(Thoughts)
{Message spell}
[Author notes]
Great Tomb of Nazarick's Armory
Momonga's POV
I lift a blade from a nearby weapons rack, its cold steel reflecting the dim torchlight that dances across ancient stone walls.
(I only took on the magician class so Alucard and I could cover close, medium, and long-range combat when we fought together. While he focused primarily on dark magic and vampiric abilities, I specialized in necromantic arts. Since I'm level 100, I should have enough strength to wield a sword... let's see.)
As I attempt a swing, the blade phases through my skeletal fingers and clatters against the stone floor with an echoing ring.
(Looks like I still can't wield or equip items that aren't bound to my undead nature.) I gaze into an ornate mirror framed in blackened silver. (It's been three nights since I came to this cursed realm with Alucard, and I haven't once felt unease about my skeletal form. Perhaps my soul changed along with my flesh? That would explain why Alucard's demeanor has shifted so drastically. He was always melancholic yet noble, carrying himself with centuries of refined grace, but... since arriving in this world, shadows of ancient torment have returned to his golden eyes, as if he senses some approaching darkness. That bears investigation. Unlike Alucard, I haven't needed sustenance or rest since our arrival here.)
"Shall I retrieve that, my lord?" Narberal Gamma asks from behind me, her voice carrying the formal tone of a devoted servant.
"Yes... Create Greater Item!"
As I intone the spell, obsidian armor adorned with crimson sigils materializes around my skeletal frame, reminiscent of the dark regalia worn by lords of the night.
[Author note: Yes, I'm changing his armor design to match Castlevania's gothic aesthetic—a fusion of Alucard's elegance and Death's imposing presence. Let me know your thoughts so I know whether to maintain this direction.]
After enchanting my hands with necromantic energy, I grasp the blade from Narberal's grip and swing once more. The resulting surge of dark power sends shadows rippling across the armory walls.
(It truly mirrors the cursed mechanics of this realm. If a mystical item permits it, I can transcend my class limitations.)
"Narberal, I shall venture beyond the tomb's walls for a moment."
Before she can respond, the sound of great wings beating fills the chamber. Shadows coalesce as two magnificent black wings unfurl, revealing Alucard in all his vampiric majesty—his pale features noble yet haunted, golden hair cascading like moonlight.
"There is no need, Narberal," my ancient companion speaks, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. "I shall guard Momonga and ensure no harm befalls him."
"Please wait, my lords. If you both depart witho—"
Alucard raises a gloved hand, and Narberal's words die in her throat.
"I have already surveyed the tomb's perimeter, as well as any creatures or scouts that might threaten our sanctuary. I understand your desire to protect us, Narberal, but your concern borders on excess. I will accompany Momonga, with my familiars—wolf and bat—standing ready should danger arise, though I doubt such measures necessary. Unless..." His golden eyes flashed with a dangerous light. "You question the extent of my power, Narberal?"
I hear her breath catch as she steps back, bowing deeply with trembling reverence. "N-Never, my lords! Forgive this servant's presumption!"
"Your devotion is noted and forgiven. Now, Alucard, shall we?"
He regards me with that same melancholic smile that has haunted castle halls for generations. "Indeed, old friend."
As we walk through corridors lined with gothic arches and flickering candelabras, I inquire, "Are you well, Alucard?"
His brow furrows slightly. "Why do you ask such a thing?"
I release a weary sigh. "Your countenance troubles me. There's a darkness in your eyes that wasn't there before."
"Satoru..." His voice carries the weight of old sorrows. "I am... managing. This realm stirs memories best left buried."
I acknowledge his words with understanding silence.
(He bears so much... monitoring all of Nazarick's defenses, commanding our dark legions, leading the guardians with the nobility of one born to rule. He shoulders these burdens so I might focus on finding our path home. In truth, his contributions far exceed my own. But this has always been his nature—noble to a fault, carrying the weight of worlds upon his shoulders like the curse he was born to bear.)
Alucard's voice draws me from contemplation. "Momonga, we approach the entrance."
"Good."
"I surmise you seek the night air to test the limits of your necromantic abilities?"
My jaw would drop if I still possessed flesh. "How did you...?"
A knowing smile graces his pale lips. "We have walked together through countless battles, old friend. Your patterns are as familiar to me as my own heartbeat."
I bow my head in mild embarrassment as his soft laughter echoes through the corridor. "So transparent am I?"
He places a comforting hand upon my armored shoulder. "Predictable, perhaps, but in the most endearing way. It means our bond remains unbroken—should we fight as one again, our enemies would face an unstoppable force."
I look to him with renewed hope. (He speaks truth! If he anticipates my actions, then our combat synergy could reach unprecedented heights—)
My thoughts shatter as Alucard halts. Following his gaze, I see three figures kneeling at the first floor's exit—demonic beings radiating malevolent power.
(Envy, Greed, and Wrath?! Why do Demiurge's three demon generals await us here?)
Demiurge approaches with fluid grace, kneeling before us. "My lords, why do you travel without proper escort? And why do you don such battle regalia?"
(Curse it, how did he—)
Alucard's voice cuts through my panic with regal authority. "Nazarick's defenses are absolute, Demiurge. My reconnaissance revealed no threats within leagues of our domain. This excursion serves multiple purposes—observing our realm's expansion while maintaining combat readiness. Should you desire it, you alone may accompany us."
(Thank God for Alucard's presence. I never anticipated this encounter...)
"As expected of our sovereigns," Demiurge purrs. "Your strategic foresight is without parallel. Yes, accompanying you would ease my concerns greatly. I am honored by your trust, Lord Alucard."
As we emerge from the tomb's shadow, both Alucard and I pause in wonder at the star-filled sky above.
