Ainz Ooal Gown sat cross-legged on the floor of his hut, the dim light casting long shadows across the walls. Despite the stillness of the night, sleep eluded him. As an undead being, he was accustomed to the sensation—or lack thereof—of fatigue, yet tonight felt different. Something gnawed at the edges of his mind, a creeping realization that refused to let him drift into unconsciousness.
Why can't I sleep? Ainz pondered, his glowing red eyes piercing through the darkness. He felt no weariness, no need for rest that a living being would experience. Memories flooded back—sweet dreams, the fatigue of a long day, and the comforting embrace of slumber that once felt so natural. But now, as he sat in his skeletal form, he felt nothing. I am undead, he reminded himself, but the thought only deepened the hollow feeling within.
He closed his eyes tightly, searching for something—anything—resembling the emotions he once felt. Shouldn't I feel something about my state? Shouldn't I be shocked or at least disheartened by my current existence?
Yet, Ainz felt no discontent. No sadness crept into his thoughts, no nostalgia for his past life as a human. He simply felt… empty. The void where his emotions should have been echoed loudly in the silence of the night.
What a stark contrast to the world I left behind, he mused, reminiscing about the life he had chosen to escape. In his previous existence, society was dominated by corporations that viewed individuals as mere tools—pieces in a game of profit. People hustled through life, sacrificing happiness for productivity, their true selves buried beneath layers of expectations and obligations. He had found solace in the virtual world of Yggdrasil, where he could be Ainz Ooal Gown, the supreme overlord, and escape the cruel realities of human life.
But in the end, even that sanctuary had crumbled. His guildmates had abandoned the game one by one, choosing reality over the virtual world. Ainz remained behind, alone in an empty fortress filled with memories of camaraderie and laughter that now felt like ghosts in the wind. The realization hit him hard; he had been left alone to face the silence.
A pulse of anger surged through him, raw and visceral, surprising him. I can still feel anger? he thought, his bony fingers curling into fists.
A gentle hum of automatic spells activated around him, casting a soft green light that enveloped Ainz in a calming aura. As the energy washed over him, he felt the tension in his body dissipate. He let out a slow breath, realizing that he could still experience some semblance of emotion.
With that revelation, laughter erupted from his skeletal frame, a sound both eerie and surprisingly joyous. "Look at me! I still have emotions!" Ainz chuckled to himself, a slight grin breaking the solemnity of his visage. Perhaps he wasn't as devoid of feelings as he had thought.
However, that didn't change the fact that he could not sleep. Ainz resolved to put his restless energy to good use. If I can't rest, then I shall create!
He stood up and left the confines of his hut, stepping into the cool night air. The forest around him was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, the rustling of leaves, and the distant calls of beasts. Ainz felt an urge to explore and test the boundaries of his powers. He sought a quiet spot in the jungle, away from the village, where he could practice magic without interruption.
As he moved deeper into the wilderness, Ainz focused on his desire to create a new skill. If skills are the fundamental core of this universe, like programs governing the rules of reality, then perhaps I can find a way to forge my own.
He concentrated on the magic he wielded, recalling the spells he had mastered in Yggdrasil. After several attempts to recreate the intricate structures of his former abilities, he found that the essence of this new world's magic felt different—more malleable, yet also more intricate. Each failed attempt taught him something new, pushing him closer to understanding the mechanics of this universe.
After hours of trial and error, Ainz's patience paid off. He channeled dark magic, targeting a small colony of ants scuttling nearby. He cast a spell to manipulate their living essence, commanding them to move as he wished. To his astonishment, a notification echoed in his mind, bright and clear:
Skill Acquired: Ant King.
Ainz paused, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. He had created a basic skill—something that allowed him to command a colony of ants. It was a small victory, but it symbolized something far more significant: he was beginning to understand the mechanics of this world.
Skills are a program of sorts, he realized, excitement tingling through him. They regulate the rules and behaviors of living beings in this universe. If I can master these skills, I can forge my own path here.
As he reveled in this newfound understanding, the soft sounds of the jungle faded into the background. Ainz remained unaware that in a distant part of the world, a figure sat upon a grand throne, draped in regal attire. The air crackled with power as he observed the events unfolding across the dimensions.
"Interesting," the demon lord mused, his deep voice resonating in the expansive chamber. Guy Crimson, the most powerful demon lord in this realm, leaned forward, intrigued by the developments. "A guest from another world, it seems. He didn't arrive here by summoning—he came here naturally. How delightful."
His crimson eyes glinted with interest as he contemplated the implications of Ainz's presence in his world. "Ainz Ooal Gown… I shall keep an eye on you. There's much to learn from your arrival."
Guy Crimson relished the unfolding drama, the potential for conflict and alliance, and the power that came with understanding the new player in the game. The threads of fate began to intertwine, and he was eager to see how this story would unfold.
---
Later That Evening
After returning to the village, Ainz settled into his hut, the victory of acquiring a new skill still fresh in his mind. As he prepared to reflect on his progress, he realized the time had passed quickly; soon, he would meet with Rimuru again.
Suddenly, a familiar blue figure appeared at his door, bouncing in with enthusiasm. "Hey, Ainz! You're not going to believe what I found out today!" Rimuru exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.
Ainz felt a spark of curiosity. "What is it?" he asked, gesturing for Rimuru to enter.
"I was talking with one of the goblins earlier, and he mentioned that after I named him, he got a skill! It's called Goblin Leader or something like that," Rimuru explained, hopping from foot to foot. "Skills are fascinating, right? They make creatures more powerful!"
Ainz listened intently, intrigued by this revelation. "So, not every creature possesses a skill, but those who do gain a significant advantage?"
"Exactly!" Rimuru continued, animatedly recounting his conversation. "Skills can vary widely, from simple enhancements to more complex abilities. Some creatures can even develop skills based on experiences or through names given by others. It's like they're leveling up!"
"Interesting," Ainz mused, contemplating the implications. "Do you think my spells count as skills? After all, I can manipulate the very essence of magic itself."
Rimuru paused, considering the question. "I suppose they could be seen as skills in a way, but they're more like innate abilities you've honed over time. Skills are more about personal growth and evolution."
"Fascinating," Ainz replied, stroking his chin. "If skills are the fundamental building blocks of this world, then mastering them could lead to unimaginable power."
Rimuru nodded eagerly. "That's why I'm always looking for new ways to grow! We should explore this together!"
Just then, Rimuru's expression shifted. "You know, it's getting late. How about we talk more about this tomorrow? We can visit the goblin village together!"
Ainz agreed, appreciating Rimuru's enthusiasm. "That sounds like a plan. I look forward to it."
As Rimuru prepared to leave, he turned back, his voice growing serious. "Oh, before I forget! I'll ask Great Sage what he thinks about you."
"Great Sage?" Ainz echoed, intrigued.
Rimuru grinned. "Yeah! He's my magical intelligence. He can give me insights about you."
Once Rimuru left, Ainz locked and sealed the room using a spell, ensuring his privacy. He sat in the dim light, pondering his next steps.
If I have a small dimension connected to me, then I need more mana to summon my guild base, he thought, recalling his guild's fortress in Yggdrasil. Servants within the guild would be a bonus.
---
Across the Realm
Meanwhile, Guy Crimson sat upon his throne, contemplating the new developments in his domain. Ainz Ooal Gown… he mused, a slight smile forming on his lips. How interesting that you have arrived without summoning. I wonder how your presence will alter the balance of power.
With plans swirling in his mind, Guy's crimson eyes glimmered with anticipation. The game was about to take an exciting turn.