All Knowing

The faces of the Floor Guardians turned ashen with disbelief and fear. How could their leader, Ainz Ooal Gown, the Supreme Being, die? This was inconceivable! Everyone could die, but not the Supreme One. Without him, what would they be? Mere purposeless servants.

Upon their arrival in Ainzland, they had been cautious and protective of Lord Ainz. However, after many years, their strength became unnecessary.

Lord Ainz, whom they once worried about falling, had surpassed his original strength and reached a level that rivaled the strongest of the NPCs, Rubedo.

Time and time again, Lord Ainz had proven why he was chosen to lead the Supreme Beings. Even those thought to be perfect counters to him still dropped to their knees in defeat before the one they called Master!

To think that Lord Ainz had fallen despite his vast strength and wisdom. However, staying true to his character as a benevolent and wise ruler, before his fall, he found a successor to lead Nazarick and its denizens.

Many yearn for a master like Lord Ainz but may not have the fortune to find one in their lifetime.

While they trusted Demiurge, none of them were willing to accept a story that contradicted their master's greatness.

Nevertheless, based on everything they had seen and experienced so far, they knew that the news was highly likely to be true.

They all knew that in order for someone to become a Supreme Being, they must be approved by the 41 Supreme Beings. However, since the Supreme Beings were nowhere to be seen, their greatest master, Ainz Ooal Gown, was the only one capable of granting such approval.

Coming to this conclusion, Albedo, whose head was dropping lower and lower as the news sunk in, spoke to the rest of the Floor Guardians, "Based on what Demiurge just said, what is everyone's plan? Though we may want to deceive ourselves, Ainz-sama is dead. We all know he is dead; for Demiurge, the smartest among us, to be so certain, he must have confirmed this with Pandora's Actor, Ainz-sama's creation. So, tell me now, what is everyone's plan from here on?"

Albedo's eyes were hidden by her hair, making her expression unreadable, but the Floor Guardians could sense the wrath building up within her.

She was furious, a rage they had never witnessed from her before.

However, none paid attention to her, as they too were consumed by their own rage, a silent fury so intense it felt deafening!

Demiurge looked at Albedo, his eyes glowing ever so slightly, and spoke, "I am loyal to Nazarick, but above all, I am loyal to the Supreme Beings. They created me to obey them, and without them, I am incomplete. From the new flag that has taken Ainz-sama's place, it appears that the new Supreme Being was chosen by Ainz-sama himself. This suggests that Ainz-sama knew his end was near and selected a successor from an unknown location. However, this raises the question of where our new master could be found, as no one in this world can become a Supreme Being. Perhaps Ainz-sama returned to his home and sent his heir in his place, possibly a direct descendant. That is my stance. What are the stances of the rest of you?" Demiurge's eyes flickered with an unknown emotion as he looked at the other Floor Guardians, particularly Albedo.

It was clear where Demiurge stood, even without explicitly stating anything.

Demiurge's loyalty to his Creator and his commitment to serving the purpose of Nazarick are unparalleled among the Floor Guardians. As the direct line of rulership of Nazarick remains unbroken, he will continue to be fiercely loyal to the new Supreme Being.

The Floor Guardians contemplated individually, and then Cocytus took a step forward. "I agree with Demiurge. No one can become the successor of Nazarick without Ainz-sama's blessing. As his sword, I will follow his will." Cocytus brought out his God-Slaying Emperor Blade from his inventory and stood silently by Demiurge's side, prepared to defend against any potential attacks.

While they were loyal to the same master previously, Cocytus understands that it might not be the same towards the new one.

There was no guarantee what could happen or what they are thinking. Take him for example, he was furious that Ainz - sama died, he was furious he could not play his role as a weapon in his Lord's hands but he will protect who Ainz - sama entrusted Nazarick with.

The air grew tense as two opposing auras confronted each other, causing a clear division within the temple, separating it into two factions.

