Chapter 21 War (part 1)

It had been two months since the expected declaration of war came from the Empire, and now it was the season which turned one's exhaled breath white.

In villages all over the Kingdom the work had transited from outdoors to indoors due to the cold, so few people ventured outside now. This was true even for the adventurers, who gave the impression of working all year round.

Although there were cases where hungry monsters suddenly appeared in villages and there were emergency requests to fill, there was less to do for the most part. Because of that, adventurers considered this something like a season of rest, and channeled their energies into training, recreation or their side businesses.

That said, the Fortress City of E-Rantel wasn't like that right now. It was filled with life and activity.

The countless people gathered were shabbily dressed. Most of them were commoners, but their numbers were astonishing: there were around 250,000 of them. These many villagers had been gathered here for the battle against the Empire.

Loud battle-cries rang out everywhere. Few of them were shouted in earnest, but most were gripped by the fear of the coming battle, as they trained to distract themselves from the nagging worry that they would not be going home after this.

The wars with the Empire were a yearly occurrence and, as a result, many people had been broken down by them. There were those who laid down in unobtrusive niches, others who vented their frustrations by snapping at those around them, while a few sat down and hugged their knees in despair. They had no fighting spirit at all and only wanted to return home alive.

The older they were, the more likely they were to do this.

This was the true face of the Royal Army, and this scene was reflected all over the city.

To begin with, they had been rounded up by force. Then they were told that they would have to risk their lives in bloody battle for no gain to themselves. Even if they managed to return alive, they would return to a wasted harvest, and their lives would be very difficult.

For the villagers, this was no different from a drawn-out execution.

Logically speaking, it would be difficult to house and feed 3% of the Kingdom's population within a single city. However, E-Rantel was the frontline of the wars with the Empire, and had been designed to accommodate the Kingdom's military might.

After several battles with the Empire, the city had been prepared to handle 250,000 people with ease. Their storehouses were massive, and were probably the largest buildings in the city. The supplies kept pouring into those storehouses, one packed wagon after the other, and the unmotivated people looked fearfully at those carriages. It was as though they were staring at death slowly creeping towards them.

Everyone knew what was going to happen next.

This was a large-scale transfer of rations, which meant the war with the Empire was soon going to begin.

In the past, their battles had been fought during the harvest season of autumn. This war would be fought in winter, requiring expenditures for things like firewood, warm clothing and other items which had never been needed before.

As if the fear the war brought wasn't enough, the fact that they would have to fight under these conditions made it even worse. The gathered people could only pray to their respective Gods, as their commanders began to reunite them on predefined groups.

The militia was to begin their journey towards the battlefield; the Katze plains.

In the meantime, in a secured residence near E-Rantel, the King and two men were gathered, discussing the last stages of the battle that was about to begin.

"How did it get like this…" Rampossa III whispered worriedly, as his tired eyes ran through the document he held.

"If the Empire continues its yearly attacks, the chances of the Kingdom collapsing from within will be quite high. Keeping taxes as they are will cause a lot of people to starve to death, and if we reduce taxes, we won't have enough to fund our policies." Marquis Raeven said heavily, summarizing out loud the report.

Ranpossa placed his hands on his forehead, covering his face.

This was the result of years of saber-rattling with the Empire. By the time they realized the Empire's aim of paring away at the Kingdom's strength, it was far too late.

"Your Majesty…" Gazef whispered, saddened at the situation the Kingdom was facing.

"How… disturbing. If we'd known earlier… if only we'd dealt with this before the nobles had fully split into their factions… how foolish."

"Certainly not, your Majesty. I feel trying to address it would only have caused the Kingdom to split into two and triggered civil war, and the Empire would have taken advantage of our weakness to invade and conquer us. The conditions that led to this situation are the result of the previous Kings' inaction. It's impossible for one generation to erase the accumulated sins of all its ancestors." Raeven said firmly, reassuring the King that there had been no way to prevent it.

"I just want to leave a decent Kingdom to the next― to my children." Although the King spoke slowly, every word was laced with powerful purpose.

"Then… is this not the chance to do so? With this alliance, even at the high cost of losing part of our land, should we not strike a telling blow to the Empire so we can win a few years of peace for the Kingdom?"

"That is certainly possible, since that Magic Caster has accepted our terms of alliance… if he is as powerful as we predicted, we may save the country from falling into chaos."

The King knotted his brows, and Gazef's heart ached.

Losing E-Rantel and its immediate surroundings was a heavy hit for the King, since those lands belonged to the Royal Family, it meant that the King's power was going to be reduced, while the Nobles' would remain untouched.

