Hello again. I still managed to keep up with my schedule, though this time I narrowly made it so expect more grammatical errors than usual.

I think I can now safely say that this story will end in two more chapters after this one, and after that one more chapter will act as the epilogue. It's been a ride, and now the end of it is coming near. How do you all feel about that?

Well, nevertheless, I'll see you again in the afterword.


Chapter 82: Notion to Finish Everything


Ryu's team of six entered the Gate Area of Laguz in a brisk walking pace. Like before, the ambient lighting was a hue of red, which meant the emergency situation was still ongoing. Many other people were rushing around for each their own reasons, and a number of injured operatives were being transported to the medical section of the ship.

Without paying further attention, Ryu followed Guardian to the bridge along with the others. When they arrived, Xiera was looking at a plethora of photon interface displays in front of her. She immediately noticed the group coming and turned her seat towards them. One could tell from a glance that she was quite flustered.

"Welcome back, Guardian! Thank you for the hard work!"

"Sadly not hard enough. What's the current situation down there?"

Xiera didn't immediately answer. She let out a sigh, and then she began speaking in a rather depressed tone.

"The population of Darkers and infected natives is steadily suppressed, but our forces are also dwindling from injuries and exhaustion. If this keeps up, we can still complete operations, but it will result in some substantial losses. If that happens, it will make us far too crippled to deal with any more emergency situations in the immediate future"

"Tch!"

Guardian clicked her tongue, and then she took a breath before speaking up.

"There's also this new information about Double possibly becoming stronger than normal thanks to them eating an exceptionally strong monster on arrival. Our situation is pretty bad"

Looking at the rather grim mood, Ryu spoke up to make a suggestion.

"Do you think we should request aid from Ainz?"

There was no immediate response to the suggestion. After a couple seconds, Guardian let out a sigh and spoke.

"As much as I can, I don't want to involve him more than needed, but at this rate it simply can't be helped. There's also this new information that should be delivered to him"

"Yeah, that's right. Shall I go visit him?"

"I'll come with you. While we're both technically ARKS, this isn't exactly your ARKS. Someone should act as an official representative when it comes to this"

Ryu nodded hearing Guardian's answer, understanding what she meant.

"Hey, what about the rest of us?"

Rose asked with her eyes briefly glancing at the rest of the team members. Guardian briefly put up a thinking posture, and then she replied.

"Get some rest and be ready to drop down onto the battlefield again in case things suddenly go south. I'll leave it to your judgement, but don't overestimate yourselves"

"If you say so"

Meanwhile, Ryu looked at Lily, pondered for a brief moment, and spoke to her.

"Lily, stay with them and keep them safe, alright?"

"Hmm! Leave it to me, Ryu-san!"

Ryu and Guardian then left the bridge and boarded a Gate Ship. Taking into account that E-Rantel was now under his rule and he was there recently, they dropped down into one of the city's clearings, expecting him to be still there. As Ryu stood up from the admittedly flashy landing, he could literally feel eyes upon them as the citizens watched from either behind windows, cracked doors, or those few still on the streets.

What Ryu immediately noticed while walking the streets was the fact that the city was as peaceful as usual, despite the undead knights visibly stationed at various spots along the streets. Some people were visibly anxious with their presence, but those undead knights simply stood like a macabre collection of statues. It reminded him about the undead knight in Carne Village from back then.

"Ryu, and Guardian"

A familiar feminine voice called out to the duo. It was Nabe, who was standing near the front door of the Adventurer's Guild.

"Ah, Nabe-dono. It's good to see you"

Ryu spoke as he approached Nabe. He was glad that there was someone whom he could ask immediately about the whereabouts of either Momon or Ainz. Nabe then spoke while maintaining her straight face.

"I assume that you came looking for either Momon or Ainz-sa... Ehm! Ainz Ooal Gown. Is that right?"

"Yes. We're looking for Ainz Ooal Gown. There's new information we'd like to deliver to him"

Nabe made a slight nodding gesture before answering.

"Ainz Ooal Gown now resides in the palace of E-Rantel. It is the largest building in the center of the city. You will find him there"

"I see. Thank you"

Ryu and Guardian then flew over to the palace. Ryu hoped that this would not take too long because a fierce battle was ongoing far away and every second could count.


