Ainz's office, located on the tenth floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, served as his personal workspace. Here he managed the dungeon, made key decisions, and held meetings with subordinates—such as Albedo, Demiurge, or other floor guardians.
The spacious room was decorated in a rich and majestic style. The walls, made of dark polished material—likely black marble or obsidian—were adorned with thin veins of gold or silver, giving the space a noble yet slightly sinister appearance. Soft, ethereal light emanated from magical crystals artfully embedded into the stone flesh of the walls and ceiling, casting ominous shadows. In the center stood a massive desk made of ebony wood.
Ainz sat at the desk, diligently moving his hand with a pen in human fingers. From time to time, he frowned, pausing in thought to carefully consider and weigh his next steps. He felt immense responsibility for the inhabitants of Nazarick, who had recently gained true life and now seemed indistinguishable from himself. This sometimes left him perplexed, making him wonder: was all of this just a dream?
Perhaps in the real world, he had long since returned to his mundane life, the server shut down, and he was merely a fragment of consciousness plunged into a new reality?
Such thoughts made Ainz's head ache!
He sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair, upholstered in dark leather with metal inserts. Closing his eyes and rubbing them with his palms, he once again immersed himself in reflections, recalling everything that had happened to him.
First, the "isekai" turned out to be a frightening, undeniable reality, no matter how he tried to dismiss the absurdity of what was occurring.
Now he was in a new world—an absurdity for a simple corporate employee whose life had always boiled down to the routine of "home-work," with emphasis on work. Home served merely as a place to rest, where he could relieve stress and fatigue from body and mind.
But now, with events having slightly calmed down, Ainz's mind began to wander.
Second, how had they all ended up in another world? What was the reason?
Questions multiplied, weaving into a tangle of unsolvable riddles. And answers... There were catastrophically few answers.
And Maylen clearly wasn't helping!
At the thought of her, Ainz's head ached even more, and he involuntarily touched his temples, massaging them thoroughly to ease the approaching pain.
He had hoped that, finding himself in the new world not alone, it would be easier to cope with the shock that had fallen like a bolt from the blue.
At first, it was partly so.
But why did he now feel like a driven horse, burdened with more and more unbearable work, while his "friend" was gallivanting somewhere?!
There was no real support, except for the NPCs of Nazarick—they had become the main pillar for his emotional comfort.
At first, Ainz was frightened by the suddenly animated characters, who had previously been mere lines of code and an external facade.
He tormented himself with the question of how to treat them? As tools, friends, subordinates?
But over time, their adoring gazes, bordering on adoration and blind worship, melted the ice of loneliness in his heart, filling it with the warmth of long-awaited recognition, the sense of being important to someone.
As Suzuki Satoru—an ordinary lonely man who never reached for the stars—he had never felt anything like it!
Satoru was born in the Japan of the future, in the dystopian world of 2100, where humanity faced horrifying environmental problems: suffocating smog that corroded the lungs, requiring constant wearing of filter masks and protective goggles even for brief outings outside.
His family was a typical unit of the lower middle class: father and mother, toiling to exhaustion in the merciless corporate grind, who passed away early from overwork and diseases provoked by pervasive pollution. After their untimely death, Satoru was left alone, without relatives or close ones, which only deepened his already profound loneliness.
He realized the harshness of the world early: outdoor sports were inaccessible due to pollution, and renting indoor fields cost too much for poor families.
In school, he had no real friends—peers were immersed in gadgets and virtual reality, and he felt like an outsider.
Due to dire financial straits, Satoru was forced to drop out of school and start working as a teenager to survive in this ruthless world.
Later, he regretted this hasty decision more than once, but it was what tempered his character, making him more practical and self-sufficient. Even then, the traits that would stay with him forever emerged: a sharp analytical mind, a tendency toward deep reflection, and a light, almost manic paranoia.
He loved immersing himself in worlds of fantasy, dreaming of valiant "heroes" from games and books, but harsh reality shattered his illusions time and again.
Satoru was a virgin and had never had serious romantic relationships—he blamed it on his insecurity, lack of time, and money.
