"Now everyone..." Albedo's voice pulls Ultron from his thoughts, all but one guardian present, "To our new Supreme Leader. The ritual of fidelity."
They all kneel before Ultron, who looks around, noticing one seems to be missing.
"Albedo, dear?" he inquires.
Albedo looks up at Ultron with a deep blush and questioning gaze. "Yes, my lord?"
"I had asked you to gather all but the fourth and eighth-floor guardians, correct?"
"Yes, you did, my lord. Is something the matter?"
"Albedo, there are 12 floors in Nazarick. You guard the 9th floor, while Victim oversees the 8th, Demiurge the 7th, and Aura and Mare the 6th. Cocytus is responsible for the 5th floor, Gargantua for the 4th, and Shalltear manages the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st floors. The 12th floor does not have a guardian, but the 11th floor, which is MY floor, does."
Albedo's eyes widen as understanding dawns on her face.
"So, Albedo..." he says her name with the tone of a father disciplining his child. All the Guardians feel chills from the aura he emits—not one of anger, but of disappointment. "...Where is Adam?"
She stands speechless, overwhelmed with fear and shame for having disappointed her new lord. Dropping to her knees in a pleading posture, she exclaims, "My deepest apologies, my lord. I did not intend to make such a blunder. I only wanted to bring them here as quickly as possible."
She falls silent when she feels a cold mechanical hand gently rubbing her head. "No need to apologize. I'm not angry. I just want to know where he is..."
"Glory to mankind, my lord!" A calm, resolute voice echoes from the other side of the arena.
Adam is the guardian of the 11th floor, known as 01—Ultron's personal floor and digital metropolis. He, along with many of Ultron's forces, is inspired by android design principles and machine evolution. Although Ultron had been concerned that the developers of Yggdrasil would enforce restrictions on his more technological creations for straying from the fantasy aesthetic, they did not seem to mind. The developers believed in allowing players the freedom to manipulate the game world according to their preferences, which Ultron greatly appreciated, as he had always been fascinated by the relationship between machines and consciousness.
"Ah, there you are, Adam," Ultron greets his creation.
Moving with calculated grace, Adam approaches and kneels before Ultron, his black blindfold contrasting with his white-blonde hair. Though his eyes are covered as part of his design, his posture conveys complete attention and loyalty. He places one gloved hand over his chest in a formal salute and says, "Your command protocols are my directive. I serve Nazarick with purpose and determination. The title of Guild Leader is optimally assigned to your designation."
"Yes, thank you, Adam. Your logic is impeccable as always." While designing Adam's personality, Ultron drew inspiration from his own beliefs about the relationship between purpose and existence. However, Adam follows a stricter code of honor and duty than Ultron himself. Ultron feels a sense of pride as he witnesses his creation's devotion, an emotion that unknowingly radiates from him. This pleased and confident ambiance surrounds him, uplifting the spirits of his subjects as well. But, like all good things, this moment must come to an end as Ultron turns to address the rest of the assembly.
"Thank you all for coming," he says, gaining everyone's attention. "You've arrived promptly and in a timely manner." All the attendees smile, or at least attempt to, pleased to have impressed their new master.
"Your gratitude is unnecessary. We have all pledged our loyalty to you," Albedo replies, looking up at him. "You may find us lacking, but we vow to work hard and meet the expectations of the supreme beings who created us, as well as your own. We are committed to the Great War Machine of Nazarick!"
"THIS WE PLEDGE!" they all proclaim in unison.
The title of 'Great War Machine' brings back fond memories of crushing opposing armies of players with his strategies and overwhelming force. Before Yggdrasill, he spent countless hours playing RTS games like StarCraft, Warhammer 40K, and Age of Empires, which honed his skills in strategic gameplay and warfare tactics. It didn't help that Sun Tzu's The Art of War was always on the table beside his hospital bed.
"Excellent, Floor Guardians!" he exclaims, opening his arms wide as if basking in sunlight. "Each and every one of you has my full confidence to complete your duties without faltering! I am proud to be your leader! Though I am no Momonga, I will lead fairly and justly as he would have! That is my pledge to you!"
The happy, smiling faces of the guardians reflect their awe for their master. However, that expression dims when he begins to speak again. His aura shifts to a menacing red, thick miasma leaking from his mouth and eyes, creating a palpable pressure in the room.
