The Calm

Thoth sat upon Pandemonium, his resplendent diamond throne, the faint light from the moon above casting a pale glow over the vast Alexandrian Codex. The library's endless shelves loomed in shadow, their presence both daunting and awe-inspiring, illuminated by hanging lanterns.

His glowing red eyes burned ominously, twin beacons of light against the dimness as he flipped through a thick, timeworn book. Its black leather cover was cracked with age, and its pages, though bent and worn, remained sturdy and readable.

'Alright... here goes nothing,' Thoth thought, steeling himself as he extended his right hand, a single slender finger pointing upward.

"[Light]!"

The incantation stirred something within him. A rush of energy surged through his veins, electric and thrilling, only to fade into a strange emptiness in his chest. It was an odd sensation—cold and uncomfortable, like plunging into icy water and resurfacing with a gasp.

Suddenly, above him, a small sphere of light materialized. It flickered briefly before stabilizing, its glow a peculiar mix of golden yellow and crimson red. Though it barely illuminated the Codex's towering shelves, it was undeniably a spell.

"YES!" Thoth leaped from his throne, his wings flaring out as he shouted in triumph. Joy burst forth from his small frame, childlike in its purity and intensity.

'It worked! Finally!'

For a fleeting moment, all the frustrations and doubts melted away. After hours of trial and error, after painstaking study and experimentation, he had cast his first spell.

But the elation was short-lived.

"Haha..." A hollow chuckle escaped his lips as the reality of his situation came crashing down. The complexity of magic loomed large in his mind. If mastering a first-tier utility spell like [Light] had taken so long, how many weeks—or months—would it take to comprehend something as advanced as ninth-tier magic?

'I don't even know how my body works, let alone my abilities...' he lamented his mood souring. 'Hell, I don't even have a stomach or a heart.'

It was true—his body, a construct imbued with angelic power, operated on principles far removed from his understanding. He had spent countless hours trying to make sense of it, but the results were sparse.

He didn't recognize his reflection in the mirror, and even hearing his name required an active effort to respond. It was as if every aspect of himself was foreign, detached from the identity he thought he had.

The only solace was the surprising stability of his mind. No hallucinations, no disembodied voices, no errant illusions haunted him—not yet, anyway.

Well, aside from the occasional, crushing migraines.

'I truly got reset I guess...' Thoth mused as he flew toward one of the countless bookshelves, the soft sound of his wings flapping echoed faintly in the cavernous space.

He carefully slid the book back into its place, the leather binding blending seamlessly into the endless rows of knowledge.

With the immediate thrill of his success fading, an insidious anxiety crept in.

Here he was, a stranger in a body that wasn't his, trapped in a world he couldn't comprehend, surrounded by monsters who would rip him apart if he faltered for even a second.

And all of this was in service to some random guy who was acting as much as he was.

"...Man~ I'm so screwed~" he muttered to himself, the singsong tone barely masking the despair that gnawed at his thoughts.

The doors to the Codex groaned open without warning, the sound reverberating through the library like a bell. Thoth snapped his head toward the entrance, his wings tensing instinctively.

Cocytus entered, his imposing frame silhouetted against the faint light beyond. Frost billowed from his jagged jaws, curling into the air like ghostly tendrils.

Thoth raised an eyebrow, confusion flickering across his features. 'Cocytus? What's he doing here?'

He descended gracefully, his wings flaring briefly before folding behind him as he landed. His crimson eyes locked onto the insectoid warrior.

"Thoth," Cocytus acknowledged, his deep, rumbling voice steady. "Lord Momonga has summoned us to his office."

Suppressing his confusion, Thoth gave a curt nod, keeping his expression imperious. "Sure, I'll follow your lead," he hurriedly added, "For now." In a haughty tone.

Cocytus nodded without question, and the two began their journey through the ornate halls of the ninth floor, their footsteps echoing against the opulent marble.

As they walked, Cocytus's mind wandered, his thoughts heavy with contemplation.

'Demiurge stated his former master was cruel… How wretched, especially for one so young.'

Cocytus saw himself as a loyal weapon, a blade forged for his master's will. To imagine serving under someone undeserving of such loyalty stirred a sense of pity within him.

He glanced at Thoth from the corner of his vision, his warrior's eye keenly observing the young Guardian's subtle behaviors.