But if this alliance prevented more wars from developing, the Kingdom would be able to recover however slightly, passing from a critical situation to one that was not so precarious. It wouldn't fix all their inner problems, but it would at least give them time. The alliance was the action of a King, forced to extreme measures to save his country.

Then, just as it seemed this oppressive atmosphere would last forever, Marquis Raeven spoke once more.

"I apologize for my curtness, but we can't waste time here, so let's get this over with quickly."

Although his face remained as cold as that of a snake's, Gazef could sense human emotions within him, as well as qualities that he could bring himself to admire.

I was a fool to not have seen his true nature beforehand. Am I really so bad at reading people?

With regret in his heart, Gazef recalled the meeting in the King's chambers before they left the Capital. There had been five people present; King Ranpossa III, Gazef himself, Third Princess Renner, Second Prince Zanack and Marquis Raeven. The things which the last two had said filled Gazef with surprise, shattering his set-in-stone preconceptions about the court.

In particular, learning that the man Gazef despised as vermin was actually the man who worked hardest for the King shocked him beyond description.

"I seem to be constantly causing trouble for you, and my daughter, Marquis Raeven." Ranpossa III lowered his head to the seated Raeven, a sincere expression on his face.

"Your Majesty, please don't do that. I only regret that I didn't take action earlier."

"Marquis Raeven, allow me to apologize to you as well," Gazef said as he bowed deeply. "I was deceived by surface impressions and harbored disrespectful thoughts about you without understanding your true intentions. Please forgive this foolish one."

"Captain-Warrior, there is no need to worry about that."

"Even so, if I am not punished for my foolishness, it will stick like a thorn within my heart."

Raeven seemed incredulous for a moment, shaking his head lightly from side to side before dictating Gazef's punishment.

"I understand… then, from now on, I shall not address you as Captain-Warrior, but as Gazef-dono. Consider that a token of my respect towards you."

It was a punishment that didn't even count as a one, so Gazef replied with sincere gratitude.

"Many thanks, Marquis Raeven."

"Think nothing of it, Gazef-dono. Then, let us begin discussing the direction in which the Kingdom will go from this day forth..."

Raeven continued to speak about the dark future that awaited them for many hours to come. As such, it was only once that meeting ended that Gazef could leave the secured residence, walking among the busy streets of E-Rantel while covering his head and shoulders, as to not drag attention.

Gazef slowly scanned his surroundings.

The soldiers, shouting as they ran back and forth ― they were the citizens. They were the people of the Kingdom, who came from villages all over the country to fight this war. They didn't look too reliable as soldiers however, since their hands were meant to hold hoes and shovels, not lances and swords.

Protecting them should have been the duty of the ones who ruled over them.

If they handed E-Rantel over, they would be hurting the people who lived within the city, just like the King said. However

Gazef recalled the image of Ainz Ooal Gown he had seen that day. The Magic Caster had returned to Carne Village just after dusk, with no sign of having fought a hard battle.

That was right. That man had easily defeated the enemies which had utterly decimated Gazef and his troops.

Truly, he didn't have any trouble imagining him as a King, it was a title that suited his peerless form of that day.

In addition, Gazef had a hunch. Although it stemmed purely from his warrior's instinct, he would be willing to swear that the uninjured Ainz he had seen return to Carne village had the faint scent of death rising up from him.

It was not so much that they had fled, but he had "let them flee".

Because of that, Gazef trusted more his instincts over what Ainz had actually said. There was no basis or evidence for this at all, since the bodies of the Sunlight Scripture were nowhere to be found, but they were most certainly dead.

"…I don't get it…"

He was a magic caster who could annihilate the foes which had defeated Gazef, and he could do so without a scratch.

How powerful was he? Certainly, he was several levels above Gazef and his warrior band.

What would happen if a being like that appeared on the battlefield and used his magic?

When two magic casters used magic of the same tier, the stronger magic caster would naturally be able to bring forth a more powerful spell. Considering that, what horrors would result if Ainz Ooal Gown were to cast a [Fireball]?

Whenever Gazef tried to imagine it, he ended up with a picture of dead people wearing the Empire's armor. Without doubt, they would expire in one hit with just a single spell from that great magic caster, Boullope's words be damned.

If it was a fire spell, they would become charred corpses. If it was an ice spell, they would become frozen corpses. If it was a lightning spell, they would be electrocuted corpses. No matter what perspective he tried to take, all he could come up with was death.

However, that sort of thinking might be too naïve. What if that man ended up using magic he had never seen before?

"Ahhhh… at least he is on our side and not against us." Gazef breathed out with relief.