[X][X][X]


Ainz was sitting on his new throne inside E-Rantel's largest and most luxurious building. It was now effectively his castle and base of operations in regard to governing his new Guardian Kingdom. The Floor Guardians coming with him were currently away taking care of a number of errands. Even the former mayor of E-Rantel, Panasolei Gruze Day Rettenmaier, who had submitted to become his highest-ranking human subordinate in the city was away, assisting Albedo and Demiurge with the transition of power. Therefore, he was now alone in the palace throne room.

No, it wasn't exactly alone, since there were still a number of stealth sentries standing by in the room while remaining invisible. Ainz still could see them, but it was important to disregard their presence, so he kept his head looking straight as he pondered his next move.

Knock! Knock!

The door was knocked on, and Ainz straightened up his sitting posture immediately before speaking.

"You may come in"

The door opened, and the person immediately revealed behind it was Mare. He then timidly spoke when their eyes met.

"A-Ainz-sama. Ryu-san and Guardian-san are looking for you..."

"I see. Bring them in"

"R-Right away, Ainz-sama!"

Mare then went away from the door, and less than ten seconds later he returned, coming into the room with the two aforementioned individuals following right behind him. Ainz stood up from his seat and greeted with his arms open.

"Welcome to my new palace, my esteemed allies. I sincerely hope things have gone well on your side"

"Well, about that..."

Ryu spoke with a noticeable hesitation in his tone of speech. Before he could continue, Ainz put his right hand forward and spoke.

"One moment. Mare, you may leave. I wish to be alone with my guests for the time being, and I mean absolutely alone"

Ainz glanced his eyes around as he spoke the last part of the sentence, and Mare immediately bowed.

"A-As you wish, Ainz-sama!"

Mare then left the room, and all the stealth sentries also followed. Ainz, Ryu, and Guardian were truly the only ones present in the room now.

This reminds me of back then...

As Ainz reminisced about the time he had met Guardian for the first time, he pulled a table and several chairs from his inventory. Soon enough, all three of them were seated around the table just like back then in Fake Nazarick. This time, Ainz also put Pitcher of Endless Water along with two glasses in case any of the two would need them.

"I believe you came all the way here to deliver some important news, no?"

Ainz leaned forward as he asked the question, and Guardian was the one who replied.

"I'll be honest. An ongoing emergency operation will leave our ARKS severely drained. If a worldwide attack occurs again in the near future, we won't be able to handle it like last time. If that happens, we will be requesting aid from Guardian Kingdom... Ugh! Seriously, why did you choose that name~? I had a hard time explaining that to the higher-ups of the Slane Theocracy. They thought it was my kingdom!"

Guardian facepalmed as she frustratingly spoke the last part of her speech. Ainz replied while remaining unfazed.

"It is an undeniable fact that I am an undead, a being people have grown to fear and hate for countless ages. They now have grown even more wary thanks to the threat of Darkers, so I chose that name to make an implication that they shall be protected from harm under the banner of the kingdom, thus they should be more likely to accept my rule"

Guardian didn't immediately reply, letting a sigh out before finally speaking.

"Yeah, that makes sense. Guardian is a rather common word after all. Sorry for making a big deal out of this"

"It is alright. Sometimes you just need to vent out your frustration. As for your aid request, what kind of aid do you need? While I can provide many kinds of aid, I cannot provide them all at once easily. Some specifics would be immensely helpful"

"Ah, we came in a hurry so we haven't thought that far. I just wanted to let you know that ARKS will probably request aid from you in the near future. I will get more information and let you know more later"

"Hmm, so be it"

Ainz nodded hearing Guardian's words. Right after that, Ryu spoke up.

"There's also the new information of Dark Falz Double having possibly become stronger than normal. We're here to alert you on that"

"Umu... That is important news indeed. One cannot have too much information. Tell me what you know"

Ainz sagely stroked his bony chin as he gave Ryu his undivided attention. His words reminded him of that time Ainz used Gazef as bait to learn more about the enemy attacking Carne Village back then. He didn't like that tactic, but soon realized that it was that sort of cold pragmatism that may end up being this world's best chance against the Darker threat. A thought he affirmed to himself as he replied.

