Certain heteromorphic creatures had multiple forms. In Nazarick, Sebas and Albedo had other forms as well.
Although it was troublesome to train up levels in heteromorphic racial classes, they were very popular because they had different forms like final bosses in a game. In particular, people were fond of how these heteromorphic beings were weaker in their human and demihuman forms, but more powerful in their fully monstrous forms.
Momonga turned away from Demiurge, who was partially transformed into a demon, and looked to the sparkling stars in the sky once more. He spoke softly, as though to his absent friends:
"...To think one could see so far just by the light of the moon and the stars… it's hard to believe that this world is real. Blue Planet-san... this world is like a chest of jewels."
"Perhaps it is. I believe the beauty of this world exists to adorn you, Mo— Dark Warrior-san," Demiurge said in a reverent voice.
The sudden statement sounded like it was finding fault with his memories of his comrades, and it upset Momonga. However, the anger faded as he gazed upon the beautiful sight before him.
In addition, the act of overlooking this world, which seemed so tiny before him, made him feel that perhaps it was not a bad idea to play the role of an evil overlord.
"Indeed, it is beautiful. You say these stars exist to adorn me… perhaps that is so. Perhaps the reason that I have come here is to claim this chest of jewels which belongs to nobody else."
Momonga clenched his fist before him, and it looked as though he was taking the stars into his grasp. Of course, that was simply because his hand was covering the stars up. He shrugged at his childish behavior and said to Demiurge:
"...No, this is not something I can claim for myself. Perhaps these jewels are meant to adorn the Great Tomb of Nazarick; myself, and my friends from Ainz Ooal Gown."
"...What a moving statement. If is your wish, then by your command, I shall lead Nazarick's forces to claim this chest of jewels. I, Demiurge would like nothing more than to present this chest of jewels to my lord and master, Momonga-sama."
Those cheesy lines made Momonga chuckle. He wondered if Demiurge had been intoxicated by the atmosphere as well.
"As long as we do not know anything about the beings which live in this world, I can only say that your idea is foolish. For all we know, we might be minuscule weaklings in this world. However, conquering this world might be quite interesting."
Conquering the world was something that only the villains in children's shows would say.
The fact was that conquering the world was not easy. And then there was the matter of ruling the world after conquering it, preventing insurgency and maintaining public order, as well as all the other problems that came with ruling a host of nations. When one thought about these things, one would realise that there was hardly any point in conquering the world.
Momonga knew all of this, but he still spoke of conquering this world, because seeing its beauty awoke that juvenile desire within him. In addition, as he was getting into the mindset of being the leader of the dreaded guild Ainz Ooal Gown, those words accidentally fell from his mouth.
And there was one more reason.
"...Ulbert-san, Luci★Fer-san, Variable Talisman-san, Bellriver-san…"
It was because he remembered what his former guildmates had once said, "Let's conquer one of the worlds in YGGDRASIL."
He knew that Demiurge, the wisest mind in Nazarick, would understand that taking over the world was just a child's joke.
If Momonga had seen the smile that had spread across Demiurge's frog face, he would surely not have left matters at that.
But Momonga did not look at Demiurge, instead turning his gaze to the horizon, where the infinite expanse of the earth and sky met.
"...This is an unknown world. But am I the only one who made it here? Did the other members of the guild come here too?"
Although one could not play multiple characters in YGGDRASIL, his comrades who left might have made new characters on the last day of the game. Also, given that he had been online so close to the forced logoff time, Herohero-san might have come here too.
The fact was, Momonga's presence here was an anomaly. The unknown circumstances that had brought him here might have brought his comrades who no longer played the game here with him.
He could not contact them with a 「Message」, but there might be many reasons for that. They might be on a different continent, or something had changed in the spell's effect, and so on.
"...I see… then as long as the whole world knows the name of Ainz Ooal Gown…"
If his comrades were here, then the name of the guild would reach their ears. Once they found out, they would come over. Momonga was that confident in the strength of their friendship.
Deep in thought, Momonga looked over to Nazarick, and saw a curious sight.
A wave over a hundred meters across was moving along the land as though it were the sea. Little ripples rose from the surface of the plains, slowly heading in the same direction as they fused together, finally becoming small hillocks as they approached Nazarick.
The gigantic pile of dirt shattered against the sturdy walls of Nazarick, like waves crashing against the shore.
"...「Earth Surge」. He used his skills to enlarge the effective area, as well as his other class skills…" Momonga muttered in respect.
In all of Nazarick, only one person could use this magic.
"That's Mare for you. It seems camouflaging the walls is an easy task for him."
"Indeed. Mare has also recruited several golems and undead — who are tireless — to help. However, their progress is slow and hardly ideal. In addition, some gaps will be left after moving the earth, which will need to be filled with plants. That will only increase his workload further."
"...Concealing the walls of Nazarick was a time-consuming task to begin with. The only question is whether he will be discovered as he works. How is our perimeter security?"
"Our early-warning net has already been constructed. We will know of the intrusion of any intelligent beings within five kilometers, and we will be able to observe them without their knowledge."
"Well done. However… this net is manned by the underlings, right?"
Demiurge replied in the positive, and Momonga suggested it might be good to erect another security net, just in case.