Gazef felt that Ainz Ooal Gown was not a heartless man, given the way he had saved Carne Village. Yet, at the same time, he sensed that he was no ordinary good Samaritan. The image he had of Ainz was that of a man who showed no mercy to those that opposed him.

As such, Gazef was infinitely glad the Re-estize Kingdom had not opposed him.


Like this, as the days passed, the Kingdom's army finally arrived at the battlefield.

A crimson expanse spread before the eyes. It was a barren wasteland, devoid of almost all greenery; the Katze Plains.

It was a place where the undead and other monsters wandered, feared as a dangerous place by all living. The most fearsome thing was the thin mist that shrouded its monsters no matter the time of the day.

However, that mist was absent now. Visibility was excellent and one could see a long distance without issues. It was as though the land was welcoming the combatants of the upcoming war onto itself as future undead.

The undead had dispersed with the fog, and none of them could be seen. A silent, lifeless stretch of land spread before them.

Collapsed towers, built hundreds of years ago, jutted out from the earth like scattered tombstones. The towers were originally six floors high, but everything above the third floor had collapsed, and the debris was everywhere. Less than half of the thick walls were left.

As if to look down on this unhallowed land, a vast structure loomed high from the other side of the boundary― the side ruled by the Empire's troops.

It was built with huge logs that were nowhere to be found on the surrounding plains, with sturdy walls that seemed to deny passage to everything in its vicinity. It was ringed by a shallow ditch that was carefully excavated and filled with sharpened stakes. This was to ward against unintelligent undead.

On the other side of the ditch flew countless flags, bearing the insignia of the Baharuth Empire.

That was only to be expected. After all, this building was the Imperial Army's garrison base.

The Empire had mobilized 80,000 knights for this operation. The garrison could house all of them, which itself spoke volumes about the base's size. And this formidable fortress was built on a piece of easily defended terrain, on top of a hill. This hill wasn't native to the Katze Plains, but built up entirely through magical landscaping.

Even the Baharuth Empire, which had adopted a national strategy of increasing the number of their magic casters, could not complete a work like this in a short time. This structure had been built over a period of several years.

Originally, this place was intended to be the starting point of invasions targeting E-Rantel. That was to say, this massive fortress had been built with the intention of withstanding an extended siege by the Kingdom's hundreds of thousands of troops.

The Kingdom had no answer to the creation of this fortress, simply because they had no spare manpower or resources to attack the garrison.

Although they would unite when the Empire invaded their own country, when it came to launching an invasion, they had to discuss things with fellow members of their Noble faction. In addition, deciding who would foot the bill for declaring war despite none of their land being at stake was also an issue.

In the end, none of the nobles would bother unless they were in the line of fire.

This way, as it was usual, the two armies formed their battle lines along the gentle slopes of the crimson plains, staring each other down.

The awe-inspiring army of the Kingdom was 245,000 men strong, divided into a left wing of 70,000 men, a right wing of 70,000 men, and a central column of 105,000 men, skillfully encamped throughout three hills. However, this encampment was not ringed by wooden fences, but formed of a gigantic mass of troops.

The foremost five ranks of infantry carried two-handed pikes, each one easily over six meters long, and they were formed up into a spear line.

Their job was to substitute for an anti-cavalry fence in order to counter the heavy cavalry that comprised the core of the Empire's fighting strength. They didn't use actual anti-cavalry palisades for a simple reason; protecting that many people would require a ridiculous amount of wood. For a large army, it was better to make good use of a spear line.

Although this formation was quite solid and presented many problems for any attackers, it had its weaknesses as well.

Since the formation was dense and the weapons carried were heavy, it was all they could do just to stay in place and prevent enemy charges. As such, they lacked the ability to react quickly to enemy maneuvers, and if the Empire used bowmen or magic, their losses would be heavy.

Then again, not much more was expected from mere peasants. All that was required was that they deflect the first charge of the enemy.

On the other side, the Empire had 80,000 men.

Their numbers were vastly inferior to those of the Kingdom. However, the Imperial knights were relaxed, without so much as a hint of fear. They didn't feel they would lose at all, and this confidence came from knowing their own personal strength.

Even so, it was a simple fact that there was a vast disparity in the military power of both sides. Although it wouldn't be a problem if they could fight forever without fatigue, they were only human. Once they got tired, even the difference in their individual abilities would eventually be caught up to, and the Kingdom would have an upper hand.

The Kingdom also had one more advantage, a large one.

That was the value of each individual.

Most of the Kingdom's troops were composed of peasant levies. In contrast, the Empire fielded professional soldiers called Knights. A peasant was simply expected to hold a weapon, while each Imperial knight was carefully trained. Every loss by the Empire was more keenly felt than a similar loss by the Kingdom. The Empire simply couldn't afford to squander their knights in foolish offensives or wars of attrition.