"We recently learned that the Dark Falz Double inside Guardian achieved a power upgrade by devouring a monster from this planet. The thing is, this indicates that the Dark Falz Double from my universe, whom devoured a powerful monster upon their arrival here, may have achieved the same"

"Hmm, that is concerning indeed. But how did you know about your own gain?"

Ainz glanced at Guardian as he asked the question.

"An infected native I fought gave me trouble with their immobilizing magic spell. Double broke me out of it while all other Dark Falz in me were unable to do it. They later confirmed it themselves that they felt somewhat stronger after eating the Evil Deity"

Ainz's right hand lightly tapped his chin as he listened to Guardian's explanation. If the Double inside her had really confirmed it themselves, the concern of Double from Ryu's universe gaining a similar power upgrade would not be far-fetched. Ainz wanted to investigate this a little further, so he asked Guardian a question.

"What sort of spell gave you trouble?"

"Well, a white magic circle appeared around each of my wrists, then they turned red and from that moment I couldn't move my hands. It was as if they were frozen stiff and suspended right then and there, but the caster could move my arms around according to their will"

"Hmm... sounds familiar. In fact, I believe I can cast the same spell myself. Do you mind if I try it on you?"

"Huh? Uhh... I don't really want to, but if it will bring you some useful info I'll endure. Go ahead"

After hearing Guardian's reluctant approval, Ainz reached his right hand forward to Guardian and casted the spell which he remembered having a similar effect.

[Greater Hold Species]

A white magic circle appeared around each of Guardian's wrists, and then turned red one second later. Back in YGGDRASIL, this was simply a spell which inflicted 'Greater Bind' status effect on the target, preventing them from moving and doing other physical actions. But in this world, the spell seemed to have gained an extra feature of allowing the caster a limited degree of control on the target's affected limbs.

However...

Crack! Psshh...

The magic circles on Guardian's wrists shattered and disappeared into nothingness. Ainz actually knew that it was the sign of the spell having been resisted, but he had never been told about her being able to resist magic. Guardian herself along with Ryu were visibly surprised seeing what had just happened, so Ainz could quickly assume that they were similarly clueless.

"Uhh, did that spell misfire or something?"

Guardian asked while looking mildly confused.

"No, the spell was resisted. It seems you now have your own magic resistance for some reason"

Hearing Ainz's answer, Guardian's eyes briefly went wide and then she made a nodding gesture with her right hand under his chin, seemingly realizing something.

"So that was the gift Double has given me. Pretty neat"

Hearing Guardian's self-muttering, Ryu looked at her and asked a question.

"Gift? What do you mean?"

"When we went home, Flo and Frau told me that they could share the power they got, and they did so as a gift for me"

"I see. Pretty neat indeed"

As Ainz watched the two converse he maintained his calm demeanor, but deep inside, his mind was racing from the revelation.

Good grief, this is bad! Her passive magic resistance is now comparable to a Floor Guardian fully equipped for battle! If she's got this much just from absorbing an Evil Deity, then what about the other Dark Falz Double? Depending on what kind of monster they have eaten, everything might be in jeopardy!

Ainz knew that the power level of Evil Deities were very high for New World natives, but still far below Ainz himself and his Floor Guardians. Therefore it was natural for him to become very concerned about how much power the hostile Dark Falz Double had gained from eating whatever monster they had eaten. With that concern in mind, Ainz spoke out.

"I need to know how powerful the monster eaten by Dark Falz Double was. Tell me all the information you have"

Ryu was then the one to answer.

"Unfortunately there isn't much information because nobody actually saw the monster. All we have is the testimony of a mysterious person who fought it and was about to finish it off before Double got the drop on him and devoured it"

"Mysterious person?"

"Yes. He introduced himself as Ishmael. We didn't get to talk much because the sudden world-wide attack forced us to return to Laguz and we never saw him again afterwards, so that is all we know about him"

"So, how did you get to know that the monster was strong?"

Ryu didn't immediately answer. Instead, he made a gesture requesting Ainz to wait for a minute and then he took a few sips of water from his glass. He spoke his answer out immediately after.

