My name is David Case, don't scratch your head trying to think too hard about where you've heard my name before, because I'm not really anyone important. I'm just your average fast food store manager with dreams of being a rock star. I'd say I'm fairly intelligent which is why I was able to climb the ranks of what I'd originally hoped would be just a part time job. My true passion is music, but the problem with this world we live in is that more often it's about who you know, rather than just your raw talent being recognized. So I've been stuck managing a pack of brainless stoners for the last few years, trying to make them slightly competent.

If you ask me? Earth kind of sucks... or more correctly, humanity and the governments we've formed do. Earth probably would be a pretty nice place to live on if we hadn't polluted it and made it so only the richest people can enjoy most of its benefits, but that's just human hierarchy for you. So like any person trapped in a situation they hate, I've turned to escapism. Some people choose video games, some people choose D&D, some people choose anime or fantasy novels, me? I chose all of the above with a healthy dose of musical accompaniment.

Now my favorite genre of writing has always been fantasy because it's probably the furthest removed from Earth as you can get. The laws of physics might be completely different, there's magic that can do possibly anything you can think of, and there's all manner of cool and impossible creatures like dragons and phoenixes. I got into second edition dungeons and dragons as a kid from games like baldur's gate, all kinds of fantasy novels and tactical games like heroes of might and magic, and basically just fell in love with your typical fantasy genre.

Then I was introduced to the concept of Isekai anime, manga, and light novels and suffice to say? I hate it. Don't get me wrong, I love certain anime that fall into the Isekai category technically, and it's one of the few forms of fantasy anime I can find with good writing, so I'll take what I can get! But... what bothers me is that they feel the need to tether the protagonist to modern day Earth to make them more relatable. Because these people come from Earth, they're often the product of Earth's dysfunctional societies and are just as dysfunctional if not more so. From a story telling standpoint, I almost always feel like it holds the story back when the protagonist is some schmuck who was magically brought to another world from our own.

So why... WHY THE HELL DID I FIND MYSELF MAGICALLY BROUGHT TO ANOTHER WORLD!?

Okay... so maybe this could still work out as a dream come true? I'm intimately familiar with all sorts of fantasy worlds, so maybe I can live the dream I've always wanted of being a bard rather than just a rock star. The kind of guy who not only writes and performs music, but also gets loved by all the people, and charms everyone from kings and queens to dragons and mighty spell casters! There's only... one small problem with all that.

"YOU VILE INSECT! HOW DARE YOU DEFILE THE GREAT TOMB OF NAZARICK WITH YOUR DISGUSTING NAKED BODY! EXPLAIN YOURSELF, OR YOUR DEATH WILL BE SLOW AND EXCRUCIATING!" That shrill female voice confirmed some of my greatest fears. First and foremost I'd found myself in the world Overlord takes place in, which meant I was royally screwed unless I found a way to remedy this situation. Secondly I was freaking naked!? Seriously!? Most isekai would at least give their protagonist the clothes they were in last! Hell, the protagonist of the world I'd just been brought to got his entire freaking guild, with all its contents and npcs! So why am I stuck with literally nothing!?

Making the best of a bad situation, I got down on one knee and bowed my head as a proper sign of respect. "Please forgive me for my sudden appearance and state of undress Lady Albedo. I am David Case, a lowly human from planet Earth and I wish to speak to Lord Ainz, formerly known as Momonga about matters of grave importance regarding Earth and his many enemies."

Just as I suspected, (and really hoped!) my words seemed to take Albedo by surprise and stayed her wrath... or so I thought. While she had momentarily widened her eyes at my words, she was now shooting me dagger eyes, and addressing me with a cold as death tone.

"How do you know that name you filthy peasant? You are not one of the supreme beings or members of Nazarick who should have access to that information, which could only mean you've been spying on us, or are one of our enemies from Yggdrasil!" Well at least I'd been promoted from insect to peasant? Of course it sounded like I could be in even more trouble if I didn't explain myself better.

"Please think about this situation calmly and rationally Lady Albedo. Of all the guardians of Nazarick, you, Demiurge, and Pandora's actor are the most intelligent and rational. If I were an enemy who planned to do you or Nazarick any harm, would I really have come here naked? You and the others found yourself brought to this world by unknown means, and I fear the same is true of myself. I assure you I am no threat to Nazarick, unarmed and weak as you can surely see that I am. You can probably check my hp or mp for yourself with magic and you'll discover that I'm probably below average, even by human standards! All that I have is what you see before you, and the knowledge I have up here." I tapped my head for emphasis before continuing. "If you would please lend me some form of garment so that I might be presentable to your lord, I would like to speak with him and convey all the knowledge I have."

