Slane Theocracy, Kami Miyako, Raymond's Office
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"Good evening, Cardinal Raymond."
Raymond quickly stood up, the one who opened the door was none other but his attending servant.
Raymond looked at his servant and made a hand signal gesturing for him to leave. The servant nodded and paced out of the room shutting the door behind him. With him gone Raymond looked over towards Asher's direction and greeted,
"Good evening Asher-sama, I did not think you would personally come to my office. You could have ordered my maid to call for me, please, take a seat." Raymond kindly pointed his fingers towards the seat in front of his desk.
Being the Cardinal of Earth there was one huge statue of one of the six great gods that used earth magic, it stood in the corner next to Raymond's wooden desk. While the room was made out of simple wooden material it still looked elegant and a room a noble would live in, perhaps it was the texture and colour that changed the vibes of the room.
Right now Raymond was still standing waiting for Asher to sit down.
In response to Raymond's offer, Asher took a few strides and sat down on the wooden cushioned chair, it was incredibly soft he couldn't tell whether or not this was a new chair or just one of good quality.
Following this Raymond too took a seat.
After sitting down the room was silent, in front of Raymond was a half-written report and an ink pen, it was clear that Raymond was in the middle of writing something, but instead of writing Raymond focused his eyes on Asher who was also looking at Raymond.
Before anyone could speak Raymond slightly shuddered and tensed himself, sensing this Asher began the conversation,
"Is there something wrong, Cardinal Raymond?" Asher said with a worried tone, while his expression showed empathy of course, he himself did not feel anything, anyone who was plotting against his creator, Ainz Ooal Gown is not someone to be pitied.
"Oh, there is nothing wrong, I was just informed that you left your room."
He was informed through [Message]. After Asher left the maid made sure to inform the nearest elite guards, the ones who knew about Asher's presence who in turn notified a few special people that could use [Message] get in contact with Raymond.
"Word travels fast," Asher commented.
"Mhm, by the way, Asher-sama, what is it you are here for?" Raymond questioned.
"Ah yes, about that," Asher paused before speaking.
The plan here in meeting Raymond was to squeeze out as much information as possible.
I have to take out any piece of information naturally.
"I've heard that during the invasion you have lost four Scripture members, correct?"
"That is correct, Asher-sama, and if it weren't for the god's help we would have lost them all."
That's the consequence of fighting a Floor Guardian in such a small group.
Asher remarked in his head, although they could be forgiven for the fact that they did not know exactly how strong Demiurge was during the time.
Raymond looked uncomfortable, the goat-man magic caster was a being that transcended humanity, it was a being able to summon individual demons that could destroy an entire scripture. If such a thing like that was roaming around the earth without the Theocracy's notice, what else could there be?
"Fortunately so, but the case lies, where are the bodies of the scripture members?" Asher asked, he knew full well where they were, but this question was only asked in order to entice something else.
"Our scouts have been searching for a while but there have been no clues, not even the Eleventh seat could find them, in that case, do you know where it is?" Raymond asks.
"Yes, I do," Asher replies with a serious look on his face, he was no longer smiling, his eyes looked cold and distant. The organs from mass could be faintly heard playing from outside of the room.
Raymond felt a tug on his tongue, the sudden reply almost made him cough out blood. He blinked and said,
"Then-"
"Do you expect the gods to do your biddings?" Asher says in a harsh tone, his arms were crossed and expression the same. Perhaps this was a way to vent out the anger felt beforehand.
"My deepest apologies," Raymond says as he lowers his head. He understood what that meant, it meant that the gods were only watching them from above, the angel sent would only be dealing with the undead king, Ainz Ooal Gown. That would mean that everything else was in the hands of the Theocracy.
Raymond made a mental note to not ask such a thing again.
"Then, what would you do once you find them?" Asher asked.
Raymond silently gulped before responding,
"We would conduct a full examination and heal any injuries, and with the use of seventh tier spells and god artifacts we will conduct a memory ritual in order to elapse the events."
God artifacts? Seventh tier spells? Memory ritual?
Raymond spoke about them so casually, that would mean that he expected Asher to know about these, taking caution Asher spoke,
"And if you find their corpses?"
"Then we will conduct a resurrection ritual."
Ressurection ritual? That's it, I could inform Ainz of this.
