As Ainz opens the door to the adventurer's guild once again, the sun has only just risen. Despite this, Nfirea can be seen talking with four individuals. The four don't look well equipped, mainly wearing leather armor with the swordsman being the only one with iron Pauldrons. Ainz and the other two are noticed immediately, and Nfirea waves them over.

"These guys are the team you'll be working with." He said to the four. Ainz bows before giving introductions.

"I am Momon, the one in the armor is Enri, and our Cleric's name is Lupu." The girls waved after he spoke. The one with the longbow looks ready to say something, but is cut off by the large man with the beard.

The swordsman gives his own bow. "I'll introduce our team as well. I am Peter, the leader of the team." He gestures to the bearded man. "This one is our Druid, Dyne. Our archer is named Lukrut," He continues, wrapping an arm around Lukrut's shoulders to keep him from trying to do anything. "And the youngest of our group is Ninya, he's the Magic caster."

The three not so subtly look towards Ninya, or more specifically, the very wide hips he's trying to hide with his cloak. " That's definitely not a guy." They all thought in unison.

Nfirea claps his hands before speaking. "With pleasantries out of the way, and everyone on the same page with what the mission entails, we should get going. The sooner we get to the forest the higher chance we have of not needing to stay an extra day." The two teams agree and head out to the cart, Nfirea hopping on to drive it while the rest walk, leaving the back empty to carry the herbs.

As they make their way through the city, Enri gets a bit nervous. She knows she'll have to tell Nfirea about Carne, but unsure of how he'll react to the devastating news. She looks to Ainz, who was looking back. He gives a subtle thumbs up and a nod. Lupusregina just pulls her left eyelid down and sticks out her tongue.

[Line Break]

It's only a few hours later they finally get away from the city and onto the road near the forest of Tob. There hasn't been a lot to talk about, though Nfirea has been curious about something for a while. "So Enri," he starts, the one called upon looking towards him with a curious expression. "How did you meet Momon and Lupu? I know you've been wanting to be like the warrior captain, but it seems kinda sudden. Especially with all the expensive equipment you have."

Enri looks down in thought for a second before signing, deciding to go with the half truth she and Lupusregina came up with. "A few months ago, Carne was attacked," Those not in the know are shocked by the news, Nfirea looking especially distraught. "They were Knights from the Baharuth Empire, Nemu and I were the only ones to survive, we were saved by a magic caster. He helped us bury the dead, and we traveled north to the city he was from."

Enri looked towards Ainz and Lupusregina, giving the two a slight smile. Though for different reasons than what the others think. "It's there I met Momon and Lupu. They helped me with Nemu, and trained me when I grew interested to be adventurers like them." She turned to Nfirea, who gave a slight questioning expression. She just laughed a bit before replying. "Nemu's fine, she's with Lupu's sisters."

Nfirea is silent for a bit before nodding, he looks at Enri with as much determination as a boy like him can muster. "If you need anything, I'm more than happy to help."

Enri gives him a smile of appreciation, one thought in particular coming to mind. " I'll ask him out once we deal with whatever is going on in the graveyard." She thought, blushing a little as she subtly looks at the Alchemist's seated rear.

As the mood lightens up a bit, Ninya begins to talk. "You said there's a city north of Carne, what's it like?"

"It's honestly really nice, there's no divide between the rich and poor. It hasn't really been around long though, almost all of its citizens are villagers affected by the knight attacks." Enri replied, Ninya perking up at that.

"Sounds too good to be true if you ask me," Peter piped in. "I feel there's going to be a but coming."

Enri nervously laughs a bit. "Well the magic caster is the head of the city, and he's a necromancer. So-"

"The villagers there are basically fuel for his army." Dyne cuts in, his tone making it clear he's not a fan of the undead summoners.

Enri and Lupusregina glare a bit at him before Enri continues. "As I was saying, he's a necromancer. So the undead he uses to protect the city and its inhabitants can be a bit terrifying at first. He's only used the bodies of the knights to summon them "

Dyne at least looks a bit apologetic, though it's clear he isn't taking back what he said. It gets silent after that, thankfully not awkwardly so.

