Great Tomb of Nazarick - Ainz's Room, 9th Floor
"Haaaah... I'm tired..."
A skeletal figure enclosed with magnificent, exquisite purple robes is lying facedown into a big, wide bed. His arms and legs are all spread apart, giving him the perfect image of a working adult who had just returned from a tiring day at work and jumped up straight into the bed.
Although his skinless, white skull doesn't show any emotions, it's clear that he is feeling bliss and relief from his situation.
"A God, huh. Ridiculous."
He reached his bony fingers to his skull and stroked it down to his pointed jaws.
"Instead of a God, I look more like a Demon King or a Harbinger of Death. Calling me a God is out if my capacity. Although I got no qualms about it, since it makes me seem more powerful and fearsome in their point of view."
Ainz just came back from the Lizardmen village he had Cocytus subdue. After reviving a certain Lizardman as a part of his agreement to that white albino, he immediately teleported to Nazarick with the female dark elf guardian of the 6th Floor, Aura.
Right after teleporting, Albedo received his presence in the Throne Room and praised him for his successful test on the resurrection magic. She also informed him that by doing it, the Lizardmen must regard him as a God rather than a King.
He remembered how quickly his passive skill suppressed his urge to shout 'EEEEHHH?!'. Being called a Supreme Being took him some time to get used to. Being called a God is much worse.
In his career in the real world as a simple salaryman, Suzuki Satoru is just as equal to the majority. He is just a normal simple day to day worker. His lack of talent kept him from getting promoted even once.
He never wanted to in the first place, since getting a promotion will just lead to more work and less time to play YGGDRASIL. His salary and savings are more than enough for himself, since he don't have any relatives or a lover to spend for. Even when he burned his three months' worth of salary in a gacha game, he didn't get financially inconvenienced at all.
But upon coming to this world three months ago, he immediately got promoted to a Supreme Ruler of Nazarick, something like a CEO, as comparison. He had to manage the whole Nazarick on his own. He never felt so panicked and stressed before. In fact, he can't stop worrying about his capability as a ruler that he dumped all the responsibilities and issues to Albedo and Demiurge, before escaping to E-Rantel using the pretext of gathering information in the guise of Momon.
Of course, he didn't run away. He's still doing his best on how to become a great ruler. Day and night, he would study and read books that teaches how to become one. He would ponder various things that is related in how a ruler should be. It's just that he's not confident that he could handle the complicated issues by himself.
Thankfully, they both accepted the tasks he gave them, since their loyalty and desire to serve him is unparalleled. In fact, everyone in Nazarick feels the same way. For some reasons, they all regard him with the highest respect and loyalty that they would lay their lives for him without a single hesitation and compliant, whatever the reason may be.
That eased his leadership complex and he eventually wholeheartedly accepted and took stand of his new role as a ruler. Although it took him weeks, he finally faced his new responsibility. Unlike when he just got here, he is now ready to face it.
However, the complicated parts of his responsibility as a ruler, such as the accountancy, bureaucracy and management in the guild is handed to Albedo, since she is more than capable enough to do that. She's created to be the Guardian Overseer, so her intelligence is top notch. Handling those tasks should be simple for her.
While the responsibility to find ways on how to adjust and stabilize the Nazarick on this world, as well as dealing with the supplies and stocks of all sorts of things in Nazarick is left to Demiurge. Recently, he just found a way on how to steadily produce scrolls and manuscripts for low-level tiered magic. It's essential and useful for everyone in Nazarick who doesn't have those low-level but handy magic like [Heal, [Message, and other useful magic. Especially for those who he had given tasks and objectives on the outside world, like Sebas.
Both he and Albedo are high-class demons. Their intelligence are topnotch. He is confident on letting them both manage Nazarick is a better choice than himself to do it. After all, he's not intelligent like Punnito Moe, nor is he good at responding to emergency situations like Touch Me could.
To put it more harshly, Suzuki Satoru is just a plain, talentless, normal guy. He might be good in memorization, but that ability hardly gives him that much opportunities in life, much less in being a ruler. He couldn't deal with Nazarick by himself. That's why he had Albedo and Demiurge do the intelligent work.
After all, letting capable ones deal with complicated things is the best choice. Having an incompetent superior try to handle things would only spell disaster.
But at the same time, it confused him deeply. Even though Demiurge and Albedo were designed to be highly intelligent, he has no idea on how it became that way here in the new world. Intelligent is something that has to be accumulated and stored inside the head over time. The background of the two may sat that they are both highly intelligent, but no knowledge is included in their design. Their AI was only built for battle skills, patters, and various voice command recognitions. Nothing that could be called 'intellect' is included in it.