The cold aura that was radiating out of Asher ceased, his expression weakened and he loosened his crossed arms. It seemed that he was slightly happy.
"Then what is your current plan to deal with Ainz Ooal Gown?" Asher asked.
"We would have you fight him, Asher-sama."
Although such a thing would not happen under any circumstances Asher's brain still shuddered at the fear of harming his master, he almost felt tempted to punch a hole inside of Raymond's head to erase those words, but that is what they were meant to believe so he did not plan to get angry at such a reply.
If he were to compromise the entire plan and do something stupid facing Ainz would be the most difficult thing to do.
"Of course, it is only natural, but that is not what I am implying."
Raymond slightly tilted his head to the side,
"Forgive me Asher-sama, then could you please explain your implication?"
"What is the strength of his servants, where does he reside - I'm asking whether or not you have this information."
Raymond put his hands on his chin before answering,
"We have a rough idea of where the undead resides but there is no clue in whether or not it's servants are strong." Raymond followed up with a question as he raised his brow, "Asher-sama, why is it that you want to know?"
Asher struggled to get the words out but he tried his best to speak,
"Ainz Ooal Gown is a dangerous undead and boasts great intellect, it is better to... to... eliminate him as quickly as possible, the fact that there is only general knowledge of his residence is a dangerous thing."
He felt spears piercing his heart as he said that.
"Of course Asher-sama, there is a tomb located north of the Theocracy, we assume that the tomb is the undead's main base but with the strength we have now we cannot afford to land a full-scale attack on it, right now the only targets are its vassals."
Before Asher could speak Raymond continued,
"Asher-sama, if there is a great need for a concrete plan against the Sorcerous Kingdom then I shall prepare one right away, but there is something else that I need to address."
Asher sceptically nodded, seeing this Raymond continued to speak,
"Asher-sama, will you be willing to spar with our strongest scripture member? Of course, we are not doubting your strength, it is merely just to measure your skills when you have to face Ainz Ooal Gown."
Spar with the strongest scripture member? Zesshi? Wait, this is a good opportunity to obtain further information about the ace of the Theocracy.
Asher replied,
"Of course, I'll be willing to accept."
Raymond's face brightened up, most likely from the fact that Asher surprisingly did not put up much of a resistance to the topic.
"That's perfect, Asher-sama, then I shall hurry and make preparations."
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Sorcerous Kingdom, E-Rantel, Ainz's Office
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The wind blowing through the window created a soft breeze that made the curtain wave elegantly, the sun radiated at the undead sitting down on a golden paved desk in E-Rantel.
The day today was increasingly hot. But with the use of magic, that problem was easily dealt with.
The sunlight hit Ainz's face but that did not bother him at all so he did not think about ordering the maid to close the curtains, but he remembered how troubling it felt for the sun to hit his face as a human.
This was one of the best moments where Ainz was thankful that he was an undead.
But as a human, it did not feel good, while in some cases sunlight could be considered better. The general feeling of it disturbed Ainz during his human times. Even if his homeworld was a wasteland the sun did not welt and fall like the environment.
So when he looked at the maid who was too covered in sunlight he could not help but feel pity. The sunlight was shining directly into her eyes, in a way she was forced to look directly at the sunlight in order to face Ainz.
If Ainz were to ask, 'Is the sunlight troubling you.' then the response would be the same, 'Of course not Ainz-sama, just being here is a pleasure that I do not deserve.' or something like that. He knew that the maid would not complain even if she stood there for years straight but as an employer, it was his duty to make sure that his employees worked under comfortable conditions.
While he was not sure whether or not a homunculus could feel the same sensation of humans he still compared their looks together and pitied the maid in the room.
The maid sensing Ainz's gaze worryingly looks at Ainz and asks,
"Is there something wrong, Ainz-sama?"
These servants will not reach out for help... then as a leader, I must take initiative
Sensing an opportunity Ainz replies,
"Yes, there is, may you close the window curtains?"
"Of course Ainz-sama!" The maid shouted back with determination, she then stomped towards the curtain and closed it.
After seeing the maid return to her usual spot he heard a quiet sigh of relief coming from the maid.
Yes, I was right! I'm such a good boss.
Ainz praised himself, although it was meaningless he still felt happiness and responsibility. That was until the emotional suppressor kicked in.
Damn it.