(Magnificent... Never have I witnessed such celestial beauty. Even Blueplanet's artificial sky on the sixth floor pales before this natural splendor.)
"Breathtaking," Alucard whispers, his vampiric senses drinking in the night's essence.
I retrieve an amulet of flight from my dark inventory, securing it about my neck. "Fly!"
As I ascend, the sound of great wings accompanies me. Alucard glides beside me with supernatural grace, his coat billowing like a liquid shadow. We rise until the world spreads beneath us like a tapestry woven of moonlight and darkness.
(Every detail is crystalline in the moon's glow. How I wish Blueplanet could witness this realm's haunting beauty.)
"The stars above glitter like jewels adorning night's crown," I observe.
Demiurge, now manifesting his true demonic form with leathery wings and scaled features, speaks from behind us. "I believe this world exists for you to claim its infinite treasures, and we guardians exist to facilitate such conquest."
"Perhaps you speak truly. Maybe fate transported us here to seize those celestial jewels and every treasure hidden beneath them. Yet to hoard such wealth would be the height of avarice—"
Alucard continues seamlessly, his voice carrying noble resolve. "Instead, we shall use them to glorify the Great Tomb, honor its inhabitants, and remember our lost companions of Ainz Ooal Gown."
I nod as Demiurge bows deeper. "Should you command it, all of Nazarick's might shall serve this purpose, my lords."
Both Alucard and I share dark laughter at his eagerness.
"We know nothing of this world's true nature. Such grand campaigns require patience and wisdom."
Alucard regards me with contemplative golden eyes. "Though I confess, Momonga, the prospect of claiming dominion over this entire realm grows more appealing by the hour."
Third Person POV
As Alucard speaks these words, Demiurge's eyes gleam with diabolic delight at his master's dark ambitions.
Momonga's POV
(How intriguing... Are we truly the only souls transported from Yggdrasil to this cursed realm? My message spell reached Alucard successfully, yet subsequent attempts yielded nothing. Perhaps distance weakens the connection, or this world's dark energies interfere with such magic. If so, perhaps we should spread the legend of Ainz Ooal Gown throughout this land like a plague of shadow.)
Deep rumbling resonates from the earth below us.
"Hmm." (That's Earth Surge—Mare employs his druidic abilities to expand his magical influence while amplifying the effect through his natural talents. Excellent work, little one.)
"My lords, might I inquire about your intentions?" Demiurge asks with silken curiosity.
"I wish to reward Mare for his dedication. What would you suggest as fitting recognition?"
"Surely your acknowledgment alone would bring him immeasurable joy, my lord."
I turn to Alucard for his counsel.
"A Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown would serve well. It would enhance the efficiency of all guardians while honoring our guild's memory."
I nod—our thoughts align perfectly. We descend toward Mare, who notices our approach and hurries over with characteristic enthusiasm.
"Oh! Lord Alucard and Momonga!" Mare runs toward us, breathing slightly hard. "Why have you come here? Oh no... have I erred somehow?"
Alucard approaches with paternal grace, placing a gentle hand upon Mare's head. "Fear not, young one. Your work has been exemplary. Through your efforts—" he gestures toward the transformed landscape "—our tomb now stands fully protected. Your dedication and skill have earned our king's recognition."
I extend my hand, manifesting a Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown wreathed in dark energy.
"A Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown! I couldn't possibly—"
Alucard takes the ring and slides it onto Mare's finger with ceremonial precision. "Mare, this is more than a gift. This ring will grant you passage between floors, making your vital work far more efficient. Accept this token and continue your service—both your king and I take great pride in your accomplishments, young guardian." He continues stroking Mare's head with fatherly affection.
Mare gasps with overwhelming gratitude. "Thank you beyond measure, Lord Momonga! I swear by the darkness itself that I'll work twice as hard for you and Lord Alucard! I'll prove worthy of this honor!"
"We have complete faith in you, Mare."
"Yes, my lord! But... why are you dressed for battle?"
I stumble over my words. "Well, that is... you see..."
Albedo materializes above us, her succubus wings carrying her gracefully down to our stone perch.
"The answer is simple, Mare," she purrs.
"Albedo," Demiurge acknowledges with a nod.
She glides toward Alucard with predatory grace. "Our lords donned disguises to observe our progress without interruption. They knew that recognizing their presence would cause us to abandon our duties in favor of worship and adoration. Such wisdom prevents inefficiency. Is this not so, my beloved Lord Alucard?"
Alucard's smile carries both approval and something darker. "Your deductive prowess continues to impress, Albedo." He caresses her head with one pale hand. "Such insight deserves reward—both a ring and... additional compensation."
Albedo's expression transforms into something utterly sultry as she responds in a voice dripping with submission. "Additional compensation, my lord? What manner of reward?"
Alucard conjures a Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, slowly sliding it onto her finger as she trembles with anticipation. Then he does something that surprises even my undead sensibilities.
[Author warning: Mature content ahead]
## Third Person POV
Alucard claims Albedo's lips in a kiss both passionate and possessive, his vampiric nature evident in the controlled hunger of his touch. His pale hands trace her curves with centuries of experience while she responds with increasingly desperate sounds of pleasure. When he whispers something in an ancient tongue against her throat, she reaches her peak with a cry that echoes off the stone walls.
"Come, my devoted succubus," Alucard murmurs with dark promise. "Let us retire to more private chambers."
As shadows engulf them both, Albedo's final cry rings out before they vanish: "YES, MY DARK LORD!"
The scene fades to silhouettes of Alucard carrying Albedo through swirling darkness, his cape billowing like bat wings as everything dissolves into shadow.
End of Chapter