Sample of an Overlord X Rise of the Shield Hero project I had

Heyo. Long time no see. I am still busy writing with Ahsoei on the One-Punch DxD: Neo work. It is a challenge trying to manage more than one fic I admit, drained in the afternoon after working on the story every morning and night, taking away my sleep and energy. Don't know how the other authors manage to do it or how they manage to churn out content without needing a serious recharge.

Anyways, this is a sneak peek of a project I am considering to abandon. I started this project when the Shield Hero anime started and I was in the mood to write something good, original, and I was probably still in a high of making Ainz Ooal Gown OP in that world for good reason. However, the more I learned about the Shield Hero world and the greater ridiculousness, the more the series is starting to iff me. The quality of the content completely degraded after the introduction of other worlds and the no-level limit cap started to get out of control, especially when the antagonists introduced themselves, the 'alien Gods of a higher plane' bullshit, the ones with seemingly infinite levels and crap which is complete bullshit.

It left me without a way to end the series honestly. The power ceiling is broken and I cannot see an end to the Shield Hero story so I am considering abandoning this project. It was a shame since I worked hard on it, with a friend of course. The same friend and I are co-writing an original novel of ours, fantasy setting, one with 'isekai' but not the way you think. Let's just say that the 'isekai'ed people are not the protagonists of this story and it was be a great subversion of the trope. 

For those who read my collaboration with 7th Pride in Fake Player and saw my OC Djall, he is one of the protagonists of this story lol. Anyways, here you go. I will make this one free for others to see since I have been silent for a while. Also I am in the process for getting a job so I might start working soon haha. Sorry. Anyways, take a gander.

Also, let me know what you think. Some of the characters are OC because I was taking this story in a direction similar to the Hunter Amongst Villains. I don't want Ainz summoned as a 'hero' because that does not suit him at all. It is better for him to rise above the world's rules with his power. Feel free to ask questions in the comments on what was in this story. It has a lot of original elements to make the story more enticing. 

Also, go check out Ahsoei's Patreon. A lot of the One Punch DxD chapters are there that aren't on Fanfiction.net, and they are free. 

https://www.patreon.com/ahsoei/posts 

Hriabirth.

The capital city constructed via efforts of Nazarick and the survivors of the New World. 

Hovering above the capital in the distance outside the walls was a floating castle, the structure resting on a cone of land seemingly ripped from the Earth by the gods themselves. The earth underneath the flat soil was nothing more than a stalactite hanging from the air.

At the base of the large portcullis of metal and polymer-like material engraved with runes, two angel-like constructs bedecked in golden armor and their heads wearing the shapes of lions.

Around the parapets, Naofumi can see dragons devoid of any flesh, be it skin or bone, perching perching on parking platforms for flying beasts. 

They were not actual dragons but constructs of human bones designed to look like dragons 

A few of the dragons looked Naofumi’s way, their gaze licking his and his party’s forms before turning away.

Naofumi took in the city, the hustle and bustle of demihumans and humans walking in and out of the gates, that had tolls, of course. He hoped that the price wouldn't skyrocket past the one gold limit. 

The rest of his party which included Raph-chan, Raphtalia, Filo, and Sadeena, the first currently hanging off his arm. 

“Ten copper per entrant, so 50.” Naofumi said to himself, he dug into his bag and pulled out a single silver.

“Rafu.”

“I am surprised the ‘one with a heart colder than ice’ didn't raise it past ten gold.” Sadeena giggled, lightening the atmosphere with her tune.

“Don't jinx it.” Naofumi warned, frowning as he imagined himself suddenly in the clutches of debt like the other three idiots.

“Maaaasteeeeerrrr~ I smell something good in theeeereeee.” Filo spoke up upon sniffing the air, the aromas of unique cuisines wafting from the open gates.

“I am feeling hungry myself.” Raphtalia spoke up fixing her dress briefly. 

“Rafu!” Raph chan squeaked in agreement. 

“Alright… don’t buy anything without my knowing.” Naofumi warned.

“Oh, you worry for dear old me too much. What could the city holds to inspire such caution?” Sadeena asked.

“Things that can turn even heroes into debt-plagued losers.”

Naofumi retorted.

“Oh my. Please, don’t compare me to them. I’m not reckless, you know?”

Naofumi did not retort. He just hoped the city held no trap for his companions to bite into.

“Let’s just get in.”

As the group waited in the line, their turn arrived. 

“Copper, please.” A knight bedecked in mithril asked.

The man was Demihuman, ears slipping through the cracks under his helm.

“Here.” Naofumi said handing him a silver coin.

The knight sniffed coin for a moment before nodding. 

