Chapter 9

--Treasury (Entrance)--

I pondered the mysterious disappearance of the NPCs, a troubling development indeed. Their absence posed a monumental issue, especially if our situation mirrored the events in the show, thrusting us into the New World. In such a scenario, Nazarick's current state wouldn't stand a chance against even a hundred level 100 intruders, let alone adversaries armed with World Items. While the strength demonstrated by that world's inhabitants made such an event improbable, the possibility exists.

Their disappearance could be a result of my transmigration as Suzuki Satoru, or more accurately, as Momonga, possibly causing unforeseen butterfly effects. Alternatively, it might be attributed to my unanticipated modification of Pandora's Actor's lore, a deviation from the original script. Regardless of the cause, resolving the current predicament emerged as an immediate priority.

"Amazing! Even as the Guardian of the Vault, this is the very first time I've seen one of the 'Twenty', not just by their mana signature but their actual appearance." Observing the item in my right hand, Pandora's Actor couldn't contain his excitement.

It's understandable since only the guild members have access to the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown before, so he can't even enter the deeper region of the treasury prior to giving him the ring earlier. He also doesn't know the passwords to the items which is why he won't be able to do what he loves to do, to clean them.

"Argh, if not for the sensory inhibition, I could have heard the password earlier and be able to tend such items in the future," he grumbled, clutching his head in.

Surveying the item in my grasp, its essence left me underwhelmed. It exuded an air of ordinariness, resembling a mere decoration rather than the formidable, balance-braking magical artifact as it should.

...

This World Item is called Aves Petrificus. It is in the form of a macabre bird-shaped artifact, the size of a newborn baby. Its feathers shimmer with an array of ominous, dark hues, evoking a sense of impending doom.

According to its lore and functionality, once this item is activated, a chilling aura will envelop the vicinity, and those within its range will be subjected to an irreversible transformation into stone, halted at the molecular level.

The activation of this particular item demanded the hand of a level 100 'PLAYER,' creating a link that offered omniscience within its range, transcending distances to observe events even from the farthest corners of the world. Its user possessed absolute control over selective targeting, capable of sparing or petrifying individuals at their discretion.

The reach of Aves Petrificus entwined enemies within its domain, freezing them in an unyielding stony grip. Time seemed to halt for those ensnared, their defenses reducing to 0 and their HP cut in half, making them vulnerable to attack. This formidable effect held such potency that only wielders of the remaining 'Twenty' were immune to its power, rendering the other 180 World Items powerless against its overwhelming might.

However, its utilization is bound by an intriguing limitation: Aves Petrificus can only be deployed in a stationary position and cannot be carried by any mobile entity once activated. Moreover, in its dormant state, it holds no more power than an ornate decoration.

These unique characteristics render it incapable of being wielded as a protective shield during travels or as an immediate defense against other World Items. The user must strategically position and activate Aves Petrificus in a specific place, a one-time opportunity never to be replicated. After use, it will remain fixed in place with a durability equivalent to the user's HP.

The biggest drawback of such powerful item also comes from its inherent link to the user -- should the item ever be destroyed, it will result in the immediate erasure of the user's character from the game, and conversely, the demise of the user will lead to the item's obliteration, forging an inextricable link between their lives.

This particular aspect sets it apart from the other 'Twenty.' Despite its potentially everlasting effect, it lacks the indestructibility inherent in the others, a prominent vulnerability within its overwhelming power.

....

"Pandora's Actor, I want you to activate this World Item. As the heart of Nazarick, the entrance of the treasury is the ideal location."

The frustrated NPC pointed to himself, seemingly not sure at what I just said. "U-uh, m-me?"

Right now, he still has no idea what this item actually does to the enemies and the user. I also want to check if the NPC in front of me is now registered as a PLAYER. If he is, then he should be able to activate the item.

I nodded my head in affirmation and the egg headed figure in front of me gleamed with even more excitement than earlier. "Yossshhh! Leave it to me, Momonga-sama! As an expert and as knowledgeable as I am, I am more than worthy of using such a precious item!"

Pandora's Actor stretched out his hands shakingly and took the item. After a few minutes, a realization seemed to dawn upon him as he held the item.

"Momonga-sama, t-this World Item is really peculiar. Although it has mana signature, I don't feel any power flowing within it. I also couldn't access its mechanisms or effects. It feels like an ordinary statue, weird. Hahaha." He scratched the back of his head, hesitating to doubt my judgment that the object he's holding is indeed a powerful one.

"I see."

This confirmed that despite becoming sentient, he was still an NPC, below that of a PLAYER when it comes to authority. "Then, I will do it myself." I continued.

Upon holding the item, I could feel the connection once again which Pandora's Actor didn't. Magically, I found myself effortlessly attuned to its workings, similar to the sensation I experienced with the staff held in my left hand. Completely understanding its activation and effects.

Reciting another password mentally, I invoked the incantation, 'Feathers of stone, wings of fate, heed my call, Aves Petrificus, awaken.'

The red eyes of the bird-shaped artifact glowed in response, the magic of the item stirring to life.

Suddenly, contrary to what I anticipated, the item released a mysterious and chilling voice. It echoed through the air, shrouding the room in an eerie atmosphere. "YOU. WRETCHED. ABOMINATION.!!! RETREAT. FROM MY PRESENCE.!!!"

Its voice reverberated with such intensity that the entire room shook, triggering avalanches of glittering gold. The voice persisted, dripping with hatred and a haunting undertone, "YOU. WHO. DEVOURED. THE TREE. HAVE. NO. RIGHTS. TO EVEN GRAZE. ITS. LEAVES. SHALL. YOUR. TAINTED. TOUCH. POLLUTE. THEM.!!!"

"Kekeke, now this is interesting."

It amused me to witness such consciousness within an inanimate object. However, it appeared I was forbidden from using this specific World Item.

On the contrary, the Red Orb nestled in my non-existent abdomen remained fully operational. I could feel it gradually growing as time passed which signaled an acceptance of me, a stark contrast to the rejection experienced with the one in my right hand.

Two possibilities emerged from this: either

(1) the other World Items remained accessible, barring this exceptional one;

(2) or the 'Twenty' held unique capabilities, recognizing my true nature and therefore repelling me, while the other 180 World Items lacked such discernment and remained available due to their lesser power.

One thing's for sure though -- Pandora's Actor's flavor-text had taken effect, causing this unexpected turn of events. With the situation in disarray, it became imperative to devise new strategies for the future.

This occurrence is really a curse and a blessing at the same time.

...