"The environment around was littered with destruction. Trees were charred, lands were leveled, and some rocks were... what's the right word... glassed? In any case, if a battle between a man and a monster could've caused that much environmental damage, it should be fair to assume that they have enough power not to be taken lightly, right?"

Hearing Ryu's story, Ainz wondered if the mysterious person could possibly be a Player like him. During all the times he has been in this world so far, Ainz had never met any human in possession of such a level of power, putting ARKS people aside. He felt like investigating further about that matter, but he decided to save it for later since it was not a terribly urgent matter.

"Indeed, that is true. If Dark Falz Double has truly gained new powers from devouring the unknown monster, we need to fortify ourselves even further than planned"

Ainz folded his arms and leaned to the back of his seat after speaking his affirmation. With the news delivered to him just now, plans had to be revised towards amplification of essentially everything, and that would crank up the expense of resources. Thinking about it, Ainz sighed a little while his mind was drifting over the matter.

ARKS and their endeavors somehow granted me decades worth of progress in my world conquest, but also brought adversaries who can render everything null and void... Is this a fair tradeoff? Can things get any worse?

Beep! Beep!

While musing, Ainz suddenly heard the familiar notification sound of an incoming [Message]. Without thinking about the two guests in front of him, Ainz immediately picked it up, putting his right hand near his ear.

"Ainz-sama"

The feminine voice speaking from the other side of the [Message] startled Ainz for a little bit. Ainz knew who was speaking, and he knew that there must be something important that made her call him directly like this.

"...Nigredo? What is the matter?"

"I have located the so-called Dark Falz Double"

Ainz's mind couldn't immediately process Nigredo's words. It was not only because of the significance of the news, but also the impeccable timing of the delivery, either by coincidence or not. Like in the past, Ainz's response to the news was only a single word that was spoken out a little later than it should.

"...What?"

At the corner of his vision, Ainz noticed Guardian making a similar gesture of receiving a message like himself, and just a couple seconds later her eyes went wide and she stood up within an instant with a loud exclamation.

"W-WHAT!?"

Ryu also did the same as Guardian, and his face turned grim. Not giving Ainz's mind any chance to begin processing everything, Nigredo resumed speaking from the other side.

"Their presence just emerged at Abelion Hills, and they are now heading towards your current location, Ainz-sama. At their speed they will arrive in twenty minutes"

Like his guests, Ainz stood up from his seat within an instant. The situation has just escalated to the highest order of magnitude, and it was now no longer a time to sit and talk. Actual actions had to be taken.

[Boost Maximize Magic: Amplify Voice]

"ALL FLOOR GUARDIANS WHO HEAR THIS, REPORT TO ME IMMEDIATELY!"

Ainz's deafening voice echoed throughout the entire room and probably leaked to the surrounding buildings as well, but now was not the time to be concerned about that matter. All he knew that he must do was to gather all available Floor Guardians right here and now.

Smash! Drrd!

Less than two seconds after the shouting, The door of the throne room was smashed open and Albedo rushed in, followed by Demiurge, Mare, and Aura right behind. Ainz remembered that those four were the only Floor Guardians present at E-Rantel, so that was all of them.

"We're all here, Ainz-sama! What is the matter which pressed you to require our presence?"

Albedo bowed in front of Ainz as she spoke. Not paying any heed to Ryu and Guardian, who were still somewhat stunned by his recent shout, Ainz dispelled the voice amplification spell and spoke.

"I just received intel that Dark Falz Double is heading this way and they are arriving in less than twenty minutes. Prepare for battle!"

All four of the Floor Guardians looked surprised the moment Ainz told them the news. Albedo immediately kneeled with one knee and spoke with a concerned face.

"Ainz-sama. I highly suggest that you evacuate to Nazarick and leave the battle to us!"

The other Floor Guardians didn't say anything, but it was clear from their facial expressions that they fully agreed with Albedo. However, Ainz shook his head and spoke.

"No. I shall fight. There is one crucial point which I have foolishly neglected, and this is the price I must pay. In truth, the main goal of Dark Falz Double is the power of Dark Falz Elder I have absorbed. In other words, I am their main target. They are coming for me, probably because I have been outside Nazarick for too long that they could sense my presence. However!"

