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55.55% Overlord: World of Gown / Chapter 5: Change in Heart

Chương 5: Change in Heart

Since days, Ainz had left the city of E-Rantel and returned to Nazarick. It wasn't a relief in the slightest; in fact, it was quite the opposite. Once again, he found himself pursued by the NPCs wherever he went.

It wasn't necessarily a cruel predicament, but he longed for the days when it was just him and Narberal, finding comfort in their solitude. But he couldn't abandon his creations, as others had done. He resolved to stay and endure for their sake and preserve his memories.

As a portal opened before the throne, Albedo gracefully bowed as the entity who ruled over her entered the sacred halls. An imposing undead figure emerged, his gaze locking onto her before he gestured for her to rise.

She obeyed, and he reclaimed his seat upon the throne.

"My Lord." She addressed him.

"Albedo." He replied with a simple word. She yearned for a more passionate greeting, but she knew better than to push for further explanation.

"Has everything gone smoothly within the tomb so far?"

"Everything is as it should be, my lord." She assured him in a soft tone, briefly summarizing her work.

"Good. Now that I have returned from my short adventure, I will place someone else to play Momon." He informed her, but she seemed somewhat perplexed. "So let me introduce to you Pandora's Actor." With a wave of his hand, a portal opened to his right, and a figure clad in a yellow military suit entered. Albedo quickly noticed the distinctive mask adorning the being's face, a simple design with only three holes, two for the eyes and one for the mouth. It was unmistakably a Doppelgänger, as even his fingers counted less than five.

Ainz couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment as he observed Albedo's scrutiny of Pandora's Actor.

'Come on, he's not that bad.' He silently berated himself. However, as he thought this, the Doppelgänger executed a fluid, old-fashioned pose.

"Mein Führer! Mein Gebieter!" Pandora's Actor continued, striking various respectful poses that left Ainz overwhelmed by an inexplicable green aura. He thought to intervene, hoping to deter Pandora's Actor from this peculiar display, but it became evident that the Doppelgänger's programming was relentless. In the end, he could only blame himself, for he had included these eccentric motions into the Doppelgänger's programming.

'I take back what I thought. But what will Albedo think of him?' Ainz glanced back at Albedo, her expression an enigma to him.

He cleared his throat and began the introductions. "Albedo this.. this is Pandora's Actor. My.. Only creation."

The Doppelgänger turned towards Albedo, doffing his hat. "A pleasure to meet you, Guardian Overseer Albedo!" Once again, he embarked on a series of extravagant gestures and words that Ainz found increasingly difficult to endure.

"Likewise, Area Guardian of the Treasury." Albedo replied, maintaining a formal tone in response to Pandora's Actor's greetings.

"Good. Now that this has been done, let me tell you how Pandora's Actor is involved. As you know, I have created a persona called Momon, but I cannot always be Momon. Now Pandora's Actor here will replace me for most of the time, playing as Momon the Black. This allows me to even appear at the same place with him when some have gotten suspicious. Do you follow?"

Ainz provided a straightforward explanation, and Albedo nodded when asked.

"Now I understand it. Brilliant, my lord! As good as any plan you make."

"If this has been cleared, you can leave again for the Treasury, Pandora's Actor." Ainz motioned to an open space behind his creation, and another portal materialized. Before entering it, Pandora's Actor executed his distinctive poses once more.

"Then I say goodbye to my creator! And the beautiful Overseer Albedo!" Pose after pose, word after word, until he finally vanished through the portal.

'If something can kill me, then it is this guy hitting this stuff for hours in front of me. I'd rather leave existence than see my failure as an NPC creator than experience this discomfort. What did I think back then?!'

"Now that you met.. my creation. What do you think of him?" Ainz asked, hoping for an honest assessment of her feelings toward his creation. He was eager to learn how the other NPCs perceived and felt about the Area Guardian.

"He is your creation, and such made perfect. He seems genuine and loyal to you. That is all that matters in this tomb." Albedo replied without a hint of sarcasm or deceit. Ainz pushed to detect any lies, but she seemed to speak the truth.

'Please don't think this is perfect!' Ainz urgently pondered how to correct this misperception.

"Albedo, we created all inhabitants of Nazarick to have flaws, as someone who has none is no more interesting than a snail. Thus, you can live like you do now. With no flaws, nothing would be special, not even me." Ainz explained cautiously, and as he uttered the last sentence, Albedo reacted as expected.

"But, my lord! How can you not be perfect? You are the last Supreme Being, the ruler of Nazarick!" Albedo's eyes welled with tears at her master's self-deprecating remarks. Ainz but responded with a genuine chuckle.

"Let me explain it, Albedo. In reality, nothing is perfect, but the pursuit of it certainly is. You can always be better, and I would be a fool to think myself perfect. Wouldn't you like me to be even more powerful, wiser, or stronger?" Ainz's explanation prompted a shift in Albedo's perspective, and she certainly hoped for Ainz to continually grow stronger.