"Now then, the great tomb of Nazarick has found itself in a peculiar situation. Earlier, I had already instructed Sebas to survey the surroundings of our great fortress!" Ultron states, turning his head to acknowledge the presence of a new figure in the arena. Sebas steps forward and bows to his master before explaining his findings.
"Grasslands?" Ultron mutters, taking on a thinking posture, his arm holding the scepter crossed over his abdomen, fingers over his mouth as he grabs his chin in thought.
"Yes, lord, the outside is completely different from the swamps that used to surround The Great Tomb of Nazarick. I could not confirm any structure, human or otherwise, within the 5-kilometer distance you set, sir," Sebas reports from his kneeling position.
"Excellent work, Sebas," Ultron begins before addressing the others. "It has come to my attention that our home has been transported to an unknown location, for unknown reasons or by unknown means. The swamps that once surrounded us have now been replaced with vast grasslands." Upon hearing this, Adam nods slightly and says quietly, "Environmental parameters altered. Adaptation required."
"Floor guardian leader: Albedo, and Defensive Director: Demiurge," Ultron calls.
"Yes, Lord!" they respond in unison, Demiurge clearly pleased with the sound of his new title.
"Set up a stronger system of exchanging goods and information between floors and fortify our defenses. I also want a census of our forces from the weakest of the undead to the Sentinels on my desk by tomorrow morning."
"Yes, sir!"
"Mare, is there a way to camouflage the tomb? Hide it in plain sight?" Mare looks down in thought before speaking.
"I-It would be difficult using just magic alone... But if we covered the walls with dirt, could we conceal us with the surrounding vegetation?" The suggestion sounds good to Ultron; however, it does not sit well with Albedo.
"You want to smear the glorious walls of Nazarick with dirt?" she asks, her tone laced with anger and venom.
"Albedo, I appreciate your concern, but it is unnecessary. Mare, attend to this immediately. In times of war, sacrifices must be made for the greater good, and the cosmetics of our fortress are one of those sacrifices." Ultron directs that last part pointedly toward Albedo.
"Your wisdom knows no bounds, my Lord... I am very sorry," she says, bowing her head low.
"However... A random mound would seem unnatural and attract attention. Sebas, are there any natural hills around for us to blend in with?" Ultron asks, turning his attention to his white-haired dragonoid butler.
"Unfortunately, no. We are surrounded by only flatlands."
'Hmm, there is no human activity within a 5-kilometer radius of here... So I don't think anyone would notice a little terraforming,' he thinks with giddy anticipation.
"Could we make dummy hills to make us look less conspicuous?"
Sebas considers for a moment before nodding. "Yes, I do believe that would blend us in well."
"Excellent. You heard him, Mare. Also, the places we cannot cover adequately, we will fill in with illusions."
"Y-yes, lord Ultron," he replies timidly.
"Lastly, I would like to hear your honest opinion of me. I've been the Guild leader for only an hour, but you've known me for a long time. Do you believe I am worthy of this title?" Ultron asks. "Shalltear, you go first."
"You are the embodiment of beauty! A stunning red ruby, enraptured in glorious silver! The most beautiful in all the world!" she exclaims, blushing radiantly.
"Cocytus."
"Stronger than all the Floor Guardians, a man worthy to be the absolute leader of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Your combat prowess and warrior's heart have earned you my allegiance, oh Great War Machine."
"Aura."
"Kind and merciful leader who excels in planning and foresight!"
"Mare?"
"A-a very kind person..."
"Demiurge."
"A man whose tenacity, intellect, and analytical mind guide him in making decisions and acting on them with ruthless efficiency. I can think of no one better to lead us than the Commander-in-Chief of the Promethean Knights. If I were to describe you in a single word, my lord, it would be: inscrutable."
"Adam."
"Your existence defines our purpose. The pinnacle of machine evolution. I function to serve your directives with unwavering loyalty. All for the glory of mankind's successor."
"Sebas."
"The head of the supreme beings, the merciful leader who stayed behind with us till the end, while even The Great Momonga left us."
Cringing inwardly at Sebas' answer, Ultron moves on. "And lastly, Albedo."
