VOL7 OVERLORD

Prologues

Inside the 10th floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, in the deepest sanctuary - excitement greatly filled the area in front of the throne, where forty banners hung on two sides.

Without saying anything, the beings gathered in the room lined up neatly in a ceremonial style as well as one hand on the chest, kneeling towards the throne with their lowered heads, and their heads down, showing their complete loyalty.

Not only were the Guardian Floor present, other NPCs created by forty-one Supreme Being, as well as their servants gathered. The total number is over 200. This was the second time the throne room was filled with many of his servants since moving into this world.

However, different from before, the servants gathered this time were the strongest within Nazarick, with an average level of over forty.

The subordinates who accompanied Shalltear were all high-level undead rather than the usual vampire brides. In addition, Mare even brought along two ninety level dragons, both of whom had never walked outside before, especially to the throne room. Both dragons are ultra-rare creatures successfully obtained from Gachapon cash shop.

Among the carefully selected servants, some still managed to stand out. The most obvious example was the group of a hundred undead with level forty. They were lined up inside a different block of two hundred servants.

Usually, low-level servants were placed near the end line without exception, where the treatment they received was balanced with their level. However, this one specific group consisting of a hundred undead was a being personally created by the Great Tomb Supreme Lord of Nazarick - Ainz Ooal Gown. Therefore, their status is different.

Although every creature present in this room was a subordinate and loyal servant of the guild "Ainz Ooal Gown", the status difference still existed. Of course, the ones above were the NPCs created by Supreme Being, with the NPCs designated as the Guardian Floor being above the others.

Composed under the NPC is POP, in other words, the monsters that automatically emerge from the mercenary system from within YGGDRASIL - the servants. The status of the floats is based on their level and job class, and not the floor they come from.

That way, how were they supposed to rank the undead created by Ainz?

This was the question that most baffled the Superintendent of the Guardian Floor - Albedo. Should he consider them the same as other NPCs?

When asked, Ainz just smiled gently and shrugged while saying he didn't care even though Albedo put them in the back row.

Although the number of undead Ainz could summon per day was limited, the spell to create the undead required nothing but mana and a corpse. Compared to the high-level servants who needed YGGDRASIL gold or real money to appear, it was obvious which one was more valuable to Ainz, because the only condition for creating undead is just corpses.

However, this was only Ainz's point of view, which was completely different from his subordinate's. Moved by the kindness of his master, Albedo replied with "understand". However, even though he had already tried, the result formation was still no match. Albedo was starting to feel hard.

After draining his brain, Albedo finally placed the undead behind the NPCs and in front of the POP servants.

When all this happened, Ainz without saying anything observed the entire process from the highest position in the room. With a great ruler-like posture, Ainz's presence seemed to fill the room, making his subordinates feel amazed. To the people present, every command of Ainz carried the weight of a god.

"First, I'd like to thank Sebas and Solution for their efforts over the past few months in gathering information. You guys have been working fine."

Seeing the two people bowing deeply, Ainz nodded his head in satisfaction. However, the real problem for Ainz had just begun. It was very difficult for an ordinary office clerk like Ainz to carry out the role of a ruler. Seeing the faces of many of his subordinates that exuded respect and love even made himself depressed even more heavily.

Ainz felt his stomach ache and his heart beating very fast, although these organs should not exist inside an undead created from mere bones. However, this feeling only lasted for a moment. Although Ainz had just been filled with the feeling of wanting to instantly escape, the special condition of being undead forced him to calm down again.

In the end, Ainz managed to continue his attitude giving off the aura of an esteemed ruler.

"Both of you, come here."

Both Sebas and Solution stood up and at the same time walked to the front of the throne as if they had practiced it before. After they arrived at where Albedo was standing, the two men kneeled back and bowed once more.

"Thank your heads. For your extraordinary efforts, you two will receive my praise and also a reward."

Ainz turned his gaze to Sebas and said.

"Free, even though you previously begged for Tsuare's life's forgiveness, the reason I decided to protect her was because of my personal debt to someone else. It has nothing to do with the success of your previous work, therefore I will still allow you to ask for a reward. Then let me hear your request!"

