A/N) It's here. The dreaded lull-period. Where nothing too exciting happens for a while, and things are mostly about character interactions and set-up for future events.

As for pacing... Oh dear. I suppose this is the kinda stuff that separates wheat from the chaff when it comes to writers. I wanted to skip a lot of this, but felt as if it would be "cheap" or less impactful if these more quiet, uneventful things didn't happen every now and then. That being said, I probably could have cut down on this a little.

One thing I thought of was on the subject of Ainz's morality... I figured that it might be a cause for concern for a lot of readers. What I had imagined was something more in line with a "moral pragmatic". In other words, Ainz has empathy and some softer qualities, but will definitely be able to do some heinous shit.

By the way, it's around the next chapter when the deviation from the canon storyline becomes more apparent, though many beats will still happen.

Also, this chapter went through multiple revisions before I settled on the ORIGINAL. Boo.


Chapter 5 - Beneath This Starry Sky

Two figures slowly walked towards a razed village, one following closely after the other. Such a sight may be quite ominous in other circumstances, as the murky darkness of dusk lent their presence an undeniable tinge of menace. To Gazef Stronoff however, seeing the two of them from the town hall window brought a great calm to his heart.

Then again, it was quite the shock to see them none the worse for wear. The Warrior-Captain opened the door, and made his way past makeshift barricades with a few of his men in tow. With a quick wave, he closed the gap between them.

"Lord Ainz! You made it!" He exclaimed, not sounding particularly surprised, though by the way he inspected the pair revealed that he had expected a few signs of combat at least.

The angel gave a gentle laugh. "Of course. You make it sound as if there could be any other outcome." The reply was delivered with the same confidence Gazef had gotten used to for the short time he had known the man.

"Woah, seriously...?"

"Not a scratch on 'em."

A few hushed whispers could be picked up from members of the warrior band, not intended to be heard by the subjects in question. But the Supreme Being's enhanced hearing was more than enough to make them out. In the back villagers were starting to pour out of the communal hall, wanting to return home after a long and terrible day. Assuming they still had houses left.

"If I may..." Gazef started. "... What transpired out there?"

Momonga shifted a bit, as if uncomfortable with the question.

"The Scripture conjured their trump card, as they claimed that they would." He pointed a thumb towards the manservant that was standing diligently behind him. "Though it certainly was more powerful than the Principality of Observation, it was hardly insurmountable to us."

Gazef listened on with an astonished expression, all while feeling somewhat sceptical that the Theocracy would arm their Scripture with a dud of a final weapon. Other members of the warrior band were also a bit suspicious, but didn't want to disrespect the two by cutting into the conversation. Not unlike the stoic butler who would only speak when prompted.

"I... I see. Did you happen to overhear the name of the summon...?"

"Lordship of Aggression." The Supreme Being answered without missing a beat, haphazardly throwing out the name of a random 5th-Tier Yggdrasil angel.

"Though I believed that the angel's name would be classified information, our friend Nigun could help but boast of its name and power." Ainz gave a chuckle, to which Gazef couldn't help but return a grin.

"Unfortunately, when the Scripture realized that the battle was turning in our favour, they cast [Greater Teleportation] and fled." The angel shook his head. "I still stand by my decision of sending away you and your band, as I believe very few of your men would have made it out alive if I hadn't."

It was a bold-faced lie. Nigun and the entirety of the Sunlight Scripture was having an intimate meet-up with Neuronist Painkill.

Gazef himself briefly considered whether or not the noble was in cahoots with the scripture before dismissing the idea entirely. It was too unlikely and illogical based on what he knew of the young man thus far. That being said, Gazef was almost certain that the young man wasn't entirely truthful, even if he didn't know to what end.

"Oh, please do not beat yourself up over it, Ainz. What you have done here today is nothing short of heroic." The Warrior-Captain hesitated for a moment before placing an armored hand on the Supreme Being's shoulder. Something that caused the butler to stiffen up.

"You have saved me, my men and this entire village. Even if the Scripture escaped, we now know who the true enemy is, all thanks to you. Despite it all, that so many made it out alive is victory enough."

Oh dear. Gazef, sweetie, please take your hand off. I think I can hear the Guardians seething from over here.

