A/N) Oh boy. People really seem to have expectations!

That's... Terrifying.

Let's hope that I can keep the momentum.

Maybe this is a bad time to tell you, but I'm not that good at writing (shocker, I know). So I'll do my best to ensure that it doesn't seem too illogical. But keep in mind that my entire creative process revolves around me going to the bathroom without a phone. Hope you're mostly here for a fun AU romp rather than a well put together drama.

Speaking of, I really need to switch writing programs. The one I used gave me the impression that my paragraphs were too thick. Obviously that's false, since all of em are about two lines. I had what felt like a MONSTER of a paragraph, and then found it in the FF and it was THREE lines?

So yea. Lemme know if you'd prefer thicc paragraphs.


Chapter 3 - Something Wicked

Ainz stepped out of the dimly lit building. He and Sebas had been conversing with the chief for a while, gathering as much information as possible about the world in the process. The Supreme Being cricked his neck upon feeling the cool evening air hit his clothed body. The chief, his wife and Sebas followed closely after.

The sky had taken on an orange coloration with shades of purple as the sun disappeared over the horizon. Suzuki Satoru would have been more taken aback had he not spent his entire second day on the sixth floor and the area outside the Tomb. At that time the sunset had reduced the Supreme Being to tears, something that he was happy nobody else had seen.

But currently?

He was focused on what he had gained from conversing with the leader of Carne. Which was a fair bit about economy, trade, relations, geography, but most importantly the nations and global powers. That being said, the stunning sunset still remained in the back of his mind.

This has been... Informative. We are currently within the kingdom of Re-Estize, with the Tomb being situated in the Great Forest of Tob, which we share with a supposed legendary creature. There is the Baharuth Empire, which wages a yearly war with the aforementioned kingdom in order to weaken them.

Then there's the Slane Theocracy, a bunch of religious crazies worshipping the Six Great Gods and advocating human supremacy. According to the village chief these may have been Theocracy soldiers masquerading as Baharuth knights in order to escalate hostilities between Re-Estize and the empire.

Makes sense. The bloke in armor mumbled something about the Six as I stepped through a portal. Supposedly the remaining human countries only worship four of the six.

The Argland Council State supposedly houses Dragon Lords, something to steer clear of in case dragons are as powerful as the dragon raid-bosses in Yggdrasil.

Not to mention the accursed plains filled with undead in our backyard. Jeez.

And finally...

With a flick of his thumb, a heavy golden coin went flying into the air before landing in the palm of the angel's gloved hand. Its decorated face glimmered in the light of the setting sun.

Yggdrasil gold seems to be more than twice as valuable relative to the gold coins of this world due to the weight and ornate decor.

... But using it may be a bad idea. We'll immediately make us seem like foreigners arriving from a country that doesn't even exist. If this alias of mine, Ainz Ooal Gown uses the same currency as any other alias I use or any subordinate of mine a clear connection can be made.

As for the name "Ainz Ooal Gown"? It should mean nothing to the natives while attracting the attention of any Players.

Members of my guild would be no exception. I have no doubt that Punitto Moe would keep his distance from any unknown party if he were here. But the name of our guild? If my friends are here... Then they'll find me.

"Lord Ainz." The butler that was briskly following the Supreme Being spoke up.

"Sebas. Go on," was the reply that came.

"... I am unworthy of being called your compatriot. It is a title that should only be bestowed to other exalted Supreme Beings." Ainz grinned.

"I disagree." The Supreme One turned towards his servant. "... They aren't here currently, yet you are standing by my side." The servant seemed to perk up a little before shaking his head.

"... You are too kind. I am merely doing what I was created to do."

"Hmm." The Supreme Being could no longer muster up the energy to convince the stubborn old man otherwise. Instead, he just stopped and overlooked the devastation that the village had suffered. 'It'll take a lot to rebuild' he surmised.