Albedo was considering me, clearly still hesitant to trust me but likely agreeing with my line of logic. Perhaps she might think I was some sort of exhibitionist pervert to show up on the steps of Nazarick naked, but if this was some sort of planned trap it would be the most idiotic thing in history, and I clearly had enough knowledge about the denizens of Nazarick to be a threat if I were to roam free. I might still be in danger of seeing their head torturer or being mind dominated for my information instead if I was not careful, so I thought I had better up the ante.

"I have information about the ones who mind controlled Shalltear, as well as a skill set that is presently absent in Nazarick that I am willing to offer if you will let me speak with your master. If everything goes according to plan, I might even be able to help you achieve your goal of being your master's lover and wife. I personally fully support your goal, and hope you do manage to start a family with him." That last bit had the effect I was really hoping for, where Albedo turned into a bit of a blushing girlish mess of a woman at the idea of her and her beloved Lord Ainz as a couple. If she wasn't so close to killing me just for being here against my will, I'd probably have found it kind of adorable, but just as quickly as she'd started acting like a giddy school girl, the moment passed and she was throwing a length of fabric at my feet.

"I do not entirely trust you yet human, but if even half of what you say is true, you may prove yourself useful enough to live. Wrap that around you, and follow me." I couldn't help the sigh of relief that escaped me, although I definitely was feeling a bit worried she might be lulling me into a false sense of security before dropping me into a pit of man eating cockroaches.

I walked down the cold stone halls of Nazarick, smelling the stench of death that hung in the halls of the upper floors. Perhaps I wouldn't have noticed how cold or hard it was if I wasn't naked save for to meager cloth wrapped around me. I keenly remembered how intruders to the tomb had been dealt with in various gruesome ways, and I definitely did not want to share the same fate. I didn't know the layout of Nazarick quite as well as most of those who resided here, but I felt I at least had enough knowledge to have a general idea of where key points were... that being said, I had no idea where Albedo was taking me.

"Demiurge, if you would please?" Albedo spoke as she continued to nonchalantly walk down the hall, and her words definitely made me worried!

"Halt!" Even if his words were not magical I likely would have obeyed, but my body felt as though that wasn't good enough, and I couldn't even move my eyes to try to look at him! Oh shit! Was this the part where they dominated my mind for my information and then feed me to the cockroaches!? Shit, shit shi-

"Speak only the truth as you know it." Oh... okay that command wasn't nearly as bad as I feared, and Albedo did seem to be smiling an almost smug expression, which for some reason I found slightly reassuring? I probably shouldn't since it was clear that she had no qualms about being absolutely merciless with humans she smiled at, but if she wanted me to speak the truth I had done nothing but that so far!

"Thank you Demiurge. Now then, David was it? Have you spoken nothing but the truth to me up to this point?" What took me by surprise were the words that came out of my mouth next, which made me feel like dead meat on a hook!

"No Lady Albedo, I have lied to you." She smiled again, but this time a much more venomous one.

"I thought as much. Tell me, what lies have you told me? We might give you to Entoma as a snack if we don't like your answers." Well it wasn't being fed to a pit of cockroaches, but it was probably close to as bad if I were going to be perfectly honest, which I was being compelled to do at this moment. Seriously? When did I lie? What did I lie about?! I'm such an idiot! I thought I had handled all of this masterfully! I must be the worst isekai protagonist that ever lived if I die this shamefully in the first episode!

"I said that of all the guardians of Nazarick, you, Demiurge, and Pandora's actor are the most intelligent and rational. I do not believe that to be true despite the fact that it is often said about the three of you." ... Oh yeah, I did say that didn't I? I hadn't even thought about the fact that could be considered a lie, but I suppose if I don't entirely agree with the statement but say it anyways it could be considered a lie. Demiurge and Albedo seemed a bit baffled by this lie of mine as well and Albedo prompted me as if hardly believing what she was hearing.

"Anything else? Particularly that part about what you said regarding me and Lord Ainz?!"