Ainz tried his best to keep out of the subject of work but national matters cannot be escaped no matter what he did. He signed a deal with the Draconic queen, Momon's assistance for information about Wild magic.
The papers that will come in later will burn Ainz's remaining sanity.
Right now Albedo was doing all the paperwork needed in order to send over Momon, she was also waiting to receive the information regarding Wild magic from the queen who was still in E-Rantel, the Sorcerous Kingdom had lent them the best room in the Shining Golden Pavilion, and if that was not enough it was renovated solely to fit the status of 'Queen'.
After leaving the Throne room Ainz walked over to his office in E-Rantel, but as he was walking he got a [Message] from Asher, Asher informed him of a strong being in the Theocracy, Ainz stopped in his tracks but sighed in relief after being informed that the being was just as strong as a battle maid. But even so, such a being could easily pose a threat to Nazarick.
But that only added to his everlasting tower of pressure, he was still fawning over the meeting between the Draconic Kingdom and the Sorcerous Kingdom,
Did I speak right? Thank goodness Demiurge wasn't there...
He wouldn't know what to do if Demiurge were to stand next to Ainz during the discussion between the Draconic queen. Fortunately, that was not the case, Demiurge was back at Nazarick preparing to head out to the Theocracy as the envoy of the Sorcerous Kingdom, that was decided before the discussion with Albedo.
He had to persuasively talk with Albedo in order to naturally grab the hidden answer that was the next part of the plan.
Ainz found out that the plan was to put further pressure on the Theocracy by having Demiurge visit them as an envoy.
With Demiurge's slick tongue there was nothing to worry about.
While Ainz was not an intellect rivalling Albedo or Demiurge he understood the rest after being informed, with the developments happening all over the continent excluding the Argland Council State every country was slowly turning towards the Sorcerous Kingdom and away from the Slane Theocracy, that means it won't be long for the Theocracy to begin the war with the Sorcerous Kingdom.
Sending an envoy would be the last straw, the flint that ignites the war between the Sorcerous Kingdom and the Theocracy.
Ainz felt slightly bad for Demiurge, he has been doing nothing but work, Ainz considered giving him a rest period but shut that idea down after thinking about how Demiurge would respond.
There were hollow knocking noises, the maid walked up to the door and looked at Ainz, Ainz nodded so the maid let the person come in.
It was Albedo, the woman walked in the room and fell on one knee.
"Ainz-sama, the paperwork is done, Momon-" Albedo changed her words, "Pandora's Actor should be prepared to move to the Draconic Kingdom at any moment."
"Good work Albedo, then..."
Ainz straightened up the paperwork on his desk as he spoke, "Have him leave as the Draconic envoys leave,"
The Draconic Queen was supposed to submit a detailed report about Wild Magic. It has been a few hours since the meeting of the Queen from the Draconic Kingdom. If Albedo did not mention that then,
"Albedo, where is the report regarding Wild Magic?"
Albedo flinched.
"Forgive me Ainz-sama, it seems that they are taking their time writing."
"Is that so?"
Albedo smirked,
"It is only to be expected, Ainz-sama, whether or not they are weary of the Sorcerous Kingdom does not change that they are now puppets."
Hm? What? Eh? What happened? Did Demiurge do something behind the scenes? Puppet? You mean like the Empire? Was it Demiurge? Just what did he do? Haaahhh...
Ainz was tired at the sudden developments, he knew he should have expected it especially when their sights were set towards the Theocracy. He still did not like the feeling of stress, this monotonous routine, even if he were the grand ruler of Nazarick it reminded him of working as a salaryman.
'All should be fine if Albedo and Demiurge are the ones who do it.' Ainz thought that to keep himself composed.
"Hah... then, how is the situation in the Elven Kingdom?" Ainz asked.
Already sensing this question Albedo answers,
"There seems to be no trouble regarding civil unrest or complaints, there have been troublesome nobles who planned to manipulate the twins but naturally they have been eliminated, with the situation as it is it will not be long for the Elven Kingdom to merge with the Sorcerous Kingdom."
Alright, perfect then,
"Good work, Albedo. And extend my praise to Aura and Mare."
"Of course Ainz-sama."
"Then you may g-"
Before Ainz stopped speaking midway, his memory triggered.
If he were to return to the grill fested office in Nazarick he would have to return to continuous national levelled paperwork plus the paperwork regarding the Draconic alliance, that was something beyond his level.
