Narberal Gamma POV
Being assigned by Mister Sebas to look after Lord Yhwach filled me with pride—pride that I was trusted with such an honor. A small smile graced my face as I reflected on my purpose. I've always felt that my existence serves the Supreme Beings, and being allowed to do so is such a privilege.
Venturing from the 9th floor, I made my way through the 10th floor where the Throne Room resided, then down the large elevator to the 11th floor—Lord Yhwach's personal domain.
As my descent continued, the walls illuminated with demonic patterns I'd never seen before, growing progressively darker and more ominous. I was entering the fabled Blood Realm. No others from Nazarick, save for the Supreme Beings, Lord Enmu, and the "demons," had ever set foot on this floor. "The Crimson Domain," the other maids called it, based on what little they knew.
Soon the stone gave way to a sprawling landscape of twisted architecture. Dark spires reached toward a blood-red sky, the demonic cityscape eventually yielding to barren wastelands marked by glowing crimson veins etched into the terrain. The names "The Blood Realm" and "The Crimson Domain" proved apt—their terrifying beauty defied description. I'm certain my mouth remained agape until I neared the bottom.
Exiting the lift, I wandered in awe, marveling at the power and malevolent artistry required to create such a magnificent yet horrifying place. Lord Yhwach truly is a Supreme Being. "Incredible..." I breathed, pride and gratitude swelling in my chest at being fortunate enough to witness this realm.
From my peripheral vision, I spotted a small group of demons approaching.
The female at their center possessed pale skin marked with intricate demonic tattoos and wore flowing dark robes that seemed to shift like living shadows. Her long black hair was adorned with bone ornaments. Flanking her were two identical male demons with muscular builds, their faces bearing the characteristic marks of lower-ranked demons, their eyes glowing with crimson light.
"Greetings, Miss Narberal. Welcome to the Blood Realm," the woman said with a respectful bow, which I immediately returned.
"Yes, thank you. I have come to serve the Supreme One."
She smiled, revealing sharp fangs, and gestured to her companions. "I am a Blood Demon—call me Akaza. These are my subordinates. They will escort you to the Master's Sanctuary."
Reaching into her robes, she produced a small wristband crafted from what appeared to be black bone and gently fastened the device to my wrist. A red bar lit up, displaying the time in demonic script. "I thought you might require this. We don't receive sunlight in the Blood Realm, and time flows differently here than on the upper floors."
I nodded my thanks. She bowed again before taking her leave.
The demon subordinates beckoned me to follow. They led me through the twisted corridors until we emerged onto a platform outside, where they brought me to a bone-crafted carriage pulled by skeletal horses wreathed in dark flame. One opened the door and requested I enter. Once seated, a demon leaned against the doorframe.
"This will take you to the Master. Safe travels." He stepped back, and the carriage immediately lurched forward with supernatural speed. I'm embarrassed to admit I let out a small "eep" of surprise.
Racing along paths lined with glowing crimson veins at breathtaking speed, the twisted spires grew smaller and more sparse as we left the demonic cityscape for the barren wastelands. Our destination appeared to be a massive fortress carved into a mountain range in the distance. I wondered why his sanctuary would be so isolated, but reasoned I wouldn't understand a Supreme Being's logic even if explained to me.
Dismissing that thought, I pondered what duties I might perform for Lord Yhwach. His abode was likely immaculate, and as the Almighty, he needed neither food, drink, nor conventional rest. He was probably planning, foreseeing the future, strategizing perhaps. What would he have me do? Help organize something? Assist with his visions? Or... something more... intimate?
My face began to heat up at the thought. NO! I shouldn't think such things—he's destined for Lady Albedo. It would be disrespectful to both of them.
...Although it is a maid's duty to satisfy her master...
Lost in these thoughts, I barely noticed the carriage slowing as the fortress drew near. Massive gates carved with demonic sigils opened, and we pulled into a courtyard. I exited and smoothed any wrinkles from my uniform.
Heavy footsteps echoed through the space. Looking up, I saw two titans of malevolent power approaching—Upper Moon demons, towering beings of destruction and bloodlust. Designed as Nazarick's elite enforcers, these specialized demons served as the ultimate guardians should all else fail. The Upper Moons would ensure victory.
