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: 4040 Words

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Standing tall in the grandeur of Arcadia's Throne Room, Bruce surveyed the opulent space with an air of satisfaction. The seamless transfer of his and World's meticulous design from the game to the New World impressed him. Not a single detail seemed diminished, and the craftsmanship radiated the same regal authority as before.

Turning toward World, who stood a few steps below him, Bruce voiced a thought that had been lingering for some time.

"So, World, do you think this setting is enough to gather all the Floor Guardians? As for the Area Guardians, bringing them along might make this more complicated then it is—a parade of NPCs without proper focus on any single floor.

I'd prefer to keep this meeting short. I just returned from the Nasuverse and haven't even stepped outside since I have come. If things continue at this pace, Ainz will finish his Volume 16 story arc before we have sorted out our Guild matters."

He paused, sighing as his thoughts tumbled out, one after another, with little cohesion.

"I do want to explore this New World. But now, with these extra Dragon Gods in play, I'm not even sure how far my canon knowledge will help."

Exhaling deeply, Bruce ascended the steps to the Throne. Reaching the top, he turned to gaze at the stage below, his eyes falling on World. She stood poised, her expression a blend of satisfaction and something bordering on quiet contentment.

Bruce returned her smile and sat on the Throne, his gaze drifting to the flags of his various avatars, proudly displayed around the room.

World, content with the sight of her master seated on the Throne once again, approached with the grace of royalty. Standing beside him, she picked up their conversation.

"Yes, I can see how that could bore you quickly. Do you remember how the NPCs formed their own factions during the lockdown I enforced? They were so restless that they even contemplated rebelling against me to search for you."

Bruce chuckled, recalling their dinner conversation from last month.

"Ah yes, you mentioned that. They actually had planned to rebel? Against you? To find me?"

"Indeed," World replied, her smile widening.

Amused, Bruce's tone turned playful. Having grew bored of his life after Yggdrasil, and with the last month spent sleeping. He cherished for something fun. He not so provocatively spoke. "Doesn't that mean they love me more than you? Enough to consider a rebellion, no less. That must mean for them, I'm clearly the greater one—benevolent, intelligent, wise, calm, and," Guaging her reaction to his every word, he spoke."more attractive than you." he spoke, the last bit, a lot faster.

"I still haven't forgotten that chess match and the one where you pulled one on me against Joker. Moreover, they were created to be wise and intelligent, weren't they? So, their judgement should hold more true, afteral you did create them. Didn't you, my dear World?"

Her smile didn't waver. "True, I did create them. And Impressive memory, I must say, S. Still haven't forgotten about Joker." Seeing him nod at her statement, she continued. "As for you statement, " taking a pause, she continued, without bothering to look at his expression."Perhaps… or perhaps not. Why don't we settle it with a game of chess?"

Feigning a cough, Bruce quickly nodded. "That's a good idea—but later. We have matters to address first. Anyway, what do you think about letting each Guardian bring two assistants, like Octagram from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime? It could streamline the meeting and avoid unnecessary chaos that would be caused by a large crowd."

World smirked at his suggestion. "A fine idea, Great Supreme One, Eternal Benevolent Fool."

Bruce sighed, offering her a strained smile. "Quite the lengthy introduction. But let's stop with the jokes for now and focus."

"Very well, though I must say, you are returning to your old self more now. The cooperate slave version of yourself, as you called it." World said, bowing slightly, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"I am not sure. I just dreamt of my past life. Might have been affecting me, even without me being aware of it."

"Possibly."

"So..."

"By your command, Great Fool. So, shall we continue?"

" Yes."

Seeing him agree to her suggestion, World walked around the throne, placing a finger on her chin, drawing an expression of wonder. She continued. "By my understanding of your character. You are probably wondering about the location."

"Well, that's what we were discussing before, my dear World."

"Right, the wise Fool. So, what do you have in mind?"

Bruce nodded, his expression thoughtful. "The Throne Room here in Arcadia would not match the type of meeting I wish to conduct. Truthfully speaking, what we are doing here is similar to quite similar to what Ainz did, so why not have the meeting in Aincrad?"

World considered this for a moment. "An intriguing idea, but what we're doing is far more complex than what Ainz did. His meeting was merely to assess the current situation and secure loyalty. It was a simple briefing to bring everyone up to speed and strategize."

