Chapter 3: Gathering of the Guardians
Using the guild ring of Nazarick, Yhwach teleports from the throne room on the 9th floor up to the 6th—the battle arena—where he is going to meet the floor Guardians. Yhwach was around when they were created and helped design some of them. Albedo, Shalltear, and Demiurge are his personal favorites.
Good. Reishi's manipulation seems to still function properly. The ring's teleportation ability will prove invaluable when traversing this domain, Yhwach thinks to himself, looking down at his index finger wearing the ring with the clan's insignia encrusted upon it.
The sound of his measured footsteps echoing through the tunnel leading to the stands is the only noise heard as he walks with perfect posture, his white cloak flowing behind him. The reiatsu emanating from his form causes the very air to shimmer with spiritual pressure.
The soft light from the moon in the arena's skybox is the first to meet his dark eyes before the rest of the Romanesque Colosseum comes into view. Stone pillars rise majestically around the circular arena, their weathered surfaces bearing witness to countless battles that have taken place within these walls.
Albedo and the others in the throne room demonstrate unwavering loyalty, as designed... That is acceptable. But what of the others? Determining where they stand regarding my ascension as guild leader is of utmost importance. I cannot tolerate insubordination within the ranks. Momonga would not face such concerns in my position...
"LORD YHWACH!"
Before he knows it, he's in the center of the sandy arena, a young female voice interrupting his contemplations as it seems he has become lost in thought. Looking toward the origin of the voice, he sees one of the dark elf twins—Aura.
She shouts his name with reverence as she leaps from the upper balcony to the ground in a display of athletic prowess. A demonstration of strength, skill, and durability that shows her small frame can withstand considerable impact. She wears more masculine attire than her male twin brother, both possessing blonde hair and the darker complexion that marks them as dark elves.
Once she lands, she immediately approaches Yhwach with genuine enthusiasm brightening her youthful features. Coming to an abrupt halt, she exclaims with fervor, "Welcome Lord Yhwach! Welcome to the floor which we guard!"
"Impressive technique..." Yhwach observes with stoic approval.
Aura's cheeks flush at the acknowledgment. "Thank you so much, my lord! Receiving recognition from the ruler of all Nazarick is the highest honor!" she exclaims, raising her arms in elation like one who has received divine blessing.
Word travels swiftly through these halls... She shows no resistance to my assumption of leadership... Quite the opposite, she appears genuinely pleased by this development.
"Where is your twin brother?" Yhwach inquires, his gaze sweeping the area for the other guardian. She appears momentarily startled before looking back toward her point of descent and calling upward.
"MARE! You're showing disrespect to Lord Yhwach! Descend immediately!"
"I...I c-c-cannot, sister!" a timid male voice responds—belonging to young Mare.
"Mare!" Aura calls out with sisterly authority. Mare responds with a hesitant "V-Very well..." He too leaps from the considerable height, absorbing the impact with the same resilience as his sister. However, he seems to soil his skirt upon landing and brushes himself clean while adjusting the garment modestly. He then begins approaching with slow, exaggeratedly feminine movements. Aura, displaying clear impatience, shouts "Make haste!" in his direction.
Finally reaching his lord and sister, he appears quite winded and endearing with his heterochromatic eyes and delicate features. He performs a proper curtsy and says apologetically, "Please forgive my tardiness, Lord Yhwach!"
The duality of their nature is... peculiar. Yet their loyalty appears genuine enough.
"Indeed... I have come to conduct certain evaluations if you would permit me?" Yhwach states, manifesting the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown, causing the embedded gems to radiate with spiritual energy.
"Incredible!" they both breathe before Mare asks with obvious nervousness, "I-Is that the staff that only Lord Momonga could wield previously?"
"Correct. It represents the pinnacle of our guild's combined craftsmanship," he responds with quiet authority.
Though this staff feels somewhat... inadequate in my grasp. Perhaps I should employ the Reishi Manipulation techniques I developed long ago? he muses, examining the weapon's balance.
Reishi Manipulation—the advanced spiritual technique he had mastered and integrated into his very being. It allows him to reshape spiritual matter at will, which is how he maintains his current imposing form rather than appearing as a standard spiritual entity. This mastery made him one of the most formidable beings in existence.
"Would you assist me in a demonstration?" Yhwach asks, turning his attention back to the twins. Their mismatched eyes sparkle with anticipation.
"Yes! We shall aid you in whatever manner you require, my lord!" Aura declares enthusiastically.
"I should mention that I have summoned the other guardians to your floor. They will arrive presently," he informs them as they move to one side of the arena. Aura's expression shifts to mild displeasure.
"Will Shalltear be attending as well?"
Yhwach regards her with a questioning look. "She is among the floor guardians, is she not?" he states matter-of-factly as the arena's creatures position a training dummy approximately fifty yards distant. The twins take their places beside him, ready to observe.
