Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Pandora's Actor was a grand creation of the great and powerful Lord Momonga. He was tall and thin in his natural form. His 4 fingers were spindly and his hands were larger than other parts of himself. His skin was smooth and pale. His eyes were black holes that absorbed as much light as possible which was hard to come by in the deepest and most remote secret part of the great tomb. It had abysmally poor lighting. In reality, this place was in another realm entirely and separate from the connected parts. The only way to truly enter was to pass the riddle to the door and to hold a guild ring but only briefly. The place was dark, but that was okay. He was built in a way that allowed him to see and do his work just fine. Pandora’s Actor had never truly spent much time in the other parts of the great structure. His master did not deem it of importance so the only rooms besides that of the many vaults and cases rooms full of items and treasure that he had seen were the throne room and a long hallway. Which he had seen on the way when he was created and then brought here.

The vaults twisted and turned in many darkened halls. The light comes from the few decorations and display boxes. One could easily get lost in the endless items that were on display. While there were no monsters that spawned on this floor that did not mean that it was defenseless. There were traps that could spring with one wrong step and one wrong word. He knew each stone, each item, and turn. His feet were always surefooted.

Pandora's Actor was a doppelganger and it was his job and his job alone to defend the greatest assortment of treasure that was ever compiled. He achieved it. He categorized it. He cleaned it. He made sure that nothing was ever out of place. This was mostly his purpose, his single reason for existing. He did it all with joy in his heart because he found the items to be extraordinarily beautiful, with rich history, and the source of endless questions. In his downtime, he intended to discover more about who made such nice jewels and how to replicate such things. He could probably make more if he had the tools to do so.

He could make such grand things!

He had made some things with materials that the greatest of beings had not wanted. There were a lot of things that were stacked into stack upon stack. On a few occasions, a few of the great beings had asked if they really needed 3,000 empty joke prize boxes. Yet they had remained and Pandora’s Actor had sorted them by season, year, and event. Though he did question what some of the events meant.

There were other things that ended up in a Junk room that were supposed to be thrown out after a certain amount of time, but only a Player could do such a thing. So they remained, unused and unwanted. He should have discarded them or found a way to as that was their wish, but he couldn’t, so he used them. If he could improve them as his programming encouraged him to do then there could be no harm in crafting a few smaller things and hoping to make something of value.

He could never make such great things as the World Class Items that sat in the grandest of lit glass boxes but he could make small things from the endless rooms of scraps. He would wiggle the small knife on the blocks of wood or metal and clean away the debris. He supposed it was in a doppelganger's nature to want to replicate and mimic things.

He had been given the greatest of honors to hold the forms of each of the most powerful beings to exist. His ability to turn into them, use the weapons stored, and mimic them was truly what would make him a deadly adversary to any intruders. But there had never been a single guest to the place that had not been invited and lately, there hadn't been anyone... nothing new to categorize or learn about. In the early years of his life, there had been many people coming in and out of the vaults bringing and checking things out. He felt like there was always something to do. The more work he had the more happy that he felt. Things were not what they used to be in the guild’s prime.

Now, he still kept everything in pristine condition, even himself. He made sure not even a thread was out of place on his beautiful uniform so that if there was a visitor that met the right requirements he could be of the utmost service. He could and would spring into action at any time he was needed. He did not tire, he did not eat, and he never had any unpleasantness associated with those things because he had a necklace that negated the effects.

Still, there was something missing... there was something emptying about being the only person permitted to be where he stood. He would polish things with just as much elbow power. He would practically skip to the next task, ready to be of more use. But one could only keep the place so clean until there was nothing to clean. One could only wonder the same things for so long before their mind ran out of things to ponder for there would never be any answers to his inquiries. At times Pandora’s Actor almost wished for an attack. He could then have talked with another person for a little bit before ultimately doing what was needed.

He wondered if he had been forgotten.

He wondered if something had gone wrong. Yet there had never been any word and it would be risky and unthinkable to leave his post to check; treasonous even. He would die before he went against Momonga’s orders.

Some days he would lean against the entranceway and listen with a borrowed book balancing on his lap wishing that someone would open it.

Yet no one ever came.

In short, it had become lonely. Pandora’s Actor knew better than to complain. He had a paradise to work in. He never was bothered by his work or distracted by meaningless conversations. He was well taken care of. He could cling to the words that had been shared with him before others stopped coming when he was in doubt.

"He's my creation. Isn't he so cool?" Momonga had a skull face but there was no denying that he was smiling as he was introducing him to the other great members. He kept asking him to salute and of course, Pandora was more than happy to spin around and do so. They would clap for it and he would bow.

He fixed his hat which was a bit crooked on his head. His wide black eyes looked into the case that showed his reflection.

Yes, those were the days…

He repeated that to himself. "I am cool."

He practiced his lines again. He danced and moved in the way that he knew was part of his character

He would whisper the lines in German to himself and marvel at the secret language he was taught by his creator. He knew his Master loved him and Pandora's Actor never doubted this fact. He would never doubt the greatness of the Supreme beings. He will continue to do his best. He would make them proud.

‘When Master comes by he will see how great I have done.’ He thought brightly. He hoped that the other would praise him. His heart beat faster and the thought and his face became a little red.

Things had changed. The world was different and Pandora’s Actor knew this even without the ability to see outside he knew deep down there was something new to the air; Something not quite right. It was a heaviness and he did not like it. He didn’t need the parchment in front of him to tell him he should be weary.

There had been a file left for him to debrief him about immediate threats to security. The world was not like it had been before, not even their location was the same. The main entrance was now in a field of all places! The main race seemed to be humans and there was already a force gathered to start investigating this change. While grateful finally to hear of some of the things happening beyond the vault doors he could not help but wonder why he had not been asked to help. Certainly, his abilities would have been useful to gather information.

Maybe things were too uncertain at the moment.

Maybe there was a larger risk he didn’t know about. It would make sense that he should be more on guard than he was before. The items stored here and the gold was nearly all of Nazarick’s resources. It would be catastrophic if anyone were to get their hands on such magical creations. He looked over the walls full of treasures that he had spent a painstaking amount of time keeping in fighting condition. He must be even more prepared than normal! There was no telling who might turn traitorous.

He sat in the small sitting room beside the main entrances to the vaults. This is where they would come through first. He put his head on his folded fingers and tilted it. He would make sure not to pull any punches. Whoever entered without permission would be dead long before they got to the sofas. His fingers tightened with anticipation.

Pandora felt the stones hit his back hard. His Master had returned. He was overjoyed just a moment ago but now he looked up into the skull face a little apprehensive. He had only been doing what was programmed into him... he didn't understand why he was suddenly being asked not to. His heart wilted a little at the tone that his Creator was using.

He had practiced and he had done everything "Cool" that he could think of. Was it not enough...? Was he only supposed to salute a max of 3 times in a conversation or was the limit 2? He didn’t want him to salute because it seemed excessive…?