“Please wait for the mage to inspect you for malicious contraband as I hand you the change.”

“Inspection?” Naofumi raised an eyebrow.

He looked at his companions, seeing nary a reason for the guards to take an inspection on them.

“Oh, no, I know who you are, Shield Hero. It is protocol, just in case. Lord Ainz’s word. Apparently, it was to take care of troublesome illusionists and so on. Just bear with me.” The Demihuman knight assured as he handed him the change.

“Beware of undead past the gates though. Don’t freak out or attack them on sight.”

Naofumi rolled his eyes as he nodded. 

As they entered the gates, a mage approached them. The man was old, his features that of forty years, as a black-purple robe mantled his features.

“Hm?” Naofumi saw a Floating Eyeball corpse behind him.

“Do not mind the giant pile of eyeballs. It can’t harm you.” The mage assures.

No matter how many times Naofumi saw it, the Eyeball Corpse didn't improve its visual appeal.

“Ewwwww….” Filo uttered with a frown at the disgusting sight.

“Rafu...” Raph-chan crawled up Naofumi’s arm to get closer to his cheek. 

“I know that, let’s get this over with.” He patted Raph-chan’s head.

The mage brought his staff over Naofumi and chanted.

“[Greater Item Appraisal.]” He muttered as the orb resting at the top shone radiant blue for a moment.

“Hmmm, strange, I cannot read all of the Shield’s powers… but you're in the clear. Next.” 

The mage continued to scan the other members one by one, although the Mage stopped Sadeena when it was her turn.

“Where did you get that Harpoon?” He asked, pointing at her weapon of choice.

Naofumi turned to the mage and called out.

“Let her go. She is my companion. Or is my word not enough?”

The mage and the Eyeball Corpse turned to Naofumi. 

“Oh, don't mistake my caution for insult, but your friend’s weapon was crafted… um, never mind.” The mage took out a notebook and a pen after holding his staff under his armpit. Naofumi watched as the man wrote something down to himself.

“Anyways, you're all clear. Welcome to Hriabirth. Try to not follow the Nobles’ example, as you can see them in a certain shop to this day.” The mage concluded.

“What are you writing?” Naofumi had to ask. 

“Hm? Nothing special. Just a reminder on your friend the next time you arrive. Please, enjoy your stay.” the Mage dismissed.

Naofumi did not like his suspicious behavior. It was like he was writing a note to later tell Ainz or his lackeys about Sadeena’s wares, though he shouldn't complain since he was dealing with a Lord of Death as his business partner.

Naofumi simply shook his head. He walked through the gates of Hriabirth and into the real hustle and bustle of the town. His group walked in beside him and he can hear their oh’s and aw’s. 

A network of roads branched out to several areas, each riddled with various races trafficking the streets. 

Naofumi whistled at the sight. No matter how many times he got here, he will never adapt to the variety. Lizardman, Dwarves, Elves, Frogman, Tigermen, Monkey Beastmen, some goat folk here and there, a weird-looking bipedal humanoid pale in complexion and bearing four emaciated arms, this place was a hub that had it all.

Soul Eaters, the skeletal horses, pulled wooden wagons filled with crated goods as undead riders of ghastly pale rode the skies in their daily patrols. [Gate] portals opened a few times in the skies as dragons soared through the air with packaged supplies strapped on their backs, landing towards somewhere in the stone jungle. 

Few of the roads held wider breadth to accommodate the size of larger races. One road trafficked giants and other large creatures, some holding smaller creatures like goblins on their shoulders. Dragons of various colors even intermingled with the other races in the main road as well, ranging from red to freezing blue.

All and all, this place could be considered a truly alien world, an emulation of what fantasy should be. And to think this place started out with just humans at first, with sticks and wood for houses. Now it was seven times the size and brimming with variety.

Raphtalia looked around, taking in the sights, amazed by what has been done here. She stepped out in front of Naofumi to get better looks at the area around her. 

Looking at her left, she saw a group of dragons, pure ones, but they were as tall as the average human and they wore the armor of divine silver streaked with sky blue around the rims.

To her right, she saw dwarves covered in soot, each holding a bag filled with a variety of metal ingots ranging from iron to mithril.

“Ohhhhhh~ Look, master, Look!” Filo tugged Naofumi’s pants and pointed at the far distance. 

Naofumi looked at the distance and widened his eyes. This wasn't here before.

Forty-one statues lined up high far in the distance, facing all cardinal directions. Standing around the edges of a circular fountain were various creatures, each different than the rest that the conglomeration was both contrasting and impactful at the same time.

