01x01 - End and Beginning

[bunniefuu]

[MOMONGA] Dive Massively

Multiplayer Online

Role Playing Game.

Or, for short, "DMMO-RPG."

It's a type of game

where you can

immerse yourself in an imaginary

world as if you were in it.

Such as Yggdrasil.

Released in the year ,

the game sported

an expansive world map

and an unusually high degree

of player freedom. These

features, among others,

made it stand above all other

DMMO-RPGs of its time.

And it became wildly popular

in the country of Japan.

Now, after years

of operation,

the world of Yggdrasil

is about to see its end.

[SKELETONS grunting, growling]

[PLAYERS grunting]

[PLAYER A growling]

[PLAYER B grunting]

[PLAYER E yells]

[PLAYER C yells]

[PLAYER D growls]

[PLAYER F growls]

[PLAYER A grunts]

[PLAYERS gasp]

[PLAYER A gasping]

[PLAYER A groans]

[AINS chuckles]

[AINS laughs]

[MOMONGA] It was fun.

In fact, it was a blast.

[HEROHERO]

Hey, there.

It's been a while

hasn't it, Momonga?

[MOMONGA]

Sure has.

To be honest, Herohero,

I didn't think you'd come.

You've been gone

a couple of years.

[HEROHERO] No way. It's

really been that long? Man.

I guess I've been

working so much,

my concept of time

is out of whack.

[MOMONGA] That sucks.

It can't be healthy for you.

[HEROHERO]

Tell me about it.

I feel like my avatar looks.

[MOMONGA]

Hm.

[HEROHERO]

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have come

here just to complain.

[MOMONGA]

Please, don't worry about it.

[HEROHERO]

Well, I better go soon.

I'm beyond exhausted.

[MOMONGA]

Right. Rest up and feel better.

[HEROHERO]

Wish I could stay longer.

But, gotta say, I'm

kinda shocked to see

the Great Tomb of

Nazarick still standing.

[MOMONGA]

Huh?

[HEROHERO]

Being guild leader suited you.

You've done a great job

maintaining the place.

[MOMONGA] Well, we created

this place together.

I couldn't just

let it go to dust.

[HEROHERO]

Must have been hard work.

Thanks for everything.

I hope we meet again IRL.

[MOMONGA] Today is the

last day Yggdrasil's servers

will be online.

Why not stay?

We could reminisce and

wait until everything

shuts down for good. [sighs]

[MOMONGA]

Oh well.

I'm happy that he

even came at all.

"I hope we meet

again," huh? Right.

Just when and where

would that be?

[MOMONGA]

This sucks!

[MOMONGA]

This is our home.

We built it together,

with virtual blood and sweat.

[MOMONGA] How can he turn

his back on it so easily?

[MOMONGA]

Stop it. He didn't.

No one in the

guild betrayed you.

Our guild's w*apon:

the Staff of Ains Ooal Gown.

[MOMONGA]

We played recklessly to make it.

Some of us even spent our

PTO just to have time

to grind the materials.

[MOMONGA] But, among

the original members,

of them quit.

[MOMONGA] Then, the three

that were left...

[MOMONGA] Let's go. You're

a testament of our guild.

[MOMONGA] There were two

requirements for joining

the guild, Ains Ooal Gown.

The player's avatar

had to be inhuman

and the player themself

had to be a functioning

member of society.

[MOMONGA] We put our livelihoods

on the line to play.

Some members managed to

make their dreams come true.

In the end, I can't blame

them for choosing real life.

[MOMONGA]

Uh--

[MOMONGA] Oh, yeah. I

forgot his name was Sebas.

And these are the combat

maids of the Pleiades.

We intended for them

to be the last

line of defense to the

throne room, but, in the end,

no player was able

to make it that far.

[MOMONGA]

I should move them around.

One last time. It's

the least I can do.

"Follow Me."

[MOMONGA]

I'm sure the other guild members

will forgive me for doing

whatever I want, just for today.

[MOMONGA]

Albedo.

[MOMONGA]

Hm?