Hmmm, Is that why it was weird…

He was just so excited to be asked to help with something, to be part of something. How could he not express excitement about the use of the items he took such good care of? How could he not do everything in his power to make his Master no God Happy? If had not been such a pressing situation he would have tried to show him some of his research notes on the items in his care.

His Master had to be stressed... that had to be it!

He would never have been so upset if he had not been in a rush to be the truly caring and benevolent being that he was.

Yes! He would limit it to 3 salutes in situations that needed to be quick.

WENN ES MEINES GOTTES WILLEN If his god willed it he would do it.

“Is that German? Don’t speak that either. No, you may use it if you please…just not in front of me all the time.”

“Y-yes…” His heart began to race again.

He could remember that. He would just have to be careful that he didn't slip. He wouldn't speak their language, the language that they shared, in front of the others because it must be for them alone to use and only sparingly?! It had been so long since he had talked with anyone that he must have seemed insensitive.

That wouldn't do!

He of course cared about what happened to anything that was created by those that were so important. Those that had left. He had seen some of them go, they left their most precious items and his Lord made sure that they rested on statues dedicated to them. His wonderful, benevolent Master was going to use a world item and he was going to save Shalltear. While they never had the opportunity to meet. He knew that she was important and guarded the first 3 floors. He knew her to be powerful and he was immediately concerned for Lord Ainz. However, no matter how the leader of the floor guardians begged it seemed that he was determined to be the one to save her.

He would have gladly gone in his Master's place. He would have gone against everyone in his Master's way, even other Supreme beings. He has a feeling that others would not agree with him. He had said as much. He proclaimed it when asked.

“Indubitably so, Ainz-sama! For as I was made by you, if you desire me to do battle with the other Supreme Beings, I shall charge into the fray without hesitation!”

He also knew that the most beautiful woman that he had ever seen (not that he had seen anything more than statutes and portraits) had expressed deep disappointment at the way that he had addressed her. As their master let them all do battle and prepare for his return.

She narrowed her eyes.

Do not dismiss me. She gave another warning.

She was a pretty Lady though! It wasn't like he was dismissing her ability to do her job! He could hardly contain himself.

“O-okay.” He shook his head. “I will need to prepare for Shalltear’s resurrection. I’ll take extra care and it will go swimmingly! ” He did not salute, his hand drifted, but he forced it still against his chest.

They left him there and he sighed in both relief and contentment. He was happy enough to get started. It would be his first time out of the vaults in a long time.

His first interaction had gone rather poorly, reflecting on it. However, he had managed to salvage it. He had been able to convince his Lord Ainz that he could be of some use with the new world around them being what it was. While he had not been granted permission yet to leave the compound he knew he could be an asset on the outside when the others asked it of him. He wondered if he would get to spy.

What form would he take?

He switched through several of them excitedly as he gathered everything that his Master would need for a resurrection. He knew that his Creator would return to him and when he did he would see that Pandora's Actor did everything right.

He smiled greatly.

His creator likes Albedo, no perhaps it was wrong to use the word like. He cared for her. He looked to her often and Pandora’s Actor had heard that she was the only one given the very special privilege of loving him. He had altered her settings to make it so.

His God favored her and he valued her input greatly. Nearly everything that she suggested he listened to. He gave her great praise and Pandora’s Actor did his best not to be jealous of this fact. Albedo spent the most amount of time in Lord Ainz's presence. She did her work with him in his office and got to make reasons for more meetings to see him. While he knew Albedo was doing her job, and knew that she was respectful enough not to take advantage, it didn't make him feel any less jealous. He wasn't the only one. The few encounters he has had with the other floor guardians had confirmed that they all wanted to spend more time with Aniz.

At the very least he had not messed up. He wasn't in the same position as Shalltear who had reason to repent. He was still doing everything that he should. He even made an effort to try not to salute more than 2-3 times in even the longest of conversations. He had not had a chance to demonstrate this fact to his Lord (but he would) or the chance to see any of the new outside world. He wasn't resentful of this. He had plenty of work to do... just the same amount of it. He wished for more. He knew that was very wrong of him. He should be grateful that he was given a ring to travel. Only 2 others had this honor. Albedo and Mare however were the first.

He could lovingly touch the gift whenever he had doubts about his own importance. Such a gift... It mattered greatly. Perhaps he could give his ideas as well. Maybe he should ask to be given permission to attend more of the meetings to know what was going on.

"N-No!" He said out loud and there was none to hear him. His voice echoes around the vault that is full of nothing but objects. He was the only living thing there. "That would be selfish."

He reprimands himself, slapping against his head, because there was no one there to do it. He could give his ideas only he was asked to share. His Lord would ask if he wanted his contribution. He must have accounted for everything and built fail-safes in the off chance it did not go well. Demiurge seems to think that was the case and he was one of the most brilliant minds the place had to offer. Pandora’s Actor would have loved to have an opportunity to pick his brain about this master plan. Alas, he had neither the time nor the opportunity. The few maids that he had encountered seemed to acknowledge the fact that Pandora at least held some skills. It was thanks to them and himself that everything had been prepared for the final spells and the like to bring Shalltear back.

Yet even with his hard work he had not been asked to do anything else nor had he been acknowledged. It was perhaps too simple of a task to be worth anything. The others had bigger roles to play than him when it came to finding their new footing in the new world. They truly were deserving of the praise and admiration of Lord Ainz.

The Lizard men were now ruled over by Cocytus and he was learning new Military tactics. He would bring this new culture and ideas back with him.

Albedo was in charge of nearly all of the organizing on top of her normal duties. She had to approve or disapprove of important new procedures and budgeting. Pandora’s Actor could only make adjustments to the financial end to make her requests possible.

Demiurge and a few others were gathering intel and doing experiments in order to make sure they could replace some of the materials that were needed in spell crafting and running the tomb.

Shalltear was back to guarding 3 of the floors and handling all the security of the portals in and out.

Even Mare and Aura had more to do than him when it came to ensuring a future with the seeds collected to grow crops and raising and moving monsters around.

He comforted himself with the fact that his Creator had said he was a trump card. He could patiently wait for a chance to prove himself worthy of more tasks. Still, the ache came with a ferocity each time the floor guardians were invited to a meeting and he was not invited. Yes, he was an area guardian, not a floor guardian, but he still would have liked to attend.

With being limited to the Throne room and the Treasury the ring that his creator had given him to move more freely never left his finger, but nearly never got to be used.

He spun it carefully. Albedo wore it on a finger of the most significance. She wore it like a wedding band. He had not put it on any finger of such significance because he didn’t think that his Lord would appreciate that. He had a gut feeling that his was only for work purposes and to interpret it as anything else would embarrass Momonga… Ainz

“Maybe he loves her…” Pandora’s Actor tilted his head it would explain why he seeks her out so often. He wouldn’t want it to be public knowledge. No, it might upset the others. He had heard whispers of a future heir and the rush to try and earn the privilege of producing one. Shalltear probably no longer held as much of a pull for such a thing.

