The Overlord of Mysteries

Hello, this is my first time writing a fanfiction. If you notice any errors, please feel free to give me constructive feedback. English is not my first language, so if you notice any mistakes, please mention them in the comment section at the end of the chapter. Let's begin the story!

Word Count: 4100 Words

Note: With this Chapter, this Fanfic has entered its fourth Volume. And its finally Overlord Time. With this volume, Mc will be returning to the Overlord Verse and get story back on track.

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The Arcadia,

The Root, New World.

In the grand hall of Arcadia, a woman with platinum silver hair stood motionless, her gaze fixed on the colossal throne before her. This throne dominated the chamber, a symbol of absolute power, and behind it, an enormous flag draped down, bearing the emblem of The Fool. The woman, known as World, stood at the base of the steps leading to the throne, her posture unyielding, eyes tracing the emblem sewn into the fabric with reverence.

The Root, Bruce's guild, was adorned with flags and emblems on every floor, each representing a different avatar or aspect of his Guild. The flags varied, each symbolizing the intricate layers of his rule and the order he had imposed upon the guild. But the one that hung here in the throne room—the one before which World now stood—was different. This was the banner of The Fool, one of Bruce's avatars. Unlike his other avatars, who each had distinct flags, both The Fool and The Lord of Mysteries shared the same insignia and a Flag, unlike his other Avatars.

World, lost in thought, found herself remembering the creation of the flag. The designs on it, each line, each curve, told a story. A vision they both shared for the Guild. Ever since the guild had been transported from Yggdrasil to this New World, she had stood vigil in this very spot, keeping silent watch over the throne. Her loyalty to Bruce was absolute; she refused to leave the seat of power unguarded, despite the many challenges that had arisen since their arrival.

It had been three months since The Root had appeared in the New World, and those months had been anything but easy. Managing the NPCs and keeping them in line had been a monumental task, made more difficult by the constant need to reassure them of their Master's presence—or lack thereof. World had taken on the role of overseeing the Guild in Bruce's absence, using the Guardians of the Floor Arcadia to maintain order among the other Guardians. But even with their help, the strain was palpable.

The NPCs, driven by their loyalty and devotion to the Supreme One, had grown restless. They had hoped that upon arriving in this new world, they would immediately find Bruce, their creator and Master, waiting for them. Their frustration mounted with each passing day that he remained missing. Many of them wanted to scour and burn the New World, to search every corner of it to find him, but World had forbidden them from leaving the guild grounds. She had also barred them from making any contact with the residents of the New World, lest they change the plot. The Guild's secrecy and isolation had to be preserved.

The Guardians questioned her constantly, pleading to be allowed to search for their Master. They were convinced he was somewhere in this New World, waiting to be found. But World had shut down their theories, asserting her authority as the Voice of The Fool, the Voice of the Supreme Ones. Her position alone kept them in check, though she could offer no concrete answers about Bruce's whereabouts.

Each day had followed a monotonous routine for her. In the past three months, she had convened only two formal meetings with the Floor Guardians, both of which ended with the same frustrated conclusions. The Guardians would voice their concerns, their hopes, but World would dismiss them, silencing their speculation. Between those formal meetings, the Floor and Area Guardians visited her daily, seeking updates, longing for any sign of their Master. It was not so much the work that required his presence, but the emotional void left by his absence. The Supreme One had been their foundation, their source of purpose, much like how believers served as anchors for the Angles and Gods in Lotm.

The guild itself had been meticulously designed to function without direct oversight from Bruce. Its internal operations were crafted to run smoothly, with or without him. Even in emergencies, the system would respond automatically. World's role was largely supervisory, overseeing the functioning of the guild's complex structure. The NPCs were more than capable of managing their duties without intervention; they were not only loyal but driven by an inherent need to work. To Bruce they were workaholics, something he didn't find fault with. Yet, despite the efficiency of the system, the emotional dependency on Bruce remained a looming challenge.

