Guardians

The bickering between Shalltear and Aura grew louder, their sharp voices echoing across the amphitheater, clashing like swords in a heated duel.

Shalltear's crimson eyes burned with haughty indignation as she jabbed her finger toward Aura, who simply blocked her ears and turned away, further enraging the vampire.

Momonga allowed himself a rare moment of relaxation as a wave of nostalgia washed over him.

'Ah, Bukubukuchagama and Peroroncino used to argue like this all the time back then, didn't they?'

A faint chuckle escaped his skeletal form, accompanied by a soft "Fufu." His grip on the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown loosened slightly as his mood lightened. It was a fleeting reprieve from his current predicament, a small connection to the fond memories of a past that now felt like another life.

However, the gentle tide of nostalgia was swept away as his undead nature reasserted itself, banishing such emotions with the cold efficiency of his new form.

He metaphorically clicked his tongue in mild annoyance. 'No matter,' he thought, shaking his head.

Raising one hand, Momonga cast the [Message] spell. Unsurprisingly, it failed to connect, despite his repeated attempts.

Momonga sighed inwardly as he looked over the Guardians assembled before him.

'The world has truly changed. The NPCs are acting like real people… and they all seem to be loyal for now.'

And then came the question that refused to leave him: 'Should I even look for a way back?'

Suzuki Satoru—Momonga's true self—had little reason to return to the world he'd left behind. He found himself recounting the bleak details of his old life: No friends, no meaning, just work, sleep, barely edible food...

The thought left him cold.

Here, at least, he had something to protect—something he and his friends had built together. Wasn't that worth staying for?

Before he could dwell further, he felt the spell unexpectedly connect.

"Yes, my Lord?" A professional, stoic voice echoed in his mind. Momonga immediately recognized it.

"Sebas Tian," Momonga greeted the Head Butler of Nazarick. "Do you have anything to report?"

In his initial flustered state upon awakening in this strange new world, Momonga had instructed Sebas to investigate the area around Nazarick. However, he hadn't intended to message him just now.

'Why did the spell target Sebas? Was it because it couldn't contact the GM? Or perhaps my subconscious selected him since he's furthest away?'

Momonga made a mental note to investigate the intricacies of his magic later.

"Yes, Lord. There is much to report," Sebas responded promptly.

"I see," Momonga replied, nodding even though Sebas couldn't see him. "Come to the amphitheater on the sixth floor and report to me in person."

"Understood," Sebas said before the connection ended.

The conversation was just wrapping up when Shalltear's exasperated voice dragged Momonga back to reality.

"Ugh! Mare?! How do you deal with this brat?!" Shalltear shouted, pointing accusingly at Aura.

"I-I… Um…" Mare stuttered, shrinking under her fiery gaze as he instinctively stepped backward, his soft voice barely audible.

Momonga let out a quiet chuckle at the scene, the sound escaping before he could stop himself. 'Peroroncino and his extroverted ways... They really imprinted onto Shalltear.'

Nearby, Thoth noticed the chuckle and allowed himself a faint smile. Even in the chaotic and suffocating environment of Nazarick, he couldn't deny the faint warmth spreading through his chest.

'Three years since I last spoke to someone... It's a miracle I didn't stutter or mess up completely when I introduced myself.'

Thoth's many-winged eyes flickered between his fellow Guardians as he took a deep breath. 'I suppose I should count myself lucky to even be here.'

And yet, luck was not what he felt.

Suddenly, the air shifted.

An abrupt chill swept through the amphitheater, slicing through the rising tension like a frost-coated blade. The atmosphere thickened and froze, heavy with the weight of something more primal.

Thoth's many red eyes narrowed, his wings twitching as he turned toward the source of the icy presence.

Cocytus approached.

The insectoid warrior's massive frame dominated the space as he loomed over the arena, towering at 2.5 meters. His very appearance was a weapon: a fusion of mantis-like limbs, ant-like jaws, and jagged, icicle-coated spikes. Every feature radiated the aura of an apex predator forged from ice and steel.

The halberd in his upper hands gleamed with a deadly edge, while the mace in his lower arms shimmered with an ominous black light. Frost mist billowed from his jagged jaws, curling and dissipating into the cold air.

The amphitheater's dirt-covered floor trembled under his weight as Cocytus came to a stop. With a sharp motion, he slammed the base of his halberd into the ground.

The resounding *Clang!* echoed through the amphitheater, accompanied by a sudden burst of frost that spread in jagged veins across the ground.

