Chapter 87: Old Friends
Smoke curled in golden spirals beneath the vaulted ceiling of Nazarick's intelligence chamber, where Gleaming Obelisk statues cast long shadows over polished obsidian floors. Demiurge leaned across a mirrored table as Sediss and Devilla presented their findings.
"Strange mage‐knight and his partner have sown upheaval in Re-Estize," Sediss reported, voice crisp. "Teleportation sigils at the Siren Ruins and uncanny Blade Master maneuvers in Teravell's coup trace back to the E-Nauel."
Devilla spread a parchment map marked with runic sigils. "Their patterns—fighting style, arcane signatures, subterfuge—match Yggdrasil's player skills. We suspect Yggdrasil veterans."
Demiurge's lips curved into a calculating smile. "Inform Ainz-sama I require these 'unknown variables' assessed. Covertly, of course. We shall determine whether to recruit or neutralize them."
With a snap of his gloved fingers, the chamber gates opened. The intelligence conclave dispersed, leaving Demiurge alone with the hum of arcane machinery.
Far across the New World, in the private sanctum of the Eternal Dominion's floating citadel, Velkharion stirred. The vast windows of his chamber overlooked storm-lashed seas and flickering prisms of mana-light.
Shuna lay curled on a velvet chaise, her pink hair fanned like an enchanted veil; Isaril slept next to her in silky nightdress that gleamed under the strands of light entering the room . Velkharion rose, careful to leave soft wards of silence so his movement would not disturb them.
His gaze lingered on the map of realms spread across the desk—Re-Estize, Baharuth, Slane Theocracy. Beyond mortal politics, another summons beckoned: Momonga, now Ainz Ooal Gown. He drew in a steady breath. "It's time I made contact."
Velkharion shed the lightweight silk and leather of his covert identity and donned the towering plate of his original in-game avatar: obsidian and starlight runes, cape of floating sigils. He rested a crown-like helm atop his brow—now Overlord of the Eternal Dominion once more.
"Tell the others to watch Teravell and the ruins," he murmured to one of the maids, to relay his message to the two sleeping peacefully. With a final glance at Shuna's serene face, he stepped through the archway.
In the grand war room, Sythera, Kroxar, Zelefar, and Valnor knelt before the Frostfire Throne.
"Our puppet in Teravell thrives," Velkharion announced, settling onto the throne's icy petals.
Sythera inclined her frost-scaled brow. "We will maintain court surveillance and Baharuth's underground stakes."
Zelefar rubbed his crimson-streaked robes. "We captured some adventurers secretly exploring the Siren Ruins. We're currently interrogating them."
Valnor handed over ledgers. " We've adjusted funding streams quietly. No alarm raised."
Kroxar's voice rumbled. "E-Rantel spies report on upcoming royal maneuvers."
Velkharion nodded. "Good. Continue as planned. I'm going to visit an old friend."
The Grand Plaza's mana‐etched stones shivered as Velkharion stood within a circle of glowing glyphs. Shuna hovered briefly at his side, lingering at the edge of consciousness—her protective aura cradling sleep. He offered her a final smile. "Rest, my queen. I return swiftly."
With a hum of ancient power, the runes ignited. A crack of light swallowed him.
Moments later, Velkharion solidified atop moss-clad terrain just beyond Nazarick's southern gates. Silver gargoyles perched on ruined pillars, and the scent of brimstone rose from distant moats. He straightened his armour, hands resting on the polished hilt of his katana.
No sooner had he taken two steps than the great gates ground open, and skeletal guardians—armed with scythes and shields—rushed to defensive positions. From the ramparts, the Floor Guardians of the Fifth Floor thundered into readiness. Their eyes glowed red beneath imposing helms as they formed a line.
Velkharion stood motionless, allowing them to assume battle stances.
Behind a silver lattice in the Fifth Floor Throne Room, Ainz Ooal Gown hovered before the Mirror of Infinity. Albedo beside him, wings rustling. Demons of observation—Sebas and Narberal—stood by.
The surface of the mirror hazed, then cleared to reveal Velkharion's lone form, unarmed and unhurried amid the Guardians' advance.
Ainz's skeletal jaw loosened. "Velkharion…?" The soft click of bones echoed as he touched the mirror's edge. Ainz's hollow eyes blazed with recognition and delight.
"Floor Guardians," he called, voice resonant, "hold your ground. We have no intruder—only a friend."
The Guardians slowed, spears dipping.
At the mossy breach, Velkharion drew a deep breath and raised his voice clear enough to carry to the gates:
"Yūzumaru—reply!"
Silence fell. Seconds passed. Then Ainz's voice, distant yet unmistakable: "Velkha…Velkharion-kun?"
From the ramparts, the Guardians' weapons lowered.
"Did he say 'Velkharion-kun'?" one rumbled.
"A secret title," Ainz stammered over the mirror, "only the founders—Momonga, Gazef, and I—used. Only Velkharion could utter it." His bony hand pressed to his jaw. "He is no impostor."
On Ainz's command, the Guardians parted, and Valefor circles coalesced beneath Velkharion's feet. A shimmering portal opened.
Velkharion stepped through the valefor-sped portal into the courtyard. Torches guttered along obsidian walls. Ainz descended the dais, Albedo gliding at his side, Demiurge watching with keen interest.
They faced each other under the vaulted ceiling. Velkharion's helm gleamed, his mantle drifting like dark nebulae. Ainz's ivory skull loomed, royal shroud billowing.
Ainz stifled a laugh that rumbled from hollow throat. "Velkharion…! What a suprise it to meet an old friend." He said, ivory staff tapping stone. "I changed my name—Ainz Ooal Gown—to seek fellow players in this realm. You…you are the only one I have made contact with thus far."
Velkharion smiled. "Ainz... Well it's been a while. Although I haven't done so extensively but... I too looked for players but... It seems very few crossed over." He inclined his head. "This New World seems to have ties to Yggdrasil but... L honestly don't want to go back."
Ainz's hollow laugh sounded bitter. "I also thought the same." He paused, then gestured wide. "Tell me, what drives you now?"
Velkharion stepped to a glowing brazier and touched the rim. His eyes gleamed with memory. "Do you recall when Yggdrasil thrived, and I hoarded every mystical tome I could. The developers even staged a special event in my name—gifting me Chronicles of the Void and Arcanum of Worlds. I spent real coin to sway the Devs for solid grants." He chuckled, recalling luxury. "Now, those tomes sit in my library, and I've been studying them nightly."
Ainz rocked forward on his heels. "I never knew you even swayed the Dev's with your money."
Velkharion's smile was bright steel. "It was a secret... I still have those tomes and I've been studying them as of late. I've learned that they hint at magics that allow one to cross dimensions. If I master them, I can traverse the multiverse."
Ainz let the words settle. "To step between worlds… And possibly..."
Velkharion's gaze sharpened. "Yes. A way to get back to our original world but... That's no longer me. Now, honestly I crave challenges beyond this realm. I want stronger opponents, I want to gather more knowledge… I want to explore."
Ainz's hollow bones seemed to shine in torchlight. "Then let us forge an alliance. We are both players—once bound by Yggdrasil and long‐time friends."
Velkharion inclined his helm, blade still at rest. "Together, we'll shape this world—and beyond."
Albedo's wings fluttered with delight. Demiurge's pale smile was one of triumph.
Ainz turned reaching out his hand towards Velkharion. "Then this time how about we meet at the Eternal Dominion and discuss our alliance formally."
Velkharion nodded. "Sure. Then I'll depart at once—Gate." He turned, raised his arms, and voiced the spell: "Gate." Entering into the void heading back to the Eternal Dominion.
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