Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It's the final day of the greatest time sink of the last eight years of my life. Yggdrasil's servers are being shut down due to... some corporate bullshit I don't care for, I'm still pissed either way. All this time, money, and emotions have been spent on something that will cease to exist in a couple hours. Might as well say goodbye to this chaotically beautiful world of Yggdrasil.

Logging in to the dive gear, selecting the gilded tree icon, and finally being sent to the battlefield of the gods. Spawning in to my base, the 'Doll-House' of Svartalfheim's dark forest. Looking down I see my character's royal purple suit, golden trimmings along the edges and holy-silver chains with runes hanging from buttons. Walking towards my bedroom's mirror I gaze at my avatar's full form.

"I guess, I did really well once I got around to my looks." I was never really one for knowing my face. Whether that was due to a mental disorder or gender disorder or whatever, I couldn't pay to figure out. Whatever the case my real face wasn't even good to look at. I am the child who inherited the face of a monstrous human and the emotional baggage of my saintly mother. Not to mention the scars from the acidic rain ruining my self perception even more. 

But not in Yggdrasil. Here, my porcelain doll stands at 6 ft. tall(1.83 m) with features the definition of the word Beauty. The almost pale exoskeleton of the doll had smooth features, the face could be given to any woman and be called gorgeous or a man and be called dashing. Upon my head is a wreath of wooden puppeteer crosses resembling a crown. The strings, gold and embedded with sapphires and emeralds of varying sizes, ending just below my pointed jaw. Silver hair running down to the middle of an exposed neck. 

The bare movement joints, a dark metallic almost pitch black, below my head and between my connected exoskeleton. Thick silver strings, half as thick as a pinky finger and as long as my forearm, hang from the back of my hands, tips of my elbows, and back of my knees. On my back is my weapon, 'Puppet Master's Burden', a puppeteering device so large it looks like I'm carrying a cross on my back and dragging chains behind me.

"Hello, other me... let's say goodbye to the world then." 

Some of the 'darker' craftsmen that made their bases in Svartalfheim might still be active, if only to see their creations off. The duergar brothers BorinStoned and Grimli -"Glitches"- Gearhead were apparently the last Svartalfheim's natives to still be online, everyone else having said their piece or moved on long ago.

The mountains of Svartalfheim cast a long shadow over the overgrown forest. A serene feeling of calm washing over the world as the players all disappear, never to return.

Someone else I know has to be on. I know too many hardcore players for all of them to ALL be gone...

Pulling out the menu and looking to my friends list I see the most depressing thing since the Sci-Fi (read sell-out) expansion. The shitty devs didn't even make new races, just shitty armor, weapons, and gacha pulls. Then again automata and dolls like me are technically living robots anyway. Still, lazy devs. Back on track, I see my friend count: 

1/8 online
Momonga (Chat/Call/Unfriend/Block)

Well... never really had that many friends to start with... but only 8 that still have an account and only ONE online!? Well, better to connect with him than be depressed by ourselves.

[Chat Message] "Hey Momo! Looks like this world's last day has brought me to my one and only friend remaining. Want to connect?"
[Chat Message] "PAX! I'm chatting with one of my guild members, but it sounds like he'll leave early. We can chat right after."
[Chat Message] "10-4 good buddy, it'll be nice to see this off with someone else."

Same old Momo, ever eager to be the best friend of everyone in the room. Guess that's why he was selected to be the guild master of those guys. He made sure they were all happy even with 41 beings with different ideas mixing in a monster pit. 

"Well, I guess time to head home." My raspy voice leaks out of my phlegm and scar filled throat. It's one hour to midnight and I want to see the whole 'family' before they get erased from reality.

Walking back through the dark, shadow filled forest, I start to see the outline of my house. The 'Doll-House' as I and many other have dubbed. Painted wooden walls of auburn and the black hip-and-valley style roof covered in vines decorate the two story exterior. The first floor resembles a toy shop for dolls and puppets, a few hanging in the open product window to the left of the door. Upon entering, a pale oak counter used as a register and work station for small projects greets the guest. Two blank wooden dolls, 8 in. tall (20cm) each, sit behind the old register. They are waiting to take shopping requests from players who found their way to my home. Usually, after I would either take their request if it paid or intrigued me, if not they were dropped into the basement, into the 'Workshop' where the horrors of doll making were on display. The Workshop was my pride and joy before I created the 'family units'. 

I wonder how many players I was able to traumatize with what I made down there.

Heading through the door at the rear of the room, staircases to the upstairs living quarters and the downstairs 'Workshop'. Walking up the mahogany stairs and entering the communal room with lavish and dreary décor. Best described as dark and decadent.

Standing near the entrance, I see my first NPC, based on my real-world father, but altered to keep my feelings at bay. At level 85, he dons the typical butler suit, with the slight addition of an extra set of arms below the normal pair, which are held behind his back. Like me, his silver hair, white "skin", and black joints, typical of the doll race give him a not-so-human look. Unlike me though, he was designed to be the most macho of men. With a wide and buff physique like a professional fighter. Silver hair is chopped short and even, a mustache and goatee trimmed to perfection.

"Laufeykin, follow me." That was the command, right? These settings were strict about recognizing speech. Seeing him bow, I knew it worked and continued on my mission.

Walking towards the open kitchen, connected to the communal rooms rear, I spot my second, and most beautiful, creation. An almost perfect hourglass figure, with a medium bust and larger back-end and thighs. Wearing a French maid uniform, with enough revealed to be distracting to players but still respectful enough to be shown off to others. The face, a caring mother living her happiest days. Flowing silver hair runs down her back, a central braid running down to the center of her shoulders. Two strands of hair frame her perfectly symmetrical face. In each of her hands are gilded and wooden crosses that boost her healing skills for constructs. With 75 levels dedicated to healing and servant abilities, she's the perfect caretaker for any family.

"Ishtarlux, follow me... please." I still can't be disrespectful to anyone, even NPC's huh?

Now to find the last member of the family. Approaching a door with a sign reading "Puck's Place" I enter to see the form of my avatar's younger sibling. While smaller at 5ft. 6in. tall (1.6m), the being carries all my physical features while wearing a scarlet red suit chest piece and an equally vibrant ruby skirt flowing to their knees. Shallow heels on black shoes with lace running up the calves. Sitting on the carpeted floor, they play with the toys designed to come alive and help them kill any intruders.

"Puckmalvio, follow me... please." The 'family' all gathered, following Pax to the common room.

"Take your seats." Taking the time to program not just their battle strategies and daily actions, but also to make commands that allowed the gathering of the NPCs and myself like an 'actual family' took the majority of a year, but the effect is worth it, in my opinion. The 'parents', Laufeykin and Ishtarlux, sit on the luxurious loveseat across the coffee table from the 'kids' Puckmalvio and myself. 

In the lore I gave the 'Doll-House family', we were all originally from different species: Pax, aka myself, a Dark Elf; Puck, an Elf; Ish, a Siren; and Lau, an Insectoid. Each of us were 'turned' into dolls by the thing being I took 'revenge' on and now have trapped downstairs in the basement. Due to the encoded shared trauma, the four decide to live together as a found family.

11:55:31... 32... 33...
[Message] "Hey Pax, I just finished my goodbyes. Currently just sitting on the 'Throne of Kings' and reminiscing. How about you?"
[Message] "I'm admiring my hardest work: my trauma-dump NPCs. This little family I made won't be appreciated for their greatness or the effort I put in. I guess it's worse for you, as a functional guild with many wonderful things made by different people."
[Message] "Yeah, so many memories in these digital halls. The fun and hardships had to create all this... it isn't fair that it's just going to disappear! Speaking of guilds, how come you never joined mine? You were basically an honorary member with the amount you interacted with us. You would have fit right in."
[Message] "If only I made that choice back then... But that's the past now. You got my contact info, right? Any new games on your list after Yggdrasil? I'm thinking about taking a small break before trying some Sci-Fi RPGs."
[Message] "None at the moment, this game was such a large part of my life, I'm going to need to recalibrate before going deep into a world again."
[Message] "10-4 good buddy. See you in a 'new world' ;)"
[Message] "See you later, Femur."

11:59:00... 01... 02...
"I've loved every minute of my time in this house. If I could, I would keep coming back to you forever."
30... 31... 32...
"Well... to a brave new world... goodnight Yggdrasil."
11:59:55... 59:56... 59:57... 58... 59... 
0:00:00... 01... ...
"Huh, that's odd... wait, why do I sound like that?!"

Pax Femura character sheet:

Chapter Text

Doll-House / Pax Femura

"Huh, that's odd... wait, why do I sound like that?!" My voice, it no longer is coarse and sickly. Instead of my midwestern accent, a mix of posh English and French slides cleanly from my... throat? Do I have any internal organs? The lore says no but my custom backgrounds have us born, not made.

"You alright there sonny?" The deep English accent of the gentleman across from me is heard. He looks like he's concerned and trying to find the reason for my distress.

He just moved and spoke on his own... scratch that they are all moving...

"Sib, you ok? Do you have something to share with us since you've gathered us here?" My sibling, sitting on the cushion to my left askes. Looking at them, with my vision now enhanced in this body, I see all the fine details, that weren't displayed on my rig, moving across their face. The sockets where Porcelain white skin meets black zirconium endoskeleton visible under every shifting plate. They weren't that detailed before. It's like those animatronics from that series where a bunch of kids died, but so much more advanced, to an incalculable level of detail.

"Well... I was preparing to say farewell forever but-" I was going to explain that situation has changed, to me now wondering what the hell caused me to see my NPCs moving, but I didn't get to finish my thoughts.

"WHAT?! NO! YOUR'E NOT LEAVING US FOR GOOD!!" Throwing their arms around my neck and causing me to fall back against the armrest, my little siblings distraught outburst doing me no harm.

"Oof... -but it appears something else has my... priority... for the foreseeable future. I'm not going anywhere soon Puck, be calm." Right, traumatized codependent family. No "leaving" talk anymore. I stroke the back of Puck's head for a second till they calm down. Staying like that I return my gaze to the other two occupants of the room. "Ish, Lau, do either of you feel... odd?" If they are all alive, are they the same as the game or different? Do they have memories from the game or just the backgrounds? What happened to us?

Lau, keeping it brief and professional, "All functions nominal. Ready to kill at any moment." Ishtarlux was more concerned about her distraught and confused children. "I feel perfect dear, but what do you mean by another priority?" Ish's sweet French voice sounds like an angel and succubus fused into one. The slight tilt of confusion causing her two locks to glide across her face before resting still again.

How should I respond to this question? Explain that we are about to die to now living world enemies or NPCs from other guilds going rogue. Wait, other guilds! Momonga was online too!

"I need to connect with Momonga, the leader of Ainz Ooal Gown, to discuss some important changes between our two parties." First, I need recon on the environment to determine if were in Yggdrasil, which would be VERY bad, or if this is another world entirely, which can be a mixed bag. It's definitely not on 2138 Earth, the sky through the windows is clear and blue, maybe still Earth?

I walk towards the window. Being on the second floor I don't expect to see past the cursed trees that surround us in Svartalfheim... but I don't see those trees. The "Dark Forest of Svartaflheim" in the mountains shadow no longer spread before me. Instead, a vibrant green, lush woods with small foliage spread underneath the tree overgrowth expands before me. In the distance to the... North I think, judging by the sun, I see mountains of rock, forest climbing up part way until giving to the cliffs and cold peaks.

I need to gather as much data as possible about the local. "Doesn't look like were in Svartalfheim anymore. Troubling. Laufeykin, for the time being guard the entrances to the house. Puckmalvio, get some scout models prepared and ready your equipment. Ishtarlux you're in charge of house members to keep this place functioning, and no one leaves the grounds until I say so. Clear?"

"Right away." "Understood dear." "Ooo am I able to go outside again? Right away boss!" Lau carries his massive frame downstairs to begin his perimeter. Ish follows him down with grace to begin working with the lesser dolls and puppets. Cheekily, Puck in their energetic eagerness, bolts towards their room for a minute. Rummaging can be heard before the door bursts open again and they are sprinting towards the basement to collect the requested dolls.

Alright, let's see if I can contact Momonga. [Message] Momonga?... Can you here me?... You there?...

First idea is a bust. Second plan then, explore with subordinates.

So complex commands outside of programming works... they are alive now... they can change, adapt, and probably grow now. It's like I'm dreaming, but the sensations are all real. Colors, more vibrant. Smells of sweets, wood, and metals flood my nostrils. The tackle from Puck, I felt them. I can feel everything...

Pax Laufeykin character sheet:

Artwork by So-bin.

Description: Looks of Laufeykin inspired by Sebas Tian, as seen above. Just imagine he's twice as wide, with two extra arms and different hair.
- Height: 6' 6"
- Outfit: English butler attire with extra sleeves
- Looks: Broad shouldered male with silver chopped hair, goatee, and mustache. Second pair of arms typically held behind his back.

Chapter Text

Southern Tob Forest / Wise King of the Forest

A disturbance in my domain, there is. Scurry away from the intruders, weak animals do. Investigate, I must. Remove threats, I will.

The large, silver-grey figure of the 'Wise King of the Forest' emerges from her burrow. Stretching out each limb before sniffing the air. Strong beings, they are. Cautious tests to gauge power, I will use. Moving quickly, reaching speeds close to 30mi/h (32.19 km/h) the mass of silver and white fur rushes through the forest towards the source of the disturbance, towards the Doll-House.