"Such disgraceful conduct. Is this the face you show before a Supreme Being?" Cocytus's voice boomed with glacial authority, each word as rigid and cold as the element he commanded.

Aura and Shalltear froze mid-argument. Their faces paled as the weight of Cocytus's reprimand settled over them.

Their prior expressions of anger and annoyance melted into fear and shame. Without hesitation, they bowed deeply before their master. Not just a simple incline of the head, but full ninety-degree bows, as if attempting to physically absolve themselves of their transgression.

"We sincerely apologize, Lord Momonga!" they said in perfect unison, their voices trembling with sincerity.

Momonga stood tall, gripping his staff tightly. With a skeletal wave of his hand, he dismissed their apology as though he'd seen far worse.

Internally, however, his thoughts were far less composed.

'Should I scold them more? Or was Cocytus too harsh? If I don't say anything, will they think I don't care? What kind of response do guild leaders even give in situations like this?'

Once again, he thanked the heavens—or whatever ruled this world—that his skeletal face betrayed none of the panic brewing within him.

"Cocytus, you arrived." He said, his hollow voice steady despite his inner turmoil.

Cocytus straightened, exhaling another plume of cold mist. "I will always answer when you call, Lord Momonga."

Thoth's gaze lingered on Cocytus, his expression neutral but his thoughts alive with curiosity. 'It's my first time seeing a non-humanoid... but he seems so strangely normal.'

Perhaps it was because his memories of the human world were blurred, or perhaps because his own form had become so alien, but the sight of an enormous, insect-like warrior didn't faze him in the slightest.

'Still, I suppose that's for the best,' Thoth mused. 'One less thing to be worried about and all.'

Soon, the measured sound of footsteps echoed through the amphitheater. The steps were quiet yet deliberate, each carrying a sense of precision and intellect that immediately drew attention.

"My apologies for the delay," said a smooth, cultured voice.

Demiurge walked forth.

His white and orange striped, tailored suit hugged his tall frame with perfection, radiating an air of sophistication. Behind him swayed a silver, segmented tail, its jagged spikes glinting under the amphitheater's dim light.

The jewels that served as his eyes sparkled with sharp intelligence behind his round glasses, his ever-present smile calm and refined.

Walking beside him was Albedo, her every step radiating grace and purpose. The same soft, gentle smile adorned her bewitching lips, though it carried an unspoken weight that could silence any who dared question her authority.

Together, they moved with the unhurried elegance of predators who knew their enemies had already lost.

Demiurge adjusted his glasses as he stopped before Momonga, bowing deeply. "I am at your service, my lord."

Albedo followed suit, her bow equally precise as she moved to her place at the head of the assembled Guardians. Her commanding voice rang out clearly, soft yet imbued with undeniable authority.

"Now then, let us pledge our allegiance to our master."

Momonga stiffened, the faint glow of his crimson eyes flickering in surprise.

'What? Pledge? Is this a thing?' he thought, his internal panic threatening to surface.

The Guardians wasted no time. Moving in perfect synchronization, they formed an orderly line before Momonga and knelt as though the act had been rehearsed for centuries.

Even Thoth, though somewhat uncertain in his movements, folded his wings against his back and lowered himself to one knee. His bow was delayed by a fraction of a second, but it was subtle enough to escape notice.

Their heads remained bowed low, and the atmosphere became heavy with the palpable weight of their loyalty. It pressed down like an invisible force, making even Momonga—Lord of Nazarick—feel slightly overwhelmed.

Each Guardian's voice rang out in solemn unity as they swore their fealty.

"I, Shalltear Bloodfallen, Guardian of the first, second, and third floors, present myself to the master." Shalltear's playful, teasing demeanor was nowhere to be found. In its place was a mere, subtle smile.

"I, Cocytus, Guardian of the fifth floor, present myself to the master," rumbled Cocytus, his voice as resolute as the steel he wielded.

"I, Aura Bella Fiora, Guardian of the sixth floor, present myself to the master," Aura declared with uncharacteristic seriousness.

Her brother, Mare, followed hesitantly. "A-Also Guardian of the sixth floor, Mare Bello Fiore, p-presents himself to the master," he stuttered, his small frame trembling slightly.

None of the other Guardians judged him; they too felt the suffocating weight of expectation pressing down on their shoulders.

Next came Demiurge, his tone smooth as velvet. "I, Demiurge, Guardian of the seventh floor, humbly present myself to the master." A sly smirk graced his lips, as though he were honored to kneel before Momonga.

