-Adventures guild-

Gathered in a room of the guild for meeting up, all of them sat at the large table with two very familiar figures Momon and the swords of darkness, but his thoughts were elsewhere more on a strange adventure, which he forgot to ask their name.

She said his friend's name, and he had reacted faster than he intended to. Realizing too late, Albedo had terrified her. Then using the very rules to not only get distance but prolong his search. When he turned back to question her, she was holding a scroll from Yggdrasil teleporting away, which confused him until he looked over to see the aura around Albedo again.

She must have been scared off by Albedo’s defensive nature around him. But how to find her if the job was a distraction, then the inn was probably a lie as well. Forcing Ainz to send a shadow demon to follow her but it left the question of was it his friend or a trap, He could not tell. However, they would have to wait for later sighing to himself.

'Well, at least Kyuketsuki never changes he's as hard to find as back in Yggdrasil. Though this behavior worries me if she is working with him? Have other players attacked them?'

So far, no known players had shown themselves, but it would explain the added creatures across town. Still, Ainz needs to find more clues. Luckily this group could provide the answers he was looking for.

"Before we go on, I must ask, have you heard of a friend of mine I'm searching for named Kyuketsuki. Have any of you heard of him?"

Seeing recognition in their eyes, along with awe at the question 'looks like they will be helpful.'

"Yeah, actually he is known in E-Rental been in town for about a week jumped up from copper all the way to Orichalcum after fighting off a huge dragon which was going to attack the town with an army of blue wolfs."

Lukrut continues. "He got famous rather quickly for this alone though we don't know where they are staying at, he has a team with fine redhead Ritana, a cute maid Kathrin and Bardic a dwarf there was two more teammates, but well one died, and the other got kicked out for betraying the group."

Dyne, "I heard the person who died was one of his twin battle maidens as they are calling them."

Inside this worried Ainz knew Jade was low level, but she shouldn't have been killed. What had happened a flood of possibility filled his mind trying to figure out what. With his lack of information, it was impossible to tell. Still, he at least knew kyuketsuki was somewhere in town.

"What happened? And is there a way to find his group."

Peter commented. "Well, the green vultures have become rather hard to find after this originally they were staying at the brass cage but move after. As to what happened, you would have to ask them, we talked to Rita about it, but she has become rather tight-lipped about anything relating to her team as of late."

Sighing Peter lost his chipper mood seemed to suggest that something was different now. But it would explain Rita's change in attitude a little, so they were attacked. Suppressing Ainzs rage, but this still didn't explain Jades change upon respawn.

"That is sad to hear still. I'm sure we can reconnect with them after this job."

Then Lukrut shot up, "So what kind of relationship do you two have."

Already Ainz eyes were locked on to Albedos watching her like a hawk noticing the slight shift of her body. Hopefully, she wouldn’t go too wild with this part, but it was a necessary act for the role so far.

"We are both deeply in love with each other, and if you lay one hand on me, I'm sure my husband Momon-san would cut you to ribbons filthy worm. so don't get any ideas."

Sighing as Albedo leaned in closer to Ainz’s armor rubbing against him. Well, it wasn't like this was unexpected. Still, it only made it much harder trying to decide how he felt about this. If not conflicted about his past actions, he might not be so hesitant.

"Then how about we start out as friends."

Lucky Lukrut backed off some after the harsh glare shot his way though there was more; he wasn't saying about this. At least he wouldn't have to do anything to back up the act.

"Why don't we head out then. Now, are we ready?"

-On the road-

Momon glanced at Nfirea with calculating eyes wondering why he really came to him? He wasn't fooled by the request. The only thing he could think of was the potion he gave to the adventurer. As Momon Turns to Albedo, her eyes kept glancing his way before turning back to the road before them.

Though both of their attention was drawn to a cloaked muscle man and a shorter one fighting off goblins down the dirt road. Yet Ainz's mind free of emotion could clearly make out this seemed almost staged being just out of range of the city but close enough to take up the main road out of E-Rental.

“We should go help them!” Hearing Nfirea's voice, Momon turned to him With a doubt full gaze. Maybe it was just his paranoia, but he felt they should avoid this situation. Though he didn’t speak up trying to blend in.

