(Part 1) Swimsuits, Lizards, and Dark Elves

(Part 1) Swimsuits, Lizards, and Dark Elves (【前編】水着と蜥蜴と闇妖精) is a game event in Mass for the Dead that was released on July 15, 2022 to July 31, 2022. The event was continued in (Part 2) Swimsuits, Lizards, and Dark Elves.

Background
At the petition of Shalltear, a re-experiment of [Gate] was carried out. The destination is the familiar "beach". The coordinate shift was a concern so to make sure it's stable, Aura and Mare train in final battle weapon "swimsuit" and take the challenge to confirm it――

Incident
Present in the Round Table Room, Shalltear Bloodfallen makes an earnest petition before the Floor Guardians, Momonga and the protagonist for permission to resume [Gate] experiments to reconfirm the phenomenon that teleportation magic still functions. While Nazarick is still being structurally reconstructed, the transitional traps under the vampire's jurisdiction, from the 1st to 3rd Floors have ceased to function. Given that [Gate] is an ability given to her by Peroroncino, Shalltear believes that it should not be in an odd state to use.

Momonga having set up the consultation for this very purpose opens the floor for opinions on Shalltear's requets. Demiurge answers first that the while there may be risks, it would be useful to know if that transition coordinates can still be used. Albedo gives her opinion next, as she finds the inter-floor [Gate] system to be sufficient enough as well as the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown for their needs, and finds the request to be unnecessary. Her opinion almost discourages Shalltear, but Momonga then asks the protagonist for his input, which the homunculus believes re-investigating the [Gate]s would be a powerful weapon to outperform other countries in transportation of goods and personnel.

The Overlord notes that the inability of not using [Gate] has robbed Nazarick of their means to conduct emergency evacuations in the event of a surprise attack by a strong enemy. While there may be risks, it is no different from Demiurge's experiments with the Cracks when the benefits outweigh the risks. On this Demiurge agrees as his own investigation on the Cracks has not revealed much but the risk have thus far remained minimal.

To restart the [Gate] experiments, Momonga authorizes that the take place in the same place as before, on the 2nd Floor of the dungeon where it will be as far away as possible from the Cracks, and provide enough space for interception if the [Gate] connects to enemy territory and brings a powerful enemy. Plus with the experiments taking place on the 2nd Floor, it will minimize the observation from people outside the dungeon. The coordinates of the mine managed by Demiurge is selected to be the target destination for the [Gate] experiments.

Demiurge seeing that they were re-experimenting suggested that they conduct the tests under the same conditions as it would be useful in measuring the difference from the previous time. The idea is novel to Shalltear at first but is more than happy to include it to be more useful to Momonga.

Aura raises a question on what was he problem during the first set of experiments with the [Gate]s, annoying Shalltear thinking Aura is trying to second guess Momonga's wisdom. Aura though only wants to check the status of the Cracks and suggests that she check on the one on the 6th Floor before any experiment starts. Her advice is believed to be prudent by Demiurge as they never observed a [Gate] in action when a Crack was activated. Momonga agrees and orders the dark elf twins to head to the 6th Floor to not only subjugate the emerging Chaos Beasts and check on the condition of the phenomena before the [Gate] experiment is performed on the 2nd Floor by Momonga and the others.

After being dismissed, Aura and Mare at on the 6th Floor where they subdue the Chaos Beasts. While waiting to see if anything strange is with the Crack, the twins talks about Shalltear's behavior and her desperation to move forward with the experiments. Aura has a pretty good idea where the desire is coming from and states to her brother it is just from Shalltear's need to contribute to the defense of Nazarick. The two admire the vampire's dedication as they head to t for news from the 2nd Floor.

On the 2nd floor, Demiurge has already replicated all aspects of the previous [Gate] experiments using records he made that mark the exact place of where everyone involved was and the placement of the [Gate]. The twins come into the room to report no abnormalities with the nearby Crack. Ready to begin, Momonga gives Shalltear he order to connect a [Gate] to the 2nd Floor to the ore quarry. A s[Gate] appears and to make sure it can be used, Momonga sends a skeleton to cross the threshold. Through [Remote Viewing] Momonga uses his undead to see what it sees. Albedo is excited about the result and expects the [Gate] to have successfully connected to the mine. However grows confused when Momonga reports to be seeing a beach instead.