Ainz briefly stopped his speech, taking a deep breath and clearing his figurative throat before resuming.

"This also means that we have a chance to settle this once and for all! Together with our ARKS allies, we shall subjugate Dark Falz Double and make them regret ever messing with Ainz Ooal Gown!"

The Floor Guardians remained speechless for a couple seconds, and then Demiurge was the one to break the silence.

"How inspiring, Ainz-sama! You're absolutely right! We shall make this Dark Falz Double pay dearly for disturbing our peace!"

Time was running short, so Ainz immediately spoke again, not giving any more chance for the Floor Guardians to waste time speaking their impressions out.

"With that being said, I want to avoid fighting right here in the middle of E-Rantel. The battle will certainly be a big one, and environmental damage will be inevitable. If possible, I wish to avoid ruining the first city of my own"

"Uhh, pardon me!"

Guardian spoke out with one hand raised and the other hand rubbing her head near the ears. It seemed she still hadn't fully recovered from the stun caused by Ainz's shout.

"Regarding that matter..."

Guardian continued speaking, and Ainz listened to her with undivided attention.


[X][X][X]


The city of E-Rantel was as peaceful as it normally was, although perhaps a little bit less peaceful. The citizens were continuing their usual daily activities despite the earlier news of an undead taking over the city for real and stationing hulking undead knights at various locations, which naturally instilled a degree of fear and anxiety to the minds of the people.

The peace, in a large part, was thanks to Darkness team telling people to come to them should they feel unfairly treated. Having someone to depend on in times of crisis, especially if it was Momon and Nabe who were renowned for their heroic deeds and benevolent, selfless outlook significantly helped in maintaining one's peace of mind.

Moreover, it was now basically common knowledge that ARKS, the civilization which had advanced beyond the understandings of people, were watching over every city in the world including E-Rantel. Each of their people had combat strengths comparable to Momon and Nabe, and so far their outlook was nothing but benevolent as well. All the aforementioned factors added together were enough to keep the people at peace.

But the peaceful activities came to a halt when the citizens began noticing the changes in the sky.

A number of unknown uniform flying objects came from the sky, hovering over various parts of E-Rantel. Each of them was far too small to be said as a flying city, but nevertheless it was unfathomably larger than the largest vessel known to men, being approximately 300 meters long. Looking up from below, one could describe the shape of the flying objects as the head of a trident without the shaft, with the center tip being slightly longer than the others. All of them were facing in the same direction, which was towards the southwest.

Before anyone could wonder for long, suddenly an echoing voice was broadcasted throughout the city. All people, either outside on the streets or inside their homes and workplaces without exception, could hear the voice loud and clear. The voice was heavy and masculine, and those who had seen him talking before could recognize the voice as none other than Ainz Ooal Gown's.

"People of E-Rantel. I am your new ruler, Ainz Ooal Gown. Time is short so I shall get right into the point. The culprit behind the recent monster attack terrorizing not only this city but all cities of all nations, Dark Falz Double, is making their way right here. I, together with my allies from ARKS, shall fight against this pest. In the meantime, I urge every single one of you to throw what you are doing and take shelter in your homes. Do not think of going out of the city. The outside will be a battlefield, and it shall not be a pretty sight"

Silence followed for five seconds, and then chaos ensued. Every man and woman on the streets dashed with all their might to either their homes or the nearest sturdy-looking building. Without waiting, those who have made it indoors barricaded every door and window with every piece of furniture they could reach. Meanwhile, the soldiers and guards in the military district did similar things, but a number of brave ones stayed outside to patrol the streets and help unfortunate ones who couldn't find shelter or got injured in the chaos. It was quite a miracle in itself that despite the chaos there was no looting happening.

Within minutes, the city of E-Rantel went from a hustling and bustling city into a barren one mostly devoid of humans like a ghost town. Other than the few patrolling soldiers and guards, the only ones left were the hulking undead knights who remained standing upright in their assigned spots. The curtains of a few windows could be seen being slightly swept aside, giving room for the worrying but curious person behind to peek towards the sky. There were also a number of similarly worried but curious people coming out at the rooftops of buildings, looking at the large vessels floating above the city. As they witnessed what would probably be the event of their lifetime, all the vessels began glowing blue. That sign was all people needed to know that whatever was about to begin, would begin very soon.


