Plains Near Abeiron Hills, 72 km. West of E-Rantel
A group of riders galloped their way east from E-Rantel. A dozen fully armed soldiers are surrounding a single carriage. And ahead of all of them, a huge, white creature being mounted with a fully armored person can be seen, as well as a woman with unparalleled beauty on on horseback.
Her silky black hair as dark as the night's sky is strongly billowing from the wind. But since it's tied in a ponytail, it is not messy or unkempt. In fact, it makes her more beautiful an dazzling.
The riders surrounding the carriage cannot help but admire her beauty that shines brightly even from a distance.
If one looks closely, they could see a hint of sadness on her face. Her eyes, which is usually sharp and alert, is drooped low. Her expression slightly shows melancholy and depression towards something. However, the soldiers are too engrossed on her beauty that they didn't notice it.
Only the person beside her, Ainz, noticed it. On the past few months, he had been constantly honing his skill to identify people's feelings and thoughts just by judging their expressions. That is because he wants to be able to tell the thoughts of the NPCs in Nazarick. As a ruler, it is his duty to be able to do so and comply with what they feel or desire.
Of course, he knew the reason behind her dejected mood. He had just scolded her earlier for repeating her mistake she already had done a couple of times. As a superior, it's just correct for him to scold her and to correct her ways.
However, for an unrelated third party's point of view, it may seem too much. Although anyone from Nazarick would surely agree with him for scolding Narberal, Ainz himself thinks that he must've gone overboard. He ended up scolding her because of the mental stress he's been holding on. His mind as an undead may suppress strong emotions, but it doesn't suppress mental exhaustion and stress.
That's why he accidentally let his irritation take over his thinking. Usually, he would advise her or remind her in a calm manner. He wouldn't do anything to hurt or harm any of his comrades' children. He would always do his best to choose his words that won't hurt them.
I better apologize as soon as I can. Having this awkward mood between us could cause unnecessary incidents. And also, I don't like this mood.
While Ainz is in deep thought, Hamsuke slowed down his pace and addressed her master.
"Milord, we are almost near the target location. Do you want to stop and discuss the plan with the soldiers behind us for awhile?"
"Hm? Oh, you're right. Well then, let's stop for awhile."
Ainz raised his right hand as a signal and all of the riders stopped their steeds. After looking around, Ainz saw a huge tree in the middle of the plains and pointed towards it.
"You guys, gather under that tree and wait for my signal. Stay on alert and be on standby. Do you understand?"
"Ha!"
All of the soldiers replied in high spirits and complied Ainz's command. They all galloped towards the said tree's shades and shielded themselves from the scorching hot sun's rays.
Hamsuke automatically started running forward again, followed suit by Narberal. Ainz signaled Hamsuke to lessen the pace. He then turned to Narberal and signaled her to come closer. With a few tug of the horse's reins, Narberal went close to Ainz and Hamsuke.
Ainz carefully chose his words that shows sincere apology but still fits for a ruler.
"Narberal, do not think too deeply of what I had said earlier. I just got carried away due to some reasons. Just don't repeat the same mistakes and everything else will be fine. Right now, I need you to stay alert, since we're about to reach the enemy."
"If that is your will, I hear and obey."
Even though she said that, her gloominess still didn't disappear. Ainz just sighed and signalled Hamsuke to pick up her pace.
After a few moments, Ainz saw a figure in the middle of the plains. With his enhanced vision, he was able to vaguely confirm the said figure. It seems to be a black wolf and a beastman with black stripes all over it's yellow body.
Passing a few more yards, the figure is now completely identifiable. They have exactly matched the characteristics of the hostage takers as described in the meeting.
When they got at least ten meters apart, both Ainz and Narberal halted their advance and climbed down from their mounts.
"Wait here. I am the only one he wants to negotiate with."
Without waiting for their reply, Ainz paced calmly towards the beastman.
Ainz noticed an unnatural mound behind the beastman. His cautious nature urged him to go check it out, but he doesn't have the luxury to do that on this moment. He just reminded himself to stay away from it.
Ainz carefully judged the suitable distance between him and the beastman before stopping.
"Beastman, I am Momon. I am the man you demanded for. Now, tell me what you want and return the hostages to me."
The beastman leapt down from the wolf and stood before him. Ainz felt his intense gaze travelling all around his body, observing and inspecting every single detail of him.
Ainz also stared back at the beastman. He carefully observed his enemy. The beastman stands at two meters tall, slightly taller than Ainz. His body is very muscular and full of scars. Orange fur covers almost every part of his body, with some black streaks arranged in a pattern. And lastly, there's a metal bangle around his neck with reddish markings, with some unknown writings in it.
"Black armor, two swords, red cape, and helmeted face. For turning in yourself without hesitation, I didn't expect that someone of your caliber is that stupid. Or are you just an impostor using the same gear as him?"
"You want a proof? Then why don't we have a little bout? If I defeat you, then I may really be Momon."
The beastman conceitedly laughed from Ainz's provocation, signifying his trust in his skills.
"Cheeky human. Let's see if you can keep up with that attitude after I kick you around."
"Hoh. Seems like you're the one who thinks too highly of yourself. Is that how beastmen are? All muscle, no brains?"
The beastman clicked his tongue in annoyance towards Ainz's scorn. Seeing this, Ainz mentally gave himself a pat in the back for successfully taunting the opponent.
I'm getting awfully good at taunting lately. It's certainly useful, but I hope I won't develop a weird habit from this.
"Asshole. I'll make you eat those words."
"Make me. If you can, that is. In the meantime, I'll do my best to throw throw those words right back at you."
The beastman started to pour hostility towards Ainz, obviously caught in Ainz's schemes of provocation. But suddenly, as if he remembered something important, the beastman stood straight and proud while stating right at Ainz.
