[Year 4 Before the Common Era]
Re-Estize Kingdom.
The royal capital~
Although it was the center of the entire nation, the ground, aside from the main street, was dusty and gray. The cobblestones that paved the streets were cracked and weathered, with tiny fractures and eroded gaps marring their surfaces.
Most of the surrounding buildings were single- or double-story European-style structures, exuding an aged and worn-down feel.
Yet, the closer one got to the heart of the royal capital, the cleaner and more orderly both the streets and buildings became.
The air was fresh.
But everything about the atmosphere told Axel one thing: this was another world.
*Ding ding ding—*
*Clang clang—*
The constant ringing noise came from the metallic clinking of weapons against armor, produced by the adventurers walking along the streets.
On both sides of the street, merchants shouted to attract customers, their diverse shop signs reflecting sunlight faintly, adding to the bustling atmosphere.
Luxurious carriages struggled to navigate the streets, though they never stopped moving. Most pedestrians instinctively made way for them.
Among the crowd were many people clad in armor and a few robed like mages, standing out amid the throng. Others wore bright, peculiar outfits, adding a kaleidoscope of variety to the scene.
The entire royal capital of Re-Estize was brimming with people from all corners of the kingdom over the past few days.
In such a lively atmosphere, most people couldn't help but feel their spirits rise.
But not Aron.
Clad in shabby long sleeves and faded gray trousers, Axel blended into the crowd, utterly inconspicuous.
His mood mirrored the color of his clothes—grim. Beyond the confusion, a heavy sense of fear clung to his heart.
The excitement belonged to others.
Aron had arrived in this world just yesterday. However, he had already grasped the general situation.
This was the world of "Overlord"—specifically, the alternate world where the Great Tomb of Nazarick would descend in the future.
And so, Aron was panicking.
Other people transmigrated to "Overlord's" reality, grinding endlessly and spending inordinate amounts of money in "Yggdrasil", the game, to obtain rare world items and special classes. Then, they either descended into the alternate world with overwhelming power or joined the Tomb directly.
But Aron had directly arrived in this alternate world. If he were like those others, he wouldn't be so terrified right now.
The only source of solace was that the current timeline was still four years away from the descent of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
How could Aron be sure about this?
Because of the Royal Tournament—the Duel Before the Throne.
The kingdom's future strongest warrior, Gazef Stronoff, would win this competition and be granted the title of "Warrior Captain".
And today was the day of Gazef's climactic duel with Brain Unglaus, the "Nail Clipper."
This duel was said to have captured the attention of every adventurer and commoner in the kingdom, explaining the unusually crowded streets.
Although Aron had been an ordinary person in his previous life, his extensive experience reading novels had taught him how to calm down quickly.
After overhearing names like Gazef, Brain, and the Duel Before the Throne, Aron confirmed the world and timeline he had transmigrated into.
"Year 4 Before the Common Era." Of course, this wasn't the official calendar of this world but rather a calculation used by fans of "Overlord."
After all, based on the "Overlord" storyline, the Great Tomb of Nazarick would eventually rule the world. Using a "New Era" calendar seemed entirely appropriate.
As for understanding this world's language?
It was thanks to some sort of universal translation law in this alternate world. Not only could people from different nations understand each other, but even individuals of different species could communicate without issue.
To quote *Overlord's* protagonist: it was as if the entire world had eaten translation jelly.
Of course, while Aron could understand spoken language, he was utterly illiterate here.
The rough texture of his clothes scratched uncomfortably against his skin, but it was a minor annoyance compared to his current predicament.
He had no idea why he had transmigrated. One moment, he had been lying in his rented apartment, and the next, he was here.
Such a cliché way to transmigrate.
Aron scoffed at the thought, his lips curling into a self-mocking smile.
After all, he had been an orphan, always alone. His sudden disappearance would likely go unnoticed.
At least, thanks to the influx of adventurers and commoners drawn by this duel of legends, Aron's sleepwear didn't seem too out of place amid the crowd.
This world, with its various races and cultural differences, had a surprisingly diverse fashion sense.
Once Aron had calmed down and confirmed his situation, he acted decisively.
He found a shop selling goods and traded the only item he had brought into this world besides his clothes: a small gold pendant with enamel decoration hanging from his neck.
In exchange, he received three gold coins.
The pendant had been something he bought months ago as a gift for his ex-girlfriend. They had broken up before he could give it to her, so he kept it for himself.
[Conversion rates: 169 copper = 13 silver = 1 gold coin]
With five copper coins, Aron purchased cheap clothing. He spent a silver coin on a short sword. His remaining funds were now 2 gold, 11 silver, and 3 copper coins.
Aron knew the pendant's true value far exceeded what he had received, especially with its enamel craftsmanship—a rarity in this primitive world. The shopkeeper would likely resell it to a noble for several times the price.
But Aron couldn't afford to haggle under his circumstances.
With five additional copper coins, he bought a few rye loaves.
"Four years to prepare, huh? Like hell I'll relax!"
Aron stomped the ground in frustration, his lips twitching as he cursed internally.
As a fan of "Overlord", he had read both the light novels and watched the anime. He knew full well that whether it was four years or four days, the outcome wouldn't change.
The entire Re-Estize Kingdom, including himself, was fated for destruction.
Only two paths lay ahead:
One, die in the aftermath of the war between the Sorcerer Kingdom and the Re-Estize Kingdom—if that could even be called a war.
Two, survive by some miracle and become a subject of the Sorcerer Kingdom.
But…
Aron lifted his gaze toward the grand and ancient royal palace perched on a hill in the distance, and his unease only deepened.
Could his identity as a transmigrator truly escape the notice of those in the Great Tomb of Nazarick?
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