Therefore, a pitched battle on open terrain like this was to the Kingdom's advantage.

Because of all this, the battles fought between the Empire and the Kingdom were typically minor skirmishes. The Empire's objective would be accomplished simply by pulling the Kingdom's army onto the battlefield. There was no need to waste valuable human resources, and the Kingdom knew this as well.

This scripted pageantry was what passed for "war" between the Empire and the Kingdom.

Even if that magic caster called Ainz Ooal Gown took part, it would still end in a minor skirmish. That was what most of the Kingdom's nobles thought. After all, the Empire's knights were not just a military force, but a police force as well. They were the people who protected the safety of the Empire.

What could a single Magic Caster do against that?

Some of the Nobles even doubted that Ainz Ooal Gown would arrive on time.

By tradition, the Imperial forces would parade before the Kingdom's troops, and then fall back. The Kingdom would then sound a victory cry.

This was how it had always been, so for them, it didn't even matter if the skirmish was settled even before that magic caster arrived to the battlefield.

This time around however— much to their surprise— The Imperial army didn't move.

They had remained still ever since they had deployed from the fortress-like castrum and arrayed themselves before the Kingdom's forces. It was as though they were waiting for the Kingdom to make the first move, or for something else.

"They're not moving. What's going on?" one of Raeven's bodyguards, the paladin of the Fire God, Boris Axelson, spoke up.

This was at the headquarters where Raeven was, as the one leading the 105,000 men in the middle of battlefield.

Marquis Raeven stood beside Gazef, speaking quietly as he surveyed the motionless Imperial knights from the safest place he could find, an observation point atop a hill that was slightly higher than the others.

If the Empire didn't move, then neither could the Kingdom.

An attack by the Kingdom now would be extremely foolish, given that they had already formed their spear line. Also, since the enemy was willing to retreat, there was no need for risky forays.

"All right then, looks like they're waiting for us…" Gazef muttered, but it was still loud enough to be heard by the others.

"The final declarations have been made, so they should be joining battle soon… Captain-Warrior, do you have an idea on what the Empire might be waiting for?" the same bodyguard asked him.

Thirty minutes ago, representatives from both armies had begun negotiations in the central area between them. Granted, that was simply a statement of unacceptable conditions from both sides that was more of a stage play than actual arbitration. Its true purpose was to show that each side was compassionate and willing to avert war until the last moment.

Of course, negotiations would break down, and that would be the signal for the fighting to begin.

If they were following the example of previous years, the Imperial Army should have begun moving out immediately. However, this time around, they remained stationary.

"Isn't it obvious? They must be aware of our alliance with Ainz Ooal Gown. Knowing the intellect of The Blood Emperor, I have no doubt he is waiting to see that man's power as well," Marquis Raeven replied, throwing a quick glance at his bodyguard before turning his attention once more to the battlefield. "One strong enough to make the Kingdom give up part of the territory."

Although the bodyguards were all well into their middle age, and their strength wasn't what it used to be, they had been orichalcum-ranked adventurers in their prime, and there was something about the way they carried themselves that made Gazef feel that he couldn't take them lightly.

This was only proven right when the man nodded, not questioning further after Raeven's short explanation.

"I really do hope this ends up without much intervention from our side however. Considering the other Noble's discussion… I can't assure they will keep coordinated." Raeven muttered under his breath, frowning at the current situation.

The Empire organized its legions by appointing a general over each one, under whom served division commanders, brigade commanders, and other officers, all in strict regimentation.

In contrast, the Kingdom's armies were composed of the house troops and levies each of the Kingdom's nobles could muster. The King was the overall commander— this time replaced by Raeven as per Rampossa's request— but each host would act as their own faction saw fit.

Simply put, it was a rag-tag bunch of misfits.

Although Gazef had the title of Captain-Warrior, in the end, he was only the commander of the warrior band which was directly loyal to the King, and he had no authority to give orders to the nobles. While it was possible for the King to order the nobles to listen to Gazef, the nobles had always disdained Gazef the commoner, and doing so would sow the seeds of future grudges. The King was aware of this, and so he ordered that Gazef wouldn't do such thing. That task would fall instead over Raeven, which was well respected by both factions.

"…It's the same thing as always, but I dislike the tension in the air."

Gazef tapped the sword at his waist for reassurance, and −out of habit− started to recount the items he had equipped.

The Gauntlets of Vitality, which negated fatigue. The Amulet of Immortality, which let him regenerate his wounds. The Guardian Armor, crafted of the hardest metal known to man, adamantite, and enchanted with magic that deflected lethal blows. And finally, Razor Edge, a magic sword crafted in pursuit of absolute sharpness, which could carve through enchanted armor like the proverbial hot knife through butter.

