[AINS groans] This is bad.
I never thought I'd have to resort
to using a god level item.
--[beeping] --[NARBERAL] Lord Ains.
[AINS] This better be important, Narberal.
I told you not to disturb me!
[AINS] It's okay. Forget about it. What do you need?
[NARBERAL] You received a message
from the Adventurer's Guild.
The leader, Ainzach, wants to meet with you.
A vampire has been terrorizing the area outside of E-Rantel.
The guild needs your help.
They sound desperate.
[AINS] Hm... I'm on my way.
Let him know I'll be there soon.
[AINZACH] I'd like to thank you, mythril level adventurers,
for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me.
Now let's get down to business.
Last night, seven adventurers were attacked.
And five iron class men were killed.
They claim it was a vampire.
She ambushed them in the forest outside of town.
Here's what we know:
The monster has blonde hair.
And a large mouth containing very sharp fangs.
[MOMONGA] That describes Shalltear to a T.
If this creature is indeed a vampire, we need
to keep it from entering the city at all costs.
Left unchecked, it could turn E-Rantel's
populace into slaves.
Was this foul beast involved in the recent cemetery incident?
Well, I'm sure Mr. Momon here would know the answer to that.
Must be nice to get bumped up
to mythril after only one quest, huh?
[BELLOTE] Don't be like that, Igvarge.
[AINZACH] After investigating the cemetery,
We know, without a doubt,
that Zuranon followers were behind the attack there.
Wait, Zuranon? The dangerous cult
obsessed with the undead? Then...
The vampire has to be involved with them.
We can't say that for certain.
Though, if I had to guess, it's a decoy.
Sure.
But it doesn't take a vampire to kill iron plates.
Let's just concentrate on finding the fiend.
She was last seen near some caves.
I'll send out a search party.
[AINS] I'm positive this creature is not
affiliated with Zuranon.
And how can you be so sure?
[AINS] That vampire is known as... Honyopn...
[AINZACH] What?
[AINS] Honyopnyoko!
[MEN gasp]
So is this Honey-pot, uh...
I take it you're familiar with this monster?
[AINS] Indeed, I have quite a history with it.
I've been tracking her for years. She's powerful.
Not just any man could compete with her strength.
But my team will get rid of this nuisance for you, no problem.
The hell you will.
You're sure you can kill her?
[AINS] Definitely. Because I have this.
There is eighth tier magic within this crystal.
[MEN gasp]
[AINZACH] That's impossible.
Everyone knows the eighth tier is just a myth!
No way. That thing's a fake.
[AINS] I can get it appraised, but we'd be
wasting valuable time.
Your reward?
[AINS] Details can be hammered out later.
However, I expect a promotion to orichalcum.
Orichalcum?!
[AINS] Must I demonstrate my strength time after time?
As you wish.
I'm going, too!
[AINS] You'll just slow me down.
[IGVARGE] How dare a newbie like you talk to me like that!
Screw you!
We don't even know how powerful this vampire really is!
Knock it off, Igvarge!
There's no need for such hostility.
[AINS] Tag along, if you must. But I warn you.
It means certain death.
[IGVARGE] No! You bastard!
I can't believe this. You monster!
I'm gonna kill you! All of you!
[whimpers]
[AINS] I explicitly said this would happen.
You have no one but yourself to blame.
Now, it's time to face the consequences of your actions.
Death might come swiftly.
Damn you all.
[MARE] I hope that was satisfactory, my lord.
[AINS] Yes. Excellent job. Those men were so weak.
It was a waste of time to call for you.
So, what should we do with the bodies?
[AINS] Take them to Nazarick.
Let's see if we can create high level undead creatures
with their corpses.
It will be done.
[AINS] Mare, I need you to escort Narberal.
And Hamusuke as well.
[MARE] Yes, Lord Ains.
Lord.
Afraid to go to Nazarick, Hamusuke is.
If I do, eaten, I will be!
You are the property of Lord Ains.
As his pet, no one would dare eat you.
If you say so, Mistress Narberal,
in your hands my life is.
[AINS] Hmph. Albedo. Let's continue our mission.
Lord.
[AINS] Shalltear.
Shalltear! Answer your master. You disrespectful little we--
[AINS] Be quiet! Can this really be happening?
No.
It's impossible. But Shalltear is clearly affected.
