//------------------------------// // Chapter Five: the Raven Black Hero rises // Story: Welcome to Heaven, Kick Everyone Out // by The Warmaster //------------------------------// A few years later Ainz sighed as he entered his home, glancing around curiously. “Sunset, I'm home!” He called, his deep and menacing voice echoing through the underground building. Only the first floor, however. He had dozens of skeletal creatures working on digging out several new floors below Floor eight. “Welcome home, Ainz!” Came the cheerful call of the young woman, who ran up to the disguised skeleton, coming to a full stop in front of him. “How was the trip to Vanhoover?” “Good, I managed to strike a deal with one of the merchants, and managed to acquire us some more food to last till summer.” He removed his mask, placing it next to the door before removing his armored gloves. “Also, apparently the old Adventurers guild has sprung back up again, so I need you to promise me to not attack anyone who wanders too close to the house. Understood?” “Yes, Ainz…” Sunset sighed, grabbing a carrot out of his basket, nibbling on it happily. “And how have things been for you?” The skeleton asked, moving towards the kitchen area to deposit the groceries. “Good, but mostly boring…” Sunset sighed, following Ainz inside. “We haven't managed to get any new spellbooks, so I've had nothing to do!” “Well, next time I'll be sure to get something for you to occupy yourself with.” Ainz said, casting several spells to keep some of the foods refrigerated, before placing them into the container the two used for a fridge. “So, what's for dinner?” Sunset asked, looking up at him as she sat at the table. “Some carrots, potatoes, and a slice of pork… I'll whip something up.” Ainz said, before finishing up putting away the stuff he wouldn't be using right now. The Next Day… At the base of one of the mountains that surrounded Vanhoover’s inland region, the armored warrior stirred. He groaned, lifting an ironclad hand up to his helmet, blocking the glare of the sun from the slit in his helmet as he sat up. “Where… am I?” He asked, examining himself. He wore a suit of dark blue armor with gold lining, covering his entire body in the cold embrace of metal as he stood up, feeling a heavy weight on his back. He reached backwards to find two large broadswords placed into specially designed greaves in the armor to accommodate them, while a bright red cape flowed lightly in the wind. “What am I wearing…?” He muttered, grabbing one of the swords and pulling it out, surprising himself with the ease in which he held the blade. “C’mon, Momonga… what happened to you?” He racked his brain, trying to recall what had happened before all this. “Uh… let's see… I was preparing to go to sleep… and…” He paused, a crucial point connecting in his mind as he soon began attempting to look inside his armor. “W-wait a minute, I'm a girl! Why does my voice sound so…masculine?” The armored identity crisis put their thoughts to the side quickly as they heard strange sounds in the distance, and, telling himself that he'd go back to that train of thought later, rushed to discover the source, hoping for civilization. What he found was a man dressed in a white robe, twirling a wooden staff with ease to combat a small humanoid dog wielding a sword. The man swiftly kicked the dog into a sharp, broken stub on a tree, impaling the creature. After his victory, the man sat down. “U-um, hi?” Momonga called out cautiously, his hand twitching slightly as he subconsciously tightened his grip on his sword. The man turned around as he stood up. Momonga could make out that he had blue hair and eyes, but was young for someone to be fighting with a staff. “Hello. What brings a traveler wearing so much armor out to this area?” “Uh, w-well, I kinda just... woke up nearby…” Momonga replied, unsure of what to say. “Where exactly are we?” “Five miles south of Vanhoover, in Diamond Dog- well, formerly Diamond Dog territory.” The smaller man said in a kind voice. “Do you require a companion? Or do you prefer to travel alone.” “Um, I don't really know where Vanhoover is… so if you, uh, would be kind enough to help me find my way there, I'd be very grateful.” Momonga replied, realizing just how un-feminine his voice was in contrast to his actions, as he lightly fidgeted in place. “Hmm… You seem lost. In more than location. Where are you from, traveler? And can I have a name to go with the armor?” “Momonga… as for where I'm from… I don't really remember.” The ironclad person said, sheathing his sword. “Like I said, I just woke up not far from here.” “Heh, your story sounds a lot like a friend of mine. Perhaps once you get your bearings, you may be interested in joining the Adventurers Guild as a Wood or Bronze member.” The man said. “My name’s Brother