The Great Tomb of Nazarick- 9th floor.
Walking along the streets of the Silver City, Peroroncino could not help but shake his head at his friends creation.
From the silver and crystal towers, the ambient light, the rich beautiful clouds that shimmer as if they held the light, to the marching knights and the Pop Monsters that flew around in groups of three. In his eyes, it was a little too.... majestic for his taste, but he would never voice that out.
But if there is ever something the guild admired aside from the looks alone, it is the thought put into its creation. As Divine as the place may be, Peroroncino knows full well how frightening the Silver City truly is. A testament to his Guildmaster's devious mind.
The Ninth Floor of Nazarick, the Silver City and the Divine Cathedral is not only the largest floor in the guild. But also the most highly invested place. Momonga has spent a fortune in the Ninth Floor that it might as well cost half a year worth of savings. A baffling expenditure, that may or may not have been the envy of the guild.
He smiled at the recollection in knowing that his friend is going up in life and while envious, he would never wish him ill will for his good fortunes.
Peroroncino's attention shifted once more as another group of knights marches in his general direction. And as soon as they passed by he reminded himself that despite the high quality look of their armor, one of their numbers has a level no more than a level 10 NPC's with only two of three of the Angels actually reaching the level of 60 to 75
This was one of the tricky and rather, devastating traps in the city. Done majorly not only to force players to spend more mana unnecessarily but also to force players to use as much restorative potions as much as possible.
And while -to most- this would be easy to solve with [Discern Enemy], or even [Life Essence] and [Mana Essence] with the gap on the level being too significant not to notice the difference. Those who would get as far as the Ninth Floor wouldn't succeed, now that ALL forms of divination does not work within the base unless they are an active member.
Such was the secret of this place. A hidden function that showcased the protection that their 'World Item: The Throne of Kings' could offer. A divine protection that shields their guildmaster and the land he rules over.
This makes it so that the only way to go through the numerous monsters in the floor, is to blast or cut through them themselves. And by then, much of their resources would have been spent unnecessarily by the time they even so much as reach the Seraph that stands guard at the Divine Gates.
Thats not yet including the various traps, dead ends, and clear cut 'Kill boxes' that's located in the city. Let alone Six Angels of the First Circle.
His attention suddenly shifted and he took in the grand image of the Great Cathedral, the very place that Houses the members of Ainz Ooal Gown.
It stood like a palace built for gods. The decorated pillars of white, the perfectly shaped bricks, the accents of gold within the marble, the shine of silver and the reflection of the light that highlighted the beautifully decorated glass windows.
Pass the Seraphim and through the crystal doors and inside, he was treated with nothing but splendor. Wreath in wealth in full display by various artifacts that decorated it. Either gaudily, weirdly or even tastefully.
The walls were lined with flowing landscapes and moving paintings. With a red fluffy looking carpet stretching across the hallway floors.
It was exactly as he knew Yggdrasil could be. Fantasy that looked real. And while he was devoid of the various other senses that would have otherwise allowed him to bask in it, he knew it would not be for long.
Peroroncino blushes at the memory. Remembering his conversation with Momonga.
Flashback~
"Please!" pleaded Peroroncino as he kowtowed in front of Momonga. "Please... just consider it."
"Peroroncino-san..."
"I understand that you're hesitant but I guarantee you. If you could make it possible! I will do anything you want, just name it!?"
"Peroron-"
"If! If you want! I can convince her to take her place as your concubine-"
"Peroroncino-san!" shouts Momonga in panic. "Please, just listen before you say anything else!..." seeing them man pause made him sigh in relief. "I understand where you're coming from. But frankly, you aren't the first to approach me." Peroroncino made a whimper but kept mum. "You could probably guess, but Yamaiko-san has asked me on behalf of Akemi-san."
"...I see."
Momonga could hear the despair in his voice. Like a glass so fragile he can't help but hesitate if he should even be close to it. Yet despite his fears of shattering such a fragile moment, Momonga knew he had to push on.
"Look...we are all jumping the gun a little bit here. I don't even know how much fortune I would be inheriting or if I am inheriting anything at all. For all I know that wealth could already be at he hands of someone else by now.