Nearing the clearing in the distance, roughly 200ft. (60.96 m) away, the large beast comes to a slow stop. Observing the area from afar to determine the best course of action. Patrols nearby, surround the structure they do. Time for building, they did not have. Magic or quick work? This is my domain, their intrusion, corrected it will.

Circling around to the front of the building while maintaining distance from the patrols, a new creature exits the building. Human female, are they? Fear and respect me, do they not? Sniffing the air again, the creature turns away from the home and looks south, towards the village of humans. Separated, they are. Foolish decision, that is.

Rushing south as the sun begins its decent from its peak, the large beast creates a trail of debris where flora blocks its path. When half way to the human homes, it slows to a trot. Then moving out of the way of the intruders path, it begins to stalk the duo moving carelessly through the woods. Fear monsters, do they not? Foolish beings, they are. Remind humans of my power, I will.

Readying an ambush with her tail, the creature eyes its targets. Two humanoids, silver hair more bright than her own, blood colored dress and purple suit on the two.

Forest of Tob / Pax Femura

Walking back towards the house, the guards stationed on the perimeter report that a large rodent is investigating our home while maintaining a distance. "Leave it be unless it engages. If it's that large, then it might be an apex species that the forest needs for balance." If I just kill every beast that shows itself, I might ruin the environment. Have to maintain the natural order.

Halfway back to my home, a large mass of muscles like a tentacle strikes out from our right side targeting me. If this was attacking a normal human, the speed would be too fast to dodge and the force would crush any bones, even beneath heavy armor. I simply jump backwards with Puck following suit, almost in sync.

"To dodge my attack, you both did well. 'Wise King of Forest', I am. Leave my domain, you will." Walking out of the brush into the tiny clearing we find ourselves in, I gaze upon the large and rotund form of the so called 'Wise King'. How the hell can I understand it? Magical Auto-Translation?

"Boss, it attacked first. Should I eliminate it?" Puck pulls out their arcane focus, a black metal engraved with ruby colored runes in the shape of puppeteer's cross, 3ft. (1m) across.

"Arrogant, you are. Humbled then dead, you will be." Ok, a giant hamster with weird tail is talking and wants us out of 'it's' forest. Well, it doesn't look too strong. I can just make it leave whenever with [Mental Domination]. Maybe even [Dominate Creature], but talking to an animal sounds interesting, like a fairytale. Motioning down with my hand, Puck lowers their tool while keeping an eye on the beast.

"Quite the greetings, 'King'. If I may be so bold, allow me to introduce myself. I am Pax Femura, Ruler of Dolls. Tell me, what makes you a king?" I sound so cringe saying my title like that. But hey, when in Fantasy-Rome. Approaching the large hamster that reminds me of a Sci-Fi Fantasy series with casual ease, I give a slight bow at ten degrees, never taking my eyes off it.

"Strongest in these woods, I am. Destroy threats, I must." Speaking with an arrogant tone and rearing back on its hind legs. The beast stands 7ft. tall (2.13m) with its fore arms flexed, ready for combat. A sigil on its body glows for a moment before fading. Did this fucking rodent just try to use [Charm Species] on me? Well, let's experiment to see how strong this worlds natural resistance to Mental Magics is.

"Threats? We have made none so far, beast. Our arrival here is an unexpected one. I don't even know where here is. I'm sure you can tell me... while groveling at my feet." [Dominate Creature] "Grovel."

The large rodent is hit with a small, almost imperceptible, purple energy of my mental magic flowing from my slightly raised hand. Dropping from its hind legs onto a begging position, its chin on the ground and legs spread out. Stepping on it's head to keep it from raising again. "Now speak, where are we." Releasing the creature from the spell, I still want to be on somewhat decent terms after we're done here.

In a new tone, one full of newfound fear, the beast responds. "G-Great Forest of-of T-Tob, humans call this place. M-Mountains called Az-zerlisia by dwarves, m-my domain fu-furthest from." Shivering like a leaf, the creature doesn't move away despite being free from control.

Great Forest, probably quite large compared to others to be given that title. Azerlisia mount- wait, DWARVES!?! "You say dwarves call those mountains home? What about this forest, do intelligent creatures other than yourself call this place home?" Containing my excitement for the time being, lets see who else calls this area home.

"C-Clear of c-competition, my d-domain is. D-Demon Snake controls West w-woods. T-Trolls and g-goblins, G-Giant in East controls." Stuttering out its response, I learn of the other two creatures who call this forest home.

Judging by this things name, they are probably equals in strength. But it didn't say anything about the North... "And to the North? No other beasts of your level call it home?" The Giant of the East sounds the most promising to talk with, might be able to start civilization for them if they are the smart kind of goblins and not the rabid rapists that a certain 'Slayer' enjoyed hunting.

"F-Forest Spirit s-said long ago to st-stay away from North woods. S-Scary tree slumbers th-there." Forest Spirit? Does a dryad, or dryads, call this forest home?

"Thank you kindly for answering my questions. Now, if you agree to let me and my kin reside here, we promise to not do intentional harm to these woods. Oh, and I'll also let you leave here alive and well." Ending with a smile that was supposed to calm the creature, it instead inflicts the fear of a devil glaring down at their tortured subject into the groveling rodent.

"L-Live where th-they p-please, G-Great one and k-kin! F-Forest s-safe with me h-here!" Trying to make it's final case to not be killed on the spot, the somewhat cute creature knows it would stand no match against this entity, and it's kin may be just as strong.

This thing isn't the smartest being here hopefully. Well, there's always the humans nearby or the dwarves in the mountains I guess. Petting it's large, and soft head before stepping back. "Well spoken, 'Wise King'. Now, you're free to do as you please. If you require us for some reason, I'm sure you know how to find my home. Come along now Puck, we have to tell the others about our new neighbors!"

Walking past the still cowering creature I continue down the path home. Puckmalvio walking on my left side pouting. "Couldn't you have kept it under your control? Then it'd never attack again and I could have a new pet!" Ah, so you just thought it was cute, not that it was a threat to us. Oh it's finally scurrying off.

"Like I've said before, probably, to keep the natural balance. It keeps the Southern woods free of dangerous beasts, which most likely allowed the humans to live on the forest edge. Removing it could cause unpredictable changes to the power balance or environment and threaten those villagers." Though, that begs the question, how would that village survive against a threat? Probably not well, the few men who could fight don't have the equipment necessary, and the rest would be killed or captured afterwards...

"Wow! You're so smart and kind boss! I didn't think that far ahead!" Puck being cheery as usual skipping beside me as we get ever closer home.

Why don't I care more about the village beyond curiosity and profit? I was human hours ago, has my mind changed that much, or did I not care in the first place? Before I could figure out that conundrum, I spot Laufeykin patrolling the house exterior. His cold eyes sweeping the tree line as his steady pace carries him from the side of the house to the front. Either noticing us himself or being alerted by the guards, he makes his way towards us.

"Sir, welcome back from your trip. Nothing to report other than the giant rodent stopping by before heading your way. Any troubles for you sonny?"

"No troubles for me. We met that rodent, claimed it was called the 'Wise King of the Forest' and it tried to [Charm] me but-"

"THAT DAMN RAT TRIED TO CONTROL YOU?? THE MASTER OF MENTAL MAGICS?! I'LL HAVE IT SKINNED ALIVE AND TURNED INTO A RUG FOR YOU TO WALK ON!!" Lau bursts out in rage. Pressure from his battle spirit brushing against Puck and I, causing every nearby animal to flee for their lives in abject terror.

Raising both my arms to shoulders to calm him, "Calm yourself Lau. I taught it a lesson." Well, kind of. It got so terrified of me after using [Dominate Creature] I think it taught itself to fear me. "Come, I have plenty of details to share with the family, including future plans." Gesturing over my shoulder, the two follow me into the shop.

Doll-House / Pax Ishtarlux

The master left early mid-day and will return before nightfall. They are one of the strongest beings I know, plus they have little Puck with them. So why am I so concerned about them coming back? They are so much stronger than me, they'll be fine... come back soon my children.

Just as my prayers were sent out I hear three pairs of steps, my family coming up the stairs. Finishing my dusting as fast as possible, I head to the door to greet them at a respectful bow. First in is my master and oldest, Femura, followed by Puck, the youngest. Or at least that's how they act, we don't remember our ages. Little rambunctious child that one. Lastly, the broad shoulders of my dear Lau passes through the doorframe at a slight angle. Home safe and sound after what looks like a fun trip, I couldn't ask for more from them.

"Ish, were back with plenty to share. Please, take your seats everyone." Everyone walks to their seats, with Lau holding my left hand in his lower-right. Puck sitting across from me looking ready to burst with excitement. "Now, before you explode, would you like to share what we learned on our trip South?"

Tob Forest... human village to the South... beasts claiming the woods... dwarves in mountains as usual...

"Going forward, I want to establish communication with the locals. Specifically, that village of humans will get a visit in a few days from myself, the 'merchant' Femura, his sibling assistant, Puckmalvio, and his motherly maid, Ishtarlux." Master wants me to interact with these humans? I wonder what generosity master plans to gift them?

"Until then, the rest of the forest needs to be mapped out. Strategic resources must be found in order to replace what can no longer be acquired from Yggdrasil. Contacting this 'Forest Spirit' the hamster talked about will be our best bet in getting more valuable intel. Laufeykin, if the other two beasts ruling these woods are near the rodent in power, I want you to establish that we are here, and will not be threatened. Everyone is to stay clear of the Northern part of the forest until we establish why the Forest Spirit is worried about it and deal with the situation." Effortlessly strategic and kind enough to warn others of our power. They truly are a great master.

"For the time being, I'm going to run some experiments in the basement. Do as you please until called upon." Getting up and heading downstairs, the master leaves their family to our own devices. Puck returns to their room. Lau heading to the first floor for one last patrol before night. I head to the kitchen to prepare our food, mana-orbs made of mana-saturated plants and beasts.

Pax Ishtarlux character sheet:

Description: Looks based on Pleiades, specifically Yuri Alpha
- Height: 5' 6"
- Outfit: Sultry French Maid attire
- Looks: Kind, motherly smile adorning French adjacent face. Silver hair running down her back with hairstyles depending on her mood.

Chapter Text

Great Tomb of Nazarick / Momonga's Office

My friends are long gone, of that I am certain. My guild members weren't online for the transfer; they are still on that Earth, that hell. Slamming his bony fist onto his office desk, causing the maid attending him to jump, Ainz rises from the desk with more papers covering it than ever before, as it's the first time it has had a proper use besides aesthetics. I need to step outside the Tomb to be alone for a moment.

The maid in the room, a beautiful blonde with French maid attire who had been standing ready to serve, follows her lord out of the room silently. In his deep and regal tone, "I will be stepping outside for a moment, Cixus. Don't have the guardians making a fuss over my protection, it's just a moment." While her lord's wishes are absolute, so is the need to protect the last Supreme Being. Sending a quick [Message] to notify Lady Albedo of Lord Ainz's movements before large, clean, bone fingers rested upon her shoulder, causing Cixus to suppress a blush, a light red, barely noticeable. "Apologies, teleporting will be faster."

"No apologies needed, Lord Ainz. Do as you wish." Teleporting to the first floor, usually guarded by Shalltear. Instead, the three Evil Lords of Envy, Wrath, and Greed were present, speaking about defenses. Demiurge stood in front, gazing at the spectacular craftsmanship of the Tomb in his red and striped suit, with crystal-like glasses on his face. Ainz continues on his path towards the surface, noticing from behind that Demiurge has joined him alone on his walk to the open air.

"The stars in the sky glitter like jewels in a treasure box. Perhaps we were sent to this land to obtain those jewels for myself, for my friends, along with every treasure that shines beneath them." Demiurge listens closely to the words of his master. To conquer all this world has to offer for himself and the other Supreme ones? My lord's plans must be vast and expansive, such that our little brains cannot comprehend. "To obtain it all, first I must find any comrade left behind like me." Yes, my lord needs worthy allies to stand next to him. We, the denizens of Nazarick, shall stand behind him in all his ventures. Sasuga Ainz-sama!

Throne of Kings / Ainz

Getting the 'Mirror of Remote Viewing' to work was a daunting task in front of the ever-serious Sebas Tian. Scanning the surroundings, open plains with death miasma creating low-level undead as far as can be seen. Scanning further North, a large fortress is spotted in the distance. Three towering walls protect the rustic-looking city. Zooming close to the entrance, four young people exit the gate and head for the nearby woods. Following these four are a strong and lean sword wielder, a brawny mace user, a slim bow user, and a small lad with a staff.

Are those adventurers? From the looks, two front lines, one ranged and one caster. I could pretend to be a traveler from afar, work some odd jobs, gain useful intel, maybe find Pax in this mess. Regardless, that city will be my first stop in this 'New World'.

Carne Village / Enri Emmot

Finishing morning chores, I look for Nemu to get help with collecting the herbs Mother requested from the edge of the woods. "Nemu, can you help me collect some of these herbs for dinner?" I found my little sister playing house with a friend. An old doll, the one my mother made and that I grew out of, acting the child role.

A basket for each of us, Nemu's a little smaller than mine, we head for Tob Forest's edge. My eyes scanned further into the brush to be sure that nothing dangerous would come for us while staying within yelling distance of the houses.