By giving gifts to servants who have worked well in their duties, Ainz hopes to provide an incentive to motivate others to try better. Therefore, Ainz used his experience gained in society to create a scene that could be witnessed by all. This was also part of the reason why he let so many of his subordinates be present in the throne room.

However, the current situation also carries a lot of risks. In front of his subordinates, Ainz had to maintain his posture and attitude as a ruler capable of leading. For an ordinary office clerk like Ainz, this was a very difficult thing to maintain. Even so, as the last member of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, he had to pass through this challenge.

I cannot betray the hopes and expectations of the NPCs who have shown so much loyalty to me.

As Ainz strengthened his resolve, Sebas's mustache trembled.

"Presenting all my allegiance to Ainz-sama is the only reason for my existence, I don't need to"

As I expected, these subordinates of mine are giving too much of their loyalty. This creates a pressure that is getting heavier to withstand.

"That's enough, I understand how you feel. However, a good effort should still be rewarded. This is something that I as a master should do. Know that at times the lack of ambition in the subordinates can make their master unhappy."

"ah! I'm sorry, Ainz-sama. Then..." After a few seconds of thought, Sebas said, "I would like to ask Tsuare for clothes and everyday items, who has happily received Ainz-sama protection."

"...I can give you my personal collection. Is that enough?"

In YGGDRASIL, skin cosmetics released can only be obtained in limited quantities. If someone missed it, it would be very difficult to obtain it. Therefore, players tend to buy a wide variety of new cosmetic items that look half as decent. This happened to Ainz and his friends. Since the guild had female members as well as female NPCs, Ainz often bought a lot of skins no matter if they were meant for men or women, as long as they looked good. One day he would give it to the members who missed the sale, but it was rare.

The guild member who created Shalltear, Peroronchino, also had the same inclination as Ainz, and once said "Buying a lot of leather is like buying materials for 'fap fap'. No matter whether you're going to use it or not, it's always better to have a copy of it placed somewhere."

Because of this, Ainz finally had a wardrobe that multiplied with clothes that were untouched. Even if he turned it into crafting material, it would still be a pity. It would be best to try to make use of it by giving those items to Tsuare. After Ainz thought about it now, the clothes from YGGDRASIL all seemed to have exaggerated designs, but there were at least a few that were suitable for Tsuare to wear.

"No, that's too much. Tsuare has already received so much kindness from Ainz-sama, giving her Ainz-sama clothes is too much for me."

"Is it so?.. Then what should I do with the clothes..."

For Ainz, who had never bought women's clothing before, this was a troublesome thing. What if he misunderstands me by assuming I have a certain fetish? Ainz's reputation within the Great Tomb of Nazarick's circle will surely fall.

"How about handing this over to Narberal? A small matter like this should not require the attention of Ainz-sama as the Supreme Ruler of Nazarick."

Sebas spoke as if he felt some discomfort for Ainz.

"...Are you okay with this, Narberal?"

Reacting to the order, one of the NPCs who did not move much and stood in front of Ainz nodded his head deeply.

"alright. Sebas, this task will be given to Narberal. But..." Ainz chanted, "I'm fine too if you take this as a date and take Tsuare to the capital to shop for clothes."

Ainz had already heard of the relationship between Sebas and Tsuare. Although they have not yet come to a physical relationship, it is bound to happen soon. That was what Demiurge told Ainz.

Demiurge, huh. Why would he suggest that establishing a physical relationship between Sebas and Tsuare is a good thing? Well, I guess she's congratulating her co-worker for finding a boyfriend. Maybe they'll have a better relationship than I thought? The circumstances did not look good between them within the Kingdom, but I think it was an understandable thing considering the circumstances. It makes me relieved. Constantly fighting like the two of them (Demiurge and Sebas) was also not healthy at all.

The reason for the conflict between the members of the Touch Me and Ulbert guild was because of something outside of YGGDRASIL. In other words, Ulbert's jealousy towards Touch Me was due to real-world reasons.