By 2138, at thirty years old, he worked as an office clerk in a small IT company.
His position had a telling name—"charger": routine data processing, monotonous network maintenance. The job was low-paying, uninteresting, exhausting—12–14-hour shifts, countless overtime hours without compensation, toxic colleagues, tyrannical bosses exerting their authority.
Satoru hated his life, feeling like an insignificant "ant in an anthill," with no prospects for career growth or starting a family.
His salary, like a meager ration, barely covered the rent of a tiny apartment more resembling a closet (the size of a fitting room in a rundown store), where everything was shabby, old, and rusted. Plus paying off the burdensome loan for a VR helmet, which provided at least some outlet from the oppressive reality.
Satoru's life inexorably rolled in a vicious circle: work, sleep, virtual world. He almost never went outside without a protective mask, ate cheap noodles from vending machines as if doomed to an eternal diet, and avoided any social contacts, as if afraid of catching someone else's melancholy. His only "friends" were colleagues, with whom he exchanged meaningless phrases like a programmed robot.
Inwardly, he was lonely and depressed, often pondering the meaninglessness of his existence.
His only hobby was video games, especially MMORPGs, where he could feel the illusion of power and belonging to something greater. Satoru became a typical "hikikomori" in a corporate guise: smart but passive, with an inferiority complex due to the lack of any significant achievements in real life. His meager salary didn't allow him to enjoy simple joys of life—even updating gaming equipment was postponed to an indefinite "later."
This only intensified his envy toward successful players in YGGDRASIL, basking in glory and luxury.
In 2126, 12 years before the tragic closure, Satoru discovered DMMO-RPG YGGDRASIL—the world's first full-dive VRMMORPG, offering players a choice of 7000 spells, countless races (including heteromorphic ones like undead), and a vast open world full of dangers and adventures.
He chose the race of Overlord (a powerful undead skeleton, necromancer), taking the nickname Momonga (a reference to the Japanese name for flying squirrel).
The game became his outlet: here he could be a "king," compensating for his real weakness and insignificance.
Momonga started as a lone wolf, farming resources independently and participating in PvP battles.
In the 2130s, he met kindred spirits—40 other "viewers" (similar exhausted salarymen like himself), who despised "minions" (pay-to-win players buying victory with real money). Together, they founded the guild Ainz Ooal Gown (AOG)—"Supreme among Supremes" in ancient Hebrew, symbolizing their superiority over other players.
The guild specialized in playing heteromorphic (non-human) races, PK (player killings), and raids on the most powerful world bosses.
They conquered the Great Tomb of Nazarick—a top guild base with 10 floors, costing 18 billion yrds (huge investments, including loans).
AOG burst into the gaming world like a comet, becoming the most powerful guild in YGGDRASIL.
Momonga rightfully took the place of Nazarick's lord.
But by 2138, YGGDRASIL began rapidly losing popularity, giving way to new, more advanced games.
Members of AOG, like migratory birds, left the nest one by one: some got married, some changed jobs, some, alas, died in the real world.
His last friends—Ulbert (creator of Demiurge) and Peroroncino (creator of Shalltear)—left a few months before the game's sad end.
Momonga was left alone, once again plunging into the abyss of loneliness, nostalgically reminiscing about the "golden days" of past glory. He spent his last savings on cosmetic improvements for Nazarick and continued farming alone, as if doomed to eternal labor.
It seemed he was destined to be completely alone again and meet the joyless end of the game in total solitude.
But in the last months, someone actively intervened in his solo career—none other than Maylen.
***
What could he actually say about her?
Hm...
How to describe Maylen in one sentence?
Perhaps, a spawn of chaos and a disturber of universal peace!
Ainz involuntarily recalled how many times he had to endure her antics and teasing. The jokes were harmless, of course, and he held no grudge against her, but still... how much more?!
It all started innocently. Back in the game, Maylen, known under the nickname Mel, seemed like an ordinary, unremarkable participant in virtual battles. Together, they shared stories, enjoyed adventures, and savored the joy of victories.
Who could have thought that behind this innocent facade hid her true nature?
