The Overlord Descends

As soon as Bell went out of the room Hestia furrowed her brow slightly, leaning forward. "Ainz, about the agreement… You mentioned someone would be watching over Bell. I just want to make sure he'll be safe."

Hestia did not find any sort of reaction on Ainz's part. And she could not even see his face as he had a mask at the moment.

But after a moment of silence he answered. "I understand your concern, Hestia. Rest assured, someone will indeed be keeping an eye on Bell Cranel. However, they will remain in the shadows. Don't you think that direct intervention would hinder his development. If he knows that he has someone who watches over him he will become over dependent, and that would basically render his skill useless wouldn't it. A silent guardian will ensure his safety while allowing him the freedom to grow through adversity."

"Y-Yes I understand now" Hestia blushed as she had already shown her distrust towards Ainz even after all he had done for her.

"And wouldn't you agree that right now what he needs is to grow stronger, with all that has happened this past days" Ainz said. Frankly he was just intrigued to know how strong the kid could grow, it was just in his collectors instincts.

As his skill was fast growth. He wanted to know if the skill was worth taking or not. If it had a side effect as growing fast but having a weak build or something like that it wouldn't be worth it, but if it was something along the likes that the XP gained was multiplied that would be nice to look at. Ainz still wanted to see what effect it would have with the [Collar]. He had already asked the guardians to gather information on how effective the skill was. As if it was something in the realm of just duplicating the XP gotten then it would not be worth the effort to use {Wish upon a star} to forcefully take it away from him.

"Well I'll leave now as I have other to meet Hephaestus and later Loki. Yuri will be in charge of telling you what will be your duties" Ainz took his leave.

=

Meanwhile, Bell practically sprinted out of the halls, the excitement of returning to the dungeon bubbling in his chest. He couldn't wait to test his limits, to prove that he could grow stronger, even with the strange [Collar] now clasped around his neck.

As he approached the dungeon entrance, the bustling plaza came into view. Adventurers from all over Orario prepared for their dives into the dungeon. Some haggled with merchants over supplies, while others exchanged strategies in animated conversations.

Bell's eyes were immediately drawn to the collars. Dozens of adventurers from different familias wore ones identical to his. Among them, a group from the Loki Familia caught his attention—their well-known faces unmistakable as they passed through the bustling plaza.

One of them, a beautiful swordswoman with golden hair, adjusted her collar while her comrades chuckled and teased her lightly. It was Aiz Wallenstein—the girl who had saved him, the one he admired more than anyone else. Just the sight of her made his heart race, an inexplicable warmth spreading through his chest.

He quickly looked away, his cheeks burning, but his thoughts lingered. 'Why does just seeing her make me feel this way?' Bell wondered, clutching the edge of his collar as if to steady himself.

Nearby, a burly adventurer from the Hephaestus Familia hefted a massive hammer, the obsidian band around his neck gleaming under the sunlight. Bell even spotted a pair of adventurers from the Soma Familia, their collars just visible beneath their cloaks.

"So it's not just me…" Bell muttered, his fingers brushing against the collar at his neck. For a moment, he felt a flicker of reassurance. If so many others were facing the same challenge, he wasn't alone.

He clenched his fists, his determination hardening. "Alright, let's do this."

Taking a deep breath, Bell stepped forward into the familiar yet always unpredictable depths of the dungeon. He was just about to descend the first staircase when a small voice called out behind him, halting his steps

"Excuse me, sir! Are you an adventurer heading into the dungeon alone?"

Bell turned to see a petite girl with light brown hair tied in twin tails, her face lit with an earnest yet cautious smile. She wore a simple but slightly shabby cloak that only partially concealed the oversized backpack strapped to her small frame.

"Oh, uh, yeah, I am," Bell said, blinking in surprise. "Why?"