"No Lady Albedo, I spoke the truth. I will do everything in my power to ensure Lord Ainz marries you and you alone. I think of you like a motherly figure in Nazarick and Ainz as the father, and I want to see the two of you happy together. I personally do not feel any sexual attraction to you because I already view you as a married woman and a mother. That is why I feel no qualms with giving you my full support." Well... that was a lot more than I would have liked to divulge! I didn't even realize that was why I had always felt no attraction to Albedo, but it would make sense. I did have a thing about married women. Meanwhile Albedo seemed beside herself with glee while Demiurge just seemed confused.

"Lady Albedo, please enlighten me. You did not explain to me in full detail what you discussed with this human over the message spell. Just what exactly does he plan to do that would help you achieve this dream of yours to be the master's wife?" Demiurge's question did have a certain amount of merit, since I hadn't exactly explained all of the finer details of the knowledge I have, but Aldbedo managed to surprise both of us with knowledge I had forgotten about entirely.

"This human claims to be from Earth, and if you will remember the words of Blue Planet, the supreme being who so meticulously sculpted the 6th floor of the great underground tomb of Nazarick as well as the bar and lounge, all the supreme being originally came from Earth. If what this man says is true, it means that he could have knowledge about what happened to the other supreme beings, and the state of our lord's homeland! That alone might be enough to bring our master such joy!" Oh yeah, I almost forgot about blue planet, since I only really caught tidbits from what Ainz and the others said about him. He was kind of a nature lover right? Too bad he's from over a hundred years in the future in an Earth that's probably way more polluted than the Earth of today. I just hope that the fact that my version of Earth might be considered a bit antiquated in comparison doesn't come back to haunt me.

"I see... that would be rather nice, but don't forget that many of the enemies of the supreme ones also may have called Earth their home. It may be too soon to assume that he is an ally, but I believe it is safe to say that he is hardly a threat. He is under my control, and from what my keen powers can discern, he is almost utterly powerless, though perhaps possessing some meager potential when it comes to his mind." Thanks Demiurge... way to make a guy feel special. I know I'm only human, and it's not like I've ever had military training or anything, but come on! I'm not that pathetic am I? Well at least they didn't view me as a threat... if anything I felt more like a pet they planned to proudly display for their master's approval, but I suppose it was better than being devoured by bugs.

"Release!" I staggered against the stone wall of the tomb, apparently my body was starting to cramp up from staying still so long. Demiurge could definitely be a scary demon to deal with if you weren't careful, no matter how polite he might be to fellow denizens of Nazarick. "I believe that this does warrant the supreme one's attention, so I will notify him immediately while you make certain that he is made presentable. I trust you have clothes that will adequately fit this man? If not I could always ask Eclair to find something for him."

"That won't be necessary Demiurge. If what he says really is true, then I see no problem in lending him an outfit I had set aside for a special occasion." That seemed like a slightly odd statement to me, but I felt like I was in no position to question anyone at this point. I very nearly escaped death and I was really hoping I wouldn't be treading those dangerous waters again any time soon.

"As you wish." Demiurge disappeared with a flash, while Albedo chuckled while reaching into a rift of void space she created, which likely housed any number of her belongings. From it she produced a black set of clothes with gold leaf lining that was clearly of intricate design. Albedo handed the clothing to me, a much more genuine smile on her face than I had ever seen in person, although I recalled one or two scenes from the anime where she looked this happy.

"Please forgive my earlier rudeness, but it's very rare to meet any humans who are worth being polite to. There was no way to be certain you were telling us the truth without using some means of verifying what you said, which is why I summoned Demiurge. You will be wearing this when you present yourself to our master and I hope for your sake you do not disappoint us." That got a bit of a nervous laugh out of me as I began to pull on the clothing that was more comfortable than anything I'd ever worn, and clearly of an elegant and refined design.

"Don't worry Lady Albedo, I have no intention of doing that! If I might ask, did you make this outfit yourself? I remember that you are quite adept at making clothing and other crafts, but the only men's clothes I remember you making were either for your master himself or your future children. Surely I'm not worthy of those, am I?" I didn't want to sell myself short, but I definitely didn't want to be over presumptuous when it came to Albedo and the others either.

Albedo merely chuckled shaking her head. "You are the first human male I have met who has had no sexual attraction to me which is quite honestly refreshing. If it had been because of my wings or horns I might have been upset, but you said with full honesty that it was because you viewed me as my lord's wife already. I have high hopes for you, so I have let you use a prototype I designed for my son when the day finally comes. I do hope you'll prove yourself worthy of the honor."