Comet Tail, Priest of the Sun.” “Priest of the Sun?” Momonga asked, now more relaxed than earlier. “Adventurers Guild? What are all of those?” “A collection of adventurers. Two types, fighters and explorers or pacifists. The former is exactly what you think it is, those who adventure the slay trolls and dragons, while the latter are for alchemists and map makers. We have a little something for everyone, but we’re mainly a protective agency. And I know how looney it is, but meet the boss and she’ll elaborate… Or if you want to hear a young fool’s half, I could talk your ears off.” “As tempting as that is, I think I'll just talk to the boss…” Momonga chuckled, before gesturing in front of him. “Lead the way, mister priest.” “Please, just Comet Tail.”  The priest said as he gestured for Momonga to follow, showing off that one of his arms were armored. “Sure thing, Comet.” Momonga nodded, before following after him. As they walked, Comet Tail made idle chatter about the surroundings and general trivia about Equestria, and to and extent, Vanhoover. He never spoke of the guild or himself, however. They reached a point where they could see the pristine city not too far away. “And here we are! Vanhoover- oh… Lovely…” Comet said as he noticed several guards surrounding the entrance. “They grew spines and moved here against the mayor's instructions…” “Huh? Are you in trouble with those people or something?” Momonga asked, tensing slightly as he saw them. “No, they’re the royal guard. Vanhoover’s protected by the Adventurers Guild and police. They have no reason to be here.” Comet grumbled. “I may be a priest, but even Celestia can forgive a little bitterness against the new captain, Gabriel.” “So… what do they want?” Momonga asked, drawing his sword. “Nothing to do with us, and as long as they don’t try to absorb the guild into the guard, we’ll be fine.” Comet said, making his way to the city. Once they made it to the entrance, one of the guards halted them. “Halt, we’re looking for a fugitive. She’s highly dangerous, has pink hair and two horns.” One of the guards said stiffly. “Haven’t seen anyone like that around here. I’d have taken her in for the reward.” Comet said. One of the guards snickered at him, which annoyed the Priest. “If you're finished with the interrogation of my friend, we have business to attend to.” Momonga stated blandly, only now realizing that he towered over the guards, and even Comet. “He was guiding me to the Guild, so if you will excuse us.” The guards nodded and parted, allowing the two to enter. After exiting vocal distance, Comet turned to Momonga. “You were pretty intimidating.” “I-I was?” Momonga yelped, before lowering his head. “S-sorry… I didn't mean to be.” “Might as well. Never said I disapproved. An adventurer travels their own path. As long as the damage is minimal, the end game is worth the risk. That’s my life motto.” Comet said. “As long as you don’t kill people, I’m fine with it.” “Right. Those are good words to live by.” Momonga glanced around, observing the other people passing by. “So… which building is the Guild?” “It’s the giant building over there.” Comet pointed to a massive building, at least three stories taller than the other buildings. At the front was a sign advertising the guild with an overly excited little girl shouting into the crowds about the guild and how they can do anything. “Right in here is the mostly glorious guild of over a hundred adventurers in both parts fighting and otherwise.” “Wow… it's a lot bigger than I expected.” Momonga muttered, looking back to Comet. “How about you introduce me to your boss?” “Oh, she’s right there.” Comet pointed at the little girl shouting at the crowd. She had blue hair and wore what Momonga could only assume was a school uniform. “Sayaka! I’d like you to meet someone!” The girl waved and dropped what she was doing before running up to them. “Heya Comet! Was just inspiring the city to support the Adventurer’s Guild!” “Hello, I'm Momonga.” The armored giant standing next to comet said, extending his hand out towards the girl. Sayaka took it excitedly. “It’s wonderful to have you aboard, Momonga! I’m Sayaka Miki, founder of the guild and current number one Platinum member! I see you’ve met the best healer in Equestria.” “Honestly, I’m nowhere near that status. You only call me that because I’m free labor.” Comet jabbed Sayaka’s ribcage causing her to burst out laughing. “Also, why would you need to spread moral? That dragon you slayed over townsquare should’ve been enough.” Miki just shrugged. “W-well, Comet here told me you could tell me about the guild… also something about me having a similar story with a friend of his…” Momonga shrugged, rubbing the back of his head. “He woke up without memory of being in Equestria before.” Comet added, which surprised