"You speak of us in high regard, Gazef. Surely we aren't that impressive?" The Warrior Captain opened his mouth to disagree, but the angel kept talking. "Besides, once again I believe that my follower is far more worthy of praise than I."

Sebas seemed to have a few objections likely along the lines of 'this humble servant merely follows his directives', though he knew not to speak up in this situation.

"Perhaps." Stronoff relented. "But your performance cannot be understated. I have no doubts that you are a magic caster worthy of great reverence."

Is he trying to butter me up...? Honestly, between him and the denizens of the Tomb I can't really tell who's honest and who's trying to get on my good side. ... I'm sure people from Nazarick are earnest with me, but I have a long way to go before I am comfortable navigating a more intricate social situation.

Damn it, Sebas. I know that you weren't built for this stuff, but quit being a wall-flower and say something!

"You jest, Warrior-Captain. I'm just a travelling divine caster. Nothing more, nothing less." Ainz shrugged in an exaggerated manner.

"Well, if that's the case... I believe that you would be an excellent fit for a court magician."

The Supreme Being raised an eyebrow beneath the mask. "That's quite forward, my friend."

"Aye. But it's the truth. Currently the closest thing we have to a court mage is the leader of the Mages' Guild."

Momonga stroked his chin, or rather attempted to as the mask got in the way. "Is that man somehow inadequate?" He inquired.

"Not per se, but he has other duties to attend to aside from appearing in court every once in a while. Besides, I have seen 5th-Tier healing spells and 5th-Tier boosting spells before. I don't believe they measure up to your standard."

Not to mention the teleportation spell you cast, the head warrior thought to himself.

The Supreme One nodded, but instead of taking note of Gazef's analysis of his magic, his mind zeroed in on one detail.

"... Other duties? I take it that 'court mage' isn't a full time job, or at the very least, not one that is officially recognized." The angel inferred.

The Warrior-Captain's face turned a bit more morose, and Ainz saw what he perceived as regret or shame pass the grizzled warrior's features. "It is not. Magic does not receive the respect that it deserves here in Re-Estize. Something that isn't likely to change anytime soon."

"Those blind fools need look no further than our neighbors to see just how wrong they are." He nearly spat.

"Would I be wrong to assume that 'they' are referring to the nobles?"

Gazef shook his head. "You are quite right. But rest assured, I can speak to His Majesty and ensure that you get a favorable position with many benefits, not unlike my title of Warrior-Captain."

For a brief moment Momonga felt rage swell in his chest as he remembered the leading figures of the old world. Though instead of CEOs and dictators they were now nobles and kings. They had sold out their country. Sold out their villages with their citizens in a shameless grab for more power and influence.

In the end the common folk had been nothing but pawns, expendable resources. All to be used and tossed aside like tissue paper. Like his very own mother, worked to death and forgotten within days by the company that drove her to an early grave. The Supreme Being's teeth grit hard enough to crush normal human dentistry into fine powder.

And now the leaders of this country are squabbling over petty politics as their nation bleeds. To the Supreme One these nobles are nothing more than a den of vipers too busy trying to swallow each other whole.

Will this world turn out like my old one, I wonder...?

Maybe.

But the real question should be, 'Will I allow that to transpire?'

No.

I will drag them into their place kicking and screaming if I must. But who will lead, then...? The people? Will Nazarick accept that? No. Then it must be me. It's inevitable.

... How far will I go? Can I slaughter every person that doesn't bend the knee and still call myself a liberator in good conscience? When am I a freedom fighter, and when am I a tyrant? Where do I draw the line?

"Lord Ainz...?" Gazef's voice brought the angel back to reality.

"Ah, yes." Momonga cleared his throat. "My apologies. I was lost in thought." He adjusted his clothing, allowing the last of his ill humor to drain.

The Warrior-Captain shook his head. "No offence taken. But I still await your answer."

The angel gave a hesitant smile. "I'm afraid that I will have to decline your offer, sir Stronoff." The warrior seemed somewhat disappointed, but did an excellent job hiding it.

"I understand." He gave a slow nod, seeming a bit more reserved than before.