"I am Raiel, the trusted servant of one of the Six Spears of Horogus, Lunark-sama. Due to my master's order, I will wipe you off from the face of this earth. Prepare yourself, Momon. For I will be the one who will end your legend today."
The beastman, Raiel, crouched low and exposed his claws. Ainz drew his swords and formed his stance.
"Raiel, huh. Since you know me already, I guess I don't have to introduce myself anymore. Then, without wasting any more time, let's fight to our heart's content."
Right after saying that, Raiel suddenly leapt to Ainz. The speed and power of that leap is incredible, closing off the distance between them in an instant and leaving a big amount of dust clouds from his previous position.
Ainz's body moved just split seconds before Raiel's attack reached him. He quickly raised his sword towards his chest and blocked Raiel's claws that he swiped towards him.
He then swung his sword forward, aimed towards Raiel. But Raiel has long retreated some distances away.
Ainz leapt towards Raiel with the speed that is unthinkable for a warrior clad in full-body armor could do, but all he was able to strike was the ground where his prey has been.
When suddenly, he felt a strong hit on his back. Raiel dodged him and struck him on his unguarded side. The impact caused Ainz to almost lose his balance, but his superior skeletal body defied the law of physics and he was able withstand the impact without falling.
Soon after, Ainz turned around quickly and swung his sword towards where Raiel was, but again, all he cleaved through is an empty space.
Damn! Where is he?
"Oy, oy. I didn't expect the great Momon to be this slow. I am disappointed. Really disappointed. Seems like those words are just all full of airs. My expectation has been shattered. Tsk tsk tsk."
Ainz was startled by the direction of the voice, behind him, and turned around once more. Raiel is right behind him while staring at him with a mocking expression before leaping away from Ainz's sword range.
Fast. He's unbelievably fast. He's way faster than that Clemensomething woman from before. Unlike her, he's not making that strange crouching stance and just jumps right at me while also immediately retreating. I haven't detected any sort of magical effects or even traces of martial arts. That bangle on his neck is undoubtedly a magical item, the only one he have. It's effects are unknown, but it's not activated yet. Which means that his speed is his pure freakish physical ability. I better tighten my guard and react quickly Or else I'll end up making a fool of myself and my lousy swordsmanship.
Ainz, being purely a magic-based character, has no past experience with being a warrior whatsoever. Without taking that fact into consideration, he decided to play the role of a warrior as Momon. He thought that he can just hack any and all enemies he face like butter with ease, but he was proven otherwise. He realized that it takes more than just power to be called a warrior.
Because of that, Ainz strived to improve himself in that aspect. That said, he had just started his swordsmanship training a few weeks ago. His skills is just at a mediocre level. Even though his stats from his [Perfect Warrior] skill is tremendous, he greatly lacks in swordsmanship skills. His reflexes, on-the-spot action, sword techniques, and experience are too lacking.
During this short clash, it is clear that his tremendous physical ability was barely enough to scratch against an extremely fast enemy. Ainz may be pretty fast for the majority in this world, but his enemy this time is way faster. And he also has the skills to utilize that speed on various techniques, something Ainz doesn't have at this moment.
If that's the case, all I should do is start learning right at this moment.
"Huuuuuuh..."
Ainz regained his calm and returned to his stance.
As if it's a signal, Raiel charged towards him with the same blinding speed.
Predicting his course, Ainz swung his right sword towards Raiel, who in turn received it with his claws while slightly curving his wrist and sending it's trajectory upwards. By doing that, it resulted for his left side on the open, a vital opportunity for Ainz.
Chance!!
With all the strength and speed he could muster, Ainz swung his other sword forward. The speed and power behind the sword is freakishly powerful, a sure kill strike for any creature in this world.
Ainz expected to hear the sound of flesh being torn apart and the stench of blood to spray towards the surroundings, but that wasn't the case. Instead, a loud screeching sound of metal clashing against metal rung out.
With his extremely hard claws, Raiel gently guided the sword's trajectory away from him. Sparks appeared between their weapons until it was finally completely led away by the claws.
Now that both of Ainz's weapons are out of his path, Raiel didn't waste even a single split second for the counterattack.
"[Lesser Strength, and also [Crushing Strike]!"
Raiel's muscles contracted greatly and his whole arm glowed with a bright, orange light. Like a cannon, he slammed both of his fists into Ainz's armor.
The impact caused Ainz to get blown back a few feet away, though his feet stayed on the ground and he only skidded backwards. Right after securing his balance, Ainz threw a sword towards Raiel like a spear.
With quick and nimble moves, Raiel jumped upwards just a hair's breadth before the incoming blade reached him and even used it as a platform to jump away, sending it's trajectory into the ground and lodging it in the earth.
"Tch."
Ainz's gaze fell to his chest. His armor which he created by magic has been dented deeply. The chest part has two caved-in holes in it, the remnants of the previous attack.
Hoooh. To be able to dent this armor of mine, he's not just fast, but strong as well. He's the strongest enemy I've faced up to until now as Momon. That woman was only able to scratch it a little. While Hamsuke's strike didn't even dent it back then. This is the first time someone was able to do this much damage. This will be a great learning experience.Ainz chuckled slightly in his mind. He's not a bit pressured at all. Instead, he is looking forward for more clashes that he could learn from against Raiel.
Without any hint of his guard being present, Ainz leisurely strode forwards and picked up the sword he threw from the ground.
"Wonderful. This is wonderful. Hey, tell me. Why did someone of you caliber bothered to do all of these preparations just to be able to fight me? Tell me, Raiel. I am deeply curious."
Opposite from Ainz's merry voice and honest praise, Raiel's voice
is full of sarcasm while directing a sardonic expression towards Ainz.
