Chapter 4: The Ritual of Fidelity
"Now everyone..." Albedo's voice pulls Yhwach from his thoughts as he surveys the assembled guardians—all but one present. "To our new Supreme Leader. The ritual of fidelity."
They all kneel before Yhwach in unison. He looks around with his imposing presence, immediately noting the absence through his omniscient gaze.
"Albedo, dear?"
Albedo looks up at Yhwach with a hard blush and a questioning gaze. "Yes, my lord?"
"I 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 twelve floors to Nazarick. You guard the ninth floor, Victim the eighth, Demiurge the seventh, Aura and Mare the sixth, Cocytus the fifth, Gargantua the fourth, and Shalltear the first through third. The twelfth doesn't have a guardian, but the eleventh—my floor—does."
Albedo's eyes widen as understanding dawns on her mistake.
"So, Albedo..." He speaks her name with the commanding authority of an emperor, his voice carrying the weight of divine judgment. All the guardians shiver at the spiritual pressure he emanates—not anger, but the crushing disappointment of one who sees all futures. "Where is Enmu?"
She has no words. Fear and shame at failing her new lord wash over her as she immediately drops to both knees in a pleading gesture. "My deepest apologies, my lord! I did not mean to make such a blunder before our new Supreme Leader! I merely wished to get them here as quickly as—"
She's cut off when she feels a cold, pale hand on her head, rubbing it with surprising gentleness. "No need to apologize. I am not displeased. I merely wish to know where he is."
"Here, my lord!" An unsettling, melodious voice echoes from the shadows of the arena, followed by disturbing laughter.
Enmu, guardian of the eleventh floor—the Infinity Castle—appears with his characteristic unnerving smile. Yhwach's personal domain is a nightmarish labyrinth of shifting rooms, staircases, and corridors that defy logic and reason, inspired by the twisted architecture of demon strongholds. Though he'd initially worried about the domain's disturbing nature, the developers of Yggdrasil seemed to embrace such dark creativity. He was pleased, as the aesthetic perfectly matched his vision of controlled chaos.
"Ah, there you are, Enmu." Yhwach greets his creation with regal composure.
Enmu approaches with his signature disturbing grace, dropping to one knee with an exaggerated, theatrical bow, his smile never wavering. "Ahaha! I wouldn't miss this glorious moment for anything! The sight of you ascending to Guild Leader fills me with such... exquisite joy! How wonderful, how truly wonderful!" His eyes gleam with manic delight.
"Your enthusiasm is... noted, Enmu."
While designing Enmu's personality, Yhwach had crafted something twisted yet loyal—a being who found pleasure in serving and in the suffering of enemies. The demon's disturbing mannerisms and sadistic joy were perfectly suited to Yhwach's vision of absolute control. Seeing his creation come to life with such a vivid personality pleases the Quincy King, and unknown to him, his satisfaction projects through his reiatsu. The pleased spiritual pressure permeates the area, making his subjects feel a mixture of comfort and reverence.
But like all moments of peace, it must end as Yhwach turns to address the assembly with imperial authority.
"Thank you all for coming. You have demonstrated proper devotion in arriving promptly." His words carry the weight of divine command, gaining everyone's attention. All look at him with expressions of awe and devotion—happy to have pleased their almighty sovereign.
"Your gratitude is unnecessary. We have all sworn absolute fealty to you," Albedo says, looking up at him with worship in her eyes. "You may find us unworthy, but we vow to exceed all expectations and serve you—the Almighty Father of Nazarick!"
"THIS WE PLEDGE!" they all declare in unison, their voices echoing with reverence.
The title 'Almighty Father' resonates with memories of conquest and absolute dominion. His experience with strategic warfare games—grand strategy titles like Crusader Kings, Total War, and Europa Universalis—had honed his tactical brilliance for managing vast empires and complex political maneuvering. Those countless hours spent orchestrating the rise and fall of civilizations had been excellent preparation for true leadership.
"Excellent, Floor Guardians." He raises his arms slightly, his presence commanding like a divine emperor. "Each and every one of you possesses my absolute confidence that you will fulfill your duties without question or failure. I am pleased to lead you. Though I am not Momonga, I shall rule with the wisdom and authority befitting the Almighty. This is my covenant with you."
The guardians' expressions of devotion return, awestruck by their sovereign's majesty. Those expressions shift to nervous attention when he speaks again, his reiatsu changing to an overwhelming pressure that seems to peer into their very souls with his omniscient gaze.