"Not due to a lack of effort on your part, I assure you. But I am no man of politics. To navigate a court and all of the intrigue that comes with such a duty...? No amount of healing spells will prepare me for that."

The warrior chuckled. "By the Four Elemental Gods, if that isn't true. You are a man after my own heart, Ainz."

Gazef straightened out his back and placed a hand over his heart, giving the caster a partial salute. "Nonetheless, I offer you my greatest thanks for your assistance. If you ever need anything, feel free to visit my residence in the capital. I will also ensure that I put in a good word for you with His Majesty King Ramposa III."

"Once again, I thank yo-"

Momonga cleared his throat, interrupting Stronoff's second round of thanks. "-Ahem."

"Oh woe is me, a valiant mage who braves great evil for the people, for 'tis a dangerous and thankless job!"

In an overly dramatic fashion the Supreme Being placed the back of his left hand against his forehead and extended an empty right hand ready to accept Gazef's coin pouch. The Warrior-Captain's face changed from confusion to astonishment before he finally burst out laughing.

Without having realized it, Momonga had partially reverted to the way he used to banter with his friends in Yggdrasil.

"Haha! Point taken. I suppose it's only fair, I did promise payment for your services." He loosened the leather container from his belt as he spoke before placing it in the caster's hand. The Supreme Being tossed the pouch up and down for a bit, feeling the weight and hearing the metallic clinking of coins.

"I do hope I didn't come off as too greedy, Gazef. After all, every man needs a reason to place their neck on the line. Whether that reason is pride, glory or material gain."

This will be for a good cause, I sure as hell need the money right about now.

"That may be true. But not many has the guts to follow through with it for such a meagre reward." The Warrior-Captain shrugged. After a brief moments silence Gazef gestured to his men, who were packing up and getting rid of the makeshift barricades.

"It has been a pleasure to meet with you, lord Ainz. But we must take our leave. We shan't intrude on this village any longer." He gave the village elder a nod, who quickly returned a nod of his own. "I'd rather recover the remains of my men before they decay."

"That's fair." The Supreme angel nodded. "I wish you the best of luck, Warrior-Captain. Bearing witness to your leadership skills was a fantastic experience."

It's true. I've never really... Led a battle before. This could be applied to my own performance when the time comes. Um... If the time comes.

The Warrior-Captain flashed a sincere smile, and stuck out his hand which Ainz proceeded to shake. A proper handshake was important for a good impression, after all.

"Ah, speaking of which... The technique you used earlier, [Sixfold Slash of Light], could you tell me more about that?" The angel asked in a polite tone.

"Having taken an interest in martial arts, eh?" The grizzled warrior smirked. "I assumed that sir Sebas would be more intrigued."

"I am a connoisseur of all arts, weapon arts included. Hearing about such a... Magnificent technique, would be quite the honor indeed." He replied without missing a beat.

"... What my lord says is true. This [Sixfold Slash of Light] was a sight to behold." Sebas interjected, partly to earnestly compliment the warrior, and partly to get him to explain it in more detail, as lord Ainz had wanted. "To fight as you do is very impressive, sir Stronoff."

"Unfortunately, there is not much I can explain. To say that it is a trump card wouldn't be incorrect, even if many of my opponents know of it before hand." The Warrior-Captain crossed his arms. "As widely known as the martial art is, its inner workings I cannot share with you."

Momonga nodded. "I see..."

Martial art. That's what he called it. I referred to it as "weapon art" or "sword art". He only called it martial art. Is that the name of the power system, I wonder? It can be worth investigating, as it can serve as yet another avenue to increase Nazarick's power.

"No matter. It was fantastic enough to witness it first hand. That alone should prove enough." The Supreme Being was somewhat disappointed that he didn't receive a more detailed answer, but didn't feel comfortable enough to press the issue without coming off as suspicious.

"If that's the case... Then I shall take my leave." A few warriors were tending to their horses behind the Warrior-Captain, with another soldier walking towards Gazef to hand him the reigns to his horse. "Once again, if you ever decide to visit the capital, do not hesitate to visit me, and I shall do my best to accommodate."

"I will keep that in mind, Gazef."

Marial arts... Martial artists? Maybe if I could capture a few, and better understand how their powers work.