"I would never stop to wish such things for my lord! But I think I understand it now. We all should think to better ourselves and be able to look at our past selves and be able to see that we grew mentally or physically. Thank you for telling me, my lord." Ainz was taken aback by her rapid understanding. Albedo's intelligence was undoubtedly among the most exceptional in the tomb.

"You caught onto it quickly. Then you know what to do from now on." Rising from his throne, Ainz conjured a portal to his right for the final time, turning to Albedo to bid her farewell, at least for the moment.

"I will retire for my office. If you have something urgent that you need to tell me, message me. Until then, make sure anyone in Nazarick shares your thoughts, which I just told you."

"Of course, my lord."

With that settled, the Overlord exited the throne room and entered his office, where cleanliness was taken to a near-molecular level. Everything gleamed with an almost divine purpose to serve him. The immaculate state of the room, however, gave him a sense of unease. He wondered how long the maids must have worked to achieve such perfection but quickly brushed aside the thought.

'Goodness.'

Ainz searched for the staff he had left in the office but found nothing where he expected it, just empty space.

'What?'

He looked around, trying to find any clue where his staff went. But shortly after, he found it to be behind where he appeared.

'There you are. Did I put you here? I could've sworn I left you aside from the office table. Maybe I forgot about it. Nevermind!'

Summoning the staff into his hand, he felt its immense and daunting power the moment it touched his palm. Even before becoming a world item, it had possessed considerable might, but now it was something more. Yet his undead nature stripped away the pleasure seconds later.

'I could look at this staff for ages. To think of the time we spent to create it… It was worth it, and I wouldn't let it be taken away. But wait. Now it's indestructible, and only I can wield it.. Should I use it more openly? I mean, with it, nobody could really hurt me, even when I get surprised. And when I get low HP, I will automatically get teleported to the throne room because of its ability! It's only logical to always have it on my side. So it's decided.'

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In a distant land where religion was put on the highest order, six people with the highest authority in their realm stood in a row. Behind them was a window portraying a religious symbol with different colored glass. It was a church, and inside were 7 people.

"You may report your mission, Captain of the Windflower Scripture." Intoned a bearded man, his visage marked by the wisdom of his middle years, his tone commanding respect.

"Everything went well but not flawless. We captured the former Black Scripture member Clementine and eliminated Khajiit of Zurrernorn." The man with the golden locks conveyed, attired in robes befitting a wielder of arcane arts. Throughout, he knelt before the six.

"Yet there is something else you found there? Is that right?" The same man posed a question he already knew the answer to, but sought confirmation from the captain himself.

"You are correct, Your Eminence. They used a boy, somewhat between the ages of 12 and 16, for their ritual. As we know, Clementine had stolen the Crown of Wisdom from the Theocracy, and it was for the purpose of using it on the boy." The captain disclosed, observing expressions of disbelief on some cardinal faces as if they questioned the integrity of his words. "It seems the boy has a talent that allows him to use any magical item, regardless of power."

Doubt lingered momentarily among the cardinals, with some displaying wonder, yet they swiftly regained their composure.

"Is this true, captain?" Inquired another cardinal garbed in red-lined robes, his voice marked by curiosity, tinged with skepticism. Such a talent was exceedingly rare.

"It is the truth. The boy has been inspected multiple times to be sure, and it seems his talent is legitimate. Yet his mind is lost because of the crown. He is but a doll now."

The cardinals appeared impressed by this find. If true, it would undoubtedly enhance the captain's reputation, further increasing his reputation.

"Such a person would be an important figure in our state." The Cardinal of Wind declared.

"Indeed, with his talent, he could be of great use." The Cardinal of Light concurred.

"Of that, we are sure. Then, captain. For your last order today, you may send the boy to the specialists so they can heal his mind but not his memory. Whatever life he once had, it ended when he put on that crown. Everything in order?"

"Yes, Commander." The captain replied, leaving the hall and sealing the door behind him, ready to fulfill his assigned duty. Meanwhile, the cardinals could discuss in private.

"This must be a gift from the gods, Raymond." Remarked Berenice, the Cardinal of Fire, breaking the silence.

"Indeed, it is. And I have something to propose. For the time being, I will be the guardian of the boy, guiding him on his path of servitude to the six great gods. If that is acceptable." Raymond offered a matter of great sensitivity, knowing that every cardinal had ambitions of nurturing the boy and basking in the ensuing glory. Yet Raymond's intentions were genuinely aimed at mentoring the youth.

"If there are no problems with that, then I shall take it as a yes." No cardinal voiced any dissent, recognizing that Raymond had already devised a plan for the boy.

"Then do we all agree that the boy will be put under standard training before he enters one of the scriptures as a disciple?" Raymond's query confirmed what the other cardinals had suspected. He had already prepared for the boy's future. Gradually, hands rose, sealing the resolution. The boy would be trained, come what may.