"...I admit. I planned to invite someone into the dome eventually." Peroroncino's head snapped up. "But it would have to wait till I know I am not dragging anyone to a hidden hell. After all, none of us truly know what it is like to live inside any of these places."
"Yes... yeah... You're right..."
"Three months, just give me three months Peroroncino-san. And I will invite your sister to the Dome."
"Wha-!"
"But that would mean that you would have to wait for three years after that to have any chance at all. I have... Family. And it may not be what you want to hear but I intend to prioritize them."
"Thank you!!! You won't regret it!" cheered Peroroncino.
"I know... just, be chill about this. Oh and uhh... Please keep it a secret."
"Gotcha!"
Flashback • End~
Peroroncino remembers the day his sister received her invitation and flushed slightly at how he jumped around like a kid high on sugar.
It was the best day of their lives. And the happiest he has ever been. These feelings grounded him enough that his sister's fears and doubts were easily alleviated.
And while sad at being alone once she moved out. He felt it all wash away after receiving various pictures and videos of her safe arrival and her new home.
Far from the steel walls, the smell of iron and rust and fluorescent lights. She instead now lived in a place in close resemblance to the world as it used to be.
Buildings made of concrete and bricks. Warm colors of lampposts, the paved roads and the fresh green colors of grass, plants and trees.
The feeling of nostalgia was non existent to them but the feeling of fantasy made real -though foreign- was even better.
She has a better work place at her new found job. Better benefits, less troubles and most of all, actual work ethics. For the first time in his life, Peroroncino left out a breath of relief so genuine, that the notion felt lost to him for a time.
True the Dome has stricter rules, policies and its own set of laws that can be stifling. But it was better than being free in hell. That much he was sure of.
It has been a year since. And after his sister, Akemi-san and Hero-Hero followed. No one was surprised about Hero-Hero. The two were close, not just as friends but also as co-workers. In IRL, it was said that two could be mistaken as brothers.
As far as he knows, Hero-Hero got a job at the same company that now partially belonged to Momonga. With better working conditions than his sister, but slightly more constricting in its management. Nothing else was said about him aside from his new found dedication to his job.
Though his sister did sent pictures of Hero-Hero, her and Suzuki whenever they would hang out.
*Ping!
Peroroncino looked to his messages and frowned at it.
It was from one of the new members of the Guild. And while the message was simple and concise, it being a simple invitation for a drink, past experiences had told him of how tasteless it really was.
Momonga's new found fortune didn't just shifted his life. It shifted the lives of everyone around him. The opportunistic among them finally showing their true colors. This sudden change in attitude changed the dynamic of the guild.
And was made worst when Momonga showed no resistance against their blatant to even disrespectful attempt at 'befriending' him. Tabula, Ulbert and even Touch Me barely reached him, and even to them he showed some form of resistance. He had spoken to his sister about it and both her and Hero-Hero along with Blue Planet spoke with him and again, they fell short, unable to change his mind.
Luckily for him and those who truly cared for the lonely idiot, someone did reached him. It took a full blown argument that devolved to a fight, to a whole month worth of cold shoulders, but eventually Eliza was able to break him out of it.
The benefit of the doubt was extended to everyone. But it wasn't done out of malice but the mere fact that Momonga had been reluctant to let his friends go. Even if it meant hurting himself, not realizing he would unknowingly hurt those who truly cared if things ever reached such a point.
So if the opportunists had to thread egg shells around him. Who better to approach and have some semblance of information on 'how to properly get close to the man' than those who are already close to him. A fact that has lead to several friendships straining. All kept in secrecy in respect to their Guildmaster's feelings.
Peroroncino's steps halted when he saw a familiar NPC walking through the halls of Nazarick.
She glided above the carpet as if floating across it if not for the clanking of her high heels. Dressed in a white dress as white as snow, trimmed in gold that highlighted her exposed shoulders and wide hips. Hips barely covered by a pair of black feather wings that wrapped abound her thighs and a pair of elbow length gloves to match her dress. Her feet is covered with a layered frilly design and a web like golden necklace that hang above the exposed upper part of her chest.