Quickly coming up with a plan just in case this turned out to be a trap. Though the only way to know was to test this out. “Abey, and I will guard Nfirea while you four go help.”

Watching the swords of darkness rush up to help with Lukrut taking aim with his bow and arrows, as Ninya shot out acid arrows. As this was happening, peter and Dyne were swiftly getting closer to help fight off the goblins.

Something puzzled Momon as the cloaked figures seemed to suddenly, if not subtly, become much better at taking down the goblins surrounding them. In fact, despite the taller man looking cut up and hurt and the fact they must have been at it for a few hours.

They didn’t seem as tired as Ainz would have expected them to be. As the wagon got closer to the area, Ainz noted the tall man named Soloram seemed to glare at Jester. With a look far more intense than expected for two travelers, which seemed to work together.

Leaning close to whisper to Abey. “Keep an eye on both of them; this seems odd.”

"No problem. We were just headed out to slay some monsters anyway. we are the swords of darkness I'm Peter this is Ninya, Dyne, and Lukrut ...so what are you two doing out here you don't look like adventures." Listening to this, Ainz's curiosity rose even more so with their answer.

“No, we are traveling mercenaries, just passing by. we are mercenaries traveling out to Crain village.” Ainz’s narrowed his red eyes at the two.

'so, they are headed in the same direction why?’ Before he could question them, Peter spoke up. "Well, then I suppose you can come traveling with us seeing as how we are headed to the same place." Putting up a friendly smile.

“Great idea. It will probably be safer that way.” Jester's voice seemed happy to hear this, but Ainz could not help but feel this was all a little too convenient.

After a rather uneventful day spent on the road, they stopped to make camp for the night. Eating around the campfire while Albedo was eating the food made as they had planned. While Ainz watched the campfire crackle scanning over all of them.

Watching Nfirea turn to the two travelers as they somehow eat without removing their masks. “So why are you headed to Crain village?”

Jester set down her empty bowl, mask turning to Nfirea. “We are headed there to find something to help us fight a mighty monster back in E-Rental.” It was odd how playful jester voice sounded while saying all this.

"Oh, really, I don't know of this monster. Where is it?" Piped up Nfirea, with an unsure look. Momon perks up at this. It sounds fascinating to growing his fame in hopes of finding his friends Discreetly looking over at Abey.

All of the others turn to Momon, and Abey with questioning gazes at both of them. Neither Nfirea nor the swords of darkness weren’t too sure on just how truthful they were being.

"A mighty one, we need help fighting this one. I have been after it for a very long time." Jester's voice grew quiet and somber, almost sounding like they were talking about a missing lover. Which was bizarre to hear though most of them brushed it off as nothing. Still, it bothered Ainz unsure what to make of this unmatching tone compared to the topic they where talking about.

"What did this monster do to get you chasing it?" Momon asks, interlocking his hands together. Suspicious about all of this, if he could figure out what this is, it might relate to the situation in E-Rental.

"Well, long ago, there was a powerful group I once served with loyalty and respect of those lords and ladies. Those days were great; indeed, I felt so alive. Until a great army of monsters came upon them in the ensuing fight, many were slain, and even their leader came down. After the rest had been slaughtered, but it was all a trap. One set for my master, I could only watch from afar as slowly he was withered down and slain." Pain and heartache filled jester's voice.

All of them were rapidly drawn in by this tragic tale listening carefully to her oddly Soloram just glared at them.

"After, I slowly wandered till I found your city E-Rental and the monster had killed my master. Now I need your help to fight this threat before it destroys the city. Luckily we have a few days before it acts."

Something was bugging Momon aside from all the details left out of this, but it seemed impolite to ask with the gloomy mood put over the camp. So, he would settle for asking later on when they were alone.

"If this is the case, what is the name of this monster, your hunting." Asked Momon hoping to learn something of their motive or some kind of clue.

Looking up with an extraordinary mix of anger and something else in their voice. But none of them could rightly make out what it was. If one listened close enough, it might even sound like desire and excitement though this didn’t seem right given the topic.

"Therus Marrow, a powerful magic caster, which can weave illusions and charms. If you don't mind, I could accompany you to finish this task first." This didn’t sound like a request to Ainz though the rest of the group seemed set on the choice already Much to his cringe.