The command was

"Stand By," right?

[MOMONGA sighs]

[MOMONGA]

Hm?

[MOMONGA]

What were her settings again?

"As the highest ranking NPC

in the Tomb of Nazarick,

she supervises all

of the Guardians."

Jeez, this is long!

Well...

Tabula, the settings maniac,

was the one who created her.

Huh? No way. She's a bitch?

[MOMONGA sighs]

[MOMONGA] He did love to make

contradicting characters.

I can't fault a guy for

his tastes, but still.

Normally, you need a

tool to change settings,

but since I have this...

[MOMONGA] Hm... Maybe I

should add something...

"She is deeply in

love with Momonga."

How embarrassing!

I'm such a dork!

[MOMONGA]

What was that command again?

"Bow down."

[MOMONGA sighs]

[MOMONGA] Now these are

relics of the past.

[MOMONGA]

There's mine. "Touch Me."

"Shijuuten Suzaku."

"Ankoro Mocchi Mocchi."

"Herohero." "Peroroncino."

"Bukubuku Chagama."

"Tabula Smaragdina."

"Warrior Takemikazuchi."

"Variable Talisman." "Genjiro."

[MOMONGA sighs]

Well, it was fun.

[MOMONGA]

In fact, it was a blast.

[MOMONGA sighs]

I have to wake up at four AM.

I better crash after

the server shuts down.

I don't wanna be

a zombie at work.

[MOMONGA gasps]

[MOMONGA] Did the devs push

back the server shutdown?

[MOMONGA]

Where's my console?

I can't use chat or call a GM!

What's going on?!

[ALBEDO] Is something

the matter, Lord Momonga?

[MOMONGA]

Hm?

[MOMONGA]

U-Uh...

Lord Momonga?

[ALBEDO] Lord Momonga?

Is everything all right?

You seem troubled, my lord.

[MOMONGA]

Uh...

[ALBEDO gasps]

If there's a problem,

please let me help.

[MOMONGA gasps]

[AINS] The GM call

function isn't working.

I'm sorry, but I have no answer.

This "GM Call"

magic you speak of

is beyond my comprehension.

[MOMONGA]

Her mouth is moving!

[ALBEDO] I realize my failure

to assist you is inexcusable.

I don't deserve it, but I

beg for your mercy, lord.

[MOMONGA] I'm actually

talking with an NPC?!

[MOMONGA] No way. Is this

a bug? A programming error?

[MOMONGA]

Okay, the staff still functions

like it normally does,

but I can't use my console,

or contact the administrators.

What should I do?

[AINS]

Sebas!

[SEBAS]

Lord.

[MOMONGA] Is it okay for

me to give him orders?

Ah, screw it.

[AINS]

Sebas.

Step out of the

Great Tomb and confirm

the surroundings of Nazarick.

By your command,

my lord. I'll return.

Pleiades, I want you

on the ninth floor.

If anyone tries to

trespass, deal with them.

As you wish, my lord.

It will be done.

[MOMONGA] They even recognize

and respond to commands

that aren't native to the game.

What in the world is going on?

Mm?

[MOMONGA]

Uh--

Think. How can I

contact an administrator?

The "GM Call"

function is busted.

The "Message" spell? Maybe.

It's normally used for players

to contact each other,

so there's a chance.

But I'm not sure I

can even use magic.

[ALBEDO]

So, Lord Momonga?

[MOMONGA]

Huh?

Do you have any orders

for me to obey?

[AINS]

Let's see.

I guess, you could come

here for a moment.

Sure!

[MOMONGA]

Whoa! She smells great!

Wait, "smell"?

There was never a function

like that in Yggdrasil.

[AINS]

Albedo, may I touch you?

Yes!

[gasps]

[MOMONGA]

No way. She has a pulse.

This is crazy!

She's supposed to be an

NPC run by an AI program.

Why does she seem so alive?

Okay. Focus. Last test.

I have to confirm this,

no matter the cost!

[AINS] Albedo. May--

May I touch your chest?