"Hmph. I was ordered not to tell you anything due to the possibility of the plan being compromised, but I don't think it still matters even now. Instead of keeping you busy and try to capture you if possible, I'll just kill you here and now. After all, I have deemed you unworthy and greatly lacking in skills to join our numbers. You're unworthy to become a subordinate. Are you really a famous warrior? Cause all I see is a big guy swinging a pair of swords around like an amateur. Though I'm not a swordsman, I can see that much. Your strength may be incredible for being able to achieve such feat, but that's all there is. Even I can do that. Huuuh. Really, how disappointing. And I was even looking forward for a good fight."
Che. Well, sorry for that.
Ainz doesn't have any words to retort back and just mentally sent his sarcastic retorts. After all, he can't deny the fact that he is that indeed an amateur in the ways of sword. As much as possible, he tries to avoid showing it in front of many people. On situations where he has to show it, he demonstrates his overwhelming strength and strikes the enemy down in one shot, so that people wouldn't notice his lack of skills.
After hearing the criticisms of the woman he battled at the cemetery about his poor posture and lousy skills as a warrior, Ainz became extremely concerned towards this issue. He even consulted Cocytus about it and asked him for advice or tips.
Cocytus told him that warriors can 'read' through the skill of their fellow warriors by observing their footworks, movements, positioning, and many other details and measure their skills. When he showed Cocytus how he normally moves around as Momon, he frankly admitted that it is plainly visible that he is not a warrior.
As a temporary solution, Ainz equipped an item which greatly increases the user's charisma. And thus, most people failed to notice his flaws as a warrior and gets blinded to his charisma instead. However, there are rare cases where some individuals with keen eyes or maybe a talent/skills that resits the item's effect, may see through him.
In Raiel's case, he was found out because they directly engaged in a battle with each other. Ainz can't help himself from revealing his secret. And in turn, he was led around by the nose the entire time.
But more importantly, what is this plan he is talking about? Keeping me busy? Why? From where? Momon is an adventurer from E-Rantel. E-Rantel is his sole home base. Apart from that, he belongs to nowhere else. So he's trying to keep me away from E-Rantel? What's their purpose behind it? Since he said that they're considering of adding me in their numbers, he has accomplices. And assuming that this master of theirs ordered him to drag me away from E-Rantel and keep me busy as a part of their plan, their main purpose lies in E-Rantel. Which means...
Like placing the last piece of puzzle, Ainz was finally able to see the full picture unfolding before him. And that realization caused chills to creep down into his spine.
Not good! E-Rantel is in danger!
Conference Room, Adventurer's Guild, E-Rantel
"Phew. I'm glad it all worked out."
Right after Momon exited the room, Ainzach lazily slumped down into the chair and relaxed himself to the fullest, ignoring the stares of the two other men inside the room with him. Unknown to him, the other two also wholeheartedly relaxed themselves in their respective seats while releasing a sigh of relief.
"I wonder if Momon-san would be alright."
"No worries, mayor. I completely trust Momon-san. Although I've seen several powerful individuals before, he stands out among them all. He's undoubtedly the strongest person I ever know. Hell, I'll even bet my whole existence that he is at least on par with Gazeff-dono. Maybe even stronger than him."
"You're awfully confident with him, Ainzach. But I should remind you that this ruckus is obviously planned with his mighty prowess in mind. And after hearing the cart driver's statement, that beastman should be exceptionally powerful. As someone who excels in dealing with adventurers, how would you rate the enemy based on the reports, assuming that it is accurate?"
"Guh! I-indeed, I can't just ignore what you had said. If he indeed swiftly dealt with twelve mythril-ranked adventurers by himself without receiving even a single would, he easily surpasses A Class, which has a difficulty level of 50~60. After all, each mythril-ranked adventurers stands somewhere at B Class, with the difficulty level of 40~50. What's more, there are twelve of them. A team of 12 mythril-ranked adventurers could easily deal with 3 or more A Class threats, assuming that they could live up with their rank. But if they were rendered helpless even after all that, then the enemy would be someone or something that exceeds them by a far greater margin. It would be somewhere at A rank."
"I see. That sounds plausible. However, A Class is vague. Any existence whose difficulty level is more than 71 is placed in this rank. Since this is the highest Class, there is no limitation after this. Because of that, we cannot completely grasp the level of our enemy. Would you please explain further, Ainzach?"
"Of course, General. Logically speaking, the limit of A Class is at 100. Creatures exceeding that difficulty level is considered to be humanly impossible to defeat. Adamantite-ranked adventurers, the strongest representatives of humanity, sadly cannot exceed this rank. On average, they are only within the difficulty level 90. After all, even though they are exceptional individuals who has reached the realm of heroes, they are still humans. Mortals, to be more precise. And thus, they are not impossible to defeat. Extremely difficult, but not impossible. Since the enemy is a beastman who is tied down by the unshakable bond called 'life', I don't think he is invincible. And thus, he can be defeated. He would stand along with the adamantite-ranked adventurers, at least. Somewhere in the difficulty level of 95 and below. That's my conclusion."
"Extremely difficult but not impossible, huh. Good. That's acceptable enough. I'm relieved to know that much. And also, we shouldn't forget that the third tier magic caster, Nabel-san is also with him, another adamantite-ranked adventurer. Count in that legendary creature, the Wise King of the Forest who has ruled over the Great Forest of Tob for two centuries with sheer force alone, I don't think that it's possible for them to lose even for a level 100 enemy. I feel sorry for that beastman now."
Arriving to that conclusion, the three of them wore a relieved expression and softly mumbled a prayer under their breaths that their conclusion would come out to be true.
"Well then, should we hold out a small celebration after his triumphant return? Just a small feast to show our thanks to Momon-san and also to further deepen the relationship between us all."
"Oh! That would be a good idea! I'm totally along with this plan. However, which one should prepare this celebration and all the other tedious tasks?"