[X][X][X]


[Gate]

Ainz casted his teleportation spell, opening a dark portal right next to him. All the Floor Guardians, along with the two ARKS people in the room, looked at him with their eyes all full of determination. Before walking into the portal, Ainz spoke up, addressing everyone else in general.

"The plan was hastily made, so the chance is very high that things shall not go according to it. Be prepared to make your own judgement to the evolving situations and adjust your course of actions accordingly"

"Yes, Ainz-sama!"

The Floor Guardians answered in unison, while Guardian and Ryu just made a slight nod, followed by the latter putting down a teleportation beacon.

"Godspeed, Ryu and Guardian"

"You too, Ainz-dono"

After the short exchange, Ryu and Guardian disappeared along with the teleportation beacon. Demiurge, Mare, and Aura also disappeared, teleporting away to their designated location according to plan.

"Time for us to go, Albedo"

"Yes, Ainz-sama"

Ainz and Albedo, who was now equipped with her signature armor Hermes Trismegistus, walked into the portal, and they immediately arrived at the other side, which was somewhere in the Katze Plains. Ainz felt a little surprised that the surroundings were not covered in fog. He had expected to use a spell or two to clear it from enveloping this area. However, the fog was gone, and he could see the city of E-Rantel at a far distance, along with a squadron of so-called 'ARKS Battlecruisers' hovering above the city.

"Look, Albedo. Despite being crippled and exhausted, ARKS could still deploy those magnificent war vessels. We still have no knowledge on how many more of those they have, and we are still speaking about a single ARKS city ship, of which ARKS have hundreds as a whole. The magnitude of power they possess is far beyond what any other nations in this world can ever dream to achieve, and I am honestly glad that they are not our enemies"

As Ainz spoke, the battlecruisers began glowing blue and each of them shot a thin ray upward. The rays all converged at one point, and from there a dome-shaped energy barrier formed, enveloping the entirety of E-Rantel.

"It is time. Albedo, be prepared to protect me with your skills"

"Certainly, Ainz-sama"

Albedo brandished her 3F halberd and went into a firm battle stance in front of Ainz, ready to protect him from harm at all cost. Meanwhile, Ainz spoke to Elder with his mind.

"Unleash your powers, Elder"

"Hmph! I don't like taking orders from you, but if this means I can settle things with Double then so be it!"

Right after Elder finished speaking from the inside, Ainz's body oozed out a dark red aura. He then pulled out the Elder Pain sword from his inventory and raised it high above him like a warrior standing in triumph. The sword immediately began glowing and emanating its own aura which visually looked like a purple flame.

All that is left for now is hoping that Double will notice this.

Soon after, the ARKS Battlecruisers began launching a barrage of shots in unison from the inside of the barrier towards a direction. A few of them also launched bigger shots, people in the know about science fiction would recognize them as Wave Motion Gun shots. The sight was fascinating and Ainz would watch it like a movie if it weren't for the fact that this meant Dark Falz Double was closing in and a great battle would soon begin.

Soon enough, Ainz saw the thing those battlecruisers were shooting at. At this far distance, Ainz perceived it as a bunch of missile-like projectiles closing in at high speed, but he could immediately conclude that it was one of Dark Falz Double's forms. It consisted of seven missile-like bodies, six of them being uniform and slightly smaller than the seventh.

The shots from the battlecruisers mostly missed the mark thanks to Double being capable of evasion even in that missile-like form, but they still took several hits. In retaliation, they launched two of the smaller bodies forward at an even more incredible speed. The two bodies soon rammed the barrier, which thankfully was strong enough to stop them in their tracks, albeit barely. Cracks and distortions could be noticed around the impact point even from this distance.

Double recalled the two bodies, and then it changed direction straight towards Ainz's position. Seeing this, Ainz knew that the first phase of the plan was a success. By showing off Elder's power, he had attracted Double away from his city. Now that it was no longer needed, Ainz put the Elder Pain sword back into his inventory and had his Dark Falz aura extinguished.