‘At least I should be able to gain fame out of this. I will have to keep an eye on those two regardless.'

-Rita-

Stepping out of the storefront into the dark night air, Rita sighed, holding up the perfectly round diopside emerald orb. The size of her hand shining brightly in the darkened area. Looking around for danger before remembering, she had to hurry back. Swiftly rushing through the streets back to her inn, at least she was planning to before something dropped down behind her.

With trained reflexes, she turns short sword drawn out to see some kind of shadowy form being held up by… Smiling happily to see the supreme one standing there. Even if she didn't know where this other thing came from.

"I see I will need to train you to better spot shadow demons. Still, this is to be expected. If not disappointing, you could not even sense it."

Upon hearing those words, Rita looked down at the paved road in shame; still, she could make up for it. Now she could at least show off her success in her first task.

"Um sorry, lord Kyuketsuki but I have this. I am still a little tired from infusing this with magic."

A blush rose up under his wonderous gaze bowing her head holding out a little green gemstone. Which could be mistaken for a pearl as his hand patted her head. She never knew a scratching behind the ears could feel so good. Lost in bliss at lord Kyuketsuki’s touch, feeling saddened as he removed his hand.

"Well, then I suppose I can't be upset with you working so hard for me now.”

Kyuketsuki glared at the shadow demon. “Who are you, little shade?"

Looking at the strange shimmering creature, which seemed as thin as paper in his grasp, was this a shadow demon? She had never seen one before only heard of them from Kyuketsuki in case she needs to alert them. Its red eyes shifting between her and master though it only seemed bothered by the tight grip on its thin, almost flat throat.

"I won't tell! Can't betray master." Its wispy voice cried out.

Watching with interest yet feeling Kyuketsuki’s blood lust rise, feeling a shiver run up her spine. It both terrified her and awed her at feeling this power roll off him in visible waves. Rita would never say it aloud, it would interrupt the supreme being.

"Really, you think so. Let's test this out. Now tell me who your master is?!"

To Rita, it felt like the world shook around her with this booming voice; in fact, she could not keep her mouth from moving at the command. "You are lord Kyuketsuki!”

“Wow, what was that!" Rita blinked, not sure what just happen to her body there for a second or two. Noting the shadow demon shaking but didn’t speak out as she did.

"Sorry about this, my dear Rita. But as long as you're in range, this will affect you. It's called [vampires command] part of a racial ability I have if you don't want to be affected, then step back."

Vigorously shaking her head at this, "No, it's fine I was just surprised so cool. Can you teach me?"

Watching her master turn to Rita with a stoic face. Had she stepped out of line? Dreading lord Kyuketsuki’s wrath. Rita was fully prepared to apologize if needed. One thing she learned quickly under Kathrin was to never anger their master or mistress Kathrin.

"Are you sure I could gift you with something similar, but you might lose part of your humanity are you ok with this?" Kyuketsuki’s voice was kind and caring. It warmed her heart to hear his worry for her wellbeing.

Before that fateful night, Ritana had feared becoming like her father a grand adventurer only to get consumed by greed. It was part of why she was so against doing wrong she promised mother she would never become like him. The supreme one didn’t act like she expected or heard of most undead. Perhaps like her, Kyuketsuki strived to be better than those that came before him. The chance to be closer to someone like herself a shining example of being selfless and sincere. Like the moral values, she strives to live up to every day. Brought a burst of joy to her heart.

"I don't mind lord Kyuketsuki if it means I can be closer to you. Any gift you give would be welcome."

For some reason, Kyuketsuki sighed, turning to her locking eyes with her own. Rita Blushing madly as her heart pounded so loudly in her ears. She felt so warm as well, seeing those warm, welcoming red eyes meet her own.

"Then come with me later on to my study. It shall be done. Just be warned everything has a price." There was a substantial edge to her master's words.

Too awed by those loving words, the world was toned out even if she did not know what he meant. It was spoken with such care and conviction Rita struggled to not get lost in a fantasy of a future with her master. Sighing dreamily.

While Rita was lost in her own little world, Kyuketsuki turned back to the shadow demon glaring at them. They should be speaking up by now. It was very stubborn, which wasn't good at all. Few things could keep any being from talking under his [vampires command].