I had been prepared for many scenarios going into the great tomb of Nazarick, most of them unpleasant, one or two of them quite pleasant and optimal, but I really was unsure about what my current circumstances meant for my future. It was definitely weird when your most honest thoughts that you yourself did not even think about came to light and then were used without your consent. This was probably the best case scenario of a lot of bad case scenarios? I definitely felt embarrassed and I couldn't be sure whether or not my face was beet red at changing in front of a woman who I'd just met today, or because of the revelations I'd been forced to confess, but I suppose there were worse fates. At least she hadn't put me in a dress like Mare or anything.
Ainz Ooal Gown, the supreme overlord of the great underground tomb of Nazarick, was exhausted. He shouldn't be exhausted since he was an undead, and therefore he couldn't actually fatigue, but the remnants of the human that was Suzuki Satoru made him feel mental fatigue. Perhaps he really ought to consider taking that vacation he kept thinking about... perhaps to the elf kingdom to help Aura and Mare make friends? Work was certainly piling up after he dealt with the Re-Estize Kingdom, and he yearned for some sort of reprieve, but was that weak of him to feel this way?

Forgive my interruption Lord Ainz, but are you busy right now? There is a matter of some importance we must discuss. The message spell from Demiurge sounded in his head, causing Ainz to stir from his inner thoughts.

Nothing that can't wait until later, what is it you wished to discuss Demiurge?

Well Albedo seems to have found a... human, that seems to know you and all us floor guardians rather intimately well. They are not of this world, nor are they from Yggdrasil, but claim to be from Earth. We thought it best to bring this matter to you before interrogating him any further. He did request an audience with you by name of Lord Momonga.

Ainz had an emotional suppressor as part of being an undead overlord, but it didn't kick in immediately every time, and his jaw still dropped in shock at Demiurge's report. Someone from Earth was here!? Someone who knew them!? Could it be one of his friends was brought here outside of their Yggdrasil avatar!? What if Demiurge had hurt them in his over zealous hatred of humans!? SHIII-And then his emotions calmed, and he was able to analyze things a bit more patiently and rationally. If it was one of his friends, they probably would have just said who they were, and Demiurge would know they were speaking the truth with a simple charm spell or his own commands. He also said they weren't from Yggdrasil, so that means they probably weren't a player... who were they then? Why were they here, and how did they even know of Nazarick? There were still too many questions.

It is good that you brought this to my attention Demiurge! I want Nazaruck put on high alert immediately! This may not be a maximum security threat, but anyone from Earth could be very problematic. Do not harm this person yet, but keep a watchful eye on them! His tone left little room for questioning, but he had instructed his guardians to question his orders when they didn't understand them, and Demiurge did just that.

My lord... is that necessary? This human is even weaker than the pitiful beings that inhabit this world. I hardly think he could be a threat. Ainz had wondered if perhaps he'd been too paranoid, and Demiurge's words almost confirmed it, but he shook his head, forgetting for a moment that Demiurge couldn't see him over the message spell.

Tell me Demiurge, how did this person arrive from Earth to Nazarick?

Apparently naked my lord.

No that's not... really? ANYWAYS, that is not what I meant. Who or what summoned him from that world to this one? For that matter, what summoned us from Yggdrasil to Re-Estize? Demiurge was one of the most quick witted guardians of Nazarick, and it didn't take him long to follow his train of thought.

I see... you think there may be a higher power at work here than this mere human. Obviously he didn't come here of his own devices, and he is not the threat, but whatever force brought him here could be. Please forgive this humble servant for not realizing this sooner. I will have Nazarick put on high alert immediately! Ainz was pleased to hear Demiurge agree with his assessment that they needed to handle this cautiously. Sometimes he worried he was too cautious and wasting resources, but there were no second chances here. Perhaps this person could lead them to uncovering the mystery of how they were brought here, and maybe in doing so reunite him with his old friends, but it also could mean anyone from any world might appear at any time!

Have Shalltear check the area where he was discovered for any gates or traces of the spell. In the meantime our Earthling did request an audience, and I think it's time we grant him one. He's not still naked is he? Ainz momentarily cringed at the thought of Demiurge bringing the poor man in, crawling on all fours with a collar and chain attached to him.