Her authority, though mostly symbolic, was essential when it came to implementing any changes or new directives within the guild. As the Vice Guild Master and Overseer of The Root, World held the responsibility of ensuring everything ran according to the Bruce's or S's wishes. Her power over the guild's structure was absolute, but her burden grew heavier with each day spent without the guiding presence of her Master.

Outside the guild, the world beyond remained a mystery. The Guild had been sealed off from external forces by the power of a World Item known as the Yggdrasil Leaf, a World Item from Yggdrasil that protected The Root from the prying eyes of outsiders. For now, the Guild was invisible, hidden from the denizens of the New World. This cloak of secrecy, however, could only shield them for so long.

For now, World continued her silent vigil, her eyes unwavering as she gazed upon the flag of The Fool. Though the guild functioned without the Supreme One, his absence was felt by all. World knew her Master would return one day. Until that time, she would guard the throne and maintain order, holding onto the hope that Bruce—The Fool, the Lord of Mysteries—would reclaim his seat at the helm of The Root.

But as the days dragged on, even World could not deny the creeping doubt that tugged at the edges of her mind. Where was Bruce? Why had he not returned? And more importantly, how long could she keep the Guardians' faith alive without an answer?

Her gaze lingered on the emblem of the flag, its design now seared into her memory, as she prepared for another day of managing the restless minds under her command.

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An Eternity Later,

World blinked, her attention drawn by the subtle sound of footsteps approaching from behind. She glanced out of the corner of her eye and saw the butler of the floor, Sebastian, standing silently by a pillar, his figure blending into the shadows as if he were a natural part of them. He awaited her commands, as did the other creatures—monsters summoned through the mercenary system, ever vigilant in their surveillance and security of the hall.

Her gaze then shifted to the female knight entering the throne room. The knight approached with hurried steps, her armor clinking softly as she moved. Upon reaching the steps of the throne, the knight stopped abruptly and knelt, lowering her head. She waited patiently for the Guardian Overseer, the Voice of the Supreme Ones, to acknowledge her before daring to speak. Interrupting World's silence was not something she dared do.

After a few moments of contemplation, World addressed the knight.

"Saber," she called out, turning her attention fully to the knight. "What brings you here today?"

Saber, sensing permission to speak, began with formality. "My Lady—"

World raised a hand, interrupting her. "There is no need for formalities, Saber. Just speak your mind."

"Yes, My Lady—I mean, Mother." Saber corrected herself, the title more familiar and intimate than the former. "I have had all the Floor Guardians manage their respective domains and have assigned other Guardians from the Arcadia Floor to maintain constant communication with them, as you commanded."

The Children of Yggdrasil, NPCs created using the World Item had been created by World. While the rest of the NPCs were created by the Bots made by World. To the NPCs made from Children of Yggdrasil, World was akin to a Mother to them. As for the rest, she was the creator of their Master and Creators.

World gave a small nod, her expression unchanged. "That is old news, my dear Saber. You've already submitted your reports regarding these changes. Speak your mind, then. What brings you here, today?"

Saber hesitated, her breath catching in her throat. She gathered her courage, looking World in the eyes, her resolve hardening. "Mother, why do you restrict us? Why are we not allowed to leave the Guild? Why are we being confined within these walls?"

She paused, searching World's expression for any hint of a reaction. But World remained silent, her gaze steady. When no answer came, Saber continued, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Why do you stop us?"

World remained quiet, her eyes briefly drifting to Sebastian and the other mercenaries and NPCs guarding the hall. She gauged their reactions, assessing their thoughts on the matter. Their silent attention weighed on her, but she remained composed, her gaze returning to Saber.

"What do you all hope to accomplish by leaving the Guild, Saber?" World finally asked. Her voice was cabut carried an unmistakableight. "And that question is not limited to you alone, Sebastian."

Sebastian, ever composed, bowed slightly and replied without hesitation, "I have no desire to oppose your orders, my Lady."