Multiple attacking soldiers have been stripped of their equipment and tied up in the town square. Whether their bruises and broken bones were the product of Sebas' "neutralisation" or the villagers getting their share of retribution, Ainz did not know. One thing was for certain. They were alive now because the merciful lord that had saved the village requested it.

What especially caught the angel's eyes were the scattered dirt-mounds that served as graves for the unlucky ones. He felt a pang of pity and sympathy then. Nothing worth mentioning, but he felt that it was nice to see that he was still able to relate to human emotions.

Angel or not, I used to be human. There's some comfort in knowing that a part of me will be just fine. Even when everything seems just the slightest bit... Off.

The fallen angel's gaze stopped as he once again found the two siblings, both girls having crumpled to the ground in front of a grave, sobbing. Presumably still mourning the loss of their father. Ainz wasn't entirely sure what had transpired, merely that the man had been brutalised.

Have they not gotten over his death yet? Lingering too long on something like this isn't healthy ya' know?

He crossed his arms, feeling the skill [Echoes of Eternity] brewing just beneath his skin. A skill that would bring all allies back to life without consequence at the cost of not being able to be used again for 72 hours. Perhaps these people would be considered allies...? Or would it only apply to the denizens of the Tomb?

All he needed to do was to cast it. To choose to cast it. It would cost him nothing. Yet...

It is one thing to be good at killing. To revive half a village with of people is something else entirely. Resurrection spells are supposedly rare. Incredibly so. And that's just to bring back one person. That stunt I thought about pulling would have been disastrous.

It would completely defeat the point of laying low in the first place. And if I were to bring back only the girl's parents? What a mess...

Irrational as it was, Ainz just couldn't help but feel a bit bad about it. Helping, sure, but not as much as he technically was able.

"Lord Ainz." The Supreme Being was snapped out of his internal monologue by the monotone butler.

"Is something the matter?" The angel asked his draconic manservant.

"No. I am merely concerned."

That doesn't sound like nothing to me. What is he concerned about? Ainz wondered about what had gotten the head-butler of Nazarick riled up.

"Concerned? About what, Sebas?" The butler of steel still held a somewhat troubled expression. "As a member of Nazarick you are like family to me. The beloved creation of my dear friends. Whatever makes you worried or doubtful you can speak to me about."

"A-Ainz-sama..." The Supreme Being rested a hand on the creation's shoulders. A seemingly insignificant gesture that brought great joy and relief to Sebas' heart.

"If you don't feel comfortable talking about it, we won't. But know that I will be available to lend you my ear should the need arise." He gave a calming smile that despite being hidden behind a wooden ritual-mask managed to reach Sebas.

The fallen angel clasped his hand behind his back, allowing the evening breeze to tickle his face through the holes in the mask. A brilliant coalition of orange and purple colored the sky above, the marking of a true sunset in a world untainted by pollution.

Rustling of grass in the wind combined with the swaying cloth that clung to his immaculate skin helped the overlord remain grounded in reality. He was anchored safely here. This was reality. He was sure of it. What a strange feeling it was, to be so incredibly happy about that.

"My lord." The monotone voice of Sebas brought Ainz's attention back to the matters at hand. Despite the stoic tone, there was a hint of doubt in the voice that the Supreme Being caught on to.

This is the third time he has said my name without following it up with anything substantial. Am I going to push him out of his comfort zone a little?

"You're hesitating. Why?" The angel asked in a soft tone.

A heavy silence ensued.

"... I overstepped. ...Forgive me, my lord. For a servant such as I to impose my will on your exalted self. This is a travesty of the highest order, to compromise the plans forged by a Supreme Being for my own selfish desires." Sebas knelt down.

He's still on about that...? Even after I agreed to help? Ah, crap. What do I say?

"I shall gracefully accept any punishment you wish to grant me for failing my duties." The butler's head was lowered, not meeting his leader's eyes. Luckily all the locals were focused on the burial rites, and the ruckus caused by the servant's declaration went largely unnoticed.

Things got quiet again as the angel reflected on what his manservant had said. Finally, after a great deal of internal worrying, Suzuki figured out an appropriate response.