The sight of the beach on the other side of the [Gate] befuddles Momonga and his Floor Guardians. For all intents and purposes the [Gate] seems to have opened a way to the island that Nazarick encountered during the early days since coming to the New World. For Momonga it is a monumental discovery, even though if it is uncertain that the Cracks are stable to allow [Gate] transport. Demiurge though thinks they can secure a permanent route to a new foothold for their nation. Albedo adds that in the previous report when it was first discovered the island was located in an isolated sea.

Though the Floor Guardians find this news receptive, the protagonist voices his concerns as does Momonga as just because it looks like the same place, does not necessarily mean it is. And while the possibility of a trap is low, it would be unwise to jump in without any assistance as there could be an unknown hostile existence on the other side.

The protagonist advises that they first confirm that the [Gate] operates stably before attempting to cross through it. To do so they need a landmark or marker to determine they can connect to the place location. Momonga then sends a skeleton he created from using his skill to cross through the [Gate] to the beach. After Shalltear closes the [Gate] and then attempts to open another to the mine operated by Nazarick a [Gate] appears with the beach once more. The skeleton crosses through back into the 2nd Floor, demonstrating that the target destination is constant to the beach. No changes have appeared during a short period of time, but Momonga orders Shalltear to close the [Gate] again to test out the limits of the phenomena's stability.

After a period of precise testing, the group returns to the Round Table Room to inform everyone of the results from the [Gate]. From what Momonga can tell when a [Gate] is activated in the same way on the 2nd Floor it always leads to the beach area. Though it is still unclear if the island is the same that Nazarick visited before, but it is highly likely. Albedo believes that if it is the same island, it would be all the better. Since it was reported to be uninhabited, the Sorcerer Kingdom could claim it to serve as its physical territory without scrutiny from the other nations. Momonga adds that besides acquiring marine resources, the island could be the perfect evacuation point in the unforeseen event of an emergency evacuation or as a convenient location to serve as a bridgehead to explore the outside world. To Demiurge the isolated island represents emancipation from the Re-Estize Kingdom and Roble Holy Kingdom ports as they now could use the island to launch a conquest of the open seas.

Before any future plans could be made, the protagonist is called up to testify if there are any memorable landmarks on the island. From the homunculus's memory, there was a well in the forest, remains of base in a cave and a pirate ship wreck. However it has been awhile since they last visited the island and its status may not be the same. Furthermore the protagonist is concerned on the location of the isolated island. When survey the water around the island, he wondered if the island was really in the "sea". Using the knowledge from Ashurbanipal he was able to determine the liquid around the island was seawater. Though seawater is an indicator that the island is in the sea, local knowledge states that the sea does not contain salt. So what would the waters around the island taste salty? From what he gathered from his readings in the library he hypothesizes that the place is not an "isolated island in the sea" but an "island floating in a huge salt lake".

Momonga notes the protagonist's concern and he remembers that from the salvaged logbook of the pirates, their ship stopped by a port town of the Re-Estize Kingdom before heading to the island. The mystery deepens as how did the pirates get from the sea to a salt lake? If the true nature of the island means that it is in a lake, then they will have to be wary of the opposite bank of that island which could be somewhere in the continent, or a continent in different land.

These newfound concerns then has the protagonist ask to conduct an investigation, on which Albedo agrees as it would be awkward if the island was close to an unknown power. Still Demiurge is hopeful that if the island is a forgotten piece of land then it can still serve as their nation's bridgehead. Momonga then prioritizes confirming that the isolated island is the same as before in preparation to building a base for the Sorcerer Kingdom.

A meeting reconvenes at the Round Table Room, to decide who to select to investigate the isolated island. Last time, the search was conducted by the Pleiades, but majority of them are out on missions. The selection and procedure of an investigation must be handled careful as Albedo worries that if they leave too many traces of their presence on the island, the surrounding nations may take notice and leave it unusable as a resource. Thus a small number of people, is required for the current investigation team. Momonga still worries that there is no certainty that they are dealing with the same island and there is no guarantee that it will be the same and possibly have new threats.