"Now that you said it, which one should be responsive for this?"
The three of them began sharing gazes at each other. Swiftly, Ainzach declared his logical yet somehow unfair explanation for escape.
"I don't think it's within my responsibilities, though. I'm just a guild master who manages the adventurers in this city. Political and security matters of this city, as well as dealing with matters with the nobles, are out of my responsibility."
The three of them glared at each other, telling each other to take up the task without any use of words. An impressive ability for any capable adults in the society.
In the end, Mayor Panasolei gave up and sighed out in defeat.
"I get it, I get it. Jeez. I'll take charge of it. While doing that, I'll have the best chef of E-Rantel to prepare the dishes. Good food results into good conversations, after all."
General Gustavo grinned widely in victory while Ainzach gave himself a sly smile.
"So then, what dishes does Momon-san like, Ainzach-san?"
"Frankly, I have no idea. Not even his favorite drink. Both Momon-san and Nabel-oujo are very reserved persons. They don't go out and drink, nor do they dine in restaurants. I had never heard of Momon-san visiting any brothels either. Their meal orders at the Shining Golden Pavilion doesn't have any particular pattern, just random ones. They just keep the same pattern of visiting the guild, accepting jobs and receiving the reward money soon after ever since they have come here one month ago. Day after day, they just rake in reward money while saving it all up, spending some of it in minimal and necessary expenses."
"Heeh. You know awfully a lot about their lifestyle. Should I say, as expected of the guild master? Snooping around and lurking at the shadows in secret while flawlessly extracting information about someone. How impressive."
General Gustavo flashed a malicious smile towards Ainzach while shrugging his shoulders in an exaggerated motion. Ainzach tried to say something back but Mayor Panasolei was quicker.
"Now, now. Don't tease him, General. Just like Ainzach-san, I want to build a friendly relationship between the greatest adventurer in this city. And to do that, pleasing them by providing them things and services they like is in the fundamentals. And thus, collecting information about them is necessarily to do that."
"That's right. It's exactly as Mayor Panasolei said. Momon-san is a honorable, respectable person who cannot be bought with money. And I prefer to form true friendships between others through proper means. Unlike someone else."
"You!-"
"Now, now. You two. Stop bickering. You're not children anymore."
Mayor Panasolei instantly eased out the heavy tension between the two, keeping it from getting worse. He knows full well that the two holds a grudge against each other.
It all began just 4 years ago when a party of 5 orichalcum-ranked adventurers, who was the strongest party of E-Rantel during that time, quit from their adventuring profession and entered General Gustavo's army for unknown reasons.
Thinking that they were bribed by the General, Ainzach furiously tried to take them back. This formed an endless squabbling and quarreling between the two for quite some time, spreading awful rumors about each other and even doing petty tricks to harass each other.
The good thing is that their methods didn't escalate to the point where they could cause a severe harm against each other. Probably because they were a former childhood buddies who grew up from the same village, those memories kept them from hurting each other.
But that temperance may not last long. A human mind is a fragile thing, especially against emotions. Once their anger overwhelms their sentiments between each other, the worst case scenario will immediately unfold.
Noticing this, Mayor Panasolei decided to intervene and informed the higher-ups about this events. In the end, the Capital itself decided to intervene and closed the case by assigning the said former adventurers into another army, which is in the Warrior-Captain's warrior band itself serving directly under the King.
After receiving warning from the Capital, the two stopped their unsightly acts and formed a truce between each other. However, their grudges against each other is still present, though it had abated over the course of time. Even before the meeting started as well as their recent conversation, they were able to share information between each other without any mishaps or disruptions, determined to stay calm and professional.
But it seems that embers of anger won't fail to re-ignite when it's near to the things that caused it to blaze before.
After hearing Mayor Panasolei's scolding, the two calmed themselves while turning away from each other. It seems like they remembered the outcome of their squabble from before and restrained themselves due to their fear of repeating the same events.
"Let's go back to business. Ainzach-san, do you really have no idea about Momon-san's preferred tastes?"
"I'm completely at loss, mayor. Not even Nabel-oujo's. Well, for the Wise King of the Forest, I heard that Momon-san regularly orders several sacks of mixed fruits in the market. It might mean that he doesn't particularly choose about his meals."
"Hmm. Although that's good to hear, our goal is to please Momon-san. Since it seems that none of us can provide an answer, let's just directly ask the person himself. Any rejections, Ainzach-san?"
"None. It's better than choosing on out own randomly and ending up with the wrong choices. Well, at the same time, let's also ask about Nabel-oujo's tastes. After all, she's also a part of Darkness."
"How about you, General?"
"Seems fine with me. But anyway, why do you keep addressing Nabel-san with oujo? Although I've heard that she's hailed as the 'Alluring Princess', I don't think you who leads the adventures should call her that. After all, it might lead to misunderstandings and baseless rumors."
With a sharp glint in his eyes, Ainzach quickly turned towards the general and locked gazes with him.
"Oh. Now that you say it, I may have been careless. But the reason why I'm addressing her that way is not just because of her title. After all, I do have a particular conclusion in mind. Indeed, it may be baseless right now, but I'm quite sure that I'm following the right track."
"W-what?! What do you mean, Ainzach-san? Are you saying that Nabel-san is a real princess?!"
Both the mayor and the general shifted from their seats in surprise while the person who caused this commotion just smiled triumphantly for being able to successfully cause it.
"Oya? Gustavo, you seem interested. Do you want to know why I said such thing? Hmm? Are you interested? Do you want to know?"
"D-don't be stupid! Hmph. As if I'll fall for those stupid lies. I bet you're just making this up to try to fool me, didn't you? Too bad but, I know your personality well. There's no way a princess could be an adventurer."