Mentally nodding to himself, Gazef looked out at the serried ranks of the Imperial knights with renewed energy.

He didn't think there were any strong opponents in the Empire besides Fluder Paradyne. Now that he was equipped like this, he even dared harbor the faint hope that he might even be able to defeat Fluder.

On the other hand, he didn't feel like he had any chance of defeating Ainz Ooal Gown. He could not even imagine the possibility. Gazef was glad they would be acting as allies, since even a hypothetical scenario regarding a fight against that magic caster was enough to imagine himself losing.

No matter how hard he tried to think positive and consider how things might go in his favor, the only thought that came to mind was of himself being instantly slain by the mysterious magic caster.

"What's wrong?" Raeven interrupted his musings.

"Ah, nothing…"

He knew he was the greatest warrior in the Kingdom. Allowing himself to appear weak would only lower the army's morale.

Raeven smiled thinly.

"Is it? Speaking of which, Gazef-dono. Do you know the conditions required to completely dominate E-Rantel?"

Gazef shook his head, silently wondering why Raeven had chosen to speak about that now.

"Odd as it sounds, I'm also quite anxious to see that man on action. After all, if he really wants to take over E-Rantel, Ainz Ooal Gown needs to show his power here. In addition, he has to achieve a victory so complete and absolute that none of the surrounding nations— in particular the Kingdom, that can instantly deploy its troops to take the city back— would dare think of making a move."

Gazef shivered, mentally thanking once more that they were not enemies but allies.

"What's wrong—?" at that moment, the Marquis' eyes turned back to the path from where the Kingdom's Army had first arrived, eyes opening wide before softly whispering "…Gazef-dono. It seems that man has arrived."

Indeed, a magnificent carriage advanced towards them, following behind mounted outriders. What made onlookers gasp was the fact that the carriage had no driver, and that the horse which pulled it was bigger than an ordinary horse. It was not a Sleipnir, but a magical beast which looked like a scaled horse.

Raeven snapped out of it, and following the agreement he had previously arrived to with the King Rampossa, addressed the soldiers he had under his direct command.

"Present arms to our guest!"

Protocol dictated that one should present arms to the heads of state of allied powers.

However, that protocol wasn't supposed to exist in military installations. That was because foreign dignitaries wouldn't normally come to a military base. Even if they did, presenting arms to an outsider was something which should be done in a safe, open place, and not in a military installation.

In addition, there was one more thing.

One would almost never present arms on the battlefield. This is because soldiers might think that the person to whom their commanding officer was presenting their arms to was superior even to him. That was one of the unspoken rules of the battlefield.

"Gentlemen, please present your arms." The order was passed down by the appointed leaders of each smaller group of men.

If it was an order, then all they had to do was follow. There was no need to think too much about it, so the soldiers raised their arms obediently.

The carriage stopped before them.

Gazef, even if not short by any means, still needed to look up to see the carriage properly.

It was breathtakingly beautiful. Its base color was a black that seemed to have been cut from the night sky itself, and the entire chassis was covered in elaborate ornamentation. Said decorations had the subdued radiance of brass, while the leather was a copper color, giving the whole an air of elegance and classiness. Although the embellishments might have been a little overdone, it didn't reach the point of tackiness. Instead, it resembled a giant treasure box.

Gazef had ridden the King's personal carriage on occasion, and he was of the firm opinion that the one in front of him was superior to it.

The other reason why he gasped was because of the beast pulling the carriage. It was most definitely not a horse. The creature gurgled softly, and its sharp teeth could be seen in the slight opening of its mouth. Its entire body was covered in scales that seemed to belong to a reptile, and underneath those scales were prominent, rippling bands of muscle.

Everyone around it was filled with an acute sense of alarm. Gazef himself could feel as sweat broke out on his back and palms, and he could hear Raeven's bodyguards hyperventilating from somewhere behind him. The beast was that terrifying.

Amidst the storm of panicked breaths, the carriage's door opened, and a couple of dark elves alighted.

The girl holding her twisted black staff was adorable, and the boy seemed very energetic. However, the things on the little girl's hands were utterly incongruous with the image she projected.

The left gauntlet was an evil-looking thing that resembled the hand of some demonic lifeform. It seemed to be made out of some sort of ominous black metal which was covered in twisted thorns. Its fingertips were sharpened into points, and the dirty radiance surrounding it seemed vaguely metallic, but resembled some sort of strange secretion. Just a single look filled all who saw it with a distasteful feeling, like their very souls were rejecting it.

