Ainz Ooal Gown, seated atop his grand throne within the Great Tomb of Nazarick, found his thoughts drifting toward a daring new idea. His recent encounter with the otherworldly beings had sparked something within him—a new desire, not just for domination but exploration. The very notion that someone from another world had entered this one raised the question: What lies beyond?
"If they can come here, why can't I venture to their worlds?" he mused. His skeletal fingers tapped against the armrest of his throne as the idea began to take root in his mind. "Another world... uncharted, full of possibilities, ripe for conquest, and potentially, new power."
He leaned back, his glowing eyes dimming slightly as he began to calculate his next move. Leaving this world meant leaving his domain, his empire, in the hands of his subordinates, but Nazarick was more than capable of maintaining order. With Demiurge, Albedo, and the other floor guardians, there was no real threat to his kingdom.
Ainz's eyes flared up again. He had already made his decision. It was time to seek out a new world.
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The Farewell to Rimuru
Before embarking on his journey, Ainz needed to visit Rimuru. He had grown to respect the slime-like being who managed to build a peaceful society where both humans and monsters coexisted. It was an intriguing contrast to the dark and calculated methods of Ainz's rule, but there was something admirable about it.
As he arrived at Rimuru's city, Ainz took a moment to admire the balance within. Monsters of all kinds walked peacefully alongside humans, conducting trade and living in harmony. It was a testament to Rimuru's leadership, and it made Ainz reflect on his own methods.
When they met, Ainz offered a respectful nod. "Rimuru, I wanted to inform you that I will be... absent for a time."
Rimuru, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow. "Absent? What's going on?"
Ainz maintained his composed, emotionless tone. "There is some work I need to do. I may be gone for a month, maybe even years. I'm uncertain, but I trust my kingdom will remain intact during my absence."
Rimuru tilted his head, a curious gleam in his eyes. "Well, I've got my own hands full. I was actually planning to teach some otherworldly students. You know, guide them a bit. But if you ever need help or advice, you know where to find me."
Ainz nodded, grateful for the understanding. He didn't elaborate on the true nature of his departure. He couldn't afford to let Rimuru know he was attempting to reach another world entirely. The less he revealed, the better.
"Thank you, Rimuru," Ainz said as he prepared to leave. "I hope when I return, your kingdom will continue to flourish."
"You too, Ainz. Good luck with... whatever you're up to!" Rimuru replied with a chuckle, completely unaware of the monumental journey Ainz was about to undertake.
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The Gateway to Another World
Back at Nazarick, Ainz retreated to his personal chambers, where an ancient, powerful artifact lay in wait—the World Item: Mana Reservoir. It was one of the rarest treasures in his possession, capable of storing vast amounts of mana that could be used in emergencies or, in this case, to fuel an interdimensional journey.
The World Item glowed faintly in his skeletal hand as he infused it with an overwhelming amount of mana, preparing it for the task ahead. He knew opening a portal to another world would require immense energy, more than he could summon naturally. The Mana Reservoir would act as his lifeline, ensuring he could not only open the gate but also return safely.
"Now, let's see if this works..." Ainz muttered as he began chanting a series of complex spells. The air around him shimmered, the fabric of reality starting to tear. He felt the pull of magic beyond anything he had experienced before. After several failed attempts, the room was filled with a crackling energy. The atmosphere changed as a rift appeared, pulsating with unstable magic.
After one last push of mana, the rift stabilized into a shimmering portal.
"I've done it," Ainz whispered, his voice betraying the slightest hint of excitement.
He stepped forward, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing against him. As he passed through the gate, the magic of his world began to dissipate, and Ainz realized that something was amiss.
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Arrival in a New World
When Ainz emerged on the other side of the portal, he found himself on a vast island with a clear, endless ocean surrounding it. The air felt... different. Lighter, thinner in magic. He scanned the area, noting the tropical climate and vast stretches of wilderness.
But the most troubling realization was the lack of mana.
"This world… It's weak," Ainz muttered to himself, tapping into his magical reserves to confirm his suspicions. There was very little natural mana in the atmosphere, far less than he had anticipated. "Had I not brought the Mana Reservoir, I might have been trapped here."
He quickly analyzed his surroundings. Despite the lack of magic, he could feel other forms of power—a strange energy he hadn't encountered before, though it wasn't magical in nature. It was as though this world operated on different laws.
"This must be one of the weaker worlds," he surmised, his caution already kicking in. "But even a weak world can hold secrets and dangers."
Ainz began walking through the unfamiliar landscape, his eyes glowing as he activated his many detection spells. It wasn't long before he encountered the first signs of civilization: a small group of people wearing strange pirate-like clothing. The moment they saw Ainz, their faces paled with terror. They knew instantly that they stood no chance against the towering figure before them.
"What... What is that?!" one of the pirates stammered, shaking in his boots.
Ainz paid them little mind, focusing instead on the energy radiating from their bodies. It wasn't mana, but something else. Some kind of life force or willpower. "Curious," he thought. "This could be useful."
But the thought that truly struck him was more ambitious. Why not swallow this world into my dimension?
This world's weakness made it an ideal candidate for expansion. With the help of the Mana Reservoir, he could open another rift and begin pulling the very fabric of this world into his own dimension. No one in this world would be able to resist him. Their lack of mana meant they were powerless against his magic.
"I could use this world... absorb its people, its resources, its energy," Ainz mused, his eyes glowing with malevolent intent. "Once it becomes part of my domain, it will be another stepping stone to ultimate power."
But before taking any action, Ainz knew he had to assess more of this world. He would need to proceed carefully, ensuring that no hidden dangers lurked in the shadows. He was cautious, methodical. Rushing would only cause problems.
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The Caution of Ainz
Ainz was no fool. He knew that even weak worlds could harbor unexpected threats. His first priority was to gather information. The pirates he encountered were weak, easily frightened by his presence, but they mentioned names—names like "Straw Hat", "Shichibukai", and "Navy".
"These titles are unfamiliar, but they seem to hold power in this world," Ainz thought. "I must proceed with caution. I cannot afford to make enemies before understanding this world's structure."
His mind raced with plans. First, he would investigate the key players of this world, assess their strength, and then begin swallowing this world into his domain. Slowly, methodically.
For now, he would bide his time, keeping his true intentions hidden. But the world of One Piece would soon learn that Ainz Ooal Gown had arrived.
His ambition burned brighter than ever.
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