Even though she's undead.
I can see there was a battle.
And the victor took control of her mind.
Then... She was left here alone without any orders to obey.
And now she waits.
We need to break this spell over Shalltear.
Though, it's a shame to waste such a strong
magical item on a counter spell.
[ALBEDO] What is that?
[AINS] A super-rare ring. It's known as Shooting Star.
Three times a day, it lets the wearer
cast the spell Wish Upon a Star.
[MOMONGA] I hope she's impressed.
This thing wasn't cheap. Cost me my entire summer bonus.
That's powerful.
[AINS] You've never seen super tier magic?
[ALBEDO] No. I've only heard rumors of its existence.
And that it's stronger than a tenth tier spell.
[AINS] Correct. Using it requires a certain skill set.
One that I happen to possess.
Magic points don't effect the spell at all.
And there is a long casting time.
However, we don't have to worry about that.
This ring cancels out the casting time.
Plus, it activates the spell without
using any experience points.
I should be able to release Shalltear in no time flat.
But, Lord Ains, Shalltear's a servant.
It's unnecessary to use such an important item on her.
Oh, your compassion knows no bounds.
[AINS] Shooting Star! Now, ring,
cure Shalltear of all her status effects. I command you!
[AINS gasps] What's this?
[MOMONGA] It doesn't make sense.
Someone here is stronger than super tier magic? No!
[AINS] We're leaving! Albedo! Let's go!
Lord!
[AINS] Dammit! Dammit!
[ALBEDO whimpers]
[AINS] Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!
Are you okay?
[AINS] I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have acted that way in front of you.
Did something go wrong with the spell, my lord?
[AINS] The ring was definitely activated correctly.
However, the wish was not granted.
Only one thing is capable of withstanding
a super tier magic spell.
And I honestly never thought this world
could contain such a power.
No way. You mean...?
[AINS] A world level item!
[ALBEDO gasps]
[AINS] Albedo.
[ALBEDO] Lord?
[AINS] The security level of Nazarick
needs to be raised to maximum.
Also, every Guardian needs to return home immediately.
[MARE] Excuse me. Lord Ains sent orders for all of us.
We are to supervise the first, second and third floors.
[BRIDES whimper, gasp]
[COCYTUS] Nazarick is currently following
the topmost alert protocol.
Let's use this situation to show the Supreme Beings
that we are completely loyal to them.
[DEMIURGE] The all-powerful ones created us
to do their bidding.
If anyone fails to meet their expectations,
then there is absolutely no purpose for their existence,
and they should be terminated at once.
What could she possibly be doing down there?
[SOLUTION] I can't believe Shalltear would rebel.
Sebas, shouldn't we return to Nazarick
with all the other Guardians?
[SEBAS] No.
We were given special orders to continue on with the mission.
Our presence is needed in E-Rantel.
You should never question Lord Ains' wishes.
He is a great man.
I have no doubt that he will choose
the best course of action.
[AINS] Is this your first time in the treasury?
[ALBEDO] Yes.
I couldn't enter without the ring of Ains Ooal Gown.
It is the only key.
[AINS] A security feature.
[AINS] "Glory to Ains Ooal Gown."
Let's see.
"By this means, you will acquire the glory
of the whole world and so you will drive away
all shadows and blindness."
At least, I believe that's correct.
[AINS] We are headed to the mausoleum. It's not far.
[ALBEDO] Mausoleum? I didn't know there was one.
[AINS] Hm. I guess it has been off limits.
Are you aware of Pandora's Actor?
Of course. I know of his existence.
But we've never actually met.
Pandora's Actor.
His power and intelligence rivals my own.
Created by the masters to be the one true Guardian
of the treasury.
If I'm not mistaken,
you designed him yourself, my lord.
[AINS] Yes. That's right.
[ALBEDO] He is also responsible for
keeping our finances in check.
[AINS] Yes.
[gasps]
[gasps] Lord Tabula, is that really you?
Wait a second. It's an Imposter!
Who are you?
And why are you disguised as my creator?
You may have copied his appearance and aura perfectly,
but I was able to see past your faÃ§ade.
Kill this thing.
Are you sure?
[AINS] Pandora's Actor. Change your form.
What?
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] Hello, darlings.
It's nice to have company.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] Greetings to my creator, Lord Momonga!