Demiurge believes that they need someone who is good at fighting and exploring and also someone who has a good sense of land. For these traits he calls upon the protagonist to be part of the team, which the homunculus accepts along with Slimeko. Momonga also adds Entoma Vasilissa Zeta to be part of the team as she can scout out the surrounding area and has prior knowledge of the island. Aura and Mare are chosen to join given that there is a forest on the island. The twins are suited for the task of building an external base due to their success in the Great Forest of Tob. While Aura is happy to take on the task, Mare raises a anxious concern about working near the sea.

His concerns are plausible by Momonga. In the past investigation the survey of the island was a rush due to the sudden emergency. However since they have time to prepare, Momonga will allow Mare and Aura to familiarize themselves in handling a waterside environment since they have little experience. To act as their guides in this, the protagonist and Slimeko are given the task. One of the first things they must do is get comfortable in wearing swimsuits that they must wear near the beach. Both dark elves are a little uncomfortable of removing the equipment given to them by Bukubukuchagama but they go with practicality instead.

Momonga suggests that they conduct a performance test of the swimsuits that they will be using. Demiurge wonders if that they will be hosting another "Swimsuit Athletic Meet" again, but the idea is dashed aside by Albedo as the process of conducting multiple competitions and having more people participate will hinder the current mission to investigate the island. Momonga is left with a problem of how to quickly bring the twins up to speed in using their new equipment and working in a marine environment. A solution though comes from Cocytus who states that they should utilize the Sorcerer Kingdom's other assets such as the lizardmen in the Great Lake.

Since the lizardmen have a deep respect for the Sorcerer Kingdom's strength they too have witnessed our strength over and over again and has only strengthened since the National Foundation Day Ceremony it would not be a bad idea to reiterate their friendship by asking for help. Especially since the lizardmen are quite skilled in the water, they would be the perfect instructors for Aura and Mare. Aura and Mare plan to head to the village of the lizardmen with the protagonist and Slimeko. In their absence, Momonga assigns Shalltear to guard the 6th Floor.

Some time later, Shalltear Mare and Aura are seen on the 6th Floor, getting ready to head out to the Great Lake. Aura has informed all her summons on the floor that Shalltear will be acting as the temporary Floor Guardian. The vampire is grateful for Aura in making the transition as smooth as possible, though Aura states she is merely doing it for Momonga. Still the outcome of this venture is uncertain as if the [Gate] leads to a different island then the experiment will be deemed a failure. SHalltear though is determine to confirm that the coordinates are stable and do more testing while the twins are off training. The twins wishes the best of luck to Shalltear who does the same.

Outside Nazarick, night has fallen as the dark elves, homunculus and slime move through the grassland. On the way the protagonist asks the twins if it would be fine if they stop and check on the Great Forest of Tob. Aura doesn't mind the detour before heading to the lizardmen, though she doesn't want to keep Shalltear waiting. Slimeko concerned asks if anything is troubling the vampire, which Mare explains that Shalltear is very determined to be of use to Nazarick, which is attributed to her failure when she was mind-controlled. Honestly Aura wants to help her colleague and vows as do the others. When Mare expresses his willingness to help, Aura teases him about really just wanting to try the new swimsuits they got causing him to blush and deny it.

At the Tob Forest, the morning sun shines and Aura and her group are receiving reports of regular patrols from Hamsuke, Kyuko and the Death Knight. For the most part everything in the forest is peaceful which Aura is thankful for their hard. Kyuko considers it a matter of pride for them to be useful to the Sorcerer Kingdom and doesn't think it's hard work. Hamsuke is curious as to why Aura arrived earlier for the reports and with company. Thinking that they are on a new mission, Kyuko offers to help.