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The sun descended, casting the earth in shadow as it began its journey into the underworld. While not everyone believed that, it offered the most likely explanation for their era. Yet, the sun did not set just once but numerous times until one boy slowly regained consciousness.

Initially, he sensed the return of his muscles, followed by the gradual awakening of his eyes. However, he withheld from opening them immediately. Only later did curiosity get the better of him, prompting him to study his surroundings. The first sight that greeted him was a wooden ceiling. Upon turning his head, he found himself within four walls, devoid of windows. Other individuals shared the room with him, and as he attempted to shift his gaze forward, a woman raised her finger at him. Soon, a group of armored men stood upon him, firmly restraining his movements.

A wave of shock coursed through him as they held him immobilized.

"Don't move too much! It will feel better soon!" The woman assured him as she approached with a sharp needle in hand. She secured his arm and attempted the injection. A slight pain accompanied the prick, but as the liquid coursed through his veins, it removed his anxiety. He gradually calmed down, taking in deep breaths.

"See! Everything's good now!" The woman reassured him with a warm smile. He now had a clear view of her: a fair-haired woman with blue eyes, attired in a uniform. "Oh, I'm Elise, if you wondered! And I'm here to help you get into shape!"

The boy remained perplexed, although the woman had done her best to put him at ease. She signaled for the guards to release him, allowing them to retreat to their positions, no longer intent on intimidating him.

"Where...Where am I?" He asked Elise.

"You are in the compartments of medicine, to be precise. You got mortally wounded, but we could save you somehow!" She replied, attempting to cast the situation in a positive light. However, her words only fueled his growing list of questions.

"But, I don't remember anything until now. Why?" He asked. Yet he should remember something, as he could speak and think. If he would remember nothing, then he should not know how to do these things, he thought.

"That's because you suffered a lethal head injury. Made you lose all of your memories. Tragic, but you are alive, and that's what counts!" Elise explained with an energetic tone, attempting to uplift his spirits.

"Then who am I? Or who was I?" He pressed for answers, but Elise had none to provide.

"Well, we don't know, really, but what we know is that you're gonna have a great life here. I can guarantee you that! You know why, because you have a talent!"

"A talent?" The boy asked, his confusion growing. He understood the concept of a talent but failed to grasp why it was so significant.

"Ah yeah, figures. Everyone possesses a talent from birth. And yours is pretty impressive, I was told. So we couldn't lose you at any point." Elise declared with enthusiasm.

"OK, I see you're still confused. Well, don't worry. We will meet someone who will teach you all you need to know and give you a new name at the church!" Elise suggested.

'A new name.' The boy mused. With no recollection of his old name or his past, he had no choice but to agree.

"What is a church?" He asked her.

"A church is a place where we worship the six great gods. There is the God of Fire, Earth, Wind, Water, Life and Death. It is because of them that humanity, we, have survived so long!" Elise explained.

The boy absorbed her words like a sponge, finding the gods she spoke of fascinating.

"Now, let's get ready. We don't want to keep anyone waiting." Elise said as she walked to a closet at the back of the room, retrieving a set of clothing.

"Here! Put these on before we go." She instructed, offering him the garments. He hesitated briefly, uncertain of how to proceed. Elise soon realized her mistake.

"Ok, wait, I'll put them on for you." She said, prompting him to stand. She carefully removed his old clothes and assisted him in donning the new attire. He now wore simple boots, pants, and a shirt. However, the most intriguing piece of clothing was the brown robe, evidently of high quality.

"This is the robe you received. It shows you're in the guardianship of Earth." She explained, as though she could discern his unspoken questions.

The boy remained confused but determined to find answers with time. With him properly clothed, they exited the room, traversing a labyrinth of corridors until they finally reached the surface. The first thing that caught his attention was the sun, its radiance causing discomfort to his eyes.

"That is the sun. It gives light to the day, and the moon brings light to the night."Elise explained, noting his curious gaze. "And it's not healthy to look directly into it as well."

Taking her advice to heart, he turned his attention to the surroundings. Eager to assist his understanding, Elise began explaining.

"This is a house, a place where people stay in. And this here where we are right now is a road, and this is where we walk." She gestured, pointing at various objects and places, gradually aiding his grasp. "C'mon, let's go to the church now."

Together, they proceeded down the road, surrounded by houses on either side. The boy observed the passersby, paying attention to those who stood out, etching their features into his memory.

As they neared their destination, a towering structure came into view, its height dwarfing the neighboring houses.

"What is that?" He asked.

"That? That is a tower, a very tall building that rages into the skies. It's the Tower of the Six, surrounded by the six churches. You'll see!" Elise replied.

Now, he understood the concepts of towers and churches, a minor but significant step in his journey of discovery.

Approaching the tower, six smaller yet equally imposing buildings appeared on his horizon.