"Now then, the Great Tomb of Nazarick finds itself in an unprecedented situation. Earlier, I commanded Sebas to survey our fortress's surroundings." Yhwach's eyes briefly glow with the power of The Almighty as he turns left, having already foreseen Sebas's approach. The loyal dragonoid enters the arena, bows deeply, and begins his report.
"Grasslands?" Yhwach muses, though his omniscient abilities had already glimpsed fragments of this future. Still, he maintains the facade of receiving new information.
"Yes, my lord. The exterior differs completely from the swamps that once surrounded the Great Tomb of Nazarick. I could confirm no structures, human or otherwise, within the five-kilometer perimeter you specified," Sebas reports from his kneeling position.
"As I foresaw. Well done, Sebas." Yhwach's voice carries the authority of one who sees all possibilities. "It has been revealed to me that our stronghold has been transported to an unknown realm by forces yet to be determined. The swamplands that once encircled us have been replaced by endless grasslands."
Upon hearing this, Enmu releases his disturbing laughter. "Ahaha! How delightfully disorienting! That putrid swamp was such an eyesore anyway!"
"Guardian Overseer Albedo, and Strategic Coordinator Demiurge," Yhwach commands with imperial authority.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" they respond in perfect unison, Demiurge particularly pleased with his new designation.
"Establish superior networks for resource distribution and intelligence gathering between all floors. Fortify our defenses to impenetrable standards. Additionally, I require a complete accounting of our military assets—from the lowest undead to the Reaper Leviathans—delivered to my throne room by dawn."
"It shall be done, Your Majesty!"
"Mare, can you render our tomb invisible to outside observation?"
Mare considers this carefully before responding. "I-It would be challenging with magic alone... But if we shrouded the walls with earth and vegetation, we could blend with the natural landscape?"
The suggestion has merit, though it clearly disturbs Albedo.
"You would dare suggest covering the sacred walls of Nazarick with common dirt?" Her voice trembles with indignation.
"Albedo." Yhwach's voice cuts through her protest with absolute finality. "Your devotion to our fortress's glory is acknowledged, yet unnecessary. Mare, implement this immediately. Understand that in warfare, tactical advantage supersedes aesthetic concerns—and concealment serves our greater purpose." His gaze settles on Albedo with the weight of imperial judgment.
"Your wisdom transcends all understanding, Your Majesty... Forgive my presumption." She bows deeply.
"However, an isolated mound would appear unnatural and draw unwanted scrutiny. Sebas, are there natural elevations in the vicinity that would provide adequate camouflage?"
"Regrettably, no, Your Majesty. We are surrounded entirely by level terrain."
My Almighty has shown me glimpses of this barren landscape. No human presence within five kilometers... A minor geographical adjustment should pass unnoticed, he considers with cold calculation.
"Then we shall create false hills to establish proper concealment?"
Sebas nods respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty. That would provide excellent camouflage."
"Excellent. Proceed as instructed, Mare. For areas inadequately covered by physical means, supplement with illusion magic."
"Y-yes, Lord Yhwach," Mare responds with nervous reverence.
"Finally, I require your honest assessment of my worthiness to rule. I have held the position of Guild Leader for merely an hour, yet you have served under my command for considerable time. Speak truthfully—do you consider me worthy of absolute authority?" Yhwach's omniscient gaze settles on each guardian. "Shalltear, begin."
"You are perfection incarnate! A magnificent obsidian crown set with eyes like burning stars! The most beautiful and terrible sight in all existence!" she declares with flushed cheeks and gleaming eyes.
"Cocytus."
"Mightier than all Floor Guardians combined, a sovereign worthy of absolute dominion over the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Your tactical genius and warrior's spirit have earned my eternal loyalty, oh Almighty Father."
"Aura."
"Wise and merciful ruler whose strategic brilliance and foresight guide us all!"
"Mare?"
"A-a truly magnificent person..."
"Demiurge."
"A sovereign whose intellect, determination, and analytical mastery enable perfect decision-making and flawless execution. I recognize no being more qualified to rule us than the Supreme Commander of the Sternritter. To encapsulate you in one word, Your Majesty: Omniscient."
"Enmu."
"Ahaha! You are my creator! My beloved master! The source of my existence and my greatest joy! Your power fills me with such delicious ecstasy!" His disturbing laughter echoes through the arena.
"Sebas."
"The greatest of the Supreme Beings, the merciful sovereign who remained with us until the end, even when the Great Momonga departed."
Yhwach's expression remains composed despite a slight internal reaction to Sebas's words. "And finally, Albedo."