At first sight, one can tell how important they are to the commissioner. The stone statue of Ainz Ooal Gown stood amongst the statues at the center atop a raised dais, wielding a gold replica of a caduceus which comprised of seven serpents entwined as their heads spread out in all directions. 

Now that Naofumi looked at it, he widened his eyes. That staff consisted of pure solid gold. He nearly dropped his jaw at the amount needed to even craft such a complicated staff.

The enormity and the impact these massive statues were immediate, even the other townsfolk were in awe of the statue. Even more so for newcomers. There were dwarves still working on the statues with a chisel and pick, hovering in the air via the [Fly] spell.

Sadeena walked past the group to admire the statues, the craftsmen ship was amazing and seems to capture the essence of what they represented.

They all belong to alien creatures she never knew existed. A four-armed creature with multiple mouths, holding a claymore in one hand and a staff in another, a giant monstrous samurai wielding a odachi, a ninja whose face was covered completely, a birdman wielding a metal bow of immaculate design, a certain cleric-like creature with a pair of giant gauntlets, a bipedal goat donning the robes of a mage and wearing a mask covering one half of his face, a paladin knight resting both hands on the sword which stood in the dirt, and the list goes one. 

She recognized the theme of this commission: individuality, variety, and unity. The statues were a tribute to those the commissioner cherished.

As she walked closer to the center she felt a magical presence in each of the statues. She looked up to one, a man of sorts wearing armor befitting of a paladin. She looked away and walked the small ways to the center to get a good look at the man who commissioned this work of art. 

Water flowed from each serpentine head of the staff, albeit the color varied from each head as if dyed in a certain color to represent what each head held. The color ranged from sky blue, fiery red, earth brown, and more. 

Sadeena trailed the flow as it mixed with the fountain pool, the colors disappearing upon touching the calm surface before it flowed into the outer pools at the outer edges.

She reached out to touch the flow of water, she can feel a small difference in temperature between each flow, a strange feeling. She wondered why that was and pulled her hand away. 

Naofumi and the rest caught up as they marveled at the fountain. 

“So these are Ainz’s friends, huh?” Naofumi smiled. So this was a monument to his guild’s past glory. He must admit, the importance of his treasured past couldn't be better expressed than this.

“Woooow. I didn’t know his friends are…” Raphtalia looked up at the large statues, one of them catching her eye. That one looked nothing more than a slime of sorts, bubbling, bulbous, and recurved as if craning its amorphous head forward.

When she heard Ainz had friends, she shamefully admitted she thought his friends were undead. Ainz did more than enough to prove her wrong.

“Rafu~” Raph-chan looked at them with awe as well. She looked at the one she can only describe as a vine monster. This one looked smaller than the rest, pointing one arm forward as if commanding the members.

“Ohhhh, bird person!” Filo jumped in excitement she was looking upon a statue of a birdman, a bow in one hand and confidence in the other. 

“Hm?” Naofumi looked at one of them. This one was… strange. It had the head of an emancipated squid. It reminded him of a certain species famous for sucking brains for some reason.

There were many statues, and they walked around looking at them all. Naofumi towards the end counted 40 statues surrounding Ainz. 

If Naofumi had to compare the beauty of Hriabirth to that of Melromarc’s, he would say this one takes the cake by a large margin. There were passion and a soul that Naofumi cannot describe in words other than a memoir to those Ainz treasured above all.

He doubted any of the prick nobles in Melromarc can deny the spirit in this commission even if they wanted to. 

That or off to the dungeons they go for blatant disrespect.

Speaking of Ainz, Naofumi remembered why they were here. The queen sent them as envoys to make room for negotiations and trade, but the Queen or Melty cannot even meet Anastasia of Yuterra in person due to certain issues in politics.

Something about the nobles retaliating against her rule more openly ever since they fell into massive debt. Naofumi still can’t understand how they fell into Praes’ clutches.

He also can’t believe the heroes fell into that same trap. He’s recently helped out Ren and Itsuki, but has no idea where Motoyasu is at this time. 

Naofumi wondered if he slowly baited him with cheap wares at first then gradually offered the more and more expensive items once Praes ensnared them. That was probably what he would do.

“Let’s go to an inn first. Hopefully, they won’t cost a hundred gold.” Naofumi jokes. But just in case, he brought a thousand Nazarick Gold should the innkeepers decide to troll him with heartless prices.

“I’m hungry!” Filo whined. The aromas from the various food stalls already tickled her stomach.

Naofumi sighed as he scratched his hair. He preferred to not receive a royal procession since he was of nobility at this point.

As his gaze wandered in his search, spotting some giants standing over the masses and maggots-Wait, maggots?

Naofumi looked at the group of insectoid maggots squirming on the sidewalk, all of them almost as large as tigers.