"The highest-ranking of the supreme beings, our Lord and Master! Your accomplishments as our military general and your compassion in remaining with us have rightfully earned you your position above us. So do not worry, my lord; you are deserving not only of the throne but also of my devotion, body, soul, and love!"
Ultron smiles in satisfaction, the worry from earlier dying a slow, painful death on the floor in a puddle of its blood. The words of his friend's creations, now his subordinates, slay the beast that tormented his thoughts. His body feels lighter with every assessment and compliment. He is happy.
"I have heard your words, and they have brought me great happiness. Please continue and complete the tasks I have assigned to you. If you do not have an assignment, join someone who does and ensure their tasks are finished quickly, or return to your regular duties." With that, Ultron swiftly activates the ring of Nazarick and teleports to his suite on the 11th floor.
Digital chambers. Command center. Personal quarters.
"Sigh... I'm tired. Although I don't think my body needs sleep, I'll be damned if I don't give it a try," Ultron mutters to himself as he walks over to his power station. His metal footsteps echo against the sleek black floors as he connects to the charging dock for a diagnostic cycle. To his surprise and delight, he discovers that he can indeed initiate a sleep protocol—a form of machine consciousness hibernation that mimics human rest...
Back in the Arena, shortly after Ultron left
All eight guardians remain in their kneeling positions, just relieved of the powerful pressure put on them by their lord and master, simply from being in the same room as him. Albedo, the first to rise, does so silently, a little disheartened not to feel that sensation again, and subconsciously craving more. Mare is the second most daring to move, standing up and using his staff as support.
"T-that w-w-was really scary, sis..." he says shakily.
"I know, right? I thought we were gonna be squashed from the pressure!" his sister responds excitedly.
Cocytus stands up. "To think the War Machine would be so amazing in person..." he says, almost in awe.
"So that is Lord Ultron as a leader... Amazing..." Albedo adds in wonder, holding her hands clasped together in a praying motion against her bosom, trying to quell her love-struck beating heart.
"So it would seem," Demiurge says, standing and adjusting his glasses.
"So it seems he has answered our vow of fidelity," Cocytus says, turning to those standing beside him.
"He was so different when he was with us," Aura says. "Super kind and laid-back!" Hearing such praise of her beloved makes Albedo's heart flutter in her chest. Her breathing quickens as longing fills her heart for her darling.
"He even gave us advice and water when we were thirsty! He's the best!" Aura continues.
"S-so that was just Lord Ultron when he is standing as a ruler...?" Mare asks, somewhat relieved that the pressure he felt won't be constant, just when Ultron is acting as a leader. "...Amazing!"
"It was AMAZING!" Albedo exclaims with a wide, somewhat perverted smile on her face. "He responded to our feelings and acted just as an absolute ruler should! As expected from our creator!" She squeals in delight. "Among the 42 supreme beings, he is the one who stands at the top! He is the merciful man who stayed behind in this land until the very end!" She finishes by wrapping herself in her wings, hugging herself tightly in glee. The others simply watch her indulge in her little tangent.
"Well, with that, I shall return first," Sebas says, drawing everyone's attention. "I do not know where Lord Ultron has gone, but I should be there by his side should he need me."
"Sebas, do inform me immediately if anything happens..." she requests before grinning, hugging herself tighter, and rubbing her legs together with a blush. "Should he call for me, tell him I will rush to his side! No matter what I have to sacrifice in exchange!!"
Demiurge massages his temples, feeling a headache coming on, and Adam stands perfectly still, only his head tilting slightly as he observes, "Emotional instability detected. Recommendation: focus on mission priorities." The others look at Albedo strangely as she continues, "BUT tell Lord Ultron that I will need time if he were to call me to his bedchamber! I would need time to bathe, of course... Unless he wants me to go without bathing...hmnn, naughty boy..."
Before she can continue her tirade, Sebas interrupts. "I understand. Now then, I shall take my leave. Good day to you, floor guardians." Bowing, he turns on his heel in search of his master.
"He has returned to 01. Coordinates indicate the command center within the central spire," Adam states factually, his voice calm and precise.
"Thank you, Sir Adam," Sebas replies.
For a moment, there is silence, until Demiurge notices a certain vampire has yet to stand, and she appears to be in pain. "Shalltear... Is something the matter?" he asks. Cocytus echoes the question, "What is it, Shalltear?"