So why are they very intelligent? What is the cause of it? Where did the knowledge of all NPCs came from?
The high value of the stats of Intelligence or Wisdom couldn't possibly cause that. Because if that's the case, then Suzuki Satoru right now would be a highly intelligent person. His character is highly concentrated in magical-related spells. And all of those needs Intelligence stats to be gained or used efficiently. Being a character concentrated solely on magical-related spells, which all consumes Mana, Ainz's Intelligence stats is always the first to get raised with the stat points he gains whenever he levels up.
[Maximum Mana Value Increase, [Mana Regeneration Rate Increase, [Mana Consumption Rate Reduce, [Magical Damage Increase, [Magical Defense Increase, and other magical-related power-ups are irreplaceable to someone like Ainz's character build. His magical power greatly depends on the level on his Intelligence stats. Of course, items and equipments could also substitute, but they always get changed from time to time. Data crystals that increases a user's stats is widely common.
While using stat points to increase one's stats are permanently increased unless the character dies and it's level is reduced. It is far more efficient than using items to raise one's stats.
So he could not understand why those two are so intelligent. Both of them has lower Intelligence stats when compared to his, but they are far wiser and complex than him. And their AI is not even built that way.
After reaching the max level, his Intelligence stats are already beyond the average threshold of others similar to his build. But Suzuki Satoru's intelligence didn't get affected in any way in the real world. If it did, he should have been promoted to at least department head with his level of Intelligence. He won't stay just a simple salaryman who earns only enough to fend himself. No, all YGGDRASIL players would be superhumans if their stat points in the game affects them in real life.
In accordance to that mystery, he decided to put it in a corner in his mind for the meanwhile. Since it is not really urgent and is only being considered due to his curiosity and interest in that topic.
Because right now, he is really busy. He had other important duties to do at this period of time.
Exactly a month ago, one of the Floor Guardians, Shalltear, was almost controlled by a World Class Item. However, something must've happened before she was completely controlled that caused the mind control to be only halfway complete.
To revert her back to her normal self, Ainz had no choice but to kill her. After than incident, a burning hatred and anger towards whoever started it and caused him to kill one of his comrades' children blazed within him. He vowed not to let something like that happen again.
For the past few days, he had been trying to bait the unknown enemy. But it wasn't successful in any way. However, he couldn't let his guard down. So he always keeps an eye for whatever events may unfold. Nazarick's security is also set to it's highest level due to the dangers of the unknown enemy.
His past ordeal plus the constant alertness he always executes in his surroundings against the unknown enemy had mentally exhaust him. Since he is an undead, his body doesn't feel exhaustion. But his mind, Suzuki Satoru's mind, gets easily exhausted from the mental pressure he always experiences on a daily basis.
Which leads to his lazy behavior in this moment.
"This soft bed.. feels so good... My bed back at home is nothing compared to this. Haaah..."
Ainz started to roll around the bed like a child who entered a hotel for the first time. Since his robes are magic items, they wouldn't get crumpled or rip even if he does this until the next day. Doing something like this is one of the few ways he could ease his stress and mental exhaustion.
After rolling a dozen of times, he finally stopped and laid on his back. He just stayed like that, while staring at the lamp in the ceiling. He emptied his mind and didn't think of anything.
Haaah... This is nice. I wish I could just lay around as long as I want. No worries, no problems, nothing. I should get a vacation sometimes. Should I take on a long distance mission from the Adventurer's Guild? I wish Albedo and Demiurge wouln't nitpick me when I take on such missions. Yep, let's do tha-
When suddenly, Ainz felt something connect in his thoughts. His short delusion is quickly cut off by that action. After easing himself from getting angry for disturbing his idle delusions, he reached his bony fingers into his temple and mentally accepted the incoming [Message].
[Ainz-sama, sorry for disturbing you. I have something important to tell you.]
Ainz recognized the voice from the other end, Narberal. She's currently at the E-Rantel, on their room at the Shining Golden Pavilion, to standby for any news regarding Momon and to serve as a bait for potential enemies.
Hearing that she had contacted him, the reason must be pretty important. He immediately rose up and sat on the edge of the bed.
"That's fine. What is it?"
[A messenger from the guild had just left me a message. The leader of the Adventurer's Guild, Ainzach Pluton, as well as the city mayor, Panasolei Gierge Di Leitenmaya, had requested for your attention at the Adventurer's Guild.]