Naofumi stared as they wiggled through, but one of them caught his stare and angled his… or her head towards him.

Naofumi quickly looked away, hoping that they didn't make eye contact. 

However, when he did, he saw Avidia standing inches from him.

The fox smiled as the maggots slithered over to Naofumi faster than he thought a maggot was capable of. Naofumi looked at Avidia, silently asking what he should do.

“Be careful not to stare too long, human. Others might not take your lingering eyes too kindly.” The sapphire maggot spoke. The voice sounded feminine, giving Naofumi the impression of a female.

“Oh, uh… sorry. I, um-”

“I take it you've never seen a Zern before?” She asked, her voice like a gurgling buzz.

“No, I haven't.” Naofumi better composed himself. He never even heard of a Zern before, let alone encountered a maggot creature that can even talk.

Avidia walked between Naofumi and the Zern. He pinched his fingers together and pointed at the direction of the market district.

The Zern looked at him confused.

“He said it is best you go buy the blood from the butcher’s shop. Besides, the man here is invited. They're all guests here on Lord Ainz’s behalf” 

Arriving to Naofumi’s rescue was Duon, walking over to him with a large chicken drum in hand. 

“...very well. Do be mindful with your eyes.” The Zern bowed her head before slithering back to their prior destination, leaving Naofumi and his party alone with Duon.

“Welcome to Hriabirth. Again. Well, newer Hriabirth. The place keeps getting overhauled like there's no tomorrow.” Duon joked before biting into his chicken drum. Filo looked at the meat hungrily.

“Ainz sent us as your guide. Princess Anastasia awaits at the Crossroad Inn.” Duon replied as he looked at Filo and the rest. “You guys want a tour?”

“Oooh a tour? Will there be food?” Filo jumped up, to Duon excited as per usual. Really she was jumping up to reach for a piece of the chicken.

“Rafu!” Raph-chan squeaked at Filo.

“My chicken. Go buy your own.” Duon raised his hand, veering his meat away from the walking fat chicken. Avidia covered his mouth, trying to cover his laughter as Filo started to jump and bite at the meat.

Raphtalia grabbed Filo and pulled her away. 

“Stop it, Filo. We can get your food soon.” She assured her holding her by her sides. 

“Awww...”

Avidia nudged Duon, ‘give her a piece, be nice.’ 

“Feh. Fine. She reminds me of the walking ostriches too much.” Duon glared at Avidia for trying not to laugh as he threw his drumstick to Filo. 

“Yay!” Filo leaped and gobbled the meat between her beak. 

As Filo chewed on the leftovers, Naofumi sighed as he scratched his head.

“So… can you give us that tour?” Naofumi still has time at the very least. He wanted to see what new stuff Ainz added.

“Sure. It will cost you ten gold though.” Duon said, smiling.

“I see greed runs in the family.” Naofumi looked at Avidia, he was also smiling, no help there then. 

“Please, I grew up in a place where a skeleton literally has gold as if they’re rocks picked from the street. Preserving any sense of value there is challenging. There’s even an ingot stronger than steel treated as trash metals,” Duon scoffed.

Naofumi wondered what it was like, being raised in the home of the richest man in the world. He imagined losing all sense of value if he grew up alongside an ocean of gems and gold.

“But I'm kidding. It's on the house. Come. Let me show you some fun places.” Duon suggested as he gestured him to follow.

Duon and Avidia lead them through Hriabirth, showing them the new and improved districts. There was a stable where the Filolials parked, but it was far larger than the standard Filolial stable.

Inside, giants tend to the stable, repairing the wooden support columns as dwarves joined in fixing the tiles and boards.

Duon and Avidia showed them to a carriage carpenter who sells wagon at discount prices. Naofumi eyed the various merchandise with interest, seeing magic runes emblazoning the wooden chassis and the wheels. 

“Each carriage costs 10,000 gold.” Duon mentioned.

“Seriously?” Naofumi asked as he eyed the carriage.

The structure was finely shaped, the design focused on functionality and longevity. He inspected the metal-plated rims and the rubber-laden wheels. Now that Naofumi thought about it, this was probably his first time seeing rubber used in this world.

Using his shield, he analyzed it. It was quite sturdy, showing very high stats a carriage shouldn’t have.

“No, it costs around 100 gold. 84 if you pay in Nazarick gold.” Duon replied.

Filo tugged on Naofumi’s sleeve, she wants a carriage so bad, but they have no use for one with his teleportation shield. She tugged more and more. 

“That's a rather good price for a carriage. What’s the catch?” He asked pulling his arm away from Filo to inspect a carraige.