"No, no, no. Do you think that I would lie about this kind of thing? As I told you, I want to build a trusting friendship between Momon-san. Doing something like making false speculations about him would keep myself from reaching that goal. Well, if your really want to know, I wouldn't mind telling you. If you beg for it, of course. Oh, for clarification, what I'm talking about is Momon-san's true identity. Don't you want to know about it? The mysterious newcomer who skyrocketed through the ranks within a month's true identity."
"Kuh! Don't make a fun of me! I would never fall for such cheap tricks!"
"Enough. Ainzach-san, please stop fooling around and explain it to us already. I trust you, but without any clarifications, believing about what you just said would be hard."
Quickly suppressing the sour expression in his face, Ainzach turned towards the mayor.
"Hai, hai. I understand. Erm, where should I start? Hmm... Well, you see, me and my good friend Theo- the Magician Guild's guild master- were chatting about Momon-san the other day. During our conversation, the subject of just who and what is the true identity of Momon-san came into our mind. And after finding 5 important clues, we formed our conclusion about who and what the true identity of Momon-san is."
Ainzach paused and raised an index finger before the two.
"First: Considering that he lacks the common knowledge of being an adventurer since he frequently asks the guild receptionist about the basics of the adventurer business, it seems that he was not an adventurer before he came here in E-Rantel. And I don't think that there is any country stupid enough to let go of someone who could be considered as the strongest person of their country. Strictly speaking, if it were me, I would grind my head into the ground without any reserve or shame just to be able to keep him, even asking the King or whoever I can to help me to keep him in the country."
Raising both his index finger and middle finger, he continued on.
"The second clue is because I overheard from many different people that Nabel-oujo- I mean, Nabel-san, sometimes calls Momon-san Momon-sama, which is weird. If she is a servant or someone who idolizes Momon-san, then that is understandable. But I don't think that it is the case. There is also the possibility that Momon-san is someone who deserves to be addressed with -sama."
This time, with his ring finger in the mix, he continued.
"The third clue is because of his items. When Momon-san returned from his intense battle with that vampire, his armor was heavily damaged from the remains of it, and me and Theo gladly requested to assist him in repairing it, which he accepted. Theo and his magic caster subordinates casted [Repair] magic on it repeatedly until it was all sparkly and shiny. I also asked Theo to cast [Low Appraisal Magic Item] on it out of pure curiosity. I wanted to know with which ore it was made from, since it's similar to adamantite in color. Of course, I thought that it's impossible to have that much adamantite to create a full set of armor, since we all know that adamantite is the most expensive metal in the world due to it's incredible durability. The amount needed to spend from making a full plate armor would be astronomical."
"Indeed, even my entire armor is made up of only orichalcum. Even Gazeff-dono's armor is only of the same class. Trying to make a full plate armor with adamantite is absolute madness. It will only be used as an aesthetic design at best due to it's value that is worth to be labeled as a national treasure."
"Yes. Exactly. That's why I had my doubts in thinking that it is made of adamantite, so I had it appraised to clear off my doubts. However, the result was unexpected."
"T-then, it really is adamantite? The whole armor?"
"No, mayor. It's not adamantite. Not orichalcum either, nor mythril. The result was [Unidentified]."
Clasping both of his hands under his chin, Ainzach's eyes turned serious before speaking in a low, serious tone.
"At first, we didn't believe with the result so Theo and even some of his subordinates casted [Low Appraisal Magic Item] to appraise it, thinking that the previous result was just a mistake. We even also casted [Enchant Detect] and [Magical Effect Detect] to find out if there are reinforcing magic and enchantments in it, but there was none. It was all due to the material used to make it. Which means that the armor, the metal used to make that armor, the ore used to make it, is a mystery. It was made of unknown metal. An ore that cannot be appraised with our magic. [Low Appraisal Magic Item] can identify only up to adamantite. So if it cannot identify that armor, there's only one explanation. That metal, that ore, is something beyond adamantite. It is something harder and more valuable than adamantite. A phantasmal ore. A very precious metal. That's the only reason."
"Something like that, it's unheard of. A metal stronger that adamantite? Impossible."
"But it's not. It is true. It was there right in front of out very eyes. In fact, we actually tried to chip it a little with a light tap of a hammer but it didn't work. We increased the force little by little but it still won't form a dent. The only way we were able to do so was when I stuck the hammer in it with my full force. But even after all that, it's only a measly dent."
"A dent? Even with a strong strike with a hammer?"
"Not just any normal strike. It's a very strong strike. You see, I was a former orichalcum-ranked adventurer. And my job classifications are Knight and Defender. And I am proud of my skills at both. It even brought me here now as a guild master, responsible for handling a mischievous group of armed forces inside a city as big as E-Rantel. I won't stand here without any skills to back me up and my authority. Of course, I didn't slack off my training even though I am no longer an adventurer. In fact, I can still confidently put up a decent fight against most of the adventurers under me even at my age right now."
"Hmph. You never won against me even once, though."
"Oh, shut up. That was when we were still young. Don't bring it back anymore. Anyway, back to the subject. Even I can only dent it a little. Which means that it was no illusion or trickery. That armor truly is the real deal of what we call phantasmal. Something that only exists in myths and legends. But this time, it really does exist. A full plate's worth of it. In the hands of a mighty warrior. Isn't that insane?"
The two didn't budge from their seats and just sat there, dumbstruck. Of something like that really exist, then it could change the entire history itself, even decide the course and quality of the weapons and armor production in the future. It can cause an upset of a national scale, no, a worldwide scale, to be exact.
"How about [Medium Appraisal Magic Item]? Didn't you have it checked with that magic."
"Don't ask for the impossible, Gustavo. That magic is at the 5th tier. Sure, it does exist. But I've only head of one person who could use that. The Empire's greatest magic caster, the living hero, Flurder Paradyne himself. Knowing who he is, it would be impossible, nor would it be a wise idea to have an enemy of the Kingdom to learn about the existence of this thing."