'These must be the six churches.' He deduced, and he was correct. Each church catered to a particular god, with a central area where all the churches connected beneath the tower. It was there that the cardinals presided over ceremonies and other significant events. As he moved to enter the nearest church, a restraining hand halted his progress.

"Nah, sorry. We have to enter the Church of Earth. Come." Elise directed.

He followed her around, bypassing other churches until they reached their destination. Elise swung open the grand gate, and he stepped into the magnificent halls. The architecture left him in awe. Gold and silver mixed perfectly together to create an awe-inspiring scenery.

"I welcome you." A deep, masculine voice resonated, capturing his attention. He focused on the speaker, a man adorned in distinctive attire and an unusual hat. He assumed this man would bestow upon him a name, or so he thought.

"H-Hello." The boy responded, glancing behind him to see the door closing, but Elise was nowhere in sight. She had either remained outside or departed altogether. He then turned his attention back to the man before him.

"Don't be afraid, come." The man urged and the boy complied, approaching him and ascending a flight of stairs that separated them.

"I am the Cardinal of Earth, Raymond Zarg Lauransan. And you are here because you will be under my guardianship and receive a name from the gods, which I will give you. Are you ready?"

What a question. Was he ready? Did he know what ready was? Nothing was sure, but he simply nodded.

"Then come before me." The cardinal instructed.

The boy climbed the remaining steps, arriving in front of the cardinal, albeit at a lower height.

"Now, kneel on one foot. Simply lower yourself so that your left foot rests while the other keeps you up."

The boy followed the instructions as best he could. He observed the cardinal prepare an object containing a peculiar liquid, which he then applied to his finger. Approaching the boy, the cardinal touched his forehead, marking six distinct stripes.

"I bless thy with the water of the gods! May they guide you through pain and pleasure."

"With this blessing, I call upon the gods to gift you a name. And that name shall be… Helin Gaillard Lauransan! A new member of the Theocracy!" The cardinal proclaimed. The boy struggled to remember the name, finding it long and challenging to pronounce, yet he felt a void in him fill once the cardinal gave him a name.

"Now, Helain Gaillard Lauransan, I will guide you so you may not be confused as you are now. You will become a hero, a person who saves others from death, just as you were saved and brought back to life. This is your duty from now on, your duty towards humanity." The boy only looked at the man in awe. Somehow, he felt those words deep in his heart.

But as Ainz looked up, he only saw the beautifully formed sky on the 6th Floor.

'Wait, I wanted to do something just now!' He snapped out of his trance, teleporting to his office. He had long intended to monitor Shalltear's activities but had never found the opportunity. He had been preoccupied with navigating the complexities of the Tomb, relying on constant communication with Demiurge.

'Now, let's see what she's up to.' He retrieved a scroll, conjuring a mirror. However, the mirror remained blank.

'Could it be? But she's an ally? Wait. So anti-dincination attempts on allies still count as an attack? So not even that works. Huh.'

Now his plan was in ruin. But he really wanted to see what she was up to.

'Maybe I can just scry on one of her Vampire Brides?'

He made another attempt, tossing a scroll into the air. This time, a picture emerged, revealing the entrance of a cave.

'So they are inside that cave. That means Shalltear is as well.' He quickly deduced the situation. She was encroaching upon a camp inhabited by martial artists, and he could only hope she restrained herself. 'I won't look what's happening inside, or I'll trigger her anti-divination. Better to watch from out here.'

He kept looking around as a blue-haired man exited from another entrance. The look on his face was of a terrified man that has seen the bringer of death. It could only mean that Shalltear was responsible for this.

Minutes later, still, nothing happened.

Then, a group that appeared to be adventurers arrived on the scene. And just for a quarter of a second, he saw a blur coming towards them. For him, it only meant one thing. He quickly moved his vision towards the skies, where the clouds lay. From there, he could only see dots, but any closer, and he would trigger her anti-divination.

'That was close.' He thought. Then, he identified another group to the far west, situated on a plateau surrounded by trees.

'Who are they?' Questions multiplied in his mind. He worried whether they were aware of Shalltear's presence, although that seemed unlikely. Then, he witnessed it. An approaching red dot. He assumed it was Shalltear, but a yellow light materialized from the opposite side, forming a line before vanishing in a radiant burst.

"What?! No!" He exclaimed. Ainz attempted to zoom in closer, but the mirror shattered as he tried. Shalltear's anti-divination had been activated, confirming her continued existence.

{Lord Ainz?} Surprisingly, a message from Albedo reached his ears.

{What is it?} Ainz asked.

{Shalltear has rebelled against us.} She told him, and it only confirmed his suspicions.

{I know. Call all the guardians to the throne room.} Ainz instructed.

Far away where it had happened, the humans responsible only looked to see the sky shatter for a moment.

"What was that?" One member asked, curious about the weird sound.

"That is not important now! We have to bring Lady Kaire to safety!"


