and called out loudly. “I’m Shasuryu Shasha! Representative of the Lizardmen! And this is our mightiest warrior as well as the one I call brother!”

“Zaryusu Shasha!” Zaryusu introduced himself to the ‘Great One’.

Momonga’s expression didn’t even change in response to the introduction.

“Is that any posture from which to receive our master’s words?” Albedo asked the two Lizardmen rhetorically. “Demiurge.”

Demiurge stepped forward with a smirk before speaking. “Prostrate yourselves!’ Both Zaryusu and Shasuryu slammed down onto the ice, cracking it with their bodies as an unknown pressure seemed to come over them and their minds. They tried to struggle against the force instinctively, but then Demiurge spoke again. “Do not resist!”

Shasuryu and Zaryusu went still, lying prostrate in the ice and water before the stone block.

“My Lord, I believe they are ready to listen now.” Albedo said softly to Momonga.

“Good work.” Momonga gave simple praise. “Lift their heads.”

Demiurge followed the order immediately. “You are permitted to gaze upon the Great One.”

Zaryusu and Shasuryu were able to pull their heads from the ice and water to look up at Momonga.

“I am the ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick: Ainz Ooal Gown.” Momonga told the two Lizardmen. “First, I shall express my gratitude to you for assisting with my experiment.”

‘That battle was just…an experiment?!’ Zaryusu was stunned that the battle against an Elder Lich like Iguva had been nothing more than a test.

“Now, on to the main subject…” Momonga said as his Deity Aura expanded and both Shasuryu and Zaryusu nearly choked on their breath as the debuff took effect. “Your race will come under my rule.”

Shasuryu gasped, knowing that he should speak against such a thing, but unable to as his body felt like it was being crushed and his strength was fleeing him.

Momonga continued speaking, not acknowledging the struggle of the two prostrated before him. “However, I am sure that you do not wish to come under the rule of someone against whom you’ve so recently achieved victory.” He raised his left hand and held up four fingers. “Thus, in four hours, I shall attack again. The attacker will be one of my most trusted aides, Cocytus, alone.”

Zaryusu easily understood what was left unsaid. ‘So, this Cocytus must be stronger than a five-thousand strong army. We don’t stand a chance.’

“If you are able to prevail against him as well, then I promise to leave your people alone, in peace, from this day forward.” Momonga told them how things were going to happen.

“We surrend-” Shasuryu tried to surrender now, in hopes of saving his people.

Momonga’s Deity Aura grew stronger, silencing Shasuryu. “Don’t be boring. Let’s fight a bit. We’d like to taste a proper victory.” Seeing both Zaryusu and Shasuryu string up at him in disbelief, Momonga made their options clear. “You can try to flee, and be killed. You can fight for your survival, and hope to prove your worth. Or you can win, and be left in peace with my blessing. Those are your only options.”

“He’s toying with us.” Zaryusu whispered under his breath to Shasuryu. It was clear that words wouldn’t be exchanged any further.

“You have four hours, I suggest you use them well.” Momonga said as he stood up from the throne and it faded away. He drew his wings inward, wrapping them around his body like a dual-colored feather cloak.

Shasuryu, feeling the sting of the cold ice he was prostrated on force himself to speak. “Sir Gown! If I may ask; will this ice melt away?”

Both Albedo and Shalltear felt one of their eyes twitch at the less respectful address from the Lizardman to their master. ‘That’s Lord Gown to you, lizard.’

“Hm? That’s right.” Momonga said, as if only now remembering that he’d frozen the lake as far as the eye could see in every direction. “Fear not. I simply did not want to dirty myself with your mud. I will dispel my magic’s effect shortly. Farwell, Lizardmen. [Gate]!” Momonga opened the swirling black void and stepped through it.

Albedo walked behind Momonga looking down at Shasuryu and Zaryusu. “Until next time, if you live.” She turned, her long ebony hair swaying behind her before she vanished through the portal.

“See ya!” Aura waved to both Lizardmen as she skipped into the portal after Albedo.

Shalltear looked bored as she glanced at the two Lizardmen. “Try not to get killed out there.” She vanished into the portal, her long ponytail the last thing to be seen.

“Um, please, take care of yourselves, I guess.” Mare bowed slightly to Zaryusu and Shasuryu before disappearing through the swirling void.