No my lord, Albedo gave him some attire I believe you'll find suitable. We thought you might want to meet him and prepared adequately for such. I shall have Shalltear check for signs of his entry point immediately, and take over preparations of her floors for high alert myself. If a gate spell was used, the longer we wait, the less likely she'll be able to detect it. It was moments like these that REALLY made Ainz glad he had Demiurge. He'd almost forgotten that her floors might be left unchecked if he had her check on this!

Very good Demiurge! Have Albedo bring this human to the throne room, while you and the rest of the guardians make your preparations. Have the Pleiades and Sebas on standby in the throne room. Between them and Albedo, I doubt there is any threat that could come to me. He didn't think it all that necessary to have so many guards, but he didn't want to give his "guest" the wrong impression. If he knew that Ainz put all of Nazarick on high alert at his sudden appearance, he might start getting ideas he didn't want him to have. Ideally Ainz would have preferred to have met with someone from Earth one on one, but it was simply too risky. There was a chance they were from an enemy guild in Yggdrasil, and because he put Nazarick on high alert the NPCs would expect him to meet their guest with his retainers by his side. It would not only be too dangerous for his position as supreme Overlord, it would likely put the man's life in jeopardy if they thought he was receiving preferential treatment.

"Now then... let's not keep our guest waiting shall we?" He spoke the last part out loud, surprising his assigned maid of the day, but she merely bowed and opened the door for him. He could have of course teleported there, but then he'd have left her behind, and it wasn't that far a walk.

"Still... who the hell are they?"David was certainly feeling nervous as Albedo lead him through a portal to the more civilized portion of the great underground tomb of Nazarick. In many ways the lower most floors could be compared to an elegant royal palace combined with the modern comforts and conveniences of a shopping mall. One might be baffled that this place would house so many different shopping centers when they were confined to an underground tomb, but the great underground tomb of Nazarick could be considered its own small community. There were so many residents in Nazarick from the player and guild crafted npcs like Albedo, to the summoned swarm minions, to hired magical mercenaries, and even a few new inhabitants from this world, that all of these places still saw use. Rather than an exchange of coin or currency, products and services were given to those who worked and lived here as part of their benefits to simply living here. They did not work because they were paid to do so (although perhaps some of them initially did), they worked because they wanted to serve the greater glory of Ainz Ooal Gown.

Perhaps that is what made David so nervous to be walking down these halls towards the throne room. He had rather different motivations, and yet if he were to remain in this world he would ideally like to share this same living space with those that lived here. There were alternatives that might not be too terrible, but the worst of fates would certainly be the frozen prison... or even worse than that, Demiurge's "sheep" farms. He supposed his first priorities were to secure his life and his usefulness to Ainz, then he could worry about his living arrangements.

The double doors of the throne room opened, and Albedo lead him towards the throne where Ainz himself was seated. It was all well and good to see him on a TV screen where he was a bunch of animated pixels, but a real life undead was quite another matter entirely. He could see the glowing points of red in his eye sockets that were surely scrutinizing him, and he couldn't help but wonder if Ainz had his passive aura of fear enabled, of if he simply was this intimidating while seated on his throne. He was so taken in by the sight of Ainz he had barely noticed the battle maids, or Albedo making his introductions until she turned to him expectantly, and he offered Ainz a humble bow.

"So, you are the human from Earth I have heard about? You're a bit younger than I had expected, but that is of little consequence. You have caused quite a stir here in Nazarick with your arrival David, but let me cut to the chase by asking you a question. What is your goal now that you are here?" Ainz had a rich voice that David found rather soothing in contrast to his skeletal form. It wasn't that he even disliked or was terribly afraid of skeletons, but Ainz certainly knew how to be intimidating when he wanted to be... or simply when he wasn't thinking about it.

"If I may be frank Lord Ainz, my first objective is to simply survive. I know what can happen to those you deem to be enemies, and death can be a mercy compared to what some of them go through." That statement earned a chuckle from Ainz, one that given the context was a little bone chilling. Sometimes he wondered where his undeath began and his humanity ended.

"Forgive me, I wasn't trying to make light of your concerns, but I would like to assure you that you have nothing to fear in that regard. From everything I have heard from Demiurge, you are a victim of circumstance, and the fate you are referring to is reserved for those who have truly angered me. At the moment you may consider yourself a guest, and I will promise your safety until you leave." As Ainz gave an imperious wave of his hand, David heaved a massive sigh of relief. They didn't see him as some sort of invader, so he was probably safe from the worst of the treatment he might receive. As a human the other denizens of Nazarick probably still didn't like or trust him very much, but he could work towards that.