Oh no,
Ainz could only imagine the difficulty of the paperwork that would regard two allying nations.
His non-existent stomach ached, the pain was not physical, rather it felt like mental cramps.
After thinking for a while Ainz figured something out.
"Is there something wrong, Ainz-sama?"
"Albedo, I will go to the Draconic Kingdom and act as Momon."
The maid looked at Ainz more intensely, her mouth was twitching as if she wanted to speak but in the presence of the two highest authority figures she could not gather the confidence to do so, instead, she watched in horror as she heard those words.
Albedo jumped, her wings fluttered as her expression changed, she then quickly replied,
"Ainz-sama! Please, do not do such a thing, allow Pandora's Actor to play the part Ainz-sama! We can not allow you to run into a place full of dangers, please reconsider!"
Her reaction was to be expected, rather, anyone would say that. Ainz did not blame her, doing so was reckless, full of haste and could potentially kill him but he quickly prepared a response.
"Albedo," Ainz raised his hand, "I understand your concerns, it gratifies me that I have such a loving servant but nonetheless, I will go."
Albedo seemed to be stunned at the phrase, 'gratifies me' and surprisingly replied rationally,
"Then at least allow me to journey with you as a bodyguard."
"No Albedo, I will not allow that - Pandora's Actor will travel with me to the Draconic Kingdom."
After hearing that Pandora's Actor would be the one that would be travelling with Ainz two contradictory feelings entered Albedo.
Envy and Relief.
If it was Pandora's Actor that would be travelling with Ainz his safety could be assured but, jealousy filled Albedo, being alone with Ainz in the forest, that was something she most wanted, granted she was alone with him most of the time in Nazarick but as a woman in love, she could not help but feel vast amounts of envy.
But if it is orders from Ainz then she'd have to accept, further objections would only turn into an argument, in order words, a disastrous sin.
Lowering her head she finally gives up,
"Will Pandora's actor take the form of a stealth guard? Or a defence suited guard?" Albedo questioned,
"Ah, it is fine if he takes the form of Narberal."
Ainz pushed aside the stack of paper on his desk.
"Then... until I return from the Draconic Kingdom I leave both my responsibility and trust to you."
This is perfect, if Albedo deals with everything then I'll have nothing to worry about.
Ainz did feel a bit bad for Albedo, she already had mountains of work to do, now with Ainz's paperwork, her workload would naturally increase. Ainz imagined Albedo sitting behind paperwork towering to Gargautua's height.
"Of course, Ainz-sama. I shall do my best!" She nodded.
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Fifth Floor, Frozen Prison
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In a damp cold room made by ice, a man with yellow hair similar to Clementine shrivelled into the corner of the square room, it would be an exaggeration to say that the room was suffocating in fact even though he lied in the corner of the small room it looked as if he was sitting in the middle.
It was a three by three-meter room.
The crystal clear blue ice made the room look less-defined and although the room looked like a square tiny room the ceiling expanded to at least ten meters, this added to the isolation the man felt as he was left inside.
This room was created to break down the walls of sanity.
Trembling in the coldness the well-known 'One Man Army' or his name, Quaiesse, sat there in silence, only his mind working.
He wore brown rags that barely kept him warm from the coldness seeping down his body, despite there being an escape route at the very top he would have no ways of climbing, especially because of the thunderous freezing winds that blew down.
Those... they shouldn't be allowed to exist...
Ever since he was captured all he remembered was fighting one of the demons the goat-man had as his subordinates and being dragged by a red-haired demon into a black void.
Nothing should be able to control such powerful beings.
After being captured he was separated from his colleagues before being carried to a frozen cell stripped of his magical items, without them he was useless.
He did not move but his eyes loitered over to his fingers, his fingers would normally wear rings, the rings that would summon magical beasts. During the fight he summoned two basilisks, they were formidable monsters that even adamantite adventurers struggled to deal with.
But the woman, the demon took them down in a few shots.
The cell was completely isolated from the other cells, it felt as if even if he screamed from the top of his lungs no one would hear him, only echoes would bounce back, of course, he felt the presence of armoured guards walk past his cell time to time to bring him food and water but they did not socialize much, only telling him what fate awaits him.
The guards were human-shaped, Quaiesse could tell that just by hearing their foot-steps but in no way were they really human, their voices croaked as they spoke and were inhumanely deep.
