Sanctuary Paradise

Chapter 652: Reunion and Strangeness
Sanctuary Paradise, Sun Hotel, in a room.

“Sir Hades, this is the compensation that Lord Ainz and I can offer you for your cooperation. Lord Ainz and I are both optimistic about your potential. If you are willing to join the Great Tomb, Lord Ainz can guarantee that he will provide you with at least ten pieces of epic equipment and one hundred fourth-level undead creatures on top of this.”

In the not-so-luxurious box, there was a slender, brown-skinned demon with an unusually sharp facial contour, a pair of round-framed glasses on his face, and a scarlet suit on his body. He habitually pushed the glasses holder on his nose and spoke to the Hades in front of him with a smile.

"Ten pieces of epic equipment and one hundred fourth-tier undead creatures..."

Faced with the recruitment of the brown-skinned demon tribe in front of him, Mingyu did not give an immediate response. Instead, he looked at the tall skeleton figure that was more than three meters tall sitting opposite him. He deliberately lowered his head and made a contemplative look, but an imperceptible deep light flowed in his pupils.

"Are you planning to use me as a stepping stone to gain a firm foothold in Paradise? Hehe, this is quite consistent with the character settings of Ainz Ooal Gown and Demiurge..."

Mingyu lowered his head and stared at the pieces of information displayed on the branding interface at the edge of his vision, as well as the contents on the communication channel, his eyes flickered slightly.

In fact, as early as when he returned from the Bone King world, he specifically followed someone's hint to search for a large amount of relevant information and intelligence, and thus learned many secrets related to the 'awakening' of characters in the derivative world.

Therefore, when the Bone King came to him, he was a little surprised but far from shocked. And when the other party said that he wanted his help to introduce him to the Cult of Death and deliberately hinted at the gap in rank between the two sides, he chose to notify someone to come and maintain order without hesitation.

In terms of the selection of personnel, the other party did not choose the wrong person. Mingyu knew very well that compared with the other guy, he and Xie Kuang really seemed like a "soft persimmon" that could be manipulated, and were the most suitable candidates for puppets.

Unfortunately……

"Even if you have a strategy that fits the setting, you are still just a native of the derivative world in terms of vision."

A glimpse of boredom flashed across Hades' eyes, and he glanced at Ainz Ooal Gown and Demiurge, who were regarded as perfect "cosplay" in front of him, and a hint of boredom flashed across the depths of his pupils.

It would be fine if the other party had chosen other more sincere cooperation plans at the beginning, but "inviting" him to join the so-called Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick and "asking" him to help introduce him to the Cult of Death. The intention hidden in this is simply obvious.

——The other party did not take him and Xie Kuang, who were only at the third level, seriously, but looked far ahead to those places at the sixth level or even higher levels.

If it were in the outside world, the other party's choice was not wrong. He would cling to the strong, exploit the weak, and focus on higher-level forces rather than those weaker beings that were two or three levels lower than himself. This is indeed a very effective approach in the native world with a low level of civilization.

But unfortunately, the other party did not realize that this place... is inside the paradise.

——In a paradise overflowing with strong people and geniuses, the other party’s proud fifth-level rank is not worth mentioning at all.

Ding ding~!

The clear and pleasant doorbell rang, causing Ainz Ooal Gown and Demiurge to look at him. The Hades, who was sitting opposite them, smiled slightly, showing an apologetic expression, and said:

"You two, the conditions you proposed are indeed very tempting. However, I think some of the details may need to be discussed further. It just so happens that a friend of mine is also interested in these things. If you don't mind, let him... Hmm?!"

Crunch~!

Inside the room, the sound of the door opening accompanied by Mingyu's voice rang out, making the smile on Mingyu's face even more intense. But when he saw clearly the figure walking in from outside the door, the smile on his face suddenly froze there, and was replaced by a stiff expression that showed one wanting to greet someone's whole family but not daring to show it.

"Hell?"

The next second, a cold and indifferent voice came from the door. A figure shrouded in an extremely terrifying Netherworld death aura, with only a pair of dark blue pupils not covered, slowly walked in from the door. After glancing at the tall skeleton figure in the room who looked like he was facing a great enemy, he ignored the other party and set his eyes on Mingyu and said:

"Black Sword asked me to come here. Now, continue."

"..."

……

Meanwhile, Elements Hotel.

"Why does Captain Black look so happy?"

"Nothing, just thought of something interesting."

In the box with only two people left, Xin Lailai said playfully, looking at the "cordial" blessings sent on the communication channel with a satisfied smile.

"By the way, Brother Yamu, have you really not thought of a suitable candidate?"

"Stop talking. God knows why Paradise threw me into another world with super scarce resources. I'm still having a headache now. Sigh, what a miserable life I have~!"

In the box, Yamu was seen rubbing his eyebrows, looking very sad, as if he had suffered some great injustice.

