Hey everyone, thanks for the continued follows and reviews as I write the story. To preface this chapter, I wanted to make a few clarifications. Based on the reviews, it would seem some people have a misunderstanding with the scaling between Yggdrasil levels, and Cross Reverie levels. Given that the original max level of Cross Reverie was 150, and a max level character like Diablo (Albeit he's past max level now) has comparable feats to the magic of a max level Yggdrasil player, I use the formula of multiplying Cross Reverie levels by 2/3 in order to get the equivalent Yggdrasil level. Obviously it's not a perfect comparison, as each game has certain mechanics that the other doesn't, but it's a good baseline for converting between level systems. Also, I feel I don't need to specify, but whenever I reference a level, it is within the system that that character abides by. Of course, the comparison goes out the window a bit when you consider that Diablo's world doesn't abide by the original level cap, so arguably certain beings from his world could be considered past Overlord level 100. At that point though, it just comes down to displayed feats and what moves each character has. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the chapter, this was a fun one.
Chapter 3: A Chance Encounter
After a short walk from the inn, Ainz arrived at the Adventurer's Guild with Narberal in tow.
Their presence as they entered the guild caused the air to shift in a way that had everyone's attention directed towards them. This attention was somewhat abated when they saw the copper plates that swung from their necks, but the quality of Ainz' armor and Narberal's beauty still garnered a few stares.
Approaching the front desk, he was greeted by one of three smiling women, the other two busy assisting other adventurers.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for work…"
"Oh! Then just bring over a sheet of parchment from the bulletin, over where the other adventurers are gathered,"
Of course, so simple…
But I can't read…
The quirk of this world that automatically translated spoken language didn't extend to the written word, so both he and Narberal were helpless in this situation.
It's not like the literacy rate is particularly high, but still, it would definitely hamper the image of Momon if it gets out that he can't read…
Given that he had lent Sebas all his translation related magic items, and that he never bothered to learn such spells, there was only one option.
He grabbed a random sheet from the wall, and walked back up to the receptionist, slamming the parchment on the counter.
"I'll take this job."
The receptionist picked up the aggressively placed sheet, and upon reading it, gave an embarrassed smile.
"I'm sorry, but this job is for mythril plate adventurers and above only."
"I know, that's exactly why I chose it."
The woman across the counter squirmed a bit from his blind confidence, but held her ground.
"Once again, I'm sorry, but rules are rules-"
Before she could finish her thought, Narberal piped up from Ainz' side.
"Lord Momon is far stronger than your insect brain could und-"
Nabe's retort was cut off by a swift chop to the top of her head from Ainz' gauntleted fist.
I think I might've heard Narberal whimper, perhaps I hit her too hard there… Still! How many times have I told her to just call me Momon while we're in public?! No adventurer would ever refer to their partner with an honorific like "Lord", and she was far too rude…
Bowing deeply, Ainz tried to rectify the situation.
"Please excuse Nabe's outburst, normally she is much more professional I assure you…"
However, before their conversation could continue, a new voice chimed in from behind them.
"You've got a lot of audacity to lay your hands on a woman like that, big guy."
"Excuse me?"
Turning around to see who had called him out, Ainz was baffled as his vacant sockets were bombarded with the color gold.
The man before him was donned completely in shining golden armor, barring his head which revealed his youthful features and equally bright crop of blonde hair.
"My name is Emile Bichel Berger! The strongest human warrior of the Faltra City Adventurer's Guild!"
Faltra City? It doesn't fit the naming scheme of the Re-Estize Kingdom… So does that mean he's a foreigner? Why would he be at E-Rantel's guild then?
The copper plate hanging from his neck fit his story of being new to E-Rantel, that, or he was just a disillusioned newbie.
"You seriously want to take me on? Don't let my copper plate betray you, I'm merely new to the city as well, although any worthy opponent would be able to tell that from the get go."
The golden man named Emile laughed heartily at his reply.
