"HAH!!"

The exclamation was followed by a loud thud, and then a crack.

The once pristine and spotless wall was now defiled with a spider web like crater, what causes both the sound and the damage was none other than the force behind a punch that was so powerful enough to leave both marks on it's trail.

However the most surprising factor came from the identity of the puncher.

If it was a buff man in his prime then It would have been somewhat believable.

But instead the one created said crack on the wall was a woman, and a beautiful one at that.

Dressed in nothing but a unbuttoned white shirt that fully exposed her cleavage and barely covering her assets, a white slack, and a pair of white heels, her figure is equal to that of a supermodel. Yet her anything beyond the realm of her neck remained a mystery.

From the looks of it she was wearing a helmet that completely hid her head, styled explicitly to resemble a female head while incorporating ancient Greek design. Why would she cover her greatest feature? Surely the face of such bodily gifted woman would do nothing but pleases the eye.

The answer is because she's not hiding anything, the steel mass that is the helmet was actually her head. Her race was that of a [High Spirit, the last evolution of one of the most infamous Heteromorphic species in game that is a [Spirit].

After picking that race the player would start of as a floating intangible existence, while they are impervious to physical attacks they are extremely weak even to the most basic of holy attributed spells, this coupled with the fact that other player won't receive penalty when killing Heteromorphic race ended up with the species being abandoned altogether.

However she prevailed. Through sheer determination, endless cunning, and as much as she hate to admitted it a stroke of luck she reaches the peak that only few could reach. There are two variation of the final [Spirit] race but they share the same feature of having an object called an [Ego].

Lore wise a spirit couldn't exist without tying itself into an anchor to this world, whether it is an object or a familiar, originally a spirit wouldn't even have such a thing and existed merely because of a grudge, but a [High Spirit] like herself unlocked the ability of anchorage and by tying herself to an actual object become impervious to exorcism of any kind. She is also capable of creating a body for physical purposes thanks to a certain class of her.

Of course that is the lore and nothing more. As for the object she chooses a helmet because of her tendencies to misplace her trinkets and such, picking something that she wears full time was a decision that have serves her well so far.

Of course none of that even matters anymore.

"F*cking hell…." she cursed.

She pulled her arm out of the crater and dusted off the dirt.

"Ah…. if Hermes-chi was here then he'd definitely make fun of me….."

But he's not here.

"And Oyabun would definitely be pissed…."

But he gave the master control over the guildbase to her days ago.

"The scariest one would be Doc … GAH THAT TAX ACCOUNTANT WILL DEFINITELY KILL ME!"

But she gave the password to the vault to her a few minutes ago before logging off.

"...Nobody is here…."

In the end she was alone

"MOTHERF*CKERS!"

With another roar she embed another strike into the same spot, the wall finally crumbles.

"WHAT HAPPENED!?

ISN'T THIS THE PRECIOUS GUILD THAT EVERYONE WORKED HARD TO BUILT!?

ISN'T THIS THE GUILD WHERE WE SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS OF HARD WORK FOR IT TO REACH THE STATE IT IS IN RIGHT NOW!?

…..Isn't this base our home….."

Her tense shoulder slumped down as she flopped to her bed.

"..But even now I found it hard to actually cause any damage to the hall…"

True to her word she had vented her frustration to her own living quarters rather than the guild itself, this shows how much she cares about the institution despite the lacks of occupants.

"Let's meet again someday….Lies…" she sulkily muttered.

And then somebody knocked on her door.

"A-Ane-san?... Are you still angry?"

"...Rappa?"

She recognized the voice instantly and blurted out it's owner's name.

"Y-Yup it's me….Can I enter?"

"...Sure…"

"...C-can you um… Promise not to hit me?"

"...I promise…" she lazily sworn

"Oh thank god.."

The door then creaked open revealing the only other occupant of the base.

It was a giant probably 2 meters tall that is made out of a steel stronger than diamond, his arms was twice the size of a normal one no doubt used for a certain purposes. There wasn't a single inch of skin visible from the looks of it, not that there was any to begin with.

This person is [Rappa] a member of the guild [Pallas Domina] whose race that is a [Golem]. After going through multiple evolution his race eventually mutated into that of an [Ore Golem, the highest ranked and toughest of all golem.

"No wait it's hard to enter like this…. Can you shrink me a bit?"

"Sure…. [Half-size]"

The giant shrunk to half of his original size yet he remained unfazed by the occurrence. This was among the lowest of spells used in YGGDRASIL, which name is synonymous with it's effect, it shrinks down the intended target into half of his/her original size.

Why would anyone even bother to learn the spell if there is something more effective such as the invisibility spell? The answer it is because the latter have an countermeasure spell used specifically to detect invisible object.

Veteran player would often use 'Downsizing' as they call it to shrink themselves before an ambush, and even though they'd still appear on radar the unsuspecting victim would mistaken them as an insect or the sort.

The most basic of spell decrease the target into half of what they were, while the most advanced could reduce a person into the size of the ant. The spell was popularized by a player known as [Ant-Human] who shrinks himself and attack his foes, it was rumored that he has a class of his own which the community dub as [Mass Master].

But Kyoko never knew about any of that, as she had only ever use the spell to shrink (and prank) her allies within their base.

"Much better." He stated as he walks in "I see you added a new hole to your room.."

"Say another word and I'll send you crying to your wife…"

"Please don't. We already have our hands full with Jiro-kun, two crying guys would definitely leads to a divorce."

He claimed in a matter of fact fashion, and she chuckled at the joke.

"...That means you're leaving too right…."

"I won't blame y-no I can't blame anyone…They simply choose reality over this game after all… So naturally I have no rights to complain...Even so..."

In the year 2138 AD there was a term: DMMO-RPG.

That word was an acronym for "Dive Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game". These games were played by connecting a dedicated console to the brain via a neuronal nano-interface— an intracerebral nano-computer network, created from the fusion of cyber- and nano-technology.

These were games that allowed one to enter a virtual world and experience it as though it were real life.