He shakes his head to clear it. Lord Ainz seemed more concerned with what had happened to Shalltear to have time for love. He had been making them expand outward and had been traveling as an adventurer. Still, it could not be denied that Albedo really did love his Creator. She had been distraught at the thought of giving her ring over to him for just a few minutes. She never took it off since and she asked for Lord Ainz to return to her as soon as possible if he ever had reason to take it from her again. He had agreed for her sake.

“Maybe she could make him happy.” That was all that Pandora’s Actor wished. His God looked very uncomfortable the last time that he had glimpsed him. He was stressed the time before that. This new world and ruling without much help had placed him in a difficult situation. It would be nice if he could relax.

Pandora’s Actor would have gladly taken on more duties if that would help! He would share his concerns the next time that he had the opportunity to until then he would continue to do his best.

There finally came a use for him when the others suspected that there was a traitor among them. While listening to the case that Solution had brought forward Pandora doesn't think that it is an act of treason. His God certainly agrees. He does find it odd that Sebas has found use for a human however, and because of this oddity, he can not put aside his worry. He asks for Pandora to act like him, to ensure his loyalty, and put himself in harm's way if it was indeed true that Sebas has turned.

He is grateful to follow this command. He accepts it and just barely remembers not to salute. Which seems to please. The others are happy as well with this solution. It means that his Creator is listening to them. He worried them greatly when he fought Shalltear. This would not happen again. He had made them a promise to let them defend him. Pandora would kill himself without hesitation if it would spare Lord Ainz even one more second of undead life. He transforms with ease. Stepping into his master's skin so to speak.

It’s thrilling to be the other. He can feel the magic that this form has and quickly takes steps to ensure everyone’s safety. It would not do to harm anyone when he intended to protect. Lord Ainz touches him lightly feeling the transformation and looking it over. He does his best to stand still it would be unbecoming to share just how happy it made him. He could not embarrass the other. His goal was to perfectly imitate him. And so he mirrors the other. He tilts his head when Ainz does. He opens his mouth in the same manner.

“Impressive.” It is spoken softly as if it is just for him. His heart beats frantically, excitedly. He basks in the compliment and wants nothing more than to show how greatly it has affected him but he can not do that. He must hold onto that godlike image that his Creator inspires.

“Thank you Ainz-sama. It is my greatest desire to be of use to you.”

He hopes that the other can read his intentions earnestly without his face changing to reflect it.

“I-it’s a bit creepy,” Mare says softly from his left. “H-he sounds exactly like you.”

Pandora’s Actor does not take offense to this. He feels proud.

“This is much more convincing than when you turned into my Creator.” Albedo approves as well, however, there is a very deep frown on her face while observing him. Her gold eyes look almost through him. She moved closer to Ainz as if staking a claim. He didn’t want to put any wedges between them. He met that intense gaze with one of his own.

“I will establish if it is safe for you.” He bows slightly and follows the others through the portal to wait for Sebas.

It quickly becomes clear that Sebas has not betrayed them. No, he just liked the human that he had collected. Pandora's Actor doesn't have a great love for humans. Like the other inhabitants of Nazarick, he was born with a slight dislike of them. It made sense really because it was always humans that caused endless problems. They killed anything that was not like them and while Pandora in theory could look like one of them he knew that they wouldn't hesitate to try and kill him if they did see his original form. The emphasis was on try. He had not seen a powerful enough human or heard of one that could take on a level 100 of anything like himself. The humans that had led a siege never even made it to the deeper layers of Nazarick and they had been Players, so they were stronger. No, looking over the facts. Humans were not a danger on their own but a group of them was troublesome. Humans were relatively worthless in most regards; their value at the moment came in the form of information. Which this human did not carry. It was a waste of a few resources and energy if anything; having a pet human though didn't seem like an act of Sebas turning against them.

He was greatly relieved by this because Lord Ainz did not seem to want to hurt any one of his friend's creations. He handled the cleanup with a grace that Pandora wasn’t sure that he could quite replicate.

“Ainz-sama.” He waited patiently as the others dispersed. His god seemed to pause at his voice. He again fought the urge to salute the other as he felt those cold eyes roam over him. “If I could have a moment of your time.”

“Mmm.” His Creator hummed in acknowledgment.

“I was hoping you could critique my performance.” He bent low making sure that his long coat swept just right.

“Performance...” There was a slight tilt of his head.

“Did you notice any flaws in my performance? I tried to capture your stoney but wondrous face. I lowered my tone like you do when you are in thought. Did I overdo that?” The silence was making him a little uncomfortable. Perhaps he wanted to know where Pandora’s Actor felt he was lacking. Wasn’t that what he had done for Cocytus?

“You did fine, Pandora’s Actor.” There was a little inflection to his words as if he was choosing them carefully. “Now if you will excuse me. Narberel will need me to return and assist her.”

“Of course!” He had not realized that he was blocking the other’s way. “I have just one more question if there is time for that.”

His creator’s posture becomes a bit straighter. “Yes?”

“I am grateful for your time. I will not take much more of it. May I ask how long you are interested in playing the role of Momon personally. I do not wish to overstep my bounds. I know gathering information is in our best interests, but so is your safety…”

“I will retire from the role soon.” He cut him off. “But for now it serves its purpose.”

“I s-see.” He thought a moment longer. “If there comes a time that you want to hold onto its use a little longer and not play the role I would gladly take your place.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The red behind the sockets burned and Pandora’s Actor couldn’t look away. He was still blocking and it was obvious that he was pushing it. He just wanted a few seconds more, he just wanted his creator to acknowledge his existence a little longer. To praise him…a little more… but that didn’t seem to be possible at the moment. He would have to be satisfied with being trusted today with his task. He moved out of his way with another exaggerated bow. He looked back up to see if there was even a hint of a smile at the action. His creator however looked as impassive as ever and headed back towards his rooms.

It would not do to get discouraged. He shook himself. He would just have to try harder to make him happy.

“We are Nazericks greatest minds.” Albedo looked at him a moment longer than what he felt was appropriate. Lord Ainz-sama gave his word that humans would be safe. These humans have dared to defile it. We have been tasked with coming up with a way in which to save the woman.”

“I already have a plan,” Demiurge spoke. “It will require the help of the others…”

It wasn’t a bad plan. The words washed over Pandora’s Actor. His role would be relatively small but then again he didn’t expect to be part of the main show. It seemed that Lord Ainz was insistent on keeping him close to home. It was fine. He knew his primary function was to guard the vaults and it would not do for information of what he could do to slip out before they had truly established themselves.

So the plan was quickly discussed as well as possible jobs for each guardian when they were asked to join. Sebas was held back from hearing the total extent of the plan. Perhaps it was because Demiurge was still annoyed with the fact that Sebas cared for a human or put them into this predicament. It most likely, though, was because the Demon wanted to capture a bunch of humans to experiment on. Pandora’s Actor wasn’t moved by simple humans providing their lives for the betterment of Nazarick. As long as it wasn’t senseless and served a purpose he would push any unpleasantness out of his mind.