And so the band of warriors departed from the village on horseback, leaving the pair standing in the square.


x=x=X=x=x


A cold evening wind swept through the remains of Carne Village. It blew past freshly filled graves and charred remnants of wooden houses, penetrating through crevices and cracks to chill the inhabitants to their bones. It had been a long, long day. And it was finally coming to an end.

Some had huddled inside to sleep through the night, while others didn't have faith in their ability to fall asleep. Not after the events of this day. Instead, they worked. Talked. Attempted to move the last of the bodies who have yet to receive a proper burial. The cold wind touched them all, causing them to involuntarily shiver.

Unbothered by the breeze, a robed figure stood peering at the moon. The frigid night air tickled the man's nostrils, and he felt truly alive again. Not long ago, he had compared the stars to a box of jewels. That comparison still stood as the angel felt his breath being taken away like it had been a few days ago.

My friends... If they are in this world. Somewhere out here, beneath this starry sky... They need to hear the name Ainz Ooal Gown. And then they'll know. They'll know that they will always have a place to call home, wherever they may be.

Guess it's time to head back soon. Even if I want to remain out here for a little while longer.

"Lord Ainz." The Supreme Being was pulled back from his daydream. Part of him wanted to be annoyed with the servant for bringing him out of his reverie, but he couldn't muster up any amount of ill will towards his loyal follower.

"Sebas. You did well today. To be able to pick up on my instructions and cues without verbal command was an excellent showing of your skills." Momonga replied almost automatically.

The butler straightened out even further, feeling his chest swell with joy at recieving praise. Of course, he did not let it show. It would be unbecoming behavior for a servant of the Supreme One.

"It's time to head back to the Tomb. We have done enough." Ainz explained to the servant, who answered with a bow.

"As you wish, my lord."

"... Or rather... I'd like you to head back to the Tomb. I'll be there not long after." That statement didn't sit right with the draconic head butler, who opened his mouth to protest, but was silenced by his master simply raising a hand.

"... You're worried about my safety, I'm sure." The angel shrugged. "As one would expect of a diligent servant such as yourself, but rest assured; no harm will befall me while you are away. We are in secured territory an insignificant distance away from the Tomb, in a perimiter secured by Eight Edge Assassins. I will be just fine."

Sebas seemed to ponder those words, considering whether he should attempt to veto the orders of the Supreme One. Ultimately, he decided against it.

"Very well, Ainz-sama. If that is your wish. But I must insist that a few of the Eight Edge Assassins remain within close proximity."

Things have gotten a bit better. Before I had to be accompanied by Pleiades while still in the Tomb. Maybe seeing my strength relative to the inhabitants of this world has put him at ease.

"Hmm. Please await my return in the throne room with the other Guardians. I'll be there shortly. ...If any Guardian attempts to give you any grief over my decision, let them know that this was a direct order issued by me."

With one last bow, the butler headed off into the woods before teleporting away when he was out of view from the village. Momonga had dismissed the ambush party after immobilizing the Sunlight Scripture, and was now planning on announcing his plans as "Ainz Ooal Gown" in the throne room. Maybe this should have been a pressing issue, yet...

Haaah~... Different set of stars... Different sets of constellations. I don't think all of Blue Planet and Tabula's raving about Aquarius or whatever is gonna help me map this thing out.

The fallen angel just stood there, peering up and the heavens above. His enhanced eyesight catching glimpses of distant celestial bodies tucked within mesmerizing arrays of starlight. The 6th floor was astounding, yet there was something so distinctly impactful about the real sky that kept the Supreme Being spellbound.

"U-um...!" A small voice this time, a far cry from the confident poise of Sebas. "Excuse me, lord Ainz...?"

Not a single moment alone, eh?

All in all, the angel wasn't too surprised by the emergence of yet another interloper. Whether he wanted to or not, he had become all too aware of his surroundings. From sight to sound, and even every minute scent that lingered in the air. He had felt someone approaching, but had simply assumed it to be yet another villager hauling a wayward corpse rather than somebody wanting to strike up a conversation.

"Ah. Good evening, young lady." Ainz gestured towards the petite village girl in a friendly manner. She was indeed the very same that he had personally saved earlier. And not unlike with Sebas, he couldn't quite muster up any amount of annoyance towards her. "What are you doing being up and about at this late hour?"

