LIGHTNOVELONLINE “Shock and Confusion”
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Ash entered his room after hanging up his jacket and putting his oxygen mask on the table. He started the computer, let out a big sigh, and smiled bitterly. Today was the last day—the day all would become meaningless. He had feared that day, and today it was time for YGGDRASIL, the famous mmorpg, and his life to end. He knew it was pathetic, but what can one person do if the outside is so poisoned that even remaining there for over an hour was considered suicide, or if living in this world had no bigger meaning than just being a work slave for the rich.
Granted, his life was by no means bad. He had a little apartment that was not destroyed; he was also able to afford food, his job was not in danger, and he was earning a little bit more than the normal salary man. But that was where the difference ended. His life was as gray, uninteresting, and boring as the lives of his coworkers. They were nothing more than machines, gears in a big clockwork, and even if he was a little bigger than the rest, he knew he would instantly be replaced if he slacked.
YGGDRASIL was his lifesaver, THE reason why his and the lives of many was a bit more colorful. He had no family and no real friends outside of YGGDRASIL; that was the reason why he had feared that day. All this would end soon. Ash looked at his computer upon seeing the YGGDRASIL logo. He sighted again, took the helmet beside the computer, and put it on. After that, he started the game, and he felt his consciousness fade and his vision become black.
After he could see again, he looked around. He sat in a chair. It was a luxurious chair, and more of them were spread out around a huge table. Two of these chairs were occupied. In one sat, or rather slipped, a gray substance, a predator slime, a heteromorph that specialized in devouring weapons and armor.
And in the other chair sat a being that could only be described as Death himself. He wore black ropes that locked as if they were worth millions of dollars, fine jewelry decorated his bony fingers, and in his white skull burned a pair of crimson eyes, that looked like they could devour your sole.
"Hi Oriana, I just wanted to leave, it's getting late."
"Hello, HeroHero, We haven't seen each other in a long time. How are you?" asked Ash.
"Not so good. My work is killing me." said HeroHero.
"HeroHero... are you sure you want to leave? It's over soon anyway." said the skeleton.
"Yeah, I am sorry, I have to go. If I don't clock in time, I am going to get fired", answered the slime.
"Well then... see you," replayed Ash sadly.
HeroHero left the Game.
"Shit, does it have to be that way? We built this place with our own hands, and he just gives it all up," said the skeleton sourly.
"Look, I am as angry as you are, but it will not change anything, and Hero also has his own life. We have no right to question him if he wants to live that life instead of a game," said Ash.
"You are right, haaaaaa. I am just angry and sad that it will end today," said the skeleton.
"I know Momonga; me too," said Ash.
"Do you want to go to the throne room and spend our last minutes there?" said Momonga.
"Good idea; let's bring the staff too; that will make you look more like an evil Overlord," said Ash.
"Are you sure it's our guild weapon?" asked Momonga.
"Yeah, no one will know. Come on, let's do this," said Ash.
Momonga took the staff of Ainz Oowl Gown, and both started to walk in the direction of the throne room. After passing some maids and leaving the big gate behind them, they entered the throne room. It was big, with gold banners and giant chandeliers everywhere. At the end of the room, a big throne was carved into a massive piece of stone. Artworks filled the room, and beside the throne stood a world-class beauty—a woman with long black hair, horns, and wings on her back.
"I always loved the throne room the most," muttered Ash.
"It was Ulbert's idea, if I remember correctly," said Momonga.
"Ohh yeah, he wanted it to be some kind of last boss arena that was his banner." Ash said and started to look at the banners on top of the room. His eyes stopped on one that had two bad wings; behind them were two crossed scythes, and blood was dripping from them as if they had been used a moment ago.
Ash looked back at Momonga, who was playing around with the console.
"Hey, what are you doing?" asked Ash.
"Eeeehhm, nothing. Yes, that's right, I was just looking at Tabulas NPC." relayed the skeleton strangely.
"Pff yeah, of course," said Ash, and he looked around again. Minutes passed, and the atmosphere became darker at every moment.
"Only one minute," thought Ash.
"Ash, it was nice that you stayed with me until the end," said Momonga.
"Of course, I am always with you, Satoru. We are friends after all," said Ash, using a smile emoji.
"Well then....". He closed his eyes. "That's it, I guess." He thought as he waited for the feeling to fade and be kicked out of the game. But that didn't happen.
He opened his eyes and looked around. He was still in the great tomb, but his HUD was nowhere to be seen.
"What the Fuck...!" cried both a beautiful and a raspy voice at the same time.
"Lord Momonga, Lady Oriana, is everything okay?" asked the woman beside Momonga.
What was that voice, and what does she mean with Lady Ori...?
"What the actual Fuck!"
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