A brief silence hung in the air, signaling that it was Thoth's turn. He straightened slightly before speaking, his voice calm and laced with a regal undertone.

"Thoth, Guardian of the Alexandrian Codex, presents himself to the Lord."

Finally, Albedo raised her head slightly, her golden eyes glowing with a fanatic devotion barely concealed beneath her composed exterior.

"Albedo, Guardian Overseer, presents herself to her master."

She continued, her voice unwavering. "With the exception of the fourth-floor Guardian Gargantua and the eighth-floor Guardian Victim, all Guardians have assembled before you. Thus, we offer our utmost loyalty for all epochs to come."

A suffocating silence fell over the amphitheater.

Momonga's glowing eyes darted between the kneeling Guardians, each one waiting for his response. The tension in the air was so thick it felt like even the slightest movement would shatter it.

Am I supposed to say something here? Momonga thought, the panic bubbling just beneath the surface. What if I say the wrong thing? What if they realize I'm not worthy? What if they figure out I'm just a fraud?!

Unbeknownst to him, his hesitation only fueled the Guardians' insecurities.

Save for Thoth, the others began to spiral, doubt gnawing at their minds like a relentless parasite.

Have we failed to impress him? Shalltear thought, her fingers twitching slightly. 'Does he think I'm not worthy?'

'Lord Momonga must be displeased with our show of dedication,' Cocytus concluded, his mandibles clicking faintly. What else could cause this silence?

Meanwhile, Shalltear remained locked in her crisis. 'I knew I should have stuffed my bra more! If only Aura hadn't interrupted me earlier, Lord Momonga might have noticed my devotion!'

Finally, Momonga spoke, his voice cutting through the oppressive quiet.

"…First of all," he began, doing his best to project an air of authority, "thank you for coming."

Albedo immediately lifted her head slightly, her expression earnest as she responded. "There is no need for thanks, my lord. We are but your humble servants. When you call, no matter the circumstance, we will answer."

"This we swear!" the Guardians echoed in unison, their voices ringing out with almost desperate fervor.

Thoth, once again, was a fraction of a second behind. Though subtle, he felt anxiety creeping up his spine. 'I hope they don't notice my delays. Not giving Albedo full respect might slide, but if I fail to show proper loyalty to Momonga…'

Thoth suppressed the thought, unwilling to imagine the consequences.

Momonga, meanwhile, felt his nerves begin to fray. 'Confidence, Momonga! Just sound confident, and it'll work out somehow!'

He raised his skeletal arms in a dramatic sweep, his robes billowing around him like a storm as he unwittingly activated [Aura of Despair VI].

The Aura crushed any thought for a second, their bodies lowering further.

It felt horrifying- his aura that is. Like an insect looking upon a human, they all felt insignificant and small. As if nothing mattered compared to their excellent master. A belief they all wholeheartedly embraced.

"Most excellent, my Guardians!" he proclaimed, his voice booming with a confidence he didn't quite feel as the Guardians absorbed the intense pressure of his aura. "I accept your pledge."

A slight pause. Then he added, "You may stand."

The Guardians froze for a moment, exchanging uneasy glances. Albedo, speaking for the group, said, "Lord Momonga, we are not worthy of standing before you."

The others nodded in agreement, their heads still bowed.

Momonga sighed inwardly. 'Why not?!' But another wave of calm washed over him, helping him keep his composure.

"I see," he said with a nod, as though he understood their reasoning perfectly. "Then, at the very least, you may raise your heads."

'Come on, do that at least! Please, guys!'

After a brief moment of hesitation, Albedo spoke again. "Of course," she said, and the Guardians lifted their heads in perfect unison.

Momonga felt their gazes burrow into him, each one brimming with devotion and expectation. He resisted the urge to flinch as his eyes briefly locked with Thoth's.

Thoth's gaze had changed. His ruby-red irises, previously smooth and unremarkable, now shimmered with a crystalline quality—like cracked diamonds.

'Why did he activate [Eyes of Pride]?' Momonga thought, recalling the skill's effects. It greatly strengthened the user's resistance to mind and morale-affecting spells, fortifying their pride as an unshakable shield.

Momonga tore his gaze away, glancing at Albedo, who looked at him with such seriousness that he couldn't help but feel guilty. Then he glanced back at Thoth, who now wore an expression of haughty expectation.

