Will Overlord have an open ending?
Maruyama has repeatedly stated that the novel will conclude with Volume 18; in an interview around the time the movie premiered, he even described the ending as the type where "everything is just beginning."
This outcome was predictable, given that so much remains unexplored while the author is simply too lazy to continue. So, what is the most plausible ending?
If the story concludes with a victory for Nazarick, it would make perfect sense for a "new beginning" if Ainz were to discover another continent across the mountains or ocean—and receive word of other Players there—some time later.
However, it is truly disappointing that so many mysteries remain unexplained; the Dragon Emperor—the one who started it all—is mentioned only once in the entire story, and it is clear that Maruyama is simply too lazy to write any further.
What does everyone think?