The girl gave a polite bow, her hands gripping the straps of her backpack. "My name is Liliruca Arde, but you can call me Lili! I'm a supporter, and I specialize in helping adventurers like you. Carrying loot, managing supplies, making sure you can focus on the fight—I can do it all! You especially need one for times like this, where you don't know when a dungeon outbreak might occur. So having one more person is super helpful."

"A supporter?" Bell repeated, tilting his head.

Lili nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Adventurers often underestimate the value of a good supporter, but I promise you, having someone like me around will make your time in the dungeon so much easier. You wouldn't want to risk your hard-earned drops, right?"

Bell hesitated, glancing back toward the dungeon entrance. Lili's pitch made sense—he knew that hauling too much loot could slow him down, especially in deeper floors. Still, something about her eager demeanor felt just a little… off.

"Do you usually work with adventurers?" Bell asked, trying to gauge her experience.

"Oh, absolutely!" Lili said with a bright smile. "I've worked with plenty of adventurers, from newbies to pros. Everyone agrees I'm the best at what I do!" She leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And, well… you look like someone who could use a little extra help. No offense!"

Bell scratched the back of his head, unsure how to respond. Her words weren't exactly insulting, but they weren't comforting, either. Still, she seemed genuine enough, and it wasn't like he had much to lose by giving her a chance.

"Well… okay, I guess," Bell said finally. "Having a supporter does sound helpful. Nice to meet you, Lili."

"Thank you! You won't regret this, I promise," Lili chirped, her grin widening.

With that, the two descended into the dungeon together, Bell blissfully unaware that this encounter was the start of a partnership fraught with challenges—and unexpected growth for them both.

"Master Bell what is it with that [Collar] you are wearing? On the way, I saw some other people also wearing it. Is it a new type of fashion?" Lili asked, her curious eyes darting to the obsidian band around his neck.

"Oh, this" Bell touched the [Collar], the smooth surface cool against his fingertips.. "This is an item my goddess got me from Lord Ainz. It aids in how fast we gather excelia."

Lili's eyes widened, her curiosity evident. "Excelia? You mean it helps you grow stronger faster? That's incredible! I've never heard of anything like that before. Lord Ainz… is he from the new familia? The ones people are calling the Heroes of Orario? The ones who stopped the 'Holy Weapon'?"

Bell nodded, a small smile forming as he thought about how quickly Lord Ainz and his familia had earned such reverence despite their short time in Orario.

Lili's expression flickered—something unreadable flashed across her face before she quickly masked it with a bright smile. "I see. That sounds amazing! But…" She tilted her head thoughtfully, her tone softening. "Isn't it risky? I mean, if something helps you grow faster, there's usually a catch, right?"

Bell nodded slowly, his fingers brushing the collar around his neck. "Yeah, there is. While I'm wearing this, my strength is reduced by a lot. It's meant to keep me from relying on brute force alone. Lord Ainz said it's a way to train my technique and strategy while still gaining excelia."

Lili tapped her chin, mulling over his explanation. "Huh. That's… actually pretty clever. But still, I can't imagine a lot of adventurers would willingly put themselves at a disadvantage, even if it meant growing stronger later."

Bell let out a nervous chuckle. "Yeah, it's not exactly easy. But I trust my Hestia-sama and Lord Ainz. They wouldn't give me something like this unless they were sure it would help me in the long run. And honestly…" He hesitated, then smiled softly. "A lot of the others wearing collars have their partners or teams to back them up. For me, it's a little different."

Lili's smile sharpened ever so slightly, though her voice remained sweet. "That's true, Master Bell. It must take real courage to dive into the dungeon alone, especially with a challenge like that collar. Not many would even try but worry not master Bell, now that I'm here I'm going to be watching your back.

Her gaze lingered on the obsidian band for a moment longer, her thoughts swirling behind her cheerful facade. 'The Heroes of Orario gave it? And it's a collar that makes you weaker but promises faster growth? This guy's too trusting… but that collar is definitely something special. I wonder… how much could something like that fetch on the market?'