"Any warrior worth their rank could tell you're strong, but it's a moot point. As the defender of all women, I have to take you on here and now."
He said this as he pointed his sword towards Ainz, who was slack jawed behind the cover of his helmet, still trying to process how strange the man currently threatening him was.
Defender of all women? Is this guy sick in the head or something? Ugh, I guess it doesn't matter… Now I've got to defuse this situation while maintaining the image of absolute strength that Momon is supposed to represent…
"You plan to fight me in the guild building? Surely you cannot be serious-
Going against what Ainz considered common sense, Emile brought his sword into stance and shouted out his opening martial art.
"《Sword Smite III》!"
Using a move that was only possible for those who had approached the limits of the races, Emile crossed the distance between himself and Ainz at a speed that the Overlord was not expecting.
Nonetheless, the moment he had seen his aggressor get into an attack stance, Ainz had unsheathed one of the massive greatswords on his back, and held it ready to intercept the rather straightforward attack.
What he didn't expect, however, was Emile's sudden loss of forward momentum when his strike was about to land, almost as if he'd canceled his attack.
Instead of their swords connecting, the golden adventurer was able to use his unnatural change in velocity to chain an attack towards Ainz' undefended side.
"Martial arts, huh. Such a troublesome quirk of this new world…"
He mumbled this at a volume inaudible to anyone else as he used his unoccupied arm to try and catch the incoming blade.
It was a gamble considering he didn't know the strength of the man attacking him or the make of his weapon, but he felt it was a safe bet given the mediocre quality of equipment and low level that was common in this world.
The collision caused a painful shriek of metal on metal as Ainz' gauntleted hand met Emile's blade.
However...
"What's this?!"
Against all his expectations, he heard the impossible sound of his armor creaking as his hand was gradually forced back.
Normally, such a thing would be expected in a clash against a proper warrior. Ainz was just a magic caster swinging two swords around, but even with his full mage build, as a max level player, his strength should be around equal to a warrior leveled in the thirties.
This man is of a high enough level to push back against me? Perhaps I underestimated him by comparing him to the local adventurers… He did say he was the strongest from his city, so it wouldn't be a stretch for him to be similar in strength to the high ranking adventurers from the Kingdom…
However, no matter how strong he is, I cannot allow him to outshine Momon in any way!
Subvocally, Ainz activated one of the few spells that he could use while in armor.
" 「Perfect Warrior」."
As the spell took effect, Ainz' level build became that of a level 100 warrior, albeit without the warrior skills that the class would normally have at the highest level.
Still, the sheer upgrade in physical power would prove more than enough, as Ainz' hand that was previously being pushed back now held the blade in place.
This sudden change from his opponent prompted Emile to jump back in retreat, barely managing to snatch his sword back from the grip of the dark warrior.
"Looks like you were holding back on me, but how did you have all that power on the backburner? I'm certain you didn't use any martial arts, so does that mean you're just that much stronger than me?"
Ainz stared back at him in silence for a moment, still trying to figure out what to make of the man that had started a fight with him over the strangest provocation.
"Perhaps I am, but that should only be more reason for you to stop this pointless fight. You attacked me over a misunderstanding, and I could barely get a word in before you came charging at me!"
Emile tossed his golden hair as he let out a friendly chuckle.
"It's funny you mention that, as I may have put myself in a similar situation not too long ago. Before, my actions were drawn from rumors, ones that I found out to be false. But before I learned that, I wound up getting into a battle that I couldn't win."
"《Alps Fall III》!"
He brought his sword close to his chest, and then raised it towards the ceiling. A gold aura began to emanate from him, his power growing with every passing moment.
"However, that was a different time. One must learn from their past mistakes, or they can never grow as a warrior."
Ainz was obviously unfamiliar with martial art techniques, given that they were not a mechanic in Yggdrasil, but his extensive game knowledge gave him a clue as to the move's purpose.
"Using a charge up skill at such close quarters? Are you expecting me to just stand idly by while you prepare your attack?"
