City of Re-Estize, Re-Estize Kingdom

Two days before returning to the Azure Falls, the same day when E-Rantel has been bombed, Senshi headed towards West of the Kattze Plains, towards the direction of the capital. Flying high in the sky, hiding behind the clouds, they arrived discretely at the city and slipped inside it without being noticed.

Landing in a dark alley near the plaza, Kumara returned to her humanoid form and stood behind Senshi.

"Hooh. So this is the Kingdom's capital, huh. There really are a lot of humans around here, just like what the spies said."

Senshi admiringly wandered his gaze among the pedestals and the stalls around the streets near the plaza. The surrounding is bustling with energy, and the various cries of the merchants endorsing their products rang all over the place.

Since it is already about five in the afternoon, housewives were wandering around the place, shopping for ingredients for their supper tonight. A trio of old men had serous expressions in a corner, concentrating hard over a board game which seems to be at its climax.

"Now that I think about it, we haven' been here before, did we?", questioned Kumara from behind.

"Nope. I wanted to come here, actually. But He said that we should keep an eye on the events over there all the time. Not that I mind it, though."

"Hmm.. Well, whatever. Now then, shall we proceed with the next step?"

"Yeah, let's go."

Taking out two cloaks from a void in the space and handing one of it to Senshi, the pair draped it upon themselves and disappeared visually, turning invisible.

Communicating telepathically, they slipped among the crowd and headed straight to the center of the city, towards the Royal Castle.

Upon reaching the gates, they noticed a magic barrier surrounding the entire castle like a dome, and the only possible way is to pass underground.

[Come here, Kuu-chan.]

A little flustered, Kumara neared Senshi, who wrapped his arm around her waist.

[Hold on properly.]

With a single leap, Senshi traversed the heavily guarded gates and the ten-feet wall without even a bead of sweat. The magic barrier didn't even react against any anomaly, for the [Graham's Cloak of Invisibility] is on a much higher level than the level within its capacity.

Their break-in would've been unimpeded when Senshi suddenly stopped in the middle of the road and stared somewhere off the distance.

[What's the matter?]

[No, nothing's wrong. Let's continue.]

Kumara didn't question any further and resumed walking.

Senshi has a passive skill named [Presence Awareness] that let's him feel and identify potential foes.

He's trying to conceal his strength, but it is futile against my skill.

And right now, he just felt something terrifying, a presence that is akin to a very powerful dragon he knows, a being that he knows very well.

An existence similar to the Prince, huh. Now that might be interesting.

Senshi's hand habitually headed for the blade in his waist, his bloodlust leaking through his sly grin.

First, Momon. Then, that silver-haired woman that he seems to be acquainted with. And now, this powerful presence. Seems like the Summoning Cycle took rather interesting individuals this time around, huh.

[Hurry up.]

[Sorry, sorry.]

Hurrying his pace to catch up with Kumara, they headed towards the entrance of the castle.

Entering the giant double doors without a care, they went straight for the second floor while passing through guards and maids right in front of them.

Upon reaching the second floor, Kumara sent another telepathic message to Senshi.

[Where was it again? The King's room.]

[Fourth room from the right, the one with the beautiful door.]

[Got it. Let's go.]

Walking leisurely as if they're going to a picnic, even admiring the artworks hanging in the walls, they soon reached the King's room.

About five minutes later, an earsplitting scream of a maid echoed inside the whole structure, and the King was found dead.

The two have already been gone away from the scene, shrouded by the golden light of the setting sun.

Sacred Hill, Outside of the City of Re-Estize, Re-Estize Kingdom

Prince Barbro, the Crown Prince, next heir of the Re-Estize Kingdom, can barely hold the smile forming in his lips. He even went as far as biting his tongue and lips to inflict pain on himself to keep the welling joy in himself from bursting out.

If he can have his way, he will be rolling around the floor right now, laughing manically in his birthday suit.

Just the memory of his great fortune overwhelms the pain from his purpling lips.

I can't, I can't. Gotta keep a solemn face. If anyone sees me smiling, I might be suspected as the perpetrator. I have to look sad.