Their enthusiasm is appreciative but the protagonist explains that they are not exactly on a mission, but to escort Aura and Mare for training. Hearing that Aura and Mare are going for training bewilders Kyuko as the dark elves are already so strong. But it is elaborated that they will be investigating a beach soon, and the training is for waterside activities in swimsuits. Hence why they are heading to the village of the lizardmen to have a joint activity to foster goodwill. Hamsuke now understands believes that its a good choice as the region where the lizardmen is perfect for waterside training.

Both Hamsuke and Kyuko are unfamiliar on what a swimsuit is, thinking it be some sort of new weapon of their nation. Kyuko wants to have a glimpse of the item. The twins thinking that it would be okay, then change from their regular attire and into their new equipment. Now getting a first time look at the swimsuits, Kyuko and Hamsuke admit that the attire does appear suited for the water, though the colors make it seem attractive and almost deceptive.

Kyuko still thinks they are cool, especially Mare, causing him to be embarrassed. Soon the group head to the Crack in the forest to deal with he emerging Chaos Beasts. After subduing the Chaos Beasts, Aura and Mare change back into their normal clothes and go with the others arrive at the lizardmen village before noon.

Upon arrival, Mare worries if they should have notified ahead, but Aura thinks that it will be fine as the lizardmen will have opportunity to give back to them. They are met by Shasuryu Shasha, Zaryusu Shasha and Kyuku Zuzu. The three are informed briefly by the visitors that they want to train at the waterside, which Zaryusu is happy and honored to assist.

Aura mentions that the recommendation came from Cocytus who informed the Floor Guardians how the lizardman wanted to train with them. Zaryusu is pleased, though thinks Zenberu Gugu will be disappointed that he missed out as he is on shift at the mining site at the foot of the Azerlisia Mountains, with the rest of the Dragon Tusk.

For the training Zaryusu solicits Kyuku's aid who also participates. Zaryusu is interested to know Aura and Mare's interest in getting used to fighting at the waterside. News of the rediscovery of the island is then explained to the chieftains. The idea that the Sorcerer Kingdom can use teleportation magic is shocking to the demi-humans, but understand the urgency for the training. They agree to prepare the twins for a marine environment to help then face any enemy they might encounter on a aquatic setting. Zaryusu also promises to other skilled tribemates from Green Claw to participate. Likewise Aura and Mare will make the proper adjustments to be able to interact with these new lizardmen safely. Such words are a bit worrisome to Shasuryu but his brother Zaryusu that having their tribe interact with members of Nazarick in a physical setting will help decrease the fear.

Aura and Mare in their swimsuits then face Zaryusu and two members of Green Claw in a large marsh. After introduction are made, the chieftains question about the use of the swimsuits though Kyuku sees the practicality as minimal clothing allows one to move easier in the water and when the protagonist adds that the material is water resistant it makes sense. The twins and the lizardmen volunteers then engage in ambush attacks to help the Floor Guardians get used to water combat. Zaryusu reminds the two that though their equipment will not absorb water, moving on the waterside is not like the ground and thus they will have to get used to it. For an additional challenge, Zaryusu also uses attacks from Frost Pain.

After a session of training, Aura comments that while the swimsuits don't offer as many benefits to their normal equipment, they are more suited for the water. Mare affirms this as it would be no good to damage their equipment they got from Bukubukuchagama. To the protagonist their performance in the swimsuits is the very definition of Oninikanabou. Zaryusu though doesn't feel that the lizardmen helped that much in training due to the differences in strength, but the twins assure him that their aid helped them get practice. The lizardmen brighten at that as they felt it was a good experience to train with such powerful people.

Rororo approaches the marsh, much to Aura's delight. Zaryusu apologizes as he has been busy of late to play with the hydra due to his wife's pregnancy. The twins remembering from Albedo that Crusch Lulu is pregnant with Zaryusu's child offer their congratulations. Since Rororo wants to play, the twins allow the hydra to participate in the next training session with the lizardmen.

Training ends on a positive note, with the lizardmen grateful at being able to train with the Floor Guardians, and make them understand why Zaryusu left to explore the outside world and became a traveler. Zaruusu admits that the world is still big as it contains powerful people that he never could imagine.