“Pandora’s Actor will be in charge of determining if the merchants have anything of use amongst the warehouses.” Demiurge was wrapping up his speech.

He nodded as it was expected and it was something that he could do. He would take the form of someone that had even greater appraisal skills than his normal form had and he would stay in that form to ensure that no information was leaked that shouldn’t be.

As expected the human world had nothing of real use besides maybe food stores. Pandora’s Actor could not help but feel disappointed. How could one expect nothing and still be disappointed? He looked at the bodies that were thrown around him with little remorse. They had been in his way and now their blood was lining some of the containers. He would need to clean his clothes after this. He wrinkled his new form’s nose.

Still, even if he couldn’t think of much use for the goods in the containers did not mean that something would not come up that would make them useful. If they needed to trade with other regions they might be able to pass off some of the “luxury” items as their own. He ensured that everything made it through the portals and went to the proper places for storage.

Perhaps the seeds would prove useful in some form of agricultural project? Demiurge had mentioned something about creating a farm. Even if some of the inhabitants would be human they would need food. He traced his fingers over the small seeds. He was reminded of the passage of life. One was born, they grew, and they changed. Yet he can’t remember ever being a child. He was created the way that he was and he didn’t think he was supposed to change. Every one of the inhabitants in Nazarick was static. Ainz had complained that he wanted to see them change, to grow past what was programmed. He wasn’t sure what that meant. He tossed the seeds back into the box. If they were created in their creator's envisioned image, was changing really alright to do?

When he transformed back in the safety of the great tomb’s walls he felt the immediate urge to cleanse himself from touching such worthless items. The second that he was in the room with the world items he felt himself able to breathe again. He could feel the magic seeping into him and it was refreshing. Working helped to clear his head a little, but it didn’t make the question go away.

What about me should I change? Besides the obvious, his God didn’t like over exaggeration any longer. What counted as too over the top?

He knew that it was to put them onto the map, but he doesn’t like it. He doesn’t like the thought of humans running around their halls and attempting to steal things that they could never hope to create. They just being there desecrated the well-decorated passageways and floors.

While covering for his Creator on the surface he can not help but wish death to befall every single one of them. They did this for money, no other grander more dignified purpose. They were talking about killing ‘monsters’ like himself as if it was enjoyable. Pandora’s Actor did not find killing enjoyable. It was a task that must at times be completed and when doing so it should be quick and efficient. Since he has been helping with security detail he supposes this would help to test some of the parameters that he helped to establish.

Still, them dying did not seem enough. Especially knowing how upset that his Creator had become with them for daring to bring up his friends that no longer were with him.

“He wishes for us to see if anyone else remains.” Albedo sat near him. Her yellow eyes glowed in the dim lighting of the treasury. “He doesn’t wish for the others to know of this. He thinks that it might cause issues in the ranks if he were to find them and they were not what we remember them to be like.”

“I can see where it would.” Pandora’s Actor took this moment to study her. She brought her nail up to her lips.

“You were not my first choice. Ainz-sama seemed to believe that you were loyal enough.”

He didn’t feel like he was anyone’s first choice, not even his Masters.

“I should take offense to you not thinking I am capable. Though it certainly fills me with greater joy to hear that my creator trusts in my pledge of loyalty!” He could not help the smile that spread across his face. He brought his hands to his chest to hug himself constantly. “I knew it was only a matter of time before I could lend my skills outside of our borders.”

He knows I am loyal. He knows he can trust me when he can’t trust others. The euphoria was making him buzz in his seat but the thought that he also trusted Albedo as greatly was a little sobering. He had reason to be a little jealous of her.

“Yes, yes.” She waved her hand to dismiss the thought. “This will be a secret operation that I expect we will have to make use of some of the items stored here and discreetly move other minions and the like around.” She said it as if he was not capable.

A frown set on his face. “Have I offended you somehow, Lady Albedo?” He tilted his head. “If it is about that time in the vaults I was not meaning to undermine your authority. I merely wanted to proclaim your beauty. Your creator Tabula Smaragdina did well and you bring grace to your work!”

Her smile remains on her face as Stoney as ever. He knows what lies beneath it. He had seen Shalltear and her go at it. Perhaps she dislikes him for another reason.

“You and I both want to please Ainz-sama. You can trust me not to make any errors. I would sooner die than bring shame to him.” He tries a different tactic.

She brought the teacup to her lips. “We will get along then.”

Frightening, he had little skin to make crawl but she had managed it. He thinks perhaps she really was the right match for his Master. She was capable and she was trying to ensure his safety.

A long time passes before he is asked to do anything else. Pandora’s Actor was the logical choice to play Momon; he had even at one point suggested such a thing. He adorned the armor and he did his best to act like a legendary hero. He moved with grace and purpose. He made his voice kind but firm. He is the force protecting them from his God. A supposed roadblock.

“The persona suits you.” His creator bid him into the room. It’s not as grand as the one back home. It is less spacious. There is nothing magical about the room. Pandora’s Actor much preferred the vaults where there was the scent of magic hanging off the walls.

“Thank you Ainz-sama! I have learned a lot by simply observing your greatness!”

“Mmm.” Lord Ainz clears his throat, an action that he seemed to do out of habit rather than actual need.

It was fascinating. He had always wondered if Ainz was born in the form that he was now or if he at one point had died. There were only 3 ways to become undead after all. Some of the habits Pandora’s Actor had observed were more in tune with someone that used to be alive. For instance, none of the newly created undead of various sorts cleared their throat or seemed to care about anything living. Many had made the comment that they lived only to serve Ainz and while they all did that, Pandora’s Actor was sure that they would have attacked the living inhabitants had it not been for the direct order not to. His Master also looked longingly at food as if he wanted to try it or missed the taste.

These long silences always get to him. He never knows if his Master wants him to talk more or if he should just let it be. In any other situation, Pandora’s Actor feels like he understands what others are thinking. His creator though, isn’t as understandable. He doesn’t have the same facial expressions, his body language is even harder to get a read on. Still, sometimes he feels like he can get glimpses of humanity and yearning. Sometimes it rolls off of him like he is lonely in the presence of many others.

“I want you to keep a close eye on the populace. They might seek vengeance on us and I must put down any rebellion before it takes root.”

It seemed that being quiet was the correct choice. His Master was always a bit over-prepared and paranoid from the old data clips he had sorted. Caution and paranoia had always served him well. It wouldn’t be careless when there was still so much unknown.

“I do not think they will rebel as of the moment. They are more concerned about what you are planning to do with them.” Pandora’s Actor takes the opportunity to give his opinion on the matter. He is so rarely called for an audience and even rarer is it without others present.

“Let me know if that changes.”

“Of course! I would never do anything without your permission.”