In contrast, the right gauntlet looked like the pure, immaculate hand of a maiden. It was white in color and its slender proportions were covered in elaborate gold embroidery, which further emphasized its exquisite beauty. It drew the eye like bees to honey, and just like seeing a world-class beauty, the onlookers felt like they might lose their souls to it.

"A-Ah, Ainz-sama. I think we've arrived." the girl muttered, while the boy smiled and nodded enthusiastically in confirmation.

"Is that so? Thank you, Mare. Aura, any news?"

"All crystal clear!"

Although Gazef didn't know what they were talking about, he didn't have time to dwell on it.

After the twins elves descended, another figure revealed itself, the presence so heavy Gazef could instantly feel as his body tensed to withstand the sudden, additional weight.

Ainz Ooal Gown was dressed in the trappings that one would associate with an arcane magic caster. To begin with, he wore a jet-black robe, and on top of that, another black cloak, which was doubly curious. In addition, he bore a staff which was lavishly decorated, but not to the point of being overly ostentatious. Around his neck was a silver necklace set with a gemstone.

"We bid you and your entourage welcome, your Majesty, King Ainz Ooal Gown."

Raven greeted before lowering his head. Gazef mimicked the action, but didn't hear anyone else following suit.

Despite knowing it was very rude, he had to turn behind to look. The groups that conformed their army were frozen in place. They had been overwhelmed by the Sorcerer-King's presence and could not move.

He could understand that. However, if this went on, it wouldn't turn out well.

In the end, it was one of Raeven's Commanders who broke through their stupor.

"Legion!" the man roared in a crisp, bracing command that fitted perfectly his rank. "A salute! To his Majesty, the King Ainz Ooal Gown!"

Slowly, the soldiers presented their arms once more to Ainz, at least those closest to their current position.

Raeven had positioned this small group here precisely so they could welcome him in this manner.

Ainz simply nodded and thanked them, before giving them permission to rise. The act came completely natural, as if he were used to given this kind of command, which only served to cement his image as a ruler.

Ainz casted off the black cape on his shoulders, the jet-black fabric flapping like a raven's wings as it spread open. In that moment, the cold, oppressive air that surrounded him vanished like it had never been.

All that was left was an ordinary human being, with the presence of an ordinary human being.

It was frightening.

Judging by the sound of someone gulping behind him, Gazef wasn't the only one that thought so.

He had witnessed Ainz' shocking nature before, but even so, the man standing in front of him seemed too ordinary, which only deepened his trepidation. He felt like a large predator was slowly drawing close to him.

A wolf in sheep's clothing.

The soldiers, who knew nothing, were probably beginning to sense the oddity of the situation. The air filled with a growing disquiet.

"I see the encounter is about to begin. Considering the agreement was for me to open this battle with a spell, I trust you'll allow me to go at the front of your soldiers."

As per Renner's suggestion, the Kingdom had written among the mutual agreement that Ainz would begin the battle with his most powerful spell. This was done with the intent of measuring up his real power, determining weaknesses, and seeing which would be the best way to defeat him to recover the lost land.

That being said, why would a magic caster go to the front of the battlefield?

Everyone knew that spell casters were not proficient at close combat, so they were usually placed on the rear. This way, the others could serve as shields and not allow the enemy to come near them.

"We could ask for nothing more." Raeven promptly acquiesced, a perfect poker face in place before he wrinkled his brow in puzzlement. "…However, I must ask, from whence shall your forces arrive, your Majesty? We cannot wait too long…"

"There will be no need to wait, my force is already nearby."

The answer made Gazef's heart skip a beat. Anxiously, he looked at the sky, but there didn't seem to be any airborne troops approaching.

Naturally, there was an extensive security net surrounding the rear of the Kingdom's army. The approach of anyone apart from those troops would be immediately reported to general-ranked personnel. Could it be that a report had been lost?

Raeven looked around, but it didn't seem like anyone present knew anything about it.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to alarm you. It's only natural you cannot detect it, but I assure my force can arrive immediately." Ainz answered the unspoken question with an amused smile upon seeing their reaction.

"I see..." Raeven trailed off, seemingly doubtful "How many troops will be coming?"

"The necessary." Ainz replied simply with a secretive smile "There's no need to assign me an honor guard either, my subordinates are here after all."

Although Raeven hid his reaction masterfully, the people behind could not conceal their worry. As allies, such relevant information should be conveyed to them—

At that moment, Ainz made a light motion, and the people closest to him relaxed his shoulders, Gazef included.

Well, it should be fine.

Gazef suddenly felt as if he could lay back and relax, trusting Ainz completely to achieve victory.