Even under his command mantra, it should be speaking up at least a little. Yet it was not, which could mean only an active player had called them forward at least above level fifty; However, if this was the case, then it could be a problem.

'Is this group after me I made up of mid-level or higher players or just one powerful one? This can't be Momonga. He said he was alone unless it was a trick as well. Even his powers could be tricked if they had a world item on hand he didn’t know about.’

Recalling the two in his inventory after the fights with two members, one getting away. He wasn’t willing to risk Rita safety at the time if more where in the area. ‘How many world items and members does this group have?’

Sighing in frustration, it was a serious question without knowing how numerous the group was. Kyuketsuki even with his high resistance to counter his vulnerabilities to fire and holy attacks. Couldn’t safely fight large numbers of high-level players if he was caught unprepared. Already that minotaur had gotten into his city without any shadow demons, blood knights, or vampire brides spotting them.

The worst possibility was something like 30 levels 100 players, all armed with world items waiting to catch him off guard. It would be a nightmare to deal with and would surely test him thoroughly to overcome such odds.

"Fine, if you will not talk, then I will just have to end you. [maximize magic: subzero touch]"

It screamed out as its body felt extreme cold fill it first becoming sluggish, then icing over under the negative degree chill. Slowly cracking as the air temperature around it fractured its form dropping to the ground, it broke into pieces.

Snapped out of her daydream by the sounds, Rita looked at her master with a questioning gaze.

"Um, wouldn't it have been better to interrogate it more before doing that?"

Squeaking as Kyuketsuki’s hands graced over Ritana shoulders, holding her closer to the vampire though his skin didn't feel as cold as she expected.

"No! Shadow demons can resist the same things their summoners can to a degree. If my skill failed to work, then this group is far more dangerous. Then I first thought I just hope Momonga gets here soon." Kyuketsuki hissed with worry.

"Uh, who is Momonga? The name sounds like the other guy's I told your vampire bride about Momon."

Smiling at her red face. "How about I take you to my study for this. It is a long story not suited for talks out in the open like this. [Group dislocation]" In a flash, they vanished out of the street.

-Kyuketsuki’s lab-

Deep in the tunnels under the mausoleum, the workers went about their new lives with makeshift homes as full houses where being constructed slowly into a hidden village underground. As black marble pillars were put into place, sturdy tile floors and walls, and even a farm was being put together.

A new training area was being put together as well though it was barren and straightforward with only a few training dummies to hit. They had even gotten a little bar set up with some of the former slaves were seated with comforts they never imagined they would have.

As slimes, goblins, and even the odd catkin was talking among themselves as they all raised a toast to their new lord Kyuketsuki. Cheers rang out with the laughter of children running around the camp.

"So, I hear you guys had to skin a dragon up in the Azerlisia mountain range, how was it?"

Asked one dirty blond-haired human dressed in a mix of leather armor and regular clothes. Fairly muscular from the last few days of hard labor of digging tunnels or training. Photio taps the goblin seated next to him on the shoulder. Surprised to see them glare at him but gained a smirk glad, the worst he had to do today was give a pint of blood.

"Cold, miserable, and terrifying Photio, your lucky lady Kathrin is a slave driver on us, ugh my poor aching body!" The goblin groaned.

Laughter rang out at the goblin's dismay. "This is what happens when you get in a fight with her my friend why do you think none of us-

"Hey, I resent that!" Yelled out a person near the end of the bar.

"Ok, most of us smart ones learned not to pick a fight with her, but look on the bright side she is warming up to you."

Turning a deadpanned looked to his friend. "Yes, because threatening to fry us with lightning. Which she shoots out like a passing lightning storm is so much better than just telling us to hurry up."

"Oh, trust me, my friend, if she only threatens your fine only worry if you actually hear or see her charging up a spell. Then you know you screwed up besides was it that much different with your old leader."

Hearing a sigh, Photios looked over to his friend. It was still so hard to believe just a few days ago seeing slimes or goblins would raise the alarm or mean death. After being found by mistress Kathrin, things started to look up for all of them.

"Worse, if you can believe it, why do you think we were raiding the roads. Because outside of here, goblins are hunted down like rats. But our boss wanted to have a better life, so we started raiding traveling caravans of supplies to get by it was going fine till they showed up-

Hearing the fear in his friend's voice, Photio glanced over. He never asked before what happened to them. Though from the sound of things, lord Kyuketsuki was a deadly fighter if the rumors above the surface were true.

