"I still remember how that guy from the Bukubukuchagama recommended this game to me, and now she's working hard too."
When I first met that guy, he was just a beginner voice actor without many resources. I never expected that she would become somewhat well-known now. Back then, she would often bicker with her brother, Perorocchino; I recall him complaining. It was amusing to find out that the H-Game I bought actually features her voice, even though I've purchased quite a few myself. But that guy has probably been working for a while now, huh?
The few of us remaining continued to chat about real-life matters, which was quite common in "Ainz Ooal Gown." After a while, the dark haze that had emerged from HeroHero gradually began to clear.
"Sorry for making you listen to my complaints for so long; it's not often I get to vent in the real world."
HeroHero's head lowered as if apologizing, and upon seeing this, Momonga quickly responded.
"You don't need to worry about it, HeroHero. It's understandable; you're busy and still logged on. It's only natural for us to listen to your complaints. No matter how many you have, both Genji and I are here for you."
Genji added, "Yeah, complaining together can be a fun distraction."
HeroHero seemed to perk up, responding with a more vibrant laugh than before.
"Ah, thank you so much, Momonga, Genji. I'm really happy to see you both after such a long time."
Momonga replied, "Hearing you say that makes me really happy too."
HeroHero glanced at the time on the panel and sighed, "Ah, it's already this late. I guess it's time for me to log off."
After saying this, its tentacles began to move in the air, as if controlling something.
Momonga also opened the panel to check the time.
"Yeah, it is quite late..."
"I'm really sorry, Momonga, Genji. I have work again tomorrow, so I really need to go."
Momonga let out a quiet sigh, as if not wanting the others to hear.
"I see, that's a pity. Time really flies."
Genji wasn't too sad, but she still expressed some regret for HeroHero: "You need to take care of yourself."
"Yeah, thanks for your concern. I really wanted to stay with you until the end, but I'm just so tired."
"Get some rest, then."
Momonga added, "You really do look exhausted. Log off early and take care of yourself."
"I'm really sorry. I'll head out now. You all can keep chatting, and I hope to see you again in the future. Good night, everyone."
"Good night." "Good night."
As soon as the words left its lips, HeroHero's body gradually faded from its seat.
Momonga lowered his head slightly and sighed, "I can't believe from 42 members, it's just you and me left now."
Genji got up and walked over to him, patting his shoulder,
"Everyone has to deal with real-life issues."
"Yeah."
"By the way, Genji, how long do you plan to stay?"
I was surprised; I didn't expect him to ask that.
"Me? I don't mind staying until the servers shut down. I don't have anything else going on tomorrow. I've really worn myself out these past few days. How about you?"
"I plan to stay until the forced logout when the service ends. There might still be some time left, and who knows, maybe some people will return during that time."
"Ah, so Takimi thought the same as me. Giving the position to you was definitely the best choice."
"Haha, just kidding. You're even more suited for it than I am. You're not just amazing in-game but also in real life. I heard you even invested in the company behind this game?"
"Yeah, but with so many people quitting, it's tough for everyone. Life has become quite difficult, and with fewer people playing the game, it's even harder to get them to spend money."
Knowing this was under the world of "Overlord," Genji didn't hesitate to invest part of her savings in the company, resulting in a significant return. They even designed exclusive characters, items, equipment, and titles just for her.
"It's a shame; it's such a great game."
Momonga slowly got up, gazing around. After all, this was a guild they had built together, and he felt a deep sense of loss.
"Yeah, I had asked Bukubukuchagama about it earlier. I initially planned to bring her along, but she turned me down today. I heard she recently got a good voice acting role."
"Is that so? I'm really envious."
"I'll go outside the guild for a bit longer to reminisce. Please continue to manage it as the guild leader. If anyone comes back, remember to let me know."
After all, having the "Ainz Ooal Gown Ring" meant he could return to the guild from anywhere.
"Yeah, since it's a guild we all created together, it's my job as the guild leader to maintain it well so that members can return whenever they want!"
Watching Genji leave, Momonga suddenly felt a bit hollow inside.
"I wonder if anyone will ever come back..."
He turned and walked to the front of the round table.
"Will we see each other again someday?"
Momonga operated the control panel, sending out the same emotional message.
Of the four guild members online, aside from Genji, the last one disappeared too.
The entire hall fell eerily silent, as if no one had ever been there or left anything behind.
Momonga looked at the spot where HeroHero had been, intending to say one last thing:
"Today is the last day of the game's operation. I know you're tired, but this is a rare opportunity. Would you like to stay with Genji until the end?"
But now the hall was empty, with no response, as HeroHero had returned to the real world.
"Ah."
Momonga felt a sense of loss for his departure.
From the complaints shared among them, he understood just how exhausted HeroHero was. Despite everything, HeroHero still replied to his email, and for that, he was grateful.
Momonga stared at the spot where HeroHero had left, then shifted his gaze to the thirty-nine empty seats around him—places where past companions once sat.
With the memories flooding his mind, he recalled all their moments together.
"I hope we can meet somewhere again in the future... ah."
He had heard similar sentiments multiple times in the past, but they were all empty promises; no one ever returned to YGGDRASIL.
"When and where will we meet again..."
At that moment, Momonga's shoulders began to tremble violently, and all the emotions he had been suppressing finally erupted.
"What a joke!"
Momonga slammed the table and shouted.
As a result, the place where his hand hit erupted with the number "0."
"This is the Great Tomb of Nazarick that we all built together! Why can you all abandon it so easily?!"
After venting his frustration, an overwhelming sense of emptiness and loneliness washed over him.
"No, it shouldn't be like that. They didn't leave lightly; they're just faced with the choice between the real world and the virtual world. It's a necessary decision; no one betrays the guild. Everyone is facing their own painful choices..."
Momonga kept trying to convince himself, muttering to himself as he turned his gaze to the wall.
The Ainz Ooal Gown staff was merely a replica.
Seven snakes were entwined around it, with different colored gems set in their mouths, and the grip resembled transparent crystal glowing with blue light.
This was the only guild weapon that each guild could own.
It was also a symbol of "Ainz Ooal Gown!"