At this point of time, he has not been touched or tortured, this made him question, was his other colleagues safe? Or were they subjected to torture? He wouldn't know.
Quaiesse's mind was slowly fading away, that was until he heard footsteps echoing across the hallway.
The footsteps sounded sluggish but because he did not hear the usual clanging sound that followed it was not a guard.
"Hello~ Onee-chan has come to pick you up~"
The weird voice echoed across the hallway reaching the small room, there was no doubt, it was directed at him.
His spine shuddered at the thought of what would happen, most likely it would be torture.
The steps become faster, from the tempo of the sounds it sounded like it was skipping.
Keys were heard tingling from each jump.
Quaiesse turned his head over to the entrance, right now he was on the floor so turning over would mean looking at the feet of the person visiting him. So when he turned his head over.
He saw a grey bloated face right in front of him, it was upside down staring right into his eyes.
"Aahh!"
Quaiesse screamed as he crawled backwards until his back hit the frozen wall.
Shaking the keys the bloated being spoke,
"It's time."
It hysterically laughed, the laughter engulfed the entire room directly entering the ears of the man.
Gathering confidence Quaiesse struggled to reply,
"Time, time to what? You mean torture?"
"Kufufu~, I was planning not to touch you but~, Ainz-sama ordered me to squeeze as much information out of you~"
"I-Information?"
"Oho? I've spoken too much~" The being said as it put his finger over its mouth, or the place where a mouth would be. The long pink fingernails were not fitting of the being, but nonetheless it continued speaking,
"Work is Silver - Playing is Gold~".
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Sorcerous Kingdom, Lizardmen Village, Outskirts
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"Did you find anything?" A middle-aged man spoke, his eyes were ferocious and had a wide defined jawline, his hair slicked back. This was the squad leader, Titor.
In front of him were six men who were equipped with average looking robes, a few of them had magical staffs lying next to them while the others had swords, they were crouching behind bushes using magical binoculars to peek at the Lizardmen Village.
Behind Titor was a campfire along with a few sets of tents. Sitting on a log was a woman, she did not look unique in particular but also wore a robe and was drawing figures with a stick. Her name was Rem.
"No Sir Titor, just a repulsive statue of that thing... what's its name again? Ain- Ain-."
"Ainz Ooal Gown." The squad leader, Titor, interrupted.
The person who replied to Titor was a frail magic caster, his cheeks were deprived of fat showing his bones, just from his face anyone could imagine how his body would look like without his clothes. It was clear that he was not a physical fighter type.
"Yeah, that's it."
Out of all the men Titor was the only one standing in plain sight if there were an enemy archer he would be the one killed first.
"You... you are a full-fledged magic caster, why can't you remember simple information?!" Titor screamed at the frail man.
Becoming a magic caster in the Theocracy required high amounts of intelligence.
"I can't help it! Don't scream at me!"
The other men heard this but did not turn over to see what was happening, instead, they kept looking with their magical binoculars.
Titor turned around and began walking back to the tents, as he was about to walk past the woman she calls out,
"S-Sir,"
"What is it?" Titor directs his attention towards her stopping his tracks.
"There's a [Message]"
"Hm? [Message] from the higher-ups? What are their orders?"
"N-No, not from the higher-ups?"
Taking a seat opposite from the woman Titor replies,
"What do you mean? Who then?"
"The Cardinals?"
Surprised by this statement Titor almost jumps, his eyebrows raise, the woman in front of him sees this and gives the expression of, 'Mhm, that's how it is.'
"Cardinals? What did they say?"
"They have ordered the other sectors of the Windflower scripture to rally, this is only a message passed on to us telling us that the entirety of the Windflower Scripture should arrive here soon."
News of the goat-man being defeated already reached the ears of the squadron days ago, the Windflower scripture ceasing its search for it made sense, but the question was why? Why are they sending the rest of the Windflower Scripture to the outskirts of the Lizardmen village
"Huh? They are massing the entire Scripture here? Did you hear the reasoning for this?"
"W-Well... there was a reply, but not a reason. They said, 'Do not worry, they are only going to stand by and assist you.'."
"Not to attack the Lizardmen village?"
"I don't know." Rem replied.
Titor stood up and placed both of his hands next to his hips, stretching his back he speaks,
"Thank you."