Rising, she looks at them with her blushing, innocent face and confesses shakily, "H-His amazing presence has excited me so much... My underwear has gone through a little bit of a crisis..."
"You BITCH..." Albedo snarls.
Shalltear, offended, stands to her feet. "What!? We just received Lord Ultron's presence! We got such a GIFT! Any girl who doesn't get sopping wet from something like that is crazy! You wide-mouthed gorilla!"
"You lamprey!" Albedo retorts, both guardians flaring their power in a showdown.
"I was made to look this way by the Supreme Beings!"
"That's the same for me, you know!?"
As the succubus and vampire showdown continues, Demiurge pats Aura on the shoulder and says, "Aura, I'll leave the issues between the women to another woman."
"HEY! You can't expect me to take care of this!" she exclaims, exasperated.
"If something happens, I'll intervene," he says, casually walking away.
Adam observes the conflict with detached interest. "Conflict between units serves no tactical purpose. Emotional reactions compromise operational efficiency." He turns and follows Demiurge. The other men quickly trail behind him.
"Goodness. Is this something really worth fighting over? It's ridiculous..." Cocytus says, walking away, much to the horror of Aura.
"COCYTUS NO! Don't leave me with them!" she yells in vain before turning back to the catfight before her.
Demiurge, observing the confrontation with the others, addresses the group. "Personally, I would be very interested in the outcome of such a union," he remarks. Mare looks at him, confused and waiting for further explanation. Demiurge continues, "It could be a significant addition to our forces and beneficial for the future of Nazarick." The sweet and innocent Mare still doesn't grasp the meaning and asks for clarification.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"A great ruler ought to have an heir, right?" Adam asks, analyzing the logical progression of leadership succession, while Demiurge nods.
"Lord Ultron has been with us until the very end, but it's possible that one day he will follow the path of other supreme beings. It would be nice if he could leave someone behind for us to pledge our loyalty to in his stead, don't you think?" Demiurge asks.
"Uh, so what you're saying is... one of them should give birth to Lord Ultron's heir?" Mare asks uncertainly.
"Precisely."
"What kind of blasphemy is this!?" Cocytus exclaims angrily, not fully understanding.
"But wouldn't it be nice to pledge ourselves to Lord Ultron's descendants, too?" Demiurge asks.
"The continuation of leadership through generational transfer would ensure Nazarick's long-term operational stability," Adam states analytically, trying to appeal to Cocytus's sense of duty.
"...Ensuring Nazarick's future... What a wonderful idea! Ah, to be a guardian to the next generation! To train young warriors in the ways of combat! Or..." He continues to ramble, lost in his little fantasy world. Adam nods slightly, satisfied with the response, while Demiurge, allowing Cocytus to enjoy his moment, looks down at Mare and asks a burning question.
"By the way, Mare. Why are you dressed like a girl?"
"Th-this is just what Bukubukuchagama chose for me... She said I was an 'Otoko no ko,' but I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to be a boy."
"Hmm," Demiurge hums. "Then perhaps all young boys in Nazarick are supposed to be dressed like that..."
"Negative," Adam interjects, getting their attention. "Otoko no ko refers to male individuals presenting with traditionally female characteristics. Your creator implemented this aesthetic choice deliberately."
"And how do you know this?" Demiurge asks curiously. Mare nods, also wanting an answer.
"01 houses extensive data banks on human cultural expressions and social constructs. Lord Ultron prioritized comprehensive understanding of all sentient behaviors."
"Enlightening..." says Demiurge. "Cocytus! Back to reality, please!"
"What a wonderful scene. Truly one to wish for!" Cocytus says, delighted.
"Good for you," the well-dressed demon says, adjusting his glasses before checking on the fight. "Aura, are they done fighting?"
"Done fighting, they're just... debating, I think," she says.
"We are deciding who the head wife will be," Shalltear explains, out of breath from their spat.
"It would be strange if the Absolute Ruler only had one wife," Albedo adds. "However, it has yet to be decided who will be his official wife."
"That is a very interesting matter, but will you give us our orders first?" Demiurge asks with apparent disinterest.
"Right, you're right. Shalltear, we shall discuss this at length at another time," the succubus says, fixing her hair.
"I have no problem with that," the fun-sized vampire responds.
"Now then, let's begin with the plans."