Maybe that is the wrong thing to say because his Creator asks him to leave shortly after.

The floor guardians did not seem to be too inclined to interact with him. He felt that it was partially because Ainz had chosen to stay behind with him and their creators could not be bothered to stay. It wasn’t something that they wanted to hear, but it was the truth. The other Supreme beings had abandoned them. His Creator was the only one of the Supreme Beings that stayed behind to enter the new world with them. He was their ruler long before it was just him. He was the one that guided the other Supreme Beings. The others were now forced to see his brilliance for what it was. He was a compassionate caring ruler that had promised them a future if they were but to take it with him. They had expanded, there was promise in this new world. There was greatness and loyalty was rewarded. The other guardians and the maids had been forced to recognize what Pandora’s Actor had already known; Ainz was a worthy god. The only worthy god.

Lord Ainz viewed him as someone that was important. He called on him more often now. He asked him for his opinions and for him to use his gifts. For so long he had been under the impression that he had somehow wronged his Lord as the other seemed to cut him off or ask for him to refrain from his settings. He thought certainly that there had to be a fault that he wasn’t seeing for his Creator to be as harsh as he was on him some days.

Now he knew. He knew that he was so critical because he wanted him to surpass him someday. He didn’t know how to do that but he would try.

Pandora’s Actor trembled with emotions. “He called me son.” He tested the words. His heart swelled with the knowledge. He traced the ring that once again adorned his finger. He could come and go as he pleased to work as efficiently as possible. There was nothing greater than this.

He knew the others would have choice words to say if they knew what… his father had said to him. His eyes burned with excitement, his heart beat a bit faster, and his stomach did something funny.

“Vater.” He felt heat and passion burning in him harsher than ever before. “I promise not to fail you. I will make your vision cross borders and your name remembered forever throughout history.”

“What do you think of this?” His father passes the papers over to him.

Albedo is leaning against his chair as she always does. She is happy to be there and Pandora can feel that ache that he knows he should not feel looking upon it. It is not something he has the luxury to make a big deal of. His father has asked him not to show his worth in the political sense. He can not be more than the other guardians. Albedo is the one chosen for that as a leader in her own right. He looked over the movement of troops and the finances that supplying this small war would cost them. Before leaning forward in his own seat that is lower than that of his father's.

“It all seems to be in order. I believe that you have thought everything out correctly.”

“Ah, it was Albedo that did most of the planning.” Ainz looks to Albedo favorably again. Her wings give a single flap of excitement. His boney hands scratch at his cheek as if he is thinking before saying something else. “I am going to need you to stay and run things here. I trust that you can play both roles.”

He bowed his head. “I am honored. May I ask where it is that you are going?”

“I am headed to the Holy Kingdom. They are in need of a savior at this point and I believe that my role will be to indebt them to us.”

He frowns.

“You do not approve.”

“No.” He answers honestly. “They hate undead and I feel it is better that they cease to exist. Going there might lack danger as we have seen their troops are nothing compared to the demon of wrath. As advantageous as it is to perhaps indebt them as you have put it would it not be better to just extend sanctuary to those that might flee?”

“We have already taken that into account.” Albedo ran her hand against the chair rest. “I have as our Lord has asked to prepare some suitable housing in the west wing of the city for them. They are human and should fit in well there.”

“They have a different culture than those that are already inhabiting it…” Pandora’s Actor trailed off.

“You do not think they will get along.” His creator takes the conversation before thankfully Albedo could show her lack of understanding when it came to people and those that she saw as less than them.

“No, I think even introducing them to our ways slowly will cause issues. Putting them all in one place would possibly lead to a large enough force to challenge the state of things or provide numbers for hostile interactions.”

“And we can not simply order them to stand down in this?” Albedo’s golden eyes shimmer with contempt as she doesn't understand that people did not simply bend to what was best for them simply because it was the better choice.

“The people will bend by force. I however would not rely so greatly on it. The reason that we have not had as many skirmishes has been because the heroes of this nation have been supportive. Part of that lies with my interactions with them. I have encouraged them to seek peaceful ways of voicing their grievances and have brought up the fact that so far the King has done the same. If you start forcing them to give up their religion to be safe we are going to have a revolt.”

Albedo then looked like she was going to swing the very weapon that would end the figurative rebellion before it ever happened. Her lips curled into that strained smile of hers. One that always made a chill go through Pandora’s Actor despite that she would never be able to harm him. Not when his father stood between them.

“A short-lived one to be sure.” He rushed to assure. “The Humans do not have the forces or the knowledge that we do. But it would give our enemies even more fuel. The neighboring kingdoms that have not joined alliances and those that we have not properly investigated would seek to turn on us for they would not see it as justified cruelty.”

“So what would you have me do?” Ainz-sama leans forward placing his head on one of his large boney hands.

“Disperse the refugees into the different human sectors. Have them be influenced by those that are already happy with our rule and that trust the undead to keep them safe. We have not intervened much with the temples and have accomplished a similar build of trust and understanding. Make them feel safe and supported where it counts, but alone in their beliefs that they have reason to be unsatisfied with the way things are run. They will either clear out on their own or they will adapt to our way of thinking.”

“And the extra housing that we have already produced?” Albedo can not be left out of the conversation. She can not let him have the last word. It felt much like their meetings for the secret mission that they had been working on. Pandora’s Actor bowed slightly under the gaze if only to compromise and appease her. He would not do that infront of his father.

“We have many other races that are joining our city. Perhaps we can offer them incentive to live there.”

“I agree with your assessment of the people’s situation.” His father spoke slowly. “I however will be traveling to the holy kingdom myself. I do intend to see the extent of the damage and to judge Demiurge's mission's success.”

Pandora wanted to protest again but he pushed his sharp teeth he hid in his mouth together. It was not his place to question any longer. He would only earn his father’s displeasure. Of all the things that Albedo said he did take her one lesson to heart. It was not a creation’s place to question what far smarter and capable beings had decided. They were stubborn and they always had their reasons for doing something even if they were unclear at the moment. It was important to trust and to have faith.

He had faith even though Ainz was the only god that he ever knew. He didn’t know if praying to him for such a thing would have the effects that he wanted. Perhaps all that he could do was hope.

When Albedo brings word that his father was dead. He had thought it to be a poorly timed joke. One where the punch line was that he was an undead and so he really was dead, but in the sense that he always was. He just about broke the table when she said she wasn’t joking. His form started for lack of a better word melting with agitation and need for something that he could not name. He had never been faced with the void that the others must have faced when they realized that their Creators were not coming back.

“We resurrect him.” He had said already moving to his feet. There was nothing else that would be suitable in this situation.

“We can not.” Albedo stated as if it were a fact. She was the one that his father loved and she would know if it were possible or not. He doubted that there was much that Ainz hid from her.

He felt his face starting to split with his teeth starting to poke out at funny angles. His eyes held tears that ran black. Most guardians had several forms and his final so to speak phase was not one that should be witnessed in the middle of a meeting room.