Bruce agreed with a nod, prompting her to continue. "For us, this meeting is crucial for damage control. We need to calm the Guardians, reassure them, and set clear expectations moving forward. Your presence alone will be a stabilizing force, Great Supreme Fool. Moreover, we need a more serious environment and with factions, some won't feel comfortable in Aincrad. Though to meet you, they wouldn't hesitate to take over Aincrad or dance on your whims. In the end, they wouldn't oppose your idea, but it won't do. Afteral you do need to break these factions, at least the remanats of it."

"The Colosseum is off the table, then," Bruce concluded.

"Yes," World affirmed. "And you wouldn't want to start another war among the Guardians by choosing the Sefirah Castle, would you?"

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "I hadn't even mentioned it."

"Knowing you, it might've been your next option. Playing the Fool is your forte, after all. You should know that they would fight for the seat closest to you."

Bruce chuckled. "Fair enough. So, the Throne Room it is. But won't there be disputes over seating arrangements here?"

World tilted her head thoughtfully. "Not if we organize it properly. The Floor Guardians will stand in the front, with their assistants and Area Guardians behind them. A round or rectangular table might cause unnecessary hierarchy issues, but this Throne Room is spacious enough to accommodate everyone comfortably."

Bruce nodded, acknowledging her insight. "These subtleties—this balance of power and perception—I'll need to keep them in mind as we move forward, won't I?"

"Indeed, Great Supreme One," World teased with a sly smile.

"Enough with the titles, World."

She giggled, bowing elegantly, the edges of her dress brushing the floor. Straightening, she stepped closer to him, her gaze meeting his. "Oh, I haven't forgotten the chess match, my dear Supreme Fool. Let's see if you fare better this time."

---

Throne Room

Floor Arcadia

The Root

Seated upon the magnificent throne of Arcadia, Bruce cast his gaze over the Guardians gathered within the grandiose Throne Room of the Castle. The air was thick with reverence and power, as though the very stones of the castle walls trembled under the collective aura of those present.

To the far left stood Ashborn, the Floor Guardian of the Shadow Realm, his figure shrouded in an aura of silent dominion. Beside him, his unwavering Area Guardians, Igris and Bellion, stood in disciplined silence.

The Guardians had arranged themselves instinctively, from left to right of the Fool, aligned with their respective floors—a reflection of their unspoken understanding and shared purpose. Yet, the order of their positions was symbolic, not indicative of their power. For instance, powerhouses like Cthon, Ghost Rider, Ashborn, and Dormammu surpassed even some of the upper-floor Guardians in strength.

Ashborn, sensing his master's gaze upon him, bowed deeply, his voice resonant with authority and reverence.

"Oh, Great Supreme One, this humble Servant of the Supreme Ones, greets you. I, Ashborn, Guardian of the Shadow Realm, bow to your divine presence. Alongside my loyal Area Guardians, I pledge our eternal fidelity to your Supreme Self."

Igris and Bellion followed his lead, their heads bowed low in silence, embodying unflinching devotion to the Great Fool.

Standing beside Ashborn was Reno, the serene Floor Guardian of the Spirit Realm. Her Area Guardians, Tohka Yatogami and Kurumi Tokisaki, mirrored her reverence.

While Reno's bow was composed and deliberate, exuding grace and loyalty, Kurumi's curiosity flickered. Intrigued by the Great Fool, whom she had only heard of in reverent whispers, she couldn't resist attempting a glance at her enigmatic master.

Her boldness betrayed her; their eyes met. Kurumi froze, awestruck, her heart pounding as the Fool's expression softened into a kind smile. The warmth in his gaze startled her, for she had expected reproach, not amusement. Yet her fleeting moment of triumph was swiftly shattered.

The room, sensing her indiscretion, erupted with a palpable wave of menace. The collected Guardians released a crushing aura of mana, bloodlust, and disapproval, their collective might forcing Kurumi to her knees.

Every shadow seemed to stretch toward her, a silent reminder of the consequence of her audacity. Straining against the oppressive force, she struggled to remain upright, her strength faltering.

"Enough."

The single, calm word from the Fool's lips shattered the tension. Instantly, the Guardians withdrew their auras, leaving an eerie stillness in the room.