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Sorcerous Kingdom, E-Rantel, Streets
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A day passed since Ainz announced that he was going to act as Momon to Albedo.
"Is that Momon?"
"It's Momon and Nabe!"
Conversations were heard as a jet-blacked armoured warrior nonchalantly walked the streets, the death knights who were about to walk past him stepped aside to make way, this dignified the respect the crowd gave out to Momon.
Underneath the jet-black armour was Ainz, his armour created clanging sounds as he continued walking.
"Momon-sama~!" A woman cutely shouted as she ran besides Ainz,
It looked like Narberal but in actuality Pandora's Actor in disguise.
"Oh, hello Na-"
Wait nooo! Pandora's Actor! Don't shout like that-!
Resisting the urge to plant his hand on his face Ainz spoke.
"Ahem, Pan-... Nabe, please, act normal."
Pandora's Actor taking a few steps forward faces Ainz and cutely smiles,
"Natürlich, Momon-sama."
(Of course, Momon-sama.)
Pandora's Actor in Narberal's form then aggressively saluted straightening his back, if it weren't for the adventurer get up he would have looked like a real soldier. Seeing the normally cold princess smile like that and salute made Ainz's stomach ache and,
Stop saluting! Wait no, was that German?!
"Did Nabe just?"
"Woah, she smiled."
"What was that action?"
"Did anyone hear what she said?"
The bystanders heard what was happening and turned themselves around to see more clearly. Looking at Narberal like this made their hearts skip a beat it was incredibly attractive but something like that, it was weird.
Please... stop it
"Nabe, what are you doing? Keep walking." Ainz said loudly, he made sure the people around him heard what he was saying.
"Wenn es der Wille meines Gottes ist." Pandora's Actor said as he returned to Ainz's side.
(If it is my God's Will)
Mentally suffering Ainz ignored the German and continued walking, he would get bad publicity if he lectured Pandora's Actor who was transformed as Narberal here, other bystanders seemed to be surprised and have already begun spreading gossip about Narberal acting happily.
After reaching an isolated area Ainz stops.
"Is there something wrong, mein Schöpfer?"
(Is there something wrong, my creator?)
Again! You did it again!
"Pandora's Actor..."
"Yes?"
"Stop speaking German, act like Narberal. And do not salute."
Ainz bluntly stated, there was no remorse in his words, hearing from his black history made him want to choke, but it was still far better than staying at the Ninth Floor signing off reports and dealing with Draconic paperwork.
He would just have to deal with this until the beastmen are defeated.
"B-"
"I don't want to hear it. Just do as I say."
Dropping his face Pandora's Actor sadly replies,
"Of course Ainz-sama."
Ainz did feel a little bad for Pandora's Actor when he said that. He was the one who designed Pandora's Actor to speak German and act as a German soldier, for all he knew Pandora's Actor could be doing all this unconsciously with no control over it.
But still, Ainz's embarrassment took over.
"Listen, when we visit the Draconic Queen do not act as you did before, you understand?"
"Yes, Ainz-sama."
Even though Ainz did not have a throat he sighed heavily in relief, then he moved the small conversation into a more valuable topic.
"Did you equip yourself with a world item? Any precautions against divine items? Did you bring any sensory magic items?" Ainz nagged Pandora's Actor.
Even if the Draconic Kingdom was weak, precautions were still necessary, after all, Ainz is planning to visit the Draconic Queen.
"Of course Ainz-sama, I have them with me."
"Good, then, let's go."
His destination would be Shining Golden Pavilion, the most luxurious hotel in E-Rantel, it was not fit for common adventurers of lesser nobles but Ainz, being an adamantite adventurer would easily be able to get in.
But before he could take a step forward he hears a voice,
[Ainz-sama,]
Someone contacted him through [Message]
"Is there something wrong Ainz-sama?" Pandora's Actor asks.
"No, just stay put."
Ainz recognized that voice, it was Asher.
[What is it Asher?]
[Forgive me for interrupting but if I can take a fraction of your time.]
Ainz raised his non-existent brow and replied,
[It's alright, you are not wasting my time, speak freely.]
[Then... Ainz-sama, it seems that the Cardinals have put me in a duel with Zesshi.]
Ainz almost jumped, duelling with Zesshi? Having Asher fight an ace of the Theocracy was dangerous. Nonetheless, Ainz questioned.