The wings, ever-present and slightly curled forward, seemed like a shield—a barrier against the world. Thoth's gaze, which tilted upward in an ostensibly prideful glare, betrayed a constant wariness. As if he was afraid that something would go wrong.

Even the eyes on his wings mirrored this vigilance. They scanned their surroundings with meticulous care, their movements protective, like a mother protecting her cub.

When Cocytus rested his halberd against the ground slightly differently as they walked, the eyes shifted toward him immediately, scrutinizing the motion with disquieting precision.

'What a terrible existence it must have been,' Cocytus thought solemnly as Thoth glanced at him.

'Fuck, I hope he didn't notice my slip-up earlier!' Thoth mentally cursed, his nerves on edge as he walked beside Cocytus.

He replayed the earlier exchange in his mind, where he'd spoken far too casually for a brief moment before hurriedly correcting himself, injecting a veneer of arrogance into his tone.

'I can feel him glancing at me. And why is he shifting that damn halberd around so much?' Thoth's mind raced with paranoia. Every faint click of the halberd's movements grated on his nerves.

'I just want to run away and eat a hamburger...' He lamented. Eating had become a habit of his, it helped to make him feel full and more human.

To Thoth's immense relief, their destination soon came into view. Momonga's office. The grand wooden doors before them were as intricate and opulent as the hallway they'd been walking through, carved with gilded patterns and the crest of Ainz Ooal Gown prominently displayed at the center.

Cocytus stepped forward and knocked sharply, his imposing presence unwavering.

A young maid answered, her beauty remarkable.

Her long, blonde hair framed delicate features and her blue eyes scanned them before she turned to someone inside the room. After a moment, she opened the door wide and bowed gracefully as the two entered.

Thoth and Cocytus stepped inside, immediately kneeling before Momonga, who sat comfortably behind an ornate oak desk.

The room itself was not particularly large, but its lavish decor more than compensated. A red carpet adorned with the sigil of Ainz Ooal Gown stretched across the floor, while a sparkling chandelier hung overhead, casting a warm light over the space. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books that Momonga had presumably collected for their sentimental or aesthetic value rather than their content.

"Glory to Ainz Ooal Gown!" Cocytus declared, his deep voice reverberating through the room. Thoth followed his lead without issue.

"Rise, both of you," Momonga commanded, his tone smooth and steady, carrying an air of authority that felt more natural now than before.

'He's getting more accustomed to things,' Thoth noted, rising to his feet. 'He didn't flinch when we knelt this time.'

As he stood, Thoth's gaze briefly flicked to Albedo, who stood nearby, her piercing golden eyes observing him with unnerving intensity. He quickly averted his gaze, focusing on Momonga instead.

'Fuck, she's staring at me!' Thoth adjusted his bowtie, 'You're fine. Ignore her.' He reminded himself, swallowing the instinctive discomfort her presence stirred within him.

"I apologize for the sudden summons—" Momonga began, but Cocytus spoke up before Momonga could continue.

"We are honored you called for us, Lord Momonga."

"U-Umu…" Momonga replied, his tone faltering slightly. Thoth's lips twitched into a faint smirk at the display, but the moment was short-lived as Albedo's sharp gaze flicked to him.

"Ahem," Momonga cleared his nonexistent throat, regaining his composure. "Back on topic. I requested your presence here for a specific reason." His crimson orbs turned toward Thoth, causing the smaller Guardian to stiffen slightly.

"Thoth," Momonga began, his tone measured. "You proposed creating a training program for the Guardians, did you not?"

Thoth nodded, keeping his expression neutral.

"I see…" Momonga leaned back slightly, fingers tapping lightly on the desk as he pondered the idea.

'I need to determine if NPCs can improve their stats through rigorous training, this program would be a good way to test that. But will Thoth, Cocytus, and Shalltear alone be enough to handle it?'

Momonga's gaze lingered on Thoth for a moment before he quickly averted it, unsettled by the Guardian's ominously glowing eyes.

'Yes, Thoth suggested it, so he'll take the lead. Cocytus will assist… and I'll add Sebas for balance.'

At last, Momonga spoke. "I've decided. Thoth, you and Cocytus will lead this program, with Sebas assisting. As some of the Nazarick's strongest melee combatants, you are best suited for this task."

Momonga paused briefly, then added, "Shalltear will also participate, but…" He hesitated, searching for a diplomatic way to phrase his concerns.