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Chương 6: Defiance

"I thank you for coming here. As you know, something serious has happened just before. Shalltear... has been possessed by something I feared the most, a world item." Ainz spoke, his voice carrying the weight of the situation. The guardians' expressions turned to one of astonishment as they absorbed what their master just said.

"World items, here?" Demiurge asked, visibly bewildered.

"Yes, their existence has found itself in this world as well. And Shalltear has been mind-controlled by one. From what I could see, it was a group of humans, yet no near ordinary." Ainz responded, his voice tinged with growing anger.

"Then we shall crush them, Lord Ainz!" Aura declared.

"That's the spirit, but it's not possible for now, Aura. We don't know how strong they are and what other world items they might possess. They could be players, but I doubt it. Also, we cannot attack all humans based on this aggression." Ainz explained, his tone measured.

"We shall fight Shalltear then for defying your will, Lord Ainz. All the guardians will stand with you." Demiurge proposed, garnering agreement from the other NPCs.

"We will discuss this further in my office. You will wait there until Albedo and I return." Ainz instructed the guardians, conjuring a portal to the mausoleum before departing with the Overseer. Silence hung heavy in the room until Albedo found the courage to ask.

"What are we doing here, my lord?" Albedo questioned. Ainz remained silent for a prolonged moment before responding.

"Albedo, I will fight Shalltear alone. Please, you have to understand this." Ainz stated. Albedo's eyes widened, comprehending the gravity of her lord's words as he surprised her all of a sudden with something she did fear the most.

"No, wait! You cannot fight her alone! We will stand by your side! We are your Guardians. We are here to protect you! Please, Lord Ainz! Let us protect the last Supreme Being!" Albedo begged, tears glistening in her eyes as she clutched Ainz's robes.

"I have to do this, Albedo. Understand that this is my fault, so it is my responsibility to fix my error. I will defeat Shalltear and prove myself worthy to rule over Nazarick! I have already decided this, and nothing will change my mind." Ainz declared, determination blazing in his gaze.

"Lord Ainz, you are aware of the danger Shalltear poses! Please, allow us to assist you!" Albedo persisted, her grip unyielding.

'Should I tell her about the staff and that it is now a world item? Not exactly.' Ainz contemplated briefly before offering a different assurance.

"Albedo, if there is a possibility that my HP is very low, I will be teleported to the throne room immediately. I have made arrangements so that I cannot be eliminated outside of Nazarick. Trust in this if you don't trust in my ability to fight Shalltear." Ainz reassured the Overseer, who looked at Ainz with a perplexed gaze.

"But, how?" Albedo inquired, baffled.

"You have to promise to keep this a secret. But I will not tell you more than that it is possible." Ainz replied, divulging less than she anticipated. He must have his reasons for withholding information, and Albedo chose not to press further.

"As you wish." Albedo complied, letting go of his cloak as she regained her posture.

"Then you may return to the others." Ainz instructed, and a portal appeared behind Albedo. Hesitant, she left her lord's side, understanding her duty to follow his commands.

Once again, Ainz was alone.

"My mana must be full again. Twelve minutes, if I'm right? That should be enough." Ainz pondered to himself before teleporting to the forest where Shalltear was located, albeit at a safe distance, in case of an ambush.

'I am risking everything: my life, Nazarick, everything, with this stupid idea. But I must show the power of Ainz Ooal Gown and see with my own eyes what this new power brings. It is a rare occasion to compare myself to a level 100 NPC, so it is the best time to test my ability.' Ainz contemplated as he traversed the dark forest, snapping branches underfoot.

Meanwhile, Albedo had returned to the office, accompanied by the insectoid Cocytus. Seating herself opposite Demiurge, Cocytus let out a steam cloud, Demiurge immediately sensed that something was amiss and surveyed the room.

"Albedo, where is Lord Ainz? Has he not come back with you?" Demiurge inquired, his thoughts racing as he tried to fathom why his master was absent.

"He has gone on to fight Shalltear personally." Albedo stated with an unwavering look, prompting Demiurge to spew out the tea he had just imbibed in astonishment. He considered the possibility, but the thought filled him with existential dread.

"And you let the last Supreme Being go against Shalltear!" Demiurge exclaimed, his anger bursting. He regretted not having intervened and exerted more control to prevent the last Supreme Being from confronting one of his subordinates alone.

"Our lord has the strength to fight Shalltear. We should all believe in that, don't you agree, Demiurge?" Albedo taunted the demon, seemingly unruffled by the prospect of the Supreme One facing Shalltear alone.

"I won't sit idly by! I will interve-" Demiurge began to protest, but a colossal halberd obstructed his path, wielded by Cocytus. He settled back into his seat, readjusting his glasses.

"I see. Well played." Demiurge conceded, conceding to Cocytus's intervention. Subsequently, a mirror materialized to his right, a tool to monitor the battlefield.