Ainz knotted his nonexistent eyebrows. He tried to recall any possible reasons for the request of his presence, but sadly, he didn't find any.
"Did the messenger say anything else? What's their reason for doing so?"
[Unfortunately, the messenger don't know anything else. All he knows is that your attention is being requested.]
"I understand. I'll be teleporting there shortly. Send a [Message] to Ainzach and tell him we're coming shortly."
[Yes. I got it.]
"Good. Do it immediately after this."
Ainz closed the connection between them. After inhaling, he casted a [Message] to Albedo. After some time, he felt connection between them click.
[Eh? Um, Ainz-sama? No, I mean, what do you want from me?]
Noticing Albedo's startled reply, Ainz concluded that he might've bothered her.
"Sorry. I must've disturb you."
[Ah? No, it's fine! I'm already finishing up, after all! I should apologize for my insolent reply!]
"Finishing up? Is it a task from me? Which one is it?."
[No, that's not it, Ainz-sama. Since you told us to rest up, um, well, I decided to take a break and have a bath.]
The words didn't quickly registered yet upon hearing her say it. After awhile, it sank into his mind and he stated to fumble around in panic.
"A-ah! Well, is that so? S-sorry for disturbing you. I'll just finish this up quickly then you could resume your bath. Yes, I'll just make this real quick."
[Please don't apologize, Ainz-sama. Serving you is the greatest joy a servant of yours could do. So, what's your reason for calling me?]
Ainz inhaled deeply and regained his composure. After making sure that he's back to his regal self, he began to explain the recent events.
"Narberal had just contacted me. I'll be leaving for E-Rantel for awhile. I'll be leaving Nazarick to your capable hands for the meantime."
[Yes! Thank you for trusting me this much! This humble servant of yours will work harder from now on!]
Uwah. She's overreacting again. Seriously, do they all have to do this every single time?
"Y-yeah. Well then, I'll be going now."
[Be careful on your journey, Ainz-sama!]
"Yeah. I will."
[Also, pl-]
Ainz quickly shut off the connection before she could say anything else. Especially since she would surely send more farewell reminders every time he would leave. It might be part of her personality, or maybe it's the effect of the change in settings of hers that he has done. Ainz is not really interested to find out.
He channeled magic into himself and he felt his body becoming light. After some time, the scenery completely changed from his room into another wide, spacious room.
Ainz's gaze fell downward to the figure that was before him. Narberal is genuflecting before him with her head lying low in her Battle Maid form.
Ainz felt irritation blaze into him. But before his passive calming skill was able to kicked in, he already exploded and released his pent-up annoyance.
"Narberal, why are you genuflecting before me again? How many times have I told you not to do that when we're playing the role of Momon and Nabel? If someone happens to see you doing that or while you're in your Battle Form, the relationship and identity of us both will be questioned! I don't want any troublesome things to happen! Do you really understand?"
"I-I'm deeply sorry, Ainz-sama! I just thought that not showing my respect to you is even more disrespectful! Please forgive my insolence!"
Narberal started to tremble uncontrollably. Ainz could hear her teeth gnashing in fear. The corner of her eyes began to water but she's doing her best to hold it in. She perfectly looks like a mouse cornered by a cat right now.
Seeing this, Ainz felt like scolding himself. He looks like he just bullied someone to tears. However, he can't just leave it like this. He has to correct Narberal's attitude. Letting it pass again after so many times is unacceptable for a ruler like him. Even mercy has it's limits. After all, it could lead to troublesome matters if someone did see her doing this.
"This is the last time I'm going to say this. Don't genuflect before me when I'm playing the role of Momon or when we're somewhere in the public, not even here in our room. The enemy who targeted Shalltear may be keeping us under surveillance out of the range of our preparation, such as using a World-Class Item with reconnaissance or spying functions, and the link between Ainz and Momon may be found out. And thus, I am carrying along a World-Class Item to avoid such risks. But on the other hand, you don't. So if you're seen in your Battle Maid clothes, it is directly asking for suspicions. That's why I prohibited you from changing into those clothes. Don't disappoint me further, Narberal Gamma. Or else I'll have to punish you."
Narberal lowered her head even more until it's almost touching the floor. Her forehead is filled with sweat and it's dripping down into the floor.
"Yes!! Thank you so much for your kindness! However, this disrespectful servant of yours is unworthy of accompanying you when I had repeatedly disobeyed your orders! Please kill me for-"
Ainz released a dark, heavy aura in the whole room. It's as if a thick cloud covered the sunlight and a very cold wind blew in. The room turned dim and cold.
