4 † New World †

"So… This big ass hamster you showed me is the "exotic" type of monster I really told the maids to bring back…?"

"Well, um, yeah, haha! But you know, Mornin-sama, it told me a lot of things!" Aura brightened up with a clap of her hands. "The furball is able to talk! I don't even have to use my magic to understand it!"

"A fuckin' speaking hamster…"

Almost laughable. The first creature they find on arrival in this world is an obese rodent. It helped that the thing could actually speak, but since it was an animal, it probably didn't know much about the world beyond the forest. Meanwhile, whether the animal understood what Aura and even Narberal were saying, things weren't looking so rosy.

Narberal, sitting next to him, on his right on a bar chair, shoulders hunched, explained that she didn't recognize the sounds coming out of the animal's mouth but that she understood everything and somehow spoke the same language as if she'd never heard it.

Now, if anyone here would be able to read texts in this presumed new language, that's another matter altogether.

"Narberal, CZ, you went pretty far to find the big rodent, right?"

"I-It's my fault." Narberal stuttered as beads of sweat slid down her forehead. "We didn't intend to go that far until my little sister got carried away and shot the animal from several kilometers away... Given your order, it was impossible for me not to bring the creature back here for examination…"

"Sincerest apologies, Mornin-sama. I am sometimes trigger-happy."

"You sniped it from several kilometers away…?"

"Mhm."

"Oh, you're good." He smiled, taking one gulp of his cocktail. "Isn't your sniper class only level 3, though?"

"Yes, it is, but my gunner class is level 10, and the automaton race at level 5. These two combined, firing from afar is easy."

"Now imagine if you were level 15 at each of these and 10 at sniper."

"It would be great," CZ responded in the flattest tone someone could utter while Narberal trembled just next to her, eyelids closed, wrinkled. "But Garnet-sama stopped leveling me up at level 46."

"I'll think about leveling up you and the Pleiades then… See if it's possible… After all, only Aureole is level 100…"

"Now, how generous of you, Mornin-sama!" Exclaimed Aura after grimacing, trying to drink her small glass of cider. "Would it be possible to do that with my beasts? Leveling them up and all?"

"I'm as clueless as I would ever be about that."

"...Mornin-sama." Interjected Narberal, her eyes focused on the table to try to keep her facade. "I must pay for not following your order correctly…!"

"—What are you on about?"

"I am ready to pay with my life for allowing my sister and myself to venture so far… The sky was just so beautiful and…"

"First Albedo, and now, you. Are you two retarded?"

"I-It's just than as an older sister, I…"

"Listen, I understand how you feel since I'm the eldest sibling of my family, but stop being so disappointed with yourself just cuz you wanted to take a stroll. What kind of braindead thinking is this?"

"I am sorry to be a disturbance… but as an older sister, I should be the one punished for not showing the example."

"Nah… You're just doing it on purpose now. When did I say you were a disturbance, you egg-shaped maid? Idiot. Dumbass."

"E-Egg-shaped?" She fluttered bashfully, blushing, as all her sisters across the bar chuckled. "I… I…"

At a loss for words, she kept quiet and drank her Corpse Reviver n°2 in one gulp. Given that Mornin had asked the bartender for something strong for everyone, to someone like her who'd never drunk alcohol before, she'd soon feel like she'd sprouted wings.

Clavu, the bartender, was more than good at what he was doing; none of the drinks Mornin tried in his former world was as textbook as his. If he could spend a whole evening here, God knows how many grams of alcohol he would have in his blood once the bar closes.

—Given how much I drank already… I guess I have full-on angelic physiology. I should at least feel light-headed, but my mind feels sharper than ever before.

Next to Aura, someone who has been quietly sipping his Bourbon Old Fashioned till now called his superior's name. Gliding the oversized, translucent ice cube and orange zest in his crystal glass by making circular movements with his wrist, Demiurge turned toward Mornin, pushing his glasses on his nose, smiling slightly.

"My Lord, I believe you have too good of a heart. When staff fail to perform to your expectations, they shouldn't be allowed to get away with it, at least not without minor sanctions. This is a matter of respect."

"Well, yes… That said, both Narberal and CZ actually performed to my expectations. Bottom line is that you've both explored too far, so make sure it doesn't happen again; I don't wanna lose anyone. All staff members are equally important to Nazarick as they are to me."

The genuine words he mouthed surprised even him. In the past, he would have been far too proud to say such words in front of so many people, but here, it felt natural. Honesty of this nature felt imperative. It was necessary.

Sadly enough for them, neither Albedo nor Shalltear was here to listen to such words as the work Mornin asked of them was a bit longer than what he asked the others.

"Mornin-sama!" Narberal yelped, straightening on her chair, before trying to stand up to finish on her knees. "I shall devote not only my life but also my death to you, Mornin-sama! Sama!"

"Erh… Narberal, I think you drank too much."

"Yes, definitely." Demiurge scoffed, looking at the maid who needed help from Solution to remain on her feet. "It wasn't sensible drinking that much as a beginner, after all."