And among the myriad DMMO-RPGs that thronged the market, one of them stood head and shoulders above the others:

YGGDRASIL.

This game had been painstakingly developed and released 12 years ago, in 2126.

Compared to other DMMO-RPGs of the time, YGGDRASIL's selling point was "player freedom".

It had over 2000 basic and advanced job classes.

Every class had a maximum of 15 levels, and so in order to reach the overall level cap of 100, one would need to take at least 7 different classes. However, players could take as many classes as they wanted as long as they met each class' prerequisites.

A player could even take 100 classes at level 1 each, although that was very inefficient. As such, in this system, it was virtually impossible to make identical characters unless one was deliberately trying to do so.

In addition, one could use various creator tools (sold separately) to fully customize one's armor, weaponry, flavor text, appearance, and other cosmetic settings.

A vast playing field awaited its players. There were nine worlds in total: Asgard, Alfheim, Vanaheim, Nidavellir, Midgard, Jotunheim, Niflheim, Helheim, and Muspelheim.

It boasted a massive world, numerous classes, and freely customizable appearances.

These features ignited the creative spirits of its Japanese players, and sparked what would later be known as a stylistic revolution. So popular was it that whenever the word "DMMO-RPG" was mentioned in Japan, listeners would immediately think of YGGDRASIL.

—Still, all these were things of the past now.

"In few hours everything will dissappear..."

The server shutdown. Despite being active since it's release in 2126AD to the current year that is 2138 AD the game had finally lost it's vibrancy it once had, and as the result today is the game's final day online.

Today's the day everything end.

"...It's really over..."

"...Ane-san are you happy here?" Rappa suddenly asked.

"Eh?"

"I'm not going to sugarcoat it, everyone leaves because they felt happier in reality than they do here. So I'm gonna ask you are you happier here or are you happier on the other side?"

The question hit her like a truck, in real life she is the section chief of the most productive section to one of the most notable company in japan. Married to a man who works under her who actually keeps the section together and whom she loved dearly.

And what does this game have to offer.

"...Here... I'm happier here."

She met her idiotic husband in this game, she met her real friends who cares for her in this game, heck she spent most of her money and riches in this game. All because of the unreasonable pretext of 'loving it'.

"Then stay to the last second, even if it's only for a moment savor that 'happiness' and enjoy it to the fullest extent. That's the humane thing to do you know."

Well damn. Who knew that the muscle head body builder had it in him.

"You're right... seriously when did you get so wise?"

"I've been married for a while now, I have no choice but to be wise...Or else..." Rappa rubbed his head sheepishly as she chuckled.

"Ah!?"

"what is it?"

"I left the stove on..."

"Well then go! Or else Yamaiko-chan is going to kill you."

"R-right! Well then goodbye!"

As soon as the last word left his lips he disappeared, she knows that Rappa has logged out.

And that he's never coming back.

"Goodbye... you really don't sugarcoat it huh..."

Let's meet up again somewhere.

See you again.

She had heard these words several times before, but they had never come true.

Nobody had ever returned to YGGDRASIL.

But that doesn't matter.

"I'm happier here and they're happier there... guess there's no difference between us after all..."

We just picks the alternative that make us happier.

"Hah... guess I'll just visit him then..." her tone suddenly turned up a notch.

"Entering won't be hard, so I think I'll bring her along!" this time it was her overall mood that switched, turning from moody to cheerful.

Without wasting a second she made her way to the NPC section of her guild. Statistically speaking her guild is one that focuses more on manpower rather than NPC so she was the only one who actually uses the section.

"There you are!"

Occupying one of the room is the sole NPC of the 36th ranked guild Pallas, and the one who she considers as her own child. In the real world she and her husband is hesitant to have a child due to their dedication to this game so they ended up in a compromise.

'If a spirit and an undead have a child then what race would it be?'

"Minerva-chan."

It was a little girl dressed in a gothic lolita fashion, her hair is pitch black wavy and well attended reaching her hip. A small section of bangs covered the left portion of her face, and as always her expression is as flat as a blank slate.

"You're as cute as I remembered!"

She knew that she will never receive a response, Minerva is an NPC after all so it's impossible for her to speak let alone reply.

But even so she is still their daughter.

She kneel and level her head to the little girl, brushing of her bangs and finding no skin whatsoever covering the upper left part of her head.

"Yosh! I see you've been keeping your skull clean like Otou-san!"

Her husband was an Overlord, She is an Deity spirit, and their daughter is in the middle.

Her race is a spectre the most balanced race in term of magic casting and status buffing.

"Well then..." she offered her hand and the NPC automatically took it.

"Let's go and see Otou-san..."

The two made their way to the teleportation chamber, since her husband's guild could only be accessed by limited means due to security reasons.

"Let's go and see Momonga..."

And so the player Kyoko and her NPC Minerva arrived at the great tomb of Nazarick.

XxX

Voidwalker77 presents

Staying Behind

Chapter 1: The End

XxX

It was a treat to the ear. A great piece played by the greatest of hand.

With practiced movement he traced his fingers against the piano, not a single iota of energy was wasted on each press, all was executed with the highest of precision and accuracy which many could only dream off.

There was no hindrance in the spreading of the noise, the empty open air and the dark starry sky made it as if the world itself wanted to listen. And the grand stage he is playing on is one deserving the title of world class.

A colosseum oval in shape, 180 meters on its long axis and 150 meters on the short axis. It was 40 meters tall and modeled after the arenas of the Roman Empire surrounded on all sides by many tiers of audience seats. It was located within the sixth floor of the [Great Tomb of Nazarick].

But most of all it was the instrument he is playing. Forming a full circle around him is a number of piano tuts, with six feather like object floating around simetrically on six points. It never ceases to amaze him how the light data construct could mimic the sound of the best of pianos.

With a good song, a grand stage, and a marvelous instrument it was truly a perfect performance.

"WOULD YA MIND TURNING IT DOWN! WE'RE TRYING TO GET SOME SLEEP HERE!"