“Pandora’s Actor. Get a hold of yourself.” She had demanded.

He couldn’t. He knew he was not supposed to be one to lose it. No he was a brilliant doppelganger but he still had feelings like the rest of them. He could not remain calm when there wasn’t a single way to fix this… No, everything started to pour out of him. It did not matter if he could not usually express grief in a way that's fitting of the son his father wanted. Part of him thought to act as calmly as Albedo was, was uncalled for everything considering. Like she could not love him as much as Pandora did.

The horrible feeling wouldn’t dim no matter how much he willed it to. He did not have something to suppress an overload of emotions. If anything he had been created to express and feel more. Lord Ainz had given him a very unique personality. Which only made it hurt more. He probably would have destroyed a lot more than some of the flooring had she not given him a better explanation of what was going on.

“He wants us to act as if he were dead.” She clarified.

It was then that she further explained that Ainz-sama had chosen to act as if he were dead and had done so to see how best that they could run things without him. The information was not supposed to be known by all of Nazarick and she had been instructed to act as she had. Pandora had forced her to tip her hand or he quite possibly might have destroyed everything in his quest to avenge his father that currently wished to act like he did not exist.

It might have stopped him from melting and might have saved the rest of them from his ink filled tears. But the feeling had not left him completely even hours after the traumatic news. It did not matter that it was a fake death, nor that he had ever felt it possible for his father to be defeated, the thought of What if would not leave him. He grew angry and frightened at the thought of being alone. He knew that his Father cared for everyone that graced these halls. The treasury was a monument to how much he loved his friends and all that they had built. It was his father’s legacy and if anything Pandora’s Actor himself was something that would endure long after him if he ever was called to the higher plane that the other Supreme beings went. He would uphold it and he would make sure that none forgot him. He however would do anything to be the one to go first. The thought of Ainz ever suffering when there were others and himself willing to protect him used to be unthinkable. Now it is all that he can think about the real devastation that could befall them all if his creator was to die.

It was as if he was preparing them for that fact. This was a drill but it could have been a reality when he faced Shalltear. Pandora had always had faith in that regard but he now questioned it. He shouldn’t… he was not supposed to… He knew that well enough. He however had to wonder what lengths that his father would go through to protect them as he saw it as part of a ruler's job. A just, wondrous, gracious ruler that the Holy Kingdom had shunned. They were quite literally burning for it. It wasn’t enough. They should suffer more for what they had put his Father through. While he did not like Demiurge’s violence he could not doubt its efficacy in breaking the will of a rather spirited people that wouldn’t have turned from their religion or wanted peace between their nations. It was one of the only ways. He can see that now. He however did not have to like it. His Father was always several steps ahead of them, but even the best strategists could make mistakes. People that were incredibly incompetent could always screw things up in a way that was unfathomable. He had started to pick up on that when he had to play the role of hero. So by others incompetence his father could really get hurt or meet an unfortunate end by a player and this was unacceptable. It would not be allowed to happen.

Pandora’s Actor would not allow it!

He swore on everything that he would never let his Master be unguarded again. He would beg if he had to for the permission to go anywhere that might be dangerous in his stead. He could be resurrected but he didn’t know if Lord Ainz could. He would have to carefully look into it. While unlikely, they needed the assurance. Pandora would ensure that they had it.

Ainz comes back from his journey different. He holds himself more reserved and seems more tired than normal. Pandora waits for as long as he can to speak to him in private. He has done as much research as he can and has everything he needs to plead his case of being the other’s shield. The maids are outraged to be asked to leave even for a few minutes. It is shameful to them to be dismissed even for the smallest increment of time. Yet his father still does it for him and he has that wonderful burning warmth in his chest.

It goes beyond anything he can really name.

“Vader.” He said sitting closer to the other then perhaps he should. However his father had allowed him the last few times and being near him was confronting. He needed it for he still felt that there were cracks left by the news that the other had died. “If you wish, you could talk to me. I know things did not go pleasantly on your last mission, but if I can elevate any of the burden for you, would you allow me?”

Red eyes flash and Pandora wishes that the other would speak his mind. However the great leader is silent for a few long moments.

“While your wish to help is admirable, I don’t need anything from you other than what you have been doing at the moment. If anything I should be asking you if I can help you. With Albedo traveling to the Re-Estize Kingdom and my emergence with new refugees I suspect that things have been difficult to manage.”

Did he doubt Pandora’s ability to sort it all out? Or did Albedo draw a rift between them by suggesting that he had not taken well to the news of his creator’s fake demise? Perhaps his Father was just that kind and really did not have any other motive then to lighten any load that he could.

“I have it handled.” He said confidently. “The integrations have been going fabulously. I have been a bit buster as Momon. I introduced myself and offered my services to help with moving them in. I have earned a greater reputation for us through these basic and very simple acts of kindness. Nothing has been too overwhelming. I could easily do more.”

His Father tilted his head and Pandora had a bad feeling that he was once again looking through him. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that Pandora would take on more responsibility if given the opportunity.

“I was just worried for you.” Pandora confessed. “I worried what would happen if the news had been true. What the plan would truly be if we could not locate you.”

“That was the point of this exercise.”

“What I would do.” Pandora’s Actor held onto his heart as he corrected himself. “I can not live without you and I don’t think that I am the only one that feels that way.”

The skeleton sits more rigidly and Pandora felt that faint trickle of fear he had felt when they had first interacted in the treasury all those months ago. Slowly as if questioning himself a hand comes to rest itself on his shoulder. “While I have the ability or choice I will never leave any of you. I can not know everything, I am not omniscient. It is why I wanted to see if we could be prepared for such a thing. I apologize if this has upset you.”

He leans into this touch as much as he can. It’s one of the only friendly touches that he has ever known. He feels overwhelmed with the need to express his love for the other. His wondrous, caring, father however would be put off by the display. It seemed to embarrass him.

“Let me be your shield so it does not happen.” His voice comes out much sturdier than he thought that it would. “I can be resurrected. I have looked into a way for you… I have not been successful. I believe it is something that only Players are able to understand and other Supreme Beings.”

“Albedo said something similar.” His Master mused. His fingers slipped from Pandora’s shoulder. “I did make a promise to let others protect me. It is just very difficult.”

“Are we not reliable enough?” He was desperate enough to prove the other wrong. He was ready to try and give them and should they not be reason enough before the other to tell him how to improve. It was his greatest wish to be of use. “Whatever I have done to displease you please tell me and I will rectify it. I would give you my life if you would have it. I wish only to make you proud!”

“It is not that.” The undead covered his eyes with his hand. “I am not sure how to put it without it possibly sounding insulting. However I suppose that I should not be anxious about how you would respond to it. You are different because I can almost always predict your responses.” Pandora blinked, unsure what to make of that statement... to be known was wonderful but also… distressing.