Riding on a white, majestic horse, Prince Barbro looked upon the open casket with his father, the former King Ranposa III inside. Thousands of white, beautiful flowers adorned him from every side, placed inside a carriage whose walls are made with glass.

The Kingdom's tradition is that the members of the Royal Family should be buried right after their death. It is so that they could seal away the body inside a magically enchanted coffin as soon as possible, keeping it from turning into an undead while people are mourning to it.

They could've had the priests on casting holy protection magic on the body to prevent its undeadification, but the belief that the Gods doesn't want a person from a royal lineage to be induced with magic after death prevents them from doing so. It is also the same reason as to why resurrection magic is prohibited from being used towards the dead king or any person with the royal blood.

The royal lineage has to keep moving on. Reviving the dead king would hinder its cycle.

You have been quite stubborn, father. If you haven't held in the throne for too long, you would've lived a longer life. And maybe you wouldn't have been assassinated, and I would be the one who had been targeted instead. Well, they won't be able to assassinate me, though. I'm the best swordsman among our family. No, the best one among the entire royal family, even from the former generations. I will kill those assassins before they kill me.

Barbro doesn't particularly hate his father. But his father doesn't trust him on leading the Kingdom. He felt that his father would rather choose his other brother, Zanack, instead of him.

He even heard that Marquis Raeven, the noble who is his brother's closest ally, is planning to create a turning point that will lead to Zanack's candidacy to outdone his.

It nay sound ridiculous, for the Second Prince to outdone the First Prince, but he can't be completely unsure. He had learned about Marquis Raeven and his outstanding intellect. It took him several sleepless nights just worrying about it.

But that's all over now. I will become the king. Your efforts have been in vain. But don't you worry, father. The Kingdom will be heading towards a better future in my lead. And to do that, trampling those bastards from the Empire would be the first step. And then the Draconic Kingdom. After that, the Theocracy. Next will be the Holy Kingdom. I will establish an Empire in my name, and everyone will bow down to me. Everyone.

Barbro is riding on the right side of the carriage while his slightly obese brother, Zanack, is riding on the left. About three layers of royal guards surrounds them from every corner.

Trailing behind them is a long procession of about tens of thousands of people. Commoners, merchants, noblesk, soldiers, etc. are all included in the crowd.

On a beautiful coach positioned right in front of the procession, the Queen, along with the four princesses, are teary-eyed, dabbing their cheeks with a handkerchief. Whether the tears are there or not is questionable. Except for one person, that is.

Bawling loudly with tears running down her cheeks is the Third Princess, the "Golden Princess" Renner. Climb, as usual, is near her vicinity, riding a horse next to the coach. He seems to be uneasy, probably confused whether to comfort her in front of all the people around them or let the Queen do the job and ride along quietly.

How embarrassing. I know she is in grief, for she is the one who is the closest towards our father among us, but she should learn to restrain herself even a little. Really, how stupid.

Riding in front of the coach, right behind the carriage, is the Warrior-Captain. Adorned with the Kingdom's treasures, he looks very intimidating.

Although his face looks serious and unmoving, the reddening of his pupils didn't escape Barbro's eyes.

Barbro has a positive mindset about Gazeff. Barbro has enthusiastically studied the way of the sword since he was a child, so he could understand the value of a powerful warrior such as Gazeff. He even secretly admire the man, although they are about at the same age.

After becoming king, I will take him under my wing. I don't care if the nobles of the noble faction dislikes him, I won't let such a talent go. I heard from the reports that the only reason why he stayed here in the Kingdom despite the poor treatment to him by the nobles is because he shared my father's values and ideals. If I let him go, he might head off towards the Empire and join the Four Imperial Knights. Knowing them, I'm sure that they won't hesitate opening up a Fifth seat for him. I'll have to grant him a knighthood and tie him down in the Kingdom if necessary.

He caught Zanack sneaking a peek at him, and he can't help from smirking back.

It's over, Zanack. After tonight, I will be the new king. Your ambitions ends here. I will definitely find a way to kick you out, or even kill you. I won't let those opposing nobles from the royal faction use you as a tool for revolt. I won't let you get in the way of my dream.

Barbro envisioned himself sitting on the throne, with the crown and scepter adorning him. With one swish of his hand, everyone will bow down to him.