But wasn't there something…?

No, I need to be alert. The Kingdom's safety…

The thought was pushed to the back of his mind, deemed irrelevant as Ainz walked. The crowd of soldiers parted to let him through, as natural as breathing, until Gazef couldn't see his back any longer.

He could only see him again once the Magic Caster arrived to the front of the line, right at the middle of the 105,000 men that composed the middle wing of troops. This made him wake up from his stupor, sharing a worried glance with Raeven before requesting permission to go with Ainz at the front.

Had the King come to the battlefield, Gazef would have been unable to leave his position, but since that wasn't the case he could move as deemed necessary.

After a hurried, curt nod, Gazef barked the order to his men and followed through the parted crowd to reach Ainz' position in the front.


In the meantime, inside the Empire's Palace, Fluder, along with those whose position allowed them to be close to the Blood Emperor, watched the battle develop through magical means.

The spell [Sixth sense] allowed them to see everything Fluder's familiar— an Adarna— did, the image being projected in a special item. The Adarna had regenerative skills that made it ideal for exploration tasks, since it would survive even if the enemy attacked, so long it wasn't a fatal blow.

The only downside about this method was the fact that the spell consumed magic for as long as it was active, so the surveying would end the moment Fluder ran out of mana. Although there were several disciples standing nearby to share their mana, it could still be insufficient if the battle was a long one.

This was the best option however, since this method couldn't be prevented by most known Anti-divination magic.

As such, they saw as an unfamiliar flag rose into the air, parting the Kingdom's army in two, to make a path. It was a flag Fluder had never seen before, adorned with a bizarre crest that seemed to belong to another civilization entirely, since he didn't even recognize the form as familiar.

All eyes were on that magic caster as he finally reached the front of the army, an action questioned by everyone present.

"Gramps, is there a tactical reason to move to the front?"

Fluder turned towards the only person that called him 'gramps', the Blood Emperor, Jircniv.

"Your Imperial Majesty, magic also has to obey the laws of this world. As such, I cannot think of any, considering he is facing a whole army. If it were a one on one battle, it would be different, but—"

Fluder's phrase was cut short as a voice resounded, seemingly coming from the walls of the room.

"Greetings, soldiers of the Baharuth Empire."

…Which was completely impossible; they could only hear what Fluder's familiar could, which would mean that Ainz Ooal Gown's voice was resounding through the whole battlefield

"I am fully aware that you are here to fight, to die in the name of your Emperor, Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix. Unlike him however, who has carelessly sent you to fight me, I am not fond of meaningless death. I am a merciful King, and as such, I will give you a handicap, should you chose to use it."

The view changed as Fluder's familiar —a simple-looking small brown bird whose only distinctive feature was its four thin long tails— flew closer to Ainz' position. They could see the man speak with a finger over his throat, which was probably due to the spell that carried his voice to the whole battlefield.

The magic caster raised the unoccupied arm and made a harsh, horizontal movement. As if he were lashing at something with his bare hand.

At the same time, a glowing line was drawn just behind the Empire's fortress. As if something were burning, white but clear smog rose up until it formed some sort of wall, so everyone in the battlefield could probably see the new addition clearly, no matter the distance or position they were in.

"If you chose to retreat, all you have to do is cross that line, and my forces will not persecute you. Cross that line, and you will be safe." the silky voice was inviting, a small understanding smile seemingly gracing his features.

Fluder wasn't paying attention to any of that though.

In such a short span of time, that magic caster had used two spells he didn't know existed.

The glowing line traced at their side of the battlefield irradiated an overwhelming power. This stormy pressure that overflowed didn't exist physically, so only Fluder and others with similar abilities would feel the torrent of power— of sheer magic — emanating from it. His body shook violently, as if exposed to the frigid north winds.

"Im-Impossible ..."

How could it be possible?

How is it possible that someone stronger than him can exist? But even if he tried to deny it, what he saw before his eyes was pure reality, his ability to perceive a magic confirmed it.

"7th level... No, with the enormous amount of energy it has, could it be... The proof that 8th level exists...?"

If this was true, then it was limited to the field of legends, which made him unable to speak. The 5th level was already in the realm of heroes, and the 6th level that Fluder had reached was a kingdom that no one had ever touched before.

However, someone who had easily reached the upper levels had suddenly appeared before him.

And he seemed to be a healthy young man. Did his age really correspond to his appearance?

He should have gone to the battlefield, if he could see that man personally, he would be able to measure up his magical power. Maybe if Fluder hurried, he could still use [Teleportation] to go to the fortress—

"Now then, let us begin." the silky voice turned dangerous in an instant, but the image that followed completely threw Fluder off balance.