“I see children when I look at each of you. My friends’ children. You are my child…” He hesitated as he said it. ”But each and every one of the others are all that remains of my guild and those that I cared so deeply for. I do not wish for my friends’ children to die for me. Each of you is a gift and far more at times then I feel that I deserve. It matters not that I can bring those that die back. If I had the ability to dream I would no doubt revisit the second that I had to take Shalltear’s life. It is of great failure that I allowed for such a thing to happen. I had grown confident and reckless. I could have lost the very thing that I swore to protect.”

“I understand, but if you are lost we are all lost.” Pandora met the red that focused on him. “Each of us understands this.”

“I wish you did not need to.” His father’s eyes burned brighter. “I wish to teach you all to be more than what we originally gifted you with. If Nazarick is to rule this world, then I will have to ask more of you all.”

“Then ask it.” Was all that he could think to say. “Ask for anything and we shall give it to you.”

This decoration seems to sadden his father for some reason. Perhaps he feared that most. Pandora’s Actor stared at the king and wondered if the incompetence he so feared could kill him would come from themselves tripping over themselves to guess what the next moves should be.

“If you do not need anything else from me then I shall get some work done.” The large skeleton rose from his seat and when he saw his posture he knew like any father would. He raised his hand. “And then I shall rest. You are not the first to be concerned for me.”

“May I ask if the fact that we are children in your eyes is stopping you from acting on your feelings for Lady Albedo.” He quickly bowed deeply. “I don’t wish to insult you or her. I just know how much she loves you and her changed settings to allow for her to love you.”

There was some sort of dreadful feeling seeping into the room and as quickly as it had come it was gone. “That is not something that I wish to discuss.” With you was unsaid but Pandora felt it. He could see it in the way that the other looked at him. He flinched. “Albedo understands that while we are unsure of our position in this world, I would not act on any of the emotions that I might have for her.”

“I don’t understand.” Albedo bent over the desk that separated them. They had talked the last hour over finances.

“I will explain it to you.” He says patiently folding his leg over the other. “Which part do you have questions on?”

“Not this.” She hisses, running a hand through her hair. “I do not understand Ainz-sama.” She bit at her nail, seeming to think about it. “The numbers are off.”

“He is letting some of the people go.” Pandora Actor says plainly.

“I know… but why? Certainly they deserve death for what they have done!”

Pandora remained silent as she raged about humans and their insignificance. He can understand her perspective but he can also understand that an act of mercy to those that were just collateral also could be useful in establishing themselves as not completely barbaric. For insulting their kingdom, and his father, there could only be death. However the act of a few people did not speak for the hearts of all of them. His father had once said he only cared for results… This was as efficient as it needed to be really.

“We have to have faith.” He decides with. “Lord Ainz is truly brilliant, his plans surpass us. I wish one day to be at his level.” Her smile came a little less forced at that. He had given her words back to her. “Besides, if he were here what do you think he would say?”

“That I am far prettier when I smile and that I should not be concerned over such trivial things as a few survivors. Especially if he had reason to let them escape.”

Pandora nodded enthusiastically. “We have our own situation to deal with.”

“Yes.” She agreed. “Make sure that you do not embarrass Ainz-sama.”

His father’s skin so to speak sits well on him. His clothes feel soft to the touch. Pandora’s Actor is prepared as he thinks that he can be for this battle.

As the suit of armor’s weapons clash against him and the spells that he uses to keep his distance and for protection fail over and over again, Pandora knows something is wrong. The adversary that they had predicted to be a level 90 at best is carving his way through the well planned defenses. He knew his father’s move set and while he doesn’t have the full strength of him, he does do a lot of damage and knows how to effectively use his skills. He had watched his fathers recorded pvp matches for insight on how best to attack and he had coordinated with Albedo on how she would be of assistance.

This plan was not working. His mind reared and he had to force himself to be calm. Panic would do nothing. He had to hold himself as his Lord would. He can’t seem weak.

The barrier was keeping him in place. Stalling was only doing him so much good. Albedo was chasing their other target of interest. The weaker seeming one. She was, however, slower. It all would depend on how far she chased before returning to him. The other option was lowering the health of his opponent to the point where he would back off. Both were not good solutions.

He should have ordered her to stay close…

He would need to keep his distance and hope that enough summons and knock back would buy him that time that he needed. Yet he is becoming drained by each defensive play that he makes. He has taken some damage and if he took too much more the form might become unstable.

They could have misjudged the situation with Albedo’s opponent as well.

No worrying about her wouldn’t do anything. Albedo knew how to take care of herself. He cast another wall of bones and it stopped the thicker blade just inches from his chest.

He could not get a good read on the other when the armor was more interested in attacking him than speaking. He hoped that the few bits of information that he had been able to weed out would be enough for his father to have a good idea what they were up against. Another slam from the enemy hammer pushed him back into the barrier. It was impossible to break it. The magic that made it up was unique and unlike any of the objects he had access to in the vault. No, it was possibly the work of a world item and every hit with the club-like hammer increased its damage each time it hit him. He couldn't stall the fight when it did that. He hit the other with another bout of lightning and it bought him again a little bit of time and he slammed his own staff to knock the other back and away from him when the other lunged. The sword grazes him and he feels some of the bone chip.

He bids again for time as another hard hit hits him and he can feel blood in his ears. On his knees he begs the other to listen to what he is saying and for a moment the impossible force stalls.

“I don’t plan on fighting you seriously… what would you have done if the precious food from your country was stolen from you?”

“People in power should use their power carefully and take responsibility for their own actions…”

There was a sudden scream and Albedo came through the barrier. It took only a moment for her to also realize that something was off by the way that the weapons clacked against her own. Her armor dents as the largest of the blades circles back to the suit of armor and the club swings hard. She is slammed backwards with the force of it and since the barrier is gone she hits the ground and coasts to a roll.

[“It is increasing its damage each hit.”] Pandora’s Actor warns her through message as she gets herself back up.

[“It mitigated my defense stats.”] She hissed and he noticed there was a little bit of blood dripping from her mouth. “That shouldn’t be possible.”

The blades came circling back. “I gathered about as much intell that I wanted for this fight.” He informs her and hopes she takes it for the order to retreat that he meant it. They could possibly win, but he is uncertain what other tricks this stranger might have up their sleeves. “Let’s wrap up here.”

She hit the blade away from herself as it came again for her. The Armor was losing HP slowly and so they were perhaps at a stalemate. Riku had put distance between them both and did not seem to be interested in doing more than probing Albedo to see how strong she was. He almost let out a sigh of relief but the barrier reformed itself around them. The next set off attacks were harsher than before. It seemed that it was to be a determining battle.

Albedo blocks for him again and again and he covers her with his spells. The HP of the armor drops lower and lower, but he can see that despite her being a tank, the guardian’s leader is feeling the damage. The club is glowing more than before. He can sense the power radiating off of it.

“Albedo focuses on the barrier.” He ordered and she looked like she wanted to argue. She would if he had been the real Ainz. She would have gladly died for his father. He knows his father would not be pleased if she were to die. In fact he feels that most of Nazarick would be.