Herb gathering takes under an hour before our baskets are nearly full. Looking for one last batch of herbs to take home, I pass a large but dead tree. This one would make good firewoo-

Someone I've never seen before is sitting on a log. Their eyes focused on the small figure of a toy in a maid outfit, so beautiful, only the outfit of the person sitting there surpassing the maid's in value. Their face is so perfect, I cannot tell whether they are a beautiful lady or a lord. The silver hair under a wooden crown draping over their face and head. Strings, like chains, attached to their limbs appear floating in the air with purple energy leaving the person's core and spreading to the ends, raised to the heavens.

"Hello! Is that a doll? Or a toy?" The voice of a cute and inquisitive little girl comes from beside me. NEMU! Stranger Danger! Trying to keep my heart pumping, I hear a chuckle come from the person in purple. I placed a hand in front of my sister to prevent her from rushing forward to meet the new face.

"This beauty here is what I call a 'Toy Maid: Guard Model'. Just a moment, and she'll be done." The smooth voice rings out. A small, gentle smile graced their face. They haven't looked away from what they're doing. Is it a magic item? They are performing magic considering the floating bits.

"P-Pardon me for asking, but who are you? Why are you in these woods?" So far, they haven't moved from that spot, but as the second question leaves my lips, the strings fall limply, and the person stands. Slightly taller than father. Wow, they look like nobility... should I be bowing?

Instead of me, the stranger bows, hand on chest. "Apologies for the late introduction. My name is Pax Femura. Please, call me Femura. I'm a magical merchant by trade. What about you, young ones?" Stepping towards us, a hand is offered to me, but I take a step back, out of immediate reach. Merchant? I'd sooner say prince with that outfit, and the princes here are no good.

"Uh... I'm..." Hesitating to give this person my name, my sister was not as shy or concerned as me.

"My name is Nemu! This is big sis Enri. We were getting herbs for dinner!" Nemu lays everything out for this person, proudly showing her basket full of herbs. It wouldn't have been hard to figure out why we were here, but giving a stranger all of our information is a bad idea.

"It's very lovely to meet someone as nice as you, Nemu. Hello to you as well, Miss Enri." I can feel a small blush upon my cheeks. Whether it was unnoticeable or they chose not to comment, I could never tell. "Would you tell me the name of this village? The one I assume you are from?" Well, here goes nothing!

"That is Carne Village! Where our family is surely waiting for their cooking materials." Tugging Nemu along in hopes to leave this stranger for an adult to deal with. Even if they are nice... no. Stranger danger bells!

Enri didn't know the reason behind the unease, and Nemu wasn't affected because she was a child without a proper understanding of abominations upon nature. Femura knew the reason; they just wanted to see if the racial effect of [Uncanny Beauty] would bring the [Charmed] status or [Fear] to young people. They wouldn't pounce on him like an adult starving for attention would; children just become friendly or nervous.

"As a sign of my goodwill, take a sample of my products, little Nemu. Feel free to name her something nice." Handing my sister the wonderfully crafted figure of a red-haired maid, with a bob cut and round face. "Take care of her and she'll take care of you. Equivalent exchanges, no strings attached." A smile creeps across their face. Fear and appreciation are well within me. What is it about them that puts me on edge... sends shivers... I need to get over it. They have been nothing but respectful. What was the saying? Don't judge a book?

Bowing quickly, "Thank you for your generosity, lord Femura. I look forward to seeing you again under more normal circumstances." Walking back, I wonder if seeing them again will be good. A rich merchant in the village could do it well.

SIDE NOTE: !!Strangers who give you toys and treats when you are alone might kidnap you! RUN RUN RUN!! Back to the story.

Tob Forest / Pax Femura

Perfect! That was a perfect experiment! I thought the little one would be scared, but she wasn't even affected! Does it not affect underdeveloped brains? Can someone gain resistance if they are exposed for long periods at a young age??

Then there's the Sister! She was battling the conditions of [Fear] and [Charm] with what? Sheer will power?? She shouldn't have natural resistance to mental attacks at her level! That doll better keep those two safe, the excitement they have brought me from just this one encounter could last me a week!!

In the distance, unknown to Pax, Nemu positioned the doll into a bow towards her master, the kind Ruler of Dolls.

The next morning / Village of Carne / "Rosey" the Maid

The girls the master entrusted me with are kind and pure. A simple family: mother, father, two children. The children's protection priority was confirmed by the master yesterday.

Screams.

I hear screams in the distance this morning. They aren't protected personnel, but the household has not heard them yet. They aren't close enough yet.

The mother hears something first. Then the father rushes to the door. The sisters hug their mother, I'm in the small one's hand.

She is rushing past the father's scuffle to get the children to safety. Why has she turned around? No, no, no! The child put me in her pocket! [Message] "Master! Ward Under Threat! Separated From Charge! Unable to Guarantee Safety!"

Doll-House Communal Room / Pax Femura

"PUCK! READY AND TO ME!" Oh hell no, I JUST got invested in that little town I am NOT losing research material and subjects!!

...

Is that... it? No sense of justice like those cartoon heroes or Shonen protagonists? Never mind, doesn't matter the reason right now. Still have to save them.

"What's got you yelling, boss?! We get a strong enemy to kill?" I'm so excited to commit egregious acts of violence so early in the morning, especially against a tough opponent that has the boss yelling in such concern!

Putting my hand on their shoulder, I teleport to the edge of the forest, replacing a couple of scout models. "Someone touched my stuff. You know I don't like people touching my stuff."

Edge of the Great Forest of Tob / Enri Emmot

We have to get to the woods! Nemu needs to get safe no matter what!

The two sisters flee for their lives, tears running down their faces. Tragedy has struck this day, as soldiers of some land decided this village must be exterminated. That these lives are worth the sacrifice.

Someone! Save us! Save my sister! Please, for the first time in my life, Hear My Prayers!

With the voice of eternal youth and bubbly joy, my prayers were answered by an angel of the abyss. "Good morning, meanies. Time for torment! [Daymare]"

Pax Puckmalvio character sheet:

Artwork by So-bin.

Description:
- Height: 5' 8"
- Outfit: (Based on Mare's) Scarlet Skirt and Vest with purple suit underneath. Necklace with Beholder charm, a purple colored enchanted gem adorning the center eye.
- Looks: A younger and brighter Pax Femura with slightly longer hair, reaching their shoulders, and Scarlet Eyes.

Chapter Text

Village outside of Tob Forest / Fendrick, Soldier

This was supposed to be a simple mission. We only needed to bring out one man from this sinful kingdom and eliminate him. So why... why is there such a creature here! What in the world is she?! Ok. Go over what you see quickly.

Wings out of the center back… made of darkness, writhing and rippling. Tendrils ever shifting in and out of reality like tails behind this... somewhat beautiful... but overwhelmingly terrifying being!

A demon from the abyss? No. Something else.

In mere moments of this monstrosity's arrival, it speaks to us. "Good morning, meanies. Time for torment! [Daymare]"

It all goes white for a moment. Not a blinding white, but the absence of... anything. No darkness or void, no color... sound... smell... Then there is a door not my own... "You recognize this door...?" I do...

The door opens to a room... a children's room. Sitting on the bed, back turned to me, is a young girl. Resembling one I have hunted before... How is she here? Why isn't she bruised and in rags after I had my... Why isn't she dead?!

Out of the corner of his eye, movement is sensed all around him, like unseen hunters. Whipping his head to the right, he sees dolls crawl just out of view before he notices. Turning back to the girl, now on the floor standing in front of him, he screams out in his dream.

"HER FACE!! IT'S GONE!! IT'S A DOLL!! A MANNEQUIN!! A MONSTER!! I'M GOING TO DIE HERE AND BE ERASED LIKE HER!!"

So the "dream" made it a "reality". It killed the man to end his torment in the world. To the onlookers, the men fell to their knees, and blood pooled from their helmets. Getting a glimpse of their eyes revealed them as black orbs and blood soaking out instead of tears.

A moment passes before the men attempt to scream over the blood escaping into their throats with gurgling sounds of despair. They both collapse dead. One followed shortly after by the other.

Carne Village / Enri Emmot

Still shielding Nemu from the attackers, and now their deaths, while the... angel?... walks past us towards the corpses. Wings?... Who is...? They look like sir Femura...

Not turning away from the screams, but I can hear the unnaturally cheery smile on their face. "Sir, immediate threats down. Should I go after the others?" Thin silver hair elegantly blowing in a slight breeze. Shadow tendrils of unknown power and origin moved like extra limbs to put the two soldiers in a pile to the side.

"Try not to scare the villagers to death, so keep away from the eldritch abilities when you interact with humans. But yes, remove the scum." Looking from the powerful girl behind me to the strange person from the day before... beginning to kneel next to me. "You are a strong girl to hold on, Miss Enri. Let me alleviate your pain. [Restore]"

What is this spell? I feel as if I just woke up and had a full meal. So warm and calm... Bowing my head towards the only person who could help us in this moment. "P-please.... please help us all..." Tears well up in my eyes before a gentle hand rests on my shoulder.

"My mercy is at your service." Giving me a kind smirk before standing up and raising a hand towards my sister and me. "[Protection from Projectiles] [Protection from Blades]. Stay in these circles, oh- take this [Goblin Horn] and [Guardian Effigy] too. Blow the horn for a group of goblins to work for you, break the effigy to summon a somewhat strong guardian unit."

Tossed before me was a small, bone-like horn on a leather string. Beside it, a light, cream colored wooden 'X'. Engravings in a strange language across both lengths in purple writing with gold speckles.

Grabbing the two items and clutching my sister tightly, I rock her back and forth while sending a silent thank you to the two kind angels sent to save us.

Carne Village / Pax Femura

Two available corpses, might as well use them for more tests... how about- "[Create Golem - Corpse Doll]" I place my hand on the helmet and watch as the corpse of the first man, in a muted purple glow, absorbs my mana and the fleeting souls nearby before the corpse gets to its knees. Huh, it's almost like a zombie, but slightly more ego while gaining a [Rotting] timer, that I can strangely feel and add more mana before it rots away. This ability was useful for turning recently downed players into traps or just messing with NPC AI. If it's smarter than undead, then it could be plenty useful for a short time.

"Soldier, what was your name?" To see how much like a person it remains, let's ask it a simple question. "Fendri- -nnor of the Sunlight Scripture, my lord." Shit, it took both souls to create it? Or was it just because they were lying together? Shit, failed test, woops. Still can send it with them... "[Message] Puck, let a couple grunts run off scared. Keep killing any potential fighters and commanders."

To the rotting golem before me, "Hide yourself among the fleeing soldiers, try not to get caught by them or Puck." The soldier starts running from me, pretending to be scared of me. It runs for the distant hills following a few other soldiers. "Well, no better time to introduce myself than here and now."

Walking towards the center of the village, I see a [Magic Missile] strike the head clean off a screaming noble of some kind. His body dropped limply to the ground, causing a couple more soldiers to run away. Only a handful of attackers were left standing, shaking in their boots as the young, nicely dressed mage cast spells, killing everyone as instantly as they hit.

"Puck! I think they've learned their lesson. Soldiers, flee back to your commanders and tell them that should they choose to test me, I shall destroy everything you hold dear. Return to your families, while I still have the mercy to let you live." [Uncanny Beauty] activating to send those not already pissing themselves over the edge with [Fear] I sent towards them.

"Fuck it! Run for your lives, men, this isn't worth it!" One of the slightly older soldiers shouts as the group of five runs off. A couple even dropped the blades they were using to kill villagers earlier to the ground.

"Sir! Did I do a good job? Why are you letting them run?" Puckmalvio jumps over to me with a giddy smile on their almost blood-free face. Wiping away the single drop of blood, "So they return with a message, 'Someone strong is protecting that place.' How they move next tells us what we'll need to do next. I also sent a little spy in case they don't get the message across clearly."

Before we can continue our talks, though, someone from the village approached us. "Excuse me." Turning to the older, gruff-looking man, he proceeds to bow at an angle so deep I can't help but worry he'll topple forward. "From the bottom of my heart, as the village chief, thank you for saving my people."

"Yes, well... can't move shop somewhere without living customers." Seeing the strange look the man gave me at my response, I gave a slight chuckle. "I was planning on moving my home and shop to the Forest of Tob for easier access to its resources. Why don't we discuss further inside, chief? I'll have my sibling watch over the town for any more attackers."

Walking to the chief's home, I learn surface-level information on the surroundings, as well as some recent political rumors. Ok, these surrounding nations sound like shit... but maybe that 'Golden Princess' could be promising enough to put on a good show...

The funerals were held quickly. Corpses left out will slowly become undead with enough deathly miasma building near them, so the same-day burial is common among human cultures lacking enough priests.

Over to one side of the graveyard, the two sisters stand above their parents' graves. Enri is letting silent tears slowly fall down her face as she holds Nemu's little right hand. In Nemu's left hand is 'Rosey. '

I don't want to ruin this moment for them, but they need to know before they fall into despair, or I forget to tell them. Walking just behind and to the side of Enri, "Sentient life cannot exist without the soul, and the world demands balance for every life. In exchange for his own, your father gave you your lives to live. In exchange for your mothers, she has given 'Rosey' her final ingredient. Your mother will always watch over you, but if you ever need someone like her, give Rosey's head a press."

Then, just like the cryptic weirdo I'm trying to emulate, I slink off into the shadows to see if these 'Imperial Soldiers' have any goods on them.

Outside Carne Village / Gazef Stronoff

Riding in the front of his formation, the strongest man known in Re-Estize rushes his horse towards the smoke rising in the direction of Tob Forests village. Please be alive. Please let there be time to help them.