Satisfied with his answer, World returned her attention to Saber. With a flick of her hand, she gestured for the other NPCs, mercenaries, and summoned creatures to leave the hall. They filed out quietly, leaving only the three of them—World, Saber, and Sebastian—remaining.

Once the room was empty, World spoke again. "Tell me, Saber. What do you all hope to achieve by venturing beyond the walls of the Root? What is it you wish to do outside?"

Saber swallowed, the weight of her fellow Guardians' expectations resting heavily on her shoulders. She had not come here lightly, but she had been chosen by the others to voice the concerns they all shared. Or rather, as Saber reflected bitterly, she had been bribed with food and tricked into taking on this task. Nevertheless, she braced herself for whatever consequences might follow.

"Why are we taking no steps to find the Supreme One?" Saber asked, her voice growing steadier despite her nerves. "I know I am crossing a line by even suggesting such a thought. I accept any punishment you deem fit."

"Speak freely, Saber," World responded, her tone unchanged, but her eyes sharp.

Summoning her courage, Saber unsheathed her sword. The golden blade of Excalibur gleamed in the dim light of the throne room, its ethereal design and powerful aura drawing the attention of everyone present. World remained where she stood, calm and unreadable, but Sebastian tensed, his body coiled like a spring, ready to move. If Saber dared to attack the Guardian Overseer, he would strike without hesitation.

Saber did not waver. She held the sword steady, its brilliance reflecting the intensity of her conviction. Her gaze remained locked with World's, searching for any sign of understanding.

"Why do we sit idle while our Master is lost to us?" she continued, her voice growing stronger. "The Supreme One created us, gave us purpose, and yet we remain confined here, doing nothing to bring him back. We are not just his creations, we are his loyal servants, his soldiers. Should we not be out there, scouring the world, searching for him? We are bound by our duty to him, Mother. To remain here, doing nothing—it feels like a betrayal of that duty."

The silence that followed was heavy, the air in the throne room thick with tension. Saber's heart raced as she awaited World's response, though she made no move to lower her sword. She had said what needed to be said.

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Saber, unfazed by the wariness she sensed from Sebastian, who lingered near the pillar by the Throne, maintained her focus. She had long been aware of his presence. As the Guardian of Arcadia, she always knew the positions and tasks of the other Guardians. Moreover, World had made his presence known to her.

Yet, what truly held her attention was World's calm response—or rather, the lack of any response at all. Unlike Sebastian, who tensed behind her, World remained completely unfazed, as if Saber's actions were of no consequence to her.

Then, realization dawned on Saber. 'Of course,' she thought. 'Mother is a World Enemy, the strongest being in the Guild, second only to the Fool himself—stronger even than the other Supreme Ones.' A fleeting memory flickered in her mind, a passing comment once made by Arodes.

"Mother, though her official title is Guardian Overseer, might appear to be the servant of the Supreme Ones to those who don't know better. But in truth, she is the creator—the true creator of the Supreme Ones and the Guild Root. She is the servant of the Fool, who is the true Master of the Root. And beyond that, she is the Vice Guild Master."

Despite the weight of Arodes' words echoing in her mind, Saber pressed on with her action. She turned the golden blade of Excalibur, pointing its sharp tip toward her own neck. 'That explains it,' she thought, glancing once more at World's serene composure. 'She has every right to be so confident. With her power, she could face the entire Root on her own as its true creator, as the servant of the Fool.'

With the blade hovering near her throat, Saber's voice did not waver as she continued. "Why do you stop us?" she asked, her heart pounding. "I regret saying this, but... are you thinking of betraying the Fool?" Her voice dropped to a whisper, betraying the gravity of her accusation. "It's just a thought, but it has crossed our minds—us, the Guardians."

Swallowing hard, Saber's eyes hardened with resolve. "I am prepared to lay down my life for this heresy, for the atrocity of questioning the Fool and you, Mother."