Enri was taken aback by the angel's leisurely attitude. Though his manner of speech and general "aura" (for the lack of a better word) was befitting of divinity made flesh, his outwardly humble way of address was something else entirely.

Though she had met very few nobles, those that she did carried themselves with an haughty attitude. Often speaking down to the citizens of the fief that they rule, should they be so "magnanimous" to interact with the common folk at all. From lowest second heir of a baron to the head of a count family. There was an insurmountable gap between those of noble blood and common birth that could never truly be overcome.

Yet the angel- whose power beggared belief- felt so familiar and down to earth that the two of them could speak like next-door neighbours. Sure, Ainz Ooal Gown may as well have been a God from where Enri was standing, but the gap between them seemed almost insignificant.

Despite the fact, a small and paranoid part of Enri didn't let her adress her inscrutable savior in a casual way. Not when considering how he was a ludicrously powerful being that seemed beyond humanity. So she simply gave a reply in the most straightforward way she was able.

"Oh, just couldn't sleep, lord Ainz." She replied with a weak smile.

Things got somewhat quiet again, as Enri fidgeted, pondering her next words. The Supreme Being ended up breaking the silence first.

"... Is your little sister- Nemu, was it?- doing well?"

"-Yes, lord Ainz! She's doing as well as she could, with the death of our father." The teen turned solemn after the latter part of the sentence. "She's resting at home right now. Fell asleep from exhaustion." The Supreme Being gave a brief nod.

"Ah. And... Ainz." He spoke. "So you were listening, before."

"I... Yes." She admitted somewhat sheepishly. "...And the warrior band was discussing your name as well, and I just couldn't help but overhear then, too."

"Fair enough." He shrugged. Despite his human form appearing far less overpowering, every action he executed held an undeniable authority buried beneath each seemingly inoffensive movement. This alone brought the village girl a great deal of stress, reinforcing the previous notion that she was in the presence of an incomprehensible being hiding beneath the a paper thin veneer of normalcy. ...A contrasting trait that seemed to war with his comforting presence, filling in whenever his calming aura pulled back.

"Since you know my name, then it is only fair for me to ask yours, no? I don't believe you ever mentioned it."

"My name is Enri... S-sir." She tacked on the honorific in the last moment, realizing that proper manners would be in order. The fallen angel frowned beneath the mask.

So reserved... And still reluctant to speak freely. I guess she's scared of me for some reason? Ah crud. I've never been good with kids... C'mon me, do something.

"No need to worry so much, Enri. You may speak to me in a more informal manner. Pomp and flowery prose doesn't appeal to me as much as an honest conversation unburdened by needless formalities and honorifics." If anything, the sentence came out as more formal, though the irony gracefully sailed over Ainz's head.

"R-right."

"Hmm. Though making small-talk is lovely, especially with the stars as our company- I don't suppose you came here for that reason alone?" Momonga asked with an obscured smile.

Small talk... Hah! More like Enri looking nervous while I flap my gums in her general direction.

"... No." She admitted. Not that it was a particularly shocking revelation. "I... I wanted to ask you of advice."

Oh no.

"Hoh~?" Ainz brought a clenched fist to his masked jaw in an exaggerated showing of contemplation. "And what makes you think I'll be able to give you any satisfactory pointers, Enri?"

"-Well... You are an, uh..." The village girl gesticulated a bit, not wanting to explicitly mention his race. Whether it was due to personal discomfort or respect for his privacy Ainz did not know. "I... I think that you'll know a lot. Surely it all accounts for something?"

Just wing it. If she's dissatisfied with the answers she gets that's on her. Enri isn't part of the Tomb, so I don't have to worry about letting her down, right?

"Very well." The Supreme One turned his torso towards his conversational partner, and away from the freshly filled graves that he had been facing. "If that is the case, then I'm all ears."

"What- What do I do?" She asked in an innocent tone of voice. Ainz's expression scrunched up beneath the mask.

"That's... Very vague, Enri." He admonished with crossed arms.

