"Ah, just as I expected."
Ainz Ooal Gown had a total of forty-two members at its peak, ranking third among all guilds in YGGDRASIL. They held an impressive thirty-one world-class items—the highest count on the entire server—most of which were concentrated in the hands of Genji. The guild's stronghold, the "Great Tomb of Nazarick," had never been breached, earning a legendary status within the game.
Aside from Genji, who enjoyed certain privileges, the strongest member was Touch me, known as the "Silver Holy Knight." He was one of only nine "world champions" worldwide and held the overall third rank, surpassing the second.
Due to his unique circumstances, Genji was advised against participating in competitions, as it would render such contests meaningless for him.
"Well, money certainly allows you to do whatever you want," he mused.
The guild's abundance of world-class items had reached a staggering level, causing discontent among other guilds. During the peak period of Nazarick, the guild faced the largest assault since the game launched, with eight guilds and other associated groups totaling around 1,500 players joining forces to attack.
Eventually, 1,200 players reached the eighth floor, but Ainz Ooal Gown's entire guild defended it, utilizing the floor's unique mechanisms to eliminate all players. This led to widespread accusations that the eighth floor had undergone illegal modifications or was using excessively powerful "world-class items."
As a result, the guild acquired a vast array of powerful artifacts, which were carelessly tossed into the underground treasury, overseen by Pandora.
Even though most guild members had quit the game, their ranking never fell below the top ten. This was largely thanks to players like Genji, who relentlessly invested time and money into the game.
Many of his companions envied his abundant energy and wealth, speculating that he might be the heir to a wealthy conglomerate. However, when they heard him say that he earned all that money himself, they could only look on with envy.
Genji entered his room and opened a small vault. Inside were items he had commissioned from programmers and designers just before the game's closure.
He had spent a considerable amount of money on these, but for the developers, modifying values was merely a simple task, as long as the funding was sufficient.
They often questioned, "Why go to such lengths when the game is about to shut down?" He would deflect with an excuse, saying, "Perhaps I truly love this game."
Fortunately, they were still willing to create these items, often lamenting, "Such a great game is facing closure."
Genji took out a ring called the "Eternal Ring." Excitedly, he checked its details.
**[Eternal Ring]**
**[Doubles HP and MP when worn; damage and agility double during Frenzy for 1 hour (CD: 6 hours); revives at a designated point after death (CD: 24 hours)]**
**[Special Effect: Eternity (cannot enter a dying state, no penalties upon death); its effect always surpasses that of world-class items]**
*Cough cough.*
Seeing the effects, Genji was astonished by how overpowered it was.
With this item in hand, he no longer needed to worry about anything.
*Regarding the designated point,* he thought, using the ring to click on the bed behind him.
On the pure white, luxurious bed, the words "Save Successful" slowly appeared.
Satisfied, Genji nodded—after all, this was a privilege he had gained.
With that, he casually donned the ordinary world-class items. Fully equipped, he stepped in front of the mirror in his room and examined his grotesque form.
He was a terrifying, crude black creature with smooth, greasy skin reminiscent of a whale. His repulsive, inward-curving horns and ugly claws were perfectly suited for grasping, and a barbed tail swung uselessly back and forth. Where there should have been facial features, there was only a blank layer of skin.
He tried to spread his wings, and suddenly a pair of bat-like wings appeared, flapping vigorously behind him.
*So this is the Night Terror? It really doesn't fit my aesthetic, but the wings do look pretty cool.*
He slowly raised his right hand and snapped his fingers.
The grotesque form in the mirror instantly transformed into a very handsome young man, appearing to be around twenty years old.
This was his prototype, a younger version of a man who had already begun to show signs of aging.
After preparing everything, he nodded in satisfaction.
He then turned his gaze to " Leticiel," who had been standing by the door. (Her character design can be seen on the cover; she is the female lead from the light novel * Her Royal Highness Seems to Be Angry *)
The silver-haired girl had a small crescent-shaped hairpin and captivating red eyes that fixated on him. Her pure white long shirt outlined her perfect body curve, while a simple short cape, connected by a black bow, draped over her. Her lower half featured a short plaid skirt in black, white, and gray, completed with black loafers.
Genji approached and carefully examined the expressionless girl.
She was beautiful, but lacked any sense of life—merely a perfectly designed AI.
But soon, she would be reborn.
"A perfectly crafted girlfriend born from my imagination—she's definitely the best!"
Just then, he received an unexpected message from Momonga.
"Genji, would you like to witness the final moment together?"
"Sure, I'm on my way."
Momonga then sent a very regretful expression.