"Master Bell, you're really amazing, you know that?" Lili said sweetly, adjusting the straps of her backpack. "Not many adventurers would take on a challenge like this just to grow stronger."

Bell scratched the back of his head, his cheeks turning pink. "Oh, it's not that big a deal… I'm just doing my best."

Lili's gaze lingered on the collar for a moment longer before she turned her attention back to the dungeon ahead. "Well, in that case," Lili said with a playful wink, "you're in luck! With me as your supporter, you can focus entirely on fighting while I handle the boring stuff. Let's make a great team, okay?"

=

Ainz walked through the streets of Orario, his imposing presence masked by a regal robe and the intricate faceplate he now wore. The lively city buzzed with activity, but Ainz paid it little mind, his thoughts focused on the upcoming meeting with the gods.

The destination loomed ahead, a grand structure that stood out even in Orario's skyline. The workshop, or rather the research facility, was an imposing edifice constructed specifically to house and study the mysterious Holy Weapon, the spear of the Cherubim Gatekeeper. The building lacked ornamental flair, its design favoring practicality, but its sheer size and reinforced architecture hinted at its importance. Within these walls, select gods—those with influence and standing in Orario—would soon gather.

Ainz approached the entrance, where guards from the Hephaestus Familia stood vigilant, their armor polished to a gleaming finish. They weren't alone; additional guards from various familias patrolled the perimeter, a testament to the collaboration required to protect such a significant artifact. Their eyes immediately snapped to Ainz as he drew near.

"Welcome, Ainz-sama," one of the guards said, bowing respectfully. "Hephaestus-sama and the others are already waiting for you inside."

Acknowledging the guard with a slight nod, Ainz stepped through the large iron-bound doors, his thoughts momentarily distracted by the grandeur within. Despite being described as a workshop, the interior resembled a stately mansion. The walls were sleek and unadorned, but the sheer quality of the stone and the meticulous craftsmanship exuded understated luxury. Walking through the long, polished corridors, Ainz found himself musing on the disparity between the building's purpose and its appearance.

Eventually, he reached a large set of double doors—the meeting room. With a calm, deliberate motion, Ainz pushed the doors open and stepped inside. "Apologies for the delay," he said, his tone laced with feigned embarrassment.

An elderly god seated near the head of the table waved dismissively. "No need to apologize. The others only just arrived as well, and preparations are still underway." Ainz recognized the speaker as Goibniu, one of Orario's renowned Godsmiths, whose expertise rivaled even that of Hephaestus herself.

As Ainz settled into his seat, he glanced around the room, noting the variety of gods in attendance, compared to the bustling chaos of a Denatus, this gathering was far smaller, more intimate. The atmosphere shifted slightly as he observed the presence of these deities, each one a figure of power and influence within Orario.

Freya, seated near the center, exuded a magnetic aura of beauty and grace. Her silver hair shimmered like the moon, and her sharp, calculating gaze occasionally flickered toward Ainz, though she did little to hide her curiosity. The goddess of beauty and love, her every word and her presence captivating.

Apollo, sitting across from Freya, gave off an air of arrogance. His tousled hair and confident posture radiated cocky charm, his sharp eyes glinting as if always searching for an opportunity.

Demeter, calm and composed, sat with a serene expression, her hands folded neatly in front of her.

Loki, reclining lazily in her seat with a mischievous grin, seemed to take everything with a casual attitude. Her sharp features and brightly colored hair contrasted with her relaxed posture, but behind her carefree demeanor lay a mind that was always planning, always scheming.

Ishtar, with her sharp, alluring eyes, observed the meeting with interest.

Ganesha, large and cheerful, was easy to spot. His boisterous and vibrant personality contrasted with the other, more reserved gods. The god of festivals and joy, he often took up the mood of the room, his booming laugh filling the space yet despite his jovial nature, there was a wisdom to him that could not be ignored.

Dian Cecht, stoic and methodical, sat with an intense focus, his arms crossed over his chest.