The imagination alone filled him with delight. He can't wait for the burial to get over and for the meeting for the Kingdom's future will proceed after it.

* * *

Barbro, Zanack, the entire royal family, and all the nobles from both the royal and the noble faction are inside the Meeting Room at the castle, seated on a chair laid before a long, rectangular table.

Two people were still to arrive. The Third Princess and Marquis Raeven. Renner is holed up in her room, along with her personal bodyguard. She headed into the room immediately after returning from the burial without even excusing herself.

Marquis Raeven, who seems to be getting intimately friendly with Renner through Zanack, volunteered to fetch Renner himself, since she must attend the meeting no matter how much in grief she is. It is her duty as a princess.

And thus, the meeting has yet to begin, with everyone already seated down to their respective seats.

Barbro, of course, is seated at the foremost seat right at the very front, looking at everyone while mocking them in his head.

His allies, the noble faction, were grinning with each other while smirking towards the other faction.

"Marquis Salvio, Marquis Relirio."

"Y-yes, Your Majesty."

The two nobles from the royal faction nervously answered back.

"Yesterday, both of your second sons, which were members of the royal guards, were on duty at this castle, right?"

"T-thats right, Your Majesty."

"Yet they didn't notice the assassin slipping inside the castle?"

"That's something beyond their control, Your Majesty. They were guarding at the front doors of the castle, not outside the King's bedroom. Of course the perpetrator didn't pass through the front door, did he?"

"But still, as royal guards, it is their duty to protect the security of the royal family. Those two, along with all the royal guards on duty yesterday, will be subjected for a harsh punishment. They will be thrown into the dungeon for a month, and they will also be deduced to foot soldiers upon the end of their imprisonment period."

"P-please wait, Your Majesty! That's unreasonable! You can't just make my child a scapegoat! I absolutely cannot accept this!"

"Be quiet! This is my order! The King's order! Or do you dare oppose me!?"

Both the marquises sank back to their seats with anguished, terrified faces.

The noble factions' smirk became more rotten, their eyes mocking the royal factions without reserve.

The royal factions' complexion began to brighten only when they heard the sound of footsteps from outside the door. The arrival of Marquis Raeven is a great boon for the royal faction to be able to stand on equal with the other side. After all, in their knowledge, the latter belong to their faction. When in fact, Raeven controls both factions from behind, fluttering between the two like a bat.

The maid, at Barbro's signal, opened up the door. By instead of Raeven and Renner, the one who came in are two different people.

One is a man dressed in a robe-like green coloured clothing, long green hair, and a thin, long scabbard hanging in his waist.

The other is a female draped in a similar clothing, only white in colour. With well endowed breasts slightly visible due to the parting of the clothing at the cleavage, as well as a very attractive face giving out a mature, sensual aura, nobody could resist her beauty.

But what's more eye-catching is the things protruding from her back.

Nine, long, furry tails hued in gold and white that seems to feel heavenly when touched that were slightly swishing with her every movement caught their attention more than her erotic beauty.

Identifying her as a demihuman, everyone inside the room returned to their senses.

As the nobles are looking confusedly with each other, the male with the sword broke the silence.

"Hmm.. Everyone seems to be gathered here. No wait, the other guy is not here. Did he go out? Or he didn't come? No, it must be the former. All the nobles standing as the family leaders should be present. He must be running late. Oh well, I'll just find him later. I'll deal with you guys first."

"What insolence is this!? Who are you people?!", Prince Barbro angrily lashed out.

"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. How stupid of me. Nice to meet you, leaders of Re-Estize Kingdom. I'm Senshi, and this is my partner, Kumara. We're here today to pass on a very important message to you all. We, a certain group of demihumans and monsters, do hereby declare ownership over this country from now on effectively. Our forces will march into this country in these upcoming days, and any act of resistance will be dealt with the suitable treatment. And thus, I wish you would seriously take our warning on feigning resistance at heart, and we will not harm you. That's all."

The nobles, who have been listening intently, broke out in laughter from Senshi's absurd words.

"Who the heck do you think you are? What is this crap?"

