The Bloody Valkyrie

It had a fairly flat face, with the nose and other parts that would normally be protruding flattened. Instead of eyes and a mouth there were three empty holes instead - no eyeballs, teeth or tongue. Only three holes which looked like those drawn by a child with a pen.

The pink, egg-shaped head was smooth, without a single strand of hair on it.

This strange character was a Doppelganger, just like Narberal.

This was Pandora’s Actor, a level 100 NPC designed by Ainz to guard the Treasure Hall. He specialised in transformation, capable of replicating 45 appearances, and their abilities—— but only at 80% of the original’s power.

The badge on his head bore the emblem of Ainz Ooal Gown, but the clothes he wore were an uniform from the European Ecological Infrastructure War twenty years ago, which caused quite a stir for looking similar to the uniforms worn by the Neo-Nazi Schutzstaffel.

He forcefully brought his feet together with a click, and brought his right hand to his cap in a dramatic salute.

“Welcome, my creator Momonga-sama!”

“...You look very lively.”

“Affirmative, every day I am full of energy! Speaking of which, what brings you here today? You’ve even brought along the manager of the Guardians and maid ojou-sans.”

Seeing the Area Guardian's entrance, Yuri and Albedo retreated behind Ainz and back to their positions. The three each displayed a different emotion.

Yuri, who had her pride as battlemaid, nudged her glasses and appeared displeased upon being called an ojou-san.

Albedo, standing beside Ainz, became jealous after hearing how Pandora’s Actor was Ainz’ personal creation. She stood out of his sight and pursed her lips. Shizu showed no reaction, only holstered the weapon in her hand.

“To the innermost safe, in order to retrieve the World Class items.”

“What did you say! Has the time to use their power already arrived?”

Pandora’s Actor exaggeratedly displayed an expression of shock. This attitude made Ainz furrow his non-existing brows.

The uniform as well, why did he set his reactions to be so exaggerated… No, Ainz knew the reason why.

Ainz was the creator of Pandora’s actor, that was also to say that his every movement was what Ainz considered ‘cool’, and he was proud and happy back when he made these settings.

“......Ugh, this is just…”

In the past, he thought that those who wore military uniform were cool. Since he was an actor, his actions should be more exaggerated. But watching him gain sentience and actually acting it out——

“Wow... so lame——”

A tiny bit, so soft that no one else could overhear him, Ainz could not help but let a whisper of his honest opinion leak out.

It was truly a black history.

A living relic of his dark past, Pandora’s Actor.

If the other guild members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick were here right now, where NPCs came alive, this would definitely be the largest topic of laughter. That’s how Ainz felt, he was not pointing out anyone specifically.

“......Let it be, I need to pick myself up. The undead me does not have the time to suffer psychological trauma.”

Ainz quietly reminded himself, then gave a calm reply.

“......Yes, you’re right. I plan to retrieve 『Greed and no Desire』,『The Cup of Hygieia』,『Memory Blade』 and 『Painting of Life』.”

“......and what about the remaining two?”

“Leave them be, since they can only be used once. Because they are so powerful, they must only be used at the right moment, or when we know how to re-obtain it after their use.”

“Indeed, those overpowered weapons are powerful enough to be called killer trump cards. They make the impossible possible, even possessing the power to destroy the world.”

“——Pandora’s Actor, I wish to test you. There are two hundred World Class items in total. How many do you know of?”

“My apologies Momonga-sama. I only know of eleven.”

Ainz nodded. That was the number of World Class items which Ainz Ooal Gown possessed. He did not know that there was one World Class item 『Atlas』 which had been taken from them in the past. There were parts he wasn't sure about, but the NPCs' knowledge was affected by their settings and if there were any contradictions they would simply ignore them.

About this type of NPC settings, Ainz realised certain things after a few days of observation. When there are no specific settings for some part of the NPC’s personality, they seemed to take after their creator. Even the relationship between the NPCs seemed to mirror that of their creators. In some respects, it was like reliving the times with his guild companions. Such as the relationship between Shalltear and Aura, between Demiurge and Sebas.

Ainz’ expression did not change as he smiled.

Simply put, they are like everyone’s children.

Feeling the semblance of past comrades once again by his side, Ainz felt happy, but lonely at the same time.

Ainz shook his head to get rid of the sad emotions.

“Ah, this… Pandora’s Actor, I’ve asked you a pointless question.”

“Not at all, my knowledge is lacking, my sincere apologies.”