"Now I would like to wait on hearing the full details of the information you claim to know about Nazarick and its enemies until I have time to speak with you privately, but before that I understand you wished to offer your services to Nazarick? Services that we currently lack no less? Tell me David, what services do you believe you can provide for Nazarick besides the information you plan to share?" Ainz was scrutinizing David again, and he could hardly blame him since he wasn't exactly a being of phenomenal comic power or anything, but rather than the nervousness and trepidation he'd felt before, this time he had a surge of confidence.

"Lord Ainz, I have examined the strengths of your guild closely, and it's almost impossible for me to find anything I'd actually call a weakness, but there are a few classes that are missing in your arsenal... so to speak. Most glaringly, I have noticed that you lack anyone in all of Nazarick with any professional musical talents. I would like to be your bard, or minstrel, or musician by any other name you can think of, and I think you may find my talents in that regard quite satisfactory." David finished his sales pitch with a flourishing bow, and Ainz simply rubbed his jaw bone in thought.

"An interesting notion... Bards were not a very popular class in Yggdrasil due to their lack of decent damaging combat abilities. Typically a player would need to find a guild that was willing to babysit them, or they would need to supplement the class with some more combat oriented classes. Ultimately the buffs or debuffs a bard could provide were deemed not useful enough by most of the players, when other classes could achieve similar effects by simply using spells. I am not overly familiar with everything the bards in Yggdrasil could do since they were so uncommon, but we are not in Yggdrasil now, so perhaps the rules are different for this world. Undead were usually immune to the buffs a bard could grant since they were usually morale oriented, so my experience is even more limited in that regard. Tell me, do you use a musical instrument?" David had listened to Ainz speculate the pros and cons of bards in Yggdrasil for what felt like an eternity, and his mind had begun to wander. When he was asked the question regarding an instrument it wasn't until Albedo turned to look at him with an arched eyebrow that it registered that Ainz was referring to him!

"Oh! Yes, yes I do! I can play quite a number of musical instruments, but my specialty is electric guitar. When you learn to play an instrument it's pretty easy to pick up other instruments since you already know the notes. I also write music, poetry, lyrics, and I can conduct, but my passion is really singing and guitar." Ainz did look somewhat impressed, and he looked like he was reaching into the void of his inventory for something. What he pulled out was what appeared to be a small harp, that seemed to glow with a golden hue.

"David, I'd like to see if you're capable of playing this instrument. It is an item from Yggdrasil known as Bragi's lyre, and it should turn into any instrument its wielder desires, if they have the skills necessary to use it." David looked to Albedo for reassurance that it was okay to approach, and she simply nodded. He knew it probably was okay since Ainz himself asked him to, but he wasn't sure if he was supposed to approach Ainz and take it, or wait for someone to bring it to him. He didn't want to offend anyone, but it seemed like that shouldn't be an issue here. When he reached Ainz, he took the instrument from his bony hands, and his eyes widened as he did!

This was no ordinary harp! Or Lyre! Or whatever the hell you want to call it! His mind felt like it had expanded just from touching the thing! Inspiration poured into his very soul, as he felt the instrument transform in his hands into the comfortable shape of his beloved guitar from back home. He knew that he could play just about anything with this instrument, but more than that, this instrument could create an entire orchestra of sound from just one wielder! He knew exactly what he wanted to play for Ainz to showcase he knew what he was doing, but he could make this even better with just a little help.

"Lord Ainz! Could you summon some death knights for me?! Twelve should work, or any undead with deep monotonous voices!" Ainz seemed slightly surprised that not only had the lyre changed form so readily, but that David would make such a request. It was hard to tell since Ainz was undead, but it seemed almost as if he was smiling?

"Am I to take it then that you intend to give us a performance with your borrowed instrument? I'll confess I'm quite curious to see what results you will produce, so I shall allow it, and grant you the use of twelve death knights. Everyone? This should be quite a memorable show if my hunch is correct, so pay close attention." Ainz rapped his hand against his throne twelve times, and a dozen death knights rose from the floor through portals. It would seem the throne room had its own defenses that could be implemented, and Ainz found it simpler to summom them this way.