"We will watch Ainz fight Shalltear. If anything happens, we will be able to aid him. But it was his command and his wish to approach her alone. Rubedo has put a buff spell on this [Mirror of Remote Viewing] so that we may see the battle undisturbed." Albedo informed Demiurge, activating the mirror. It displayed Ainz, still clad in his divine gear and, to the NPCs' surprise, wielding the [Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown].

"He brought the staff?" Demiurge questioned his knowledge limited to its immense power and the potential consequences if it were destroyed.

"Of course, with the symbol of Nazarick right in his hands, maybe Shalltear will recognize it and surrender to our lords' power." Albedo mused though they all recognized the unlikelihood of such an outcome.

Ainz but broke a tree branch before him as he neared Shalltear's location. However, he suddenly heard an unexpected sound, a battle, if his twelve years of playing Yggdrasil had taught him anything.

'Someone's fighting her already? I have to get closer fast! It could be a player if they survived that long!' Ainz abandoned walking and cast a flight spell, hastening towards the fight. From a distance, he glimpsed the ongoing battle, witnessing an entity holding its ground against Shalltear.

'It's better to hide myself.' He cast [Perfect Unknownable] and vanished from the world. This skill proved valuable as even high-level players couldn't detect him without the right classes or items. However, any action that caused damage, whether taken or dealt with, would reveal him to the world.

He approached the scene and observed a figure clad in silver armor, surrounded by floating weapons. The armor seemed to hover in mid-air, its weapons poised as if controlled by mere gestures.

'Is that a player? It's possible. But it seems...' He wondered, but before he could finish his thought, Shalltear charged at the silver knight, her lance piercing through its armor.

'Damn, that doesn't look good. So he's definitely not level 100. He could also be a higher-level being from this world, which is possible. I have to reevaluate this world then, but it always seems to surprise me. The difference in power here is immense. There are level 1 peasants and then this guy, probably around level 70 or so. He's not as powerful as myself, but compared to the other New Worlders, this guy is way above average.' He thought.

Ainz waited in the air, anxiously anticipating the outcome of the battle.

"Who is this Albedo? He seems to be holding his ground with Shalltear." Demiurge asked nervously, concerned about the potential interference of this mysterious 'armor.'

"It could be a player..." Albedo responded, causing everyone to turn their attention to her. "But we haven't met one until now, so it could also be someone from this world."

"This is more dangerous than we anticipated. We have to interfere, Albedo! We don't know the abilities nor the origin of this unknown adversary!" Demiurge implored, urging them to join Ainz on the battlefield, but Albedo remained resolute.

"That will not come into question. It was his order." She informed the Prince of Darkness, who reluctantly backed down, his frustration simmering.

The knight endured several blows from Shalltear before retreating, seemingly realizing its inability to defeat the vampire. For a brief moment, Ainz and the knight made eye contact, holding it until the knight disappeared.

'What just happened? Did he see me? And what spell was that? No teleportation spell from Yggdrasil looked like that.' Ainz pondered, relieved that the person wasn't a player. Nevertheless, the mysterious figure continued to intrigue him.

'But his fighting style was strange. He didn't have any mana at all! But just before he teleported, his health dropped a little. Maybe it's a sort of sacrificial magic? Enough, I should be fighting Shalltear and not making theories right now.'

Approaching Shalltear, he noticed that she appeared stationary, almost like an NPC back in Yggdrasil.

'So she forgot about the enemy. This mind control must not be very effective if it doesn't allow one even to control the target! I mean, why is Shalltear still here? Well, enough of that. It's time.' Ainz determined, ready to try something first.

"Shalltear, do you hear me? If you do, then let me tell you that what I am about to do is something that pains my heart. But I have no choice." He spoke to her, attempting to establish communication.

Before initiating the battle, Ainz examined his staff, which had grown significantly in power since arriving in the New World. He raised it, an ominous aura enveloping it as the wind swirled around. With his other hand, he retrieved a golden leaf from his inventory.

'Oh yes! I created this one just when I came back from playing as Momon. Let's make sure the guardians don't see this.' He mused, causing the battlefield displayed in the mirror to blur and distort. Ainz seized the opportunity to fuse the golden leaf with the staff, using the divine orb as a catalyst.

"It's strange. It seems harder every time I do this. It wasn't like this at first. But it seems that fusing so much power into one object requires a lot of energy."

As light emanated from the fusion, Ainz heard movement.

"Oh, hello, Lord Ainz." A female voice greeted him mockingly, dripping with false respect.

"Shalltear..."

'The light from the fusion must have activated her defense! So it counts as damage. Good to know, but bad timing.'

"Why do you wish to fight me? Am I, not your master?" Ainz inquired, stalling for time to select his ability before the battle resumed.

"Yes... Why would I... You attacked me, yes. And now I have to defend myself. I don't know why, but I have to defend myself. And in this case, it's you."

"[Select Ability: Temporary World Enemy]" He chanted, ignoring Shalltear's words and using her distraction to make his choice.