"In what way were you selfish, Sebas?"

"I don't follow, my liege."

"You stood up for the innocent villagers who could not defend themselves from their killers. By my account that is not a self-serving act."

"Maybe, but... I defied your will, did I not?"

Ainz shrugged at the head-butler's admission of guilt. "Perhaps we did reveal ourselves too soon. Though it does not change the fact that I am likely to have stepped in to assist regardless of your plea." Sebas' eyes seemed to widen at this revelation.

"F-forgive me, my lord, but I was under the impression that humans were not well-liked by most Supreme Beings." His stoic exterior seemed to crack a little bit.

"Oh?" The fallen angel turned to look at his loyal servant. "What gave you that impression?"

"They have attacked the Tomb on multiple occasions with the intent of conquering it. In addition, I remember that one of the rules of Ainz Ooal Gown was that no humans were allowed entry."

I suppose if the only contact the Tomb has had with humans were hostile that would be a cause for concern that we are surrounded on all sides by them. And him bringing up the guild rules is a fair point. The reason was to form a heteromorph alliance against the human PKs who hunted us.

There's no way of properly sugar coating this one, is there? "We banded together so that the humans don't kill us." I'm sure that will make the humans even more well liked in Nazarick.

"Additionally, the vast majority of the Tomb has a rather... Poor opinion of them. Something I believe to be designed by the 41 Supreme Beings." He added.

"...Do you not hate humans, milord?" Sebas asked after a brief moment of silence. The Supreme Being shook his head.

"Not at all. What made you ask this question?"

The butler hesitated. "You were overlooking the surviving humans. I interpreted that as your venerable form being displeased by their weakness and ungratefulness."

How did he manage to come to that conclusion?

"That is not the case, Sebas. In fact, I quite admire them for being able to rebuild despite all that they have lost."

"... I see. Forgive this one's shortsightedness." The manservant seemed taken aback by his master expressing respect for the humans that were far weaker than himself.

"You have spoken for the majority of the Tomb, but what of yourself? I wouldn't see someone who hates humans speak so passionately about helping them and indeed following through with that promise."

"That I do not know. I am merely abiding by the nature gifted to me by Lord Touch-Me." Sebas said after having fully regained his dignified air.

"You are correct about that. As a creation of Supreme Being Touch-Me, the personification of justice, it is only expected for you to maintain at least a semblance of morality, am I not wrong?"

Personification of justice?! Touch-Me was a regular police officer! God damn it, am I just pulling these 'roleplay' titles out of my ass? Ainz complained internally, as he fought back the urge to clutch his head at his chuunibyou tendencies.

"Yes, you are right, my liege." Sebas answered his Lord's question, causing the angel to give a relieved smile, something Sebas seemed to be able to tell despite the mask.

"I believe that Touch-san would be very proud of his creation, for being able to stand up for those who cannot for themselves."

"I... Thank you. Ainz-sama. For your kind words." He bowed again.

"But you dodged the question~!" Ainz pressed on with an impish grin and a playful voice. Sebas seemed to pale a bit before realising that his master was being facetious.

"Ah... What I think of humanity?" The Supreme Being nodded with crossed arms before stepping closer to stand face to face with his servant. When in his full angel form the overlord would be more imposing than the inconspicuous butler, though the opposite was true now.

Sebas was very taken aback, never having witnessed a Supreme Being acting so flippant and playful. He scratched his bearded chin, thinking up a fitting answer to that question.

"I don't hate them. Nor do I dislike them. They are a natural being in this world that has the right to live and be protected like any sapient creature should be. Of course, should you command it I will gladly remove any humans from this world or procure any of them for the betterment of the Great Tomb."

Ainz stepped back, seeming quite content with the answer. Though the angel had not used his aura ability Sebas still felt the immense pressure when his master had stepped close.

'Well worthy of being the leader of the 41 Supreme Beings. Such wisdom, compassion and power, emblematic of a truly superb ruler.' He thought to himself.