Sadly however the audience (the living ones to be more specific) begs the differ, and according to his duty as a showman he was left with no choice but to comply. The pianist halted his concert mid-song, the beautiful sound disappearing in an unsatisfactory note.

He raised both arms mimicking that of a surrendering soldier, any musician would definitely respond with rage after being told to stop in such vulgar manner, but he couldn't help but to felt amused instead.

He had been asked to play encore a thousand times, but this is the first time he was asked to stop playing.

The most famous pianist or rather 'THE PIANIST' Daito Yiruma. The mentioning of piano will be followed up with his name being mentioned at least a dozen times afterwards. Having an accomplished live and a bright still ongoing career ahead of him made it questionable if it was really him playing this game.

The freelance top notch bard whose name is known throughout [YGGDRASIL, he was an oddity that managed to garner the attention of every major guild through individual capability alone. No one knows why but when a team is supported by the bard named [Fuitchi] then they could handle twice the problem than they should have been able to handle.

Due to his 'rare' appearance many speculate that he is a professional musician in real life. In [YGGDRASIL] real life skill could be applied and increases one's in game ability indefinitely, so it's safe to say that the more capable you are in the real world the more capable you are in game.

No one knows that the possibly strongest in game bard is actually one of the world's greatest musician. As for the reason behind him picking the particular class and him playing this game...

'I was simply curious, could the piano here be better than the real ones? And of course I did it to relief stress every now and then...'

It's not rare to find celebrities retreating into the virtual world and mingle among the general populace of player, and most of the time they did so in order to avoid anything work related and yet he found himself mesmerized every time he push down the key of the imaginary construct.

It was to fulfill his childish curiosity had he dived into this world of impossibility, but he was granted with so much more than that.

'That's right, a lot really did happen on such short notice.'

Meeting his long lost sister from another mother was the most notable one, through a series of coincidences and sheer luck did the well hidden fact was unveiled.

'Come to think of it, if it wasn't for her then I wouldn't even be here.'

He was speaking in a literal sense of condition. It was only thanks to his sister was he capable of joining [Ainz Ooal Gown]. While his race is that of a [Great Spirit] included within the heteromorphic race he doubted that his irregular log in time would allow him to enter such a prominent and of course notorious guild.

She was a 'non permanent' member of that guild at the time, and after learning that [Fuitchi] was unaffiliated at the time recommended his membership to her husband. After proving that he was a valuable asset the guild accepted him with open arms, and for the first time in his life found people who could care less about his status.

With that said however none of them are actually here in the moments of truth.

'Perhaps their value of this world differs from mine... well I too wouldn't be here if it weren't for that miraculous break.'

In truth he was here to celebrate this 'last day' because he was free tomorrow, whether it is through a stroke of good luck or misfortune his performance tomorrow had been canceled. Normally his agent would quickly come up with a back up recital, but almost impossibly there was no place in the globe that was unoccupied that coming day.

'This is my first vacation in a while, but I still spent it 'playing' on the other side'

Daito loved his job very much. He enjoyed the seemingly endless seconds on stage, the sensation of his fingers pushing down the tuts, the white page filled only with musical notes, and the soft cushion that he is glued to for the duration of his play.

Though not limited to playing the piano he loved playing that instrument compared to others, and he was glad to find a place where he can play without being backed by the like of previous achievement and such.

This is also the only place where someone had openly shout at him to stop playing.

The circular piano that surrounded him disappeared and the six feather like object made their way to his braces, splitting into two groups of three and attaching themselves to the twin accessories.

In truth this was his in game weapon, in [YGGDRASIL] the bard class fight by playing an instrument. By playing certain tunes or such they can give boost to their allies or de-buff their opponents, while a bard's is usually limited to boosting a maximum number of five [Fuitchi] is an exception.

He is able to boost double of that number, or if the situation calls boost the same party twice, he is even capable of boosting while weakening the enemy.

He is capable of doing so because of two things, the first is his instrument the [Tri-Tone, it is a custom made piano that is made out of two said instrument, second is his ambidexterity and forte in the musical field, coupled with his pure love for the art made it possible for him to do exactly the impossible.

Although none of that matters at the moment.

After the piano completely vanish [Fuitchi] then stood up, just like his sister he too is a [High Spirit] and just like her his artifact of anchorage is that of a helmet (a tip of the hat for helping him going this far), but while her's was designed to mimic a human head his couldn't even be considered as one.

A 'helmet', completely covering every inch of his hair to the very base of his neck, it's face section was quite similar to that of a bird and a halo like adornment was attached to the place where his ears should have been.

He was dressed in an all black three piece suit, his 'funeral' attire as he call it. Considering the nature of his visit it couldn't have been more appropriate or ironic, and this is also his favourite suit so it is a double win for him.

"As you wish, but isn't sleeping here counterproductive [Ranmaru]-san? You're technically sleeping in the 'other side' after all. Or is it a perk that comes with age?"

The second party, the one who told him to be silent responded with a huff.

He was a child who couldn't be older than fifteen, an attractive human boy whose defining feature is his hawk like eyes. He was wearing a simple purple sleeveless jacket, a short trouser of the same color, and a pair of Tanuki fur gloves and fur boots.

Another normalcy is to find people posing as someone they are not within a game, changing one's gender out of 'personal preference' or simple innocent curiosity. But the more frequent case is altering one's age for the sake of enjoyment.

Children creating older avatars to be taken more seriously, or creating a younger avatar to gain the illusion of becoming youthful once more.

No one takes this as far as the two players [Ranmaru] and [Itsuki].

"You brat... shouldn't you respect your elder a bit more?"

Fuitchi only chuckled, "Well considering you didn't respect my recital it is only natural no?"

"This and that are different, you were being noisy when we're trying to sleep."

"But to sleep in the middle of a colosseum is a bit appropriate is it not?"

"So you're saying that both of us are at fault here?"

"More on your side but I'm willing to compromise."

The second huff that the boy released and the chuckle coming from the musician signify that the conflict have come to an end.