Kurumi dared to lift her head, and there before her stood World—the Voice of the Supreme One. World extended her hand, a gesture both kind and commanding, silently urging Kurumi to rise.

"Don't keep me waiting," World said, her voice tinged with playful authority. "Be brave. Fear not—they wouldn't dare challenge you now that the Supreme One, Great Fool has returned and for he is benevolent. He isn't offended by your actions." Her gaze swept across the room, resting briefly on each Guardian before returning to Kurumi. Her tone, though light, carried a subtle reprimand—perhaps a jab at the Guardians who rebelled or at the Fool himself, by calling him with such grandiose names or for his prolonged absence.

For it was he, who decided to build a Guild such as this one. With these many floors and NPCs, causing a disturbance in the Graph of the ROB and being whisked off to Nasuverse.

Kurumi, trembling and unsure, took World's hand. Rising to her feet, she bowed deeply to both the Fool and World, her voice barely above a whisper as she offered her apologies. Her hands and feet, still shaking from the collective murderous gaze and aura of Guardians of the Root.

"It's fine. Don't worry," World replied, brushing the incident aside as she returned to her place beside Bruce. As she passed him, she muttered with a smirk, "You've built quite the loyal following. And look, I handled it perfectly. You weren't needed down there after all."

Bruce sighed, his response curt. "Fine."

The meeting continued with Reno stepping forward, her bow deeper than before. She first offered a heartfelt apology for Kurumi's behavior, then spoke with quiet determination.

"I, Reno, the Floor Guardian of the Spirit Realm, alongside my Area Guardians, pledge unwavering loyalty to the Great Fool."

Ghost Rider followed, his fiery presence imposing yet measured. Bowing low, he declared,

"I, Ghost Rider, the Floor Guardian of the Death Floor, pledge loyalty to the Great Fool and World on behalf of my Area Guardians and myself." Behind him, Beldia and Dracula mirrored his bow, their loyalty underscored by their solemn silence. With his speech, causing a stir among Guardians by pledging loyalty to both The Fool and World. Which was followed by the rest of the Guardians.

Next came Cthon, his voice a low rumble that reverberated through the hall.

"I, Cthon, the Floor Guardian of the Abyss, pledge my loyalty to the Great Fool and World." Behind him, Mephisto and Piccolo stood with stoic resolve, bowing as one.

Bruce's thoughts turned momentarily to the Monster Realm, a floor that lacked a True Floor Guardian, its leadership entrusted to primal Area Guardians. Their absence was deliberate, as their raw strength and lack of higher intelligence made them ill-suited for such gatherings.

Similarly, the Brood Hive's Guardian, Mother—an NPC inspired by Lord of the Mysteries—had also been excluded. Though not sentient, her overwhelming battle prowess often spoke louder than words. With Area Guardian being a Monster.

Dormammu was next, his Mindless Ones flanking him as he knelt.

"I, Dormammu, the Floor Guardian of Chaos Sea, swear my allegiance to the Great Fool and World."

Bruce's gaze shifted to Loki, whose mischievous grin belied his humility as he bowed.

"I, Loki, the Floor Guardian of the City of Calamity, greet the Supreme One and pledge my allegiance to the Great Fool and World, the All-Mother of the Root."

Even Bruce and World exchanged glances at Loki's unusually reverent tone, but they allowed his statement to stand without comment.

Finally, TerrorBlade stepped forward, his voice tinged with remorse.

"I apologize for my transgressions, my Lord, the Great Supreme One, the Fool. And to you, my Lady World, I beg forgiveness."

Bruce leaned back, tapping the armrest of his throne in contemplation before responding.

"TerrorBlade, your actions were grave. To rebel against World—my most trusted aide—is an offense not easily forgiven."

TerrorBlade fell to his knees, his voice desperate.

"I offer my life in atonement, my Lord."

Before Bruce could intervene, TerrorBlade collapsed, lifeless, as DevilMan dragged his body away. Leo stepped forward to take his place, his tone solemn.

"We, the Area Guardians of the Tenebrous World, pledge our eternal loyalty to the Supreme One."

Bruce's expression darkened, his gaze heavy with thought. Though his power could have halted TerrorBlade's act, he chose not to intervene, allowing it to serve as a testament to his Guardians' loyalty.