[What? Did you accept?]
[Yes Ainz-sama, was it the wrong decision? I can cancel it now if you wish.]
Ainz did not say anything for a few seconds,
Zesshi... huh?
Neuronist has not handed the report regarding the capabilities of Zesshi just yet, rather she should almost be done. Ainz made a mental reminder to ask for it.
If this person is the trump card of the Theocracy it would be interesting to see her powers practically...
[No Asher, you made the right choice. But, it is too dangerous, did you prepare any counter-measures? Are you confident in your success?]
[Of course Ainz-sama! She may be as strong as a battle maid but she has no chance against any being on par with a Floor Guardian.]
[Before you begin the fight make sure you are in contact with Shaltear if there are any predicaments then have her open a gate and escape immediately, we don't know the full capabilities of this being yet.]
[Of course Ainz-sama. I have already made plans for that eventuality.]
[Mm, good, then, Asher.]
[Yes Ainz-sama?]
[Is there proof of the presence of players in the Theocracy?]
Ainz sub-consciously lowered his head.
[None Ainz-sama, but there is proof of the existence of those lesser beings.]
Lesser beings?
That is what the denizens of Nazarick called any other player other than the members of Ainz Ooal Gown, it wasn't different for Asher.
[Oh? Tell me, what have you found out?]
[I'm sure Ainz-sama knows this but the items the Scriptures hold are from Yggdrasil, and in the Black Scripture most of them are referred to 'Godkin' which are predecessors of the six gods who I assume were lesser beings.]
[And you are definite that the six gods are not present?]
[Yes Ainz-sama, if they were they would have shown themselves by now.]
[Thank you, Asher, the information you have submitted is productive.]
[I am not worthy of such praise.]
Ainz then ended [Message]
-After walking for ten minutes he found it, Shining Golden Pavilion.
During the journey Pandora's Actor was babbling on about magical items in the treasury, Ainz just shut his ears and ignored every word that was said. But,
He was smiling the entire time!
While smiling itself was not an issue doing while disguised as Narberal was unnatural, it was completely out of character for Narberal.
Imagining an ice princess smiling wholesomely, the crowd around Ainz had their hearts taken.
Opening the door a magical ring was heard. Ainz took a step inside and saw the receptionist table, the entire room looked very rich and noble, there was golden outlining on polished wooden tables and the cushions had a variety of colours, silver chandeliers hung from the ceiling powered by magic.
A suited man wearing a black dress vest regally walked towards Ainz, he raised his head, and after seeing the jet-blacked armour his jaw dropped.
"M-Mo-Momon-sama! Forgive me for my tardiness, please take a seat."
With the presence of an adamantite warrior famed in this city, even a second was a waste of time.
"No, it's fine, rather, I did not come here to rent a room."
"Of course Momon-sama, then, do not bother with the receptionist table and let me prepare the finest dishes." The waiter quickly replied.
Listen to me!
Before the waiter could leave Ainz grabbed the shoulder of the waiter,
"Ah, waiter, there is no need to do that, I am here on business,"
Ainz then passed an envelope to the waiter.
The waiter took the envelope, after reading it he went, "Ohh," in understanding.
"Then Momon-sama, please, take a seat as I inform my superiors, refreshments will arrive in laters notice, thank you." The waiter said as he changed directions walking into a staff door.
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Slane Theocracy, Kami Miyako, Gaultz Amphitheatre
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Despite being underground the vast amounts of space made the area feel dauntingly empty, like an amphitheatre there were sets of seats around the circled area, the floor was hardened sand, what was most surprising was how the Theocracy managed to create this.
Perhaps a specific type of magical item?
It was a day after Raymond informed Asher of the spar, he accepted and was led here.
Due to Asher being a top-secret being there were only a few special people down at the amphitheatre, most of them were studious priests and guards to prevent people from coming in.
Rather, the Gaultz Amphitheatre was a secret place anyway, all six Scriptures used this place to train and test out divine relics.
It seems that the Captain of the Black Scripture was sitting on a seat next to the tables on where the Cardinals were meant to sit. He was one of the few who knew about Asher, the captain wore his usual attire and his spear was leaning on him.
"Asher-sama are you done?" A man called, this was a member of the Clearwater scripture, he was one of few who stayed back at the Theocracy while the rest of the Scripture infiltrated E-Rantel for information gathering.