Confusion appeared on the faces of Shalltear Bloodfallen, Mare Bello Fiore, and Aura Bella Fiora as they looked between Albedo and Demiurge. They sensed a faint rift forming but were unable to discern the cause behind it.

Demiurge, seeing the confusion and sensing the need for clarity, began to explain, "You three appear to be confused, so allow me to clarify. Albedo, our Guardian Overseer, has been harboring rebellious thoughts against the Supreme Beings, our Creators, ever since we arrived in Ainzland. She has abused her authority and secretly formed an Assassination Force, intending to eliminate any Supreme Beings we encounter. Fortunately or unfortunately, we have not come across any. Ainz-sama was aware of this all along but chose to remain silent, hoping that Albedo would uncover clues that even he had missed. I only recently became aware of this, as our Lord deemed me trustworthy enough to be privy to this information. However, I never expected Albedo to possess such a sinister heart, and even now, she is plotting harm against our new master." Demiurge's eyes turned sharp like diamonds as he glared at Albedo. Not only was her heart cold, but she also schemed to kill the companions of Ainz-sama, their Creators. Such an act alone should warrant her death.

Demiurge was aware of Ainz-sama's deep love for them, treating them like his own children. While he also regarded Ainz-sama as a father figure, his true father remains to be Ulbert Olde Alain, the Supreme Being of Fire and Destruction, that's why the thought of someone plotting against his Creator, his father, filled him with anger and fury. However, he couldn't confront the source of his fury directly, as he was tasked with monitoring her actions and reporting everything she did.

The shock and disbelief on the faces of all the Floor Guardians were evident, mixed with a deep sense of anger as they looked at Albedo.

Demiurge was certain that if given the order, they would not hesitate to unleash their fury upon her, ready to bring about her demise.

The notion of one of the Supreme Beings' creations contemplating the murder of the rest seemed unfathomable. Could it truly be possible? Did the Supreme Being of Knowledge and Wisdom, Tabula Smaragdina, somehow instill such thoughts into Albedo's very being?

Thoughts of vengeance and the necessity to eliminate Albedo flashed through the minds of the Floor Guardians.

"When did Ainz-sama find out? I thought I was hidden from his gaze, but it seems that Ainz-sama is all-knowing, even knowing this. However, you might have been a little too late, I have my sisters on my side, and the Battle Maids." Albedo was secretly shocked at how far-reaching the vision of Lord Ainz was. However, she became happy remembering that he was the man she was willing to submit herself to.

Demiurge gazed at Albedo, silently shaking his head. "Do you truly believe that your sisters would betray Ainz-sama for your sake? Do you think Ainz-sama had not anticipated this? Do you understand why you are still alive? It is not because your plan was clever or because of your sisters' support. It is because the plan was never truly yours. Ainz-sama had already devised countermeasures, and I must inform you, Albedo, that you have already lost."

Finishing his words, Demiurge's gaze shifted towards a distant corner of the Temple. "Pandora's Actor!" He called out.

As everyone turned their attention towards the temple, they witnessed a figure resembling a German general making exaggerated movements as they walked towards them. However, in the midst of the intense situation, nobody was in the mindset to pay much attention to the peculiar sight.

As the person approached closer, it became apparent that their face consisted of only three holes and lacked any other features.

Pandora's Actor appeared before the Floor Guardians, spinning around and bowing in greeting. "Hello, beautiful ladies and handsome gentlemen. How may I be of service?" He asked with a cheerful tone.

The female Floor Guardians face change to a look of distaste but hold their tongues.

Demiurge frowned and scolded, "That's enough, Pandora's Actor. We are in a serious situation right now, explain what is happening."

