Overlord (オーバーロード)

Dive Massively Multiplayer Online

Role Playing Game.

Or, for short, "DMMO-RPG."

It's a type of game where you can

immerse yourself in an imaginary world as if you were in it.

Such as Yggdrasil.

Released in the year 2126, the game sported

an expansive world map and an unusually high degree

of player freedom. These features, among others,

made it stand above all other DMMO-RPGs of its time.

And it became wildly popular in the country of Japan.

Now, after 12 years of operation,

the world of Yggdrasil is about to see its end.

It was fun. In fact, it was a blast.

Hey, there.

It's been a while hasn't it, Momonga?

Sure has.

To be honest, Herohero, I didn't think you'd come.

You've been gone a couple of years.

No way. It's really been that long? Man.

I guess I've been working so much,

my concept of time is out of whack.

That sucks. It can't be healthy for you.

Tell me about it.

I feel like my avatar looks.

Hm.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have come here just to complain.

Please, don't worry about it.

Well, I better go soon.

I'm beyond exhausted.

Right. Rest up and feel better.

Wish I could stay longer.

But, gotta say, I'm kinda shocked to see

the Great Tomb of Nazarick still standing.

Huh?

Being guild leader suited you.

You've done a great job maintaining the place.

Well, we created this place together.

I couldn't just let it go to dust.

Must have been hard work.

Thanks for everything.

I hope we meet again IRL.

Today is the last day Yggdrasil's servers

will be online.

Why not stay?

We could reminisce and wait until everything

shuts down for good.

Oh well.

I'm happy that he even came at all.

"I hope we meet again," huh? Right.

Just when and where would that be?

This sucks!

This is our home.

We built it together, with virtual blood and sweat.

How can he turn his back on it so easily?

Stop it. He didn't.

No one in the guild betrayed you.

Our guild's weapon: the Staff of Ains Ooal Gown.

We played recklessly to make it.

Some of us even spent our PTO just to have time

to grind the materials.

But, among the original 41 members,

37 of them quit.

Then, the three that were left...

Let's go. You're a testament of our guild.

There were two requirements for joining

the guild, Ains Ooal Gown.

The player's avatar had to be inhuman

and the player themself had to be a functioning

member of society.

We put our livelihoods on the line to play.

Some members managed to make their dreams come true.

In the end, I can't blame them for choosing real life.

Uh--

Oh, yeah. I forgot his name was Sebas.

And these are the combat maids of the Pleiades.

We intended for them to be the last

line of defense to the throne room, but, in the end,

no player was able to make it that far.

I should move them around.

One last time. It's the least I can do.

"Follow Me."

I'm sure the other guild members

will forgive me for doing whatever I want, just for today.

Albedo.

Hm?

The command was "Stand By," right?

Hm?

What were her settings again?

"As the highest ranking NPC in the Tomb of Nazarick,

she supervises all of the Guardians."

Jeez, this is long!

Well...

Tabula, the settings maniac, was the one who created her.

Huh? No way. She's a bitch?

He did love to make contradicting characters.

I can't fault a guy for his tastes, but still.

Normally, you need a tool to change settings,

but since I have this...

Hm... Maybe I should add something...

"She is deeply in love with Momonga."

How embarrassing! I'm such a dork!

What was that command again?

"Bow down."

Now these are relics of the past.

There's mine. "Touch Me."

"Shijuuten Suzaku." "Ankoro Mocchi Mocchi."

"Herohero." "Peroroncino."

"Bukubuku Chagama." "Tabula Smaragdina."

"Warrior Takemikazuchi."

"Variable Talisman." "Genjiro."

Well, it was fun.

In fact, it was a blast.

I have to wake up at four AM.

I better crash after the server shuts down.

I don't wanna be a zombie at work.

Did the devs push back the server shutdown?

Where's my console?

I can't use chat or call a GM!

What's going on?!

Is something the matter, Lord Momonga?

Hm?

U-Uh...

Lord Momonga?

Lord Momonga? Is everything all right?

You seem troubled, my lord.

Uh...

If there's a problem, please let me help.

The GM call function isn't working.

I'm sorry, but I have no answer.

This "GM Call" magic you speak of

is beyond my comprehension.

Her mouth is moving!

I realize my failure to assist you is inexcusable.

I don't deserve it, but I beg for your mercy, lord.

I'm actually talking with an NPC?!

No way. Is this a bug? A programming error?

Okay, the staff still functions

like it normally does, but I can't use my console,

or contact the administrators.

What should I do?

Sebas!

Lord.

Is it okay for me to give him orders?

Ah, screw it.

Sebas.

Step out of the Great Tomb and confirm

the surroundings of Nazarick.

By your command, my lord. I'll return.

Pleiades, I want you on the ninth floor.

If anyone tries to trespass, deal with them.

As you wish, my lord. It will be done.

They even recognize and respond to commands

that aren't native to the game.

What in the world is going on?

Mm?

Uh--

Think. How can I contact an administrator?

The "GM Call" function is busted.

The "Message" spell? Maybe.

It's normally used for players to contact each other,

so there's a chance.

But I'm not sure I can even use magic.

So, Lord Momonga?

Huh?

Do you have any orders for me to obey?

Let's see.

I guess, you could come here for a moment.

Sure!

Whoa! She smells great!

Wait, "smell"?

There was never a function like that in Yggdrasil.

Albedo, may I touch you?

Yes!

No way. She has a pulse.

This is crazy!

She's supposed to be an NPC run by an AI program.

Why does she seem so alive?

Okay. Focus. Last test.

I have to confirm this, no matter the cost!

Albedo. May-- May I touch your chest?

Eh?

Uh! This is necessary! Play it cool!

Act natural, like it's no big deal.

Uh, you don't mind that, right?

You blew it, n00b!

Of course not! Touch me as much as you wish!

Uh...

Let's think this through.

The fact I can do something reserved for a hentai game

means this isn't a new version of Yggdrasil,

and chances are slim that this is some new DMMO-RPG.