Hephaestus, clad in her signature blacksmith's attire, entered shortly after, her crimson hair catching the light as she moved with purpose. With a quick glance to ensure all were seated, she and Goibniu began the meeting.

Goibniu rose, clearing his throat. "We've finalized the preliminary designs for the village on the 18th floor. The settlement will span approximately 247 acres, surrounded by 7-meter-high stone walls, 2 meters thick, to withstand potential monster incursions. While the floor is usually devoid of monsters, we cannot underestimate the dungeon's unpredictability. For the wall alone, we'll require around 44 tons of stone. Half of that can be mined locally, but the rest will need to be transported from the surface. Additionally, six watchtowers, each standing 10 meters tall, will be positioned evenly around the perimeter."

He gestured to a series of sketches laid out on the table, detailing the village's layout and the defensive structures. "We'll also need two main gates. These can either be constructed from reinforced metals or imbued with monster materials like dragon scales for added durability."

Hephaestus picked up seamlessly where Goibniu left off. "Inside the walls, we've allocated space for approximately 200 buildings. Each structure will require 10 to 20 cubic meters of stone, depending on its purpose. However, we've already set aside space for the Guild's headquarters, which will occupy the equivalent of five standard buildings. That leaves us with 195 slots for allocation. To build the village as planned, we estimate needing 50 tons of stone, 50 tons of iron, and 20 tons of gray powder for construction."

Loki, reclining lazily in her chair, smirked as she added, "That works out to 17 buildings—or the equivalent space—for each of us eleven gods. That leaves room for eight extras. Those could fetch a pretty penny if we decide to sell them."

As the gods murmured among themselves, Ainz reached into the folds of his robe and produced an ornate [Infinite Haversack]. He set it down on the table with a heavy thud. "I'll be contributing monster materials for construction," he announced, his voice calm yet commanding. "Within this bag, you'll find a variety of scales, hides, and other resources. Please inspect them and determine their usefulness."

Hephaestus took the bag, her expression unreadable as she opened it and began examining the contents. Meanwhile, Ainz's thoughts flickered back to Cocytus's expeditions. 'The materials gathered from his hunts aren't very useful, as they are all low level but they should suffice for this project, except for the crystals.

Goibniu nodded in approval as Hephaestus listed off the items within the bag. "These materials will certainly reduce the strain on our current supply chains. With contributions like these, the project will move forward smoothly."

"Now then," Hephaestus said, her voice firm and commanding, "the discussion about the village is concluded. Let's move forward to the next item: the Holy Weapon."

The room grew quieter, though the tension thickened palpably. All eyes turned to the goddess of the forge as she continued.

"Ah, about that," Demeter began, her serene expression clouded with concern. "I reached out to a god in Tenkai, hoping to learn more. But they confirmed that no god from above sent the attack, nor did any throw the weapon to Genkai. So where, exactly, did it come from?"

A collective murmur rippled through the gods, their curiosity sharpened. Hephaestus raised her hand to silence the gathering. "That's precisely what we need to address. This weapon represents a potential threat unlike anything we've seen before. According to Ouranos, the weapon originated from the deep floors of the Dungeon."

The revelation was met with an uproar. Disbelief flashed across the faces of the gods.

"What?"

"How could that possibly be?"

"This is unprecedented!"

Hephaestus allowed the reactions to settle before continuing, her expression grave. "At first, even Ouranos was uncertain. But after extensive observation, he confirmed it without doubt. The Holy Weapon emerged from the Dungeon itself, from its deepest floors."

The tension in the room turned suffocating as the implications of her words sank in. Freya's eyes narrowed, her usual poise replaced with a flicker of unease. Loki leaned forward in her seat, her carefree demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.

"Hold on," Loki interjected, waving a hand for clarification. "Are you saying some monster hurled this thing so hard that it broke through all the floors above it and then landed here in Orario? That's insane! Nothing like that should even be possible!"