My spiritual abilities should function as they did before. The balance between my Quincy powers and Reishi's manipulation remains intact. Since I exist as a spiritual being of the highest order, I should be able to maintain combat indefinitely. However, I must gauge the limitations of this form...
Deciding to employ his Reishi Manipulation, he applies it to the staff, reshaping it into something more befitting his nature. His spiritual pressure flares momentarily, and the gold of the staff appears to flow like a liquid, reforming into a more regal and intimidating design. It retains its golden magnificence but now resembles a true scepter of dominion. The god-class items within are consolidated into a single, brilliant crystal at the weapon's head, radiating with absolute authority.
Aura and Mare observe the transformation with reverence. "H-How did you accomplish that, Lord Yhwach?" Mare asks, still mesmerized by the weapon as the crystal pulses with spiritual energy.
"Reishi Manipulation... I merely refined the staff's form to better suit its purpose. Its power remains unchanged, merely... perfected."
"It's magnificent, my lord!" Aura proclaims with admiration.
"Your appreciation is noted, Aura. Now..." he says, directing the scepter toward the dummy, "[SUMMON: SPIRITUAL FIRE CONSTRUCT]!"
The crystal shifts from clear to crimson, and the dummy erupts in a vortex of spiritual flames, sending waves of reishi-infused fire throughout the area. A barrier of spiritual energy automatically protects the group while Aura and Mare take shelter behind their towering lord, watching in awe. The arena creatures sustain minor burns but remain unharmed. A magnificent fire construct emerges from the dissipating flames, a being of pure spiritual energy under Yhwach's command.
"Acceptable... Do you wish to engage it in combat?" Yhwach asks, glancing down at Aura, who vibrates with excitement, and Mare, who huddles behind his imposing lord with obvious trepidation.
"Absolutely! May I?" Aura exclaims with barely contained enthusiasm.
"I-I believe I have... pressing matters to attend to..." Mare attempts to excuse himself before Aura captures him with her arm and pulls him along despite his protests.
"Spiritual Fire Construct! Engage the twins in combat!" Yhwach commands with imperial authority as he moves to observe from the arena's edge.
As the training exercise commences—though it's more of a conditioning drill than true combat—Yhwach decides to test another capability. Very well, so Reishi Manipulation functions as intended, along with dimensional travel and spiritual techniques, but what of the communication systems? Let us see... Placing his fingers to his temple, he attempts to establish mental contact.
"Yes, Lord Yhwach, do you require something?"
The connection is stable. Excellent. "Sebas. Report your findings," Yhwach states, removing his fingers from his temple. The twins demonstrate remarkable coordination in their bout, each compensating for the other's limitations with their respective strengths. It is a harmonious display of tactical cooperation.
"I have completed the perimeter reconnaissance. No hostile spiritual entities have been detected," the dragonoid butler responds, though his tone suggests confusion at the terminology.
"Satisfactory work, Sebas. I have convened the floor guardians in the 6th-floor arena. Return and deliver your full report."
"At once, Lord Yhwach."
"Your estimated arrival time?"
"Five minutes, my lord."
The connection terminates as the fire construct is defeated, the twins beaming with satisfaction at their victory. Deciding to acknowledge their efforts in his characteristic manner, he brings his hands together in measured applause.
"Well executed." CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Yhwach applauds with controlled precision, holding the scepter in one hand as he does so. The twins approach him with radiant smiles, their joy intensifying at receiving their lord's approval.
"Exemplary performance, both of you. Your collaborative fighting technique demonstrates perfect synchronization... as all things should be," Yhwach states, allowing the scepter to rest against his shoulder.
"Thank you immensely, Lord Yhwach! It has been some time since I've engaged in such vigorous training!" Aura says, wiping perspiration from her forehead. Yhwach nods with subtle approval.
"It appears you require a structured training regimen. I would not want the Guardians of the 6th floor to grow complacent, would I?" Yhwach inquires. Aura considers this thoughtfully before smiling with renewed determination.
"It shall be implemented immediately, my lord!" she declares with conviction.
"See that it is," Yhwach responds with paternal authority. "You must be in need of refreshment."
With a gesture, cups materialize in their hands. Using the scepter to tear through the fabric of space itself, he produces a pitcher of purified water, bending to fill their cups before returning the vessel to its dimensional storage. The twins stare at their cups with wonder before eagerly consuming the offering.
Once finished, Mare comments softly, "I expected you to be quite intimidating, Lord Yhwach."
Yhwach regards him with his penetrating gaze, his spiritual pressure intensifying slightly. "I can be... forbidding, if circumstances demand it," he states, his voice carrying an undertone of absolute authority that makes the air itself seem heavier.
"Your current demeanor is ideal!" Aura insists. "Truly perfect!" Mare adds with sincere appreciation, neither seeming particularly affected by his display of power.
"I see," Yhwach responds with a nearly imperceptible nod, finding their company... tolerable.