The player known as Fuitchi is actually not very close with either Ranmaru or Itsuki but the three's love of 'something only find in this side' serves as a sturdy bridge that connects them almost instateneously.

"How are you two doing?" Fuitchi asked.

Ranmaru expression (though his avatar's feature remained unchanged) turned grave at the casual inquiry, and his next message easily explained why.

"Not really good..."

"... How long does you two..."

"A few months, a year at best."

"I see... I'm very sorry..."

Despite the morbid situation Ranmaru chuckled.

"What's the matter? Weren't you being cocky a while ago?"

"...Well you're the one who told me to respect my elder earlier, or have you already forgotten? That wouldn't be any surprise though..."

"Cheeky brat."

"Senile old fool."

The two laughed at their similar sense of rude humour, and although their exchange was voiceless it somehow stirred the last occupant of the place awake.

"Hu...HUH! I'm awake!" She shouted through her mic.

"Bout time..."

"Good morning Itsuki-san." Fuitchi bowed.

"Ah Fuitchi-kun good...IT'S MORNING ALREADY!?"

"No, he's just messing with you." Ranmaru explained, and the girl sighed in relief.

She too is someone young of age, appearing as a girl in her fifteens. She has a snow white hair styled to a twin tail, she wears a simple blue corset with a light whit fur coat draped over her shoulder, along with a white short skirt, and a pair of tanuki fur gloves and boots just like the previous boy's.

The two players [Ranmaru] and [Itsuki] are a real life married couple, but the fact that most people doesn't know is that they are actually a couple of elderlies.

Both at the age 70 they have been married for over 40 years and already have a number of grandchildren, they have lived a fulfilling life and was already enjoying their golden years. It all started with a favour of leveling up their grandson's avatar when he was busy with his academics, the grandfather soon find himself enjoying the game and soon enough dragged his spouse along with him.

Like grandparents in general they followed the trend of the crowd and picked the most played race that is of a human (though both have spare account of the elf-kin), however they twisted the game in their favour for the sake of nostalgia and after a series of reminiscence decided to use the form in which they met for the first time.

That of a pair of fifteen years old.

After playing for a while the group ended up hearing about the infamous [Nine's Own Goal, and with child like enthusiasm decided to bring them down. An impossible task for the two of them but their priority in game was to have fun, dying wasn't much of a concern for them ironically.

But what they found was a group of nine players being surrounded by twice their numbers, and due to their old fashioned moral compass strive to even the tide. After a lot of hard work they emerged victorious, in appreciation the guild of heteromorph elected the two as honorary members of their own.

The two were just glad that they find people who are not snobby gamers, obnoxious eleven years old, or anyone who loudly shout at general.

Due to their lax schedule they eventually ended up as one of [Ainz Ooal Gown] main source of information, and later promoted into the caretaker of the [Great Tomb of Nazarick]. They had occupied the base longer than anyone else, and it's safe to say that it is their second home.

And they're getting evicted.

"Ah mou don't pull a stunt like that Fuitchi-kun, my heart can't take that kind of gag anymore."

The ironic humour didn't escape the two males and was followed by an awkward silence. None of the three mind spending the short remainder of time in serene silence, but another minute in and Itsuki suddenly spoke.

"Nee Fuitchi-kun, can you play us a tone? Maybe something slow and dramatic?"

As a classical musician he could recommend a large amounts of great pieces created by the best of composers, and of course present them as if he was said great composer, but regardless of his line of work there are some things that he could only do right here.

"I can play some anime OST cover, or maybe a couple of remixes?"

It took the couple a full ten seconds before they could respond properly.

"Well as long as we don't have to listen to those edgy lyrics." Ranmaru restricted, and Itsuki's frantic nodding serves as a green light for him to go.

He stretches his arm and cricked his next, as he took his 'stance' the six feathers detached themselves from his braces floating outward into six different direction before stopping and hovering still, in an instant a circular piano was formed.

Without any delay he began to play his favourite cover song, getting absorbed into his performance as if his life depends on it, whereas the couple closed their Avatar's eyes, robbing them off their vision but allowing them to enjoy the music more.

As the recital continues the end of this world grew nearer and nearer.

XxX

"So what do you usually do in your spare time?"

"I spend most of my time playing DMMORPG." He stated in a calm tone.

"Is that so? Then you're hired."

"Eh? R...really?"

"Yes. Works start tomorrow at 08:00 sharp, don't be late."

Though his surprise and delight was obvious he quickly managed to recover. "O..of course. Thank you very much." he bowed.

Even today Suzuki Satoru still fail to grasp what had happened that day.

In truth he was pessimistic about applying in the first place, even if it was just a recruitment with the purpose of filling quota it was still one that came from a rather prestigious company.

While roughly speaking he and every other candidates shares the same standing and work experience he's pretty sure that he was rather 'mundane' compared to the others.

But since he got the job he paid the heed no mind. Not long afterwards he finally learned the reason behind his acceptance.

It was a few days into his new job, he was making himself a glass of coffee when the section chief approached him with a question.

"I actually just started playing YGGDRASSIL, can you give me some pointers?"

The fact that his main source of entertainment and sole reason of existence got him this job serves to both please him and disappoint him. Naturally he felt more of the former, as sad as it sounds he values the game more than he values his job (but he would prioritize the latter for the sake of former), and he did his best to accommodate and assist his superior as the senior gamer (while also portraying himself in a good light).

The section that he works in was a newly founded one, headed by the office lady Kyoko Kurayanashi, the same person who scouted him under the whim of asking for tips. In the early days his role was that of 'someone who was just there', he was already aware of it beforehand since she explicitly stated during the interview that he was there to fill up the number.

After a while he finally integrated himself with the rest of his peers, and learned that while they are proficient with their work their relationship with one another are rather unpredictable. It was safe to say that every one of them could go from good friends to mortal enemies in less than a blink of an eye.