As Ainz took a step towards Emile, drawing his other great sword from his back while doing so, his opponent smirked, which made him hesitate.
"《Instant Activation》!"
The dark warrior didn't need to speculate on this ability, as Emile's growing aura flared to its limit in under a moment.
In a blur of gold, Emile launched into the air towards Ainz, who barely had time to raise his great swords in defense.
"Take this! 《Alps Fall III》!"
His sword swung downwards with inhuman force and speed, clashing against Ainz' greatswords which formed an X in front of him.
The resulting wave of energy from the impact was strong enough to almost topple all the experienced adventurers in the room.
However, when the dust settled, the watching spectators gasped, as what they saw defied their expectations.
Down on one knee with his sword in pieces, Emile admitted defeat as one of Ainz' massive swords was pointed next to his head.
"I've gotta say, I knew you were stronger than me, but to brush off an 《Alps Fall III》, as well as shatter my sword…"
The defeated warrior tilted his head up to meet the gaze of the helmeted behemoth that had defeated him.
"Tell me, how did you surpass level 100? Did you train with Master Graham, or did someone else aid you in surpassing the limits of the races?"
These questions caused Ainz' emotion suppression to activate several times over, unbeknownst to anyone else.
Did he just say level 100?! Even more than that, he thinks I'm stronger than a level 100 warrior? These two pieces of information contradict the idea that he's a Yggdrasil player, as anyone from the game would know the futility of trying to get past the level cap…
But why else would he be asking me my level? Although I haven't had long to gather information, the idea of levels or "leveling up" is foriegn to all the adventurers that I've spoken with thus far…
"I don't know this Master Graham, but if you're familiar with the level system, you should know that the limit is 100, correct?"
Ainz brought his greatsword away from the man's head, sheathing it on his back along with his other blade.
"Well, you're half right. Generally, someone of the races could only hope to reach a height like level 99, but due to extenuating circumstances, I've had more than my fair share of life or death battles,"
He slowly stood back up, dusting off his armor in the process.
"However, to breach that limit, one has to complete a quest of some magnitude. The Master Swordsman Graham has been the one to guide warriors past that limit for generations, so I'm curious what great feat you accomplished that broke your limit in place of the Master Swordsman's trials."
The dark warrior silently stared him down, trying to collect his thoughts and come up with a cohesive answer.
"Given how much stronger you are than me, it wouldn't be a stretch for your level to be around 130."
All this new information echoed around in Ainz' bony skull, when it finally clicked that this man could not be from Yggdrasil.
"Perhaps your land's system of measurement is just different from mine. Both myself and Nabe hail from a country very far away, and I take it yours is as well, given this country seems to have no concept of level at all."
Emile simply shrugged his shoulders and turned his gaze towards Nabe, who had been staring daggers at him the entire confrontation.
"We can discuss such semantics later, more importantly, is the lady hurt? Seeing such a harsh physical rebuke made me assume she may be working with you against her will,"
Narberal, about to go on a verbal tirade, was cut off by a 「Message」 from Ainz.
"Narberal Gamma, you will play this conversation out accordingly. Do NOT escalate the situation any further!"
Catching her initial venomous words in her throat, she instantly shifted gears as instructed by Ainz' mental commands.
"I'll have you know, I'm a third tier magic caster who is more than capable of handling herself. I misspoke to the kind receptionist, Momon was simply correcting my mistake."
The so-called defender of all women internalized her explanation for a moment, after which his face shifted into a wide smile.
"Ha ha ha ha! Of course! It was just another misunderstanding. For someone as strong as her to respect you like that, I can only assume you're an ally of women as well."
He placed his hand on Ainz' plated shoulder, still laughing heartily.
That is some mental fortitude! But seriously, I can't tell if this was all an excuse to test my strength or if this guy is just an idiot…
"Well, if everything is settled, why don't we discuss things later. Nabe and I still have to find a fitting assignment."
However, before Ainz could continue his conversation with the receptionist, the door to the guild creaked open, revealing two people that caused his emotion suppression to activate ten-fold.