“None. These are mass produced carriages using Runes to reinforce the vehicle’s durability and speed. The materials you see are common, which lead to affordability. Frankly, they're popular with merchants around here, the more expensive brands even more so for Zeltoble. They’re reliable despite the enchantments still in their prototype stages.”

Naofumi hummed in thought, now interested in purchasing one.

“Masteeerr! Can I have one?!” Filo whined trying to push Naofumi in the direction of getting a carriage. 

The big feathered bird bumped into Naofumi, trying to urge him into spoiling her.

“I don't know…” Naofumi reviewed his expenses for a moment.

All he saw was a warehouse of coin sitting in the corner of his domicile. He paused. Did he really farm that much coin in this time of inactivity? Now that he thought about it, he had been farming gold during quests and such while training the children to fight against the Waves.

“Alright, let's buy it.” 

“Yay!” 

The Shield Hero purchased the vehicle after much convincing from Filo. Naofumi would pick it up after they return back to the village. The giant and dwarf selling the carriages would hold the carriage he bought in reserve until he returned.

Their next destination was one of the food markets. 

However, only meat eaters congregate in this spacious area.

It was livelier than any other food place they knew. Many races are hauling portions of food from the stalls, coins and consumables exchanged at a very rapid pace.

Naofumi, Filo, Sadeena, and Raphtalia (and Raph-chan) stared at the fierce trafficking of goods. 

Goblins, Orcs, Giants, Lizardman, some panther men, goat folk, the maggots Naofumi saw from before, snake men, and even Trolls traded their meals as they ate at their tables near them. It was almost like a cross of a supermarket and an outdoor restaurant. Some humans were even waiting in line for their meat.

The space was very, very wide to accommodate the space of giants. Naofumi even spotted dragons roosting in a spot of their own feasting on live yaks.

“This is the food district for the carnivorous races who prefer raw meat. Other races also tend to purchase the meat here since they’re very high grade, Nazarick-raised, if you're wondering.” Duon replied.

“I can see that, very diverse too.” Naofumi watched as a troll rips away some meat from a goblin, and is promptly taken down by a horde of his friends. 

Avidia watched, laughing at the Troll’s idiocy. One of the goblins threw salt in the troll’s eyes, causing it to scream in pain as he started crying and rubbing it from his irises while the goblins ran away with their meat. 

As the troll got back up, it cried as it walked back to the stalls, now forced to wait in line for his turn to feast. 

Stationed at the walls unnoticed, Death Knights stood guard to maintain order in this area. The troll abandoned his hunt and revenge for fear of the undead guards.

Naofumi caught the sight of the same maggot creatures called Zern slithering around the cobbled streets. They were eating the pieces that fell, the meat and fluids all left clean as the goblin janitors constantly clean the area with a mop and water.

“Anyways, let's move on before your bird decides to join in.” Duon replied, glancing at Filo eyeing the meat stalls with interest.

Naofumi broke his attention away from the alien sight and turned his focus to Filo, who was drooling already. 

He pushed her away from the carnivorous feast and the group continued on to find a more appropriate place to eat. 

From the carnivores’ district, they arrived at the more sophisticated version of the market district. Held up by the white cobble and paved bricks, stalls lined in two long rows selling vegetables, fruits, and certain plants plants meant for other races. 

There were even giant mushrooms sold in wooden stalls, brought by long-armed, mole-like demihumans with hides covered in furs. 

“And this is the omnivores’ district. Or, the more sophisticated one. We sell everything here. Mushrooms from the Quagoans’ caves, fruit grown from the bottom of the crystal lakes, ocean ferns favored by mermaids and merfolk, you name it.” Duon introduced.

There were even merfolk there as well, bipedal amphibians with webbed feet and glistening scales coated in mucous.

“Buy some samples before heading home. I suggest you try the Quagoas’ mushrooms. They're very popular with the common folk.”

“What's a Quagoa?” Naofumi asked.

“Oh, right. They're a unique mole race that lives underground. They can eat metal, and their potential is determined by the quality of the ores they ate during adolescence. Basically, they're the kind that the better ores they eat, the stronger they become. Quite a bane for metalworkers like the Dwarves in the past.” Duon laughed.

He still remembered how they worshipped Ainz the moment he started bringing them back from the dead one by one, the ones with intact bodies at least.

“Those sound incredibly useful.” Naofumi pointed out. 

“It isn’t though. It won’t give them superpowers. They can’t wield most weapons in return, unable to craft items, or even work a viable culture due to their claws.”

Naofumi pondered the downside. There were always downsides in return for advantages.

“...let's get something to eat.” Filo jumped up and down excited that they’ll finally get something to eat. 