"So, where do you think that kind of item came from? A gift from the Gods like the ones from the Theocracy? Or maybe from the Floating City down south, where the rumored overpowered twelve knights who protects that structure against all and any enemies who tries to reach it by annihilating them with their legendary items and weapons?"
"I don't know. I really don't know. But I'm sure that an item of that scale is not something that anyone could just own. And this is where my fourth clue comes to light. According to Momon-san himself, the reason why he came here in E-Rantel is to hunt down two vampires who fled to this direction. And seeing as they are focused on their goal without any distraction or diverting to other activities, then it's not just simply a mission given to them by whoever from wherever they must've come from. The determination and focus driving them to this degree shows that there's a stronger reason behind it. And my best guess is it that it's due to a personal grudge. An anger strong enough to have a person of that scale to make a move by himself with just a single woman for secrecy and incognito."
Raising all of his five fingers, Ainzach finished his explanation.
"And lastly, another strange clue is that Momon-san doesn't seem to be be well-versed with the continent's written language, our alphabet. As we all know, the Kingdom, the Holy Kingdom, the Theocracy, the Draconic Kingdom, and the Empire uses the same alphabet due to the agreement 500 years ago between the three countries after the Eight Greed Kings ravaged the world and left most of the world's countries at the brink of extinction. After they had all perished due to infighting between each other, the humanity started to rebuild their ruined lands and proclaimed their own kingdoms once more. And it was also at that time when an agreement between the five human countries in this continent, with the other one being ruled by a mighty dragon, to use the same written language among them, among all other agreements."
"It's as you say. Because of that, even some of the civilized demihuman countries, with the exception of the Agrand Council Alliance which is closed among the rest of the world, followed suit and used the same literary form. In the end, almost the entire continent uses the same alphabet and it became one of the world's most used literary form."
"Yes. So, since Momon-san doesn't know about it, then it means that he came from somewhere really, really far. Far enough for him not to know about it. It would be at least somewhere in another continent or at the other side of the world."
"So then? What are you trying to say with that?"
"Oh come on. It's easy to understand at this point. Oh, wait. I forgot about the identity thing. Now you see, this is something I don't really wanna tell anyone since this is kind of risky. But it's far past the point of return at this time after what I've already told you. Back then during the Henyopenyuko incident, Momon-san removed his helmet and showed us his face as a form of etiquette. But he wasn't aware that my dear friend Theo is good with illusions, since it was one of the skills he mastered due to the possibility of a mouse to gnaw it's way into the guild and steal their researches. Before Momon-san removed his helmet, Theo detected an activation of an illusion magic. However, during the meeting, he didn't cast and anti-illusion magic since we are in a dire situation ourselves due to the fear that the vampire would slip into the city and wreak havoc and destruction around, which was wise of him. Which means that Momon-san is hiding his identity from us and the public due to some reasons. And frankly, I don't think he means any harm or malicious intent to the city behind it after all I've learned about him. Whatever the reason behind it may be, it must be once again, for personal or safety reasons, or both."
"Oy, oy, oy. Are you sure about that? I can't just let a fraudster to snoop around this city, you know. Even though he's an adamantite-ranked adventurer or whoever he may be."
"After all this time, I never heard of any suspicious action Momon-san had done. And if he did, I would've investigated about it myself already. After all, I'm the guild master. It's my responsibility to watch out for any suspicious actions of the adventurers under me."
"That's right, General. Ainzach-san would never pay negligence to any treason for selfish reasons. For 10 years, he has kept the Adventurer's Guild on it's line despite all the hardships and challenges. I trust him."
Overpowered with 2 against 1, General Gustavo gave out a sigh.
"Hmph. Fine, then. Just this time. But if you ever find something, report it to me immediately or else you will be the one I will arrest, you hear?"
"Fine, fine. I will."
"Now then, could you please continue already, Ainzach-san?"
"Ah, yes! Well, you see, if we all gather these clues and try to link it together to find the possible answer, there's only one plausible explanation behind it. But before that, let's make a short recap on my gathered data about him. First: Momon-san was not an adventurer before he came here due to the fact that he doesn't know the basics when it comes to being an adventurer. Second: Momon-san is someone who should be addressed with high honor and dignity, since Nabel-san sometimes addresses him with -sama. Third: Momon-san is fully equipped with phantasmal items, such as that armor that exceeds the hardness of adamantite, that mythical magic sealing crystal that holds eight tier spell, and that never seen before red healing potion that is equivalent to a 2nd tier healing spell. Fourth: Momon-san is really determined and dedicated to find and eradicate the remaining vampire, dedicated enough for him to keep being focused on it for two whole months without any distraction or getting sidetracked. Probably due to intense personal grudge, intense enough for him to be extremely determined and for him to chase him all the way towards another continent into the middle of an unknown land, an unknown continent, an unknown territory; an extremely terrifying distance. Fifth: Momon-san came from somewhere really far away, far enough for him not to know about our alphabet. At least, he must've come from another continent. And lastly, Sixth: Momon-san hid his identity from the public due to some personal reasons without any seemingly malicious intent to the public or to the city. Only purely due to his desire not to have anyone discover about his identity. Now, gentlemen. After hearing all of this, what conclusion comes into your mind? Anyone? Mayor Panasolei? General Gustavo? Anything to say?"
As if he is a lawyer who had successful laid his final proposition during a court hearing, Ainzach stood up and encircled the room with slow, measured steps. Giving them time to think and analyze, he keeps circling the room, sharply observing if anyone of the two shows any intent to answer.
Annoyed by this, General Gustavo stopped trying to think and decided to disappoint his expectations of seeing him and the mayor struggling for answers.