"What is that?!" he exclaimed, raising from his seat upon seeing unknown magic.

Ainz had waved his arm. In response, a magic circle sprang into existence, roughly ten meters in radius and shaped like a dome. It was centered on him, and although the people on his left and right, a couple of young dark elves and Gazef Stronoff, were engulfed by it, they seemed fine. It would seem the magic circle didn't harm allies.

This fantastic sight drew everyone's attention, even if they knew this was an emergency situation.

The magic circle glowed bluish-white, and translucent symbols appeared across its length and breadth. The sigils changed with kaleidoscopic speed, shifting between runes and letters that nobody had ever seen before.

Trembling, he witnessed as the world was dyed with a bright light, and Fluder felt his consciousness vanish.

What happened in front of his eyes was inexplicable.

Even Fluder, who had lived for more than two hundred years, someone who had reached the highest peak of magic attainable for human beings, could not understand what was happening.

"I ... what ... how is this possible?" Fluder could feel something warm flowing down his cheeks, but he didn't bother to clean it, or rather, he no longer had the strength to do it. The shock had caused his emotions to sink into chaos, who could have seen it coming?

Ainz Ooal Gown had reached a level that Fluder could never reach.

"If that was the 8th level, then this is… the 10th level? No! What— hoooo, God!"

The immense energy surrounding the Magic Caster Ainz left him speechless. Finally, the tenth level, maybe something that surpassed even that. While it existed in legends, there had never been anyone who could provide absolute proof of its existence.

But now someone who was in position to do so had deigned to appear before him.

Fluder, who had managed to remain standing up until now, knelt with tears flowing from his eyes. He now could have a teacher, someone that could teach him the abyss of magic−!

"Gramps, Gramps, what's up, Gramps?!" Fluder, using the tiny piece of thinking that was still somewhat coherent, managed to regain a semblance of consciousness after realizing that someone was calling him.

"Fu, fuhahahaha!" but still, he couldn't help but release a laugh of pure joy.

Had he been coherent enough to actually see the others, he would have noticed that the royal guards, the acolytes and the priests, the faces of everyone except Jircniv's were frozen by the commotion.

Jircniv couldn't help but frown upon seeing the way Fluder was acting.

Fluder Paradyne, the man kneeling and wailing like a child was considered the Magic Caster of the highest order, and a hero who possessed an unparalleled education and knowledge. Innumerable passages in the history books of the Empire told about how he alone confronted the monsters that threatened the peace of the nation, and emerged triumphant. His holy behavior also meant that he was honored and respected by many people.

In truth, many of the people present here felt that for him.

And now, Fluder was laughing in a way that shattered the mental image everyone had of him.

There was no doubt that Fluder exuded terrifying pressure, and it was not the warm feeling that Jircniv sometimes felt about the man who was as close to him as a father.

He possessed immense magical power, enough to face the Four Imperial Knights at the same time, and his voice had taken a demented tone as he seemed to be going crazy.

It was natural for the nearby Imperial Guards to feel goosebumps of fear.

"...be able to control, such magic! Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! Fuhahahha! " Fluder was kneeling, crying like a newborn even if his face was smiling madly.

No, that wasn't right.

This was the true nature of a man who had abandoned his position as magician of the Imperial court to lean out and take a look at the deep mysteries of the abyss called "magic."

Until now, it had been hidden under the mask of a hero, but in front of a powerful magic caster, he couldn't help but show himself.

"Cast a calming spell over him!" Jircniv ordered to one of the disciples present in the room, who had been looking fearfully at his mentor.

"Y-yes! [Waves of the Sea]!"

"Hahaha… ah. Thank you my dear Jir. My pupils, open your eyes wide and appreciate the fact that you can pose them on the largest, the most eminent of all the magic casters on the continent. Now that you have seen the end of your trip, you must work hard to achieve it!" Fluder seemed unable to control the wide smile on his face as he spoke.

"A spell of a higher level... how incredible..." Fluder continued to murmur before finally focusing on Jircniv "Haha, please forgive my rudeness, Your Imperial Majesty, my mind was elsewhere."

I didn't notice. Jircniv thought sarcastically with a frown, but couldn't comment on it.

Not after seeing what happened once that colorful spell finally activated.


AUTHOR NOTE:

Well, at first I had placed the whole War in a single chapter, but then I noticed that it wasn't reader-firendly in the slightest. This is a fanfic, not a book, so it should be short enough so you can read it in a go without your eyes burning for staring at the screen for too long.

Well, thanks for reading and hope you liked it! See ya' on next chapter. This part has 7.8K words = 19 pages in Word.