"S-sorry. It's just..." The village girl took a deep breath, allowing her shoulders to rise and fall. "Mother and father are both gone. It's just me and Nemu left. We... We'll make it, like we always do."

"... I'm sensing a 'but' here." The fallen angel grumbled quietly enough for her not to hear.

"But what if this happens again...? What then?" Her petite frame shuddered, not due to the biting cold of a frigid night, but rather due to fear and worry. Momonga observed the village girl, briefly contemplating whether he should give her a warm robe of some kind.

"What if everything we built get torn down? Again? And what if my lord isn't here to help...?" Enri took a deep breath, allowing herself to calm down a little. "What do I do?"

A brief period of silence decended as the fallen angel thought about the conundrum she had presented him.

"... I don't know." Ainz admitted, feeling at ease for being able to be so blunt. It was a luxury that the Tomb ironically enough couldn't afford him. This didn't bring Enri the same calm. "Any number of things could happen. Plenty of them unpleasant."

The village girl looked at her feet, seeming quite distraught about what the angel had said. Once again she wanted to ask for clarification or help, but wasn't sure if she would get any good answers. Luckily, she didn't need to speak up, as Ainz did it for her.

"So instead of fretting over hypotheticals and dreading over plausible scenarios until you are left paralyzed or bereft of choice, act." The village girl seemed to perk up at that.

"Of course, you could clasp your hands in prayer and await a savior bathed in angelic silk..." The Supreme Being jokingly gestured at his own expensive clothing with a light chuckle. "... Alternatively, you bite the bullet and take matters into your own hands."

"What's a bul-?" She was about to ask something again, but was interrupted by Ainz's continued shpiel.

"To be met with misfortune seems an inevitability in this world. Especially for the lower class." He extended a hand towards Enri. "Grow strong. Strong enough to protect. If not on your own- then together. Today you've all lost something."

"Ensure that it doesn't happen again. Even if you have to fight tooth and nail to do so."

"But... What of the crown...? Nobles, knights? Won't they protect us?" She knew how stupid the question was, the Warrior-Captain himself had shown up, and what a fat load of good that did.

"They can't be everywhere. Besides, putting your faith in those who couldn't care less about your well-being is quite foolish indeed." Still feeling perturbed from earlier, Ainz decided to put his feelings into words. "Especially when they sell their own people to the enemy for power."

"Eh-?"

"This has been a set-up. All to catch the Warrior-Captain, a trap created by the nobles in a shameless attempt to undermine the king and gain more power." Enri paled, and her complexion started to resemble a sheet. "Carne Village was the trap... And those within it were live bait."

It wasn't a comforting thought, to realize that those that were supposed to offer you protection were so willing to toss you aside. Of course Enri had thought of it earlier, but it had felt too preposterous to be true. It took all her willpower not to curl up into a ball on the spot.

"So one real option remains;" Ainz pressed on, either ignorant to or uncaring for Enri's rising panic. "Stand on your own. Don't rely on nobles who value you as much as the dung beneath their boot."

"I'm not strong enough right now." She refuted, sounding more than just a little shaken up. Yet the angel's increased emotional competence could pick up hints of determination buried just beneath the surface. Enri looked up, making eye contact with her savior. "I-I don't think I can grow strong enough to protect Nemu... Or everyone as well as you would want me to..."

Alright, uh, crud. Quick, make some up something inspirational!

"Mhm." The Supreme Being pointed towards the remains of a house, moving in an almost lackadaisical manner.

"Over there. What do you see?" Compared to the self assured, almost passionate voice from before, Momonga sounded curious and uncertain. Though the village girl was sure that Ainz had emulated doubt for the sake of showmanship.

"Uh..." Enri squinted. Night had fallen, and the only natural light left was the moody glow of the moon and stars. Cutting through the darkness, however, were other light sources. Shifting. Moving. A warm orange breaking up the murky cold of night.

Two people- villagers- were moving around with torches. They were rooting through the charred remains of a building, searching for something or someone.

'Or whatever remains of it.' A dark thought whispered in the back of Enri's mind.

"... Two people... Sifting around a building?" She answered, clearly not feeling too comfortable with her reply. Her face twisted into a saddened grimace as her mind spun possible tragic tales those two could be experiencing.