"...I have a plan for the security net. Put it into motion."
"Understood. I will discuss this with Albedo and then combine her suggestions with your orders. Also, Dark Warrior-sama—"
"—It's fine, Demiurge. You can call me Momonga."
"Understood… may I ask about what you plan to do next, Momonga-sama?"
"Since Mare has carried out his task splendidly, I intend to check in on him. I also plan to give him a suitable reward in person…"
A smile appeared on Demiurge's face. It was a gentle look that seemed completely out of place on a devil's face.
"I believe your thanks will be the finest reward he can receive, Momonga-sama… my deepest apologies, I suddenly remembered something I have to do. As for Mare…"
"It's fine. Go, Demiurge."
"Thank you very much, Momonga-sama."
As Demiurge spread his wings to fly off, Momonga aimed for a point on the ground and landed, donning his helmet along the way. The Dark Elf near Momonga's destination seemed to notice his descent and looked up, surprise written all over his face as he saw Momonga.
Mare ran over with a tatata sound as Momonga landed upon the ground. The hem of Mare's skirt fluttered around his thighs as his legs pumped up and down.
For a moment, something peeked out from below, then vanished again… no, Momonga was not interested in looking under Mare's skirt. He was just curious about what he wore underneath it.
"Mo-Momonga-sama, w-welcome ."
"Mm… Mare, there is no need to be nervous. Take your time and go slowly. If you're not used to it, you can also dispense with the polite language… though only when we're in private, of course."
"I, I can't do that, how could I not speak respectfully to a Supreme Being… actually, Nee-chan shouldn't be doing that too. It, it's terribly rude…"
Although he disliked children being so formal around him, Momonga said:
"I see, Mare. Well, if you insist, then I am fine with it. However, I want you to know that I will not force you to do so."
"Y-Yes! ...Al-Although, may I ask why you came here, Momonga-sama? Did I make a mistake…?"
"Of course not, Mare. In fact, I came here to praise you."
The expression on Mare's face went from fear that he might be scolded to surprise.
"Mare, your work is very important. Even with our security net in place, the inhabitants of this world may be over level one hundred. If we are faced with opponents like that, concealing the Great Tomb of Nazarick will be our top priority.."
Mare nodded furiously in agreement.
"Which is why, Mare, I wanted to let you know how satisfied I am that you have carried out your task. In addition, I want to tell you how relieved I am that you were the one handling this matter."
One of the ironclad rules of society that Momonga believed in was that a good boss should compliment the good work of his subordinates.
The Guardians thought highly of him; conversely, in order to have them continue to be loyal to him, Momonga had to act in a way that was worthy of their praise.
Allowing these NPCs that his guild members had made together to feel disappointment or betrayal because of his actions would shatter his golden record as a guild master. It would be like a mark of failure branded on Momonga. Because of that, Momonga had to be careful to maintain the air of authority befitting a ruler when he spoke to the NPCs.
"...You understand what I'm thinking, don't you, Mare?"
"Yes! Momonga-sama!"
Mare might have been dressed like a girl, but the fact that he was a boy was evident from his panicked face.
"Very good. Then, for your hard work, I shall give you a reward."
"How, how could I accept such a thing? I was simply doing my duty!"
"...You deserve a reward for your good performance. It's only natural."
"It, it's not like that! We exist to give our all for the Supreme Beings, so working hard is only to be expected!"
This back and forth went on for a while, and the two of them could not meet in the middle. Momonga decided to cut this sequence of events short.
"Then, how about this. In exchange for this reward, continue your loyal service to me. That should do it."
"Is, is that really all right?"
To cut him short, Momonga produced the reward in question — a ring.
"Mo-Momonga-sama… you've taken the wrong thing out!"
"No I—"
"—It can't be right! That's the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, a treasure which only the Supreme Beings possess! I can't accept a reward like that."
Momonga was shocked at how the unexpected reward was making Mare tremble.
He was correct in that this ring was intended for the guild members. Only one hundred of them had been made, so that meant that there were only fifty nine rings without owners — no, fifty eight. As a result, they were quite precious, but the reason for this gift was not just as a reward, but the hope that it would be put to good use.
In order to put Mare's rampant imagination at ease, Momonga sternly said, "Calm down, Mare."
"I, I can't! How could I accept a valuable ring that only the Supreme Beings should possess—"
"—Calm down, Mare. Teleportation is blocked in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and that generates all kinds of inconveniences."
After hearing this, Mare slowly regained his composure.
"My hope is that during an enemy attack, the Guardians will command their respective Floor's forces. At the same time it would be quite sad if a Guardian was unable to move around freely due to the teleportation block. Therefore, I give this ring to you."
Momonga raised the ring on his finger high. It glittered brilliantly in the moonlight.
"Mare, I am pleased with your loyalty. At the same time, I understand your reluctance as an NPC to accept this ring which symbolizes us. However, if you truly understand my intentions, you will accept my orders and this ring with them."
"But, but, why me… shouldn't everyone else have gotten one too...?"
"I had intended to give the others these rings; however you are the first. This is because I am pleased with your work. If I gave this to someone who did no work, then this ring would have no meaning. Or do you intend to devalue this ring?"