Avidia was watching the merpeople, their scales reminding him of Vritra. He really didn’t want to be here right now as he looked down at his ring.

“Deal with it.” Duon elbowed Avidia’s side. “Besides, she’s busy with the birds.” 

Vritra had babysitting duty, raising Agni, Tiamat, and the other birds.

He gave him a very hard to decipher look, like he was worried about something.

“What? Did you do something?” Duon narrowed his eyes.

He smiled and looked away. He didn’t want him to know, it was his secret.

“...did you do the ‘thing?’” Duon asked.

He turned and placed a finger to his mouth telling him to be silent about this. 

“Huh. Funny. I did the ‘thing’ too.” Duon looked back at the Naofumi’s party. 

Naofumi was talking with a Quagoa merchant, the long-armed demihuman offering Naofumi mushrooms. Sadeena and Raphtalia were perusing fishes from a Siren, the female mermaid-like creature advising them which fish to buy.

‘Should we join them?’ Avidia asked in his body language. 

“Yeah, it will make things less awkward. But seriously, did you do the thing while having a Soul Eater or something around? ‘Papa Bones’ won't let you go if you did it without ‘protection.’” Duon asked as they walked to a meat stall, wanting to buy some meat on a stick.

‘That stuff is so tedious, but I did. It was a good night.’ Avidia said a blush forming.

“Yeah, but it's necessary. I mean, do you really want to be forced to kill your own family? I don’t. Blame the bastards up there.” Duon reminded Avidia of the horrifying consequences they must go through should they not live with such caution.

Duon and Avidia arrived at the grill.

“What will you have?” The Orc asked, flipping the patty on the grill with a spatula.

“Hmmmm, sea serpent meat on a skewer, grilled and with Jutri sauce. What will you have, Avidia?” Duon asked.

‘Food.’ He answered sarcastically. 

“Give him a large deluxe beef patty, the juiciest you have.” Duon replied, ordering the most nutritious and fattening type.

‘I will make sure your children are fatherless.’ He can't eat this much, he doesn't even like eating a lot. 

“Uhhh…” The orc looked at Avidia, noticing his scowling glare.

“Naw, give him a skillet of chicken. But I'll take the deluxe.”

Duon, on the other hand, was a big eater. 

“Ah, coming up.” The Orc took out a block of meat and started chopping them up with his butcher knife.

“But, anyways, I'm starting to spend more time with my girls these days. They're even starting to complain with worry whenever I return from work or something.” Duon remembered the times they keep asking about his health, wounds, sickness, etc.

‘Sounds very lovely. She’s still very uptight at times. Though she’s so much more relaxed.’ Avidia really wanted to go, they had plans for something and wants to talk to Ainz about them.

“Heh. Well, how should we surprise the ‘Bone Daddy?’” Duon asked, nudging Avidia’s sides.

‘Don’t know yet still planning.’ Avidia shrugs. 

“Should we arm the birds and the giggling girl, then?” Duon asked, referring to the squawking ostriches and Tiamat.

‘Maybe. I want Tiamat as my flowergirl. I call dibs.’ Avidia laughs to himself.

“Hmmmm, alright. She would be more than happy to… Albedo would get so jealous though. When do you think he will finally cross that line?” Duon asked, referring to Ainz banging that chick already. Albedo was more than wife material, probably too good for anyone.

‘The moment he grows a pair.’ Avidia calmly suggests.

“You're lucky I am the only one that understands you. If he learned of this, he would either tear out your soul, send you to the happy farm, or feed you to the cockroaches.”

“Here’s your deluxe.” The orc handed Duon a skewer and a plate of roasted beef patty marinated in pickles and topped with onions.

“Sweet. Thanks.” Duon graciously received it as the Orc handed Avidia the skillet. Avidia took the stick holding the chicken tenders and pulled down his mask, taking a bite.

He sighs, oh it was so good. He looked to duon and smiled letting him know this is amazing. He looked up to the orc giving him a nod.

“Seriously. Try eating more. Grow some meat on those bones.” Duon rolled his eyes as he ate his own skewered meat as he sat down at his seat in front of the stall.

He followed him and sat by him.

‘I’m a ninja, I can't be too big’

“Says you. Anyways, I'm kinda worried. Should we push Bone daddy to do the thing?” With fork and knife, Duon sliced a piece off his deluxe before eating.

‘Maybe, but he’s out all the time now.’

“Either avoiding desk work or looking for more suckers. He is having too much fun with ‘that.’” 

Avidia knew about Ainz’s Dracolich Form. The bone daddy turned ten times scarier in that form, even more so when he started actively hunting for souls to feast upon.