Each demon bore the distinctive markings of their rank, their eyes containing numbers that spoke of their position in the hierarchy. Their presence was overwhelming—an aura of death and power that made even the Floor Guardians wary.
Despite their imposing nature, they moved with predatory grace, capable of slaughtering armies of lesser demons in moments.
The Upper Moons examined me with their demonic gazes, their clawed hands at their sides. One nodded in acknowledgment and pointed toward a door at the courtyard's far end with a gesture both elegant and threatening.
Walking past them, I reached the door, which opened to reveal an elevator. Stepping aboard, I was whisked upward deeper into the fortress until it stopped with a soft chime.
The doors opened to reveal a beautiful sanctum that merged elegance with dark power. The walls, floor, and furniture combined deep blacks with silver accents, creating an atmosphere both regal and ominous. The long room resembled a bridge leading to a preparation area, with small steps descending into floor indentations. Two sections flanked each side.
The right section housed a meditation area—dark furniture arranged around massive windows offering a spectacular view of the crimson landscape. Ancient tomes lined one wall.
The left section contained a dining area—a long obsidian table surrounded by six ornate chairs. Elegant but empty.
"Lord Yhwach?" I called out, receiving no response. I tried again, louder.
"Lord Yhwach!" Still nothing. Rather than stand idle, I sought him out, walking the platform toward the preparation area.
The space contained various mystical implements and what appeared to be meditation aids. At the room's center rose a grand staircase adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of conquest and divine judgment.
With nowhere else to explore, I ascended the stairs. Reaching the top, I encountered a peculiar sight.
It seemed I was wrong—Lord Yhwach could rest, and quite deeply at that.
The Supreme Being lay sprawled across a large, luxurious bed. Though his eyes were closed, I could sense the immense power still radiating from his form. His usually perfect posture was abandoned, positioned as if he'd simply collapsed from exhaustion rather than deliberately sought rest.
The sight was somewhat surprising, but I couldn't allow my master to wake uncomfortable from poor positioning. Even the Almighty deserved proper rest, and I'd never permit discomfort if I could help it.
I approached the bed's far end, considering waking him but deciding against it. Instead, I gently adjusted his position. Surprisingly, despite his imposing presence, Lord Yhwach moved easily under my careful ministrations.
I repositioned him properly, his head at the headboard, and carefully placed a pillow beneath him for support.
"There," I murmured, stepping back to admire my work. He looked far more comfortable and should enjoy deeper, more restorative rest.
Smoothing my uniform, I smiled and turned to find something to occupy my time until Lord Yhwach awakened. However, I felt resistance—a strong hand grasped mine with surprising gentleness as if I wasn't going anywhere soon.
Looking back, I saw Lord Yhwach's hand holding mine, his eyes still closed. 'Must have sensed me in his rest,' I thought.
Before I knew it, I was pulled into bed as he shifted, powerful arms wrapping around me protectively, holding me close, my head against his chest. My face burned hot—surely my blush rivaled crimson itself—yet I wasn't uncomfortable. The position felt quite nice, actually. Safe. Protected. Being held by the Almighty could do that.
Lord Yhwach appeared peaceful in his rest, his usually stern features softened by sleep. He seemed to find comfort in this arrangement as well.
Rather than resist and wake him, I decided to simply lie here and savor the moment. Nothing demanded my immediate attention besides Lord Yhwach's needs, and since he had drawn me close, perhaps he required companionship even in rest.
Soon, lying in such comfort and security, my eyes grew heavy and began to droop until darkness claimed my vision. Before losing consciousness, I nestled deeper into his protective embrace, sighing contentedly as I drifted into a pleasant, dreamless sleep.
TIMESKIP
Yhwach's POV - Third Person
A deep, satisfied breath escaped him as he stretched, feeling strength flow through his form. His arms extended above his head while his legs straightened, working out the tension of deep rest.
Pausing, he noticed something remarkable—no mechanical beeping. Not just that, but he didn't feel the labored rise and fall of failing lungs struggling to sustain a dying body. No antiseptic smell burning his nostrils. No hurried voices of medical staff. No pain. None at all. Just... perfect vitality.
Then realization struck, and his eyes opened to reveal pupils containing the reflection of futures untold.