At the tent of Zaryusu and Crusch, the chieftains and guests from Nazarick gather where the female lizardman is informed of Zaryusu's role in training the dark elf twins. Crusch admits that its been the most excitement they village has experience. Aura comments that the relative peace of the village is thanks to Hamsuke and the others in the Great Forest of Tob who ensure no Chaos Beasts reach the Great Lake region and also Cocytus culling their numbers near the mountains. This earns the lizardmens' gratitude for Nazarick's protection. Just as the party from Nazarick is about to return to Nazarick, Zaryusu makes a request to be allowed to accompany them to the beach area they are about to explore.

This comes as a shock to most of the lizardmen, even Zaryusu's older brother who reminds him that his wife is pregnant and needs to be present. Zaryusu though argues that while the twins are now adept at water combat with their equipment, for their mission, it would be best to have someone who istruly accustomed to the waterside. Members of the party from Nazarick are not sure given Crusch's condition. but the female lizardmen asks them to consider Zaryusu's request. Crusch understands that though her husband wants to give back to their benefactors, he is still a traveler at heart and knows his desire to see a land he hasn't seen before. Although Aura warns of the possibly dangers of the mission, Crusch is confident that her husband will be safe and that he will return to tell their newborn child his adventure. Zaryusu is at a loss for words y his wife's devotion.

Aura a moment of consideration, informs them that she alone cannot decide as it requires Momonga's approval. But the protagonist believes that the lizardman's request has merit and will be a valuable asset. Their word that they will bring his request to join to Momonga is enough for Zaryusu.

The party departs the village at sunset. Slimeko asks Aura why they did not just contact Momonga at the hut as the answer could be easily received from their master via magic. Aura explains that she wanted to give Zaryusu some time to think about his decision of joining the expedition and to see if he is prepared. That way they give the option to their ally of backing out and avoid a fallout with the lizardmen. Now understanding the group praises Aura's social skill.

Aftermath
Once the group returns to Nazarick, they meet with Momonga and the Floor Guardians in the Round Table Room to report the success of their training and the petition from Zaryusu. Momonga admits that he is pleased and bringing the message from Zaryusu personally was the correct move. However he asks how useful is Zaryusu as an asset to the expedition. For that the protagonist gives his support to Zaryusu being on the team to the beach as is rare lizardmen that breaks traditional values as a "traveler" due to wanting to know the outside world. That being said the lizardmen seems to be a beacon of hope from both sides, through his own adventurous spirit and contributions to Nazarick.

Albedo while believing that they are not interested in seeking to satisfy a lizardman's curiousity, does agree that the demi-human can be useful. Aura adds that if the lizardman does die on the mission there would be no resent on Nazarick, but they could easily revive him if Momonga wished to show the lizardmen his grace. Momonga does not dispute that the lizardmen is strong and would most likely survive a revival attempt and would be a lovely experiment. Demiurge proposes another use for the lizardman, as a way to shepherd cooperation with the lizardmen when building the bridgehead of the Sorcerer Kingdom on the isolated island. Adding that they could guard the waterfront or transport supplies on the water. Though it still needs to be considered in the unlikely event that the [Gate] becomes unstable.

Momonga ultimately decides to allow Zaryusu to join the expedition so that the lizardmen can have a stake in the endeavor. The protagonist and Slimeko are then ordered to return to the Great Lake as soon as possible while another [Gate] test is scheduled before the expedition.

On the 6th Floor at the Gigantic Tree, a temporary break before the mission is held by Aura and Mare with Shalltear. The twins thank the vampire for covering their floor while they were out training for two days. Shalltear says that it was no trouble as the days they were out were peaceful. She is excited about the upcoming mission to the beach and the possibilities it holds as are the twins. The vampire is a bit envious as she wants to join the exploration, but Aura advises against it as there is no guarantee that she can open the [Gate] bound for Nazarick.

This almost bridles Shalltear's hopes, until Mare points out that if the location is the same place as before, Shalltear may be able to go. If the [Gate]'s location had a certain deviation, the next experiment that Momonga would employ is to see if a [Gate] can be opened back on the other side from that island to Nazarick. The possibility of being more useful to Momonga entices Shalltear motivating her to do her best a feeling which is hared by the elves.