[AINS] Um. You look like you're doing well.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] Yes! I couldn't be better, my good sir.
It has been a while. To what do I owe this honor?
[AINS] I'm in need of some world items.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] Oh! World item!
Changing the world with immense power!
Showing the greatness of the mighty Supreme Beings!
These sacred treasures
have been asleep for ages beneath Nazarick.
Has the time finally come to wake them up?
[MOMONGA] This dude is so lame!
[AINS] Yes. You are correct.
I need Billion Blades, Hygieia's Chalice,
Avarice and Selfless, and Depiction of Nature and Society.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] Outstanding!
Great choices, Lord Momonga.
[AINS] Another thing. Address me as Ains from now on.
I'm known as Ains Ooal Gown.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR gasps] What a great name.
It fits the wonderful man who created me. Lord Ains.
[MOMONGA] Oh, no!
I wonder how hardcore they're judging me
because of this doofus!
[MOMONGA] Just look at him.
What the hell was I thinking when I designed
his personality? It's beyond embarrassing.
Oh well. At least his military outfit is still rad.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] Are you okay, my liege?
[MOMONGA groans]
[AINS] Let's continue.
[ALBEDO] Lord.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] Be careful now, Lord Ains.
And you, too, lovely ladies.
What did you call me?
I am leader of the Guardians.
And Yuri is second-in-command of the Pleiades.
You will show us the respect we both rightfully deserve.
I agree with Albedo on this, sir.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR gasps] Please forgive me.
I can't control my tongue.
Not around such beautiful flowers.
[AINS] I need to talk to you in private.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR yelps]
You are aware that I am the lord who created you, correct?
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] A fact I take the deepest of pride in.
[AINS] Then, as your maker, I demand that you
stop with all this ridiculous saluting!
That's an order, you hear me?
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] What?
[AINS] Okay. So.
Here's the problem. It's unnecessary.
Your outfit works, since it shows your strength,
but all the saluting makes you seem unstable.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR grunts] Das ist meines Gottes Wille!
[AINS] Do not speak German in front of me.
That's another direct order.
[PANDORA'S ACTOR] Understood.
[AINS] Please obey me.
[MOMONGA] I can't believe I've struggled to keep
my emotions in check because I created this weird idiot.
This is more embarrassing than riding a giant hamster.
[AINS] Sorry to keep you waiting. Now, Albedo.
Lord?
[AINS] You need to give Yuri the ring
of Ains Ooal Gown that you're currently wearing.
[gasps]
[AINS] Nobody is able to teleport to the treasury
without possession of the guild ring.
However, you can't enter this specific room with it on.
Or the golems will sense intruders... and attack.
[ALBEDO] These golems look familiar.
Are they based off the likenesses
of the Supreme Beings, my lord?
[AINS] How perceptive of you.
Indeed, I had them made to honor the memory
of my old comrades.
They're starting to look shabby though.
[ALBEDO] No, they are not. Lord Ains.
You called this place a mausoleum. So then...
Does that mean the other Supreme Beings are dead,
and that's why there are statues of them here?
[AINS] To my knowledge, they are still alive.
[MOMONGA] Crap.
I don't know why I just said that to her.
Truth is, right before the game shut down,
each of them gifted me their supplies.
[MOMONGA] These items should do the trick.
Peroroncino told me to sell them all.
But I just couldn't do it. I wasn't ready.
[MOMONGA] I keep waiting for you all to come back.
[MOMONGA] Please, guys.
I need to believe that you are all stuck in this world, too.
That I'm not alone.
[ALBEDO sighs]
[AINS] What's wrong?
Oh, sorry, it's nothing.
[AINS] Albedo. Do you see that spot over there?
That's where I'll put a statue of myself one of these days.
[ALBEDO gasps] Please don't talk like that.
I can't bear to hear it! It tears my heart!
[AINS gasps]
[ALBEDO whimpers] My dear Lord Ains.
You were the only one with enough kindness
not to leave all of us alone here.
Master! Please say that you'll stay in Nazarick
and be our leader until the end of time.
We need you. I beg of you.
[sobbing] Don't go... Don't go...
[AINS] Albedo.
[AINS] Forgive me.
Promise me something!
Say that you won't abandon us. We'd never survive on our own.
Not without your wisdom!