Staring at the ceiling, memories of the previous day flooded back. He'd been transported into his favorite game after being made guild leader on his birthday—a divine irony that made him smile grimly. Suddenly aware of the weight against him, he looked down expecting perhaps Albedo, maybe even Shalltear given their devotion. He was intrigued to find Narberal Gamma, one of the battle maids, resting peacefully against his chest.
"How curious..." he said, his voice carrying the weight of absolute authority yet tinged with genuine warmth. The voice was deeper now, more commanding than in his previous life, carrying undertones that spoke of power beyond mortal comprehension.
Sitting up, Yhwach gazed down at his most capable maid's serene face—the doppelganger's features seemed almost luminous in the dim light, her dark hair framing her peaceful expression.
'She is truly beautiful, even in slumber. Excellent work, Nishikienrai...' he thought, gently tracing the air above her face, careful not to wake her prematurely.
A soft sound escaped her as she began stirring. Sitting up slowly, she rubbed sleep from her eyes and yawned with an endearing innocence. Usually composed and stoic, this glimpse of vulnerability was something Yhwach would treasure—and certainly seek to witness again.
"Good morning," Yhwach greeted with calm authority.
"Good morning..." she replied drowsily before awareness struck. Looking up, she realized her position atop the Almighty himself. Her eyes widened in horror, her face darkening to deep crimson. Leaping from the bed, she immediately prostrated herself completely.
"M-my Lord Yhwach! I am profoundly sorry! Please forgive this humble servant's inexcusable transgression! It will never hap—" She was interrupted by a gentle but firm finger beneath her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his.
"Peace. I harbor no anger toward you. Indeed, I should express gratitude." Yhwach paused, his expression softening almost imperceptibly. "That was the most restorative rest I have experienced in... longer than you could imagine. You have my thanks."
Narberal stared at him in wonder. She had aided the Almighty's rest. She had earned his gratitude. Pride and devotion swelled within her heart, her lips curving into the faintest of smiles.
That gentle expression faded as Yhwach rose from the bed. She quickly moved to his side, awaiting any commands her master might issue as he stood to his full, imposing height.
"Narberal, I intend to venture outside for a time," he announced, his voice carrying finality.
"I shall prepare your guard immediately, my lord."
"That will be unnecessary. I wish to go alone."
"But my lord!" she exclaimed with unprecedented urgency. "If you venture forth unprotected, we cannot fulfill our duty to shield you from harm!"
"Your concern is noted but illogical. I am perfectly capable of defending myself. Needless sacrifice serves no purpose. Furthermore, there are matters I wish to observe... personally."
She bowed deeply. "Yes, Lord Yhwach."
Placing a hand atop her head in a gesture of approval, he said, "Your devotion to my welfare honors you, but I require solitude to properly assess our new circumstances." Tilting her chin up to meet his gaze again, he added softly, "Do you understand?"
"Y-yes, my lord."
In a surge of reishi energy and spiritual pressure, Yhwach teleported to the first floor. The night sky stretched endlessly above, starlight cascading down the tomb's entrance steps. He breathed deeply, filling his lungs with pure, untainted air from the surrounding wilderness. Clean air. When had he last experienced such purity? Not the filtered atmosphere of sterile hospital rooms, but truly pristine air? The polluted world he'd known had poisoned everything. His final days had been spent breathing recycled air through machines, watching his body fail while his spirit burned with unfulfilled potential.
Reaching the entrance, Yhwach encountered three figures: Jealousy, the dominatrix demon with corvid features; Avarice, the horned creature with crimson hair and multiple eyes; and Wrath, the massive beast whose permanent snarl and flame-wreathed wings spoke of barely contained fury. All three were among Demiurge's elite generals, though their presence on the first floor was... unexpected. 'Interesting...'
"Ah?" Demiurge's voice carried curiosity as he observed what had drawn his generals' attention. Upon seeing Yhwach, he immediately knelt with perfect form, his generals following suit. "Lord Yhwach. I observe you have come without an escort?" The sophisticated demon noted his master's solitary state.
"I wish to survey this new world we inhabit, to witness what progress has been made. And surely you know I require no protection," Yhwach responded, his tone carrying both authority and the hint of anticipation for what lay beyond.
"I understand completely, my lord. However, I cannot in good conscience permit you to venture forth without proper attendance."