With a final tap on his armrest, Bruce vanished, reappearing before DevilMan and TerrorBlade's corpse. Raising his right arm, summoning the Staff of Kadathu, the Guild Weapon of THE Root, he struck the floor with a resounding echo. In a flash of light, TerrorBlade was resurrected, his expression one of disbelief and gratitude.

Falling to his knees once more, he bowed deeply.

"I am ashamed of my actions. Forgive me, my Lord."

His ressurection perceived differently by everyone present. While some were happy for him, some were quite displeased for he had been spared with showing displeasure for the level of his punishment. With some of them being, nonchalant.

Bruce's voice carried a note of finality as he responded.

"Fine. But let this serve as a warning—to you and to all. Betrayal will not be tolerated. Let this moment fade into memory, and return to your duties with the fervor you held in Yggdrasil."

The gathered Guardians bowed in unison, their loyalty renewed as the Throne Room returned to its solemn grandeur.

---

As Bruce's gaze fell upon her, Shiroko Terror stepped forward, her piercing eyes meeting the Fool's without hesitation. The silence in the Throne Room deepened as she gracefully knelt before him, her voice unwavering.

"I, Shiroko Terror, the Floor Guardian of the River of Eternal Darkness, pledge my undying loyalty to your greatness, the Supreme One, the Great Fool."

Behind her, the spectral figures of Pale Rider and Corpse God mirrored her gesture, their silent devotion radiating through the hall as they bowed alongside her.

Following her, Merlin, the embodiment of mystic wisdom, stepped forward. As the Floor Guardian of Atlantis could not leave his domain, and so was the case for his Area Guardians.

Similarly, for the Floor Avalon, it's Floor Guardian hadn't come, Merlin had come on his behalf. Draped in an aura of ancient knowledge, Merlin bowed deeply before the Fool, his voice resounding with conviction.

"I, Merlin, the Area Guardian of the Floor Avalon, swear fealty on behalf of myself and the other Area Guardians. My Lord, the Supreme One, the Great Fool, I also bring the pledge of the White Dragon, Albion, as per your divine instructions."

Bruce ordering those Giant or Titans to meet later.

Behind him, Bedivere and Mordred knelt in synchrony, their loyalty unspoken yet palpable. Merlin, however, paused momentarily, bowing briefly to Artoria before taking a knee before the Fool, his reverence unwavering.

Sinbad then approached, his voice carrying the weight of his storied adventures. Flanked by Yamraiha and Uraltugo Noi Nueph, he spoke with unwavering resolve.

"I, Sinbad, the Floor Guardian of Agartha, pledge my undying loyalty to the Great Fool."

Oogway, the ancient master, followed, bowing with Kai and Esdeath, who had come representing Aincrad. Similarly, Irisviel von Einzbern knelt, accompanied by Aurora and Medea, their vows of loyalty resonating in the room like an echo of eternity, representing the Academy City.

Tiamat, the primordial mother, lowered herself with an elegance that belied her immense power. Beside her, the enigmatic Goddess and the dragon Guliedistodiez echoed her vow, pledging loyalty on behalf of the Divine Throne.

Truth, accompanied by Romani Archaman and Leonardo da Vinci, stepped forward, the trio representing the Floor of Babylon. Their voices blended in harmony as they declared their fealty, their words brimming with unshakable devotion.

The Laplace Demon, ever watchful, stood by the throne's side. His gaze swept over the assembled Guardians as they pledged their loyalty, his silence a testament to his role as the eternal observer of the Root and the Floor Guardian of the Key of Light.

At last, Bruce's attention shifted to the Guardians of Floor Arcadia. Though the Children of Yggdrasil—those created with the power of the World Item—stood in full attendance, their demeanor subdued, some other Guardians remained silent yet firm at the foot of the throne.

Artoria Pendragon, Scáthach, Arcueid Brunestud, Alice, Jeanne d'Arc, Morgan Le Fay, Raiden Shogun, and Arodes knelt in unison, their silent pledge resonating as deeply as spoken words.

Sebastian Michaelis and King Hassan, embodiments of discipline and death, completed the set, bowing simultaneously. Their gestures exuded an unyielding devotion that stirred the hearts of all present.