A man with piercing dark grey eyes, white hair, and bluish-black facial tattoos that went down his cheek. He was adorned with a flowing black mantle, gold accents lining it similar to his own armor. Unlike himself, this man only wore one ring, although it too seemed to be of immense quality.
The mysterious glowing staff/sword hybrid that he saw used in the battle at Carne was fastened at his side, its magical power almost calling out to Ainz the mage.
Everything he wore was extremely high quality, much different from the crappy equipment readily available in this world.
Strangest of all though, were the horns that protruded from his head.
So this is the self proclaimed Demon Lord… He certainly exudes a powerful presence, as does the woman beside him...
Standing next to the demon was a pink haired girl whose beauty was arguably equal to the likes of the pleiades. Most of her body was covered by a sleek black cloak, the only other discerning feature being the covered sword on her back.
She doesn't look like much, but if our information is correct, she's the one who butchered those four [Hanzos], which still surprises me to say the least…
Unfortunately, I doubt I'll ever be able to truly confirm the race of Diablo, due to his apparent magic reflection, but perhaps I could figure out the truth behind his partner…
The duo both looked shocked when they saw the scene before them, the centerpiece of it all being their comrade Emile.
"Emile?! What are you doing here? Don't tell me you got sent from Faltra as well?"
Diablo was slack jawed when he saw that the goofy 'Herculean Warrior' was in the same situation as him and Rose.
Wait, this could be a good thing… If Emile is here, then that means the others could be here too, Rem, Shera…
"My friend! Of course the gears of fate would involve you in this mystery, and your lovely companion as well."
Rose rolled her eyes at his comment, having been around this human more than enough to just ignore his transgressions.
"I'll save the pleasantries for later, more importantly, have you seen Rem or Shera?"
Emile cast a downtrodden look, his disappointed face somewhat concealed.
"I wish I could say I have, but does this mean you think they were affected as well?"
Diablo frowned upon hearing his answer, but despite his friend's lack of intel on the girls, Emile's very presence in this place proves the girls likely are here as well.
I don't have a clue what the criteria for getting sent here is though… It could be beings with a certain level of strength, but if Rem and Shera qualified under that rule, there should be more Cross Reverie natives around...
"I can't say for sure, but considering that you're here I definitely can't rule it out. Also, what the hell happened here?"
The guild room that Diablo had walked into looked like a tornado had just run through it. Smaller furniture was tipped over, papers were scattered all across the floor, and the other adventurers seemed to be in a state of shock.
Emile looked towards the hulking armored man standing adjacent to himself, rubbing the back of his head and smiling sheepishly.
"Would it surprise you if I said I challenged this guy to a fight?"
Diablo internally facepalmed. Knowing Emile's antics, his excuse for fighting this guy was most likely completely contrived.
"No, I suppose it doesn't."
As he said this though, his eyes glanced down to the floor, where he saw Emile's sword broken in two.
This random adventurer beat Emile in a swordfight?! I mean he looks like a very formidable warrior, but Emile is incredibly strong for a normal human, too strong to lose to a guy from a backwater adventurer's guild…
Shifting his gaze away from Emile, Diablo's eyes centered on the dark warrior whose very presence seemed to domineer over the room.
"I'll give you the due credit of defeating someone like Emile, but don't think for a moment that a feat like that makes you particularly strong, not while I'm here."
The fully armored warrior stared back at him in silence for a moment, but then tilted his head slightly as if confused by Diablo's statement.
"You look like a skilled mage, a wealthy one too based on your equipment."
Ainz said this as he inspected Diablo's loadout from head to toe, wishing he could just use an appraisal spell while he had an excuse to be near his potential enemy.
"However, I seriously doubt you've peered far enough into the abyss of magic to have a chance against a warrior of my caliber."
This comment managed to get under Diablo's skin, much to the pleasure of Ainz.