"It's not just insane; it's terrifying," Dian Cecht added, his voice low and steady. "If the Dungeon—or worse, a monster within it—can produce something of this caliber, then this is a threat far beyond what our children can handle."

Hephaestus nodded gravely. "That's exactly the issue. According to Ouranos, the Dungeon—or whatever creature crafted this weapon—threw it with such force that it pierced through multiple floors, creating a direct path to Orario. While we don't know if this was a one-time event or if the Dungeon can replicate it, the implications are dire. Such an attack is beyond anything our children could withstand at their current levels."

The gods exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions ranging from disbelief to deep concern.

"And there's more," Hephaestus continued, her voice heavy. "This weapon… it bears the magical influence of the Dungeon itself. The spear appears to be crafted entirely of magic, with no identifiable materials. To put it simply, the spear is the material. What's more, it possesses a unique enchantment—something akin to 'sole ownership.' It binds itself to a single user, and until that user dies, no one else can wield it."

Ainz, who had been silently observing the discussion, couldn't help but feel incredulous at the revelation. 'Is the dungeon so weak that the cherubim's spear penetrated from deep under until it reached above? And the magical influence of the dungeon on the spear, is it that magic entered the spear and that's why there was a severed connection or is it that the spears' energy was replaced by the dungeons' magic? Therefore it being able to exist even after the cherubim was unsummoned.' His mind raced as he processed the implications.

Apollo leaned back, his brow furrowed. "But why now? The Dungeon has existed for eons. Why would it suddenly create something like this? And why throw it toward Orario?"

"That's the real question, isn't it?" Loki muttered, her lips curling into a sly grin despite the tension. "Is it that Ouranos is losing control of the dungeon and it is sending a message or warning?

Freya spoke softly, her tone laced with both intrigue and foreboding. "The Holy Weapon is a message, whether intentional or not. The Dungeon is stirring. And this… is only the beginning."

Apollo's frown deepened, his voice laced with unease. "Are we headed back to the dark times, when monsters ran rampant and Genkai was shrouded in despair? This situation doesn't directly affect us, but if we retreat to Tenkai, life will become insufferably dull. Should we simply ask Ouranos and the other Primordials to allow us greater use of our divine powers?"

The room fell silent for a moment, Apollo's suggestion hanging in the air like a delicate thread about to snap.

Ishtar leaned back in her seat, her crimson eyes narrowing as a wry smile tugged at her lips. "Do you really think the other gods would agree to that?" Her tone dripped with skepticism, yet there was a faint undercurrent of amusement, as though she relished the chaos the idea might stir. "Most of them are far too content playing mortal games down here. And those that aren't… well, they'd see it as an unnecessary risk."

Loki let out a dry chuckle, resting her chin on her hand. "Yeah, good luck getting those old fossils to change their minds. Even if they did allow it, what's stopping us from getting caught up in the Dungeon's mess ourselves? There's a reason we're supposed to stay out of direct interference."

Freya's voice cut through the noise like silk over steel, soft yet commanding. "While I agree that asking for more power is tempting, it's a double-edged sword. If we tread that path, it might invite unintended consequences. The Dungeon has already shown signs of unpredictable growth. What if it starts reacting to our actions as well?"

Ainz listened quietly, absorbing the discussion while maintaining his stoic demeanor. Internally, however, he mulled over Freya's words.

Goibniu's voice boomed with gravity, silencing the murmurs that had begun to ripple through the gathering. "Have you all forgotten what it took to bring the Dungeon under even this level of control? Gaia, one of the Primordials, wanted to help maintain balance, but what became of her? She had to sacrifice herself, entombed who knows how many floors deep within the Dungeon, just so she and Ouranos could stabilize it. That's the only reason Ouranos' prayers even work today."