"What was that?" Shalltear asked, puzzled by the mention of a world enemy coming from Ainz's side.

"Your defeat, Shalltear." Ainz declared as an immense force descended upon the area, noticeable even through her legendary-class armor. The pressure emanated from none other than her master.

"Is it working?" Demiurge impatiently inquired, eager to see the outcome of the battle and Ainz's safety.

"Yes, we can continue watching," Albedo replied, and the mirror displayed the ongoing events. What they witnessed left most, if not all, in shock.

The surroundings darkened, the sky turned black, and a black fog enveloped the Overlord. It swirled around him, seeming to shield him. Ainz uttered the words that solidified his victory.

"[Temporary World Enemy]"

Everything changed. Reality blurred with unreality, darkness shrouded the area, and a dark purple beam pierced the sky, reaching the heavens of the universe. The power surged through the cosmos, but those in the New World felt it the most. It was akin to an earthquake, a cataclysm born from the will of the Overlord.

The chaotic beam gradually dissipated, along with the tremors it had caused. Many perished in those fleeting minutes, and much was laid to waste.

The Guardians could only wonder about this phenomenon and Ainz's safety, but none dared to move as they continued to watch.

Gradually, the world returned to a semblance of normality, albeit not entirely. When Shalltear gazed at the spot where Ainz had stood, she beheld something unimaginable. It was no longer an Overlord but a dark entity, brimming with unrivaled power that defied defeat. It appeared more like a force than a player, its formidable presence sending shivers down her spine.

The entity no longer resembled an Overlord. Instead, it was more akin to darkness melded into a body, mimicking the appearance of an undead. However, despite its attempts to replicate the former Overlord, it couldn't maintain a consistent form. It was ever-shifting, mirroring the chaos within. Ainz Ooal Gown had become an ethereal being, capable of shaping himself as desired.

At that moment, he assumed the form of a towering figure draped in robes of darkness. His fingers were sharp spikes, his head a skull emitting perpetual purple flames. His legs had transformed into ever-changing tentacles of darkness. Within him, a faint red glow emanated, marking his infamous orb, which remained in the midst of his being. The most remarkable change was his staff, no longer recognizable but transformed. Seven golden serpents, once holding the divine orbs, now swirled around him, guarding seven orbs floating above a dark halo.

The being stirred, and though it felt like an eternity, only seconds had passed. It unfurled pitch-black energy wings behind it, employing them to ascend slowly into the air. It was uncertain whether the wings were necessary for flight, but they appeared to enhance its speed.

Surprisingly, the being spoke.

"Gorz kal tug drit god. Agh it trill be latob."

Following its words, silence descended, reminiscent of the calm before a storm. Shalltear could only stand, preparing for a battle she could not hope to win, yet she was compelled to defend herself at all costs.

"Is that... Lord Ainz?"

"Demiurge... I am not even sure. But if he is this being, then I am sure he needs no aid."

The being harnessed dark energy between its hands. Shalltear recognized the impending danger and readied herself for battle. A beam shot forth from the being, accompanied by a deafening scream of terror.

"[Negative Impact Shield]!" halltear shouted, summoning a red barrier before her. However, it held for only a brief moment, but that was long enough for her to escape in mist form.

She materialized behind the being, attempting to strike, but it swiftly seized her as she appeared, its grip unrelenting. Its face bore no semblance to the Ainz she knew. It was a shifting skull oozing pure hatred, devoid of wisdom or intelligence Ainz Ooal Gown once had.

"[Einherjar]!" An exact replica of Shalltear manifested before her, attacking the being and forcing it to release her. However, it swiftly subdued the copy, subjecting it to a relentless barrage of negative energy until it vanished.

Shalltear derived no amusement from the situation. However, accepting defeat was not an option.

"[Brilliant Radiance]!" She unleashed a holy spell upon the being, causing it pain and momentarily halting its advance.

"Albedo, we have to do something! Whatever that is, it isn't our lord anymore!" Demiurge implored, his patience exhausted as the situation spiraled out of control.

"In that, you are right. But I am sure this is only the true power of our lord. Once the fight ends, he will change back. He will change back..." Albedo repeated the words to convince herself, though nothing was certain, not even to her.

"Vadokan quiin u izish. Amukh ash sha izub fuk."

The being spoke once more, its words unintelligible. Shalltear could only guess at their meaning. Nevertheless, without difficulty, it moved toward her, and she began to heal herself rapidly with her household.

The being showed no intention of granting her rest, charging at her as its seven golden snakes joined in the attack, biting and unleashing elemental powers upon her. She endured burning, freezing, and attacks reminiscent of the power of the stars from these potent orbs. She was assaulted from all sides but managed to retreat, though the snakes still remained with her.

She devised a strategic retreat, but the being erected a dark barrier behind her, imprisoning her and leaving no room for evasion. Helplessly, she watched as a hand pierced through her, subjecting her to purple flames that devoured her life force mercilessly.