He did his best to mediate and resolve all personal conflict, sometimes by giving his neutral opinion, other times by (ever so slightly) reprimanding the two clashing party of picking a fight over a trivial matter (there was that one time two people almost mess up an important presentation because one of them eat the other's yogurt)

It was just an everyday occurrence to him, but one day with a smile on her face his section chief came and patted him on the back.

"I've never seen this place being so peaceful before, you did great!"

He didn't notice it at first, but every once in a while his colleagues would say the same whenever they are not at work.

'Thanks a lot Suzuki-san' ;'If it weren't for you we would've fall apart a long time ago.'; 'I Don't know how you're able to put up with us.'; et cetera. Though not official it was obvious that his colleagues put him on the same level with their own chieftess in command.

Speaking of the woman, Kuremi Kyouko turned out to be quite the [YGGDRASIL] addict. He knew early on that she plays the game to relieve stress...

"TAKE THAT! AND THAT! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!"

He never expect her to be aggressive enough to pick a fight with literally everyone she met. Out of concern and experience on how cruel does the game treats newcomers he decided to stick with his real life superior and created a second account for himself, and it was thanks to his depth of in game knowledge that they managed to ditch their status as easy target.

"Ne Momonga you sure knows a lot about this game."

"Well, this is not my first time playing after all..."

"There it is again, why don't you just show me your original account already?"

"...Sorry but it's not something that I can showcase so easily."

Kyoko sigh in annoyance. "If this is about you fearing me stabbing you in the back for being a heteromorphic then I'll safe you the trouble. I have no intention of killing someone just for EXP."

As much as he trust his leader, his time with her contradict her claim.

"...Sorry..."

"...So it's like that huh..."

It wasn't just that he was a heteromorphic, it was also the fact that he was the leader of the most 'evil' guild in game that most player tries to overthrow, knowing her nature and capability it wouldn't be hard for her to rally an army should she learn of his alter ego.

"Well I'm sure you have a good reason for hiding it."

"Ne... Momonga..."

"What is it Kyoko-san."

"Tomorrow I'll make a new account, I think I'll pick a spirit or a golem."

"I'll have to start again from level 1. I might be asking for too much, but can I rely on you a bit more?"

He was stunned. In the game [YGGDRASIL] a second account was not something that is rare among player, in fact it was only normal to have at least one backup account. The thing is it is usually the splitting of 'main account' and 'leisurely account', most of the time used by pro player to enjoy the game without strings attached to their respective guild or reputation.

It was only natural for the second account to be underdeveloped compared to the main one, because raising a character require a lot of effort and a not short span of time, beside himself he doubted that there are many whose second account could reach the max level cap.

And the fact that she says she wants to play as a heteromorphic characters only serves to made it even harder. PK or player killing, this is among the reason why people plays video games, to indulge themselves in the act of violence with the absence of consequences.

Naturally this result in stronger player picking on the weaker ones ergo resulting in a large decrease of newcomers, the developers then added a system of penalty, giving the killer a 5 level decrease in their status for killing their fellow player.

But this rule doesn't apply should one kills under the rule of duel or on a more frequent case slays a heteromorph.

Like any other games [YGGDRASIL] provide the player with an arrays of foes to vanquish, following the classic rule of fantasy these adversaries comes in the form of non human. Undead, Ghost, Slime, all manners of horrid animals, there is no 'monster' recorded in human history that is not inside the game, whether to serve as the vessel of the player or as atrocities to hunt down.

For whatever reason the developer does not pose the penalty on players who kills other players who plays as a heteromorphic. Added with how the veteran players treats the newcomers this resulted in the heteromorphic being the least played despite their advantageous racial skill.

Despite knowing of the many negative backlash of restarting as a heteromorphic no less and already having a satisfying account he knows that she was being serious. Question is...

"Why?"

He didn't know it, but she was smiling when he asked her that question.

"Because playing like this is boring." She admitted. "I came here to wreak havoc, and smash lots of things."

"But you're already doing that."

"That's right, it's just that..."

"I think It'll be way cooler to play as a bad guy rather than a hero, so it'd be more fitting if I'm a monster won't it?"

"Don't give me the silent treatment! I know it must have sound dumb to a pro player like you though..."

He didn't think it was dumb, in fact he couldn't think at all the reason being he was too busy laughing. Momonga was wise enough to turn off his mic beforehand, not wanting her to get the wrong idea and aggressively retaliate.

"Oy what's with the silence? You're thinking about something rude aren't you!"

"Sorry-sorry, it's just that you said something unthinkable that it left me speechless."

"Did I? weren't there a bunch of guys who posses as villains? They even have a secret base and everything, what was their name again... oh that's right it was Ainz Ooal Gown wasn't it? I wonder if I can join them after making a name for myself!"

The cheerful way she declared her ambition sent him to a silent laughing fit once more, she has no idea that the leader of the league of villains she idolize (though it was more correct that he merely keeps them for killing one another) was in front of her.

"Hoi! You're being silent again! What is it this time!?"

"Nothing, it's just that you're really cute when pouting."

Though her avatar's face remain stoic he could tell that her face was red as beet thanks to his remark.

"W-what's with that tone!? I could charge you for sexual harassment you know!"

"But we're not working right now."

"Doesn't matter! I'm your boss and you are obligated to respect me."

Momonga let out a chuckle, seeing the usually uptight and stern superior acting like a eleven year old was an entertainment of it's own, especially considering the fact that this woman was HIS boss.

"You know if you keep being silent I;m going to fire you."

"For what? You have absolutely nothing against me, and besides we both know that the section would go full mad max the second I left."

She curses under her breath against his solid argument, even if she can fire him her section would be sent back to the stone age without his mediation. Curses him and his natural diplomacy skills!

"But Kyoko-san..."

"I'll be more than happy to help you if you're serious about restarting. As for my original account, I'll show it to you when you reached the level cap."

"Really!? You're not messing with me are you?"

"I wouldn't dare. I'll also introduce you to my guild, all of us are actually heteromoprhs."

"Seriously? Just like Ainz Ooal Gown?"