"Death knights! Obey this man's instructions!" The death knights turned as one to David to await their orders, but David was already gesturing for them to form up behind him. If he understood the magic of this instrument correctly, because they were relatively mindless beings instructed to follow his orders, the instrument itself would compel them to do their part in his musical number. This was going to be his finest performance ever!

Ainz was a collector, and in his time in Yggdrasil he had acquired many magical items of varying levels of power, but many of these items had never actually seen proper use.  The Lyre of Bragi was one such item that he'd never been able to properly investigate the full effects of.  It is a god tier item, but the problem is that barely anyone in Yggdrasil ever bothered acquiring the skill set to use it. Most players would either sell it, or perhaps try to construct an NPC to use it, but not Ainz. Selling it would have been too wasteful, but creating an NPC with the limited amount a guild is allowed just for the sake of one item was unthinkable. Perhaps for a low level guild, where this was the guild master's first god tier item, but certainly not Ainz Ooal Gown!

These reasons had lead to the situation where he handed the lyre to David, to see what he could do with it. He had no concerns about him trying to use it against him, since this was arguably the safest room in the world, with Sebas, Albedo, and the Pleiades all on standby. Even if the dozen death knights he'd asked for were capable of being used against him, he doubted even Touch Me could win against such odds. It wasn't danger that had Ainz on the edge of his seat, it was anticipation and curiosity.

All appraisal item had told him some information, but the limitations of the item often vary from person to person depending on their classes or other hidden factors. The lore behind the lyre suggested that it was an instrument played by Bragi to inspire the warriors of Valhalla. The exact benefits and buffs had never been properly recorded or shared, so he was going to be able to witness it first hand if David really did know what he was doing. In the throne room, he would even be able to use the master source to see what kind of buffs it would grant, so this could be quite interesting no matter what happened! With all that being said, he probably shouldn't get his hopes up too high since David probably was still low level even if he could use it, and undead would be immune to the morale boosting effects.

What Ainz had not expected was the throne room of Nazarick to darken as the first notes began to play, and a hush came over the room. Was the lyre able to effect the lighting to set that mood? The only light that shown in the throne room made it seem like David was literally in the spotlight, a badass electric guitar riff filling the room. Ainz wasn't exactly an expert on music, but he was pretty sure that this was either hard rock or perhaps metal music? The melody was completely original but the pace of it made him feel like his heart was racing and he didn't even have one! He was about to pull open the master source to see what effect it might be having, but the words managed to take him by surprise too!

"In the darkest dungeon, in the blackest night,
There dwells the denizens, the enemies of the light,
There is a master who rules over them all,
Oh can't you hear the warriors call!?"

It was clearly a tribute to him and his guild, which was sort of surprising but flattering. He supposed if David hoped to get along with the other members of Nazarick, appeasing their adoration for him was certainly one way to do so. What was truly inspiring was when he heard the Death Knights chant in low guttural tones that seemed to match the song perfectly.

"Ainz Ooul Gown! Ainz Ooul Gown!"

It was chilling, to hear the dark symphony David was weaving before him. It wasn't just some metal or rock anthem, it was a full on battle march! Or ballad? He probably should have expected it would be something like this if he was using the Lyre of Bragi, but hearing it was totally different than anything he'd anticipated!

"Who is their Master?"
"Ainz Ooul Gown!"
"Who is their king?"
"Ainz Ooul Gown!"
"Who is the Overlord that makes the undead sing!"
"Ainz, Ainz, AINZ OOUL GOWN!"

It was at this point that Ainz was starting to feel a bit... embarrassed by the sheer amount of praise this song seemed to be heaping on him. Yet... his emotion inhibitor didn't seem to kick in. Was the embarrassment mild enough that it prevented it? It's possible... but he had a suspicion he felt he needed to check, so he opened the master source, to not only confirm the buffs that were being provided, but also to see if this suspicion he had was correct.

...

"Huh?" Ainz surprised statement couldn't be heard over David's performance, which was just as well because it didn't do to let Nazarick see him so baffled. It was still surprising to see what the master source was telling him, and he was more concerned that the master source had somehow been tampered with rather than that what he was seeing could actually be true. Every person who was in the throne room had a status he'd never seen before, but their raw stats seemed to all have doubled, including his and the death knights! Did the magic of the Lyre somehow surpass the undead's natural immunity to mind or emotion affecting buffs or debuffs?! No, forget that for a moment, were their stats really doubled?! Just from a freaking song?!