Demiurge stopped before the portal and looked back at the two Lizardmen. “You are free to move.” He freed them both from his power. “Haha… Do try to enjoy your last few hours, okay?” He said with an uncaring smirk as he walked into the void and vanished.

The [Gate] spell closed a split-second later as if it had never been there.

“Curse all of them!” Shasuryu hissed out in anger as he and Zaryusu pushed themselves up and got back onto their feet.

-Dummy Nazarick-

The [Gate] spell had connected straight to the wooden construction that Aura had built and that Cocytus had previously commanded from. Once everyone was through, the [Gate] closed and vanished.

Momonga looked around, taking in the details of the building, noting with some satisfaction that the emblem of Ainz Ooal Gown was properly painted onto the wall in a prominent spot where it would be the first thing one saw when walking through the doors. The bright red paint made the emblem impossible to miss as well.

“Sorry the place is so shabby, Lord Momonga.” Aura apologized quickly. “When I heard that you’d be coming I kinda panicked…and turned it into a rush job…”

“There is no need to apologize.” Momonga said as he turned to face Aura. “You built this place for me out of love and devotion. In my eyes, it is on par with even Nazarick.” He said with a soft smile, his ever-shifting eye color looking warmly into Aura’s heterochromatic eyes while gently placing his hand on her head and patting it affectionately.

Aura practically nuzzled into Momonga’s hand with a happy smile on her face. “Thanks, Lord Momonga~”

Momonga let Aura enjoy herself for another long moment before turning and looking at something else that had caught his eye earlier. “That being said… What is that?” He pointed at a chair that was made out of various bones, many of which Momonga couldn’t even hope to identify.

“Plain as it may be, it seemed only right to prepare a throne for you.” Demiurge said with a small bow as he presented his creation to Momonga.

“And…the bones?” Momonga asked, maintaining a neutral expression as best as he could.

Demiurge nodded, a small smile on his lips. “We assembled the best parts of various creatures: griffins, wyverns, and the like.”

Momonga wanted to say something, considering the ends of both armrests were clearly decorated with human skulls, but managed to hold himself back. ‘I get that Demiurge made this out of respect and loyalty…but I CAN’T sit on that!’ He quickly tried to think of some way to get out of sitting on the ‘throne’ without denying Demiurge’s hard work and his eyes briefly landed on Shalltear. Momonga clapped his hands, the sound ringing out in the wooden building.

That got the attention of everyone present, of course, and they all looked to Momonga for orders or whatever else their master may desire.

“Shalltear,” Momonga said as he looked at the True Vampire. Shalltear immediately perked up, looking up at Momonga attentively. “I promised you punishment, didn’t I? This seems like the perfect time to administer it.” Seeing Shalltear straighten up, Momonga continued. “As I thought over your folly, and how it was the result of my negligence for not considering the possibility of World Items being used here, I’ve decided on an appropriate punishment.” Shalltear nodded once in acceptance of whatever Momonga would do to punish her. “A bit of humiliation is in order. Get down on your hands and knees.”

Shalltear immediately obeyed, even as her face flushed pink. Had she been a human, her face would be so red that no tomato could compare.

Albedo almost dropped down onto all fours too, barley managing to catch herself before she moved. ‘Wait… Is Lord Momonga going to humiliate Shalltear by taking her like a beast in front of everyone?!’ The succubus’s mind instantly went into the gutter. ‘But… I want that~’ She slowly rubbed her thighs together beneath her white dress.

Only a moment after Shalltear had dropped to all fours, Momonga sat upon her back as if she was a chair. Shalltear’s arms bent slightly from the weight, but her incredible strength made it no real issue to support Momonga. Not even a handful of seconds later and Shalltear’s breathing had become hot, eager panting as one of her many kinks was played upon.

Albedo growled under her breath, biting her lower lip almost hard enough to draw blood as her body twitched slightly from her barely contained envy.

“Brilliant, my Lord!” Demiurge praised Momonga’s punishment. “I’m in awe!”

“Sorry, Demiurge, the throne will go to waste, for now.” Momonga apologized, years as a corporate slave letting him apologize convincingly even if he didn’t mean it.