It took him every iota of self control to resist the urge to grin (not that it'll show on his avatar)

"That's right JUST LIKE Ainz Ooal Gown."

"Then forget about tomorrow! I'm starting over right now!"

Considering the span of time he had spent with her this development didn't bewilder him in the slightest.

"I don't mind, but do tell me what species you will play. After that transfer all of your equipment and items to me so I can prepare ones that will help you in the long run."

"Ah! Right! I almost forgot about that." She sheepishly rubbed her head.

"Honestly I'm kinda torn between playing as a spirit or a skeleton..."

"Hoh, spirit? That's quite rare, but why skeleton?"

"D-don't laugh, but I heard that Ainz Ooal Gown's leader was an overlord, so..."

This time he wasn't able to turn of his mic in time, and his booming laughter was for all to hear.

"AH! DON'T LAUGH! I'LL FIRE YOU FOR REAL!"

But he didn't, and in the end she didn't fire him either.

When Momonga came back to the great tomb of Nazarick he was bombarded with questions from his guild mates mainly 'Where have you been' and 'why did you leave us'. There was also a tearful reunion with the second caretaker consisting solely of 'Thank goodness you're back, they almost kill each other every day!'.

When he explained that he was forced to give his boss a walk through and a helping hand the only thing they could do was to nod in sympathy, when he elaborated and revealed that his boss was a female he was met by two groups of reactions.

'Even Momonga couldn't help it.'

'Congratulations! Hope the two of you would last for a lifetime!'

He didn't get the meaning behind either of those, but he went through with recommending her membership to the guild.

Of course he was met by a chorus of agreement.

He could still remember the day he revealed his real account to her, and her reaction was something he would treasure for the remainder of his existence (while also serving as a blackmail material for that span of time also).

She however 'didn't' officially joined the guild, and instead revealed a plan that managed to slack the jaw of everyone (at the time all members are 'miraculously' present).

The top two guilds in YGGDRASIL, [Seraphim] and [Pantheon]. What will happen if we get them to fight one another?

Her plan was simple, infiltrate the Pantheon, uses the backing of multiple guild to increase their morale and ushers them to clash with Seraphim. No man alive could ever resist the sensation of being number one in anything especially in petty titles.

Her plan was halfway successful, she had made her own guild [Pallas Domina] and groomed the association to a group that attained the number 4 slot on all guilds overall. With secret help of Ainz Ooal Gown managed to attain partnership with the rest of the top ten excluding the third ranked Nile Mandjet, and (fortunately) the sixth ranked [Ultimate Greatest Hexagon Rotation].

The fifth ranked Demi Human mercenary army [Nature Howl, the seventh ranked Bushido japanophile union [Akihabara Jinja, the eight ranked undersea dweller exclusive [Deep Blue, and the tenth ranked flyer enthusiast association [Wind Walker].

The [Pantheon] was convinced that not even the great [Seraphim] could withstand the combined might of the [Summit Alliance, all that's left was to challenge them while simultaneously luring them into a perfect trap.

The granxial edge was the perfect place for that showdown/slaughter. They [Pantheon] would position their backs against the sea, giving their foes a false sense of superiority. That's when [Deep Blue] will come in from what was suppose to be their doom, followed by [Wink Walkers] raining down destruction from above.

The coup de grace would be delivered with the assistance of [Nature Howl] and [Akihabara Jinja, mowing down whatever remains of their crippled opponents. And with that the [Pantheon] emerges victorious and is now the strongest guild in the entire YGGDRASIL.

That is when the rest of the guild would turn on the weakened group, striking them with everything they have at their disposal. And once they are crawling on the ground [Ainz Ooal Gown] would make their appearance, revealing that everything [Pallas Domina] had done was a part of an elaborate scheme leading to this cliche exposition moment.

The difference being that the hero won't survive to fight another day.

"And it would've gone exactly like that if it weren't for this godforsaken shutdown."

"Well, I'm more than assured that it would go exactly like that."

"Stop sugar coating it, that's not your thing."

"Umu, then there are actually multiple flaws in this grand scheme of yours, primarily concerning..."

"Nope! Stop! I'm not here to get nagged at!"

"...It's more of a constructive criticism really..."

"NAG!"

"Understood, shutting up now."

"Good. We're tired of hearing father's rambling anyway aren't we Minerva-chan!"

Flanking the little spectre was a [Great Spirit] dressed in white and an [Overlord] dressed in black, each holding the NPC hand like any parents would held their child's own. Of course technically speaking she is indeed their 'child'.

"She's as adorable as I remembered." The father commented.

"Of course she is!" The mother boasted "Unlike you I take the utmost care of 'our' precious creation."

"Is that so... then how's Laufeyson doing?"

"Ah..." Kyoko dumbly muttered as if she had just been reminded of something important.

"...Could it be that he's still..."

Momonga nodded to her guess.

"Inside the library after you 'dropped by' two months ago."

"Oh god I'm a terrible mother..."

"If it's any consolation I've been taking care of him since, he is also my responsibility after all..." Though he stated in a fatherly fashion, the tint of smugness did not go unnoticed.

"Guh... whatever! It doesn't mean anything now anyway..."

"...Ah. We're here."

"Hmph, indeed."

They arrived at a vast hemispherical dome-shaped hall. Fourcolored crystal lamps glittered from the ceiling, and there were 72 niches in the walls. Most of them were filled with statues.

Each statue was modelled after a demon's appearance, and there were 67 of them. This room was called "The Lemegeton". It was named after the Lesser Key of Solomon, which was a magical grimoire.

The statues in the niches were designed to resemble the 72 demons mentioned in that book, and in truth they were golems, made out of extremely rare magical alloys. There should have been 72 of them, but there were only 67, because their creator got bored of the project and quit halfway.

The four-colored crystal lamps on the ceiling were a type of monster, and the moment an enemy entered their range, they would summon high-ranking elementals of earth, water, wind and fire, in addition to bombarding them with area-of-effect attack magic.