Within less than ten seconds later, Double arrived at Ainz's location and landed a stone's throw away in front of him. Now that they were close enough, Ainz saw that Double's current form was not actually a bunch of missiles. It was actually a colorful castle tower with six slightly smaller towers around it. Their size was roughly only half as large as the giant living evil tree Ainz remembered, maybe even less. However, everything about them was, in a sense, more menacing.

Before Ainz could observe the form further, it was engulfed in a dark red aura and vanished. In its place, there was an identical pair of twin children wearing similar attire to Elder's. As they hovered, they closed their distance to Ainz and Albedo, the latter of whom immediately pointed her 3F straight towards them.

"Halt, you filthy creatures! I won't allow you to come closer to Ainz-sama!"

The twins stopped moving, and they turned their heads at each other while sporting child-like confused facial expressions.

"Hey hey, you know what she meant?"

"Mhm, no idea. What's 'filthy creature'?"

Their exchange naturally felt mockingly revolting for Ainz and Albedo, especially the latter. But Ainz gently tapped Albedo's shoulder from the back, signaling her to keep her calm. Thankfully, Albedo seemed to understand the message, not saying any further words towards the twins.

"By the way, where's Elder?"

"Yeah, yeah. I felt his presence, but he's nowhere to be seen"

"Uh-huh! Perhaps... these two know?"

One of the twins then looked at Ains and Albedo and asked a question with a straight face.

"Hey hey, have you seen Elder, the grumpy old man who likes punching everyone?"

"Grumpy old man my ass!"

Ainz heard Elder's complaint inside loud and clear, but he ignored it and immediately spoke out.

"I like to answer your question, but a proper introduction should be in order, no? I am Ainz Ooal Gown"

None of the twins gave any immediate answer. After a brief silence, one of them rolled their eyes and spoke.

"Aww, why should I tell you?"

"Yeah, yeah! Formal stuff is stifling! Just answer the question if you know something"

Hearing the reply from the twins, Albedo's hands shook with rage and then she shouted.

"To commit such an act of disrespect to Ainz-sama! HOW DARE YOU! Even a thousand deaths won't be enough to pay for that, Dark Falz Double!"

The twins stood unfazed while remaining floating as Albedo shouted at them.

"See? You know us already"

"Yeah, yeah. No need for introduction! So, do you know where Elder is?"

Ainz tapped Albedo's shoulder again, telling her that he would come forward and answer the question. He did so and began speaking while keeping himself on guard.

"In a sense, I do. I have defeated Dark Falz Elder and absorbed his powers for myself. Therefore, the one you are looking for no longer exists. Or, if you want to think this way, he is now within me"

The twins looked visibly surprised, their eyes going wide and their mouth opening slightly. Once again, they turned their heads looking at each other, still maintaining their dumbfounded expressions.

"Hey, hey. Did that skeleton really mean it?"

"Uh-huh. Now that he mention it, I do feel Elder's presence coming out from him"

"Uuuhhh, what should we do now? We need Elder to revive Profound Darkness"

"Awwww... we need Elder to become Profound Darkness. What should we do?"

"Oh, I know! Why don't we eat that skeleton?"

"Yeah! Yeah! Let's eat that skeleton thingy!"

Ainz tapped Albedo's shoulder again to keep her from falling into unnecessary rage. From the exchange spoken out by the twins without reserve, it was truly confirmed that Ainz was, and always has been, the main target of Dark Falz Double ever since the time he had used [Dark Wisdom] to absorb Elder. The fact that Double had the ability to sense Elder's powers meant that as long as they existed, Ainz would never be able to have peace outside Nazarick. The only way out of the situation was to eliminate Double once and for all.

"Unfortunately for you, I shall put up a great resistance"

Ainz raised his right hand after speaking his statement, thus dealing the first strike with a spell.

[Boost Twin Magic – Vermilion Nova]

Whoosh!

A pillar of flame emerged below each of the twins and instantly engulfed them whole. However, when the spell ended both of them emerged seemingly unscathed. Their faces looked as if they were confused instead of hurt, largely implying that even a boosted 9th tier spell had failed to deal substantial damage.