Cresting a hill and closing in to the village, he spots the devastation, then the blood, then the armor and weapons of soldiers. Finally, from his distance, he spots the corpses of villagers being carried by sullen peasants towards the local grave. In the town center, a young noblewoman, looking figure, with silver hair, rich scarlet clothing, carrying a black metal cross bar with odd markings glowing across it. She stares at them as they make the approach. A magic item? Who is this person?

Getting closer to town, the villagers all hide away. All but three individuals are now nowhere to be seen. The villagers must be terrified. Better be calm with introductions. "I am Warrior Captain, Gazef Stronoff of the Re-Estize Kingdom. I have come to end the Empire's attacks on the surrounding lands."

"Warrior Captain? I am the village chief. I've heard tales of a warrior earning a title from the King's tournament. Is that you?" An older man dressed like a common farmer addresses me, taking a cautious step forward.

"So, you're the village chief? Can you introduce me to these two?" Looking from the man who looks natural in this environment to the two otherworldly figures in contrasting blood red and deep-water purple. Sibling nobles stopping by? Not any noble house I've seen, where in the world are they from?

Carne Village / Pax Femura

"I believe introductions can be done myself." Stepping forward, I immediately don't trust this ragtag group to actually be Royal Soldiers. I can see the vague insignia of the Kingdom of Re-Estize on their chest plates, but otherwise their armor is unremarkable, and downright disappointing to see.

"I am Pax Femura. My sibling, Pax Puckmalvio. I am a magical merchant by trade, but I couldn't help but rescue these innocent clie- citizens from those boorish attackers."

What happened next was not something I would have expected. The Warrior Captain got off his literal high horse and proceeded to bow towards me.

"I cannot express enough the gratitude I carry for saving the lives of these villagers. On my name as Warrior Captain Gazef Stronoff, you have my sincerest thanks." His bow, awkward as if uncomfortable with his weight, was respectful. The seriousness behind him was commendable. Does this kingdom truly have hope? If this guy is part of the top brass, it shouldn't be as bad as the chief put it.

"I feel your words, sir Gazef Stronoff. Please, raise your head. Someone of your position shouldn't bow to strangers so easily." While his sincerity is worthy, he's too trusting so far. He doesn't even know us, and he's bowing with the supposed authority of the King behind him. "Why don't we talk in the village? You're probably more interested in these attackers than singing my praises, no?"

Hill overlooking Carne Village / Nigun Grid Luin

The job is a simple one, but one the Black Scripture should have taken over, not the Sunlight Scripture. We should be wiping out the Demi-Humans attacking the Roble or Draconic kingdoms, not destroying peasant farms from this country that's eating its own tail voluntarily.

"Captain! Some of the soldiers have returned, and they have mixed news." One of my many subordinates, whose name I can't recall, calls out to me.

Walking towards the handful of men in the Empire's footman armor who look like they've run from the capital itself, I can see the worry in their eyes and sadly smell the piss some of them had unconsciously released in their fear.

Looking towards the most experienced-looking of the bunch, "Where are the rest of your men? What news do you bring?" Either Gazef got here and these men are defecting cowards, or something else is amiss.

Saluting the best he can in his current position, "Sir! While the attack on the villages was a success and lured out Gazef Stronoff, we were fought back by an unknown magic caster before he even arrived. Her spells... they were terrifying and killed many of us in a single attack. All while smiling and giggling like... like a Demon."

An unknown magic-caster? If they can take out many in a single attack, at least the Windflowers should have alerted us! GAH!! Looking towards his second in command, Nigun unknowingly makes a choice that will cost him all he holds dear: his pride, his country, his God.

Character Notes:
- Pax Femura's Racial Levels in 'Living-Doll' add to Resistances and Special, while Puckmalvio's 'Possessed-Doll' Raises Magic Attack and Special.
- The racial tree of 'Animated-Effigy' is the 'Holy' skill tree, with healing skills/spells as well as positive karma summons such as [Guardian Doll]. While 'Possessed-Doll' is the 'Evil' skill tree with attack skills/spells as well as negative karma summons such as [Doll Assassin].

Chapter Text

Carne Village / Chief's Home / Pax Femura

It was midafternoon when Gazef and the Royal Soldiers arrived. After taking a damage report from the saddened but very thankful Chief, Gazef finally turns to me as I gaze out the window, eyeing the surroundings. Facing his whole body towards me, I return his serious gaze. He looks like how I would imagine the word "Warrior Captain," and he hasn't made any incorrect moves, let's see what he wants and what we can get.

"Sir Pax Femura. I again offer my thanks for saving these people from further loss." If they repeat the same shit like an NPC every time, I'm going to cry. Waving away the stern bow and heavy atmosphere, I ask Gazef some solidifying questions.

"I've heard your appreciation, anymore and it will lose impact. Tell me, Warrior Captain, why have supposed 'Imperial Soldiers' attacked the farmers of your homeland?" Test one: See if this guy likes his homeland, if he knows and shares dirt, and if he's smart enough to know the soldiers were in disguise after my obvious hint and his own inspection.

Sitting up from his bow, "Aye, the attackers are dressed in their uniform, but I don't believe the Emperor would attack these villages outside of his annual wars. The other human nations are too far or occupied with their own problems, leaving the Slane Theocracy as the only option left unless the Emperor truly has changed tactics suddenly." With a heavy sigh, he ends his little situation digest. Full marks! He's more intelligent than I thought, figured he would be an honorable meathead, not this competent.

"If I may, I may not be a native to the area, but why would a 'Theocracy' wish to murder innocents of another nation?" Test two: Have they sensed me, or are they here by coincidence? Really, I know the answer already, but does he know why they are here, and does he know about me? "I know some 'Gods' act in 'mysterious ways', but murdering children is surely a sin anywhere sensible, no?" Test three: Common sense on murder, because so far not so good with these humans value of the lives of others of the same species, let alone different.

"By my guess from recent events, Slane planned to drag me out here, without my standard armor, to kill me and weaken Re-Estize even further while increasing tensions with Baharuth." A slight chuckle escapes him as he gazes outside. "It appears the 'Defenders of Humanity' aren't afraid to bring ruin to other humans as well."

Outside, as the sun gets ever closer to the horizon, a row of people in armor is seen cresting a hill. Gazef's eyes narrow to focus on the oncoming force. "Ah, it appears you have someone who wishes to see you dead, sir Stronoff." They aren't even hiding their employer, that outfit looks nothing like the Empire's soldiers... wait, are those casters summoning angels? Wait! THEY ARE ON THE FRONT LINE?? Are they stupid?

"Sir Pax, I know that you claim to be a merchant with magical abilities. Can I hire you as a mercenary in the fight to come?" He looks to me without conveying his desperate need at all; he needs this man's assistance lest he lead his soldiers and himself to death. "I can promise plenty of gold to compe-" He was going to offer as much money as this man wanted for his help, his King would understand, and maybe get something from their interaction.

Raising my hand before I stop the man from speaking further, "I'll have to decline that request, Sir Stronoff. While a merchant I may be, and a powerful one at that, I do not offer 'mercenary' work among my personal services. I also do not require your gold; my business would generate a substantial income on its own. No, a different kind of currency is what I seek."

Gazef's internal fight for what to presume the finely dressed man wanted from his country was hidden well behind his motionless body, but his eyes gave away his emotions. Slight concern behind the stern features gives way to trust as his gaze shifts from Slane casters to Puck standing alone in the town square. "If it is within my power, I shall get it to you if you continue keeping these people safe. If you wish to help me more with the offer, I would gladly accept the support."

If I were a demon, this country would be doomed with those words. His good heart would resonate with my old one... my human one back on Earth... but this isn't Earth. My heart has long been removed and sacrificed. What can I gain from this situation?

"How about a bet with me for my help, Warrior Captain?" His eyes squint slightly. Thinking that the situation might turn favorable, or may be even worse for his nation if I use him to get to the royals. "My bet is that your men cannot survive two minutes against the enemy, while you cannot stand past minute three."

The shock on his face almost made me burst out laughing. From his perspective, a rich magician just said the best fighter a country has won't last three minutes against religious extremists. Time for the winnings.

"If your men survive to the three-minute mark, I will heal any survivors. If you are still standing by then, I will remove the threat. Regardless of the bet or its outcome, I do not plan on letting harm come to the people of Carne any longer." Obviously, these guys are going to be my first clients/promoters!

"That is an odd bet to make. One where you gain nothing from me when I lose. So what is it that you get from my loss?" Gazef: This wager only benefits me so far. What does he get? He won't take our gold, but he wants something from us... what in the world is he?

"Just confirmation of my own theories and a gauge of potential threats' strength. If you and your soldiers fall today, I believe that your kingdom's power will be heavily affected. But this little village, with me here, will survive." Technically not wrong. Really, I just need him to focus on surviving as long as possible so I can swoop in to save the day!

Marketing 101: Make sure the client keeps coming back. Influential soldiers owing me a debt AND witnessing my strength to spread gossip of me for other 'Players' to come find me. If an entire "Kingdoms" and "Empires" become buyers, I wonder how much money, supplies, and research material I could obtain!?

Sighing, Gazef knows that he won't get any further help without proving himself to this stranger that outclasses him in most regards. "Sir Pax. By accepting this wager, I place my trust and the things I cannot protect in your hands. I will always stand tall for this Kingdom's people." Reaching out his hand, I grasp Gazef's arm.

Glowing light energy radiates from our connected arms and from my eyes. "The Wager Is Set. May The Odds Be In Your Favor."

Carne Village Square / Pax Puckmalvio

Enemy forces on the horizon. Sentries spotted the encirclement of Carne, and luckily for the humans, they didn't explore the woods further. Will I get to fight more? Will the boss let me kill those dumbass casters?

I wonder what Femura wants from this village? I don't see the value. I mean, WHERE is anything? No hospital? Shops? Nothing! This entire village could be erased with ONE of my Tier-6 spells, it's so small... Whatever, it's probably some crazy idea of theirs again.

Hearing the village chief's door close behind them, Puck turns to see the two figures exit. Gazef focused on his mission to keep himself and his soldiers alive. Femura walks out with a sly smile on his face. That's the face they use when they make experiments test themselves. Are the soldiers the experiment?

Finally getting to the square where the rest of Gazef's soldiers waited for him and where Puck was left on 'Lookout Duty'. "Boss! Casters in the distance and more soldiers encircling the village. Should I get rid of the nearby threats?" Cheeky grin plastered on their face as Puck fakes a salute, causing some confusion on the soldiers' faces.

"Did the lady just say she'll get rid of them? What, she's gonna hit them with her fancy stick? Pfft!" Sounds of chuckling from the idiots. Why do they look down on me? They should never underestimate anyone concerning combat.

"Don't bother. Gazef and his men will be drawing them away. We will be ensuring safety for the villagers." That disappointed me a little, but whatever. Boss's orders. As I learned about them from their gossip, the Kingdom's soldiers are the majority, prideful fools. An exception to the norm was from Sir Kenter Urovana.

"Miss Puckmalvio, thank you for speaking with me earlier, and I apologize for the words of my other comrades. Some noble sons never become noble knights." The young man bows. He stands at average height for a roughly twenty-five-year-old. With blonde hair just above the ear and eyes the color of a moody sky. "Now I go forth to protect my captain and avenge my people. May the Four protect me."

Is he a paladin? No, just an idiot praying before he goes off to die...

"Hey." What am I doing? Just let him go with the others.

"Take this with you. If you feel death approach... break it." Pulling out a small wooden figure resembling a human shape with a black ring around its head, neck, and ankles.

"Is this a magic item, miss? Surely you would have a better use for it than giving it to me?" Trying to decline the offer as he knows the suicide mission he will be going on. But Puck wants to see if this 'decent' human can be fast enough to use it before he kicks the bucket. Depending on his dexterity, he either lives or dies today. So Puck pushes the idol back into Kenter's hand before spinning around.

"You'll need all the help you can get! But don't tell anybody, I don't want to get in trouble!" Saying the first part aloud before whispering to the confused soldier, before scampering off to their sibling. Why in the world would she give me this? And to break it for use?

"Farewell, kind miss." The soldier turns to prepare his horse and himself for the charge ahead.

Skipping over to Pax Femura, whose gaze hasn't left the little angels in the distance. "So. What did you do?" A sly smile appeared on Femura's face as I stopped beside them. Fake shock across my face. Every time they KNOW! It's not fair.

"Just something for me to be entertained. Shouldn't change any results." Smiling cutely and quickly changing topics to avoid any explanations, "So what's the plan for 'angel dorks' over there?"

Ruffling my head to let me know he caught my trick before answering, "Why, my dear Puck. We are going to be putting on a show! One to shock the crowd and display our splendor!"

Front of Cavalry Charge / Sir Kenter Urovana

The idol-like object rests in his side pouch on his left hip along with a blue [Minor Potion]. Kenter notices a similar object to the one he was given in Sir Stronoff's pouch. Did everyone get one? No, not enough time to hand them out, and they mustn't be that abundant.

The wind is against us as the horses race forward. The Warrior Captain yells out, "Go! Cut open their bowels. RaaAAAGH!"

Charging forward, drawing his sword as the images of previous villages flash in his mind. The homes... the families... the children... the hurt these bastards caused... THEY WILL PAY WITH THEIR LIVES!!

Some distance behind our knight in Carne Square, a timer begins ticking. Tick. Tock. "Fifteen seconds passed."