"Both of them cut down ogres like they were nothing. The two of them spent seconds to cut down whole groups of goblins. When it would have taken several teams of adventurers with the tribs growing size. Then as if to prove how fruitless the fight was lord Kyuketsuki froze our boss Gorgo with the lightest of touches.”Dread and admiration rolling off of the goblin’s voice.

Patting the forlorn goblin on the shoulders. "Well, look now you're working, got free food, a home, and best of all free ale, haha."

At this, he cheered up slightly, taking a swig of his drink. "This is true still, what do you think they need dragon scales for."

Hearing a cough, they looked over to the blue, vaguely human-shaped slime on a seat. "Well, you can't spread this around too much, but well, one of the bosses women bit the dust, and he is working on some way to bring her back." Photio still felt a little strange to hear the slime speak with some kind of bubbling.

Widening their eyes at this with deep frowns, they had both heard dragon parts could be used in powerful alchemy potions. Though they didn't think it would be used for this.

"Really now... didn't think it would be used for something like that. Lord Kyuketsuki is pretty smart, so I suppose it is possible."Photio rubbed his mug of ale in thought.

Then a flash appeared as everyone stiffened scanning over the newcomer looking over glee was already gone slithering away in fear. As a moving blue puddle with cute unintelligent noises to hide, it’s reasonably intellectual mind. Scared to let lord Kyuketsuki know for some reason.‘Crap! Did he overhear us and now is here to punish us. Just play it cool you can do this man.’ Glancing over to the stiffened goblin, unmoving, trying to look like he wasn't even breathing.

"Greetings lord Kyuketsuki did you need something maybe a nice drink or two." 'Please don't kill me!' He repeated in his head sweat pouring down his forehead. As he still had terrible flashbacks from being part of Eight Fingers.

Looking around him, Kyuketsuki seemed confused. "Oh, right, I put an anti-teleportation ward in my study, sorry about this, Ritana."

Silently sighing in relief. 'Wow, he just teleported here by accident not because we were talking about him.'

"Uh, where are we master, I don't think I know this place." Rita glanced around the tunnel.

Outside, Sitabus was calm and had a small smile, but inside he was freaking out. 'Damn it, I forgot I still need to code the wards to my magic think how do you explain this!'

"These are ex-slaves I have freed from Eight Fingers grips."

"Then why are they underground? Would it not be better to move them out of the city? And why are there monsters down here as well?" Rita took note of the goblins and cat folk around the area.

Feeling dread of how to explain this situation to her cursing his lack of thought desperately trying to come up with something which would work. Without saying hey, I'm just building a hidden lair/blood farm to take over the city with. Yeah, that would go against Ritana’s moral code.

"because…I ...am …”Kyuketsuki fumbled, trying to think of a just and morally secure lie.

Luckily Photio spoke up. "Hiding us from Eight Fingers anywhere above ground would not be safe from them unless we ran into one of the other kingdoms. Lord Kyuketsuki was uncanny to hide us here of all places under the cemetery."

Nodding, along with the brilliant man, who was getting a reward after this now as to the monsters. Time to try something which could work differently to test out how to get a more open and fair understanding of non-human races.

"My dear Rita, not all monsters are bad goblins are just not well-liked, and is just one example do you see any of them attacking humans here."

"No, but it just feels weird, I guess." Rita lifts her gaze to meet Kyuketsuki’s red eyes. "I plan to change the view of humans in this area, but to do so, I must first show them it is possible to break through the stereotypes."

Kissing her forehead as the crowd awed cheering thankful, he thought up just now ha, and Momonga once said he was terrible at thinking quickly on his feet.

"This is so cool, but isn't it risky to let me see this what if I let it slip by accident." Her eyes shimmered with admiration. Still feeling uncertain about why Kyuketsuki was showing her all this. He was so secretive lately was this what it was about.

"Then it just shows how much I trust you, my lovely Ritana. Now I believe you want to hear about my old friend Momonga this way, please. Also, I need to hear from you personally about this Momon person." Taking her hand and leading her up the stairs to his study.

-End of Chapter-