'Why are you looking at me like that? I just want to run away!'

Thankfully, before his internal panic could spiral further, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention.

Sebas Tian entered the amphitheater, his composed demeanor a welcome distraction.

The Head Butler of Nazarick had the appearance of an elderly gentleman, his traditional black uniform immaculate. His white hair and neatly trimmed beard added to his aura of wisdom, while his sharp, eagle-like eyes gave him an undeniable presence.

Sebas knelt gracefully before Momonga.

"Rise, Sebas," Momonga commanded, his voice calm and authoritative.

Sebas rose with precision, standing tall as he awaited his master's orders.

"Give me your report," Momonga said simply.

"Yes, my lord," Sebas replied with a small bow.

Thoth stared at Sebas as he spoke, completely stunned by the precision of each movement.

He only slightly flinched as he came into Momonga's aura, which was further strengthened by his staff, that act was impressive in and of itself- -However, on top of this, Sebas Tian was the perfect butler.

He walked with dignity and precision no other man could ever hope to match, and on top of that, he was one of the few NPCs with a positive alignment. This further increased his status in Thoth's mind.

'I should get to know him better later.' As a fairly normal person, Thoth was genuinely excited to meet Sebas.

Even if he couldn't remember exactly who he was, he felt a vague feeling of security from somewhere deep in his mind- Whether it was the remains of his memories, or perhaps a new-found sixth sense, he couldn't tell.

But even aside from that, the butler simply had the aura of someone whom he could trust.

A stern, steady, calm, and patient presence that was more than happy and willing to help.

"...So we are surrounded by grasslands?" Momonga spoke out loud after hearing everything Sebas had seen.

Thoth snapped out of his haze as Momonga spoke, 'I missed the report,' Thoth realized, 'Fuck.' He cursed, but luckily, Sebas answered Momonga and elaborated.

"Yes, the Great Tomb of Nazarick is in an entirely new location, surrounded by grasslands. I couldn't confirm a single animal, landmark, or settlement within three kilometers."

Momonga turned to the Guardians, now with a topic in hand.

"I trust you all know what this means." Momonga elaborated, just to be safe.

"Nazarick has been transported to a new, foreign land by a force entirely unknown to us."

Momonga then slammed the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown into the dirt beneath, his voice thundering across the Amphitheater without opposition, "This means we could be in imminent danger caused by a foe entirely unknown to us. Guardian Overseer Albedo and Defensive Comander Demiurge."

"Yes!" Both of them replied, eager to serve.

"Put the security of Nazarick on maximum and create a superior information sharing network. Additionally, I want you to send pop-up monsters to the tenth floor."

Pop-up monsters were not made by the Supreme Beings, instead, they naturally spawn inside Nazarick. Therefore, they are considered inferior in combat and utility, however, to Momonga, every pair of hands and eyes was useful at the moment.

"My lord, forgive me, but I must object!" Demiurge jumped in, his voice, while still smooth, had a current of shock running through it.

"Are such inferior creatures truly worthy of entering the Throne Room? I beg of you to reconsider my Lord!"

The Guardians all nodded, agreeing with the words spoken, yet they all lowered their heads slightly, as if afraid.

The tenth floor was the Throne Room, however, due to its direct connection to the ninth floor, also known as the "Royal Suite," they were often considered synonymous with one another.

However, in this case, they were certainly not.

The tenth floor had no pop-up monsters, simply because they would be useless if an invasion managed to reach so deep into Nazarick. However, now, they could prove to be useful.

But to the NPCs, the reason that no pop-up monsters were allowed to the Throne Room was because it was considered sacred first and foremost.

"Hmm..." Momonga held his chin in his hand as he pondered like a great monarch would.

Internally, he was acting in slightly a different way.

'Why the hell not?! Should I just assert my authority? But what if they rebel or something?!' Luckily, his undead nature stopped his fearmongering.

'...I'll reject him to test my authority.' Still, Momonga felt a bit of guilt at simply rejecting the proposal without giving any leeway, so he took a second to think.

That second felt like an eternity to Demiurge.

'You nincompoop! Why did you object to the will of a Supreme Being, no doubt Lord Momonga already had a plan in mind and you made a fool of yourself for no good reason!' Demiurge thought to himself.

Before Demiurge could spiral further, Momonga spoke, his voice soothing. To Demiurge, he even sounded subtly pleased.

"I see your point Demiurge. However, the presence of pop-up monsters would greatly enhance our security, so I will reject your objection."