The casters have sent their angels after the charge. The swords of light are being swung in an obvious strike, but the power behind them outclasses typical humans. Bringing his sword to meet the strike of his faceless winged adversary.

"Fucking SHI-!!" He was flung from his horse by the first angel's upward strike. Split seconds later, he looks up as a second angel proceeds to stab his horse in its neck. Ending the beast quickly as it shrieks out before collapsing.

"MOVE FAST OR DIE!" These words from his father's knight dreadful training ring out in Kenter's mind. From his lower position, Kenter springs towards the closest angel. "[Swift Flow]!" Yelling out his [Martial Art] to boost his speed and attack power, Kenter cuts the first angel in half at the waist.

"[Gale Winds]!" Applying an additional speed art, the second angel is swiftly decapitated and disappears. I can do this! We can-!

As Kenter and Gazef fight off the first angels they confront, Gazef, even continuing to charge forward, the other knights are not so fortunate.

"Take thi- AAGH!" Stabbed in the guts, sword cutting upwards, end the man by disemboweling him.

"[Ability bo- " Decapitated before he could use his boost. He was in my class a few years back.

Pushing through all the effort and summoned enemies, Gazef Stronoff continues his charge. "Come on, you BASTARDS! I'm right HERE!!" Each word yelled as he had to fight off another summoned angel to survive.

"One minute..."

Kenter wasn't as strong as Sir Gazef Stronoff. He wasn't as fast as Brain Unglaus. But he wasn't stopping.

"RHAAA!! Come on, you fucking ducks!" Three more angels locked onto Kenter as he continued to fight. He willed himself to continue the pace he set. Fighting to be faster. Fighting to catch up to Stronoff.

"[Swift Fl-!" He fought to prove he's worth it. To prove he matters. "CoUGh-! Cheap tri- COU-" A fourth angel plunged its sword through his back. Twisting to ensure damage is sufficient.

"ARE NO MATCH FOR TRUE WARRIORS!" Stepping forward to remove the blade from his insides, Kenter spins with all his strength. His sword lodges into the neck of his stabber. Swiftly chugging his potion in the brief pause, as the angel is dazed. "Return to the heavens! [SWIFT FLOW]!!"

The rigorously trained body of Kenter can handle four [Martial Arts] sequentially at a time, if he pushes himself. Five on a perfect day in the training grounds with plenty of focus. This was a battlefield, though, and Kenter is desperate to survive.

In the distance, Kenter overhears his captain fight on, "[Sixfold Slash of Light]!"

"COME ON!! [Swift Flow]!" Don't think! MOVE! "[Swi-! COUGH-!" Kenter reached his limit. The potion only sped up his natural regeneration; it did not restore energy, but used it to heal. Shock in the eyes of Kenter Urovana as his blade misses its mark.

The opening from Kenter losing his count and pushing too far left him vulnerable for a moment. The angels surrounding him capitalized on that.

"Only ten left at two minutes... all right."

Stab! Stab! Stab! The angel in front got a clean shot to Kenter's chest, just above the chestplate he wore. A stab to the back of his left thigh, and one in his right side stabbing up.

"If you feel death approach... break it." Will I really abandon a fight?... "MOVE!"

As the swords made of radiant energy slid into Kenter, his mind raced faster than ever. Adrenaline was forcing him to move faster. To survive.

Reaching into his pouch as he falls onto his left knee, Kenter yanks the fist-sized idol into the air above his head. The dark bands of the idol glow in a deep hue before the item streaks towards the ground before a final-

SMASH!

All Kenter Urovana remembers after that were two things. The perfectly beautiful face of the young Miss Puck giving him a smile, and the sly smile of a devil on the man radiated like the God of Life itself. This was his last life-changing look before passing out from exhaustion, pain, and the feeling of relief.

Where Gazef once stood outside Carne Village / Pax Femura

"My my my! What a grand performance. Don't you think so, Puckmalvio?" Standing where the warrior captain had just finished spouting nonsense about who knows, were the figures of well-dressed-looking nobles.

"Yes! The weak ones all got slaughtered, leaving the best alive boss! The one I bet on made it out, too! Hehe!" Puck's side comment about their personal bet added fuel to the fire that was the blonde leader's current outrage.

"Who are you supposed to be?! Here to help Gazef Stronoff?? He has been marked for execution by the hands of Sunlight Scripture for the glory of the Six Great Gods!" The only one without a helmet, and obviously the leader, based on his angry demeanor, yells out at us. "Leave now and we shall spare your lives!"

Scripture? Are these idiots supposed to be strong or important? "Apologies, 'dastardly villains', but as the show is coming to a climax, it is time for a sudden shift before the grand spectacle!" Those couple of levels in actor and years of voice acting in the past are putting in overtime here.

"If you shall not move, you shall die. Angels! Kill them!" Two Archangel Flames fly towards Femura and Puckmalvio each.

With a slight gesture, Puck stands behind me as I raise both arms to grasp forward. As the angels approach, I feel my dominion over [Life Energy] flex. My control over the angels invades them automatically. Flames submitting just like that? Well, that's good to know. Oh well. The show must go on!

The angels, now being controlled by Femura, approach before being cut off when my hands grip their throats. Both angels struggle silently. They don't fear their destruction. But there must be entertainment! Choke slamming the pair of winged soldiers into the ground.

While Pax Femura's dump stats were the physical ones, the difference between level twenty summons versus a max-level player allowed this single blow to send the angels back to the heavens. Refusing the summoner's request for summoning to the horror of the two Scripture members.

"Is this all your gods can give you? Why don't you send that Principality? It might get close enough to tickle me!" Nigun's eyes flash with worry.

This brat! How are they that strong!? No matter, they are clearly an enemy of the Gods. I must summon the highest angel!

Reaching into his cloak to bring out the magic crystal, the desperate idiot yells orders to his guard, "Principality of Observation! Protect me while I summon the highest angel!"

My eyes lock onto the crystal in the leader's hands. Did that idiot say "Strongest Angel"! Does he have a fucking SERAPHIM IN THERE?! SHIT! "Puck! Eyes on that summoning crystal. If it's more than planned, take it out immediately." Puck nods as their eyes focus on the raging blonde as the crystal in his hands begins glowing.

My eyes return to the slowly approaching Principality. Now, how to destroy you?... Suddenly, a [Message] is being sent Femura's way. Sent from the Principality. This play keeps going off script! What does this thing want now?

[Message]: "Sovereign, I apologize for the actions I must take. By my Observation, you shall feel nothing and eliminate me as you see fit."

The large angel raises its mace above the halo, readying to strike down the pair of abominations.

[Message]: "Observation, I will hold no grudge against those who serve fools. Your removal will be swift."
[Message]: "Thank you, kind Sovereign."

Raising my left arm as it glows in radiant light, I cast a [Life Energy] spell of Tier-7. "Witness my LIGHT!! [Light of Belief]!" As the magic circle made of radiant energy glows in front of my hand and shatters upon completion, a much larger circle appears below the angel.

Instead of what Femura and everyone else expected, being a giant attack erasing the Principality completely, what they witnessed was instead a thin beam of roughly a head's width firing through the middle of the angel.

Even with the spell not being as grand as it was in Yggdrasil, the beam still killed the Principality in one shot. The light erased by burning away the internal spinal column up to the head, helmet, and out the top to the sky.

So the spells from [Good] alignment still carry the power, but they now display the belief offered to the authority being invoked. In this instance, I am invoking myself, who has very few followers but very DEVOUT ones indeed, so the spell looked smaller than what I remember.

"What was that! What was that spell? GAAH!!" Nigun was freaking out. To him, that spell was obviously [Holy Magic]! The magic reserved for the followers of the Gods! To bring down a Principality with one attack! This person should be a famous godkin or Saint!

"You should have taken my offer to flee! Come! Remove my enemy [Dominion Authority]! Witness the highest of angels gifted to us by the Gods!" Again, Nigun holds onto the belief that he will win. That the Gods he serves will protect him from this unknown force.

"... Heh... Kehe… KEHAHAHEHE!!!!" The unhinged laughter as Femura bends over themself, trying to reel in the hysteria enveloping them. "'Strongest Angel', and it's just a mid-tier Dominion! Not even a Throne a fucking Dominion! HA!!"

As Puck silently waits for the show to continue, the Sunlight Scripture members beside Nigun are all shaking, some even begging to flee from the fight. Meanwhile, Fendrick, the remains that Femura used as a test, is slowly dispatching casters without notice, as the rest of the Scripture gives all of its focus on one terrifying individual in purple.

"No, no, no. This is what the highest order of angels looks like!! [Summon Seraphim: Sandalphon]!" From the enormous Tier-10 spell circle in the sky above me, descend the gilded legs of a lightly armored warrior. Reaching the hips, a set of white wings flows from the center back. Finding where the naval should be, instead, the body splits into two. The left had a feminine side with golden flowing hair, with her soft and small white wings. The masculine right side with his short white hair and large gold wings. Joy and rage on each's face for what they witnessed today.

Nigun was utterly speechless. Never before had he seen something so... divine. The angel has a set of wings more than the Dominion! It outranks our angel! How did they summon an angel above what the Six Gods could muster! Are they a God?? Then the two-headed angel spoke, from both heads simultaneously.

"Dominion Authority. For losing your post and succumbing to the wills of faulty men, you shall return to the heavens immediately. [Banishment]." Sandalphon, being the Angel of New Life, isn't the strongest attacking angel, nor does it boast the best defense stats. What it does do is make all outcomes an equal possibility, and then chooses the outcome that protects the summoner. In other words, it makes defense rolls a guaranteed success and summons more angels for me!

To continue the show, one must make the final declaration of victory over their enemy before utterly crushing them. "Members of the Slane Theocracy, rejoice! For today, you all stood witness to one of the True Highest Angels in the order! Direct servants to the holy gods, and whose power rivals theirs! The Seraphim of New Life, Sandalphon! May their majesty bring you peace before your demise."

Sandalphon, still floating in the air in their almost ten-foot glory (3m), summons a staff and shield made of celestial metals, white with gold patterns, in each hand. All members of the Scripture are on the ground. Half crawling away, trying to not be seen, while the other half, including Nigun, were trying to pray for their salvation and mercy.

A ruthless mercy was given to them. Sandalphon, moving faster than any of the humans could react, began bashing each one into the ground.

Splat.
Splat.
Splat.

One by one, between blinks of the eyes, the angel protects these poor souls from the torment they would be under from the other sibling, and from the father. Their swift deaths are a final gift before they find judgment waiting for them.

Nigun, who's been crawling forward through his prayers, finally shouts towards this new God, "Oh great one! Forgive me for not knowing you!"

Splat. "A-A n-new God has blessed this world with their descent!" Splat.

Splat. "Please! Grant this foolish man mercy! Allow me to serve you!" Splat. "PLEASE I BEG YO-!"

As the Seraphim was hurling its bloody staff down onto the last man's head, it suddenly stopped. Raising the holy staff from Nigun's face, he weeps. His prayers had been coincidentally answered. "The 'Sovereign' has chosen you for redemption. Allow their light to guide you." The duel-headed angels speak.

Fluttering gracefully backwards to float at Femura's side, the feminine portion gives a bow to them while the masculine portion continues to glare daggers into the surrounding corpses, and the quivering Nigun.

Now, how does one destroy a theocracy? Kill the leaders? Wage war? No. That would only strengthen their resolve. Internal revolt is the answer. From suppressed groups or reformists, hopefully both. So what task am I about to send this useless turd on?

"Nigun Grid Luin. For your sins, your life is forfeit to anyone who claims it. Today, I shall stake my claim here. Nigun Grid Luin, from this day forth, you are a worthless servant of I, the Pax Femura, 'The Puppeteer Sovereign'!" Raising my arms to the air as I approach, Nigun gazes at my full form. Finally close enough, he notices them, first the strings, then the mechanical parts under the perfection of my porcelain skin.

Crouching down and grabbing the top of the sniveling blonde, I subtly [Silent Cast] [Dominate Desire], making sure that Nigun wants to help me with my goal.

"You shall be my puppet of revolt! The gods who have been prayed to did not answer! You and the men who served these gods abused your power and slaughtered many innocent souls. The nations of men and beasts have committed their fair share of sins. You will return to your masters as though you still serve them. You will tell them what you achieved. That you barely survived against me. That, out of pity, a final message was given, 'Cut my Strings, I will Break your Chains.' This message is for the citizens and slaves, too. Make all your people hear it."

Still connected to him, I could feel Nigun's mind racing, trying to reconcile his beliefs to my words, before he stops. Staring at me, with the highest order of angel behind me, it clicks for Nigun. "Your words will bring hope to the low, and worry to the empowered. If you desire that all chains be broken, I will prepare to have them broken for you, kind one."

"Yes, and they should worry. Before I come to break those chains, servant, you shall send me the desperate to protect. Send me the Broken Souls to heal. Send me those whose only desire is salvation or death. Hurry to them, Nigun, before I find someone better suited for your position." With those last words to send Nigun running back to Slane, he will be a catalyst for history-making.

While the display of power was happening, the sun silently sank past the horizon. After sending Nigun away, Sandalphon, who no longer had a purpose and lacked incarnation material to remain in the 'Material-Realm', returned to the heavens to spread their own news. "New Gods are being born..."

Back in the material world, Puck is finally free to let the floodgate of questions out. "Why didn't you kill them all? Why couldn't I kill them? Couldn't you keep the angel around? I'd love to play with it! What was that message about? Are you being weird again?"