"Good answer. Though I suppose there weren't any bad ones. Not when I asked you to express your honest opinion."

"Thank you, master Ainz."

"And what of the other denizens of Nazarick? What do you think their opinion of humans are?"

I asked before, but a more detailed explanation wouldn't hurt at this point.

"To be perfectly honest, my lord? They are not as lenient as you or I." The overlord nodded.

"There are exceptions, of course," he pressed on. "Yuri Alpha of the Pleiades has expressed no hostility towards those outside the Tomb, and Pestonya- leader of the homunculi maids- seems quite fond of every living creature, humans included."

This isn't exactly unexpected, judging by how Sebas described the situation in the Tomb earlier, especially with the guild rules. But I'd rather not wake up one day I find that they have committed genocide for a seemingly insignificant reason.

The solemn voice of a priest, coupled with the sound of ringing of bells pulled Ainz out of his contemplation. It would appear that the religious aspect of the burial was taking place, something the Supreme Being was somewhat curious about.

Tuning out everything else, the divine being focused his ears on the burial rites. Listening in on the ravings about the Four Elemental Gods.

Four Elemental Gods... Six Great Gods... It would appear that they are one and the same, with two of the six being excluded for not being human. Even here heteromorphs face discrimination, it would seem. But probably for better reasons than in the game, since they likely behave more like their in-lore counterparts.

I already don't like them. Their "human-supremacy" followers seem like quite the persistent pain in the rear as well.

Not to mention... According to the elder they were the ones that introduced Tier-magic to the world. Is it the same Tier-magic from Yggdrasil? Or is it something else with similar terminology? Either way, the odds of them being either Players like me, or NPCs like the Guardians just went up.

He could feel his annoyance flair up, nearly building its way to rage. Mustering his willpower, he turned to Sebas in an attempt to spark another conversation. It would appear that Sebas had a similar idea, and spoke up first.

"Unfortunately, there may be more hostiles." A look of surprise flashed across the angel's face, though the mask didn't show it. "Prior to leaving the great Tomb I had mobilized the squadron of Eight Edge Assassins as you have commanded." Ainz nodded.

"... And convinced lady Albedo that it was by your decree that nobody but I were to accompany you." The angel felt something akin to chills upon hearing about Albedo. What he had done to her settings was a problem.

"I suppose that took a while?"

"It was why I arrived so late, my lord."

"Mhm."

"The invisible squadron has been patrolling the land surrounding the village, securing it for your presence."

"Did they end up uncovering any hostiles?"

"Merely wild critters and harmless beasts. Nothing of note that you need to concern yourself with, lord Ainz. Or rather, that was the case. Not long ago a squadron of knights have entered the perimeter and are riding towards the village."

"I see. That is troublesome. It may be worth notifying the village elder about this." The Supreme Being searched the crowd with his gaze in an attempt to locate the man.

"To which I concur, my lord. Unfortunately that is not all." Sebas placed one hand over his heart (or where a heart would be on a human body) and apologetically lowered his head.

Aw crud. Even more enemies? It feels like I'm playing an escort quest in Yggdrasil again.

"Do go on." Ainz subtly motioned with his hand in a practised regal manner.

"A large team of low level magic-casters are following the knights, accompanied by Archangel Flames and another low-level angel."

The angel's eyes widened at this. Yggdrasil creatures? ...Yggdrasil summons?

Okay. The Players or NPCs theory just got a lot more likely.

"And the approximate strengths of the combatants?"

"Below level 50, my liege. None of them were able to detect the presence of the assassins."

Ainz's excitability had flared up again, making him eager to get into his first real fight. Though the relative weakness of his opponents quelled it somewhat.

"Notify the chief. We will meet the warriors head on and ascertain whether they're friend or foe." He squinted to catch a glimpse of the land beyond the rolling fields of golden wheat.


x==x==X==x==x


An entire platoon of knights riding atop armored horses had arrived in the little village. A well-built, bearded man with brown hair led them, stopping in front of the village chief.