Albedo, Tabula-san's third creation, walked with grace across the ninth floor as if she owned it.
With but a nod, Albedo followed her programming and stepped aside with a bow.
Peroroncino stoped in front of her. Taking in her figure and her form. And with an amused shake of his head, he spoke.
"...not bad. Closer than the ones before, but not quite there yet." with a mirthful chuckle, Peroroncino added. "Oh, do not get me wrong my dear. You are beautiful, there is no doubt about that. But even with your black hair and beautifully curved horns... you don't quite catch the beauty that your creator had hoped to emulate you from."
He may not show it, but Peroroncino frowned slightly seeing her eyes flash gold.
'...must have been a trick of the light.'
He remembers the concept from which three NPC's were created. Nigredo, Rubedo, and Albedo. The three steps to the creation of the Philosopher Stone. Said stone who also represents the player from whom they were carved from.
'at least he put some skin on that horror NPC of his... I swear that still gives me the chills.' Peroroncino laughed at the memory. 'still funny though... never knew Takemikazuchi and Touch Me could squeal like a girl.'
"Peroroncino-san" he turned towards the voice and found his glorious leader donning his enviable armor walking towards him "I hope you haven't been harassing Lady Albedo. Or I would have to tell Tabula-san on her behalf."
"Fret not Guild Master!" Peroroncino replied with a flamboyant bow. "I dare not put my hands upon someone created, meant for you to put yours."
Seeing the Overlord stumble a step made Peroroncino laugh loudly, to making Momonga rub the back of his head in embarrassment. The two shared a comfortable silence where they both gazed at Albedo, as if inspecting every inch of her. And even in its comfort, Momonga admits.
"She is indeed a beautiful."
"Not quite on her level though..." Peroroncino adds.
"No one will ever be."
Peroroncino felt smug at his friends words. The sheer strength and conviction within them. It was something else entirely, coming from a man whom before could only nod at everyone like a lost puppy.
"You are too smitten Master." he nudges playfully.
"Would there be a point in denying it?" Peroroncino shook his head. "I thought as much."
With a bit of hesitance, Peroroncino carefully asks. "How are you two...?"
Suddenly the mood shifted into somber silence that echoed with Momonga's words. "...if only she would say yes."
Peroroncino silently sighed. A problem that cropped out of nowhere. The sudden strain in his friend's relationship all because Momonga admitted to Eliza how much he had fallen for her. A statement she surprisingly walked away from, or to be more accurate, something she tries to dissuade out if him.
Even to this day, a whole week later, him and the guild are still confused on to what and how exactly things turned this way.
'Wasn't this what she wanted? What she was ordered to do? What she worked for?'
"I had spoken with Akemi-san, Yamaiko-san and Blue Planet-san... Yamaiko will receive this year's invitation." said Momonga.
Setting aside the previous topic, Peroroncino nodded easily. He couldn't careless about the entry ticket anymore. All that mattered to him now is his Sister, she is now safe. Him, he could take care of himself easy. Though he would never say it, but he does miss how his sister would fuzz over him.
[Eliza has logged in.]
"I have to go Peroroncino-san."
"Suzuki." the Overlord turns. "Good luck."
No response, only an unspoken conviction that resounded with every step and his straightened shoulders that devoured his surroundings. And with that, his Guildmaster left. 'She is indeed quite an influence.'
Peroroncino isn't blind. All could see it. The subtle changes in his friend's demeanor. The the budding confidence. His mature take on most things, and the growing strength within him that had stabilized a guild as chaotic as their own.
And he was all happy for it... if only the man would smile more. Perhaps he just might admit it. That Momonga is someone to be truly envious of.
"Well... If things doesn't work out for him and her... We could always ask the Shitty Devs to lift the R18 restriction inside the guild and have you marry him. Ain't that right Albedo?"
Again, her eyes shone ever slightly. Dismissing it once more. He just shrugged his shoulders and left. Not seeing the soft curl at the edges of the woman's lips.
'...its a tasteful design I admit... but Shalltear is... oh fuck it. I would just give her... no. She is perfect as she is.... I guess I'll just write it in her backstory instead. No point in spending more on the Cash Shop just to modify her body.'