As they continued down the road, Ainz was thinking about the messages he recently received from the shadow demons. The disturbance is a group of necromancers who are a part of Zuranon. They don't have anything special going for them, but the Crown of the Wise Queen and the Death Orb could bring a lot of destruction to E-Rantel. " Enri would hate me, but I'm curious what would happen if Nfirea wore the crown." He shook his head a bit, experiments can come later.

It was only a couple minutes later when Lukrut signalled for everyone to stop. "Goblins, at least 30, past the hill to our right." He spoke in a slightly lowered voice.

Ainz looked to Lupusregina, who touched her nose and pointed up before flashing ten fingers. His respect for the archer rose a bit at that, though there wasn't much time as the goblins began to run over the hill.

One goblin stopped for a second as they looked at the group of adventurers, then they turned around and started shouting something. More goblins and even trolls started running over the hill after that.

Peter turned to Nfirea, "Keep down and be ready to move, we'll keep them away as long as possible." He said as he pulled out his sword.

"We'll handle the monsters, you guys protect the cart and kill any that get past us." Ainz said, he and Enri moving forward as Lupusregina casts buffs on everyone.

The swords of darkness can't help but feel a bit flabbergasted, watching as two copper plates walk up to a literal army of goblins and trolls. Though they quickly shut up as Momon launches into the air, pulling out one of his swords, and bisecting one of the trolls.

Nfirea isn't doing much better, unable to keep his jaw off the ground. He knew Enri had been training for a few years at this point, but seeing her cut up a dozen goblins in a single move seemed ridiculous. A troll had gotten to her side and swung its massive club, only to be shattered in a million pieces with a shield bash before the troll was cut diagonally in a single slash.

"There's no way they're copper plates," Lukrut said, keeping his bow ready in case any get through. "The two are cutting trolls down like weeds, and Lupu's buffs are beyond anything I've felt before."

Dyne slowly put his mace away as it was clear no goblins were getting through. "I'd say Mithril, maybe Orichalcum."

"It didn't look like they put any effort in killing them, even Adamantite might be underestimating their strength." Ninya said, the other members of the team seeing the star struck look in his eyes.

[Line Break]

The rest of the day is thankfully uneventful, and they reach the remains of the village by sundown. They stay around 100 Meters away from it, the area they camp in being closer to where the herbs are. Ninya sits down to rest his feet, everyone else is fine with it considering the extra weight he carries.

After a short break, Ninya and Lupusregina head out of the camp to set up proximity spells within a 100 feet radius. When they return, Ninya tiredly sits on the ground, the pot that's cooking their food shakes a bit from the impact.

"So, will we finally get to see under the helmet?" Peter asks as he dishes out the soup to everyone.

Ainz looks to those who haven't seen his face, then looks towards Lupusregina with a slightly defeated expression. She just laughs a bit as he removes his helmet. Nfirea and the swords of darkness gasp.

"Wait, you're a girl!?" Nfirea asks with widened eyes.

"No!" Ainz exclaims, clearing his throat awkwardly after. "I-I mean I'm a guy, I've just always had feminine features, it's why my helmet is enchanted to make me sound masculine." He blushes as he finished speaking, Lukrut almost asks him out before remembering he's a guy.

"If it means anything, you do look cute." Ninya mutters, hiding his blushing face with her bowl.

Ainz only ends up blushing more, Lupusregina slowly leans towards him. "You're totally a bottom Momon."

"I am not, quit it!" He shouts, everyone else laughing at the exchange.

" I was worried about Momon, he always seemed to have this air of danger around him. I'm glad he's just as friendly as Lupu, Enri's really found some good friends." Nfirea thought with a small smile, speaking quietly to himself, unheard through all the laughter.

"Maybe I could be friends with them too."