They still recalled when they watched Ainz battling multiple high-level monsters through the Mirror of Remote Viewing. They were unique manticores in the desert regions, all over level four hundred, and Ainz fought them to the death with fang and claw, resulting in his victory and him claiming their souls and bodies.

Ainz used his tail like that of a Scorpion’s, impaling his prey through unpredictable means. Not only that, the way he sucked the strength out of them was a feat in itself.

‘Yeah, that thing, scared me and Vritra when we went out hiking a couple months ago.’ Avidia bit into his tender, savoring the flavor.

“He landed in front of me while I was on a picnic with the girls. I almost had a heart attack.” Duon still remembered Ainz’s laughter.

Avidia chuckled and tugged a piece off his chicken. 

‘Nothing like looking over a mountain and being scared half to death by an incoming dragon.’

“Whatever. Now I want revenge.” After eating half his deluxe slice by slice, Duon turned over to glance at Naofumi’s party. Naofumi was looking at a weird blade fish, one the size of a claymore and having fins and spines as sharp as swords. 

The thing even had a long, bladed snout as well, one meter meant for stabbing, like that of a swordfish’s.

‘Neat.’ Avidi followed his gaze. 

“You want in?” Duon asked.

Sadeena and Raphtalia were now trying to stop Filo from eating the rows of fruit from the wood elf’s stall. Raph-Chan was busy slapping Filo’s head trying to calm her down.

‘The revenge? or the fish?’ He turned back to Duon finishing his food. 

“Revenge. I think Albedo would love it. But I'm not sure about Zesshi and Shalltear…” Duon pursed his lips. He can imagine the backlash should he leave them out. 

‘Try and push her to when he’s in his human form. I think he’ll be affected by her charms.’ Avidia suggested as he leaned back in his chair. 

“But we’ll need to remove his gear. I don't know which ring he has that prevents mind-affective abnormalities and I don't know if I can risk it finding out. Worse, he probably has a spell that helps him against mental weaknesses.” Duon sighed, throwing the last bit of meat into his mouth as he chewed.

‘This will be very hard, but we can do it.’ Avidia says with some optimism. 

“How can we do it? The guy is paranoid as hell and he has countermeasures against those like you but on the highest level difficulty. We need to rely on something that Ainz did not encounter before, but our world’s magic sucks. Like hell.” Duon set his utensils aside, remembering the vast difference between his world’s magics and Tier Magic.

‘Maybe some wild magic, we can also ask Naofumi if he’s got something that could work.’ Avidia knows how garbage the magic system is.

The magic system is literally tailor-made for heroes and those of certain talents that cannot be explained, some of which Avidia cannot help but call Bullshit, like the Hengen Musou techniques.

“Maybe, but I doubt that guy has any miracles that can pull it off. I can ask Albedo but she probably doesn’t know as much as Ainz. She is talented in intellect, but when it comes to tactics, Ainz… is annoyingly adept.”

Avidia nodded. Secrets are Ainz’s tools of trade and warfare. Give Ainz knowledge of someone and that someone will almost always lose in a PvP.

‘What do you think would happen if Ainz finds out about our plan?’ Avidia asked Duon a little nervous about him finding out about this.

“I doubt even the Shadow Demons tailing us would disagree our plan.” Duon glances at the shadows at their feet, seeing them shift and contort with indecision.

“Heck, even Demiurge would agree with us if we convince him enough. Now the next problem is getting the mood just right for him to accept the inevitable.” Duon smiled.

Ainz would soon become a godfather. 

He had a history of raising children, so him making excuses for his failings would be moot at this point.

‘This will be very fun if it all goes according to plan. I'll talk to Albedo, i have a way of sweet-talking her.’ The irony of this statement was not lost on him.

“Hah!” Duon laughed as he ordered another skewer on the go, now interested to see how far they can take ‘Project Genesis’ to.

As they chattered, Naofumi joined the fray.

“I feel like I'm missing something fun.” 

“Maybe.” Duon and Avidia turned to Naofumi, only to slowly slack their jaws.

Naofumi was holding a two-bladed swordfish over his shoulders by the tail.

Avidia looked the fish up and down, turned to Duon pointed at it. 

‘I-i is he gonna eat that?’ He questioned Duon, but he looked like he was focused on the fish. 

“...don't ask. Just looks interesting.” 

Duon and Avidia made eye contact for a moment before looking back at Naofumi and the giant fish over his shoulder.

“I… see.” Duon finished his plate, then slid it over to the Orc Chef to take.

Avidia looks away from Naofumi, he wants to ask very badly. 

“...nice fish. Heh.” The Orc Chef chuckled at the ridiculous sight.