"Really? I think that since Paradise sent you, Brother Yamu, there must be a reason for Paradise to do so."

Upon hearing this, Xin Lailai narrowed his eyes slightly, glanced at Yamu's whole body, and spoke.

To be honest, when he learned that Yamu was also selected to participate in the battle for the world of super rare resources, he was indeed surprised, but then he realized what Paradise's arrangement meant.

——Yamu, who appears to be one level weaker than Dao Ji on the surface, is, in Paradise’s judgment, a more suitable candidate to participate in the battle than Dao Ji and the Death Bearer.

"Tsk, I feel like my luck has been getting worse since I started hanging out with you, Captain Hei? So, Captain Hei, you really don't have any suitable candidates?"

"It's a pity. Although I personally want to help Brother Yamu, I really don't know anyone here who can be compatible with your system... Hmm?!"

Xin Lailai spoke and shook her head gently, but halfway through her words she paused as if she had suddenly discovered something, and a strange look appeared in her eyes, as if she had suddenly received some good news.

"Hmm? Why, Captain Black, have you thought of something interesting again?"

Yamu looked at Xin Lailai who suddenly paused, showed a hint of curiosity and asked casually.

“It’s not really interesting, but it’s definitely a good thing that makes you feel good.”

After a long while, Xin Lailai chuckled and seemed very happy. Then, he looked at Yamu again and said:

"Brother Yamu, didn't you say before that it would be best to find a guy who has good frontal combat power, can keep up with your battle rhythm, and preferably has a good world affinity?"

"Well, that's right. After all, with my system, it would be difficult to coordinate with someone who specializes in the Undead or other aspects. So, Captain Hei, have you found a suitable candidate?"

"I guess so. However, I don't know whether he is in line with Brother Yamu's wishes in terms of direct combat power. But if it refers to world affinity, I think he should not let you down, Brother Yamu—"

Xin Lailai paused as he spoke and looked towards the door of the private room. Seeing this, Yamu showed a hint of curiosity in his eyes and followed Xin Lailai's gaze towards the door. The next second...

Crunch~!

There was a hasty sound of a door opening, and a panting figure was seen standing at the door. The soft light shone on the short pure white hair, and the red eyes full of excitement made the face that had become very determined regain some of the childishness of a boy.

“Black…Brother Black Sword!!”

Excited shouts rang out. The white-haired boy standing at the door looked at the black-haired young man in the box with joy on his face. Xin Lailai looked at the other party and also revealed a gratified smile.

"After two months of not seeing you, you look a lot more manly, don't you, Bell?"

……

……

five minutes later.

"Hahaha, you are worthy of being Bell. Come on, tell your brother the truth, did you really only hook up with two girls outside this time?" A cheerful laugh came from the box. Inside the box, Xin Lailai warmly hugged the somewhat embarrassed Bell Crany, revealing a playful smile.

"Hooking up or something, you are exaggerating, Brother Black Sword. Miss An-An Mi and the others just added me as their branded friends."

"I know, I know. It just feels good. So what? How many girls do you have on your contact list now, Bell?"

Xin Lailai looked at Bell who looked embarrassed and said with a wink. The smile on his face perfectly fits the word obscene. Not only him, but Yamu beside him also showed the same expression. He hooked Bell's shoulder from the other side and laughed:
"That's right! Brother Bell, we are all men, and we understand some things without having to explain them! Come, share your experiences in the void with your brother Yamu!"

"That... that's not what you guys think, Brother Black Sword. I just wanted to help at that time, and I didn't have that kind of thought towards them!"

Bell, who was trapped on both sides, spoke with an embarrassed look on his face, and his face became redder and redder as he spoke.

"Don't worry, Bell, we definitely believe in your character! We just want to hear your story in the void, Bell. So, tell me, Bell, how many people are on your contact list?"

"Five... five, but they're really just friends! Especially Miss Laer, I just happened to pass by there at the time!"

"Oh my god, this is awesome! You are worthy of being Bell, you have easily accomplished something that neither of us can do!"

"Heh, Brother Yamu, stop talking nonsense. If I remember correctly, the number of people on your contact list has already exceeded a hundred, right?"

"Bah, how can this be the same? My relationships are just pure business relationships, at best we just had a meal together! What you have, Brother Bell, is a proper 'encounter'. Do you understand what an encounter is? It's that heart-pounding feeling of running into someone by chance on a corner. That's the romance of a man!"

"Well, I don't have any feelings for them anyway. Uh, forget it, let's not worry about that for now! Come on~ Bell, tell your brother which one of these five you feel the most for, is there any one who makes your heart beat like Ais~?"

"I...um, I...I don't know, um...Brother Black Sword, why don't we talk about something else first..."

"What else can we talk about? Nothing else is as interesting as this. Come on, Bell, this is good wine produced by the Sun God Cult. Let's have a drink together!"