"Two people working." Ainz corrected. "Working into the dead of night, digging up remains of people and tools alike. For what purpose? What could be so urgent as to brave an early winter chill rather than wait for sunlight?"

"I... Huh?" The village girl wasn't really following.

"The answer is ultimately irrelevant." He deadpanned, causing Enri to once again shift focus to the angel. "They've lost everything, but they're still there toiling, are they not? Perhaps they are just eager to get back in the game."

His conversational partner gave a hesitant nod.

"Pray tell, will they simply lay down and die come morning?"

"Wh-what? Are you-?"

"No. I am not claiming that they will end themselves. Quite the opposite, in fact." Ainz placed one hand on his hips and gestured towards the peasant with the other. "They have been dealt a poor hand by fate, but their will to live hasn't diminished in the slightest. Even now they are working to make their lives easier come morning."

Enri looked on, not quite finding the right words to speak.

"That tenacity is their strength." The fallen angel stated matter-of-factly. "There's more to power than who can hit the hardest or cast the larger spell. Even if their strength alone isn't enough, they aren't the only ones in the village." He gave Enri a knowing look.

There's more to power... Unless the being wielding that power is level 100 in a world filled with low-level chumps.

"Will you fight too, Enri?" Her fists clenched, and just then Ainz figured he saw a more steely glint in her eyes.

"I won't be able to beat a trained knight in a fight." The village girl replied, but her tone revealed that she knew what the Supreme One was getting at.

"So what does that tell you? Don't face them on your own. Dig moats, fill them with sharpened wooden pikes. Erect walls, rally troops. Just because you can't kill a man as easily as I doesn't make you helpless. You still have your home, with people who need but a nudge to follow your lead."

"... I understand." Enri said quietly. Ainz wasn't too certain about the contents of his speech, but it seemed to have helped the girl, who now stood a little straighter. "Are you telling me to lead...? Will I be able to?"

'Eh? Lead? I wasn't planning on making the speech about that, it just kinda happened...' The Supreme Being mused.

He felt somewhat torn between sounding inspirational and remaining grounded, lamenting how easy motivational speakers make this stuff look. So he settled on a comfortable middle ground.

"You will face setbacks, no doubt about it." Momonga looked at Enri, and she squirmed as she felt suffocatingly intense eyes boring into her. "But the strife and adversity that comes with fighting back is better than the alternative." The village girl nodded solemnly, seeming to soak up every word he spoke.

"As for whether or not you would be a good leader..." Ainz gave an almost dainty laugh. "... Well. That remains to be seen. Maybe my impression is misguided, but you certainly seem quite clever. There's some decisiveness in the fact that you sought me out by yourself... All you need, Enri, is a bit of chutzpah to see you through."

"C-chutzpah-?" She stuttered, but received no reply.

"And until you find your footing..." He extended his arm once more, but this time he was carrying something. "... This will help." Ainz gently placed the two objects in Enri's hands. She didn't even realise that she had reached out to accept them until the twin horns rested comfortably in her open palms.

Enri stared wordlessly at the unremarkable ivory horns. It didn't take much to realise that they were more than what met the eye, considering who had given them to her.

"Horns of the Goblin General." The Supreme Being answered her unspoken question. "Simply blow one of the horns, and a troupe of goblins will be at your every beck and call."

Ainz barely caught Enri's stifled gasp, and his improved hearing sensed that her breathing grew more labored. The fallen angel froze up, wondering if he had made a misstep somewhere, though the village girl was simply grateful. Extremely so, actually.

"This... I could't possibly accept this, can I? A magic item like this would be extremely expensive...!" Enri protested, though her refusal did let Momonga unwind, as he realized that he hadn't done anything wrong. "After everything that you have done for us..." She tapered off, tears now glimmering in her eyes.

...Now what? I can't just make her cry and waltz off like nothing happened.

Hesitantly, Ainz rested a gloved hand on Enri's head. She flinched as he first made contact, but very quickly relaxed. It was a stilted, jittery motion spurred on by a "heat of the moment" motivation, but it didn't feel wrong. The village girl felt the gentle heat of his hand. The awkward, impulsive kindness behind the gesture reminded her oddly of her father, with the unplanned nature of the head pat giving it a sense of authenticity.