Narberal must've thought that it's due to what she had said because she forcefully grinded her forehead down into the floor.
"Stop asking me to kill you. I've already told you countless of times that I will not kill you or anyone in Nazarick for your mistakes. I regard you all as my children. Making me kill you will pain me deeply. Do not make me feel that kind of pain. Also, death won't solve anything. It won't correct your mistakes. Instead, work hard to make up for it and never do it again. That way, you'll be forgiven. Do you understand, Narberal? If you do, then engrave it in your heart and soul so that you won't forget it and avoid doing the same mistake. And fix yourself up before following me. I'll be waiting outside."
After changing into his usual armor, he walked away from the trembling and sobbing Narberal and turned the doorknob.
He then stepped out of the room and looked around the hallway. After closing the door and confirming that no one is around, he exhaustedly leaned on the wall beside the door of their room. He then planted his palm against his helmeted face. If only his expression would change, it would express guilt and regret right now.
Uwah. I must've overdone it. I hope she won't start to hate me for what I've done. Huuuh... I feel horrible for making her cry, but it's also for her own good. I'll just buy her a gift or something later to ease up the tension between us.
When he finally eased himself, Ainz started to walk again and went downstairs.
Some people in the lobby stared at him but he is used to it now and didn't pay any heed. He then exited the inn and headed to the stable behind it.
After reaching it, he saw Hamsuke with a happy expression while sleeping. Seeing her like this, Ainz felt irritation swell up within him again once more. However, when he remembered what just happened due to him getting carried away, he instantly calmed down.
But the irritation is still present.
He gently tiptoed and made as less noise as possible towards Hamsuke. Upon reaching within only a step away, he pointed his finger towards Hamsuke before chanting a spell.
"[Minimized Mental Magic: Terror Effect]"
"HUWAAAH!!"
Hamsuke forcefully woke up and jumped in fear. Her fur stood up on it's edge and her tail swung wildly. Her big, onyx eyes was wide open in panic. She frantically looked around and saw Ainz. After realizing what happened, she breathed a sigh of relief.
"Jeez. Please don't surprise me, milord. This Hamsuke is not good at surprises."
"Sorry. Seeing you with a very relaxed face just somehow vexed me and I got the urge to surprise you."
"Eh? Why, milord? Did something happen?"
"No, nothing. Don't worry about it. Anyway get ready. We're setting out."
"Ooh! And where are we headed?"
"The Adventurer's Guild."
"Understood!"
City of E-Rantel, Adventurer's Guild, 2nd Floor
Ainz checked his gear as he follows the receptionist towards the room he had been called to. After making sure that nothing is out of place, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Soon after, the receptionist stopped before a door leading to a room. It was the same room that he had been called to a month ago during the incident relating Shalltear.
"Momon-san, the Guildmaster and the city mayor are waiting for you inside."
"Umu. Thank you for leading me here. You may now go."
The receptionist slightly bowed down to him before walking back down to her station.
After she had completely disappeared downstairs, Ainz knocked the door three times and waited for a response. A male voice gave affirmation to enter.
Hearing this, Ainz quickly opened the door and went inside before closing it again. Inside the room, three men were seated all around while glaring at him.
"Everyone, sorry for not coming right away. I had an important matter to attend to, so I was away when the messenger went into the lodge I'm staying to."
"Ah, don't worry about it. In fact, were thankful that you've come right away soon after. Anyway, please have a seat anywhere you like."
"Then, please excuse me."
Ainz took the nearest seat and sat down at it. After that, he returned their gazes and stared back at them.
In an instant, Ainz felt uneasy from their gaze. It's as if they have a deeper meaning behind it. They look at him as if they want to convey something they could not. They look worried. They look desperate.
Ainz started to panicked slightly after noticing their stares at him. He quickly racked his nonexistent brain for events or any reasons why, but he hadn't found any.
Luckily, it wasn't long before he knew the answer. Ainzach stood up and cleared his throat. Everyone turned their attentions to him.
"Now that Momon-san is here, we may now start. This must be the first time of the two of you meeting each other, so I'll introduce the both of you before we begin. Momon-san, this is General Gustavo, the one in charge of all garrison troops at the fortress east of E-Rantel, as well as every militia soldiers here in this city."
The other man nodded at him in acknowledgment. Probably around in his forties, the general gives out an aura he felt similarly to Gazeff, an aura of someone who had gone through countless battles. His body is also built fit for battles, with the height matching Ainz's. His eyes are full of strength and vigor, with stares that makes you fell like you're being eyed by a wild beast.