"Wait...wait a minute, Brother Black Sword! I still..."

"Come on, cheers!" "Haha, cheers!"

"Ahem...ahem!!"

"Hahaha, Bell, you have to work harder. If you can't drink well, be careful that there will be too many people and you won't be able to drink the wedding wine!"

Bang~!

The next second, the crisp and pleasant sound of clinking glasses rang out from the box. The white-haired boy was sandwiched between two grown men with an embarrassed look on his face. He imitated the two men and took a gulp of wine, but was choked by the wine that was as hot as magma and coughed continuously, which made Xin Lailai and Yamu laugh and filled the box with a cheerful atmosphere.

"Come on, finish this cup, and I, your big brother, will take you to a better place to drink later~!"

……

An hour later, in an alley somewhere.

"Haha, that's refreshing. I haven't had such a good time drinking for a long time!"

"Brother Hei-Hei Jian, your alcohol tolerance has really improved. It's only been two months, and I...I can't even drink more than you~!"

"Hiccup! Miss Ai...Miss Ais, I...I didn't hiccup!"

Noisy and bustling voices rang out from the busy street outside the alley, drowning out the drunken laughter and whispers.

Soft moonlight mixed with a bit of colorful neon lights fell from above the alley, sprinkling on the black, white and gold trio who were arm in arm with each other, staggering and marching, echoing the strong smell of alcohol on the three men.

"Brother Hei...Brother Hei Jian~hiccup! How long will it take~hiccup! To get to the~hiccup! restaurant you mentioned?"

“Don’t worry, it’s right in front of us. Once we get out of here and turn two corners, we’ll be able to see it directly... huh?!” “Lord Ainz, are we really... uh!!”

The three of them were seen staggering forward, and when they walked out of the alley together, two figures, one tall and one thin, were walking towards them from the side. Xin Lailai and the two figures were all stunned, and they all stopped subconsciously.

Wow——! !

A slightly cool evening breeze blew through the street, blowing away the drunkenness on Sinlailai, causing the street, which was full of noise a second ago, to suddenly fall into a brief silence. Bell, who was drunk and mumbling a few different names, suddenly shrank his pupils, and instinctively suppressed the alcohol in his body. He suddenly raised his head to look at Sinlailai and Ainz Ooal Gown beside him, his pupils shrinking slightly.

Although there was no reason, the aura of death emanating from Ainz Ooal Gown made him subconsciously feel uncomfortable, as if there was some kind of natural opposition between him and the huge skeleton figure in front of him.

Is he the enemy of Brother Black Sword?

No...I always feel that the atmosphere is not quite right.

This feeling is more like...

"Long time no see, Lord Black Sword. I didn't expect to see you in a place like this."

Before Bell could figure out the situation, a hoarse and heavy voice came directly from Ainz Ooal Gown's mouth. He slowly lowered his head, looked at Sinlailai in front of him with his empty skull eyes, in which only scarlet soul fire was dancing, and spoke.

"Well, it's been a while, Lord Ainz. It seems you have been doing well recently?"

In response to Ainz Ooal Gown's greeting, Sinlailai simply smiled and answered calmly, looking at the other party with a calm gaze. Although she raised her head, she gave people an invisible sense of oppression, as if she was looking straight at him or even looking down at him.

For a moment, the man and the bone just stared at each other. After several minutes, Ainz Ooal Gown slowly raised his head, said nothing, and continued to walk forward, leading Demiurge who was respectful behind him.

When Sinlailai saw this, he didn't say much. He just led Yamu and Bell beside him and walked forward, passing by Ainz Ooal Gown.

On the street, the noisy bustle that had never really dissipated rose again, swallowing up the brief silence.

At the entrance of the alley, the soft moonlight, along with the neon lights from buildings of various styles, shone on Sinlailai and Ainz Ooal Gown, stretching the backs of the two people, who were intertwined in the shape of a cross, until both of them gradually walked away.

There is no unnecessary communication.

There was no warm explanation at all.

Perhaps at some point in the past, the figure who called himself Flying Squirrel did have a brief connection with the ignorant young man who had just entered the park.

But the moment he walked out from under the false sky called Overlord, the only thing left in that body was the undead named Ainz Ooal Gown, not the Flying Squirrel who was obsessed with a friend who only existed in his memory.

Just as the reunion with the white-haired boy must be filled with laughter and wine.

The former Undead King reunited with the young man with whom he had once had a good relationship. From the moment he made his decision between 'Flying Squirrel' and 'Ainz Ooal Gown', they were destined to become strangers.

Now, the only ones left are the undead named Ainz Ooal Gown and the pioneer named Black Sword.

The flying squirrel is dead, and the young man has changed.

The jokes of the past have all become a thing of the past.

……

(End of this chapter)