"Oy, Ainzach. You are the one who has thought of this more thoroughly than us. Frankly, although it shames ms to say this, you are better than me on drawing accurate conclusions on things like these. So hurry up and spit it out already."
"I'm afraid I have to say the same thing. Gustavo-san is right. You are better than us in these kind of guessing games. Please enlighten us already and give us the correct answer."
Not even a bit disappointed and even flashing a triumphant smile, Ainzach sat back down on the sofa with his back arched straight and his chest puffed out, even going to the extent of crossing his legs. Although they were annoyed, the Mayor and the General held themselves back and shut their mouths. They were the ones who asked for this, after all.
"It can't be helped, huh. And here I thought that the honorable General Gustavo would be able to figure it out. Very well. Then, I shall start enlightening you. The only conclusion that I find the most satisfying is that Momon-san is probably a king or something of that sort, whose country was destroyed by the two vampires. Extremely enraged and hungry for revenge, he set off a journey with the most capable candidate, a young, physically fit woman who can use third tier magic and worthy enough to follow him around, to accompany him into his journey to extract revenge from the two vampires. That anger and determination drove him to ignore continental boundaries and kept on chasing the two even in total darkness. Maybe somehow, they have reached to the point of total loss or a financial crisis that they have decided to grow some roots somewhere while keeping an eye for their targets. And the place they have decided to pass by is E-Rantel. That's why, when the time came when the said vampire incident has occurred, which he himself introduced as Henyopenyuko, the vampire he was going after upon coming here in E-Rantel, he was adamantly proposing himself to take on the job. Even going so far as to revealing his strongest trump card, a very rare and very precious magic sealing crystal, in front of several strangers just so that he can convince them to let him take it on. And the reason why he kept refusing the late Igavaruji of Kuragura from accompanying him is because he was fully aware of how fearsome Henyopenyuko is, which led to their demise as per what Momon-san had warned them about. As for him hiding his identity, it mist be due to him being ashamed to show his face to the people, the face of a king who has failed his people, the visage of a ruler who has failed to protect his subjects. He must be extremely ashamed and discouraged with himself to the point where he won't let himself to hang around and indulge himself into fun and entertainment as a form of self-repentance, not until he had finally extracted his revenge to the last remaining vampire."
Once again, the room fell into silence as Ainzach finished his explanation. The reason why the other two is silent is because they completely don't have any objections behind it. The flow of his explanation fits perfectly with each of the details he had presented. It was absolutely perfect, wonderfully structured they they were rendered speechless.
"How about it, gentlemen? Any interventions? Reactions? Questions?"
"None. That was wonderfully done, Ainzach-san. Wonderful. Right, General?"
"Yeah. I'm glad to hear you can still use that brain of yours into useful ways. I thought it has long rotten after seating behind a table all these years."
Ainzach just snorted from General Gustavo's response but he quickly averted his gaze when the general angrily glared at him.
"But still, a King, huh. It's unbelievable, no matter how I think about it. But I can't deny that possibility due to that armor. Haah."
"You're right. That kind of armor can't be touched just to anyone else. That armor, its existence itself is enough to drive any men to seek for it. Just like a sweet, alluring honey that would drive any men crazy just to taste a drop of it. Only someone with absolute authority and power among those starving men could restrain them from their madness. And that someone could only be something like a king, and no one else."
"I agree. Something like that would never fall on the hands of just anyone, much more less than a commoner. While Gazeff-dono is an exemption for being able to use our Kingdom's National Treasures, it's not that much of a loss since it can just be produced once again, with the exemption of the sword. And also, I don't think that Gazeff-dono will let himself die before securing them, let alone get them stolen."
"Razor's Edge. The legendary sword that could cut through anything and everything. There's no warrior who won't dream of obtaining it."
"Exactly. Also, it's not as if anyone could just use that sword, anyway. Only the truly strong ones with exceptional skills could wield that sword. I've tried to wield it back then when I was still just a 5000-man commander, but it won't work with me. Every time I try to swing it, it falls from my grasps no mater how tightly I clutch onto it."
"Hoh! This is my first time hearing about that! How do you think does that work? Do you think the sword choose its owner? Or maybe it has a restriction that has to be achieved first for it to work?"
"Who knows? I don't have any clue. However, I think the answer lies somewhere within Gazeff-dono himself. After all, he was able to wield it and become the Warrior-Captain, after all."
"Hmmm? Are you perhaps jealous at Gazeff-dono? If I remember correctly, before you left the village, you vowed to acquire it and become the Kingdom's strongest warrior. Well, for falling second, it's already impressive in its own way."
"What's with you? Are you teasing me? Or maybe you're consoling me? Properly pick one, dumbass. But still, I can't deny that I do envy that man. He, despite being just a mere commoner unlike me, did reach his place with his own hands despite everything."
"As if you're the one who should say it. Being a fallen noble's child who grew up in a measly village is no different than a commoner in comparison."
"It's precisely because of it that's why I am here at this moment. Although my father has fallen, other nobles who were deeply indebted to him commended me into the army and willingly helped me to swiftly rise up to the ranks. And because I'm still a noble despite being a fallen one, I am respected by my men and they fought valiantly for my sake. My path is much less thornier and rougher than his. That's why I can't help but admire that youngling even though he took my dream away form me."
With a satisfied smile, General Gustavo looked towards the window, his eyes piercing through it and grazing towards the ends of the horizon.
"Hmph. For the one who used to think highly of himself and keeps on declaring that he'll become the Kingdom's strongest, you sure have mellowed out."
"Oh my, isn't that the same as you? For someone who dreamt of becoming an adamantite-ranked adventurer in the stead of his father who has succumbed to sickness before he achieved the same dream, it seems that you failed. Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"
Ainzach clutched his fist in anger to restrain himself from snapping in anger. After he did so, his quickly thought of a way to counterattack. Finally achieving one, he let out a small, mischievous smile and stared at the general.