Giving a laugh as I start walking back to Carne, "Hehe, patience, Puck. He's a project of mine, that's why he's alive and not dead. Regarding the angel, the limited stock of incarnation material now that we're in this world and not Yggdrasil. I could have given them a body, but I prefer custom orders when it comes to powerful entities, like you and them."

The only high-tier 'Doll' available right now is a default creation. No details, just LOADS of material cost, such as Orichalcum gears and Adamantite bones on a plain model, not something for one of my best summons.

"But that last message? Let's say we are shown in a very dubious positive light; now we get devoted personnel flocking to us and fearful adversaries at bay." While I may not be human anymore, I still feel emotions and hold my memories of when I was. The pain of being a wage slave was tough enough on my soul. With the centuries I've studied in Svartalfheim, I know that history tells us slavery was invented in the hells before man mastered it. I may be Chaotic, but I still have a good heart.

"I just sent him home with some slight Strings Attached"

Kenter Urovana character sheet: (Image is Victim because I'm not an artist and the soldiers were very much victims of the Pax's shenanigans)

//

//

Artwork by So-bin.

Description: A serious man with a stern look on his face when around his captain or nobles. When with comrades or subordinates, a friendlier side emerges.
- Height: 5' 11" (1.8m)
- Outfit: Re-Estize Royal Guard uniform.
- Looks: Dark blonde man with a strong and slim build. Blue-grey eyes with subtle facial hair on a strong jaw.

Chapter Text

Re-Estize Capital / Ro-Lente Castle / Gazef Stronoff

A couple of days after the events that burned into his mind, Gazef Stronoff was finally walking through the halls of his king's castle. The white walls with maids strewn about, keeping the castle presentable. The rich halls starkly contrast with the humble garbs and armor still decorating Stronoff as he makes his way to the council chambers.

Closing in on the doors with the most important individuals of Re-Estize behind it, Gazef slows as one of the guards sneaks into the chamber. The other, giving a salute to his Warrior Captain, remained ready to halt or stall any attackers that made it so far into their fortress. Angry noblemen were heard just beyond the thick door before it shut again. The angry voices soon died down, and then the announcement was made.

"Returning from his campaign to defend the people, now entering 'Warrior Captain' Gazef Stronoff!"

Hearing his name being called out, the large man pushed open both doors with swiftness instead of grace. Marching forward towards his king and disregarding the stares, snears, and eye-rolls from the nobles standing in attendance.

Bowing on his knee, Gazef greets his lord, "Your majesty, I greet you with much news for you and the lord's." While Gazef would prefer to share all of what he had experienced with the royals alone, having the lesser lord's present would get better actions out of his highness and the great nobles.

Present royalty were King Ramposa III, Crown Prince Barbro, and 'Golden' Princess Renner. Of the nobles, two-thirds were here, and notably two of the 'Six Great Nobles' were present, Marquis Raeven and Margrave Urovana.

"Speak, Gazef. What news do you bring to my court?" King Ramposa couldn't show it, but he was truly glad that his Warrior, bodyguard, and friend returned safely from the trap he had charged into.

"Your majesty, in my travels to locate the attackers, I encountered three things I found significant in importance." The pause was only to let the old king nod in understanding, but it allowed everyone to catch his pause. "First, there were the remains of villages and very few, very scarred survivors. Second, in the Village of Carne, I encountered some of the attackers. First as corpses, later encountering and fighting more, to be exact."

This stirred up some nobles. "Did the villagers fight them off?" "Serves the bastards right to be killed by commoners." "So the problem resolved itself?"

Some nobles were proud of the citizens of Re-Estize, while others questioned if there was outside help. Still, the speculation would lead them nowhere.

Ignoring the crowd as the King raised his hand for quiet, allowing Gazef to continue, "Thirdly, I met the one who protected Carne. Before long, I was in turn saved by them when the attackers, Scripture members from Slane, launched their strike on me."

The reveal that Slane were the ones attacking shocked only one or two nobles present. The rest were angry that the so-called 'Strongest man in Re-Estize' needed the aid of a stranger to fight off 'pigeons' in their words.

Gazef couldn't help a slight sigh escape his lips, unnoticed to all but a couple keen eyes. They wouldn't understand unless they were there.

Raising his hand again to quiet his court, Ramposa asks a very pertinent question, "You may rise. Sir Gazef, who was the one who protected Carne and saved my Warrior Captain from defeat? Recount your mission." Ramposa wasn't an idiot to not recognize the nobles looked down on Gazef, for he was a commoner, but he also knew his friend didn't mention anything outside his work in front of nobles unless it was TRULY important.

Standing, Gazef begins to recount his story of the encounter in Carne. "When we approached Carne at mid-afternoon, it was in the middle of recovering after the morning attack. Standing in the village center were three individuals; everyone else alive was hiding from our approach. First, the village chief was there to help confirm we were allies. The other two introduced themselves as 'Pax Femura' and 'Pax Puckmalvio'. At first, I believed them to be a foreign nobleman and lady based on their looks and names, before I was told they were newly arrived 'magic-merchants'."

Rounds more questions, some genuine curiosity behind what wares they could offer, others, such as Barbro, asking for more details on the 'looks' Stronoff mentioned. But the murmurs quieted down as it appeared Gazef had more to say.

"Towards the evening, Scripture members from Slane appeared on the horizon with 'Angels' at the ready. I was going to request aid from Sir Femura, before he made a compromise that made me question many things about the being before me."

A short pause, but no questions were heard. Every man, and to the surprise of herself, even Renner, was waiting patiently for Gazef to continue.

"If we survived for three minutes, then we would receive help. Otherwise, only Carne got their protection."

This threw many of the nobles into a slight anger. Not on behalf of Stronoff, but at the audacity of someone, a merchant and a mage no less, to look down on their Kingdom!

Seeing as the story has yet to end, but the prideful nobles will not silence themselves, King Ramposa lifts his arm. Just as quickly, his son, Prince Barbro, slams his fist into the throne, silencing the others anyway, "Of course you rejected, right? But you survived the angels' onslaught by killing their summoner-!"

"Barbro!" The intrusion of his eldest son's childish behavior in this discussion so far was left alone. What King Ramposa wanted was Gazef's information and his son to learn restraint. One will do for now. "Sir Gazef Stronoff, please continue uninterrupted."

Gazef gave a bow, knowing that it was difficult for the man. "Your majesty. Like the nobles in this room, we charged ahead with pride. When combat started, that pride quickly disappeared as in our first minute, my men started falling to the angels and casters. When it hit minute two, the injured soldiers disappeared to the village in the blink of an eye, while the dead remained. As I continued the fight with little more than a dozen soldiers, I eventually became overwhelmed by angels. I was close to death when, at minute three, I appeared inside the chief's house before collapsing. The next morning is when I learned the rest of what the villagers saw that night."

Everyone was in shock and hanging on Gazef's words. "What did they see?" "They disappeared?" "How strong is that mage?"

But this time, the whispers were quieted quickly by others listening. "The villagers, and some soldiers who were still conscious, said they witnessed Sir Femura crush two 'Archangels' barehanded. The Scripture commander's larger angel, a 'Principality' as the villagers were told, was then sent out, before a holy light sent by Pax Femura burst through it, killing it instantly."

More whispers, "Holy magic?" "Of course not, the commoners saw pretty spells and called it 'holy'." "They shared the information on an enemy freely?" "Still, to kill angels so easily."

Gazef, getting the feeling that he's telling stories to kids instead of the leaders of his nation, continues, "The final angel the enemy summoned was from a crystal in the commander's possession. I was told what he summoned was called a 'Dominion', believed to be the highest angel to date..."

"When have I heard that word?" Mumbling to himself, King Ramposa seems to recall a tale of his kingdom and its neighbors' past perils. Someone else recognized it faster.

"Was such a creature not used to fight the 'Greed Kings' in the past and summons of the gods?" Count Scrivenar loudly asks. The scholarly-looking noble, for a scholar he was until recent family tragedy promoted him to Count. He had round glasses on his nose, dark brown hair with white peppering, and a leather satchel at his side stuffed with papers and books. He had raised the question in the room in honesty. The room, instead of answering, in turn, shook with fear as they all recognized the title before Scrivenar received an elbow to the gut from his lord Earl.

Gazef continues the tale he was told at least a dozen times, both because of the reverence of the villagers held for their saviors and so he could collect every detail. "As I have been told, after the 'Dominion' was summoned, Sir Femura bellied over in laughter. They shouted something at the Scripture members before summoning their own creature. I was told by the onlookers that they later learned what Sir Pax Femura summoned was referred to as a 'Seraphim, the direct hands of the holy gods.'"

Allowing the room to process a moment, Gazef continues, "Once the 'Seraphim' was summoned, the 'Dominion' was banished with a wave of its hands. Then, the Angel began executing, one by one in blinks, all but one survivor of the 'Scripture' who was sent running off. If it were not for Sir Femura's spells, the remaining members of the Royal Guard, myself included, may not have survived to today."

The room was in an uproar about what to do. "We should send for them!" "They will demand a reward eventually." "They're a mage, just imprison them and interrogate." "But what of their business? Surely they have goods we can acquire?" On and on, the nobles began squabbling, even beginning to fight over business before they learned what was being sold.

For Gazef to give his opinion in court, he must normally be asked for it, but in this instance, he gave it without question: "Your majesty, from my brief time with them, this person, Pax Femura, is a powerful individual and just as cunning. I implore you, seek their aid and not their ire."

This warning was not just for King Ramposa, but for everyone in attendance. If they cannot keep this single entity's hatred from their kingdom, it will be doomed to fall in days.

The Royal Faction was abuzz with how to gain the newcomers' graces, while the Noble Faction was conspiring to make the most profits from their very hopeful future encounters. Prince Barbro, after hearing the tale, was only interested in learning about the supposed 'Noble Lady' that was barely mentioned. Princess Renner was trying to think of the best way to use the new information in her plans with Climb. King Ramposa, meanwhile, was too tired for more.

"For now, we merely await whether this 'Pax Femura' will stay near Carne, or move on to other markets. That will be all for today, noble men of our kingdom. We will reconvene at a later date."

As slowly as ever, the nobles and Barbro file out of the room, leaving the King, Princess, and Warrior Captain to discuss the finer details of what Gazef experienced in Carne.

Silksuntecks / Inner Sanctum / Fend-nnor

Master sent us to oversee the message delivery. They have graced us to last longer than normal, we can feel they're power grow from the days before. Our "Captain" Nigun and us are the only ones to return from the original mission.

As the Scripture Captain and Soldier walked into the Inner Sanctum, the rich hall with a round table with seven seated individuals. The cardinals and Pontifex Maximus. Stepping into the room then quickly kneeling in 'reverence', we praised the Six Fools above.

"Nigun, you, this soldier Fendrick, and a couple of others are the only survivors of your mission? Surely the Kingdom's 'Warrior Captain' wasn't that powerful. What brought such an outcome?" Bringing the biggest problem to start, the Pontifex directly confronts why Nigun Failed Them!

Nigun, somehow keeping the fear he still holds buried beneath his face, recounts to the council how the mission was going as planned. "Finally, the last village we attacked was on the edge of the Forest of Tob. There, the provoking group faced elimination except for a couple who escaped a supposed 'powerful enemy' residing in the village."

"So you finally encountered Gazef at this forest village?" The cardinal of water asked.

Nigun responded, "At first, I also believed it to be our target Stronoff. When we eventually approached the village, we did find him. With their eventual idiotic charge, we were about to succeed and kill him, when two magic beings replaced his position." Nigun knew the masters weren't human, and it would be no use hiding it eventually, but he was being discreet for now.

"I knew they weren't famous casters at the time, so I hoped they would leave after scaring them with the 'Flames'. But your graces, they destroyed 'Archangels' with their bare hands! As casters! In one spell, they killed the 'Principality of Observation' I had strengthened!" Nigun was selling this well, and the Cardinals were all fearfully intrigued. This allowed Nigun to continue proselytizing the power of his master.

"My men feared for their lives, and so I summoned the angel in the crystal, the 'Dominion Authority' and... your graces... They laughed at it... They laughed at our highest angel before summoning something even higher!" A face replicating the hysteria that Nigun felt the situation brought him at the time.

This brought actual questions from each member, "What did they summon?" "What was it called?" "Do they follow a faith?"

Nigun answered some of the questions, "What they summoned, they called a 'SERAPHIM!' It was so Divine when they claimed it served the Gods directly, I couldn't help but believe them! It simply swept its hand and the 'Dominion' was [Banished] back to the heavens!"

All of the Cardinals were now in full panic mode. "Is it time for them already?!" "Are new gods among us?" "Shit! Even if it's just a Godkin, did we anger them beyond apology?" "What do we do with them?" The Cardinals were about to spiral into debate, but Nigun still had his final message.

"Your graces, I have a final message before my life was spared." A brief pause to allow the Cardinals to calm their nerves and pay attention to the final piece of history-changing news today.

"What was the message, Captain Nigun?" Cardinal of Earth, Raymond, asked this time.

"Your graces, I have not uttered these words to any but you and my men." A simple lie that will make the populace learning the message seem slightly stranger. "Looking into the eyes of the victor, as they forced the words to stay in my mind with their gaze. 'Cut my Strings, I will Break your Chains.' That was the message, your graces."

The Cardinals digested the words for some time. "Is that all, Captain?" Raymond was not excited about the continued meeting and the following meetings. The Advent of New Gods is here, were the thoughts in his head. Tragedy or salvation, which will they bring?