[Line Break]

A few hours later, most of the group had gone to sleep. Enri and Ninya were the first shift. It's quiet between the two, but it's peaceful. Things went a bit hectic after Ainz and Lupusregina started arguing, it ended with Ainz losing his chest plate again. Then he was ruthlessly teased by the sadistic maid because he had a few extra bowls of soup, and she found his belly fun to play with. Thankfully it didn't go on for too long, and Ainz left to sulk. At least that's what everyone else believes.

Enri looks towards Ninya, "hey, is it okay if I ask you something?" She asked, checking behind her to make sure no one else is awake.

"Sure, what is it?" Ninya replies, tilting her head a bit in confusion.

"Why do you pretend to be a guy?"

Ninya pales, looking behind before realizing Enri already did that. "How did you find out?" She speaks in a quieter tone.

"You've seen Momon, he isn't the only one like that. It's kinda easy to tell you aren't just a cute guy." Enri gives a teasing smirk, making Ninya blush, but look less panicked. "I think I could probably guess why you hide though. It's nobles isn't it?"

Ninya gives a nod, "Yeah, the reason I started adventuring was to find my sister one day." She turns to face Enri. "You mind if I ask my own question as well?"

Enri nods, "it would only be fair." She adds with a slight smile.

Ninya nods as well before speaking. "I've noticed you seem rather self conscious, yet you can kill goblins and trolls easier than Momon. Why?"

Enri sighs, "honestly, despite how good I am now, it's come far too late. No matter what spells I learn I can't bring my village back. No matter what equipment, I couldn't protect them. Can I really be a great hero if I can't even save those I care for most." She slumps a bit, the tornado of thoughts from that day having returned.

Before she could break down and scream again, Enri felt her head be gently pulled down. Eventually she finds herself resting on something really soft as her head is pet.

"I know how disheartening that can be," Ninya starts, brushing her fingers through Enri's long hair. "I always think about the day my sister was taken, asking what would happen if I was stronger then. I wish I was, more than anything in the world. Though if I was, would I have met the friends I have, would I have met you?"

Enri smiles a bit tiredly. "I suppose not, and I wouldn't have met Momon if my village wasn't attacked."

"Exactly, I remember hearing a proverb once. 'Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.'" Ninya giggles a little, remembering the old man who told it to her. "That is why it's called the present." She spoke in a whisper, the two giggling from it.

Enri felt her eyes droop a bit. "You know, I wouldn't mind falling asleep like this." She just receives a light slap from Ninya in response. Enri just laughs a little before getting up. The talk hadn't helped much, but she was feeling a bit better. " Yeah, I think she'd make a good guildmate."

[Line Break]

The rest of the night and their shifts went by smoothly, and they all woke up to the scent of breakfast. "I figured you guys would appreciate something delicious to wake up to." Lupusregina said, she and Ainz were the last shift for the night. Though one could tell from Ainz's satisfied look that he already had his share.

The seven who hadn't eaten do so with idle chatter as Ainz starts with cleaning the camp. Soon everyone else joins him, getting everything secured before entering the forest.

As they walk, Enri receives a 'message' from Lupusregina. She explains that some sneaky blonde had started following them in secret, the girl being involved with the disturbance in the graveyard. She then informs Enri of Ainz's plan to have them fight a couple skeleton dragons to scare the girl to their side.

It was a sound plan, though she couldn't help but think something would go wrong.

A few hours of herb gathering later, they were getting ready to return to the cart and head back to E-Rantel. To Nfirea's relief, they had gotten more than enough herbs to offset the cost of two teams. As they began to move, the ground shook for a moment. It stopped before shaking again, the loud footsteps can be heard. They turn to look deeper into the forest, and saw it.

A large creature hidden in the shadows steps out into the clearing, the prominent feature Enri noticed was that it wasn't made of bone. It was covered in brown scales, with green patterns along its back. They had very large back legs to hold it up, since its front legs were too small to reach the ground. The head of the beast was large, its mouth holding at least a hundred teeth. Its large horn on its snout scraped against a branch above it, its black eyes looking at the adventurers in front of it.