The leader approached the elder on horseback with his subordinates in tow. Upon closer inspection, Ainz was unsure if they were knights or mercenaries, as they lacked the refined finesse one would expect from a kingdom's elite warriors.

Sound high ranking to me.

Despite that fact they had all lined up neatly and efficiently without wasting much time, even if their coordination leaved a lot to be desired compared to Nazarick. This ragtag band of warriors were pathetically weak in the eyes of the angel, staying consistent to the view he had of this world thus far. Only the captain piqued the overlord's interest, being merely "weak" rather than "dust mite" in terms of power.

Just how the Supreme Being had scrutinised the newcomer, so too did the newcomer inspect Ainz. After a solid ten seconds of silence the knight finally introduced himself.

"- I am Warrior-Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom, Gazef Stronoff-."

"Is 'Warrior-Captain' a high ranking title?" Ainz whispered to the village chief with a subdued voice.

"I... I don't know. But I do know that he's the king's most trusted knight! Based on the rumors at least..."

So, very high ranking then.

Warrior-Captain Gasef Stroganoff. Compared to everything thus far he's not a joke in terms of strength. I guess that's enough to land you a comfortable position in this world. But how high ranking is "Warrior-Captain" really?

I don't believe it's like lieutenant or something is it? Are the military rankings in this world determined by strength? If so, there may be a "Warrior-General" to look out for. He may prove a competent threat.

... Or "Warrior-King", perhaps? No, an actual king exists, but maybe...

While the Supreme Being was lost in thoughts regarding hypothetical "Warrior-Emperors" or "Warrior-Gods", Gazef explained his reason for being here. That being to exterminate the foreign knights who had ransacked multiple villages up until this point.

Neither party was aware of Ainz not really paying attention as his relaxed and unemotive posture didn't reveal him drifting off into a daydream where he fights a 8-foot tall Warrior-God-Emperor.

"You must be the chief of this village-" Gazef turned his attention from the elder to Ainz. With the latter finally being brought back to reality as the Warrior-Captain's attention focused on him. "- Can you tell me who the people beside you are?"

Ainz was content to lean back and let the village chief do the explaining, and improvise with whatever comes of it.

"Ah yes! Carne village was recently attacked by terrible people wearing Baharuth armor. We would all have died had this noble lord, Ainz Ooal Gown I do believe, not allowed his servant to save this village from attacking raiders!"

The elder spoke in a breathless, almost reverent manner which caused the angel to cringe under his mask.

Yeesh. Quit milking it, drama queen.

Upon hearing the village chief's explanation, Gazef Stronoff immediately dismounted his horse, bowing to the angel and his draconic butler.

"I can not thank you enough for your kindness, lord Gown. Saving this village has done the Kingdom a great service." Ainz cocked an eyebrow.

Gosh. Is this just how life is going to be now? People bowing before me? Then again, I suppose this Warrior-Captain fellow is from a more privileged class*. Him bowing is quite the show of humility.

He seems down-to-earth, so this fellow might be my one and only shot at meeting someone I can talk to casually. But I gotta keep up the act in front of Sebas.

"Kind words, Warrior-Captain, but you should be expressing your gratitude to my servant Sebas. He is the one who put in the effort in my stead."

The Warrior-Captain's gaze drifted towards the seemingly elderly butler that stood slightly behind Ainz. Gazef's face revealed a flash of surprise for a brief moment before it was suppressed.

"It is as you say, lord Gown." The Warrior-Captain replied after a slight delay.

Gazef Stronoff wasn't entirely sure what to make of this man in front of him. He appeared as virtuous as he seemed suspicious. A refined man in extravagant clothing commanding an equally well-dressed butler? Not to mention the surname. There was no doubt that the man was a noble. But from where?

As for the mask... It wasn't uncommon for nobles to want to have some anonymity, even if they usually commit unsavory deeds whenever they have it. There was a chance that this particular "Ainz" was a unique noble that takes pity on the common man, privately engaging in philanthropy in order to not appear "weak" in front of his peers.