"Stop it," came World's voice, firm yet devoid of anger.

But Saber, in her determined state, ignored the command. She steeled herself to drive the blade through her skin, her fingers tightening on the hilt, when suddenly, she felt resistance. A force pulled the sword, holding it in place and binding her, and she lifted her gaze to see shimmering golden chains wrapping around her arms, binding her sword hand. Draconic runes glowed along the length of the chains, restraining her movements.

The chains weren't truly powerful enough to chain her. They were mere creation from a skill. Against a World Item, they paled in comparison. Yet, Saber didn't struggle and gave up.

"Why?" Saber whispered, her confusion evident.

World, undisturbed by Sebastian's watchful eyes, answered calmly. "There is no need for this. I understand your concern for the Fool. You are not alone in that." Her voice softened, but there was no mistaking the finality in it. "As for why I am stopping you all from venturing beyond the Guild... the time is not yet right. You will understand when it is."

Saber's brows furrowed in frustration. "And the Supreme One? Why aren't we searching for him? Why do you insist that we do nothing? He could be out there, waiting for us to find him."

A faint, bitter smile tugged at the corner of World's lips. "You will not find him in this world, Saber. He is... elsewhere. Far beyond this World and Verse." Her tone was laced with a trace of sarcasm, but also with the weight of sorrow too heavy to explain.

Saber's eyes flared with disbelief. "But isn't the Fool—the Supreme One—the greatest being in existence? Surely he could return to us easily if he wished. Or..." her voice wavered, "has he abandoned us? And if not, who could possibly be powerful enough to imprison the Supreme One?"

World sighed deeply, her mind racing as she tried to formulate an answer that wouldn't shatter the fragile spirits of the Guardians. Saber's eyes—the light in them once so bright—now dimmed, filled with desperation. Her body language told a story her words hadn't yet spoken. The slump in her shoulders, the fury that had flickered momentarily in her gaze, and now the creeping despair—all of it was a reflection of her growing fear that their beloved Fool was lost, trapped beyond their reach.

Especially Saber's eyes and the body language that conveyed more about her emotions than her speech. Her eyes that were sparkling at the beginning, blinded World, making her rethink her answer. The sparkle spoke of her admiration for the Fool.

Continuing with her eyes that raged with fury and anger in between to the light in her eyes dimming at the end. Conveying her sadness and sorrow. Her slumped shoulders worked more to convey her despair at the Fool being imprisoned somewhere.

All of it acted against World, as she contemplated. World watched as Saber struggled, the weight of her words hanging in the air like an oppressive cloud. She thought back to conversations she had had about Saber with S, her Master, Bruce.

'He did say that she would definitely end up as one of the cutest and adorable Floor Guardian of the Guild. And also quite gullible... She is quite expressive in ways that other Guardians lag behind. But her enthusiasm is on the higher side. She is definitely someone that would pull your heart strings, to support her. Especially her appetite for food would urge you to feed her.

She will be the most endearing of the Guardians, no doubt about that. She is quite expressive with unflinching loyalty. She is the type of character, that I would have no qualms about making her the strongest NPC in the Guild.'

World sighed, understanding all too well the string of events that had led them to this moment. She hadn't been oblivious to the goings-on within the Guild. Her summoned mercenaries kept her well informed. She knew that some of the Guardians had manipulated Saber into coming to her with this impossible task. Saber, in her naivety, had been easily bribed with food, unwittingly made the voice of the Guardians' growing discontent.

Still, this moment wasn't just a result of manipulation. It was Saber's own heart that brought her here. And now, World had to tread carefully.

"Listen to me, Saber," World began softly, her eyes locking onto Saber's, ensuring that her words would reach her fully. "The Fool has not abandoned you, nor any of us. His absence is not because of us lacking. But seeking him out now would be futile. And to act rashly would only put all of us in jeopardy."

Saber's hands trembled, the golden chains still holding her sword at bay. Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them back, unwilling to show such weakness. "Then... what can we do?"