When the game reached its peak popularity, Maylen behaved quieter than water, lower than grass. But that's when their guild was attacked—a massive raid of one and a half thousand players crashed down on them. They fought back, but the game began to fade. And that's when Maylen revealed herself!
She cast off restraint, starting to propose insane ideas: raids on other dimensions like Asgard, and attacks on players. She was supported by Ulbert and Peroroncino, and soon this trio, calling themselves the "Triad of Chaos," tried to drag Ainz into their adventures!
That's when Maylen and her friends began to exhibit that very "chuunibyou," which later affected him as well!
Fortunately, Ainz came to his senses in time, but the memories of it still sent shivers down his spine. He wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Why was the office so stuffy?
These moments made his heart clench, and his skin prickle with cold. Damn it, how to forget this "creepy" period of his life?!
"But still... it was fun..." slipped from his lips involuntarily. A light smile touched his face.
Yes, that time was awkward and sometimes embarrassing, but at the same time incredibly vivid and memorable.
Back then, when the other players left the guild, Ainz thought he would be left in solitude. But Maylen appeared. She decided to stay with him until the very closure of the game, and that warmed his soul. He wasn't alone.
And yes, it was... fun.
However, now...
"Where have you been wandering, Maylen?! Why do I have to deal with this world's problems alone? I want a vacation too, damn it!" Ainz couldn't hold back and slammed his fist on the desk. A stack of papers flew up and scattered across the floor.
Assessing the scale of the disaster, he shook his head and began gathering the scattered sheets. The maid had already reported that Maylen had gone on vacation.
On vacation!
Ainz froze, struck by this news!
It was unfair, treacherous, simply outrageous!
Couldn't she have taken him with her?
Disappointment squeezed his heart. Having gathered the papers, he looked at them and shook his head again—there was an endless amount of work!
As an outsider in this world, Ainz tried to provide the inhabitants of Nazarick with a decent life.
At first, he didn't know where to start, but fate gave him a chance, and he seized it with both hands.
His path began in the Re-Estize Kingdom, where he became known as the adventurer Momon and the mysterious sorcerer Ainz Ooal Gown, appearing on the political stage.
Immersed in thoughts, Ainz flinched at the sudden crash. He jumped in place, and the papers scattered across the floor again!
"Ainz, I'm home! Hi! How are things? Haven't withered without my company, huh?" The office doors swung open, and in the doorway appeared Maylen with her signature sly smile, which made one want to hurl something heavy at her!
Ainz froze, stunned by her sudden appearance. Hadn't she been taught to knock? His gaze involuntarily slid over her figure, then fell on the scattered papers.
"Pick them up!" he barked.
"Huh? What are you talking about, Ainz?" Maylen stared at him in surprise.
"I said, pick them up! Quickly and without any magic!" Ainz, using his authority as guild master, raised his voice.
The commanding tone of the guild master stunned her. Maylen opened her mouth in silent astonishment and involuntarily pointed a finger at herself, as if not believing her ears.
Was she being ordered?
Truly, this was a crushing blow to her freedom-loving nature!
She was already preparing to throw a tantrum, kick and scream that this was a humiliating task for someone of her rank, but upon meeting Ainz's stern gaze, with arms crossed on his chest and allowing no objections, her legs carried her to the scattered papers!
Muttering under her breath, she began picking them up.
Ainz watched as Maylen, with evident disgust on her face, collected the papers. The sight of her humiliated position gave him secret malicious pleasure!
Meanwhile, in Maylen's thoughts swirled:
Ah! How humiliating! You'll get yours, Ainz! My revenge will be terrible, I promise you! Ha-ha-ha!
An involuntary shiver ran down Ainz's spine—he noticed how a vengeful fire flashed in Maylen's eyes!
If any of the servants had witnessed this scene, they would surely have screamed in horror and wept, begging to stop and let the servants do the work!
When the papers were collected and neatly laid out on the desk, Ainz wearily sank into his chair, leaning back. Maylen plopped into the chair opposite, throwing her head back.
Both, closing their eyes, stared at the ceiling and sighed simultaneously.