All in all, this Ainz Ooal Gown struck the Warrior-Captain as an eccentric yet kindly heir of a noble family, guilty of nothing but being somewhat non-actionary.

His youthful and energetic voice (which carried none of the authority and maturity that was present in his full angel form) served to bring home that fact.

"Just call me Ainz, Sir Stronoff. No need to bog down our conversation with overbearing formalities." The Supreme Being replied crisply, slowly shaking his head to indicate his weariness.

Gazef just laughed at the young man's casual attitude that was unbecoming of a normal noble. Which strangely enough served to put him at ease. The Warrior-Captain knew nobles, and very few of them could be called amicable, let alone good-natured.

"If that's the case, I must ask you to refer to me as just Gazef."

Ainz gave a shrug. "That can be arranged."

"Would you mind me having a word with your butler, Ainz?"

"Go ahead." He gestured towards the immovable old man.

Thus far there was nothing to indicate to Gazef that Ainz Ooal Gown was anything besides the heir of a noble family. Presumably pursuing the life of an adventurer with expensive casters robes and a servant bodyguard.

Due to Ainz taking off the bulky, menacing armor-pieces and after having deflated a bit by disabling his angelic features, he looked to be a well-built young man in an expensive robe. Anything giving away his true vocation as a combatant had disappeared alongside his halo.

The only truly outlandish thing about his current figure was the obscured face.

"Right, and... Sebas, was it?"

"Indeed it is, sir Stronoff." The butler gave a slight bow.

"Then, Sebas, can you tell me of the men who attacked this village? This is indeed not the first settlement to have fallen to those scum but I hope it to be the last." Gazef grimaced as he remembered the destruction of villages elsewhere.

[Be honest, but don't reveal too much information about your combat capabilities.] Was the message Sebas received.

"Very well. My lord and I happened upon Carne drawn by plumes of smoke. When we arrived, the attacking knights had already taken to ransacking the village, slaughtering civilians and rounding them up for execution."

The Warrior-Captains face hardened upon hearing about the devastation, evidently angered by the actions of the attackers.

[Do we notify Sir Stronoff of the prisoners, lord Ainz?]

[He will undoubtedly want to arrest them if we do, but...] The fallen angel focused his attention on the hilly plains behind the Kingdom's Warrior-Captain, feeling an encroaching force of mages moving closer.

[... We will have more prisoners soon. We can keep those.]

[Understood.]

"Upon receiving my master's orders, I moved to intercept the raiders, defeating most of them and capturing a few of the remaining soldiers."

Gazef's eyes seemed to widen at this.

"All of them? Just like that?"

"Yes. The captives are being held in the nearby store-house. Tied up and supervised by armed villagers. Those who were not captured should be lying in a pile by the village square." The Warrior-Captain gave an appreciative whistle.

"You are very strong, sir Sebas. To take on that many hostiles at once and to emerge victorious despite it all? Nothing short of amazing." Yet another bow was doled out by the warrior, now wearing an impressed smile on his face.

"You flatter me, sir Gazef. I am merely a butler taking out the trash. And we were indeed compensated for our troubles."

Was... Was that a one-liner? You're capable of making those?

"Ah, if that's the case. Are the two of you adventurers?"

"It wouldn't be too far from the truth." Ainz followed up.

At least in this strange land we have found ourselves in.

"And you claimed to have captured some of the attacking soldiers?" Gazef inquired.

"That is correct, sir Warrior-Captain."

"By the decree of the king, can we take care of those men you have captured? I will personally see to it that those responsible for this coordinated attack will be caught and that you are properly rewarded."

Ainz spoke up, interrupting the moment between the two physical fighters. "That won't be necessary. You're about to meet them yourself." He gave a nod towards a distant hilltop and the figures that stood on it**.

Bizarre mages with strange headgear and black robes accompanied by a myriad of angels. Color seemed to drain from the Warrior-Captain's face as his more lighthearted expression disappeared. The Supreme Being and his follower- of course- remained unmoved.