"He is the dark lord, the terror of the night,
He is the supreme one, that no mortal can fight!"
"Ainz, Ainz, Ainz Ooul Gown!"

The death knights seemed to bang on their shields and stomp their feet in time with the beat of the song, and Ainz was once again rather impressed by the sheer coordination and control the Lyre allowed to willing recipients or participants. It was as if it was a perfectly coordinated a choreographed musical number that they'd had weeks of practice to get down perfectly, and he felt so inspired he was starting to doubt the master source much less than he had before. How far reaching was this buff? Did it apply a similar debuff to enemies who heard the music? Could it get more powerful with a more powerful bard? Was it because David knew the source material that would affect those in this room the most? Chanting skeletons would likely be much less inspiring to religious kingdoms like the Theocracy, so perhaps the song would need to be different depending on the audience?

"In the tomb of Nazarick, sitting on his throne,
There is the sorcerer king, known as Ainz Ooul Gown!"
"Ainz Ooul Gown, Ainz Ooul Gown!"

He really needed to pay more attention the next time David chose to perform this song, because he swore he'd missed some pretty witty lines in there, and he might need to ask that he tone down some of the lyrics or he'd feel far too embarrassed to even show his face! No... Looking at the faces of Albedo and the Pleiades this was clearly something they felt passionately about too, and he had taken the name that signified their entire guild, this wasn't about just him. He'd... just have to learn to deal with some of his own feelings of embarrassment. At least the kickass tune and beat did quite a bit to overcome any feelings of anxiety or embarrassment he might have otherwise felt about the words?

"Oh Ainz! AINZ! Ainz Oul Goooooown~!"

The song came to an end with a squeal of electric guitar, and the throne room erupted in applause, not just from the Pleiades, Albedo, and Sebas, but from Ainz himself as he stood up to give David a standing ovation as the lighting returned to normal.  He was pretty sure he even heard a few whistles and cheers from some of the maids, but he wasn't really focused on that at the moment.  That had certainly been worth the risk and minimal effort involved on his part, and it seemed like he would have a very useful trump card he could try to play at a later date. It would still take quite a bit of experimentation to see just how effective it would really be, but if players in Yggdrasil knew about this he suspected everyone would be sure to have at least one bard to buff their party during every battle. Then again, perhaps it really was just Bragi's Lyre that allowed bards to be so useful, and there was the fact that David had to play the entire time, so he wouldn't likely be of much use fighting with his own strength if he had any. He could see why players even with this information would forgo a bard, but when dealing with entire armies? This could definitely be a game changer... or simply as a very powerful buff that could be useful in a variety of situations.

"Well done! Just as I had hoped, it seems you are compatible with Lyre. I believe that you can indeed offer me some useful services that will be quite useful, as you have no doubt demonstrated to my subordinates who normally might be much more skeptical." There were nods of approval from many of the maids, and a smug smile on Albedo's face as if she knew all along that this would happen.

"Thank you lord Ainz, it was quite thrilling to be able to play such a beautiful instrument. Just that alone made me feel like this whole troublesome change in my life might have been more worthwhile. I take it that you'll be wanting this back for now?" David had given Ainz another flourishing bow before dashing back towards him at the throne and handing the electric guitar over to him, which changed back into its original shape as he did so.

"Indeed. I will want to do some more testing with it later, but for the time being it is probably safest for me to hold onto it. It could have unforeseen side effects that might be dangerous for you without proper supervision, so I'm glad you're being understanding." Ainz saw David shudder, and was slightly bemused by the fact that he believed that so readily. He assumed if David was from Earth and knew as much as he did about him and Nazarick, he'd know more about the items from Yggdrasil too. That was a tidbit he was going to file away for later just in case he ever needed to bluff David again in some manner.

"I had simply assumed that you'd want it back because it's yours... thank you for looking out for my well being." Ainz couldn't help the laugh that escaped from him, shaking his head in disbelief.

"You really are a funny little fellow David, and I look forward to seeing what you're capable of in the not so distant future. But come! There is much I must discuss with you privately. Beings from Earth are of great interest to me, even if they are human." His words were more for the benefit of the other members of Nazarick in the throne room, but David also seemed to laugh, being a good spirit about it.

"Of course Lord Ainz! I have much I'd like to talk to you about too!"