Author notes:
So, I have noticed that a lot of people are confused about how the Overlord mechanics are a bit different from canon and how things seem to be going in a strange direction.
First of all, the Overlord mechanics have not been expanded upon that much by the original authors, except for what Momonga speaks about, so I have taken a few liberties. I will admit that there were a few mistakes (like with the Wish upon a Star spell) where I forgot a few details here and there, but I intend to stick with them for now since I have already thought about the direction of the story moving forward, and I cannot change this now.
Also, about the MC having his crafting classes maxed out, which many of you guys are complaining about. I will once again say that I have taken a few creative liberties with it, so bear with it.
Now, the next point. Regarding Aetherion's identity, it will be slowly built upon as time goes on, and I can see that some of you guys don't like it. To that, I can only say sorry because I am not going to change it. Like I said, I have already built a few arcs' worth of drafts based on things that are happening now, and I can't change them.
I will only say this to you guys: keep on reading, it will make sense, and I really hope you guys like it.
With that cleared, let's get to the chapter.
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Azazel practically fell onto his chair as he released a heavy sigh.
"Man, what a headache. This is why I both love and hate dealing with Longinus-class Sacred Gear."
"Heh, I guess your lazy nature has not changed in the past thousand years, Azazel."
Azazel just glared lightly at his old friends, who were gathered around a table and were staring at him with mischief and nostalgia in their feline eyes.
"And you guys changed far too much! What's with the appearance change anyway?"
The leader of the Cherubim Gatekeepers, the angel that was once called Ornithael, simply snorted at that question.
"This is our true form, Azazel. What you remember from back then were but our incomplete forms summoned by our lord accidentally."
Azazel was one of the few angels who knew the true nature of the Gatekeepers as Angels outside God's system, summoned by the unique power of his long-lost brother, Arael.
So, he could not help but fall silent for a bit before speaking softly.
"....How is he? The last anyone heard about your unit was that proclamation from Lucifer that you all were dead. I had my doubts, but with no evidence to back it up, even I had given up hope long ago."
Ornithael fell silent before speaking again.
"Physically? He is better than he has ever been. But mentally? That is a difficult question to answer."
"What happened?"
The Gatekeepers looked at each other before Ornithael spoke again.
"I will give you a word of advice, Azazel. Do not call our lord by his true name when you meet him. He goes by Aetherion now. It is for your own good."
Azazel just snorted at those words.
"Why? What will he do? Lecture me like the days of old?"
"No. Given how he is now, he might actually attack you on the spot if you use his old name."
"...What? Are you sure we are talking about the same angel here? The guy that could not even bring himself to hate Lucifer and Samael after what they did and only tried to hunt them down because they were threats to the rest of his kin?"
The Cherubim Gatekeepers looked at each other before nodding.
"Yes. He is.....very different now. I think it is accurate to say that, just as we have attained our true form, he too has done the same physically."
"But in terms of his personality, things are in a bit of a weird situation right now."
Ornithael sighed before speaking again.
"It is only because we once called you brother that I am telling you all of this and giving you this warning. And one more thing."
Azazle felt a chill go down his spine as Ornithael gave him a light glare.
"Do not try your usual methods of using your silvertongue or trying to lie to the lord through omission or in a roundabout way."
"The way he is now, he really will kill you then and there if you try to do something like that. Because right now, his mind is in a confused state, and he is using his aggression and rage as the only defence against such confusion."
"....But I am still a 12-winged Fallen Angel. So what kind of damage can he do to me?"
Ornithael gave him a wry look that immediately made Azazel look embarrassed.
"Right. I forgot about what he did during the war."
"Good. At least you managed to remember in time. But really, don't try to mess with him like you used to do back in heaven. He has....seen a lot of things ever since waking up from his imprisonment, and he is not happy with the way things have been going in this world. Especially the recent issue that happened at the human city called 'The Vatican'. Right now, he is not in the mood for games, so don't try your luck with him if you run into him."
The Gatekeepers got up from their seats and headed towards the door.
"We need to get going with lord Empyrean before our Lord comes for us and report what happened here."
Azazel nodded before asking the question that had been on his mind ever since he saw that armored angel drag in a beaten-up Kokabiel.
"Just who is that 'Seraph Empyrean'? Ornithael? Father never created that kind of angel, and neither did Arael ever summon someone like him."
"...you will know when the time comes. For now, think of him as our direct superior, just below our Lord in authority."
Azazel could not help but feel shocked.
"Your superior? You lot, who refused to even bow to God himself, actually acknowledge someone else aside from Arael as your superior? Just who the hell is that guy?"
"Like I said, you will know when the time comes. For now, I bid you-"
Suddenly, powerful holy energy blanketed the building as Azazel shot to his feet in surprise, just like many other fallen angels that were stationed here.
The Gatekeepers, on the other hand, could only give Azazel looks of sympathy.
Ornithael spoke with a tone full of pity that rubbed Azazel the wrong way as a chill shot up his spine.
"How unfortunate, Azazel. It would seem that Lord has come looking for us because of the delay in contacting him. I pray that you don't end up attracting his attention."
"For your own sake."
With those words, the Angels teleported out in bursts of light, just like the Seraph Empyrean, who also did the same to appear at the top of the building, ready to welcome their lord.
As for the Seraph in question, Aetherion was far too busy curiously observing the strange barrier that was enveloping what looked like a school/dorm building.
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Author Notes: Read 5 chapters ahead on Patreon: patreon.com/Ruijard1