"This is bad." The warrior said grimly. Ainz merely scoffed.

"You don't sound too happy about seeing them." The Supreme Being replied, to which Gazef shook his head.

"It's because I'm not. That's the Theocracy. And by the looks of it, it's one of their secret scriptures."

"Not much of a secret if you've heard of them."

The Warrior-Captain gave a strained smile upon hearing the jovial tone of the angel, who didn't seem at all bothered by the encroaching threat.

"You're awfully calm, Ainz."

"And you're awfully panicky."

Gazef gave a more earnest grin at the mouthy young man before returning his attention to the hostile magic-casters.

"Any idea why they're here?" The Warrior asked.

I know that you know why. Are you testing me?

"Well. A simple band of ruffians with swords are enough to wipe out a village, so it's not that. I am an hitherto unknown element, so it is unlikely to be me or my servant... Whereas you- famous right hand man of the king- are running around in..."

Ainz stepped forwards and scratched Gazef's shoddy plate armor with a fingernail, leaving a faint scratch that nobody but the Supreme Being seemed to notice.

"... Scrap. And now a death-squad is here to greet you. I don't suppose there's a correlation?"

The Warrior-Captain laughed a deep belly-laugh at the young noble's forthrightness.

"No, you are likely correct." He looked at the entourage of magic casters closing in, taking an extra close look at the flock of angels. The most menacing figure among the crowd was the blond, scarred caster in the middle, backed by an angel far bigger than their brethren.

The scripture had passed the tallest hill in the area, and could no longer be seen from the current angle.

Gazef turned to the strange noble magic-caster. "Lord Ainz, you don't suppose I could hire sir Sebas?"

The Supreme Being stroked his masked chin in a contemplative manner, seeming to ponder the Warrior-Captain's suggestion.

"That sounds fair. I am in dire need of some Kingdom currency." Gazef cocked an eyebrow but did not inquire further.

"Very well. How much would you charge for your services?" The Warrior-Captain asked. Ainz chuckled and gestured towards the band of warriors.

"Well... That would depend. How much do you have on you?" Gazef smiled.

"I am currently holding 13 gold coins, as well as a few dozen silvers. If this isn't adequate compensation, I suggest you visit me back at the capital city so that I can repay you in full. Maybe the king will reward you in person if I put the right words in."

The masked noble nodded. "Then shall we make arrangements to meet these gentlemen? It would be rude to keep guests waiting." He turned towards the village chief. "Gather all the people in the town hall. I shall cast a few protective spells to shield from harm."

The chief visibly relaxed at the Supreme Being's affirmations and started to head over to the building where all the people already were hiding.

"Ah, are you a caster capable of protective magic, Ainz?" The warrior captain inquired.

"Something like that."

"Will you be remaining in the village to protect them while sir Sebas accompanies us?" Ainz seemed to almost scowl under the mask at the question.

"Unfortunately, Sebas and I are a package deal. I will be following along with you."

Gazef seemed shocked at this, and considering the murmurs and weird looks from the warrior band, so was everybody else. After all, they had no reason to believe that Ainz Ooal Gown was anything but a noble with a powerful servant. Especially since magic is as looked down upon as it is in the Kingdom.

Well, the Warrior-Captain may have had an inkling...

He is capable of protective magic. Considering how he has been reacting to this massacre and the idea of combat I don't believe that he is weak. Sebas is the one taking credit for saving the village, and the chief is backing up that story, so that probably isn't a lie...

However, there is no way that this Ainz Ooal Gown is weak by any measure.

Stronoff gave a nod. "Very well. Make your preparations. We shall face these curs head-on."


*Yes, I know Gazef Stronoff is of commoner birth, I just figured that Ainz would assume otherwise, since the warrior was in a leadership position. Especially when nepotism was the only way to get ahead in the old world, and likely in this one as well.

**After re-reading Vol. 1, this is somewhat impossible considering the geography of where they are. The scripture would be blasting them with angels at this point already. Oops.