What right does some meathead swordsman have to comment on the power of my magic? It's almost like he's trying to get a rise out of me…
"Hmph, I wouldn't need to cast a single spell to defeat someone like you. Just because you beat Emile doesn't mean you've surpassed me in the way of the sword."
Ainz' unmoving jaw smiled under his helmet as he extracted the information he had been hoping for.
"Oh, is that so? That must mean you've surpassed the limits of the races as a warrior, unlike your friend here."
Shit, he got me! I knew he was goading me and I still took the bait… I've gotta keep the demon lord persona in check, at least while I still don't know who my enemies are in this world…
Still, how does he know about surpassing level 100? Those villagers had no clue, but even Gazef, the strongest human warrior native to this place that I've seen up until this point, had never heard of the master swordsman or the trials…
He briefly looked over at Emile, the likely culprit of the information leak regarding their native world.
Well the cat's already out of the bag, looks like I've gotta roll with it…
"You've assumed correctly, although even a fool could piece that together. If you're so confident in yourself, that must mean you've surpassed the limits as well, yes?"
This time Ainz was on the defensive, carefully calculating how much he wanted to reveal throughout the conversation.
"My knowledge on the matter only extends to what your friend here told me. I never participated in any trials, but my history of battle is extensive. Whether or not I passed this arbitrary limit matters little as long as my strength proves true."
Diablo internalized his response, trying to understand what the mysterious warrior was playing at.
"There's some truth to your words, considering how you were able to handily defeat Emile, a proper warrior in his own respect."
Emile flashed a smile and a thumbs up at Diablo for the rare compliment, earning a slight groan from the quiet Narberal, who was growing to hate this particular human even more.
"However, that explanation doesn't make me any less suspicious of how you acquired such power. At least where I'm from, anyone more powerful than Emile tends to be a high profile figure in some regard."
Ainz' nervousness shot up a level, but not enough to trigger his emotion suppression, much to his annoyance. It seemed that the Demon Lord had more to say though, so he stared at him silently, waiting to hear the end of his point.
"A power like yours behind the wrong individual will inevitably lead to disaster, and I've defeated such individuals too many times to count. Lucky for you, your motives are unknown to me, although don't expect it to stay that way."
Everything about this guy just screamed suspicious. A complete unknown who claims to be from a land far beyond the horizon, yet throws around enough power that he should be known at least by any surrounding countries.
I guess that sounds a lot like my situation, but at least I'm somewhat honest about my origin…
"Well then let's abate any suspicion right here and now."
Ainz said this as he reached his hand out to Diablo, prompting him to do the same.
"My name is Momon. I'm a veteran adventurer from a country long destroyed, and I seek to rebuild my fame in this new land. My only motive is to be the best."
His words were spoken with such conviction that even Diablo had to give him props.
If this guy is acting, then he's even better than I am when it comes to playing a character… Most likely he's telling the truth, and I don't have much else to go on, so let's roll with the adventurer camaraderie…
Reaching out and clasping the massive gauntleted hand of Momon, he gave his reassurance of neutrality.
"If that's the truth, then so be it. As of now we only have one conflict, and that's being number one around here, but I already told you I'm not worried about proving that."
"Hmph. We'll see who's will proves stronger when I achieve Adamantite rank before you even see gold."
Diablo smirked at his comment, it had been a long time since he had any honest competition.
Maybe back in the game, but ever since becoming Diablo, it's either my life on the line or someone I care about…
"Remember the name Diablo when you see yourself surpassed in the rankings."
Probably the best way of introducing myself without breaking entirely out of my persona… Good job me!
"I'll catch up with you later, Emile. Rose, come on. We've still got to register with the guild."
Grabbing Rose by the hand, eliciting a blush from the magimatic maid, Diablo began to walk away from the other adventurer duo, however a calling voice caused him to stop.
"Would you mind coming back for a moment, mister Diablo?"
…
Walking out from behind a pillar that was in earshot of Diablo's prior conversation, the unknown man revealed himself.
"Who are you supposed to be?"