Demiurge shook his head once and placed his left hand on his chest. “It could never compare to this, Lord! A Guardian as your throne?! Truly such a seat is worthy of a Supreme Being, for it could be claimed by no other! This is inspired! I never would have thought of it!”

Momonga barely stopped himself from gaping at Demiurge’s praise for his rushed excuse to not sit in the throne made of bones. “Is that so?”

Shalltear’s panting as she was used as a chair grew a bit heavier, and it was clearly filled with joy and desire to the ears of a succubus like Albedo.

“Lord Momonga, may I be excused from the room? I will only be a moment.” Albedo requested softly.

“If you must.” Momonga gave her a nod and a small smile. “Go ahead.”

Albedo bowed at the waist. “Thank you very much.” She walked through a side doorway with dark green curtains and disappeared from view a couple of seconds later. “RAAAHHH!!!” The cry of rage was followed by the building shaking as something impacted the wall where Albedo had gone. “GRAAAHHH!!!” Another impact rocked the building. “AAAGGGHHH!!!” A third impact rattled the timbers of the dummy Nazarick.

Aura and Mare shared a look between them, both clearly aware of what Albedo had just done. Demiurge only held his chin with a tiny amused grin on his lips. Momonga kept a blank expression, even briefly touching the unshakeable core of his being to steady himself.

Shalltear didn’t seem to have noticed anything at all as she lightly moaned for her place under Momonga.

Albedo returned to the room, walking normally and with her hands folded over one another primly. “I am refreshed and ready to serve, my lord.” Albedo said with a pleasant smile for Momonga.

“Yes…great.” Momonga managed to give Albedo a smile.

“Ah, yes, Aura…” Albedo smiled at the dark elf girl. “I’m afraid that when I left, I accidentally bumped into the wall. It appears to have been…damaged. Could you fix it up for me later? Sorry for the inconvenience.”

Aura closed her eyes and let out a small sigh as she shrugged. “No biggie.” She agreed as she opened her eyes again with a half-smile.

Hearing Shalltear’s heavy panting beneath him, Momonga looked down at her with some concern. “Shalltear, is this too much? If so, I could…”

Shalltear’s head whipped around with an audible ‘crack’ from how fast her neck moved. “It is not too much at all, my lord! In fact, I take it as the grandest of rewards, in fact!”

“Eh?” Momonga couldn’t stop the short exclamation of shock from escaping. He instinctively stood up a bit, but heard Shalltear groan in disappointment. ‘No. I should see this punishment through.’ Momonga sat back down.

“My lord~” Shalltear cooed out as the weight of her beloved returned to her back.

‘Shalltear suffered because of MY mistake. If I have to go through this to punish myself, then so be it!’ Momonga thought to himself.

Shalltear’s heavy breaths increased as she mewled and cooed beneath Momonga.

Momonga only managed to maintain his normal expression by grasping onto the immovable core within his Primordial Deity being. ‘Still though… Peroroncino, how kinky did you make this chick?!’ He could practically see his old friend giving him a ‘thumbs up’ with his character avatar and it made him what to smack the pervert upside the head!

“Ooouuuhhh!” Shalltear moaned out, her body trembling and it didn’t take a genius to figure out why.

Albedo’s knuckles popped audibly from how tightly she was clenching her fists at Shalltear getting to reach her peak from this ‘punishment’.

Momonga realized right then that it was going to be a long four hours.

-End Chapter-

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

HAHAHA!!! PERORONCINO!!!

Oh our ‘poor’ Momonga! Just can’t stop making the ladies happy!

Cocytus actually convinces Momonga to spare the Lizardmen in this version of the story, unlike canon! And it’s all because Clementine survived and Nazarick got to learn everything they could about the New World’s Martial Arts!

Small changes can make big ripples!

The Lizardmen got to see a small fraction of Nazarick’s power!

Momonga’s duality of Life and Death confuses even the well-traveled Zaryusu!

The gauntlet has been thrown! The Lizardmen have four hours before they must face Cocytus! Should they try to flee, they’ll all be killed! If they fight for their survival, they may yet prove their worth! If they manage to win, they’ll be left in peace with Momonga’s blessing on top of it!

But we all know the Lizardmen have no chance against Cocytus. So, what will become of them all?

Keep reading to find out!

Until I get your reviews, later!