The relationship between the two of them had become strained ever since there was a disagreement back then.. Maybe that's the cause of everything.

If it was Ainz now, perhaps he could understand the reason for their dispute first. Recalling the past, a sudden voice from Sebas shocked Ainz and he quickly returned to his original state.

"Is that you-maybe? If I can, I'd like to take Tsuare with me to the capital."

It's not that I want to deliberately sabotage their relationship because I'm still single.

When the two men arrive at Re-Estize for a date, do I have to follow along with wearing the 'Mask of Envy' (Mask of Jealousy)? It was just childish thinking.

"It's okay Sebas. Next, Solution, tell me the gift you want."

"...I would be happy if I could accept some humans. If possible, I want them alive. And it'll be even more jubilant if the man is still untouched."

The face of the human captive appeared for a moment in Ainz's brain. The majority of the surviving prisoners were members of the Eight Finger, the human type that made Ainz the most disgusted. Among them, the useful were tortured, and all the useful information from them was expended. The rest of humanity is currently being protected by those in prison.

I can't use them. Pestonya and Nigredo risked going against my orders to save them.

"alright. I'll give you a gift of some living human. But they are no longer pure. Sorry for not being able to fulfill your full request."

"Please don't apologize, Ainz-sama. I know my achievements are lacking, so I am satisfied with what has been given".Solution said with his head bowed deeply.

Ainz nodded with the attitude of a ruler to Solution.

"..Is that so? Thank ye. You two can return to your respective positions. Next is Entoma. Come here." Come here."

Similar to Sebas and Solution, Entoma came before Ainz and knelt down.

"Then, Entoma."

"Hawp!"

A voice that was hard to understand, Ainz smiled bitterly.

"It looks like your voice hasn't healed yet."

Insects used by Entoma cannot be raised from POP. However, it is still possible to use items from YGGDRASIL to summon them. There were still some insects like this in Entoma's room, so he could get his voice back whenever he liked. The reason why he had not done so was due to a personal grudge.

"What does SUAra SAya look like? JikA deMIKian sayA akAn PerGi and make it work."

"It's okay. I don't like your voice."

"Come on baNYak!"

"Because of continuing to carry on with the charged task despite being injured, you have put in a good effort. However, it was not enough to be able to reward you with the same level as the two of them before. Now, is there something you want?"

Prizes should not be given away. Otherwise it will demean the significance of the prize and defeat its purpose.

Mindful of himself as such, Ainz decided Entoma's achievements were still less than a decent reward. However, being already injured and not receiving anything at all was a sad thing.

Is this what you call 'Purple Heart'? I'm not too familiar with military terms. If that person were here he would be able to explain it to her better. (TL Note: Purple Heart is a kind of military award medal.)

Ainz suddenly recalled his guild members who were otaku in terms of military.

Realizing Entoma meant Evileye, the mage girl wearing a strange mask, Ainz gave his approval.

"I understand. When the time comes, I'll tell you. Go back to your position, Entoma."

Seeing Entoma return to his original place, Ainz began to speak once more "Now let's head to the next agenda."

No objections showed up. However, to Ainz, this was not a good thing.

When the absolute ruler of Nazarick, even if Ainz said something white was black, no one would resist. Their silence as before meant that there was no denying, however, it did not mean that the actions Ainz had taken were correct enough.

Do I have to create a separate division like the Audit Department?

The first thing he was supposed to do was create a department that measured the contributions of each individual within Nazarick and gave the right gift to them. But this will face the problem that Sebas pointed out earlier. Every NPC within Nazarick swearing allegiance to Ainz was a real thing and considered service without compensation as a natural thing. It would be difficult for them to decide what kind of incentive was right, and in the end the decision would still go back to Ainz.

As an organization, the overall direction of action and purpose must be made clear... In the end, I gave up the whole matter to be solved by Albedo, and now everything is back to me. It has crossed the line of ordinary people. Haa, it seems that the experience I gained from the community after surviving this life is not useful at all.