[ALBEDO]

Eh?

[MOMONGA] Uh! This is

necessary! Play it cool!

Act natural, like

it's no big deal.

Uh, you don't mind that, right?

[MOMONGA]

You blew it, nb!

Of course not! Touch me

as much as you wish!

[MOMONGA]

Uh...

[moans]

[MOMONGA]

Let's think this through.

The fact I can do something

reserved for a hentai game

means this isn't a new

version of Yggdrasil,

and chances are slim that

this is some new DMMO-RPG.

Is it possible that this

virtual world somehow

became real all of a sudden?

No way. That's nuts.

But, really, talking

to the NPCS,

smelling their scent,

touching them...

All of these things

have been impossible

to program into games.

[MOMONGA]

Hey!

How long did I plan

on fondling her?

[AINS] A-Albedo. I'm sorry,

I didn't mean to--

This is it, isn't it?

You're going to

take me right here?

[AINS]

Uh--

[ALBEDO] Oh! What shall

I do about my clothes?

Should I remove them on my own?

Or would you prefer to

get rid of them yourself?

[AINS]

Whoa! Hold on a moment, Albedo!

This isn't right!

[AINS clears throat]

[AINS] Now is not the time

to be doing such things.

[ALBEDO gasps]

I'm so sorry, Lord Momonga!

[AINS] It's fine, Albedo.

I forgive you completely.

More importantly, I have

an order for you.

It would be my

pleasure to serve you.

[AINS] Except for the

Guardians of the fourth

and eighth floors,

I want everyone to meet

at the sixth floor's

fighting arena.

Have them gather

there in one hour.

As you wish, my lord.

[MOMONGA]

This is terrible.

Tabula...

I can't believe I

took the NPC you made

and tainted it like that.

[MOMONGA] Dammit. I'll

worry about that later.

I have plenty of other problems

to take care of first.

[MOMONGA]

It worked!

[MOMONGA]

The ring's teleportation ability

has no issues.

I can still use items.

[MOMONGA] It looks like Albedo

and the others are still loyal,

just like they were

programmed to be.

[MOMONGA] So then, what about

the other characters?

[MOMONGA]

The twin dark elves that Chagama

created should be the

Guardians of this floor.

Where are they?

[AURA yells]

[laughs]

Crushed it!

[AINS]

Aura.

We're honored to have

you, Lord Momonga!

Welcome to the sixth

floor amphitheater.

[AINS] I will only intrude

for a little while.

You must be joking, right?

You are the ruler of the

Great Tomb of Nazarick.

Your power here is absolute.

There isn't a

guardian that would

ever consider you an intruder,

least of all my brother and I.

[AINS]

Speaking of...

Mare! You're being rude

to Lord Momonga!

Stop cowering and get

down here already!

[MARE]

But, Sis, I'm scared! Come on.

Mare!

[MARE]

Okay, okay, fine! I'm coming!

[MARE grunts]

[MARE yelps]

[AURA]

Good grief.

[MARE pants]

We're gettin' old, here.

[MARE]

I'm hurrying!

Ah!

[MARE] I apologize for making

you wait, Lord Momonga.

[AINS]

It's fine.

Now, I'd like for the two of

you to help me with something.

[BOTH gasp]

Amazing!

Is that the legendary

item that will only bend

to your whim, Lord Momonga?

The fabled w*apon of the Tomb?

[AINS]

Indeed.

It was created through

the combined efforts

of the guild's past members.

A testament of our dedication.

The Staff of Ains Ooal Gown.

Each stone in the

mouths of the seven

crowning snakes is

a god level artifact.

On top of that, the power

in the staff itself

transcends god level.

It is truly legendary.

Its base stats are on par

with any world level item.

In fact, the DPS of

its auto-att*ck alone

could one-sh*t--

[clears throat]

[AINS]

Well, anyways. That's how it is.

Incredible!

Awesome! It's so cool!

[AINS] I would like the

two of you to help me

run some tests with it.

Right! We won't

let you down, lord.

[AINS]

Also, Aura.