He cast another bone wall. Catching the spear in a wave of magic to redirect it. The club however slammed into him and he felt a great chunk of his HP drop.

“Are you using a world item?” He asked pleasantly. “That club if yours seems to be of better make than that of the others. They pale in comparison to most of my items.”

The armor tilted his head and Pandora’s Actor had a feeling that he had touched a nerve as the gauntlet tightened on the sword. Albedo slammed against the barrier and her item seemed to be cracking it slowly.

“It will not work.” Riku shook his head.

Still Albedo beat against it and it rippled.

“I don’t believe you.” Pandora’s Actor put his hand to his chin much like his master would. “I think it’s going to go into a cooldown soon. You can not possibly keep it up much longer.”

“The barrier matters not this fight is decided.”

The club was glowing more fiercely than before. It was headed for Albedo and Pandora cast, but it didn’t even stop it. Slammed into her and she screamed. Her wings spread to protect her as her weapon snapped. Pandora rushed forward and caught the backward swing shoving her out of the way. He hardly reacts to anything other than the pain. His health took a steep dive towards zero. The spear tore through what would be his father’s ribcage, for Pandora it hit things that would be vital. If everything had not already been crushed he was sure he would have been able to feel more than the skeletal jaw tearing loose.

He fell but held a ring of special make. It was given to him for safety reasons should anything go wrong. He could hardly grasp it, but he was able to activate it. He held as tightly as he was able to her and they were teleported with a strength that no matter what barrier was made of wouldn’t have been able to hold.

The tomb's floors were hard. He felt the remaining strength leaving him. His form melted and he could feel the bag that held his organs no matter the form he forced himself into rupture. He was going to die.

Funny, he didn’t think it would hurt so much. He looked at the beautiful and bloody face below him and smiled. His egg-like face splitting with the effort to show his monstrous teeth. He was glad to have saved her.

“You…” Albedo started to berate him for a hit that she might have been able to tank. He could hardly hear her words. He didn’t know much anymore. There was a slim chance that the second would have killed her, but it was one he didn’t want to take. Even if she survived those 2 hits there was a good chance then next would have killed her or she wouldn’t have been able to move. His retreat was well calculated. His father would be proud he had prioritized as was asked of him. He hoped that his father would smile when they next saw each other.

‘Take care of Vader.” He managed as the room fell into darkness that matched her beautiful silky hair.

Ainz had been watching the battle the best that he could from his viewing mirror. The fight had been incredibly one sided and while Pandora’s Actor had fought admirably he had been at a severe disadvantage. He was impressed nonetheless by the other’s bravery and tenacity. He had saved Albedo and shown them the probable person responsible for the brainwashing of Shalltear. It was an acceptable loss, but that did not alleviate the horrible feeling that stuck itself deep in his chest. Pandora’s Actor was not exactly his favorite NPC. It was no fault of his creation. It was made in the image that a younger, more foolish version of himself thought was cool at the time. It was equivalent to encountering an OC that he had made in junior high.

While possessing great intellect Pandora’s Actor had nothing but the cringiest of dialogue. When excited he would fluctuate between German and back to Japanese. His over the top acting could burrow under anyone’s skin and he did not have any. The sheer amount of suppression he had to endure to get through some of their conversations was mentally taxing. It wasn’t his fault, and Ainz did his absolute best not to let the other feel his extreme dislike over his antics.

He had taken to letting the other call him Father in private as it made the other far more inclined to do as he asked. Of the NPC’s Pandora’s Actor he felt saw through him a bit better than the others. Those large black pits always looked at him and mimicked him far greater than expected. He embodied a hero much better than Ainz ever could. He captivated the common man. His overzealousness seemed to endear him to many and while not all of his subjects were thrilled with his creation they seemed to see great wisdom in his design.

While Demiurge was convinced he was 1000 years ahead of them and far smarter than them; Pandora asked about the present. He did not question per say… but he also gave him much needed feedback. He asked harder questions and always relented when pressed, as he never seemed to want to over step imaginary boundaries. He honestly wished that he had taken Pandora’s Actors advice when it came to the Holy Kingdom. He shivered at the thought of the cult he had accidentally built around himself.

His creation was loyal to him more perhaps than those created by the others. And if he had started to think of the others as his children… it was fitting that his own creation would have been his child. So the hurt of loss lingered in his heart, just like when he had been forced to kill Shalltear. It was Ainz’s failure that allowed him to get hurt.

They would need to resurrect him soon so Ainz could apologize to him and thank him for his service. The overlord would much like to get his thoughts about the battle. Much like he had given the others great rewards for their accomplishments, one for his creation was well overdue. He wondered what the other would ask of him.

Pandora’s body wasn’t like Shalltears. While Ainz had not expected it to be in the shape that he had left his first floor guardian, he had not expected to see such damage. It made the suppression go off twice, once for the anger that overcame him for a moment and then for the guilt that followed.

“He fought well.” Albedo leaned into him. She had cleaned up since the battle, there wasn’t a sign that she had been hurt. The medical staff had seen to it. Pandora’s Actor though didn’t have that. He was dressed in Ainz’s black robes and the fine purple was stained so deeply that he doubted that it would ever come out. He had been cleaned up a bit, but there were still angry wounds.

“They have come for someone I care for yet again.” Ainz felt his fist tighten at his side. “I have no doubt that whoever this Riku is, he is behind taking Shalltear from us as well.”

“We will destroy him.” Albedo put her hand onto his arm and he let her hold onto him. In a rare moment he felt comforted in her blood lust. He wouldn’t consider himself on the other inhabitants of the tomb level most days… but he would be lying if the idea of the armor being crushed didn’t make his heart leap.

With slight anxiety Ainz watched the gold in the room melt. Albedo and the others had gathered to welcome his creation back to them. However there was no change in the status as the spell seemed to fail. It consumed but still left the broken body behind.

It wasn’t supposed to do that.

They had proven that Resurrection was possible multiple times. This was supposed to be a calculated loss. He stood there and felt that fire he had felt when others had dared to come into his home and insult his friends. His whole body trembled with rage, that the repression struggled to stiffen. He wouldn’t lose Pandora’s Actor. He was a member of this life, the people he had left. He was a symbol of old times and Ainz would not allow anyone to take from him what he had built and what he suffered for.

So Ainz forced it. He used a wish the second time around. A very slight change happened in the status information. He breathed in relief as the screen flickered to show that there was life once again in his creation. Yet the stats started to plummet. They scaled down from 100 and kept dropping until there was nearly nothing significant left stat wise. His eyes blazed red as he blinked in disbelief. Before him was just a bundle of robes. He made his way down the steps from his throne to find the mound giving one very small stir. Before him was the form of a very small child. Except this child had an egg shaped head. The smallest of arms drowning in the pool of black fabric reached up.

“Mein papa,” He said softly.