Acknowledging their oaths, Bruce nodded solemnly.

"I am pleased to see you all in good health and spirit. Your loyalty was never in doubt, but this gathering was a way for me to meet each of you personally."

Tears welled in the eyes of the Guardians, their devotion validated by his words.

Continuing, Bruce's voice took on a measured gravity.

"I trust you are all aware of our current situation. As I believe World has already informed you, the reason for my late return. And I believe you are aware of the situation of the Yggdrasil and the Root."

The Guardians nodded in silent agreement, their resolve evident. His speech continuing, discussing their situation. When he turned silent, contemplative.

Bruce's gaze softened as he addressed them with a touch of humor.

"During the lockdown, you must have found yourselves bored, I imagine?" His query drew reluctant nods, the Guardians unwilling to admit even a shred of dissatisfaction in his presence.

Seizing the moment, Bruce announced an idea conceived in haste yet laden with purpose. After hearing about the faction problem among the Guardians of the Root, he had been struck with an idea, an impulsive decision. To break the factions.

"Before we explore the New World, I just heard of this among the conversation between maids yesterday." 'Well, last month to be precise, but to them, it is yesterday after all. I am not even sure of what I am doing. But going with the flow, after I hit the dead end with the topics, I could touch upon here.

Seeing World enjoying this show, laughing now and then, quite enjoying my misery. And here I am now.'

"There's a titles among Guardians of the Root, based on strength. Guardians labeled as The Strongest Guardian in a floor or throughout the Guild.

So, as per World's suggestion, I have thought of letting you all, be set free with no restrictions.

To hold a competition to declare among the Guardians who is the mightiest in the Root, based on strength and the one who is the wisest among all.

So, it's a competition—a test of strength, wisdom, and skill. Titles have long circulated among you, such as The Mightiest Guardian or The Wisest Guardian. Let us make those titles official."

His words sparked a murmur of excitement, subdued by their respect for his presence.

"The one crowned the Mightiest Guardian shall receive a wish, granted by me."

Followed by the chorus joy of Guardians, each wishing to get a wish from the Supreme One, if not wish, just to be in his presence, was all they asked.

---

"That was a mistake, wasn't it?" Bruce murmured, his tone tinged with self-reproach.

Bruce stood on the grand balcony of Arcadia's castle, gazing out at the sprawling majesty of his domain. The sun bathed the city in gold, its splendor a testament to the glory of the Root. Behind him, World stood, her expression a blend of amusement and exasperation.

World stepped forward, her voice carrying a playful edge.

"Yes, a grave one. What kind of ruler pits their loyal army against itself? Even with the certainty of resurrection, it risks undermining their camaraderie. Raising the banner of competition among temporary workers for more productivity is one thing, but these Guardians are unwaveringly loyal. Their devotion is born of love for you, not ambition. They don't need to be motivated by titles or rewards—they live to serve you, to protect each other, and to uphold the ideals you embody.

There is no real need to spur them into action, to pit them against each other, rather than making them care and look out for each other. They do everything, all for you, to satisfy you, where you are everything to them. So, there is no need fer this increase productivity session."

Bruce sighed, turning to her.

"I see your point, and I admit my mistake. Please, handle this, my dear World."

World smirked, her tone softening.

"It won't be a mistake if you play your cards right. Frame it not as a competition, but as a grand training session—a demonstration of their skills, their strength, and to watch their lore come to life. Let it be an opportunity to observe their lore and their strengths."

"Moreover," she continued, her gaze thoughtful as she turned to face the horizon, "this could serve as a stage to foster unity. Let them display their might not for personal gain but to inspire one another. By the end of it, they will stand not as rivals, but as comrades who have grown stronger together, their bonds deepened by shared trials." taking a pause, before she continued.

"Something along the lines of, power of friendship. It will not divide them, but fortify them for the challenges that lie ahead. Though for that, you will be needing a speech, a strong one, to instill this thought in them and to make them work towards it. And," she added with a sly smile, "it will remind them all why they follow you."

Bruce sighed, at his own mishap. Not sure of what was going through his head at the time. Did he only wish to watch some fight or did he wish to assess their power levels, just for precaution sakes. To see his project and work. To take a look at the Living Weapons of Destruction he had created.

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**The End**

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