Nigun, having given what his master desired of him, decided to retire the performance. "Yes, your graces. If your graces wish, I would take my leave to see to my men." Getting waved off by his commander, Raymond, Nigun and Fendrick left for their respective further jobs.

Fendronnor's job in Silksuntecks was simple: to observe everything about the culture of the city for the master to obtain information and plan for the future.

Nigun's job was much harder. He must Proselytize the message of his master while remaining hidden. He must sow seeds of rebellion in the hearts of the broken. He will shepherd the lost sheep towards a new grove of abundance!

The upper echelons of these human societies were cautiously curious about this new piece on the board. While the Pax's start integrating into nearby Carne, other new pieces on the board finally head for them on a collision course.

Character notes: Count Scrivenar (OC)
- Raised as the spare of a spare, Scrivenar planned on being a teacher in the noble spheres, so he studied with a passion throughout his childhood and teens.
- Scrivenar inherited his title from his great uncle, who died in the last 'annual war'.
- While Scrivenar is a recent addition to the upper noble caste, his knowledge of history, finance, and land management has given him credibility from the other 'highly educated' noble circles and the eye of a cunning Princess.

Chapter Text

Carne Village / Pax Femura

The last couple of days have been very life-changing for the residents of the quaint abodes. First, they were living life day by day contentedly. Then, news of a potential merchant moving in spread like wildfire in a day and raised some hopes. The very next day, the tragedy from the attack plunged almost everyone into sadness. Some even fell into a depression. The hope of the villagers was then in a ride, as more attackers appeared, the Re-Estize Royal Guard was almost wiped out. Finally, the most powerful being any of them has witnessed saved them all, that very same merchant.

Now, the village was being fortified and defended not by the human inhabitants, but by golems and goblins! The day after the attack, the girl, Miss Enri Emmot, used the [Goblin Generals Horn], summoning a decent group of 19 goblins to help with getting stable food supplies and repairs. Like the other summons for this plane, the goblins stayed past the Yggdrasil expiration time to become permanent residents. Funnily enough, all the goblins will follow Enri like a mother hen and still protect her from everything if given the chance.

With the other villages that were attacked, some had even escaped to Carne and decided to settle. So far, of the twenty or so families originally from Carne, with eighty villagers left of the originals and thirty new residents, most were continuing their farming life with more certain security. Roughly a dozen adults on the younger side and some teenagers who had lost a lot volunteered to train under the goblin warriors and archers to become the village's human militia. I'm having reports on their training progress brought to me and recorded, and I need more data on the level system in this world.

Young Miss Enri has taken it upon herself to become the 'General' of the goblins by giving them orders in the morning and cooking lunch for them at noon. If I had to guess, she might get leadership levels if this continues further! With that thought in mind, I decided to 'tutor' Enri on leading groups of people. "How to get the big outcome with many individuals." Hopefully she will develop the skills of a leader and the old Chief can have someone to pass down to in the future, was the idea.

With the addition of a temporary wooden wall to surround the current homes, the immediate safety of the people was secured. While the current populace could fit in the small area beside the woods, the plans for the expansive walls are already being laid out by 'Construction Golems' in three wide layers centered on the village.

With my plans in the Theocracy starting soon, more and more homes are gonna be needed as the population should reach higher than some cities if even a quarter of the oppressed rush here. Managing such a place would eventually become hell to the ruler, but the idea of 'commune to kingdom' in a year excites me!

It was just after lunch, the goblins thanking Enri one by one as they returned the dishes. None of the farmers has left the walls yet for the fields, and the main gate bell begins ringing gently. So not aggressive but still worrisome? Then let's see.

Appearing from my spot behind her, I give a little startle to the girl before she calms, "Say, Miss Enri, would you accompany me to the gate to see the visitors?" Giving everything I have to ensure she feels the option to refuse and the certainty that she would never say no to 'that face' as Ishtar puts it.

The light dusting of pink on her cheeks lets me know the good side-effect of my charming skills is working. "Y-yes! I will join you, master Femura." Enri sets what she was currently cleaning down and goes to take my arm. Well, at least she's quickly learning to act like the nobles we have both been practicing to imitate.

"What did I say about that? I own no land, am no knight, and am no one's owner. If anything, I am your current tutor, so teacher or 'sensei' will work. Not a 'sir', 'lord', or 'master'." Getting the people I interact with to not refer to me with reverence has been a battle I quickly gave up on for the general population, but with Enri and Nemu I just want to stay the kind, strange person they met in the woods, not some god for them to worship and fear.

"R-right sensei. Umm, what should I call you when with nobles then?" As we briskly walk towards the gate, Enri tilts her head just slightly at her question. This girl is too sweet.

Wait, don't get attached yet, remember she's a beast under that sweet façade! Images flash through Femura's mind of Enri in her father's field, pulling weeds with five goblins. Sweat on her toned arms and forehead as the, also surprisingly ripped, goblins cheer for her like sports fans. "In front of nobles? …Then is when you could call me Lord. But only then, I would rather have you as a friend than a follower, Enri."

It was only about a second's walk to the gate. While the wall was simple, the gate design was given some input by yours truly for some extra security. The 'Kill Box', as it was dubbed by the goblins. A simple but large room with two gates, outer and inner, with holed walls for spears and arrows to poke through. The ceiling had trapdoors to drop rocks onto the invaders' heads. Finally, the entire floor can be dropped for a future spike trap, which, at the moment, is just a pitfall. It may be over-engineered for these villagers, but the goblins were giddy with more ways to protect their precious 'General Enri'. They made sure to express they were glad for the help from 'the Benefactors' as they have referred to.

Climbing the ladder to the platform with trapdoors, rocks, and two lookout goblins ready to fire arrows past the gate. "Mr. Goblin? Sorry, what's the problem?" While Enri can call the leader, Jugem, and the two riders out, the other goblins' names are yet to fully stick in her mind, even if she literally named them all.

That might be the capacity for a human, though. Meanwhile, I can now recall almost everything I and my linked bodies sense in detail. Too bad there are too many memories for me to sift through right now, maybe one day I'll get around to them...

Focusing back on the current situation, thanks super-speed thinking, we hear a reply from down below instead of from her troop, "Enri? Was that you?" From atop a wagon, the voice of a young man rings out.

Rushing over to the crenels of the wall, Enri peaks out before yelling in return, "Enfi! You're here!" Turning back to me before I even get a chance to look out over and see who it was, Enri is already pulling me back down from the platform. "Sensei, we should open the gate. It's my friend Enfirea, the alchemist I told you about!"

So a nerdy E-Rantel resident and hired guards, probably? The goblins and my units should be more than enough to keep them in check. Gesturing for the goblins to raise it, they heed Enri's wish and my command. Walking in and safely over the traps that are not in use, we see an odd group of seven. Nfirea is about as much as I'd expect from the brief talk about other family or friends I had with Enri, a young man with more social anxiety in his body than knowledge of potions in his brain.

I should plan to steal the growing, easily influenced, boy from the city in the future... wait wha-

The next four are what the humans of this kingdom would call the 'common adventurer'; Basically mercenaries, not the explorer adjacent you would imagine. Light armor of leather and chainmail on the sword-wielder and mace-wielder. An archer in the second lightest armor behind the two mages in the group. The final member of the group of four was... odd.

My mind instinctively wanted to latch onto them like I was seeing an old photo. They are... fractured, but not yet broken. Still scared, but fighting. Scared of the world while still trying to fight it. The way fear entered them when seeing me, they recognized the look but not the being.

Bad past with the rich or 'noble'... exploitable.

... What's...

The final two were the oddballs. In black full-plate armor with crimson cape and two large Longswords of consistent thickness down their length, crossing his back. The entire suit feels too perfect to be honest, like it was printed instead of made... magic? Probably magic bullshit, guard raised! The magic caster was noticeably shorter compared to the behemoth height of the armored man, but her looks were too perfect in another way. While her armor and sidearm were what I'd expect, except much cleaner, it was her form that was too perfect.

Trying too hard to be perfect... Probably not a normal human... Wait... Is she Japanese!?! Fuck are these two players?! Oh fuck don't panic! Don't sell the pitch yet! Don't sell the pitch yet. Play it cool.

Enri, meanwhile, was not playing it cool. Upon the arrival of her friend, she immediately ran to him for a small hug, much to the boy's surprise, "Wo- E-Enri what happened h-here?" Well, at least he can smell a can of worms to address easily enough.

"Oh! Umm. A lot... Can questions wait till we talk? Can we go to my house?" While Enri's mood dimmed, as it would have, having to share her news. Nfirea was able to catch that something bad went down and to wait to hear... who didn't survive.

"O-of course, Enri." Turning to his guards, "Guys, mind having lunch. We can search for herbs later, with a druid, we should find plenty!" Passing a polite smile over to the largest man of the group with the mace, now known as a druid.

He's a melee druid? Wonder if he can turn into a bear? At least a dog? Not a chance. I can barely sense any [Mana] from the Druid, let alone their 'Spellcaster' as they say. These four are [Gold Rank] Adventurers, with two [Platinum Ranks], judging by the metal colors. But those two? Nothing?! Now they are definitely players with an information blocker of some kind.

Taking the opportunity for custo- friends! "Guests! Why don't we talk in the town center? Lunch has just finished, so there may be leftovers if you're hungry enough." The four 'normal' looking adventurers and the beautiful (Japanese?) woman saunter off to the large table out in the open with large pots and kitchenware about.

The suit of black armor stayed behind. Unmoving.

For an awkward moment, they just stared at me with my arms gesturing past me. Then, in a deep and regal voice, "We meet again, my friend. I was worried we would never cross each other again!" Reaching out a hand for me to shake, I finally see a very small detail.

On his right hand, on the armored glove, were rings. A couple I recognized immediately as common use in higher-level play. SHIT THATS A- Then I saw the most important ring.

The guild signet ring.

Ainz Ooal Gown is Here

Character Notes:
- Due to "Darkness" adventuring a couple days with the "Swords of Darkness", giving them the odd pointers and "junk items", they were able to rank up to [Gold Ranks].
- "Darkness" is the fastest ranking adventurers and have more foothold in the guild as [Platinum Ranks] but have yet to receive "a challenge worth their effort".
- Pax Femura was internally fighting their "Player-killer Instinct" of scaring the adventurers the moment they heard "visitors".
- Pax Ishtarlux has been to Carne, and she was immediately designated the "Village Mother" by the orphans and widows who have visited her for help.

Chapter Text

Carne Village / Pax Ishtarlux

In the village of Carne, one new temporary building near the town center was built to house about two hundred squished adults in the complex. The couple of rooms with chairs and desks quickly identify the purpose of the building, a school split into one part for adults and one for children.

Inside the building with simple wooden features, at the front of the class of over two dozen children, from teenagers about to enter adulthood down to the curious four and five-year-olds, sat the elegant figure of Pax Ishtarlux behind her desk. Instead of her maid uniform, she wears a simpler green dress and white shirt, customized to resemble the local fashion while blowing it out of the water in terms of quality and design. If the villagers knew what it was made of, they could sell it for the entire Dukedom.

While Ish knows that picking favorite students is against the benefit of all students, she has taken quite a fondness for the Emmot sisters. Specifically, Nemu Emmot, "Misses Ish! I finished the number tables! Can I join the others?" The little girl runs up to the kind woman from her small desk. Handing her pretty teacher the chalkboard with answers filled out, the soft smile and nod sent Nemu running to the toy corner with the other bright students.

When it nears lunch, and the dozens of children's stomachs begin rumbling, Ishtarlux heads to the school's large kitchen made to serve the students and for future use as a "Home Studies" class for students with more needs. With her levels in [Maid] giving Ishtarlux total domain over acts of service, she begins creating large amounts of a simple meal to please the kids' appetites, soupe aux légumes made from the local farms' veggies.

The youngest ones are learning steadily, and happily learning as fast as possible to goof off and play just like Puck would. The older kids are doing their best but taking slightly longer to master the same concepts; their minds must be quite stuffed with all the new information and expectations. The middle group, ages eight to twelve, now they are exceptional! Some are as ravenous for information as my dear Femura.

Getting some help from the three maid dolls stationed in the building, Ishtarlux began serving the children their soup while the few young adults who attended this morning's classes were served by the wooden maid figures.

Once all the children were served and the ladle was returned to the pot, all the kids in unison thanked their teacher, "Thanks, Miss Ish!" They all smile out before everyone digs into the meal.

With the morning classes over, and afternoon classes waiting to be added in the future, the children's afternoons were commonly divided by age or gender. Most older boys and girls head to the fields to help with food. The younger boys run off to play games or train under the "Cool Goblins" under Miss Enri's employ, while the younger girls stay near Ishtarlux for cooking, cleaning, and sewing lessons.

However, today there were guests to attend to, so the girls were all sent off. Walking towards the kitchenette in the middle of town, Ish spots the adventurers her boss has assigned her to attend. The four, seated on one side of the long table, are typical humans by her standard, nothing noteworthy. In fact, Ish wished to remove one specifically from being noted ever again by another living thing.

"OH! How my heart might burst! To witness not only Lady Nabe's beauty, but to now gaze upon you're stunning form! I am Lukrut the- AHH!!" Going to kiss the hand of the most striking maiden he has ever seen in his life, Lukrut's hand is momentarily broken into a shattered mess, causing great pain to flood the brain, before being immediately healed. His party members look at the odd reaction of their comrade, none of them seeing what the lady had done.

