"Talking"
'Thinking'
\[Tier Magic]
(Wild Magic)
"What's going on? Did those shitty devs postpone the shutdown?" Momonga muttered aloud, not expecting an answer.
> Albedo: "Forgive me, Lord Momonga, but I do not know who these 'shitty devs' you speak of are."
Her voice was calm, but there was a faint look of puzzlement on her beautiful face.
Did… she just talk? Momonga froze, disbelief clawing through his mind. NPCs didn't speak like this. They couldn't. His thoughts were interrupted as a faint green aura enveloped him, an inexplicable sense of calm seeping into his bones.
An NPC spoke… That's impossible. And… what's that smell? Perfume?
> Albedo: "Lord Momonga, is something wrong?"
> Momonga: "I–It's nothing, Albedo. I'm fine."
The green aura lingered, keeping panic at bay despite the absurdity of the moment.
Alright, let's try something else.
"GM Call."
Silence. No response. No system chime. Nothing.
He scrolled through his menus, searching for the log-out button—only to find it missing.
First I can't contact an admin… now I can't even log out. A flicker of panic rose again, only to be smothered once more by that soothing green light.
If I can't log out, and the NPCs can talk… there are only two possibilities. Either this is some incredibly advanced sequel to Yggdrasil… or this is reality now.
"Albedo."
> Albedo: "Yes, my lord?" Her tone was tinged with curiosity.
"Would… you come closer? I need to test something."
What he was about to do would normally result in a suspension—but the rules might no longer apply. Albedo stepped forward, stopping directly before him. Slowly, Momonga extended his hand… and pressed it against her breast.
Impossible… This is against the rules. And they're actually… soft? The devs would never add this kind of detail for something players couldn't even interact with.
He realized belatedly that his hand was still there.
"Forgive me, Albedo—I was lost in thought."
> Albedo: "My lord, the touch of a Supreme Being is one of the highest honors for us servants."
Her lack of anger caught him off guard, but he chose not to question it.
"Sebas."
"Yes, my lord?" The butler lifted his head, meeting Momonga's gaze.
"Take Shizu and scout outside the tomb. Go no farther than ten kilometers. If you find intelligent life, invite them here. If they refuse—use force. Bring a member of the Pleiades if needed."
"Your wish is my command."
Momonga watched as Sebas and the automaton departed.
If they return with someone, that changes everything. NPCs were never able to leave the guild base. If they can now… the old rules don't apply here.
> Albedo: "Lord Momonga, is there anything I may do?"
"Yes. Gather all the floor guardians in the amphitheater—one hour from now."
I need to secure the loyalty of every guardian, not just Albedo and the Pleiades. Before that, I should check the 8th floor and see if the Cherry Blossom Sanctuary is intact.
"At once, my lord." Albedo bowed and left in a graceful rush.
Alone, Momonga teleported to the 8th floor entrance.
"Only those with the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown can enter here," he murmured to himself. If the others turn on me, I can retreat here—assuming Rubedo and Aureole Omega don't attack.
He pushed open the gate—only to feel cold steel press against his neck.
> Rubedo: "Oh! Lord Momonga, forgive me. I thought you were an intruder. Aureole sensed a disturbance in the tomb."
She lowered her weapon. Rubedo looked like a girl of no more than fifteen, her long white hair flowing to her waist. She smiled sweetly, an expression that would have been pure innocence if not for her lethality.
At least she didn't kill me outright.
"Hello, Rubedo. I just wanted to confirm that everything here is fine."
> Rubedo: "My day has greatly improved since you arrived, my lord. As for the Sanctuary—nothing is missing, and all other area guardians are at their posts."
"Good. I know I haven't visited since the last attack on the tomb. Forgive me."
Rubedo's expression hardened at the mention of those who had once dared assault the Supreme Beings.
"I'm proud of you for killing most of their forces."
> Rubedo: "It was my duty. I would never allow such scum to reach the Supreme Beings."
Her smile returned, bright as before.
"In forty minutes, the floor guardians will meet on the 6th floor. I'd like you to be there. Afterward, I want you to monitor the 10th floor. There's no one better for the task than you."
> Rubedo: "To protect the floor where the Supreme Beings reside—there is no greater honor!"
Her joy was evident; she was rarely allowed to leave her post. Momonga chuckled, giving her a gentle pat on the head.
"I'm glad you think so. Before you leave for the meeting, ask Omega if her scrying magic still works."
"I will, my lord."
Satisfied, Momonga activated his ring, focusing on the image of the 6th floor.
Light warped—and when he opened his eyes, a soft breeze brushed against him. Above was a brilliant, star-strewn sky, impossibly vivid for something buried underground.
BluePlanet… you really outdid yourself. This is even more breathtaking than it was in Yggdrasil.