World stepped closer, resting a hand gently on Saber's shoulder. "We wait. We trust in his return. And when the time is right, we will act. But until then, you must remain patient. The Fool will return to us. Of that, I am certain."

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Saber, though still troubled, nodded. Her sword dropped to the ground with a soft clang as the golden chains released her. The weight of uncertainty still hung over her, but there was a flicker of hope now—however fragile—that she clung to.

World walked back to her position as she thought back to it.

World sensing the disturbance in Saber, spoke once again.

"Saber, there is no need for you to worry about the Fool. He is what you would call as being enigmatic and perhaps whimsical."

Saber raised her head trying to understand the words spoken by World. Even Sebastian was surprised by it.

Having gained her attention, World struggled, as she chose her words carefully and spoke.

"I'll try to explain it to you in an easier manner of why you would fail. The World we currently inhabit is different from Yggdrasil, right?"

Saber nodded her head, as that was the conclusion they had reached in their last Guardians meeting.

"Now, to put it into perspective. There is something called as Verse. A Verse may be big, while some are small. Some contain a single Universe or World in them, while some contain multiple Worlds or Universes in them. Some call it as Multi-Verse but the said Multi-Verse is still a part of the Verse. A Multi-Verse and Yggdrasil are different. Where a Multi-Verse is far bigger than Yggdrasil. "

Saber nodded her head, absorbing the new information being given to her. Though she struggled to belive there to be higher Realms than the ones she and the Guild inhabited. Moreover, she had trouble believing that her Master, The Fool getting dwarfed by those Higher Beings.

Yet she remained calm, listening to World.

Her world view was clashing against the one World presented.

"So, these Verse, each have their own power levels. Some have very powerful beings while some are very low on the power scale. It differs from Verse to Verse but you can expect these Verses to be everything there is. These Verses and everything there that exists and that which doesn't exist. All of it is part of, what you would call as Omniverse."

Sebastian smiled at the newfound information as he contemplated his learnings.

While World continued. She had hoped to give hope and raise morale with this stunt of hers.

"The Omniverse is everything and nothing at the same time. It is the state of everything before the beginning of time and after the end of time. It is something that houses everything. Or rather Omniverse is term given to everything as a whole. Omniverse is everything."

It was news to them, but still they were having tough time understanding the purpose of this new information that World was sharing with them.

Though what World spoke next was the truth but it was not the complete truth.

She thought of this loophole, as she thought of calming all the Guardians.

"I am World.", her declaration confused them. But her following words caused an internal turmoil.

"I am as old as the Omniverse that we all inhabit. While the Fool, the Lord of the Mysteries and the Supreme One. The Guild Master of the Root is older than the Omniverse. He had existed for aeons before the Omniverse. I have served the Fool from the beginning of the Omniverse and will serve him even after the End of the Omniverse. I will not have you all question my loyalty to the Fool."

Her words left them at a loss. This new piece of information was too much for them. They struggled to comprehend their Master's greatness.

"As for the Root. It was created by me, on orders of The Fool. I am sure that you all aware of it. And I created the other Supreme Ones on orders of the Fool, My Master."

World satisfied by their reaction, noted as she gave one final push.

"The Verse that we currently inhabit is called Overlord Verse. Yggdrasil and this World are both part of the Overlord Verse. To our Master, the whole Omniverse is akin to a dream or fiction. You need not concern yourself with this. Just pledge your loyalty to the Supreme One and follow along his wishes for he wishes for entertainment and amusement."

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Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Leave a comment, explaining your experience with the chapter.

Note: Mc will be making an appearance in next chapter(probably at the end of the chapter or in two chapters). This chapter and the start of the next chapter will be dedicated to the story of his Guild in Overlord Verse, in his absence. The happenings of the Overlord Verse while Mc was stranded in Fate Verse.

Let's meet in the next chapter. Most probably in a week at max.

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**The End**

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