After one minute she finally lost all of her HP, her life extinguished by the hands of this colossal monstrosity.

She was dead, killed by the hands of an enormous monster.

However, it was not over yet. Shalltear came back at the cost of almost nothing and was able to fight once again.

The being seemed to have forgotten about her momentarily, but as soon as she entered the battle, it turned toward her, its flaming eyes piercing her, its very voice capable of causing terror.

It lunged at her again, unleashing numerous fiery orbs. She avoided them carefully, attempting to pierce it with her lance, but to no avail. Her attacks only earned her double the damage in return from its powerful spells, which struck her directly in the stomach. The hellfire-like flames, while resisted, overwhelmed her magic resistance.

She was thrown to the ground, where the being summoned a scythe of darkness in an attempt to behead her. She narrowly evaded each swing, but her options were diminishing.

"[Triple Maximize Magic: Brilliant Radiance]!" She cast the spell once more, momentarily stunning the being. Meta-magic proved advantageous in this case. She attempted to cast it again, but the being employed its wings to close the distance, forming a dark spear. It sought to pierce her and continue its assault, but she wouldn't allow it.

With a cry, she released her household to distract the being, which momentarily diverted its attention.

She retreated, strategizing her defense against this monstrous adversary. It was highly resistant to physical attacks, existing primarily as an ethereal or spectral entity. Magic seemed her only recourse, as it had been effective once before.

"[Maximize Magic: Vermillion Nova]!" She unleashed a fire-based spell upon the monster, causing it to scream in pain. Its aggression shifted entirely toward her, disregarding everything else in its path.

She observed its approach and dodged its spear thrust at the last possible moment. Unseen tentacles of darkness, however, struck her from behind.

Becoming impatient, it raged, consumed by a frenzy that clouded its senses, driving it to annihilate all in its path. Repeatedly, it launched attacks, and each time, Shalltear either evaded or endured. The red-clad vampire was its sole focus, and it showed no mercy.

A burst of negative energy emanated from the being, obliterating a substantial portion of the surroundings. Even Shalltear was thrown off balance, losing her footing. This was the moment of vulnerability the being sought. It launched multiple spears, and while she dodged some, more and more struck her from all directions. She found herself immobilized, stunned by the pain and destruction wrought upon her body. It was over; she had failed.

"Forgive me... Lord Ainz." She uttered with her last breath, speaking the words expected of all who dared to challenge their master.

Yet the being, deprived of further targets, yearned for more victims. Strangely, its time appeared to be running out. The energy that had surged in its prime dissipated into thin air, its dark tendrils vanishing and dwindling. The seven golden serpents swirled around, reconstituting the staff and cradling the orb within their jaws. The being diminished in size after going on a rampage.

Soon, the form of an Overlord became noticeable, though traces of darkness persisted. The skeletal visage returned, as did his equipment, returning to their proper places.

Ainz instantly fell to his knees, weakened after expending all his mana to become the world's most powerful entity for 12 and a half minutes. He retained no memories of the transformation. Somehow, he forgot it all.

He felt as though he were asleep, or at least that's how it seemed. Control over the being he had unleashed no longer resided with him or anyone else; it was an entity unto itself, designed to annihilate all in its path.

"Wh-What happened?" Ainz mumbled, but the answer eluded him. He scanned his surroundings, which now appeared unrecognizable. Everything lay in ruin, destroyed by an overwhelming force.

"Did I do this? I only remember activating my new ability. But then everything became clouded, and I found myself in a pitch-black void. Is this the consequence of becoming a world enemy? Losing sanity or control over one's body?" If that was the case, he couldn't use it again, or it could have ended even worse. What if he would hurt his NPCs? Such a thing he couldn't possibly allow. He had to find a way to control this power or never use it again.

"Lord Ainz!" Albedo cried out, rushing toward him with Cocytus and Demiurge close behind. Panic and concern etched their faces.

Ainz regarded her, his behavior fatigued and confused. "I'm fine, Albedo. Just a bit exhausted. No serious injuries befell me." His voice carried a weariness unusual for him, as if he were not entirely present.

"Let me help you." Albedo offered, extending a hand to help him. Ainz accepted her support, using it to regain his footing. He leaned heavily on his staff for stability.

"Now, let's go home." Ainz suggested, gesturing to the portal that would transport them back to his office. The others nodded, their minds filled with questions they were eager to ask.

"I promise to answer all of your questions, but I need some time to think. If you'll excuse me, I'll be in my chambers." With that, he teleported to his private room, seeking some time alone before confronting the NPC's about what happened.

In frustration, Ainz struck his bed with his fist, shattering it. 'I used the ability, activated it, and then I was gone. When I returned, I was kneeling on the ground in a world that had changed without me. I won't let that happen again.'

"I need some time for myself. After that, I will revive Shalltear."


SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO
Solidex Solidex

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