His equipment is also benefitting his position. Similar to Ainz, he uses a full plated armor, but his is painted in white and gold colors. On his shoulder pads and knees, a lion's head with it's jaws wide open are carefully engraved. A huge mace with the same color is laid down on the floor beside him. On his back, a white cape with the emblem of the Kingdom in gold embroidery is proudly displayed.
Even someone with a very low sense of value could see that his gear is highly expensive. It could even rival Ainz's magnificent gear as Momon in appearance, although the defensive properties and other enchantments are miles apart.
If Ainz is the dark, he would be the light.
Seeing him reminds Ainz of majestic Paladin or a Holy Guardian, two job classes in YGGDRASIL that deals with powerful physical attacks imbued with holy element.
"Hooh. So you are Momon, the 'Dark Hero'. I've finally seen you in person. Now I see why you are an adamantite-ranked adventurer. Seems like your exploits were all true, after all. Venturing on the battlefield since my youth, my sense for strong enemies have been honed till the highest level. And seeing you, I got the feeling that I'll have to fight seriously against you or else I'll regret it."
"No, no. Please don't be so polite. It should be me who must be wary of my well-being. I've also heard about you and you achievements. Winning against those odds with only that number of troops, I'm deeply impressed. The title 'God of War' fits you perfectly. In my present state, I would rather avoid battle against you if I could."
"Oh really? Well, if you insist, then I'll just dismiss my intent to challenge you into a duel whenever the chance to do so presents itself. But if you changed your mind, I'll gladly accept it anytime you want."
"Now that's a great proposal. I shall remember to do that. But word of caution, I don't hold back. I won't be arrested for badly hurting a general, will I?"
"Nah, no worries. In fact, that'll be better. I myself would prefer to fight till my heart's content. Whatever may happen, the victor will be the victor. No demands or grudges will be kept between them. How about that, Momon-san?"
"Sounds great, General Gustavo. I should begin strengthening myself up as soon as I can. And then I should send you a notification if I deem myself worthy to challenge the one known as the 'God of War'."
"Hah! I'll be looking forward to it!"
General Gustavo laughed heartily from his words. Ainz also followed suit to ease the atmosphere between them. From the change of the aura he's releasing towards him, Ainz is sure that the general views him as a likeable person.
Ainz is not exaggerating or being polite towards General Gustavo. Based from the information he gained, he is someone worthy enough for him to be wary about. Gazeff may be the one with the greatest strength and martial might in the Kingdom, but General Gustavo is far more experienced and skillful than he is.
Several years ago, in accordance to the order of the former Emperor, an army of eighty thousand strong has launched an invasion to the Kingdom. And their first target is the city of E-Rantel among all.
Back then, the soldiers of the Empire is not as trained and as well-equiped as they are now. They are more or less just militia, similar to the quality of the forces of the Kingdom. Just a bunch of peasants who were taught how to hold and use basics of a spear and formations.
However, their numbers are superior enough to cover up for the quality they lack. And those numbers are more than enough to break through E-Rantel and conquer it.
And at that time, General Gustavo's duty is to occupy the fort outside of the city of E-Rantel and stand as a delaying force when an invasion occurs. For short, he will act as a shield. His duty is to sacrifice himself and hold the enemies until the main force from the Capital arrives.
It may seem merciless, but to station a general in the front lines is a great honor. After all, it means that the Kingdom itself put their trust on him to be able to hold out against the enemies until the main force arrives.
However, what the Kingdom didn't expect is General Gustavo is far more talented than they gave him credit. Along with his cracked elite troops numbering only ten thousand strong that he himself had trained from just being mere militias, he set off from the fort and charged through the enemy lines at the middle of the Kattze Plains.
The might of his troops, as well as his devastating destructive strength, rendered the soldiers of the Empire helpless. And at the end of the first day of their clash, seven thousand soldiers from the Empire had lost their lives. While only more or less a thousand had died from the general's forces.
The battle resumed it the next day. And the outcome is still similar to the day before; the number of the Empire's soldiers that they lost is four to five times the number of General Gustavo's soldiers they have successfully killed.
Seeing this, the Empire decided to withdraw. They have miscalculated the battle prowess of the garrison troops of E-Rantel, as well as the monstrous strength of General Gustavo. Even if they decided to fight a battle of attrition against him and whittle his strength with their numbers, a very great sacrifice would be made in that method.