If these crystal lamps all attacked at once, the firepower they unleashed could easily defeat two parties of level 100 players, which would be roughly 12 people.

This room could be said to be the final defensive line of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick.

"67." Kyoko counted. "I knew that you'd stopped halfway as always, but I never thought that you'd reach 50."

"Haha, We actually only made it to 45, the rest was done by [Vohu-Manah]-san for a cheap price."

Kyoko chuckled. "I should have know, that judge just couldn't help it when it comes to sculpting."

"Ditto...I think she's still working on the rest right now despite knowing..."

"...Probably. Oh there's the door."

True to Kyoko's word what stood behind the nearby magic circle was a door of gargantuan proportion, it's sheer size making the slab of steel akin to an impenetrable wall.

The majestic set of double doors were over five meters in height, and covered in intricate carvings. The left side was shaped into a beautiful goddess, while the right was made to resemble a cruel demon.

So realistic was their design that even from across the room, Momonga felt like they would attack him. Still, while the carvings looked like they could move,both of them knew that they had never moved before.

"Another one of her work?" the spirit quipped.

"Believe it or not this is all us. Though it was mostly LuciFer-san," the overlord explained.

Without a pause he proceed to touch the giant door, the twin structure then opened by themselves — although, they did so slowly, in deference to their massive weight. Once the door completely opened, what greeted their eyes was a high rise room that could be called a hall.

Even packing several hundred people inside would not make the room feel crowded. The high ceiling and the surrounding walls were a predominantly white color, with golden decorations as highlights.

The numerous chandeliers which hung from the ceiling were made in precious stones of all colors of the rainbow, and they emitted a fantastic, dreamlike radiance.

Numerous flags emblazoned with different symbols hung from flagpoles sunk into the walls. A total of 41 of these flags swayed gently in the wind, from the ceiling to the floor. In the center of this room that was tinted gold and silver, there was a flight of stairs about 10 steps high.

Atop these stairs was a gigantic throne, carved out of a single piece of crystal, whose back was high enough to touch the ceiling above it. A huge red banner hung down behind it, proudly displaying the symbol of the guild.

This place was located in the deepest reaches of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick. It was also its most important place — the Throne Room.

Yet Kyoko was less than impressed.

"Ominous, I'm guessing this has something to do with [Ulbert Alain Odle]-kun?"

"Who else would come up with the idea of 'Greeting the intruder like a dramatic villain'?"

The two let out a small laugh recalling one of the most prominent member of their guild. Ulbert Alain Odle was fixated, some even says obsessed with the idea and concept of 'evil' itself.

On the surface he seemed like someone who plays the game to do certain things without fearing it's consequences, but it was later cleared that he is indeed in love with the concept that is 'villainy'.

The highlight of his relationship with the two is when he professed his love for Kyoko after hearing her 'the most simple yet unmistakably evil plan.

He was promptly rejected, and became the laughingstock of the guild for a while.

On an unrelated note, he seems to kept his distance from Momonga for a while after for whatever reason.

"Do you think that he was jealous of me?"

"Probably, but he did dealt with it afterwards right?"

"He did... somewhat. Speaking of which why did we even got married again?"

"I dunno, probably something about it's easier to play that way or a limited time event for married couple."

In real life Suzuki Satoru and Kyoko Kurayanashi is married, and the reason behind that union was their mutual love for each other and one other thing.

The game [YGGDRASIL].

After playing it for a while it became obvious that the section chief had fallen in love with the virtual reality, and although she had indeed led an accomplished live there was just some sort of odd satisfaction that she receives every time she logged in and accomplished something there.

Both of her in game friends and IRL friends weren't really surprised at the turn of event, in fact they knew very well that it was only a matter of time considering how often they spend their free time with one another.

They do loved each other very dearly, but it was only thanks to [YGGDRASIL] that they realized it.

This game or perhaps this 'world' had brought them together.

Now it's going to disappear. And there is nothing they can do about it.

"Is that Albedo?" Kyoko asked, pointing at an NPC standing near the throne.

"Hm? You're right."

She was a beautiful woman who wore a pure white dress, and the faint smile on her face was that of a goddess. In stark contrast to her dress, her hair was a flowing, lustrous jet-black that reached down to her waist.

Although her golden irises and vertically-slitted pupils were somewhat odd, apart from those she could easily be considered a world-class beauty. However, a pair of curled horns sprouted from the sides of her head. In addition, a pair of black-feathered wings emerged from her waist.

Perhaps it was because of the horns, but her divine smile seemed like a mask that concealed her true feelings.

She wore a golden necklace that was patterned after a spiderweb, which extended from her shoulders down to the tops of her breasts.

Her slender wrists were covered in a pair of lustrous silk gloves, and in her hand she held a strange weapon that looked like a wand of some sort. It was roughly 45 cm long, and a black orb hovered at its end, floating lightly in the air but holding its position at the end of the wand.

She was the Overseer of the Floor Guardians of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, Albedo. She was in charge of the seven NPC Floor Guardians. In other words, she was the highest-ranked character in the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick.

Because of that, she was permitted to await orders within the Throne Room, in the deepest reaches of the Tomb.

"Sheesh, no matter how many times I look at her I still wonder how [Tabula Smaragdina]-chi pulled it off. She really is pretty." Kyoko commented, her helmet/face being inches away from the overseer's own.

"Well he just managed to do it I guess, but more importantly..." Instead of eyeing the beautiful NPC's feature his gaze was focused on the item she is holding.

Switching her vision according to her husband Kyoko's expression soon turned to that of confusion as well.

"Is that..."

Momonga nodded "Ginnungagap, it was probably [Tabula Smaragdina]."

In YGGDRASIL, there were 200 ultimate items in the game, known as WorldClass Items.

World-Class Items possessed unique abilities, and some of them were so balance-breaking that they could even request changes in the game's rules from the developers. Of course, not every World-Class Item possessed such insane power.

Even so, a player who possessed even a single World-Class Item would be catapulted to the highest echelons of fame in YGGDRASIL.

