Ainz Ooal Gown

Momonga remembered the old guildmate who had quit the game. He knew all too well that every gathering must eventually come to an end.

But clearly, this wasn't the time for their story to end. That left him with only one choice. Though he still had some reservations, he stood and said,

"I understand. If there isn't anyone more suitable, then I'm willing to take the position."

As soon as Momonga finished speaking, everyone in the hall turned their eyes toward him. But their burning gazes still made him feel a little embarrassed.

Seeing their reaction, he even wondered whether he should take back what he'd said. However, his mouth moved faster than his brain.

"Of... Of course, that's assuming everyone will help me."

The hall fell silent once more. The only ones making a sound were Mu Fengyu and Siyou Qilong, going around handing out party poppers. It looked like they were ready to pop the champagne at halftime.

When no one voiced any objections, Momonga continued:

"Th... Then, although I'm still not entirely reliable and might cause everyone some trouble, I'll take on the position of guild leader. I hope I can count on all of you."

With that, Momonga bowed deeply to his companions. The hall instantly filled with the sound of party poppers and cheers.

Momonga raised his head and gazed at the jubilant crowd. The weight of responsibility on his shoulders grew heavier. He understood all too well that, from this moment on, the future of the entire guild rested on him.

When the cheering had died down a little, Momonga cleared his throat and said,

"Then, as the guild leader-elect, I'll get straight to the point. How should we decide on the guild's name? Should I come up with one?"

Since the new guild leader's first question was about naming the guild, every member seemed to wear a dark expression, even if their faces weren't visible in the game.

At that moment, Bukubukuchagama stood up and said awkwardly,

"Well... You really don't need to trouble yourself with that. You've spent too much time with Yu-kun, and we're worried you'll pick up his bizarre naming habits."

As soon as she finished speaking, several of the others voiced their agreement. Mu Fengyu pursed his lips and said unhappily,

"What? I think all my names are amazing. Don't you agree, Si. Doomstrider. Sevenfold Emperor. Sebas Dragon?"

"Y-Yes, the names Captain comes up with are all incredibly imposing."

"See? Even little Si Long thinks so."

"Right, I wholeheartedly support everything Captain says."

Siyou Qilong wiped away a bead of nonexistent sweat and silently took two steps back. Everyone else wore dark expressions, thinking, Siyou Qilong, did you really need to take those two steps back?

Ignoring the little exchange, Peroroncino said,

"Momonga, what kind of name are you thinking of?"

"Uh, since you put it that way, I haven't thought of anything yet."

Just then, someone in the hall called out,

"How about Heteromorphic Zoo?"

Who would've thought anyone would agree to such a bizarre name?

"Heteromorphic Zoo? It actually sounds pretty good. It captures what we look like."

"Uh, it's not bad, but it does sound a little like a bunch of underlings."

A lively discussion broke out in the hall.

"It's a little out there, but I think it works. It has the feel of a group of comic-book henchmen."

"Yeah, exactly. The kind of villainous organization that only ever appears on a list."

"How about Shadow Gang? It has a nice villainous feel to it."

"What kind of circus-act names are these? I'm not a fan."

At that moment, Yewuzi tapped the table and said bluntly,

"It'd be a shame to throw out our current guild name completely. It'd be nice if we could connect the new name to it somehow."

At Yewuzi's words, the whole room fell quiet. Everyone agreed with her; after all, that name carried too many memories for them.

"Nine's Own Goal. Is there a name that has something to do with that?"

Emerald Tablet thought it over carefully, then said earnestly,

"How about Knights Templar? Touch Me is a figure like Hugues de Payens."

Nobody had any idea who Emerald Tablet was talking about. Perhaps he was a heroic figure from some book of mythology; after all, Emerald Tablet was the only one with any real expertise in the occult.

Emerald Tablet continued muttering,

"But 'Knights Templar' doesn't even have the letter N in it."

The Nine-Man Suicide Subgroup was made up entirely of heteromorphic players. By the New World's standards, they were practically the final bosses. That one name left everyone speechless, and Momonga said helplessly,

"Emerald Tablet is always saying things nobody understands."

"Ah, oh, sorry about that."

Meanwhile, Takemikazuchi, who hadn't spoken until now, was writing something in the in-game notepad. As he wrote, he said,

"Anz? How about Anz?"

"That doesn't sound bad. Does it mean a new guild is being established?"

"It's a little forced, but it's the best option so far. Still better than Yu's 'Loving Family.'"

"Would Anz be spelled AINS? Or AINZ?"

"Either works, I guess. But I'd also like to work 'own' and 'goal' into it somehow."

Just then, Bukubukuchagama stood up and called out,

"How about replacing the first part with 'Ooal Gown'?"

Emerald Tablet immediately shouted,

"Ohhh, that's perfect!"

The hall once again erupted in discussion. Finally, Momonga clapped his hands to quiet everyone.

"Then let's combine the suggestions Takemikazuchi and Bukubukuchagama just made and use the result as our new guild name. Does everyone agree?"

Everyone in the hall shouted,

"Agreed!"

Only Mu Fengyu muttered under his breath,

"I still think 'Loving Family' is a great name."

"Captain, I think you should go see a doctor."

And so, the name of the new guild, "Ainz Ooal Gown," was settled.

With the matter of the name taken care of, Momonga showed his leadership skills by giving his companions his first order as guild leader.

"The Great Tomb of Nazarick will be our guild's first activity since its founding. I hope everyone will give it their all."

As soon as Momonga finished speaking, an atmosphere of nervous excitement filled the hall. Nishikienrai was the first to speak.

"Guild Leader Momonga, should we start by drawing up a detailed walkthrough and action plan?"

"Exactly. That's our top priority. Although Nishikienrai has already mapped out the general layout, many of us still can't move through the place as freely as he can."

"Nishikienrai, Flatfoot, and Genjiro, please gather as much information as you can about the terrain around the Great Tomb, the distribution of monsters, and any traps that might be hidden there."