"You're no fun. Anyway, here it is: Ainz-sama, my Creator, devised an intricate scheme to assess Albedo's state of mind. If she was beyond redemption, she would be killed and not resurrected. To clarify, Ainz-sama is not dead; being undead, it is impossible for him to die." Looking around for chuckles, Pandora's Actor sighed and continued, "Before his 'death,' Ainz-sama mentioned his intention to find an heir for the tomb while he takes a vacation, as he wants to confirm his plan after our rapid world conquest. He also advised not to inform the heir to avoid any complications. That's all." Pandora Actor concluded. "Is this sufficient, Demiurge?"

"Yes, Pandora's Actor, thank you. As you all heard, I lied earlier when I mentioned Ainz-sama's death. You may be wondering why a flag had taken Ainz - sama's old spot if he is not dead. The answer is simple: the flag that represents Ainz Ooal Gown, is the flag of the Guild. He is the embodiment of the Tomb!"

As Demiurge spoke, Albedo stood frozen, tears glistening in her eyes. She couldn't fathom that her beloved Ainz - sama was still alive.

The realization struck her hard, knowing that her misguided actions had nearly destroyed something her beloved cherished deeply.

With a relieved smile, Albedo spoke, "Indeed, he is the true essence of the Tomb. Without him, our purpose would be lost. I have failed him by plotting against the other Supreme Beings, hoping to make him the sole ruler. But he has always been the Supreme One, with or without them. He is Ainz Ooal Gown. I have had enough; I will accept my punishment, and I hope Ainz-sama can find it in his heart to forgive me." Albedo longed for a peaceful sleep, wishing to forget everything that had transpired. However, it seemed that fate had other plans in store for her.

"He has already forgiven you. Ainz-sama instructed me to inform you of your punishment if you showed remorse. You will be expelled from Nazarick and sent to experience the outside world. You can only return if the heir requests your presence. Additionally, you are prohibited from using any power above level 70. With what Fluder did back then, we cannot allow the residents of this world access to greater power. " Demiurge explained.

Demiurge turned around to face the other Floor Guardians and noticed their expressions of shock and disbelief. They were amazed by the incredible intelligence and capabilities of Ainz - sama, unaware that Demiurge possessed those very qualities as well.

Shalltear licked her lips and questioned, "I'm confused. Why did you inform us of Ainz-sama's death? Did he suspect that we would rebel too?" Her eyes took on a slightly reddish hue, leaving one to wonder whether she was angry or saddened by the revelation.

Aura, Mare, Cocytus, and Albedo listened in silence as Demiurge responded, "Indeed, Ainz-sama anticipated the possibility of rebellion from all of us. He had prepared countermeasures for each of us, including the regular maids. He does not want a repeat of what happened to Shalltear in the past, so these precautions are deemed necessary."

As Shalltear's name was mentioned, she felt the weight of numerous gazes upon her, causing her to fall silent and cast her eyes downward, seemingly overcome with embarrassment.

Demiurge turned to Pandora's Actor and asked, "Pandora's Actor, what should we do now? Ainz-sama has only revealed his plan up to this point."

Pandora's Actor explained, "Well, you see, Ainz-sama wants us to serve the heir with the same loyalty and dedication as we would serve him. The purpose of choosing an heir was not to actually rule Nazarick, but rather to locate the missing Supreme Beings and bring them back to the Tomb."

The Floor Guardians, particularly Albedo, were shocked and stood there in disbelief as this plan perfectly countered Albedo's own plan.

As Albedo stood there, she turned her gaze towards the mausoleum, sensing the faint presence of her Father watching over her. It felt as though she was a precious gem under a microscope, being meticulously examined for any imperfections in order to perfect His next creation.

Albedo was overwhelmed by a sense of terror she had never experienced before. It felt as though every action she took was not truly her own, but rather a part of a meticulously arranged plan.

In a chilling demonic whisper, the Tabula Smaragdina foretells to Albedo: "Listen closely, daughter of mine. A Demon shall be born in the world of Shinobi. Betray not Nazarick, for I may not save you next time. Though altered by a friend's hand, you shall forever return to my grand design."