Ainz Ooal Gown possessed 11 items like this, the most of any guild. Even that was far in excess of any other guild. The guild in second place only possessed three such items.

With the permission of the other guild members, Momonga was allowed to possess one of these ultimate items, and the rest of these World-Class Items were scattered throughout Nazarick. However, most of them were stored in the depths of the Treasury, defended by its Avataras.

The only reason why Albedo could possess such a rare treasure like this without Momonga's knowledge was because the guild member who designed Albedo had given it to her.

The logical thing to do was to have that treasure returned to it's proper place immediately. But the two have zero intention of doing so.

This time it was Kyoko's turn to widen her eye, a small smile creeping into her lips

"Well, guess he cares about her after all."

"All of us cope with it in a different fashion I suppose..."

The two eyed their young offspring and creation, still holding her arm as if it was the most precious thing in this world.

In a sense she is indeed the most valuable existence to them.

But along with this world she's about to vanish.

"Speaking of which what kind of backstory she has?"

"Hm? Well I suppose I can access it but..."

"Come on I wanna see!"

Momonga sighed in defeat, once his wife starts to act like a ten year old the only thing left to do was to concede to her will.

"Alright, but don't alter anything."

"I won't! sheesh! You're such a worrywart..."

The Overlord the scooted over, allowing the spirit to open a console and began to skim through the character profile. After a brief period of silence Kyoko suddenly spoke in a serious tone.

"We need to change it."

"What?"

"I said, we need to change it! Right now!"

"But why?"

"Why don't you look at it yourself!" with that said it Kyoko moved out of the way, he quickly opened the console and read the last section his wife had read.

Momonga felt like he had stepped on a land mine. If he could move, he would be trembling now. He wanted to scold himself for having forgotten that Albedo's creator was obsessed with this sort of thing.

His entire attention was directed at a single line of description.

'She is also a slut' it read.

He turned towards his wife who he guess was giving him the 'fix this now or you're fired for real' stare.

"I'm not going to let anything like that near our daughter."

"Don't worry, I completely agree with you."

He extended the staff of Ainz Ooal Gown that he was holding. Normally, one would need developer tools to change a character's backstory, but by through his power as guildmaster, he could directly access her settings and edit them. After some action on his console, the "slut" line vanished.

"Well, it should be like that."

Kyoko nodded in satisfaction, still holding her daughter's arm with the utmost care.

"Still I feel kind of bad for that." She admitted

"Then should we fill it up?" Momoga suggested.

"Sure, but with what?"

Both of them knew that they need to add something children friendly into the mix, however considering the kind of character she has that would be extremely difficult.

"What about a sister?" Momonga blurted.

"Hm?"

"Well since Minerva already have two younger brothers shouldn't we balance the number by giving her a big sister?"

Kyoko thought about the prospect before finally nodding "That'll work, hurry up and do it then!"

Momonga didn't spare even a breath and did just that, in less than a second the once blank paragraph have been replaced by a single line.

'She loves Minerva in a sisterly fashion.'

Kyoko nodded in approval after seeing the description, but her mind suddenly darted to reality, and with a heavy tone she asks the dreadful question.

"...What time is it?..."

"...23:54..."

"Just in time huh..."

The two then detached themselves from the group of maid and butler and made their way to the throne. With a heavy heart they let go of their little girl's hand, watching silently as the little spectre position herself next to the throne.

Momonga raised his left hand to check the time.

[23:55:48]

They were just in time.

In all likelihood, the GMs were probably flooding the public channels and setting off fireworks. Momonga, who had put his heart and soul into this place and cut off all contact with the outside world, was unaware of that.

Momonga regally sat down on the throne, and without saying a word Kyoko then position herself on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck bone. From the other's point of view it would be as if the overlord was carrying her bridal style and sat down.

"You sure this won't get us banned?"

"Well unless you start groping my boobs probably not."

The two let out another chuckle, but the moment it died everything turned silent.

As if it was the end of the world Momonga began reciting the names of his comrades.

"Touch Me."

The symbol on the next flag he pointed to belonged to the oldest member of Ainz Ooal Gown, who was a lecturer in a university in real life.

"Shijuuten Suzaku." His finger moved faster than before as he shifted to the flag which belonged to one of the three female members of Ainz Ooal Gown.

"Ankoro Mochimochi." Momonga fluidly recited the names of the various symbols' owners:

"Herohero, Peroroncino, Bukubukuchagama, Tabula Smaragdina, Warrior Takemikazuchi, Variable Talisman, Genjiro—"

It did not take long for him to name all 40 of his former comrades. Their names were still branded deeply in Momonga's brain. He sprawled tiredly on the throne.

"Yeah, it really was fun…"

Kyoko remained silent, but for he could tell that she had turned out her mic and began to cry.

The time on his watch read [23:57].

The server would shut down at 00:00. There was only a little time left.

The virtual world would end, and he would have to go back to reality the next day.

That was only natural. Nobody could live in a virtual world, which was why everyone had left, one by one.

Momonga sighed, and then Kyoko suddenly spoke.

"I love you Momonga." She sobbed in between tears.

"I love you too, Kyoko."

[23:59:35, 36, 37]

With those parting words they decide to meet the end in silence

[23:59:48, 49, 50]

The two lovers closed their eyes.

[23:59:58, 59—]

The countdown finished. He waited for the curtains to fall on their world— They waited for the automatic logout—

"I'm Hungry."

XxX

Voidwalker77 here, I've been wanting to write this story for a while, and I had a lot of fun writing it (who wouldn't)

I actually take many of the character's appearance from other sources.

Kyoko is Athena from God Complex Dogma

Fuitchi literally means sour note is Apollo also from God Complex Dogma

Ranamaru and Itsuki are based on characters with the same name from Sengoku Basara

Minerva is a original character I designed myself

so try and enjoy this story, and i would love to receive feedbacks and constructive criticism.

With all that said this is Voidwalker77 signing out.

untill next time CIAO!