And the Capital of Re-Estize is already gathering troops to provide as reinforcement on the battle. The Empire would be helpless when they arrive. Their only choice is to retreat and try again next time.
But they never got the chance to retreat and try again.
Actually, the total number of troops of General Gustavo is twenty thousand strong. The ten thousand infantry/garrison troops from the fortress were the ones who had fought with him on the battle.
Meanwhile, the other ten thousand troops, the cavalry troops, are stationed at the two small cities not far behind E-Rantel, with five thousand in each city. When they were informed that the Empire is coming, General Gustavo ordered them to march around E-Rantel and go around the Kattze Plains.
The cavalry troops obeyed and marched through the middle of the Great Forest of Tob in total incognito. After that, they hid themselves at the edge of the forest facing the border between the Kingdom and the Empire.
When the Empire's troops started to retreat on the third day, General Gustavo and his remaining garrison troops attacked them from behind.
Then, the Empire's troops divided it's already less than sixty thousand troops into two equivalent groups. The group with the army officials and other high ranking officers continued their retreat to the Empire. While the other portion that is composed with mostly militia stayed and fought to provide cover for the other group's escape.
And that's when the cavalry troops hiding at the forest sprung the trap. Ten thousand strong elite troops on horseback poured out from their hiding place and ambushed the retreating enemies from head on.
Caught in the surprise, the retreating forces wasn't able to quickly devise a good strategy on how to counter. The soldiers scrambled everywhere in a disorderly fashion from the fear of being trampled under those hooves of the horses and of being stabbed behind with a spear by the cavalrymen. The aura being released by each cavalryman is clearly showing off the difference in skills between themselves. They are certain that they will be killed instantly if they fought back.
General Gustavo used that opportunity to grasp victory. He and his remaining garrison troops broke though the defending forces that was holding them back and attacked the retreating forces from the rear. Along with the cavalry forces, they have perfectly pincered them and encircled the retreating forces while holding off the defending forces from breaking the encirclement.
There, he let loose of his whole martial might and rampaged in the middle of the battlefield. His elite troops followed suit and they all laid waste to the enemies. Blood and limbs flew everywhere. Gore and filth spread out in the Kattze Plains. Screams of pain and shouts of struggles from the soldiers rung out throughout the whole battlefield.
It was like a hell existed at the Kattze Plains during the battle.
At the end of the day, all of the Empire invaders were wiped out. No one were spared from the general's wrath. Eighty thousand citizens of the Empire lost their lives in just three days of battle.
Out of twenty thousand strong, General Gustavo's troops were down to less than a thousand. However, compared to the number of enemies they've killed, it's a complete victory. They all victoriously marched to E-Rantel with their scars and wounds proof of their heroism.
From that day on, General Gustavo became a hero. He even got the title of 'God of War'. His devastating strength and his deadly strategies were known and recognized both in the Kingdom and the Empire. And after that incident, the Empire haven't invaded E-Rantel again, for their fear to stir up the tiger within.
There are even rumors that the current Emperor used that experience to create the knights, the elite forces of the Empire. That failure is what motivated them to create the same quality of troops instead of gathering peasants and teaching them mediocre skills.
And also because of that, the Kingdom deeply treasured General Gustavo. They presented him with high class gears. They gave him prestige and honor. They gave him full authority to all of E-Rantel and it's three neighboring cities' entire military strength.
However, the Kingdom didn't let him participate in the annual war between the Kingdom and the Empire in the Kattze Plains. They render his life too precious. He stands as the final line of defense against the Empire. They were confident that as long as he is around, the Empire wouldn't try to invade E-Rantel.
That's why Ainz is on alert against him. If they indeed fought against each other in a duel, the conclusion is uncertain. Sure, his skills and stats may be higher. And his items are also stronger. But experience makes up for what a human lacks. Experience makes someone stronger. If General Gustavo fights him seriously, he may lost. Not his life, but as a warrior. In a duel between warriors, their lives are not necessarily in line. It's how they perform in the battle that matters. There are many ways to win a duel. Knocking out the enemy, causing a clean checkmate against the enemy, disarming them, making them give up, or anything that causes the enemy unable to fight counts as a loss.
That's why Ainz is uncertain of victory. He has to hold back his strength not to kill the general, but at the same time, he mustn't let his guard even for an instant and fight seriously until he rendered him incapable of fighting back, thus earning him victory. He cannot just hack down the general like what he usually does with the monsters he fought during missions. Doing that would cause a lot of tremendous inconveniences. He will be sentenced to be executed in a chopping block if that happens, especially because of the worth of the general in the Kingdom.