I've called for the other

Guardians to meet here.

They should arrive

within the hour.

Huh? Does that mean

Shalltear's coming?

[AINS]

Yes.

[MOMONGA] In Yggdrasil, if

you wanted to conjure magic

you just had to click

the appropriate icon

on your console.

But now, that icon

doesn't exist.

However, if I focus hard

enough, I don't need it.

I feel the att*ck

range of my spells,

their individual cooldown rates.

Even how much MP I have!

I can do this.

[AINS]

Summon! Primal Fire Elemental!

Oh, wow!

[PRIMAL FIRE ELEMENTAL roars]

[AINS]

The Primal Fire Elemental.

Its level is in the upper s.

[BOTH gasping, giggling]

[AINS]

So, would you like to fight it?

Yeah! I'd love to!

I just remembered,

I have a few errands

I still need to tend to. Bye!

--[AURA] C'mon!

--[MARE whimpers]

[AINS] Primal Fire Elemental.

att*ck the dark elf twins!

[AURA yells]

[gasps]

[whimpers]

Magic Shield!

[AURA yells]

[MOMONGA] I had a feeling

this would be easy for them.

Now I know my other magic

skills work, as well. But...

[AINS]

"Message."

[beeping]

[MOMONGA]

No go.

I can't connect to a GM

or my guild members.

[SEBAS]

I'm here.

Is there something

you need, Lord Momonga?

[MOMONGA] Wha--? My

"Message" spell connected?

[AINS] Sebas? How do things

look on the outside?

[SEBAS] Well, lord,

there is a slight problem.

[AINS] Hm. I have called all

the Guardians to gather.

Come to the amphitheater on

the sixth floor immediately.

You can report what you

saw once you're here.

[SEBAS]

Understood.

[AINS]

Well done. That was impressive.

That was fun!

I haven't exercised

that much in a while!

[AINS]

You two must be thirsty.

[AURA]

I have to admit, Lord Momonga,

I thought you'd be scarier.

[AINS]

Oh, is that so?

I can do that if

you'd like me to.

I like you this way.

It's the best!

[AINS]

Hmph.

[SHALLTEAR] My, my. It appears

I'm the first to arrive.

[MOMONGA]

Well.

I don't have the foggiest

idea what's going on.

But it seems as if the

NPCs are all loyal to me.

Hm. In that case,

I should probably

keep playing my role and

act like a proper superior

in front of them.

While I'm at it, I'll

learn everything I can

about this world. I was

max level in Yggdrasil.

I wonder how strong

I'll be here?

And, if this is another world,

should I even try to

return to my old one?

It's not like I had anything

special back there.

I had no friends or family.

All I ever did was

work, eat, and sleep.

In all honesty, my life

wasn't worth much.

My lord. We, the Guardians,

pledge our fidelity.

I am the guardian

of the first, second,

and third floors, Shalltear

Bloodfallen. I serve and obey.

[COCYTUS]

The guardian of the fifth floor.

Cocytus. I serve and obey.

I am the guardian

of the sixth floor,

Aura Bella Fiora.

I am her brother,

and also the guardian

of the sixth floor,

Mare Bello Fiore.

[BOTH]

We serve and obey.

The guardian of

the seventh floor.

Demiurge. I serve and obey.

The leader of the Guardians.

Albedo. I serve and obey.

Other than Victim,

guardian of the eighth floor,

and Gargantua, who faithfully

guards the fourth,

all of the Guardians have

gathered as requested,

and pledged their

undying loyalty.

Supreme One, we

await your orders.

You need but to ask it

of us, and it shall be done.

[AINS]

Magic... NPCs... Items...

Now that the system of

the DMMO-RPG, Yggdrasil,

has completely changed, I must

blindly nagvigate my way

through this new world

and put on a brave front

for my Guardians.

They have pledged their

loyalty to an absolute

and Supreme Overlord.

If I don't meet

their expectations,

it could be disastrous.

I'll have to keep my composure

and move without error.

Chapter two: "Floor Guardians."