Ainz, or rather, Suzuki Satoru, who was originally on the receiving end, had to face this problem and the pressure of being someone who had to give a gift. It would be better to think about this in Ainz's own bedroom, which somehow smelled good.

"Now I will clarify the direction Nazarick will take in the future. Demiurge, come here."

The possessor of the highest intelligence within Nazarick walked towards the throne, and stood on the opposite side of Albedo.

"Supervisor of the Guardian Floor, Albedo and Supreme Intelligence in Nazarick, Demiurge, I command you both to explain our plans. The plan that was made in the beginning was now halfway through, and now was the time for everyone to listen to the overall direction that Nazarick was going to take. If anyone here has a different opinion, please raise your hand. I'll give you permission to talk."

The most important thing for Ainz's purpose was to hide Nazarick's whereabouts. No, in the worst case scenario, even though he had to leave Nazarick, Ainz could still agree as long as the NPCs created by his old friends survived.

The second most important thing of his purpose was to make the name Ainz Ooal Gown known in all corners of the world. It was a small hope that if only Ainz's old friends were in this world, they would be able to get together. However, the chances of this becoming real are very low.

The third is to strengthen Nazarick. This goal should probably be worthy of more importance than the previous one. It was true that after coming to this world, Ainz felt that the Great Tomb of Nazarick would never fall and Ainz Ooal Gown was the strongest organization there was. However, as long as the entity that tried to control Shalltear was still around, taking the path of appearing to the public too much would be dangerous. Especially when facing an unknown number of World Class Items, the possibility of an unknown guild being involved was extremely high. That is why increasing the overall strength of Nazarick is the right course of action to take.

Having incorporated the lizardmen into Nazarick, Ainz continued to create undead to strengthen Nazarick's military might. But he has to do more.

The fourth goal is to create an effective information network but the priority is lowered after recent events.

Ainz had thought about the priorities of these goals and ordered them in such a way. However, as an ordinary person, this was the best thing he could do, and he did not know if there was even the slightest gap in his thinking.

This was the reason why Ainz wanted to borrow brain power from Albedo and Demiurge, who were extremely intelligent. If it was regarding ordinary matters, Ainz was still fine with just borrowing their policies. In such a case, there was no need for Ainz to be on stage and risk putting himself to shame in front of everyone.

After all, such a way of thinking is wrong.

As a master, as Ainz Ooal Gown whom the NPCs believed in, he needed a stage like this to show that he was indeed a supreme ruler; a wise man who would not dare to be predicted by anyone.

"Both of you, speak loudly so that everyone can hear. Every one in this room were elites chosen by the Guardian Floors. It is necessary for them to be able to understand the plans we make for the future. To those below, listen carefully."

Right enough. This was a reckless act that Ainz himself had chosen. The scale was larger than the 'I pretended to understand' version, but in the case of anyone not, Demiurge should have once again explained his plan. Just like before, Ainz only needed to put up a feigned face fully understood and wait for an explanation.

"Demiurge, for those who are confused, explain the current situation to them. Make sure it is easier to understand. First start with an explanation of the actions we took to the Kingdom."

"I understand." Demiurge retorted as she then pointed her face towards the present to begin her explanation.

That was what Ainz wanted to hear. For someone as smart as Demiurge, there must be a purpose to such an event. However, after thinking further, the feeling that Ainz got was somehow, they ended up doing unnecessary things.

"First, within the kingdom, I managed to reduce the power of authority wielding power with the help of Mare, Neuronist, and Kyouhukou. We can now begin to slowly break through their higher-ups until the Kingdom falls into our hands."

"...Uh?"

A small voice came out from Ainz's mouth. Why should we take control of the Kingdom? It seemed as if the explanation was different from what Ainz had heard last time. Isn't the goal to secure revenue or to get better information?

As Ainz fell into his thoughts, Demiurge stopped talking and turned his face towards Ainz. Again, Ainz was relieved that his undead body was not sweating, and turned towards Demiurge.

"Is there a problem, Demiurge?"

"No, it's just that I feel Ainz-sama wants to convey something."

"Ah, so? You must be wrong. Continue in. Let everyone know the reason behind taking control of Kingdom."