But at the same time, he can't let go of the chance to fight a strong opponent. He could learn a lot of things in a real fight than in a training. Yes, just like that woman he fought in the cemetery. That woman taught him a lot of things he lacks as a warrior. And he couldn't thank her enough for what she had taught him.
If he faces General Gustavo, he might also gain experience and knowledge just like that time. He could learn things he could never gain from Cocytus' training. A real, serious fight bores the greatest fruit, after all. That's why he decided not to completely turn down the general's challenge but to postpone it for later, until he becomes more skilled and is confident that he could win against him in as a warrior.
Or more accurately, until he learns how to be able to fight seriously while being able to hold back his monstrous strength.
Seeing that they have become friendly to each other, Ainzach nodded in satisfaction. He then decided to return the meeting back to it's tracks.
"Now that the both of you knows each other, we may now continue. The purpose that we have called you here, Momon-san, is because we have a mission to request to you."
As if they had remembered the real purpose of them being here, the three men regained their composure and the atmosphere turned serous. Ainz also turned serious and focused his thoughts to the following words to be spoken in this room.
"General Gustavo, if you would please."
The general nodded as confirmation from Ainzach's request and straightened his back.
"About an hour ago, a man on horseback came running here in E-Rantel. He went to a military barracks located at the western gate of this city and reported a dreadful news. Apparently, a group of travellers were taken hostage by a demihuman on the plains near the Abeiron Hills."
As if on cue, Mayor Panasolei spoke up after puffing up his belly.
"We immediately contacted the Capital and confirmed the validity of the said person's statement, who identifies himself as the man who was driving the carriage of the said travellers. And indeed, there were travellers who had left the Capital about seven hours ago heading towards E-Rantel. Their identities, descriptions, and numbers also matched with the carriage driver's statement. And thus, we have confirmed that there were indeed a hostage taking that had taken place. We also conducted magical surveillance through the cooperation of the Magician's Guild and saw the demihuman in the said location. The hostages weren't found near them, probably hidden somewhere else."
Silence descended before them after their briefing to him. They were probably waiting for his reaction or any questions, and Ainz definitely have some.
"So then? What the demands? Food? Weapons? Magic items? Since we're talking about a demihuman here, I doubt that he'll ask for money."
"No, that's no it. His demand is for Momon of Darkness to come and negotiate. If he sees any military personnel or any other group of adventurers, he would kill all of the hostages at once. He would allow only the Darkness to approach him. And the time limit is today at sundown."
Soon after, he felt the same desperate gaze he felt upon entering the room earlier.
Ah. I see. So that's the reason why. Phew. And here I am wracking my brain for any deeper meaning.
Ainz silently sighed in relief when he finally understood the meaning behind their gazes.
But why? Why me? I don't remember angering any demihumans to this extent. Well, except those lizardmen. But they don't know that Ainz and Momon are one entities. And even if they do, I don't think that they'll challenge me after seeing the level of my power. So what is the identity of that demihuman? Why did he seek for me specifically? For what purpose did he call for me?
Even after thinking deeply, Ainz didn't find any answers to his question. He thought of dozens of possible reasons and suspicions but he didn't found any satisfactory answer. The quickest option he could choose now is to ask them for any clues.
"Why is he asking for me? Is there any other clues the carriage driver had stated?"
"Sadly, none. All that demihuman said is to present you for negotiation. He didn't state any more explanation after that."
Ainz felt dejected. For someone like him who deals with information for every action he decides upon, this lack of information makes him uneasy. You could even say that it is his weakness.
In situations like this, he prefers to gather information first before acting out. But the situation didn't allow him to do any of that. The time given to him is far too short. Investigating other people or demihumans takes time and effort, which he clearly lacks due to the time limit. The wisest thing he could do now is to decline the request for safety reasons.
But he couldn't do that. As Momon the great adventurer, he couldn't do that. Three great men of importance had requested him personally. They must know that a great danger presents in this mission so the three of them banded together to put pressure onto him. And it is indeed foolproof, because Ainz cannot think of any way to escape or refuse from this predicament.
Which means, Ainz has no choice but to accept this mission. He is sure that he could deal with it given all of his preparations for all sorts of situations, may it be big or small. A very meticulous person like him is ready for almost everything. And even if a situation is outside of the range of his preparation, he is confident that he could deal with it using other methods.
"Understood. I will take this mission."