Demiurge bowed his head so low, it nearly touched the floor. His shoulders shook slightly as he did so.

"Yes! I apologize for questioning your divine will Lord Momonga!"

The air filled with a tense fear as the Guardians all shook a bit, clearly terrified of angering the last Supreme Being.

Like children who were abandoned by their parents, they were now clinging to the last ray of hope they had left.

Thoth shook his head at that thought, 'I pity them, but there's nothing I can do for now. Maybe I'll help them out someday.'

Thoth couldn't say what that meant yet, but he didn't feel okay just leaving them to suffer in their insecurity forever.

"Er..." Momonga spoke out in shock at the demon prostrating himself before him, "T-There is no need for such an apology Demiurge. You voiced your opinion, there is nothing wrong with that." His tone took a gentle, almost fatherly tone, "Now, raise your head."

"Yes! Thank you Lord Momonga!" Demiurge raised his head, tears weren't forming quite yet, but Thoth guessed he didn't have far from it.

With that out of the way, Momonga mimicked the motion of clearing his throat and continued, "Mare."

The young boy seemed mortified at the mention of his name, however, a spark of excitement could be seen in his green and blue eyes.

"Y-Yes, Lord Momonga!" He managed to stutter out, his meek and shy voice opposite Momonga's imposing and confident one.

"Do you have any way of hiding Nazarick from prying eyes?"

The Guardians froze, and Mare took a second to think.

This was the first time Lord Momonga had asked something of them and expected an immediate answer. And as a result, Mare felt the pressure pilling up onto him.

"I-I," He stuttered and fell off, eyes shrinking.

Thoth, noticing the beginnings of a panic attack, intervened before things escalated.

"Breathe properly Mare, don't disgrace yourself."

Momonga nodded, "Indeed, take your time to think."

Mare took a deep breath and exhaled, a new sense of confidence filled his eyes as he spoke.

"I-I believe we could cover the walls with foliage and vegetation s-since using magic alone would be difficult..." His confidence waned as he spoke, but it lasted long enough for him to finish.

"You want to cover the walls of Nazarick with dirt?" Albedo asked, her voice brimming with spite and righteous rage as Mare trembled.

The Guardians understood her perspective perfectly well, however-

"Silence Albedo. Keep your needless remarks to yourself." Momonga silenced the Guardian Overseer with a subtle undercurrent of anger in his voice.

"I-I apologize Lord Momonga!" Shouted Albedo as she lowered her head, her shoulders quivered in fear.

Momonga turned back to Mare, "Excellent idea Mare. Do you think you can get started on that right away?"

"O-Of course! B-But..."

'Hmm? What is the concern?' Momonga considered as Mare tapered off, 'Ah!' Momonga felt a flash of realization.

"Of course, a single mound in a flat field wouldn't look unnatural." Momonga turned to Sebas, "Are there any other hills in the area?"

Sebas shook his head, "No. There are none my Lord."

"I see, we'll have to make dummy hills then."

Thoth spoke up, lowering his head slightly as he did so. Momonga's gaze turned toward him.

"Lord Momonga, if I may propose an idea."

"U-umu," Momonga replied, subtly caught off guard by the sudden interjection but curious nonetheless. "Of course, go ahead."

Thoth inclined his head slightly in respect. "Thank you." Straightening his posture, he adjusted the collar of his robe, the subtle motion hinting at the formality he tried to uphold.

"I would like to propose organizing an expedition into this new world as soon as possible, to gather information about our environment and its potential threats."

Momonga considered Thoth's suggestion for a moment, nodding thoughtfully. "Of course, that is an excellent idea. However." he added, glancing at the assembled Guardians to gauge their reactions, "Sending out an expedition now would be reckless. First, we will thoroughly scan our immediate surroundings and secure Nazarick before taking such steps."

"Understood," Thoth said with a slight bow, his red eyes glinting faintly. "Then may I propose something else?"

"You have my permission," Momonga replied.

"I propose that all of the Guardians, myself included, engage in pre-planned sparring sessions to hone our combat potential. Such training would ensure we are prepared for any threats that may arise in this foreign world," Thoth suggested, his tone measured but firm.

'This way, I'll have an excuse to get used to my abilities without attracting attention.' He added to himself.

The thought caused a ripple of intrigue among the Guardians. Though sparring between them was a rare occurrence, the suggestion appealed to their inherent pride and dedication to improving themselves for the sake of Nazarick.