"The supreme ruler of the Supreme Beings, our emperor and god! Your achievements as our military commander and your mercy in staying with us have proven your divine right to rule over us! Fear not, Your Majesty—you are worthy not only of the throne of Nazarick, but of my body, my soul, and my eternal devotion!"
Yhwach's lips curve in a rare, satisfied smile. The doubts that had briefly plagued him dissolve completely under the weight of such absolute loyalty. Each declaration of faith strengthens his resolve and confirms his rightful place as their sovereign. His spiritual pressure radiates contentment.
"Your words have brought me great satisfaction. Go now and fulfill the missions I have assigned. Those without specific tasks shall assist others or return to your standard duties."
Yhwach activates the Ring of Nazarick with imperial authority, teleporting instantly to his personal chambers on the eleventh floor—a suite of rooms within the ever-shifting Infinity Castle, complete with throne room, study, and private quarters.
"Even this perfected form requires rest, it seems. Though sleep may be unnecessary, I shall indulge in this... human comfort." He moves toward his imposing bed, his footsteps echoing through the constantly shifting architecture. As he settles onto the dark covers, he discovers with mild interest that sleep is indeed possible in this form.
Back in the Arena, shortly after Yhwach's departure
All eight guardians remain kneeling until the overwhelming spiritual pressure of their sovereign lifts. Albedo rises first, silently mourning the loss of that divine presence and craving its return. Mare stands second, using his staff for support.
"T-that pressure was incredible, sis..." he says with trembling voice.
"I know! I thought we were going to be crushed by His Majesty's reiatsu!" Aura responds with excited admiration.
Cocytus rises majestically. "To experience the Almighty Father's true presence... Beyond all expectations."
"So that is Lord Yhwach as absolute ruler... Magnificent..." Albedo clasps her hands against her chest, trying to calm her wildly beating heart.
"Indeed," Demiurge agrees, adjusting his glasses with newfound respect.
"He has answered our pledge of absolute fealty with divine acceptance," Cocytus observes with reverence.
"He was different when he was just with us," Aura notes. "So wise and understanding!" Her words make Albedo's heart race as she hears praise of her beloved sovereign.
"He even shared his strategic wisdom and provided refreshment when we were thirsty! He truly is the greatest!" Aura continues enthusiastically.
"S-so that overwhelming presence was Lord Yhwach in his role as supreme ruler...?" Mare asks, somewhat relieved that such intensity won't be constant. "Incredible!"
"It was INCREDIBLE!" Albedo exclaims with a wide, obsessive smile. "He responded to our devotion and demonstrated exactly the divine authority a supreme ruler should possess! As expected from our creator!" She squeals with delight. "Among the forty-two Supreme Beings, he stands as the ultimate sovereign! He is the merciful emperor who remained in this realm until the end!" She wraps herself in her wings, trembling with devotion while others observe her rapture.
"With that, I shall return to my duties," Sebas announces. "I know not where Lord Yhwach has gone, but I must be available should His Majesty require my service."
"Sebas, inform me immediately of any developments," Albedo requests before grinning with disturbing intensity, hugging herself while her breathing quickens. "Should he summon me, tell him I will come instantly! No matter what must be sacrificed!"
Demiurge massages his temples as a headache builds, while Enmu tilts his head with his unsettling smile and giggles softly. "Ahaha! Such a delicious obsession! How wonderfully twisted!"
Others stare at her strangely as she continues: "But inform Lord Yhwach that I require time if he calls me to his private chambers! I must prepare myself properly, of course... Unless His Majesty prefers me unprepared... Ahh, how wonderfully scandalous..."
Before her disturbing fantasies can continue, Sebas interrupts. "I understand completely. I shall take my leave now. Farewell, Floor Guardians." He bows and departs in search of his master.
"Try the Infinity Castle! His Majesty has magnificent quarters within its shifting passages!" Enmu calls after him with gleeful laughter.
"My gratitude, Sir Enmu!" Sebas responds.
Silence falls until Demiurge notices a certain vampire still kneeling in apparent distress. "Shalltear... what troubles you?"
Cocytus echoes the concern. "What is the matter, Shalltear?"
She rises with a deeply flushed face and confesses breathlessly, "H-His Majesty's overwhelming presence excited me so intensely... my undergarments have suffered a complete disaster..."
"You SHAMELESS CREATURE..." Albedo snarls with jealous fury.