Ainzach and the others breathed a sigh of relief. They have also made other preparations and reasonings to counter any act of refusal by Momon. They are even prepared to use their authority. But it seems that they took Momon's courage far too lightly. Or maybe he had seen through them and decided not to let it reach that further.
"However, I have some questions I need to be answered immediately. This is for the sake of the mission, so you don't have to be so tense."
Ainzach, who acts like the chairman of this meeting, slightly smiled at him before giving out his answer.
"Yes. No problem about that. So, what is it?"
"First of all, I want to know the identities of the hostages, as well as everything you know about the demihuman who caused this incident."
"I see. That's a reasonable question. Well, we are about to explain it anyway, so I shall do my best to help out as much as I can. First of all, there are three hostages. They were originally sixteen in total, including the carriage driver. The twelve, who is a party of mythril-ranked adventures hired as a bodyguard to escort the travellers, were all killed by the said demihuman. They took the three as hostages and had the cart driver inform us of their demand."
"Twelve mythril-ranked adventurers. This hostages must be pretty wealthy, considering the rank and numbers of their bodyguards."
"Yes. Actually, they are relatives of a well-known noble in the Kingdom."
So that's why they seem too determined to send me on this mission. If something happens to the hostages, they, as three of the higher-ups of E-Rantel, would be the ones who'll have to fix up the incident. Yare yare.
In the first place, in hostage taking situations, if the hostage takers demanded for someone else to exchange themselves for the victim, the said person being demanded for has no obligation to present themselves. No law exists that forces someone who have been demanded in those situations to show up and sacrifice themselves. It is purely to the will and choice of the person.
After all, it's obviously dangerous. The reason behind the demand is surely not for a good intention. No one would like to be placed on danger, whatever the reason may be.
So even if Ainz refuses, he won't be held account for anything. He cannot be punished by the law. And since he have considerable influence in E-Rantel, the citizens would surely stand up and defend him if they see that he's being oppressed or accused for not presenting himself. Even if the hostages were killed, noble or not.
So Ainzach and the other two has no choice but to convince him in some other way. And luckily for them, Ainz agreed to fulfill the demands of the hostages on his own volition. They don't have to resort in underhand ways that would make them look like bad guys. They are determined to do either way if Ainz refuses, because they would face trouble if the said hostages, who are related to a noble, were killed. They would even please him in any acceptable way he wants just to be able to convince him.
Since Momon is an adventurer of E-Rantel, their asses will be grilled for not being able to convince him. Because technically, Momon is a citizen of E-Rantel since it is his base of operation, although he is protected by some laws granting freedom from the Kingdom's oppressing laws by the Adventurer's Guild. Particularly forcing him to fight for the Kingdom against other human countries.
That's why they were relieved when he easily agreed to the mission. Although they're aware if the dangers, they are confident that Momon won't lose. Just by looking how he carries himself, they could feel his power surging out from him.
"If I remember correctly, Mayor Panasolei have mentioned earlier that he cooperated with the Magician's Guild to conduct magical surveillance. Would you tell me about the enemies who causes this whole situation? Their numbers, race and other information?"
"Ah, yes. Both from the driver's statement and the surveillance showed the same thing; there is only a single demihuman with a monster. It is a beastman which is a tiger-type. The monster is a huge, black wolf with red eyes that he rides upon. Based on the description of the wolf, it should be a Carnage Wolf. But during the fight, the driver had said that only the beastman fought them all and killed them with ease."
Ainz's danger level rose up sharply. Since the opposition was able to defeat twelve mythril-ranked adventurers, he had thought that the said demihumans used numbers or ambush methods. Mythril may be two ranks below adamantite, but a human who rose to that rank shouldn't be underestimated. Mythril is pretty high in this world's standards towards human. It should be similar to a famous professional athlete in a sense back in his world. A level that could be reached only by few even with hard work. Plus adding the dangers an adventurer should go through to reach mythril-rank, it is definitely pretty strong.
Adding the individual strength and teamwork a party of 12 mythril-ranked adventurers may posses, the beastman who defeated them all should be pretty strong. In the standards of this world, it's somewhere in adamantite, at least. Or maybe more than that.
But of course, Ainz is confident that he won't lose. Since the enemy is a beastman, there's a big chance that it uses only pure brute strength. And when it comes to pure strength, Ainz's strength is deadly to any creatures in this world.
Ainz smiled under his helmet. But since his face is a skull, it didn't move.
"Understood. I shall take this mission and rescue the hostages safely."
Ainz said with conviction and confidence in his voice.
to be continued...