"This must be some kind of joke. There's no way that some mere monsters could possibly make us give up out lands and riches."

"Are you stupid? What kind of nonsense are you blabbing?"

Replied with insults and mocking, Senshi's smile disappeared.

"To be treated with insult by mere humans, how unpleasant. Good thing is that, I need to have you killed."

Saying that, Senshi lightly swung his hand.

What followed afterwards is unimaginable. A very powerful gust of wind coming from the intruders' direction blasted towards the nobles. The tables, the chairs, and the ones seated on them were blown away into the wall.

But that's not the end of it.

The blast of wind increased further, to the point where the nobles were plastered against the walls like flies. The wall, which is made of solid rock three feet thick that could withstand hundreds of blows from the powerful weapon from the Slaine Theocracy called cannons, began to crack from the wind pressure itself.

The crack increased further and began spreading out throughout entire walls until it finally broke out, sending huge blocks of debris, as well as about two dozens of people, falling down onto the ground twelve meters below.

The respective nobles who were rich enough to be able to swim in gold and jewelries were reduced to nothing more than messed-up pieces of meat and limbs after falling down onto the ground with a sickly splat, particularly the ones who were felled with some rock debris from the once majestic castle wall ranging from size of fists to the size of humans.

The perpetrator and his companion looked at the intact bodies on the ground.

"Are they dead?"

"Probably. Would you care to check for a heartbeat?"

"Sure."

Kumara slid her hand into her wide, comfortable sleeve and pulled out several rectangular strips of papers with strange markings in it, called talisman.

"Strike them down, [Thunder Sparrows]!"

She then flung the papers towards the ground, which took shape into birds, and flew downwards.

Upon contact, the bodies of the nobles convulsed and trembled greatly. Several seconds later, the smell of charred meat wafted up to the noses of the pair at the wrecked meeting room up the third floor.

"No heartbeat, it seems."

"Tsk tsk tsk. May you rest in peace."

The two clasped their hands together for a prayer, then headed for the door after that.

"Now, all that's left is the Warrior-Captain and the guy called 'Viper'. On the way back, we will also handle General Gustavo, which our spy failed to kill. After that, we're done."

"Whew. It has only been several days, but it sure is tiring. I should get a good sleep- wait a minute."

Kumara placed her middle and index finger at her temple and accepted the magic directed at her.

"Yes. Yes. I understand. We're going back immediately."

After the connection were cut, Senshi immediately fired a question.

"Who was that?"

"Liliane. Horogus-sama is summoning all of us Six. Seems like he's going to be handing orders."

"That's quick. What about the work?"

"She said to have the spies finish the work. We need to hurry, or we won't arrive at sunset."

"It can't be helped. Are there some of them around here?"

Kumara shut her eyes and began to meditate.

"Two. One is a maid, the other is a soldier at Gazeff's warrior band."

"Perfect. Have the maid deal with the noble, and the soldier with Gazeff."

"Got it. Also, another thing."

"What is it?"

"Our captured spy at E-Rantel is being tortured."

"Again?"

"Yes. But this time, it feels different. It feels more powerful. Out spy can't handle it and broke down, spilling everything he knows. Should I invoke the seal and kill him?"

Powerful? Another torturer?

The image of the silver-haired girl he saw flashed in Senshi's mind.

So they've already begun gathering information, huh.

"No, let him talk. He doesn't know much, anyway. Not even that fact that the noble he's been escorting all along is also his kin."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Let him be. And the other guy in E-Rantel, the noble impostor. Tell him to remain on standby. Don't do anything unnecessary that will make him reveal his identity."

"What about Gustavo? Do we still handle him on the way back?"

"Leave him, too. It will be a present to Momon for letting me know something interesting."

"Haaah.. You're quite risk-taker, aren't you? Oh, well."

Saying that, Kumara took a pair of blue talisman and flung it away. The papers took the form of small hummingbirds, flapping with their tiny, little wings.

"Go and tell them the message."

"Understood, o summoner."

Nodding slightly, the two birds flew away.

"Now then, let's go."

"After you."

Kumara's nine golden tails wrapped around her, which released a bright, blinding flash of light all over the place. Soon, in the place of Kumara, a horse with the head, wings, and talons of an eagle is present. Kumara, with her shape shifting racial ability, turned into a hippogriff.