"Their magic resistance is through the roof. It seems I shall be relying on you a lot, Albedo"

"I shall protect you with all my life, Ainz-sama"

Albedo tightened her battle stance as she spoke. Meanwhile, the twins smiled and looked at each other again.

"Hey hey, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Hahaha! Yeah, I'm thinking what you're thinking!"

"He wants to play with us!"

"Yeah yeah! Let's play!"

"Yaaay!"

The twins jumped in joy while still floating, and then both of them were covered in a dark red vortex. Soon after, what came out from it was a pair of humanoid creatures with asymmetrical arms; one looking like a normal human arm but oversized to the point that the palm could be larger than the body, while the other was basically a big pincer of a comparable size to the other arm. Their bodies were pretty colorful, but the dominant color was blood-red and their monstrous faces were sporting permanent creepy grins, making them look unsettling as a whole.

Both bodies of Double landed on the ground and immediately dashed with their pincer arms forward, each creating an abomination of a mouth made of dark energy over it, ready to devour anything caught in its path.

"Hhhrah!"

Clang!

Albedo intervened by doing a mighty swing with her 3F, deflecting the attacks from both of the twin Double. They were staggered by the force, and Albedo immediately shouted at them full of determination.

"Don't you abominable creatures even dream of getting close to Ainz-sama! I won't ever let you!"

Bam! Smash!

Before any of Double could recover, they were suddenly struck by an attack from above. One of them was struck by Cocytus, while the other was struck by Shalltear who was fully equipped with her crimson armor and Spuit Lance. Both the attacks were guarded by the respective Double's pincer arm, and their attacker immediately jumped away, regrouping with Ainz and Albedo.

"Are. You. Hurt. Ainz-sama?"

"I am fine and glad that you came quickly. Is everything in place?"

Shalltear was then the one to answer Ainz's question.

"Yes, Ainz-sama"

Ainz nodded slightly hearing the reply, and then Demiurge and Mare showed up right beside him, coming via teleportation. Right after that, a number of blue lights came down from the sky and landed near Ainz's group. It didn't take long for Ainz and the Floor Guardians to see that the newcomers were all six of Ryu's team, with the addition of the white-haired girl Ainz had seen back in the ARKS ship.

What was her name again... Matoi? Ah, no matter.

Ainz then let out a mocking laugh towards Double, both of whom having been standing still all this time.

"It is over, Dark Falz Double! You are outnumbered and you cannot escape! Today shall be the day of your demise!"

Double didn't look fazed at all hearing Ainz's words. Instead, they began laughing with a creepy echoing sound.

"Ehehehehe! Huhuhuhu! Hahahaha! More playmates!"

"More playmates! Need more toys!"

"More toys!"

Both of the bodies of Double raised their pincer arms up, and within seconds a total of four pillars of dark energy emerged around them. What came out of the pillars soon after were two golden armored humanoids with three pairs of angel-like wings, and two humanoids which looked like ladies wearing a dark gown, but their heads and wings looked like they belonged to an insect-type heteromorph race.

"Those are clones of Falz Angel and Falz Appregina. Should be weaker than the original, but with how photons are messed up on this planet don't quote me on that"

Guardian spoke out the quick identification as she and the rest of Ryu's team drew their weapons out. Alice immediately casted the buffing Photon Techs, which empowered everyone including Ainz and the Floor Guardians.

"I see. Nevertheless, now the only way forward is to battle and emerge victorious. Therefore... engage!"

Ainz raised his right hand forward as he spoke the last part of his speech, and both sides of the imminent battle immediately charged towards their enemies, thus beginning the battle for the survival of the world.


[X][X][X]


Afterword:

With this chapter, we have arrived at the final climax of the story. I can say in fair certainty that the next coming chapter will be entirely filled with fight scenes. I honestly hope I'll manage to pull it off.

I have added some more pictures into the spoiler section of the gallery. Check it out if you like.


Q And A


Q: I'm curious as to whether Ainz can remove the Dark Falz from his mind using [Wish Upon A Star].

A: Maybe he can, but Elder will roam free again and Ainz will lose the power up he gained. The latter definitely won't feel good.


Q: Also, shouldn't he be immune to psychic effects that are not on the level of a WCI?

A: This case of mind-squatter is something off-world, if I were to say something about it.


See you again later.