"Yes, yes, I am finished," Asher said as he put his hand beside his thigh, he just finished contacting Shaltear through [Message] about the situation.
"Hm? I sensed magical signatures just now, wha-"
"More importantly when will the duel start?" Asher interrupted the man who was about to speak,
Both men were walking over the edges of the amphitheatre, although it was underground the entire area shown as day, looking up straight at the multiple light sources were equivalent as looking into the sun, they were magic-powered and very bright.
"In a moment's time Asher-sama, the Cardinals shall be arriving soon. Anyhow, about that magical signa-"
"Thank you very much, Then, I shall take my leave," Asher said in a rush as he cast, [Teleportation].
That was dangerous, that man, does he possess a sensory magical item?
The seats for the Cardinals in the Amphitheatre were a few meters higher off the base ground from the arena almost like a VIP room, inside the room was fairy luxurious holding red couches and wine but the main seats were on the balcony, the balcony was a few meters wide and long, it would take twenty men to make the balcony look full.
"Oh, Asher-sama." The captain quickly stood up from his wooden chair turning around, right now he was standing in the balcony, that would mean Asher was in the room.
Next to the Captain were six seats and one long wooden table, sitting there from this perspective was a good view if a person really wanted to access a fight.
"Good afternoon captain." Asher greeted with his usual smile, he waved his hand.
"Good afternoon Asher-sama,"
Asher took strides forward as he spoke,
"It is weird, I would have expected Zesshi Zetsumei to be here first, but it seems that she is late - Do you have any idea of where she is?"
The captain's expression looked as if he knew what Asher was talking about,
"Yes, I understand what you mean. But I do not have that answer to your question."
"That is a shame,"
The captain opened his mouth and spoke,
"Then... Asher-sama..."
Asher's warm face turned over to the Captain,
"Yes?"
The captain almost stammered as he said this,
"I... would like to thank you for saving... me,"
He looked down to the ground and put his hands behind his back, the captain was a serious man but it seemed that when it came to delicate topics he would be reverted into a little girl.
"Hah, you don't need to thank me, you should be proud of yourself for holding out for that long,"
You really should.
The captain gave an awkward smile, but he quickly turned over as he heard shouting from below.
Asher moved to the edge of the balcony and gently leaned his upper body outwards crossing his arms on the thick cement rail of the balcony, his wings slowly fluttered in an elegant way as he looked down at the shouting voice.
"Asher! Down here! Fight me now!"
It was a half-elf, Zesshi Zetsumei, she wore a vibrant coloured chest plate and armour it shined every colour of the rainbow, he scythe was also beside her, she held it with her left arm as she waved with her right arm.
She kept looking up at the angel who was smirking.
"Hah... you know the fight can't start this early, wait for the Cardinals," Asher responded to her, he did not shout but his voice was loud enough for someone as far as Zesshi to hear.
In a pout Zesshi grit her teeth unable to respond she turned around.
Her armour brimmed and reflected the magical light, it looked to be a very strong magical item.
Was that why she was taking so long? No... that armour, high-class relic? Possibly divine?
"A descendant of a god versus a messenger of the gods, this will truly be a fascinating fight." A voice called from behind, it was Dominic.
A descendant of a god?
Footsteps creaked the entire floor as six men walked in.
It was the Cardinals,
"Good afternoon Cardinals," Asher turned back and greeted,
"Hello, Asher-sama." Raymond greeted back as the Cardinals walked up taking their seats.
"Zesshi is wearing that armour, that means..." Asher spoke.
The Cardinals heard this and Raymond responded,
"Quite an eye there Asher-sama, as expected, it is true, she is wearing the same armour the god of light bestowed onto us,"
"Oh? That really is interesting." Asher replied,
"You don't mind, don't you?" Raymond asked,
"Of course not, it's fine."
The Cardinals were sitting down on their seats, their backs did not lean on the back of the chair, they were anticipating this match. Each Cardinal walked in with a paper and a pen.
Their objective was to take notes of his skills.
There weren't many people around the amphitheatre but looking closely Asher could spot fragments of people mainly high tiered magic casters sitting down as the audience.
I'll need to use the least skills possible…
Raymond stood up and spoke
"Then, the match will begin shortly."
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Review, please?
Well then, fight will start next chapter.