Albedo, ever eager to belittle her rival, stepped in without hesitation. "Shalltear cannot be trusted due to her rampant idiocy," she stated bluntly, her golden eyes narrowing with disdain.

"Well…" Momonga faltered, struggling to counter her harsh words before sighing in defeat. "…Yes."

'I have to babysit the sadistic vampire.' Thoth resisted the urge to roll his eyes, 'Great.'

Thoth's impression of Shalltear, as one might easily guess, was less than stellar. The first and only time he had been near her, she and Albedo had unleashed such a cacophony that it gave him a mind-shattering headache. He had barely managed to stay in character then, and just thinking about it now made his head throb faintly.

'Ugh, my head feels stuffy just remembering that,' he grumbled internally, though outwardly, he maintained a composed nod.

"Is the scheduling of training up to us?" Thoth asked, his tone carefully measured.

Momonga nodded in response. "Yes, do as you see fit. However, keep in mind that training is secondary to the Guardians' other duties. It must not interfere with Nazarick's priorities."

"Understood," Thoth replied, nodding his head respectfully before continuing. "If I may ask one more thing," he added without hesitation, "as a personal request—may I be directly subordinated to you rather than Miss Albedo?"

The room fell silent, tension thick in the air.

Albedo's golden eyes narrowed, and though her serene smile remained, the murderous intent radiating from her was impossible to miss.

To her, this was an unambiguous power play. By directly subordinating himself to Momonga, Thoth was effectively sidestepping her authority. It was nothing short of blatant insubordination, and Albedo could not let it stand.

"Lord Momonga," Albedo interjected, her tone as smooth as silk but edged with steel. "I believe this request is unnecessary. There is no reason to grant Thoth such an exception."

Momonga turned toward her, "I see. Elaborate, Albedo."

She nodded. "If Thoth is removed from my chain of command, it will hinder my ability to issue orders in an emergency. His pride may prevent him from following my instructions unless compelled by your direct authority. Such a change could compromise Nazarick's efficiency in a critical moment."

Thoth resisted the urge to click his tongue.

'Oh, come on!' he fumed internally. 'I'm not going to work myself to death under her oppressive gaze. No way!'

Thoth quickly composed himself and spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Miss Albedo, I would never compromise Nazarick's safety. If you required my aid, I would provide it without hesitation." His glowing red eyes brightened subtly as he turned back to Momonga. The eyes on his wings all followed his gaze, staring down Momonga with him.

'Come on, Momonga! Don't leave a fellow human hanging!'

Momonga felt his nonexistent stomach churn as Thoth's piercing gaze bore into him.

'Why is he staring at me like that?! He looks like he's about to attack me!' Momonga thought, panic gripping his undead soul.

Before the debate could escalate further, Momonga raised a hand, silencing both Guardians.

"I'll allow it," he said with a finality that brooked no argument. "From now on, Thoth is directly subordinate to me alone. This is my decision, and it is final."

Thoth visibly relaxed, a small, triumphant smile gracing his lips. "Thank you, Lord Momonga. I assure you, you won't regret placing your trust in me."

Albedo's expression remained neutral, a perfect poker face covering her wrath. She nodded stiffly, biting back her fury.

She would accept Momonga's decree, but she would not forget this slight. That Thoth knew.

"You are both dismissed," Momonga said, waving a skeletal hand. Thoth and Cocytus bowed once more before exiting the office.

As the door closed behind them, Momonga let out a heavy internal sigh.

'Haah~ That was so stressful! Thoth was looking at me like I was a criminal on trial!'

Had someone told Suzuki Satoru that Thoth was just as tired and overwhelmed as he was, he wouldn't have believed them. And why would he?

After all, Thoth wasn't just any child. He was a fallen angel, a being who had once rebelled against his master due to his incompetence and corruption. A creature described in his lore as the very embodiment of virtue and sin, coexisting within a single construct.

'Touch Me, Ulbert, why did you leave this bomb on my doorstep?!' Momonga wailed internally, his undead nature suppressing the urge to groan out loud.

As Momonga continued to stew in silent frustration, Albedo stepped forward, her voice soft yet eager. "Lord Momonga, if I may—"

"Haah~" Momonga accidentally sighed aloud this time, cutting her off.

The effect was immediate. Albedo froze in place, her head snapping downward into a perfect ninety-degree bow. The maid in the room similarly halted, her face pale with alarm.