Moving forward with regal bearing, Yhwach gestured to Demiurge. "Then you shall accompany me," he declared, passing the kneeling forms of generals and guardians.
"I am honored by your gracious allowance of my selfish request," Demiurge said, rising to follow his master.
"It is nothing."
Walking through the grand corridor toward the outside world, Yhwach slowed to allow Demiurge to match his pace. "Report on the assignments I have given you."
"I hesitate to burden you with mundane details, my lord. Work continues."
"Speak plainly. I would not ask if the answer held no value for me."
"Very well... we have made substantial progress on the information and resource networks. However, the primary obstacle remains that not all residents of the Great Tomb can teleport between floors as effortlessly as you, my lord."
Yhwach absorbed this information thoughtfully. "We have also completed the census you requested. The report awaits your review on the 10th floor."
"Excellent work, Demiurge. You have exceeded my expectations." The impeccably dressed demon's posture straightened with visible pride. "As for your logistical concern, I shall distribute the guild rings of my departed comrades to the Guardians and other select individuals. Will this suffice, Defensive Coordinator?"
"More than suffice, my lord. Your foresight and strategic planning remain unparalleled."
"Your praise is... appreciated."
Finally reaching the entrance, they gazed out at the night sky blazing with countless stars—a celestial display that put even the most elaborate magical skyboxes to shame.
"Satoru Suzuki... if only you could witness this vista..." Yhwach murmured, his voice carrying both wonder and melancholy. "Magnificent, is it not, Demiurge?"
Spiritual energy gathered around Yhwach as his reishi manipulation lifted him gracefully into the air for a clearer view. Demiurge sprouted his demonic wings and assumed his true form to follow.
Rising above the clouds, the full moon bathed Yhwach's form in silver light. His eyes reflected not just the present moment but glimpses of countless possible futures spreading before him like a vast web of potential. With his enhanced perception, he could see for vast distances, taking in the scope of this new world.
For reasons he couldn't fully explain, words began flowing from him as if his very soul sought expression:
"Gaze upon distant stars for which you yearn to reach...
When the spirit breaks its chains, the body learns to soar...
No mortal frame so frail could travel far on dreams alone,
Until you dream not of what you are, but what you shall become..."
Breathing deeply of the night air, he felt truly alive for the first time in his existence. Sensing Demiurge's approach, he acknowledged the demon's presence.
"That verse was magnificent, my lord. Brief yet profound. It captures the essence of this moment perfectly."
"My gratitude, Demiurge. I cannot explain what moved me to voice it..." Yhwach fell silent, his eyes gleaming as he gazed upward, seeing not just the present night but the branching paths of what could be. Demiurge respectfully observed the contemplative moment.
"Tell me," Yhwach broke the silence, "does this sky not resemble a treasure vault scattered with precious gems?"
"Indeed. I believe this world illuminates itself so that my lord might claim its wealth as his rightful due."
Chuckling with dark amusement, Yhwach replied, "Perhaps I was brought here to establish true peace... perfect order... You may be correct. Perhaps I was destined to claim this world's treasures. But such ambition serves no purpose if pursued for self alone. Perhaps I should instead adorn Nazarick and honor my departed guild members with this world's riches..."
"Speak the word, and we shall mobilize every resource of Nazarick to secure them for you."
"No... we understand nothing of this realm—its dangers, its inhabitants, whether either truly exists. But... discovering such secrets and claiming dominion over this world does present... interesting possibilities."
At this, Demiurge drew a sharp breath, committing every word to memory as his mind raced with potential strategies and elaborate schemes to manifest his master's vision.
'Yes... that would prove most entertaining. Bringing about true peace to a world ravaged by chaos and conflict. Exploration. Conquest. Intrigue. The very thought fills me with anticipation... But such plans require careful consideration.'
The sound of the earth moving caught Yhwach's attention. Looking down, he observed massive waves of soil crashing against the tomb's barriers. 'Earth magic. Impressive technique, as expected of Mare—'
"What are your intentions, my lord?" Demiurge inquired from behind.
"I shall greet Mare. The child has earned recognition for his efforts."
"I am certain your mere presence will serve as reward enough."
"Perhaps, though that hardly prevents me from showing additional appreciation."
End of Chapter