He was rather tall, his eyeline just about meeting Diablo's. Despite his height though, he looked miserably frail, like he'd be blown away with a passing breeze.
There's no way this guy's an adventurer, he looks too weak to even be a mage, let alone a front liner…
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Count Iselk, I'm a noble based near the Capital, but I own a large amount of land in the E-Rantel area."
His claim of nobility was backed up by his elegant doublet suit, something a commoner could never hope to afford.
"The business of the nobility does not interest me, I can't imagine you have something worth discussing."
These Lord types are always plotting something behind the scenes, at least from all of my experiences with them…
"I would never ask such a thing of an adventurer, it's against the rules anyways. My request is rather straightforward, Mister Diablo."
"I insist you cease all of this "Mister" talk. Diablo is fine, Count."
"If you say so. Now then, if you want to hear me out, why don't you join me in one of the private rooms?"
It wasn't a difficult choice for Diablo to make. Even if this noble had ulterior motives, he still could be used for his connections in order to find Rem and Shera.
Besides, I'm as good as broke right now since my Lyferian currency is useless, and all of the money Gazef gave me is going towards rent for the inn...
"Very well, I'll hear you out. Rose, let's go."
Diablo began walking towards the Count, expecting him to lead the way, but apparently his interest extended beyond the Demon Lord.
"You there, Mister Momon if I'm correct?"
Turning his attention to the Count, Ainz was surprised that he'd been dragged into yet another random encounter.
"You can drop the honorifics, Count Iselk. What business do you have with me?"
The Count chuckled to himself, feeling out of his element being among the common folk.
"Adventurers and their crude way of speaking, I suppose it can't be helped. Nonetheless, I have the same offer on the table for you, and your partner as well."
Ainz was uneasy about this noble, wondering what interest he could possibly have in some copper rank and unregistered adventurers.
As long as I'm under my alias, there shouldn't be any trouble with taking a job from the nobility… Plus, Nazarick's money situation is abysmal as far as new world currency is concerned…
"If it can serve as a jumping off point for working in this city, I have no reason to decline."
Taking Ainz' statement as a yes, the Count turned and walked towards the back hall, prompting both groups to follow.
The Demon Lord's piercing grey eyes met the vacant orbits behind Ainz' visor, but only for a moment, as they continued forward without speaking.
I've got to play these negotiations carefully… It'd be bad if Diablo is still suspicious of me despite his claims otherwise…
But I can't waste this opportunity to learn more about him and his companion, and if push comes to shove, it could be a useful way to dispose of them with a plausible explanation…
Diablo's thoughts closely resembled those of the dark warrior walking beside him, seeing this as an opportunity to see his potential rival's skill in the field.
However, his intentions weren't nearly as malicious. With no way to know that the man beside him was the supreme Overlord of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Diablo could only think within the framework he was given.
Despite this, his suspicion was hardly abated.
I doubt this guy is involved with whatever is affecting Cross Reverie natives, but his sudden appearance in the very town I planned to travel to cannot be ignored… Especially when it's clear that someone is capable of tracking my movements…
I'll just have to be vigilant, not like I have much opportunity to act otherwise…
Filing through the entrance to one of the vacant rooms, Count Iselk took a seat at the front of the only table in the room, motioning for the adventurers to take their respective seats.
Both duos complied in silence, sitting down on opposite sides of the table, their party lines clearly drawn.
"Now then, as far as I understand, both of your groups are new to E-Rantel, correct?"
"Umu."
"Correct."
The group leaders responded in turn, both being forthcoming with the information given how everyone present already knew.
"Diablo and, what's your name, miss?"
"You can call me Rose."
"Ah, a lovely name. Diablo and Rose still have yet to register, but you'll be copper plates just like any other starter, despite your level of skill."
Diablo scoffed at this information, but he'd already reasoned such a thing would be the case.
"If Momon here had to register as a copper plate, I assumed the same would go for me."
Rose cast an angry look towards the Count, annoyed by her master's common treatment.