Momonga blinked in confusion. 'Huh? Was Albedo saying something?' He looked toward her, only to find her trembling slightly, her voice wavering.

"I-I'm so sorry, Lord Momonga! Please forgive my impudence!"

'...What?!' Momonga's mind reeled as confusion gripped him. Fortunately, his undead passive abilities kicked in, restoring his calm. 'Ah… she must be apologizing for challenging my decision earlier. Yes, that makes sense.'

"Umu," Momonga began, feigning wisdom. "You need not worry, Albedo. I fully understand your apology and actions, but there is no need to trouble yourself over such trivial matters."

He reached out and gently brushed her cheek, lifting her head to meet his gaze. "You need not worry about such small things."

Albedo's eyes widened in sudden realization.

'I'm such a fool!' she berated herself internally. 'Lord Momonga is clearly taking personal command of Thoth to humble him for his arrogance! To think my beloved would act so swiftly on my behalf!'

The idea sent a jolt of exhilaration through her. Her breathing quickened, and her body flushed with warmth as the cool touch of Momonga's hand lingered on her skin.

"Er… A-Albedo?" Momonga stammered, alarmed by her increasingly heated expression.

"MY BELOVED!" she cried out, suddenly throwing herself at him and pinning him to the floor. Her wings fluttered wildly as she pressed herself against him with fervent desperation.

"W-Wha—?!" Momonga's panicked shout echoed through the room. "A-Aid me!"

Immediately, the ceiling shimmered, revealing several metallic, ant-like constructs that had been camouflaged.

"Protect Lord Momonga!" they shouted in unison, descending upon Albedo.

It was futile. Against the sheer might of the level 100 tank, their efforts were akin to gnats attacking a mountain.

"Oh, please, my beloved!" Albedo pleaded, grinding against him shamelessly. "Let me have you just this once!"

"I—Er—" Momonga stuttered, completely overwhelmed. Desperately, he activated one of the rings on his bony hand.

In an instant, a glow enveloped him, and he teleported away, leaving Albedo sprawled on the floor, panting with unrestrained longing.

Momonga appeared within one of the many marble-lined hallways of the ninth floor, the familiar red carpet stretching out before him. The polished stone walls reflected the soft glow of enchanted lights, their steady radiance contrasting with the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind.

Immediately, the same cool, external force of his undead nature washed over him, dulling his lingering panic and steadying his nerves.

'Wha was that?' he thought, shaking his head as he began to walk aimlessly down the corridor.

Regardless of the madness he had just escaped, Suzuki Satoru—Momonga—knew he needed to bide his time before encountering Albedo again.

'Giving her time to cool off is the safest choice,' he reasoned. 'She's too… unpredictable right now.'

It was a sound plan, but that left him pondering his next course of action.

'I need to make myself busy for a while. Hm… I haven't yet experimented with magical items, especially the more interactive ones. Yes—let's do that.'

With a brisk gait, Momonga marched forward and entered one of the many unused rooms on the ninth floor. The space was as opulent as the rest of Nazarick, with marble walls, dark wooden doors, and a plush red carpet, but unlike the others, it had remained largely empty—unused by the Forty-One Supreme Beings who once called Nazarick home.

Closing the door behind him, Momonga cast "[Create Greater Item]," summoning a simple chair. He sat down, the faint creak of the conjured wood echoing faintly in the silent room. Reaching into his inventory, he withdrew a large mirror with an empty, reflective surface.

'Alright, Suzuki, let's see how this thing works.'

Momonga released the mirror, allowing it to float in midair before him. Its surface shimmered, and in an instant, a reflection appeared—not of the room he sat in, but of a dense forest, its lush greenery bathed in soft sunlight.

'Step one complete,' he noted, nodding to himself. 'Now to figure out how to change the scenery.'

With a flourish, he raised his arm and made a dramatic swish toward the mirror, imagining the reflection shifting to something new.

...Nothing happened.

Only his skeletal arm moved, now hanging awkwardly in the still air.

Momonga froze, embarrassment flooding through him.

He hastily lowered his arm and tried again, this time making a smaller, more precise gesture.

The mirror twitched, its image shifting slightly to the left.

'Ah, progress!' Momonga thought, encouraged. 'So it responds to slower, more deliberate movements. Let's continue.'