Momonga paused momentarily, 'The Guardians are our main fighting force, strengthening them should be our utmost priority if we wish to survive... Yes. This is a sound course of action.' He concluded.

Momonga's eyes glimmered faintly, and his voice carried a rare note of enthusiasm as he slammed the base of his staff onto the ground, the metallic sound reverberating through the amphitheater. "A wonderful idea, Thoth! Yes, let us begin such preparations at once."

Turning to Albedo, he said, "Albedo, see to it that these sessions are arranged without delay."

"Yes, my lord!" Albedo replied with fervor, her expression radiating admiration for Momonga's foresight.

"Now that everything has been handled, I shall leave you all to your duties," Momonga declared, tightening his grip over the staff as his crimson gaze swept across the Guardians. "I trust you will serve Ainz Ooal Gown well."

With that, Momonga raised the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown and cast "[Gate]!"

In an instant, his skeletal form disappeared, leaving only the faint shimmer of residual magic behind.

For a few lingering moments, the amphitheater remained silent. The oppressive weight of Momonga's aura, further amplified by the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown, lingered even after his departure.

The Guardians remained kneeling, struggling to recover from the sheer intensity of his presence. It loomed over them like a shadow, clinging stubbornly to the air.

Thoth was the first to stand. He rose slowly, brushing off the faint haze clouding his thoughts. Though his body had already recovered, he noticed an odd fogginess in his mind that only dissipated when the last remnants of the aura finally vanished.

As Thoth adjusted his posture, Demiurge stood next, his glasses catching the faint glow of residual magic as he adjusted them with sharp precision. The remaining Guardians soon followed one by one.

"To think… his aura could be so overpowering," Cocytus rumbled, his voice filled with even greater reverence than before. "Lord Momonga's strength is unparalleled."

"Yeah!" Aura chimed in, an enthusiastic grin spreading across her face. "But when he was alone with us, he was really nice! Right, Mare?" She nudged her brother gently, encouraging him to speak.

"Y-Yeah!" Mare stammered, his voice shaky but bright. "He even… um…" The boy fidgeted nervously before blurting, "G-gave us water to drink!"

A ripple of awe and approval swept through the Guardians, their murmurs filled with admiration. Yet, amidst the group's growing chatter, one figure stood out—Albedo.

Her breathing grew heavier, her golden eyes wide and unfocused as she clasped her trembling hands together. Thoth, sharp as ever, noticed her and Shalltear's uncharacteristic behaviors almost immediately.

'Right, when those two argue… that's when things tend to spiral,' Thoth thought.

He sighed inwardly. If there was ever a moment to intervene—or perhaps avoid further chaos—this would be it.

'Standing out might be dangerous,' he mused. 'But trying to enact change in Nazarick without drawing attention is dumb. If I want to accomplish anything meaningful, I'll have to take risks.'

As if on cue, Albedo could no longer contain herself. Her wings fluttered with unrestrained fervor as she exclaimed, her voice breathless with adoration.

"Yes! It is just as you say! To think Lord Momonga would share so much of his greatness with us!" She clasped her hands tightly, her flushed cheeks betraying her growing fervor. "Ah~ He accepted our loyalty with such grace! Lord Momonga truly is even greater than we could have ever imagined!"

The other Guardians nodded in agreement, though Aura chuckled awkwardly at Albedo's increasingly disheveled appearance.

Meanwhile, Cocytus's gaze drifted toward Shalltear. The vampire remained kneeling, her breaths coming in short, uneven gasps. Something was clearly amiss.

Noticing this as well, Thoth decided to speak. His many red eyes narrowed slightly as he addressed her, his voice calm but laced with subtle concern.

"What is the matter, Shalltear?" he asked, his tone sharp yet restrained, as though prodding for an answer without drawing too much attention.

Shalltear slowly raised her head, her face flushed a deep crimson as she tucked a lock of her silvery hair behind her ear.

"Oh, it's nothing really," she replied coyly, licking her lips as she rose to her feet. Her movements were shaky, legs slightly quivering. Then, with a sly grin, she added, "Lord Momonga was just so overwhelming that my panties have gone through a bit of a crisis—"

"You worthless bitch!" Albedo's shrill cry cut through the air like a dagger.

The amphitheater fell silent as the air between the two women shifted drastically. Shalltear's lips curled into a mocking smile as she turned toward Albedo, her crimson eyes sparkling with mischief.