[AINS] I can't promise that.
Why not?
Have I done something that has offended you?
Tell me what I've done and I'll fix it!
There is nothing I wouldn't do to make things right
in your eyes, my lord.
If I am the problem, I swear I will repent
and end my life here!
[AINS] Stop it!
[gasps]
[AINS] Listen closely.
The only way to combat world item level
brainwashing is to fight fire with fire.
We have no choice but to utilize world level items ourselves.
[ALBEDO] So, you're positive?
There's no doubt that a world item was used on her?
[AINS] I'm sure.
And the Guardians need to be the ones
who wield these weapons.
[gasps]
[AINS] I have a plan. We will be able to save Shalltear.
[ALBEDO] But... How?
[AINS] The answer is down here.
Known as One of 20.
The 20 world items of unrivaled destruction.
They are currently in my possession.
However, the power of a 20 is so large,
it would be expended after just one use.
I'm not aware of what other world items
the enemy holds.
So I'm hesitant to cast such a mighty spell right away.
In the end, we may not have need for such extreme measures.
What's wrong with me?
Could I be more pathetic?
No. Please don't say that about yourself.
The Supreme Ones worked hard to collect
all these world items, and we shouldn't let them go to waste.
They are more valuable than
all of the Guardian's lives put together.
[AINS] Albedo. There is a reason I won't promise you
that I'll come back to Nazarick.
I'm going to fight Shalltear by myself.
[gasps]
[AINS] I won't promise.
Because I'm not sure I'll survive the battle.
Please rethink this!
It's true that Shalltear has to be dealt with.
It's too dangerous to leave her as she is.
But, for me-- Don't go.
You have an entire army under your command.
She doesn't stand a chance against the forces of Nazarick!
[AINS] You don't understand, Albedo. I have to.
Let me explain. There are three reasons why.
First off.
I need to prove to myself that I'm a competent leader.
Worthy of my title.
It was foolish of me not to consider the existence
of world level items in this new land.
Of course they would exist if other
Yggdrasil players are here.
I completely overlooked this.
Not a sign of a good leader, is it?
Your destiny is to rule over Nazarick, my lord.
And, though we may be lacking, we will do
everything we can to support you.
[AINS] The second reason.
I'm not convinced this isn't a trap.
A trap? Are you sure?
[AINS] Shalltear may be bait.
The enemy could be waiting for us to attempt a rescue.
And if they pounce, I'd rather be taken alone,
than risk having my people captured and maybe killed.
The final reason is...
I may have to exterminate Shalltear.
In that case, let me come with you.
I'll be the one to kill her instead.
[AINS] You honestly think you could beat her?
[ALBEDO] Uh...
[AINS] She is a strong foe. I'm sorry.
But it has to be me.
Out of everyone who resides in Nazarick,
I'm the only one that can overpower her.
[ALBEDO] That is true.
But you will have a greater chance of victory
if you are armed with the world items.
[AINS] Shalltear is the one who has the advantage
in this fight.
She is a holy magic caster with strength against the undead.
Her body was designed for battle. So you see,
there is the possibility that she will defeat me.
[ALBEDO] I'm afraid you're right.
[AINS] You have an urge to protect me.
Which is part of your programming.
And your feelings and actions are solely
based on your configurations we set.
[gasps] Lord Ains. I do not understand.
[AINS] It's about time you learn why
I am called the Supreme Overlord.
You'll see that I was given that name for a reason.
[gasps]
[AINS] I will not be defeated by a person's abilities alone.
Remember, Peroroncino and I used to be very close friends.
The outcome of this battle has already been decided.
I will win.
[ALBEDO] I understand your situation now.
But, please, promise me that you will return.
And I will no longer try to stop you.
[AINS] If that's what you need.
Then I promise you, I will come back alive.
But first, I have to defeat Shalltear.
[AINS] I've learned the unfortunate lesson
that an Overlord who cannot protect his subordinates
is worthlesss beyond compare.
I curse my own foolishness as I stand there,
seeing Shalltear's vacant, mind-controlled gaze.
Though it pains me to fight her,
I must, even if it means using super tier magic.
Shalltear, my most powerful Guardian,
This battle will decide our fates.
Well, there's no time to waste.
Let's begin!
Chapter 12: "The Bloody Valkyrie."