"yes, then now, everyone, I hope that no one is stupid enough not to know that by controlling the Kingdom, we will be able to get one step closer to being the true hope of Ainz-sama, she said, who is ruling the world."

Ainz quickly studied every face present in this room. From those faces, it seemed that everyone knew about this.

Except Ainz himself.

"...Mastering world?"

What else is this? When did it turn out like this? Of course Ainz could not say this out loud.

Ainz once again tried to use as much power in his brain as possible as quickly as possible to understand all of this. It's unbelievable, it's hard to accept. How did it end up being like this? At first they should have secretly taken action behind the scenes, dodged too many enemies, lifted the majesty of Ainz Ooal Gown and gathered with his old friends. It should only be aware of this sweet little hope.

But now it finally turned into a

Why rule the world? How did this happen?

Although Ainz really wanted to deny this sentence, he did not have the courage to do so.

Both the NPCs and the servants all showed expressions that said "no need to ask anymore". It was as if everything had agreed that this was Ainz's last destination. Suddenly it was as if a lonely wind was blowing past the throne that Ainz was sitting on.

Ainz Ooal Gown was the absolute ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, a form without equal. After trying so hard to create an image like this, if it was finally destroyed by itself, who knew what would happen. Will he end up being such a pathetic idol without a single paparazzi, who lost his entire fan base, and can't sell his album. Ainz's fate would probably be worse than that. Ainz had already managed to imagine this in his head.

We are investing too much in this plan and it is too late to stop it now ....

After all, after carefully thinking about this matter deeply, mastering the world didn't sound bad either.

It would not be as easy as in the game world, and for ordinary people like Ainz, the road to rule the world seemed to be an impassable path. After all, fame could be gained - moreover being famous for being bad - it seemed that this was the perfect method to obtain it.

The problem was, if Ainz's old colleagues found out about it what would their reaction be? If the time had come, I would just honestly admit that I did not manage Nazarick and apologize, Ainz thought.

And there is also an unknown enemy who has brainwashed Shalltear. I can always make excuses... I'll be forgiven, won't I?

After finding his determination, Ainz turned towards Demiurge and said, "Oh, so you remember."

"of course. If that was the speech of Ainz-sama, this Demiurge would never forget."

"Is so.. It was a conversation from that time, wasn't it?"

"It's true."

"..... At that time?"

"It's true."

"Ah, back then. I was happy, Demiurge."

"Thank you very much."

"After all, mastering the world is hard to achieve."

"As you say."

"Then... How do we get ahead?"

Ainz felt like praising himself for successfully holding his voice steady all this time.

"What we have today will be the starting point for our future plans. I have an offer. I'm sure it's time for Nazarick to come out on the world stage. If we stay like this, it will become even more and more difficult to act, if the entity that brainwashed Shalltear continues to hide in the dark."

"..as you say."

That's right, isn't it? Ainz thought that without saying so, it would be safer. How could Demiurge arrive at his conclusion?

"I also agree, Ainz-sama. By becoming a well-known organization, there will be many more options available to us, for example through correspondence or negotiation. It won't be like what we're doing right now, looking for clues in the dark. This is what I think."

After hearing Albedo's opinion, Ainz was finally able to accept this in his heart, and replied "Oh so."

Compared to the current state of affairs, it is indeed more interesting to be able to take part in operations with a larger and larger public scale.

"By controlling the Kingdom from behind the scenes, we can avoid making Nazarick look flashy. However, I'm not happy with the idea of making us part of another country."

Demiurge shook his head at Albedo's question.

"Of course not, Albedo. I don't want that either. And also, from the reports we gathered, the Kingdom currently has no appeal, other than one person. It's the same thing with other countries. I'm sure to put our organization as part of the country is a stupid thing."

"And why is that?"

"If we become a state, our actions will have limits. If the creature that attacked Shalltear was an organization, we would lose the initiative. That's so... Ainz-san."

Demiurge looked towards Ainz as he made his offer.

"I offer that we form an independent state called the Great Tomb of Nazarick."