"What? Our master blessed us so much." Her tone shifted from cocky and teasing to shrill and enraged, "If that doesn't make you wet, you must be rancid down there!"

Their auras flared violently, colliding with enough force to send ripples of pressure through the amphitheater.

Thoth blinked as his vision briefly blurred, his mind momentarily clouded by an odd fog. When his sight cleared, he realized the situation had escalated further.

Shalltear crouched low, her posture predatory. She looked like a serpent preparing to strike, her bloodlust thick and palpable, tinting the air around her a faint shade of red.

Albedo, by contrast, stood tall and regal. Her palm rested lightly beneath her chin as she gazed down at Shalltear with an air of supreme disdain. To her, the vampire was nothing more than an unworthy challenger—an insect daring to encroach upon her claim.

"As if Lord Momonga would find you desirable you disgusting parasite!"

"Oh?!" Shalltear shouted in anger and a bit of shock, however, she wasn't gonna let the insult slide, "The Supreme Beings made me this way you ugly gorilla!"

The air seemed to tense up a bit as the Supreme Beings were mentioned, however, no one took their squabbling seriously.

As Shalltear and Albedo's aura grew thicker and their bloodlust seemed to only strengthen, Thoth found himself holding his head as a migraine washed over him, his eyes crystalizing further as the fog in his mind strengthened.

'Jesus! Would those morons shut up?!' Thoth nearly shouted it out loud, fear eliminated within his conscious as his plan of making himself seem wise by mediating the conflict disappeared.

Luckily or not, he managed to keep his mouth shut. So he turned around and began walking away while blocking his ears. Sadly, no matter where he went, their shouts could be easily heard.

Demiurge shook his head lightly and turned to Aura, "Well Aura, I'll leave it up to you to solve the women's issues."

Aura turned to him, her face betraying her shock and helplessness at Demiurge's words, "What?! Come on, you can't leave me alone with this mess!"

"Come along now Mare," Demiurge said as he turned and walked away, and Aura watched in shock as her brother left her behind.

"S-Sorry sis..." Mare sheepishly apologized as he ran off.

Cocytus walked with them as well, also annoyed by Albedo's and Shalltear's immature behavior.

With a plume of cold mist escaping his jagged jaws, Cocytus exhaled heavily before speaking.

"Such petty behavior—truly disgraceful," he rumbled, his deep voice reverberating through the amphitheater. His gaze shifted toward Thoth, who sat nearby with his wings folded tightly, visibly blocking his ears. "It seems that Thoth is also displeased."

Demiurge adjusted his glasses with a calm, calculated motion. "Hm. From my observations, it is less their behavior itself and more the volume of their shouting that troubles him."

Aura, her ears twitching at the conversation, strained to listen more closely.

Mare tilted his head slightly, his confusion evident. "H-He doesn't like shouting... either?"

Demiurge nodded, his sharp eyes gleaming behind his glasses. "Precisely. Lord Ulbert spoke of him on occasion." He adjusted his glasses again, his voice measured as he continued. "From what I've gathered, Thoth's previous master treated him... poorly. He seems to have developed an aversion to many things as a result."

Cocytus slammed his halberd into the ground with a resounding clang. Frost crept outward from the impact. "I see," the insectoid warrior said, his tone resolute. "Then I shall silence those two at once." Without hesitation, he turned and began marching toward Albedo and Shalltear, his halberd poised like a gavel about to deliver judgment.

Demiurge placed a firm hand on Cocytus's armored shoulder, halting his advance. "Now, now, Cocytus," he said smoothly, his tail swaying thoughtfully behind him. "Take a moment to consider: what will happen if you intervene?"

Cocytus paused, his mandibles clicking faintly as he considered the question. "They will become... silent," he concluded after a moment.

Mare, clutching his staff nervously, shook his head. "I-I t-think Demiurge m-means that... um... you'd only m-make things w-worse," he stammered, his voice timid but sincere.

Cocytus remained silent for a moment before reluctantly nodding. "What, then, should I do?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of frustration.

Demiurge smiled faintly, patting Cocytus on the shoulder. "Nothing. Let the situation play itself out. Sometimes, allowing conflict to exhaust itself is the most efficient solution."

Though visibly dissatisfied, Cocytus nodded once more, trusting in Demiurge's judgment.

Meanwhile, Thoth leaped into the amphitheater's cavea—the slightly elevated seating area—and slumped down onto one of the dark stone benches. His foot tapped a steady rhythm against the flooring as he leaned forward, his wings partially unfurled as if to shield himself from the world.