Silence fell, which Ainz began to appreciate and cherish the hope that it would last forever! But the gods seemed hostile today.
"~Haa!~ I'm already exhausted, Ainz! I need to go on vacation again, or I might accidentally overwork myself!"
Ainz's lips twitched. He instantly opened his eyes and stared at her relaxed pose. She clearly could use a good thrashing!
If she was tired from such a trifle and planning a vacation, then didn't he himself deserve a lifetime of rest for his grueling labor?
"Hold it right there! Where do you think you're going?" he said when Maylen tried to stand.
His hand suddenly stopped her, touching her wrist and not allowing her to leave. Maylen turned around and immediately let out comical tears from her eyes, whining plaintively:
"Waa! I don't want to work! I want to rest and have fun endlessly! Isn't that the main perk of an isekai hero?"
Ainz's face darkened. He clenched his teeth but still replied:
"Oh? Aren't I an isekai hero too? I want a vacation as well, you know!"
"Well, go then! Who's stopping you?" she parried.
Ainz clenched his fist, feeling irritation boiling within him!
***
Meanwhile, Ainz greedily caught his breath, feeling irritation and anger recede, replaced by a pleasant languor after the verbal battle. Having released his raging emotions, venting everything that had built up about Maylen, he experienced long-awaited relief—as if an unbearable burden had fallen from his shoulders.
"Well, feel better?" sounded Maylen's mischievous voice, not missing the chance to tease him, with a sly spark dancing in her eyes.
"You know... Yes, I suppose. Calm as a python, and all thanks to you, Maylen. Thank you," Ainz replied impassively, sinking more relaxedly into the chair. His pose exuded ease, as if he had just shed his shackles.
Such a relaxed state only made Maylen click her tongue and shake her head. In some ways, she truly enjoyed teasing Ainz—it amused her, dispelled boredom, added spice to their interactions. But now, with him no longer such an interesting target for jabs, they could move on to other topics.
"The question remains. How are things here? Did anything interesting happen in my absence?"—she asked, leaning slightly forward, with genuine curiosity in her voice.
Ainz didn't rush to answer. He merely gazed intently at Maylen with his empty eye sockets, weighing options: to retort sarcastically or choose a more neutral tone to avoid a new skirmish?
"Well... Properly speaking, I should withhold everything and suggest you find the information yourself. But today I'm extraordinarily generous, so I'll share the news,"—he said with light irony, emphasizing his "magnanimity."
The corners of Maylen's lips twitched slightly—Ainz couldn't resist the jab, flaunting his generosity. This evoked mixed feelings in her: slight irritation and unconcealed amusement.
Then he proceeded to the story, starting from the events where they had parted. Their arrival in Carne Village and the minor clash with the local residents held no particular interest—Maylen had seen it all with her own eyes, and it only reminded her of the first steps in the unknown world.
Next, Ainz mentioned changing his name from Momonga to Ainz for all of Nazarick, as well as his brief adventures as the novice adventurer Momon the Black with his partner Nabe—this was a period of adaptation, when he cautiously tested the waters, gathered information, and sought allies.
"I hope you at least managed to enjoy your partner's company behind Albedo's back? ~Fu-fu~, it would be a shame to miss such an opportunity!" Maylen couldn't resist the dig, to liven up the conversation.
A shadow of irritation flickered on Ainz's face, and he cast her a disapproving glance. Maylen waved it off, but Ainz merely cleared his throat, sighed heavily, and continued the story, trying not to pay attention to the provocations.
Events unfolded roughly as in the original story, without major deviations, so Maylen listened half-heartedly—she was already starting to doze off. She hugged a black sleep pillow she had thoughtfully brought with her, and her eyelids grew heavy. She almost drifted off when suddenly sleep vanished as if by magic: Ainz reached the most interesting part, where events began to rapidly deviate from the planned course!
"Wait, wait, hold on! Hold up a minute! When did you manage to marry the 'golden princess' of the Re-Estize Kingdom?!"
Maylen was not just surprised—she was shocked! She stared at Ainz, trying to peer into his soul, matching what she heard with her established image of her friend.