"Please. Think nothing of it." He wasn't really sure what to say, and just went for the most basic phrase people use in a situation like this. "... Such an item... It's nothing. Really. You'll get better use out of it than me, I'm sure."

Ainz slowly removed his hand, causing Enri to shudder as the cold night air chased off the brief warmth his touch had brought. Enri collected herself, wiping her eyes and giving a nod.

'An angel... He really is one, isn't he?' After everything that had come to pass, she could see him as nothing less.

"Yes! I won't let you down!" She claimed with newfound vigor. The Supreme angel crooked an eyebrow, unsure when her determination had shifted from 'not wanting to die horribly' to making him proud. Not wanting to ruin the moment, he simply nodded.

Their conversation died down, as Enri seemed to have gotten the 'advice' that she wanted. Ainz turned his attention back to the sky, noticing the moon reaching its apex.

Oh... Oh yeah. Announcement. In the throne room. That I called all the Guardians to. ...Where they've been waiting for me. ...After I already wasted their time earlier.

The fallen angel swore under his breath, wondering if the only reason he hasn't gotten a panicked [Message] questioning whether or not he was alive was due to the Eight Edge Assassins keeping tabs on him.

Let's hope that they also agree with me being "fashionably late".

"Well. Enri, unfortunately it would seem that out time is at an end." He said gingerly. The village girl seemed disappointed by his words, letting her head hang lower. It didn't take long for her to pick herself up and stand taller again. "I must return home. Not unlike yourself."

"Understood. Again, I just really wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me and Nemu. ... And the rest of this village." She clutched the Horns of the Goblin General closer to her chest. Momonga himself just shrugged, as a bright swirling vortex opened up behind him.

"It is common sense to help those in need." He quoted. "But don't expect me to be here to catch you every time."

"Yes lord Ainz! Of course. I will grow stronger to protect myself, my sister and Carne. And if more people try to destroy what we have built... I'll fight. All of Carne village will fight." A fond smile grew on The Supreme Being's face.

Her chest tightened with a bizarre cocktail of anger, disappointment, hope and admiration. This absolute clusterfuck of a day flashed by her eyes. Her father had met his end. The rest of Carne had almost followed had an angel not stepped in. From what she heard in the town hall, this was a stunt pulled by the Theocracy, endorsed by nobles of her very own country.

All for the betterment of mankind that the Slane Theocracy always preached. Such self-indulgent garbage. At least that was a step above "wealth" as was the motivation for the ruling elite of Re-Estize. To die for something like that... No. She wasn't going to.

"... Whatever comes our way, we'll face head on. I refuse to go out with a whimper." Her voice had changed into a snarl, the fury pooling in her chest being inadvertently fuelled by Ainz's [Shepherd] passive. Momonga's smile started to die down a little.

When Ainz Ooal Gown had struck down the sadistic soldier it had been a moment of impartiality. He acted not from cruelty or some twisted joy. No. There was no hesitation nor drawn out contemplation of the moral implications of the situation. It was simply 'right'.

A living farce of a warrior had tried to kill someone with no ability to protect themselves, and was struck down by a foe they couldn't possibly hope to match. It was a strange form of cosmic irony that Enri only could describe as 'karma'.

The moment when the angel's spell tore the scum's body asunder played in Enri's head in repeat now. Decisive. Merciless. Overwhelming. And everything she should be delivering unto whoever wishes to bring the village harm.

"If anyone seeks to harm Carne. They will not be shown mercy. Even if it costs me my life to plunge a knife into their neck." Enri declared in an icy tone. At this point Ainz was thankful for his mask hiding his baffled expression.

Ooooookay. That's... Extremely ominous. And also concerning. Maybe she's just tired...? It has been a very long day for her.

"You've found your conviction." He cleared his throat. "... I'm glad."

"Thank you lord Ainz. For everything." Enri bowed deeply, feeling immense gratitude for everything this man had given her in this short time.

"No need to thank me. Just... Take care, alright?"

"Yes...!" Enri gave one last determined smile. "I will. Me and the rest of Carne."

The fallen angel nodded before stepping through the [Gate], disappearing in the same manner in which he had appeared.