The beast roared

The nearly deafening noise was nothing of this world, sounding more alien than the roars of other dragons. It stepped forward, lowering its head to bite at Ainz, who dodged back just in time.

"Swords of Darkness, take Nfirea and run, we'll hold it off!" He shouted, and thankfully they followed the orders. Now only the three and the mysterious woman were in the clearing. The beast goes for another attack towards Lupusregina, who gets in an uppercut with her mace. The beast steps back before letting out another roar.

"What the hell is that thing!?" Enri asks as she blocks a swipe of its tail.

"It's an Earth Dragon, its level is in the upper 50s. Just be happy it isn't an elder." Ainz said, getting a couple sword swings at the dragon's chest. Lupusregina combos that with a flying double kick at its side, causing the beast to crash into a tree. More specifically the one the woman was in.

She fell to the ground, having been unprepared for the sudden change in the dragon's direction. The dragon notices her, and tries to go for the easy kill. Luckily for the woman, Enri is able to run over and hold the beast back.

"Get out of here, we'll talk after this thing is dead." Enri strains to get out as the dragon pushes the offensive. Ainz and Lupusregina both run in and attack its neck. The beast rears its head back in a roar of pain, allowing the woman to get out safely.

The dragon attempts to step on Enri, but she dodges as Ainz cuts its foot off. The beast falls to the ground with another roar, kicking around and flailing its tail. Enri is able to get to the head, bashing its head with her shield before impaling it through the eyes with her sword.

The dragon disappears, since it was a summon. Enri feels a bit stronger, and her armor gets a bit tighter. She and Lupusregina rest a bit before heading into the direction the woman left. Meeting up with her in another isolated area away from the others.

Enri feels a blade against her throat, though the woman looks a bit scared. Enri couldn't help but find her cute, like a kitten. Ainz and Lupusregina showed up, though didn't do anything about the woman.

"Who are you? You guys wear copper plates, but copper plates can't kill dragons." The woman asked, shaking a bit as she drew back her blade.

"We're just adventurers." Enri replied "Though it may help if you start cooperating with us."

The woman shakily takes a bow. "I-I wouldn't dream of going against you. My name's Clementine." She said, standing back up. The extra seat of the black scripture had terrified her until she found out the half elf was a loyal dog to the Cardinals. These people weren't bound by such limitations.

"That's good to hear, though please understand we can't go by word alone." Ainz says, a few shadows moving from his to Clementine's.

The woman shuddered, feeling the malevolent beings literally hiding in her shadow. She then looks up to Enri, who begins to speak again.

"For now, all we ask is that you keep the swords of darkness alive. The magic caster is of higher priority, keep them all alive if possible." Enri didn't want any of them to die of course, but if she could only save one, it was definitely going to be Ninya. "Make sure Nfirea is unharmed as well, or I'll crush you." Her much cheerier tone scared Clementine, and the former black scripture member bolted.

Enri turns around to face the other two. "I think that went well."

"Indeed, but you seem okay with the other swords of darkness members dying." Ainz said with a slight tilt of his head.

"Of course not! I'd like them all to live if possible, but I can't expect everything to go well. Plus Ninya's become someone I like."

"Is it because of her ass?" Lupusregina asks with an eyebrow wiggle. Enri just blushes and shakes her head. After a slight laugh from the maid, the three returned to where everyone else had gone.

[Line Break]

It was late evening in E-Rantel, the party had returned half an hour ago. Ainz and his group went into the guild to confirm Nfirea's quest complete, though were soon caught up in a conversation with a red haired girl. Enri had recognized her, and after a lot of talks about how girls are treated in the adventurer guild, somehow they convinced the girl to move into the city Ainz built.

They stepped out of the guild, noticing how stagnant the air seemed to be. Enri just sighed as they headed towards Nfirea's house. "Well, guess it's time for the show to begin."

/Authors Notes/

Here's another chapter, nothing much to add except the change in rating, since it's quite clear just how many characters are becoming thicc, and how much that isn't stopping. People might not like it, but embarrassed femboy Ainz is what's keeping me motivated. Anyway, peace out people.