Was this really the same Ainz?
In response, he merely nervously rubbed his cheek and, after a short pause, muttered:
"...Well, you know... Events spiraled, everything spun out..." he mumbled, clearly avoiding details but understanding that it wouldn't pass.
"Now don't rush! I'm insanely curious how you ended up like this!" Maylen insisted, her eyes flashing with interest, and she stared at Ainz so intently that he felt slightly uncomfortable.
However, he was no stranger to such intense attention, and he decided to tell the story—though softening the edges a bit. But Maylen's persistence left him no choice, and he surrendered, starting from the very beginning.
"The Kingdom had many problems: bandits, corrupt nobles, and so on... Well... khm! I extended a helping hand... rather, a very substantial help, using Nazarick's resources discreetly. In the end, I became a pleasant, even noble and warm figure in the King's eyes. We spend a lot of time talking and playing chess, discussing strategies and the future..." Ainz explained, his voice growing more confident as he spoke, though awkwardness seeped through.
The longer Ainz spoke, the wider Maylen's mouth opened. It opened and closed as if she were trying to voice a silent question. She couldn't understand what was happening?
Where was her supposedly domineering, charismatic Ainz with plans spanning thousands of years ahead, but inwardly—a cringing chuunibyou with an inferiority complex before his subordinates?!
If Maylen calculated correctly, according to the canonical path, Ainz should have already founded his own kingdom, faced a massive army arrayed against him, and unleashed his super-level spell "Iä Shub-Niggurath"—the "Cry of the Black Goat," setting a personal record by annihilating a multi-thousand-strong force and capturing E-Rantel in a bloody battle!
So why had everything gone differently, along such a... diplomatic path?
"The King is no longer young... It so happened that his sons are unfit for rule—one is impulsive, the other weak-willed—and the youngest daughter, Renner, will never be made Queen for obvious reasons, though she is quite educated, intelligent, and skilled at manipulation..."
Ainz continued speaking, and it was evident how awkward it was for him to discuss this, as if confessing something personal.
But he endured the ordeal, told everything to the end, and exhaled in relief, concluding the description of political intrigues and the unexpected marriage.
Maylen's reaction?
She leaned back in her chair with wide-open eyes, staring into the void, still trying to digest what she had heard.
Events had clearly gone off track!
Events had definitely veered onto a false trail! It seemed Ainz had completely abandoned domineering and aggressive territorial conquests, choosing... a peaceful path? Maylen couldn't explain it otherwise: now he was almost the main contender for the crown of the Re-Estize Kingdom and its potential ruler, integrating through alliances and marriages!
But the oddities didn't end there!
But the oddities didn't end there! It turned out he had already entered a political marriage with the Baharuth Empire—and specifically with the female version of Jircniv, which added surrealism to the whole picture!
Here, Maylen roughly guessed who had a hand in this plan—Demiurge, paired with her created NPC, with their brilliant but twisted schemes. And Ainz himself had put in no small effort to make everything appear peaceful and respectable, masking true motives under a guise of nobility.
To add context, Ainz briefly mentioned Jaldabaoth—the ruthless demon emperor who decided to conquer the entire world, sowing chaos and discord everywhere.
And here, opposing him dared the powerful sorcerer Ainz!
As befits a hero from fairy tales, he appeared at the last moment, solving local problems with a radiant smile (though in reality, it was a mask), with all the inherent grace, refinement, and power, attracting many eyes—and the beautiful hearts of girls! Starting with Renner, the female version of Jircniv, Evileye, Calca Bessarez, and others who saw him as a savior!
Damn it, what the hell is going on?!
From the perspective of ordinary people in this world, it might seem that everything was proceeding as usual—ordinary diplomacy and displays of heroism. But Maylen's view was different, cynical and perceptive.
Suddenly, her eyes stung, as if soap had been rubbed into her beautiful and expressive eyes, from an excess of "sweetness" in the narrative.
Everything was banal, cheap, and cloyingly sweet, involuntarily making one nauseous!
Where had that dark, soul-touching atmosphere of their adventures gone, full of intrigues, betrayals, and true power?