"Two cocktails, and she's out. She didn't drink that much. I guess alcohol isn't part of the resistance stat…"

Reflecting on the level of every floor and area guardian, he thought about what every stats would really mean in this new world. In YGGDRASIL, the〖Resistance〗stats were used to counter negative status effects, and if these effects still managed to proc, then their damage and duration were reduced.

For someone like Demiurge, with 100〖Resistance〗, it was almost impossible for him to be stunned, frozen, poisoned, or even paralyzed. It would have taken a player with a magical or physical attack stats of 100 to even hope of procing any kind of status effect.

Mornin recalled that at Ulbert's request, to test his creation, he had cast a barrage of spells against the NPC, managing to inflict five status effects on Demiurge, but only he, Ulbert, Herohero, and Touch Me were capable of this in the whole guild.

However, if resistance didn't include alcohol resistance, other "poison" should also not be included in the resistance "set." Finding what they could be would be a great idea to avoid future problems.

The same goes for〖Mag. Atk.〗, it could actually act differently than in the game. What would it translate to in a realistic world? He had already seen what a〖Phy. Atk.〗of 70 was capable of doing with his new hammer, even when not striking with all his strength.

That said, Nazarick's floor, walls, and everything inside it were sturdier than average, way more, so he didn't really have an accurate idea of the damage he could inflict, especially since he hit Albedo's Aegis Shield first, then her armor, then her frame, which took probably around 95% of the total damage output.

—I should try to use magic and punch something once I head outside…

Snapping him out of his musings, restless footsteps moved towards the bar door before it swung open, revealing a clean-cut Albedo, albeit with an irritated rictus, while the smaller Shalltear, her hair a little disheveled and her clothes mismatched, groped her way along, not daring to look too far ahead, showing a straightforward bit of shame.

"Here I am, Mornin-sama." Albedo voiced with a content smile, trying to ignore her female colleague. "Just as you thought and just as CZ2128 said, there is a small village around thirty kilometers from the Great Tomb of Nazarick."

"It was only a gamble, but Nigredo really managed to stalk them from that far?"

"Of course.~ As my sister, she is full of surprise, just like me."

"Well, alright, I'll visit these folk soon enough."

"You'll visit them…?"

"What?"

"I should be the one taking care of this." She articulated between two ragged breaths. "For you to give these humans the privilege to hear your voice…"

"A privilege…? Then, tell me, what makes you more worthy to hear my voice than them?" Obviously, in no mood to reply to such a blunt line, she stood silently, lowering her gaze, mimicking Shalltear's behavior. "If it's any consolation, I don't intend to befriend anyone. I just wanna meet some of the locals and see what they know about this new world, so don't look so grim."

"I can accompany you!"

"I was more inclined to bring one or two of the maids with me."

"Oh, yeah, that's right!" Aura exclaimed with a knowing but provocative smugness. "Mornin-sama offered a drink to three different maids and even gave me a head pat! While you were both working hard, he called us to share a moment! Thanks for your hard work; I'm sure Mornin-sama will reward you both!"

"A-Aura, this head pat, h-how long did it last?"

"Hm… I don't know, Albedo… Maybe ten seconds or so?"

Deciding to ignore their silly talk, Mornin switched back his attention to Shalltear, who, crestfallen, raised her irises as he approached her and took her hand to lead her to the table, next but still far away from Cocytus and Mare, who were trying to best each other at a chess game. They both sat in front of each other while Mornin pushed his cocktail towards her so she could drink it if desired.

Seeing this, Albedo's pupils flared up, the veins in her eyes bulged, and her breathing turned abruptly testy. Aura, who still had her glass in her hand, almost let it fall after feeling the succubus aura, even just for one instant. This was the kind of intent only she and Demiurge could have.

An intent you don't want to provoke.

"So, you wanna tell me what happened?"

"I… I complied with all your orders, Mornin-sama." Shalltear faltered with a sigh she couldn't contain. "I informed Kyouhukou of your wish. He told me he sent his children all around just like you wanted. All the traps are working properly now, but a few of them have to be reinitialized, especially those that worked only through magic. I do consider magic works a bit differently here than before."

"I see, that's some good insight. Good job."

"Y-Yes."

"Why are you acting like this, though?"

"L-Like what?"

"Stuttering and messy. I don't mind, but I'm quite sure that's not like you."

"I… I tried to reactivate a few teleportation traps into the false treasure chamber, and it teleported me two times into the Black Capsule… Directly into a big… teeming mass of cockroaches… All around my face, in my hair, inside my clothes… I… I… I'm sure I still have some on me…"

"Oh, there's one of them just there, in your hair. Fat one, too."

"—Wha!? Aah!" Touching her hair at where Mornin pointed, she panicked before slightly frowning, keeping her hands on her head as tears formed in her eyes. On the other hand, Mornin laughed his ass off at his own joke. "No, I don't have any in my hair…! P-Please, don't tease me, Mornin-sama…"

"Haha! Sorry. Was just too tempting. Here, take a sip of the drink and calm down a bit."

"It tastes… strange but good…"

"A Maï Taï. Fresh and strong. One of my favorite."