Shalltear, indignant, stands defiantly. "What?! We just experienced Lord Yhwach's divine presence! We received such a blessed gift! Any woman who doesn't become completely aroused by such magnificence is defective, you wide-mouthed gorilla!"
"You bloodsucking parasite!" Albedo retorts, both guardians radiating hostile energy.
"I was crafted this way by the Supreme Beings themselves!"
As the succubus and vampire engage in their territorial dispute, Demiurge places a hand on Aura's shoulder. "Aura, I entrust the resolution of this feminine conflict to another woman."
"HEY! You can't expect me to handle this madness!" she protests desperately.
"Should the situation escalate beyond control, I will intervene," he states casually while walking away.
Enmu adds with disturbing glee, "Ahaha! I'm not getting involved in that delicious chaos! 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,' after all! How wonderfully entertaining!" He follows Demiurge with unsettling laughter.
"Truly, is such a dispute worth this conflict? How absurd..." Cocytus comments while approaching, to Aura's horror.
"COCYTUS, NO! Don't abandon me with them!" she wails helplessly before turning to face the escalating confrontation.
At a safe distance, Demiurge observes the conflict with clinical interest. "Though personally, I find myself quite intrigued by the potential results of such a union." Mare looks confused, awaiting elaboration. "It would significantly strengthen our forces and secure Nazarick's future."
Sweet, innocent Mare remains bewildered. "Wh-what do you mean exactly?"
"A supreme ruler should produce an heir, shouldn't he?" Enmu answers with disturbing enthusiasm, his smile widening unnaturally. Demiurge nods approvingly.
"Lord Yhwach remained loyal to us until the end, but eventually he may follow the path of the other Supreme Beings. Would it not be wonderful if he left a successor for us to serve with equal devotion?" Demiurge explains with calculated logic.
"Uh... s-so you're suggesting one of them should bear Lord Yhwach's child?" Mare asks with innocent confusion.
"Precisely."
"What manner of heretical thinking is this?!" Cocytus roars with scandalized fury.
"But wouldn't serving Lord Yhwach's descendants be equally fulfilling?" Demiurge asks reasonably.
"Think about it, big guy! You'd be Uncle Cocytus! Ahaha! How delightfully domestic!" Enmu adds with manic excitement, trying to sway the ice warrior.
"...Uncle Cocytus? What a remarkable concept! To be called Uncle! The child could ride upon my shoulders! Or perhaps..." He drifts into elaborate fantasies while Enmu laughs with disturbing delight.
After allowing Cocytus his moment of domestic dreaming, Demiurge looks down at Mare with curiosity. "Incidentally, Mare, why do you dress as a female?"
"Th-this is simply what Bukubuku Chagama selected for me... She called me an 'otoko no ko,' though I believe I'm supposed to be male."
"Interesting," Demiurge muses. "Perhaps all young males in Nazarick are intended to dress in such fashion..."
"Ahaha! No, no, no!" Enmu interrupts with gleeful laughter. "'Otoko no ko' means 'male daughter' or crossdresser! Your creator simply wanted you to be a beautiful trap! How deliciously twisted!"
"And how do you possess such knowledge?" Demiurge inquires with genuine curiosity, Mare nodding eagerly for an answer.
"The Infinity Castle contains numerous entertainment districts for the pleasure of its inhabitants! Some feature drag performances where the entertainers are crossdressing males! Ahaha! Such wonderful confusion and desire!" His disturbing laughter echoes.
"How... educational," Demiurge adjusts his glasses before checking the ongoing dispute. "Cocytus! Return to reality!"
"What splendid visions! Truly something to anticipate!" Cocytus declares with satisfaction.
"Delightful for you." Demiurge turns his attention to the confrontation. "Aura, have they concluded their territorial dispute?"
"They're not fighting anymore... more like negotiating terms, I think," she reports with exhaustion.
"We are determining the hierarchy of wives," Shalltear explains, slightly breathless from their heated discussion.
"It would be inappropriate for the Supreme Ruler to have only one wife," Albedo adds diplomatically. "However, the question of who shall be primary consort remains unresolved."
"While this is a fascinating political matter, could you please issue our operational orders first?" Demiurge requests with professional patience.
"You're absolutely correct. Shalltear, we shall continue these negotiations at a more appropriate time," Albedo agrees while fixing her disheveled appearance.
"I find these terms acceptable," the petite vampire responds formally.
"Excellent. Now then, let us begin implementing His Majesty's directives."
That concludes this chapter. If you have questions for me as an author or individual, I remain available. I welcome all comments and feedback. Thank you for reading—until next time!