He pressed his palms firmly over his ears, his sharp red eyes glinting with frustration as he squeezed them shut.

'This is probably just sensory overload,' Thoth reasoned to himself, attempting to rationalize his spiraling thoughts. 'First real social event in years, and now I'm stuck listening to a shouting match between two overpowered lunatics.'

He exhaled slowly, trying to push through the mental fog that seemed to press against the edges of his mind.

'Leaving would be the obvious solution,' Thoth thought, grimacing. 'But I can't do that without Albedo's permission. If I walk away now, she'll probably interpret it as a slight against her or, worse, against Lord Momonga.'

His foot tapped faster as irritation bubbled up inside him. "For fuck's sake..." he muttered under his breath, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Even as his ears were blocked, a voice still managed to cut through.

"Hey, you good there?" Aura's voice was light and teasing as she approached him.

Thoth's head turned toward her, his sharp gaze faltering for a moment before reflexively lowering to avoid direct eye contact. His usual composed demeanor cracked slightly. "Shouldn't you be trying to calm them down? That was your responsibility, wasn't it?"

Aura scoffed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, right. Like that's possible."

A dry chuckle escaped Thoth's lips before he could stop himself. "Heh, fair enough." He glanced briefly at the squabbling duo in the distance before a sudden idea struck him. "Say… how much do you want to bet that Shalltear's going to pull out her lance?"

Aura raised an eyebrow, tapping her cheek thoughtfully as she sat down next to him. "Hmm… Nothing!" she declared confidently. "I don't think it's gonna come to that." She gestured toward the feuding women. "Look at them, they are exhausted. Just let them tire themselves out."

Thoth sighed in relief, feeling some of the tension drain from his shoulders. He nodded. "Yeah, you're probably right."

Aura blinked in surprise, a playful grin spreading across her face. "Wooow~ Did I just hear approval from the all-mighty Thoth?!"

Thoth's heart skipped a beat as a flicker of anxiety flared within him. He quickly realized his earlier nonchalant tone had caused his carefully constructed persona to slip.

'Shit. Shit. That stupid fog and migraine made me let my guard down!' he thought, panic lacing his internal voice. Thankfully, it was just Aura, who likely wouldn't pry too deeply. But if it had been someone like Demiurge or Albedo, suspicions could have arisen.

Forcing himself back into character, Thoth stood abruptly, his crystalline eyes narrowing as he regained his haughty, regal bearing.

"Follow me," he commanded, his tone rigid and imperious. His posture straightened, and his wings folded tightly against his back. "We will rejoin the others."

Aura sighed dramatically, her earlier playful mood dissipating. "Yeah, sure, whatever you say," she muttered, standing to follow him.

Despite her flippant tone, she couldn't suppress a faint smirk as she trailed behind him. 'Guess even the "great" Thoth has cracks in his armor,' she thought to herself.

By the time Thoth and Aura made their way back, the situation had been resolved and everyone was receiving their orders. It was quite the sight- Albedo was perfectly composed and serious despite her previous outbreak while Shalltear had the same cocky smile on her face.

'Crazy bitches...' Thoth said to himself, incredulous.

Albedo looked at Thoth and Aura as they approached, her gaze laced with some disapproval when she looked at Thoth, he, in turn, returned her gaze with defiance.

'Fuck you. I don't have the patience to be obedient.' Thoth declared to himself.

His headache had dissipated and his eyes returned fully to normal, however, he was still exhausted mentally from the strain of keeping it together for so long.

To put it simply, he wasn't in the mood for Albedo.

"Thoth," Albedo began, "You will remain in the Alexandrian Codex and take stock of all the books within it."

"...Very well," Thoth responded, but he was not so calm on the inside.

'How am I supposed to do that?! Did you see how many books there are?!' He shouted at her in his mind.

Albedo then spoke to Aura with a pleasant smile, "Aura, you continue Guarding this floor along with Mare."

"Okay!" Aura shouted energetically.

With that, all of them were dismissed, and Thoth made his way back to the Codex.

'What an exhausting day,' Thoth thought to himself as he entered the Coxed and stared at the spiraling bookshelves above him.

"...Are you guys seeing this shit?" He spoke to his wings, who all looked like they were on the verge of despair. A few of them seemed to be laughing, but they were quickly straightened out by their neighboring eyes.

"Better get to work I guess..." And Thoth did just that.

-x-x-x-

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