"Someone like Diablo should never have to assume a trash rank like copper. His power deserves nothing short of the highest rank."
Diablo quickly put a hand on Rose's shoulder, which immediately calmed her down somewhat, or at the very least distracted her.
"You don't have to say such things, Rose. My power is unproven in this place. Would it not be more fitting to demolish everyone in the rankings to prove our obvious superiority?"
Ainz let out a slight chuckle at this comment, seeing that Narberal was starting to fume as well.
It reminds me of my constantly feuding guildmates…
Maybe some of them are really out there...
As Ainz started to become awash in hope and nostalgia, the emotions were immediately suppressed, angering him slightly that he couldn't reminisce for longer than a few moments.
"Everyone, why don't we just listen to the Count's offer? Squabbling is getting us nowhere."
Diablo agreed and sat back in his chair, leading Rose to do the same.
"Very good, let's continue. Since I'll be requesting you formally through the guild, I'll also be paying you the copper rate, at least on paper."
Both parties were about to walk out at the prospect of being paid copper rate for a likely extensive job, but the Count's last comment piqued their interest.
"On paper, you say?"
Momon was the first to question the Count, Diablo about to ask the same thing as well.
"From my brief observation, I can clearly tell that you are all stronger than copper rank adventurers. How strong, I'm not exactly sure, but more than enough for what I hope to ask of you."
Both leaders nodded, knowing that even just their equipment was a dead giveaway of being stronger than a beginner adventurer.
"Pending success of the job, I plan to pay you a rate higher than most adventurers would ever see in their lifetimes,"
Diablo was intrigued by such a proposition, but it had him wondering what kind of job would warrant a payout like he described.
His emotions quickly suppressing themselves, Ainz knew this was the golden opportunity he had been hoping for in starting his role as an adventurer.
"I think the obvious question now is what kind of job are you going to ask of us, Count Iselk."
The Count shrugged and continued his explanation.
"It's quite simple, really. Some of my fields have been set ablaze recently by an unknown group, and it seems they have no intention of stopping. You see, I can't conduct my duties as nobility if my main source of income is being systematically destroyed, although anyone could gather that."
He stood up from his chair and called over a servant who was standing at the door, handing the count a small money pouch.
"Your role in this is helping catch or at the very least incapacitating the group doing this. I won't reveal my sources, but I have it on excellent authority when and where the next attack will likely be."
He then opened the pouch he had called for and poured out five coins.
"If the job goes as requested, I'm prepared to pay you five platinum coins, each."
Ainz and Diablo thought through all the implications behind the Count's offer, but neither of them could come up with a likely scenario that outweighed the benefits of such a large sum.
"I'll have one of my attendants inform you on the details, unfortunately I have a very important meeting I need to get to."
With that, the Count took his money and gave a slight bow before exiting the room, leaving the two teams by themselves.
"Well I assume you'll be accepting the offer as well, Diablo."
"Of course, only a fool would pass up such a deal. However, you too must have your suspicions."
"If you're truly so strong, there shouldn't be anything to fear, no?"
Diablo let out a mocking laugh, knowing such a mindset was one that had previously almost gotten him killed, several times.
"If you never fight beings stronger than yourself, maybe that would be an acceptable way to live."
His response surprised Ainz, as he was expecting to elicit more hostility with his comment. Still, it gave him a glimpse into the history of this anomalous demon, if anything.
"Perhaps it's just about having confidence in your ability to overcome such disparities in power, but that's all beside the point. I know I'm strong enough to take on whatever petty group that's burning a noble's fields."
Before Diablo could respond though, one of the Count's attendants came into the room and sat down with some parchment.
"If I'm going to share the details of the operation, I need everyone's affirmation that they're in, because the Count doesn't want any information leaks."
Rose and Narberal both looked to their respective partners, waiting to agree with whatever answer they gave.
The Demon Lord and Supreme Overlord nodded at each other, and gave the same response.
"We're in."
...