"My, am I the first to arrive?" a feminine voice interjects. The speaker is a petite, pale woman wearing an elegant black evening gown with a lace ribbon adorning her hair, a tailored jacket draped over her shoulders, and a parasol held in her gloved hands. Yhwach turns toward her with measured dignity.
"Shalltear. You arrive precisely as expected."
Her confident smirk transforms into an expression of pure adoration, complete with a deep blush. She approaches Yhwach with barely contained excitement, abandoning her parasol in her haste. "My beloved lord!" she exclaims with devotion, reaching toward him with obvious affection. Yhwach, maintaining his composure, allows her to embrace him briefly, his hand resting on her head in a gesture of paternal acceptance.
She demonstrates absolute loyalty... reminiscent of Albedo's devotion. Interesting—given our elevated status, they likely perceive us as divine beings worthy of worship.
As their lord becomes absorbed in contemplation, Aura and Shalltear begin their typical verbal sparring after he gently separates from the vampire. Both display their characteristic stubbornness, engaging in childish bickering that mirrors their creators' sibling rivalry. While such displays were once mildly entertaining, now is not the appropriate time.
"You both conduct yourselves poorly before our new master. Present yourselves as the guardians you are, not as squabbling children," Cocytus announces upon his arrival, his frozen blue carapace gleaming in the moonlight. His words echo my own thoughts... He shows no hostility toward my leadership and acknowledges my authority. Perhaps my concerns are unfounded.
"This insignificant creature insulted me!" Shalltear accuses.
"I spoke only facts!" Aura retorts. Both NPCs begin channeling their abilities, preparing for confrontation over their trivial dispute. Recognizing the escalating situation, Cocytus strikes his halberd against the ground in an attempt to restore order.
"SILENCE!" Yhwach commands, his voice resonating with absolute authority as all attention focuses on him. His spiritual pressure fills the arena like a suffocating blanket, his dark eyes burning with imperial displeasure. "Aura! Shalltear! Your petty squabbling ends now. While such behavior may have been tolerated previously, I will not suffer it in my presence. Have I made myself clear?"
"We humbly apologize!" they cry in unison, prostrating themselves completely.
"Your contrition is... adequate," Yhwach states, his overwhelming presence receding to manageable levels. "Under normal circumstances, I might overlook such conduct. However, these are not normal circumstances, and we cannot afford such frivolous distractions. I also acknowledge that my reaction was... excessive." The two look up at him with amazement at his measured response.
Turning his attention to the insectoid warrior who embodies martial honor, he acknowledges his presence with a dignified nod. "Cocytus. Your timing is impeccable."
"I shall always answer your summons without delay, my master," Cocytus responds with pride, his words bringing satisfaction to Yhwach as his expression softens almost imperceptibly.
"Forgive our delay," a cultured and resonant voice announces from the arena's southern entrance. Turning, Yhwach observes Albedo's approach, followed by the voice's owner—Demiurge. One of Yhwach's most valued guardians alongside Albedo and Shalltear. He is a tall, scholarly demon wearing an impeccable red suit and tie. His face bears an expression of sophisticated malevolence as he carries himself with perfect refinement. His tail moves with subtle satisfaction behind him.
"Now, everyone..." Albedo begins, drawing Yhwach from his observations. All guardians save one are present. "Before our new Supreme Leader—the ritual of absolute fealty."
They kneel before Yhwach in perfect unison, a display of complete submission and respect. However, as he surveys the assembly, he notes an absence.
"Albedo."
Albedo looks up at Yhwach with evident devotion and expectant attention. "Yes, my lord?"
"I instructed you to gather all guardians save those of the fourth and eighth floors, correct?"
"Yes, my lord. Is there some concern?"
"Albedo, Nazarick consists of twelve floors. You guard the ninth, Victim the eighth, Demiurge the seventh, Aura and Mare the sixth, Cocytus the fifth, Gargantua the fourth, and Shalltear the first through third. The twelfth floor lacks a guardian, but the eleventh—MY domain—does not."
Albedo comprehends her error immediately, her eyes widening with realization and horror.
"So, Albedo..." he speaks her name with the tone of a sovereign addressing a subordinate who has disappointed him. All the Guardians feel the weight of his displeasure—not anger, but something far more devastating: his profound disappointment. "...Where is Enmu?"
She is rendered speechless, overwhelmed by shame at failing her new lord. She immediately prostrates herself completely in supplication. "My most abject apologies, my lord! I did not intend such a grievous oversight before our new master! I merely sought to assemble them with utmost haste—"
Her desperate plea is interrupted when she feels his hand upon her head, not harsh but firm. "Your apology is unnecessary. I am not wrathful. I simply require his location."
"Here, my lord!" a voice calls out with disturbing euphoria from across the arena, carrying with it an unsettling tone of twisted pleasure and unnatural delight.