Sayaka. “So wait, are you from Earth?” The bluette asked. “Um… the name sounds familiar, but… my memories are still really hazy.” Momonga replied, shrugging helplessly. “If that’s the case… Well! We’ll just have to get your memories back! Maybe traveling will bring up some memories!” Sayaka said with a grin. Momonga nodded, looking over to Comet. “So, now what?” “Come on inside, I’ll give you one of the bronze beds until you can earn enough for a house. After that, well… We’ll talk about the guild. Everything else we’ll work on tomorrow.” “I’ll let you two go. You owe this priest for bringing you this far. I’d say a drink would do.” Comet said as he began to make his exit. “All right, bye!” Momonga called, waving as Comet left, before turning back to Sayaka. “Well, I suppose you're my caretaker for now…” “I prefer guide.” Sayaka said. They went into a metal box that had glowing numbers on a pad. Some were brown, some were silver, some were yellow, and seven were blue. “Press any of the brown buttons.” Momonga did as she was told, and pressed the closest brown button. “So… what's this for?” He asked curiously. “Watch.” Sayaka said, before the two were blinded by a bright light. When the light faded from Momonga’s eyes, she say she was on a different story of the building. “I invented the concept a long time ago, and most recently have I implemented it. I call it an elevator.” “Isn't that… something from Earth?” Momonga asked, finding the term was familiar. “Yes. I based it off of it, since Vanhoover’s a mostly old times-y place.” “I see. I'm guessing this isn't very widespread…?” Momonga asked, walking out of the box. “Not really. There are some places in Canterlot that developed legitimate elevators, but I find the magic based one superior.” Sayaka grinned. “So, I'm guessing this is the floor I'll be staying on for now?” The armored human asked, glancing around. “Yes. The bottom floor is where you’ll collect quests, and after you complete five initiate quests we’ll move you up to either Bronze or Wood, depending on the jobs. But you look like a Bronzy to me!” “Probably… but I wouldn't really get my hopes up. I doubt I can fight very well.” “Bronze are fighters. Wood are pacifists. Now, make yourself at home, and we’ll talk later. I have some things to deal with.” Sayaka said. “Right… which one’s my room?” Momonga asked, noting the multiple doors. “Pick one without a name and add your name.” Sayaka simply said with a shrug. “Thanks.” Momonga nodded, glancing at the slates on each door. “Can you help me with a few more things tomorrow?” “You… do you. Trust me, we’ll help you with whatever you need.” Sayaka said, smiling proudly before she left via the “elevator”. Momonga sighed, before finally finding one without a name and, after finding a writing utensil inside, wrote his name down on the slab in the door, before going inside and falling onto the bed, sighing. “Well, I suppose I had better figure out how to take this armor off…” Momonga muttered, looking down at his armored chest. Momonga was risen from his bed at the sound of Sayaka banging at his door. He had been unable to remove his armor last night, so he had given up and slept inside of it. So Sayaka had been slightly surprised to have him open the door in full armor. “Couldn’t get it off?” Sayaka asked, a frown replacing the smile she had before Momonga opened the door. “Unfortunately not. But it doesn’t matter, I managed to sleep rather well despite it.” Momonga nodded. “So, how are we going to start today?” “Well, if you’re going to be adventuring with me, I need to know if that armor’s the only thing keeping you from getting massacred.” The bluette said casually. “So sparring.” “Sparring… alright. Do you have an arena or something for that?” Momonga asked, grabbing his weapons from inside the room. “Backyard’s what we use, it’s very big and perfect for slight alterations to… Well, to put it simply, we put things barricades or non-lethal traps in to make it into whatever we need for training.” “Ah! That’s quite an efficient use of space.” Momonga applauded as he followed Sayaka. The two went through the hallways, down the four flights of stairs until they arrived at ground level. Sayaka took the door to her right, and exited the building, beckoning Momonga to follow. He followed, and found himself in the building’s backyard, some obstacles and barricades of sorts scattered about. “Impressive indeed, for what little space you have.” Momonga said, continuing to follow Sayaka until they reached the middle of the yard. “Alright, let’s see what you got.” Sayaka said, getting into position and drawing her weapon. Momonga followed suit, unsheathing the twin longswords from his back. The two stood there for a moment, eyeing each other warily, before they both lunged forward, and the sparring fight began.