For the next few minutes, Momonga experimented with the mirror's controls, carefully adjusting his gestures until the images shifted seamlessly. He began cycling through scenes with increasing confidence, the motions becoming almost second nature.

He was manipulating the mirror when the door opened, and Sebas Tian entered.

The butler knelt immediately. "Greetings, Lord Momonga."

Momonga, caught mid-swing with his arm stretched out in an exaggerated motion, froze. Slowly, he straightened, lowering his hand.

"U-Umu, you may rise, Sebas," he said, his tone attempting to convey calm authority.

Sebas stood gracefully, stepping to Momonga's right. "I heard of Miss Albedo's actions and have placed her under house arrest as punishment. Until her restriction is lifted, I will remain by your side to assist you. Please forgive me for taking action without your prior approval."

Momonga nodded his head slightly, surprised by the initiative but inwardly grateful. "It's fine," he said, nodding. "You did admirably, Sebas."

Sebas bowed slightly in acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Momonga scrambled to find an explanation for his earlier flailing.

'I must have looked so ridiculous!'

Clearing his nonexistent throat, Momonga gestured to the mirror. "I am currently testing this divination mirror to scout our surroundings. Its controls are… somewhat unintuitive, so please excuse the unsightly display."

Sebas nodded, his expression unwavering. "Do not worry, my Lord. If I may, I will aid you in mastering its functions."

Relieved by the offer, Momonga accepted, and the two began working together, exploring the mirror's various features. It took some time, but with Sebas by his side, Momonga soon managed to maneuver the mirror out of the forest.

Then, the mirror revealed something unexpected.

The reflection now displayed a small village nestled amidst the vast grasslands next to a large forest. Some large mountains could be seen in the distance, and its stone-brick houses with wooden rooftops were simple but sturdy. The streets were filled with people, some clad in armor, others wearing practical tunics or dresses. Many moved about hurriedly, their faces strained with urgency.

"Some kind of festival?" Momonga mused aloud, observing the bustling activity.

Sebas, however, frowned, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Anything but, my Lord."

Momonga turned to him, puzzled, before focusing back on the mirror. And as he zoomed in, confusion gave way to grim realization.

A knight in full plate armor brought his sword down on a fleeing villager, blood splattering across the dirt road. The man crumpled to the ground, lifeless. Around him, other villagers screamed and ran in terror as more armored figures descended upon the town.

Momonga felt nothing. No horror, no revulsion, no pity—only a hollow recognition of the man's death.

'I suppose I'm no longer human in that way either…' he thought, a faint pang of regret surfacing.

But then, something strange happened.

The dying man, blood pooling beneath him, turned his head ever so slightly. His eyes, wide and glassy with the onset of death, seemed to lock directly onto the mirror. He mumbled something inaudible, his lips moving weakly before falling still.

Momonga stiffened.

'Did he see the mirror? But if he could, why didn't the knights notice it as well? Was it a coincidence?'

His thoughts were interrupted by Sebas, whose stoic gaze remained fixed on the unfolding carnage. "My Lord," the butler said, his tone calm but firm, "will we intervene?"

Momonga paused, considering the question carefully.

'They have no value to Nazarick,' he thought. 'This village holds no strategic advantage, no valuable resources, and no useful information that can't be gathered elsewhere. Any engagement with these knights poses an unnecessary risk.'

Finally, he shook his head. "No. There is no reason to save them."

The room fell silent. Sebas stood unflinching, yet his demeanor carried a subtle weight—a silent judgment that reminded Momonga of someone else.

'Touch Me,' he realized. 'Sebas has that same gaze… and so does Thoth.'

Momonga clenched his skeletal fists, a spark of determination igniting within him. Rising from his chair, he spoke with newfound resolve.

"Sebas," he commanded, "inform Demiurge to raise Nazarick's security to the maximum. Then, tell Thoth to join me within five minutes. I am heading out."

Sebas bowed deeply. "Understood, Lord Momonga."

Without another word, Momonga activated a teleportation ring, vanishing from the room in a flash of light.

-x-x-x-

Took me a while to make huh? Well, I have been reborn! Or something like that.

Rough week, but I did my best. Hope you liked the chapter and it was to your liking! (Even if it is shorter compared to the previous two.)

Don't forget to leave a comment, review, and give me your power stones to boost the ranking of this fanfiction!

Have a good one everyone!