"So you're saying we're both failures, huh. That may be true. But I didn't live in vain, just like what my father wanted me to do. All he wanted was to make me proud for being his child, even though I'm just an orphan he picked up from the side road. And because he saved me, I admire him more than anyone else in this world. For being his child, I cannot be more proud than anything else. Because of that, I don't need to reach my dream anymore. I just want to live to the fullest, just like how he wanted me to be. How about you, child of a prostitute, the woman who caused the downfall of your family? Isn't your existence an embodiment of shame and embarrassment itself? Aren't you ashamed of her for birthing you?"
"You!! Say what you want with me, but I won't let you insult my mother!!"
Blinded by rage, General Gustavo quickly reached out for the sword in his waist and attempted to draw it. But-
"CUT THAT OUT! YOU LITTLE WHELPS!"
The general quickly regained his senses after hearing Mayor Panasolei's shout and sat back down.
"Enough of this unsightly bickering! And here I thought you could act mature after all those years, how disappointed I was! Listen up, don't bring me any more problems. Do you understand!?"
Without receiving any response, Mayor Panasolei almost snapped again, but he avoided doing so by leaning back into the chair and relaxing himself from the tension within him. After seeing that they both calmed down, he returned back their discussion to its tracks.
"So then? What should we do about this? I think it's best if we just keep this between ourselves. After all, I don't think it's a good idea to involve ourselves into someone's personal conquest of revenge."
"Yeah. Just leave him be. Revenge is something that should be done by the person who seeks for it. Or else they will never be able to forgive themselves and will drown into self-pity and despair. Let him do it so that he could finally rest in peace."
For a moment, General Gustavo had a pained expression, as if he had remembered something bitter from what the mayor had just said. Seeing this, Ainzach can't help but direct a sympathetic gaze towards him for a moment.
"What about you, Ainzach-san? What do you think we should do?"
"I agree with Gustavo. Let him deal with his personal grudges. Well, if he approaches us for any support, let's help him as much as we can. But in the meantime, let's keep the status quo and keep the things the same as before."
"Then it's decided. Let's keep this between ourselves and let the things go on as they were before."
"No objections."
"Same here."
"Very well. But still, a king going after revenge, huh. That's just too sad to hear."
Silence descended once more between them all. But this time, it's not due to formality or surprise but because they were all in deep thought on just what they had discovered.
After some time, Mayor Panasolei seemed to recall something and proceeded to ask about it.
"By the way, what about the thing where you keep calling Nabel-san by Nabel-oujo?"
"Oh, that? Well, no particular reason. I just though that she's too beautiful to be just a commoner. Maybe she's a noble's daughter who had trained and indulged herself into arcane magic since early of age. And seeing how she's progress, she must've had an excellent teacher. And commonly, excellent magic casters gets employed into the country or maybe by the royalty themselves, serving directly under the king just like with the Empire. That's what I think."
"I see. And here I thought your womanizer attitude is the one at work here."
"Oy, oy. I'm not a womanizer, you know. I'm just a normal, middle aged man who loves all ladies equally. What's wrong with that?"
"Everything. Being a womanizer is bad enough form someone of your age. And you're also the guild master of the Adventurer's Guild. Your actions reflects back to the adventurers and to the guild's reputations, you know."
"Meh, you don't have to worry about that. They are already used on being looked down upon. And also-"
BANG!!
The door loudly slammed open and a man in the civil guard uniform bursted into the room, his forehead bleeding hard and his right arm, also bleeding, lifelessly dangling by his side. Probably because he slammed his body into the door to open it, the man lost his balance and almost fell into the floor.
Swiftly, General Gustavo catches him in the middle of the fall and hoisted him into the sofa.
"Hey! You! Identify yourself! What happened? Why are you so wounded?"
Sweating hard and barely holding in his consciousness, the soldier coughed in between of his panting and tried his best to talk.
"P-private Lucas, reporting for *cough* duty. General, the man, the carriage driver who *pant* ... who reported about the kidnapping situation. He suddenly transformed into a monster and..., and indiscriminately attacked every soldier inside the western barracks. He's, *cough* he's coming after you, general! Please, please run away immediately!"
"What! Is that true! Dammit! What does that mean!?"
"S-sorry... I don't know... anything more."
Ainzach quickly hoisted himself beside the wounded soldier and took a vial of low grade potion from his pocket. After uncapping it, he poured it into the soldier's forehead and into his wounded arm. The bluish liquid seeped into his skin and slowly, his wounds began to close.
Probably due to him finally being able to finish his duty and being relieved to see his wounds healing, the soldier slowly lost his consciousness and fell asleep.
"Gustavo, what's happening? What does he meant by the cart driver turning into monster?"
Calmly but with fires of rage burning into his eyes, General Gustavo wordlessly stood up and picked up his mace.
"I don't know. But whatever may have happened or whatever the reason behind this may be, the culprit attacked one of my men. And that's the only thing that matters."
After saying so, General Gustavo started to walk away with fast and heavy steps, his pure white cloak flowing behind him.
"Tch! Hey, wait! It's unsafe to go alone! That thing is after you! Hey! Tch, that stubborn dumbass."
Ainzach hurriedly grabbed the sword hanging on the wall, as well as the round shield under it, and started running after the general.
"Then I, uh, I think I'll just stay here and take care of this guy. You two, be careful! Don't let your guard down!"
Mayor Panasolei nervously fidgeted around, at loss at what he should do as he stares at the two as they disappeared down the stairs and at the panicky receptionists at the doorway.
Both of them just looked at each other nervously, expecting each other to give out an explanation which would never come to be.
to be continued...