The room fell into a somber quiet, each god reflecting on the weight of Goibniu's words. "And yet," he continued, his tone sharper now, "even with her sacrifice, the Dungeon remains untamable. You all know the truth—despite the power we hold, capable of reshaping the very world, none of it can influence the Dungeon from the outside. The only way to affect it is by stepping inside ourselves. And what happens then?" His eyes scanned the room, daring anyone to answer. "The Dungeon remembers us. It reacts violently, like a beast recognizing its captor, and it tries to consume us whole."

The atmosphere in the room was heavy, the gravity of the conversation sinking in.

Ainz, seated among these divine beings, was elated. This is priceless information. His mind raced, cataloging every word. 'Gaia sacrificed herself to anchor the Dungeon's stability… The gods can't influence it directly unless they enter, and even then, they're met with hostility. This means that while they may be omnipotent in the mortal world, their hands are tied when it comes to the Dungeon.'

Yet, as he absorbed the details, a part of him remained skeptical. So far, he hadn't encountered anything within the Dungeon that truly felt life-threatening. Sure, the monsters were plenty, but they were nothing he couldn't handle with ease. What was it about this place that the gods seemed to fear so deeply?

The revelation that these deities, capable of world-shaking destruction, were powerless against the Dungeon unless they entered it gave him pause. 'If I ever end up in conflict with them… 'Ainz's mind wandered to Nazarick, comfortably hidden on a floor deep within the Dungeon. 'It would be the perfect refuge. They wouldn't dare pursue me there unless they wanted to risk invoking the Dungeon's wrath.'

His thoughts turned analytical as he connected dots. 'Could the Dungeon itself be akin to a [World Enemy]?' In Yggdrasil, [World Enemies] were exceptionally powerful entities that required coordinated efforts to defeat. But as formidable as the Dungeon seemed, Ainz couldn't shake the sense that it wasn't on the same level as those mythical adversaries. 'It's a weak one for me, at least for now. After all, I'm not bound by the restrictions these gods face. My [World Items] make sure of that.'

Ainz glanced around at the gods, who continued debating the implications of the Dungeon's activity. 'And Nazarick… 'His thoughts lingered on his fortress. 'With its arsenal of [World Items], it's a fortress even against the divine. If the Dungeon ever became truly hostile, we'd have the means to resist it, or perhaps even exploit its nature.'

Ainz adjusted his posture, feigning a thoughtful demeanor, but inwardly, his delight was palpable. He had come to Orario seeking knowledge, and so far, the gods had provided him with more than he could have hoped for. But he knew better than to reveal his hand too early. For now, he would play the part of the intrigued guest, letting the gods continue their deliberations while he pieced together the puzzle of the Dungeon's mysteries.

Ainz pondered the dynamic between the gods and the Dungeon, carefully processing the implications. 'If I had to compare it,' he mused, 'it would be like an invisible stalemate. The gods cannot damage the Dungeon while they remain outside, whether in Genkai or Tenkai. Their power, no matter how vast, is ineffective against it from a distance. Conversely, the Dungeon cannot harm them either unless they step inside its domain, where the balance shifts, and both sides can interact.'

The thought intrigued him. 'So, the Dungeon is both a fortress and a prison—a realm where its strength is absolute unless directly challenged. But even then, the gods hesitate. Is it simply because the Dungeon's reaction is too unpredictable, or is there something more that they're not saying?'

This insight added another layer to Ainz's growing understanding of the Dungeon's nature. For him, the Dungeon's inability to affect the outside world was a reassuring discovery. He had felt no significant danger to himself, and with the arsenal of Nazarick and its [World Items], the Dungeon's hostility could be managed. Still, he knew there was much more to uncover.

'If the gods fear entering it directly, perhaps I can use that fear to my advantage. Nazarick's position within the Dungeon could become an unparalleled stronghold, not only against mortal forces but even against divine retaliation.'

The notion of such an untouchable refuge filled him with confidence, but Ainz's composed demeanor betrayed nothing. Instead, he leaned back slightly, his thoughts calculating the many potential ways this knowledge could be turned into an asset. For now, he would continue to listen, extracting every morsel of information the gods unwittingly shared.