“What will you have?” The Orc asked.

“Something fit for three. I promised to feed a friend of mine.” Naofumi pointed at Filo who was looking at the Orc Chef expectantly in her bird form.

“...alright! Big Filler Special, coming up!” The Orc turned around, taking more slabs of meat from his freezer… now that Naofumi thought about it, the freezer was a bit too small.

“It's made with the same enchantment like the Infinite Haversack,” Duon explained.

“...oh… so, what are you guys talking about?” 

Naofumi asked as the fish squirmed on his shoulder. It was still alive.

Avidia watched the flopping, it looked ready to jump right off his shoulder. Filo was staring at it hungrily and he noticed Raphtalia shaking her head disapprovingly.

“Some stuff back home. I'm gonna be a father soon,” Duon chuckled.

Naofumi’s eyes widen, “Whoa… Eh? Whoa!!!”

Naofumi nearly fell out of his seat, coughing hard into his hand.

“Oooh… what does that mean?” Filo tilted her head. 

Raphtalia covered her mouth, trying to hide her blush.

“Ohhhhh, my.” Sadeena cooed, also touching her lip with one hand.

“...whos the lucky girl? The raven or the other?” Naofumi whistled impressed. The guy actually graduated into manhood. 

“Both.” 

“Wooow! how far along!” Raphtalia finally spoke, she was blushing madly, she wants to know everything. 

Avidia watched them gush over Duon’s future fatherhood, he sat idly by a big dumb smile on his face thinking of his own future, he rubbed his ring thinking. 

“Ehhh, not sure. Kinda hoping that they turn out alright… and that there's no evil spirit in them.” Duon awkwardly chuckled.

‘With Papa bones restrictions I doubt anything will happen…’ Avidia looked over to Duon. 

Sadeena glanced at Avidia now, “Is your lady love expecting?” 

Avidia paled and looked away embarrassed trying not to let off too many emotions. 

“Hoh, you can read him?” Duon asked, now very intrigued with her.

“Mmm somewhat, he’s hard to decipher sometimes, but you seem to not have much trouble,” Sadeena said watching Avidia squirm. 

“I grew up with him. I know all his secrets.” Duon smirked as Avidia glared at him with murderous intent.

“...huh. Didn't expect you to seal the deal that quick. I thought you were one of those dense types of guys.” 

“I will feed you to the cockroaches.” Duon, this time, glared at Naofumi with even more murderous intent.

Their side of the table was full of malice and murder, switching to a different topic might be a good idea. 

“...alright, then. Let's move on.” Naofumi got up, now wanting to reach the inn. He planned to teleport back to the village to drop off their goods once they did.

“Oh, right. I almost forgot.” Duon’s lips slowly curled. “Stay up at midnight and check the screen.” 

Avidia silently chuckled and leaned back to look at Duon. 

“Why?” Naofumi asked giving the pair a confused look.

“Just go take a look.” Duon urged as he snickered.

Naofumi wondered why they were suggesting such a thing.

“Alright… Where's the inn?” Naofumi asked, fixing the wiggling fish. 

Naofumi hoped the inn wasn't something ridiculous. He can imagine it being boarded with wax or some substance to keep out unwanted souls.

“At the center of town in the high class district. You know your buddy, Praes? He lives there. Be sure to laugh and throw stones at the indebted nobles on your way.” Duon flashed him a thumbs up with a ear-splitting smirk.

“Hah! Now that, I can get behind.” Naofumi laughs, he might actually do that. He can picture himself throwing pebbles and maybe trip them to see them disgrace themselves.

“Mr. Naofumi…” Raphtalia pouted as his conscience again.

“The stones only cost five copper. If you want something more humiliating, a gold.” 

“Stop tempting him!” Raphtalia shouted with fluster.

“Too late. You cannot save him from the Dark Side.” Duon flashed his grin at the tanuki girl.

Naofumi quirked a brow, “where did you hear that?”

“Well… some of the guys in Nazarick tend to comment and quote terms from their makers. That one is famous with Tabula…” Duon hummed in thought.

Naofumi now grew curious. Quotes from the players long past… now he wished to meet those statues in person.

“Interesting… Well we should get going, and get those rocks.” 

“No!” Raphtalia objected heavily to that.

“Here's your meal.” The Orc chef placed the steaming plates of meat one by one. 

Naofumi almost forgot that he ordered stuff for Filo.

“Yay!” Filo poofed back to her little girl form and jumped onto Naofumi’s lap.

Filo chowed down on the assortment with small hands and cute, tiny bites. One of the dishes was originally meant for Naofumi, but he did not mind. They were about to leave anyway.