"T-This is your drink, Mornin-sama?!"

"Yes?"

Touching her lips, blushing, one of the tears still hanging from her eyes fell from her eyes and dropped on her cheek. Strangely, Mornin felt a potent feeling, something tender and longing, but a feeling that wasn't his. It was puzzling and a tad unsettling. He knew why, so he hadn't to be told whose feelings it was, but this empathic power was like a hidden attribute of the angel class, a surprising new fact.

Could others' feelings influence him? It didn't seem like it. He was still wholly level-headed, but seeing Shalltear like this and sensing the intense jealous gaze of Albedo from behind was unnerving. Just by the emotions that were directed at him or at people close enough to him, he could, without even looking, figure out what they "wanted."

"If Mornin-sama so desires to drink and put his lips on the same glass as I, then I am elated."

"Stop making a big deal out of it."

"Mhmhm.~ So, for Mornin-sama to do this, do you like me?"

"You're cool."

"Am I? Even when I look like this?"

"Yeah, if I put aside all your weird fetishes."

"My weird fetishes?" She mouthed, raising an eyebrow and putting her index finger on her lips. "Red flowers and romanticism?"

"Oh, yeah… That's true, forget what I said, we chang-"

A burst of emotion, not his own, startled him before he sensed the intense gaze of someone on his back. Looking straight at him from above, Albedo, smiling as usual, sneaked up on them, the jealousy and craving flowing inside her. Beside her, a few feet away, Aura had an apologetic expression, rubbing the back of her head before shrugging as he read "sorry" on her lips.

"You want something?" Mornin asked, turning toward her. "Don't just stand there like a scarecrow, sit your ass down."

"Thank you for this kind gesture, Mornin-sama. May I ask what you are drinking?"

"Oh, what's the matter, Albedo?" Shalltear sassed with a smug. "Aren't you fishing for something here? Hm?"

"You…!"

"So I guess I am right! Always keeping your nose clean and pretending to be the ideal wife doesn't earn you any compliments. It must be harsh, hahaha!"

"Shalltear…"

Hiding a whole bunch of emotions, her face twisted for a second but remained composed, feeling that Mornin came to the conclusion that the overseer had a level of self-control way above average, as he, himself, probably wouldn't have been able to fight off such urges. It may be the succubus race that makes every feeling tenfold; if that's the case, he's pretty lucky to have someone this level-headed as his right hand.

"Don't tease her too much." Mornin chortled before patting Albedo's head to calm her down a bit. "So, you wanted to talk about something, right?"

"Y-Yes, Mornin-sama… I assume you brought everyone here for all to pledge your loyalty to you. That's why I wanted as the overseer to be the one assuming the role of spokesperson."

"I just wanted to have a drink with you all. It's a cohesive thing to do. Bonding and all."

"Unifying Nazarick… You really are worthy of being the victor of the throne, Mornin-sama." Albedo retorted as Shalltear shook her head in agreement. "Then, I shall voice your wish! Tell me what is your desire for tonight!"

"Well… Ask Clavu to make a drink for everyone so we can all toast for this new page of our lives. I believe we're gonna have some fun here."

"Fufu.~"

"My idea is funny?" He heaved a sigh with a smile, standing back accompanied by the two women. "I guess so."

"No, well… Sorry, Mornin-sama, but yes. It's just that compared to all the other Supreme Beings, you are so peculiar and exotic; it makes you so enticing. A supreme angel taking care of mainly demonic beings like us, we are blessed. I truly believe so."

"I guess I'm a bit of a weirdo, yeah. Haha!"

"I share Albedo's view. Being polar opposites is truthfully magnetic, especially for a vampire like me. You can vanquish me when you wish so desire, Mornin-samaaa.~"

"Shalltear…!"

"What the matter, Albedo? Shouldn't you—! Owie!!"

"I told you to stop teasing her, you lil' minx."

"My apologies, Mornin-sama."

A tear on the side of her eyes after taking a mock slap on the head, she reached for the bar to ask for a cocktail of her own, something hard-hitting despite the fact that booze couldn't do anything to her. Albedo asked to drink from the same glass as Mornin, but since he refused, she simply asked for the same thing he drank.

Once everyone had ordered, even the battle maids, everyone ended up with a drink in hand, eager to pledge allegiance to their superior. Not a single soul here wished for something else; he could feel their feelings were genuine.

"Listen, everyone! Mornin-sama graced us with a ritual of allegiance like no other. Just like you know, Nazarick finds itself in a situation like never before; that's why we need cohesion and loyalty! For tonight, we shall smile and cherish this privileged occasion!"

"Yes!"

"Can I ask something of the master?" Inquired Cocytus with his glass in hand, waiting for Mornin's approval. "If all floor guardians are here, why isn't Iris here with us, too?"

"I can't contact her as she is in her ethereal form, and I simply didn't have time to check on her, but I'm planning to do that very soon. Don't worry."

"Very well, I trust your decision, master."

"Well, then, everyone! In this new world, we should venture and explore! We toast!"

"CHEERS!"

"To this new world, new adventures!! We toast!!"

"CHEERS!!!"