What they did notice was a rather expensive-looking ring on her finger, "Now Lukrut, that's no way to react when you realize someone beautiful is taken already!" Dyne, ever the calm, cheery voice of the party, makes the other two laugh at their friend's sudden outburst. The three fail to notice the sweat now drenching Lukrut as he quickly apologizes before sitting back down.

"Thank you for the introduction, but please, respect my space." With a slight bow while staring icy daggers behind her calm smile, Lukrut immediately regrets his lack of impulse control. This lady is TERRYFYING!!… still, hot.

"I am Pax Ishtarlux. My boss has instructed me to take care of your meals today. Any allergens or requests?" Turning to the rest of the table, the four give a moment of confusion at the weird word before Ish cuts back in, "Foods you can't eat without sickness. If no requests, I will make the local soup."

Turning back to the outdoor kitchen, Nabe decides to speak up, "Can you make 'soupe au pistou'?" The dark-haired woman asks quickly, hiding her desire for good food to finally enter her stomach. As a side effect, Nabe was getting the attention of all five others on her, causing her momentary pause, "I-if no-"

"Right away, miss?" Ishtarlux already knew that this black-haired beauty was connected to Ainz-Ooal-Gown from the boss's message, but she still wanted to know more. She was connected to one of her master's trade partners, one that came to this world as well.

She seems too tense around the humans, or maybe that's just how she is? Well, maybe another acquaintance won't hurt.

"Just Nabe for now." The elegant lady responds, the unnoticeable unease slipping back to the resolute cold of her features. With a nod from the silver-haired beauty, she turns away from the table. The Swords of Darkness whisper to each other about the interaction.

"What the heck did she order?" Came from the side of Peter's mouth to not be overheard, thinking it was a dish he was unfamiliar with.

"I don't recognize the name. Maybe a foreign dish? Lady Nabe is from far away." Replied Ninya, sitting to his side. Ninya recalled that the two newcomers said they were from a faraway nation, and they resembled the looks of people in the far south of the continent.

"Well, she recognized the name. Could they be from the same area? Wherever they are from, I am moving ASAP." Lukrut, with his sly smile, elbowed his leader in the gut softly to get a chuckle from him.

"If the lady Nabe is trying the dish, maybe we should ask about more when Misses Ishtarlux returns." Dyne was ignoring his ranger's crude remarks, knowing the man would rather die with his friends than run after some women.

Before Ishtarlux could return with food, Nabe decided that hearing all of these idiots' whispers was killing her, so she answered one question they had in a smooth voice, "Depends on the region, but the dish is a mix of seasonal vegetables with either pasta or rice. It is finished with pistou, a mixture of garlic, basil, and olive oil. She might make you some if you move before she starts cooking."

The Swords of Darkness were stunned into silence as they heard the longest phrase outside of insults that their companion had spoken to them, and this time, there was no malice dripping from her words. Looking from one another back to the dark-haired mage causes her to wonder why they keep looking at her like that, "What?" with all the venom back.

Peter, deciding that whatever he said would be better than Lukrut, said, "It's just, you sounded different saying that compared to, well... everything before."

Nabe's eyes were momentarily distant as her faster-than-human mind processed the irregularity in her performance around the humans. Finding the first and easiest explanation, Nabe gives a curt answer, "Talking to others compared to talking about a past time. I enjoy cooking." Giving the four new information about her to distract them from slips in her human cover.

The four turn back to talking with each other about the town's changes. Mentions of the noble-looking man at the gate with the young Enri, the wall and gate, the goblins running around, and training the villagers. It seems that many changes to the area have occurred.

Carne Village / Pax Femura

Enri's home was currently being used for her conversation with Nfirea. Meanwhile, a small shack with half a dozen desks for paperwork is being used by Pax Femura and Momonga to catch up on the past few days.

Apparently, the entire 'Great Tomb of Nazarick' and all of its occupants are now in the plains just north of the Katze Plains between E-Rantel in the Kingdom and Ornfal of the Empire. So far, Momonga has been very cautious in his approach to each nation, only a few of his hundreds of servants being allowed to leave the safety of Nazarick.

Should I have been cautious? Nah, I run a business and look almost human. I have more leeway in human society, probably extra with my [Holy Magic]...

"Momonga, do you still want to be a part of human society?" While neither of us is human anymore, we have found ways to insert ourselves into the world. We also have our histories on Earth; while I couldn't care less between a human and an ant colony, I have no idea how the transfer changed Momonga.

With his deep, regal tone, the large skeleton mage responds by lifting his bony fingers to his chin. "Hmm. I can't say I would want to return. These 'people' are simple and barbaric, I wouldn't want to live among them."

"HA! That's because you found unholy luxury in that tomb of yours! I remember Tabula talking about his projects, did the succubi your guild designed jump your bones yet?" Laughing at the memory of the brain-eater being ecstatic, sharing the eldritch abominations he could make in Yggdrasil. Stories of the guild's shenanigans designing "Beautiful Horrors" by the residents, including 'Master-Pervert Pero' putting as many fetishes in his personal vampire project.

Seemingly uncomfortable, Momonga shakes his hands in front of him, "No, no. The only succubus near me is Albedo. When we first were moved, I confirmed this was real with her..." The memory of Momonga's intimate first moments in the New World flashes through his mind, causing the [Emotion Suppression] to kick in again as his dear friend cuts through his worries before making him say embarrassing things.

Giggling like a schoolboy who just found out their friend's crush, "Hehe, sure, I bet she will crave your touch to the end of time now you awkward skeleton!" Now the memories of Momonga in my shop and home occur. First, awkward business meetings, then deeper discussions as the years went on, eventually sharing our histories.

"Seriously though, with all the cursed creations you guys have compared to mine, make sure to stay true to all of you. Don't go masking again. I know how nervous you get around others, and with the pressure you put on yourself to 'be useful' just like me, with all the new lives that are now looking to you, it can be daunting, but rely on them too. Don't forget the ones you can rely on."

"Thanks, Pax. I'll make sure to lean on them. Heh, I've been thinking about them like my friend's children since we got here, I forgot they are mostly adults. What if they think less of me for it? I should be the great ruler of the Tomb, no?" Looking at me with his unmasked face, without skin or flesh to cover it. The burning flames in his eyes convey all the emotion I need to read.

He's anxious.

"No man is an island. Prose by John Donne." With a gentle nod, he returns one before the silence settles in for a moment. Would now be a good time to bring up my crazy plans? "Speaking of islands and continents... how do you find the idea of ruling this one?"

"..."

"..."

"BAHAHA!! Rule the continent?! Has the pacifist merchant become a warmonger tyrant!!" It took slightly longer for Momonga to calm down from his comedic high at the absurd question, but when he looked at the face of his friend, it was dead serious and calm. "Wait, really?"

If anyone else could see the face of Pax Femura, they would mistake them for a the Devil talking to the Ruler of Death. The eery smile etched the flawless face and eyes full of mischief and anticipation.

"Yes, really! We have seen the heights of humanity's progress and the depths of its depravity. Now, we have enough power in this world to be called Gods by not only the simplest of people, but even summons from other planes can recognize the authority I wielded! I could probably conquer this world by force if I were Evil-Aligned. Then, under our guidance, we fix the shit-hole before humans make it worse for themselves. We build our utopia!"

Why wouldn't Femura be ecstatic about the idea of world conquest? It's every strategy player's dream to paint the map in one color. It's every mage's desire to be the most adept. It's every boss's dream to have the biggest company. Why not make this world the best? If they are under me? Of course!

Momonga was hesitant. Sure, he tossed the idea into the air in front of Demiurge, but nothing was going to happen... right? Of course not, now his potentially only friend from Earth is trying to convince him that world domination was a good thing for humanity.

"What about this?" Femura starts, gesturing to a map with names of cities scribbled in. "You live near here, South-East of E-Rantel, right? Nazarick is near the Katze Planes and the Baharuth Empire, so explore that nation. I will be going after the kingdom, you will go after the empire. After that and some integration, both of our forces should be ready for endless expansion. Your endless undead and my overwhelming constructs would defeat any army in our path!"

"The idea is more sound by the minute. How did you manage to convince me?" Momonga voices his concern, and his friend easily convinces him that this crazy plan could work flawlessly for both of them! The might of two commander-type mages at max level entering a world barely able to contain them? How couldn't they conquer all the jewels of this world?

Carne Village / Nfirea Bareare

It's late in the afternoon in Carne village. The adventurers' party and the young alchemist who hired them return from the days bountiful harvest of herbs and, surprisingly, the 'Wise King of the Forest' joins the return with Lord Momon riding the large creature.

With bags and baskets stuffed full, Nfirea is in a bright, hopeful mood. First, he got to visit his cru- FRIEND. Ehem. Now, he already has all of the herbs he needs before leaving, allowing him more downtime in the village.

Upon returning to where the lodging for visitors was provided, all the material was loaded into the cart and secured for travel. With dinner closing in, everyone in the party heads for the town square for more delicious soup!

Rounding a house on his slow walk behind the chatting teammates, Nfirea gets another dose of extreme emotion today, jealousy. At the community dining area, many are feeding or being fed: children, adults, goblins, and dolls. What draws Nfirea's eye is someone who always does.

Enri was sitting at the head of the table in her recently acquired and very expensive yellow dress. Her blonde hair seemed to be getting shinier, and her brown eyes even darker comparatively. Seeing her brought a good feeling to his chest, but seeing the person beside her didn't. The source of jealousy in Nfirea was the suit-wearing, silver-haired stranger who was sitting right next to her!

Why are they that close? They are chatting a lot... she keeps looking at her hands. Every time she looks at him, she smiles... Remembering back to the story Enri had told him, Nfirea recalls the name. Pax Femura... I can't even compare to someone like him. Looks, wealth, power. He has it all, doesn't he? Of course, Enri would fall for someone like that...

Now staring at the new resident of Carne, Nfirea starts getting a bad feeling. The sense of dread staring at this perfect person, with envy and fear mixing into a toxic emotion, kept Nfirea from moving closer to the table he was now feet from. Standing across from the duo, the silver lord turns his smile onto the nervous boy.

"Ah, Nfirea Bareare! I hope your visit to the forest was as fruitful for you as it was for my old friend!" Trying to lighten the boys' look a little, to Femura, he appeared down for some reason. Maybe hes jealous of Momon's strength?

"O-oh, don't worry, I got plenty of herbs. The Wise King's appearance was quite the shock, though." Indeed, the beast rarely came close to Carne, only to protect itself from dangerous threats while ignoring the peaceful settlement. Seeing Lord Momon return with it as a steed was mind-bending.

"Well, Nfirea, please sit. I have something to discuss with you about the futures. Yours and this village." Clasping two gloved hands together and gesturing for the seat in front of themselves, Nfirea takes a hesitant seat before a bowl of delicious-smelling soup is placed for him by the equally beautiful assistant to Femura, Ish was her name, right?

"Wh-what about my and the village's future? Is something going to happen?!" With concern hidden behind the bangs covering his eyes, Nfirea leans in a little to the powerful figure. The only things Nfirea cared for were his grandma, Enri, and alchemy; if one of those was threatened, he was very concerned about it.

With the grin of a devil that tricked you into signing a contract, "Yes, something will be happening here. I plan to make Carne the center of my future operations, many of which require people who can master both science and magic together! Your profession, [Alchemist], allows you to create concoctions and cast spells, correct?"

Overwhelmed by the positive energy being directed at him by the now very curious merchant, "Y-yes! I mainly use alchemy for potion making with s-some self-defense spells or appraisal spells."

Getting a smile from the perfect figure in front of him, Femura turns to Enri before giving her a nod. "Then, Nfirea Bareare, on behalf of Carne village, I, repri-representative Enri Emmot, would like to invite you to stay in Carne!"

The shock from the invite left Nfirea stunned for many seconds, almost like he was hit by a weak mental magic. Lowering his gaze to the table with fresh soup sitting on top, he heard the cheery voices of villagers and goblins alike continue the monotonous chats. The war in Nfirea's mind is finally made when he looks up to see Enri.

Instead of both of the people sitting opposite him waiting for his answer, Femura went to critique her speech and body language. Meanwhile, Enri's gaze was focused on Femura's, absorbing the information like a sponge. The look in her eye was one Nfirea had never seen before. He couldn't place the feeling, but it felt wrong to leave Enri here with him.

"I'll do it!" Getting the attention of most of the table before everyone returned to their own, Nfirea continues the conversation, "I w-will move here. If you will have me as your alchemist, I'll do the best for Carne!"

Standing from the table to full height, Pax Femura reaches across the table for Nfirea to take their hand, "Perfect! While you make your trips, I'll make sure to prepare a lab for you."

Giving a swift farewell to the group, Femura then disappears before our very eyes, replaced by a wooden figurine. The young man could only stare off into the distant woods, trying to rationalize the conversation. Well, it seems grandma will have plenty of news to look forward to.

Character Notes:
- Ainz's use of roleplaying the villain for NPCs as a way of hiding himself was immediately called out by fellow people-pleaser Pax.
- Pax, with a history in, well, history, was very interested in Strategy/War games, giving them an overconfidence in their strength to govern people.
- Nfirea believes that Pax is a powerful Nobleman who is trying to steal Enri, just as original Nfirea figured original Ainz was drawing Enri in
- Enri and Femura feel no romantic attraction towards each other, they are teacher and student.