"Please excuse me."

Saying that, Senshi leapt onto the hippogriff's wide back and they flee away through the wrecked walls of the meeting room.

God of Fire Temple, Residential District, City of E-Rantel

Ainz, Narberal, Gustavo, Ainzach, and six other people were all seated before a long table laid before them.

And on that table is a single crystal orb operated by a thin, frail person named Theo Raksheer, the Magician's Guild guildmaster.

Two other magic casters, disciples of Theo, were taking turns all night, charging their mana and transferring it to Theo, who was operating the orb all night.

Except for the team Darkness, everyone else's expression is grim while looking towards the image being projected inside the Clairvoyance Orb Their eyes were sunken from their sockets, evident of staying up late all night.

In the image, a long procession of about tens of thousands people were marching with tears in their eyes.

At the head of the procession is a group of knights with dazzling, sparkling armors with golden hues walking in a tight formation, protecting something in the middle.

And the object being protected is a single carriage made of glass, with a single person inside adorned with beautiful, white flowers.

The endless line of people are climbing up a hill located outside of the Capital, a hill called "Sacred Hill". All the deceased royal families carrying the royal blood gets buried at the said hill, inside a maze-like crypt built within the hill itself.

Gustavo buried his face in his hands, running it upwards to his short-cropped hair and bringing it down afterwards.

"Haaah... To think that the King would end like this. This is horrible."

Ainzach, whose head is hanging low, suddenly sprang up and slammed the table hard.

"Dammit! What are those royal guards doing?! If they just did their job, this wouldn't have happened!"

"Now, now. Calm down. It's not all their fault alone. Pointing hands with baseless assumption is a clear form of a stupid conjecture. Accusing someone without proof is absolute foolishness. Consider the other side's perspective first before making conclusions.", the old man in white robe said, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.

"The High Priest is right, Ainzach. There aren't any clues or hints of infiltration. Even after being magically searched for signs of breaking in by my teacher, nothing showed up. This is a work of someone extremely skilled, someone who even the royal guards couldn't possibly handle. We can't blame them after knowing that, could we?", Raksheer followed up.

Ainzach's eyebrows knotted up, his anger increasing further. In fact, he is already completely aware of the said situation and has already arrived at the same judgement as the others. But, in an attempt to release his pent-up rage, he accidentally blurted out those words.

However, no one even eased him and tries to understand him too, but had scolded him instead. This infuriated him much more.

Already at the verge of bursting off, the heavy object pressing on his shoulders cut him off in the nick of time.

It was Gustavo's rugged hand.

Gustavo didn't say anything and just swayed his head side to side, telling him to back off.

Reluctantly, Ainzach sat back down while breathing deeply, trying to calm himself.

"With these events going on, I'm afraid to say that the Kingdom is going to undergo a painful period for quite some time. The king being dead, an unknown enemy executing troubles here and there, it won't be easy to resolve this."

High Priest Cerilio concluded after calmly analyzing the events that have occurred. He and the other priests had been busy healing the victims of the explosion. And they were already informed that the same happening occurred at the every Adventurer's Guild around the Kingdom.

Since he is a citizen of the Slaine Theocracy, the events in the Kingdom doesn't affect him greatly. Plus his job is not affiliated with the government. His worries and concerns are all merely obligatory.

"It will, won't it? I gotta do my best to lead this city to stability despite the chaos that's happening right now.", Gustavo declared.

"And the ones responsible for this, I will make them pay greatly for their sins. Just you wait.", he added with an ice cold gaze.

* * *

"High Priest, once again, let me apologize for suddenly intruding here at your private abode. Although you and all the priests have worked hard for two days in tending the injured, I was even insolent enough to request you of letting us borrow the temple's Clairvoyance Orb to see our King's death ceremony. Normally, I would've left for the capital right away in such an important event, but I cannot do it due to the current situation. And please accept my sincere gratitude for your kindness."

Gustavo slightly bowed down his head after saying his apology and thanks.

"It's fine, it's fine. The humanity itself is in danger because of those lowly demihumans' savageness. Although we're from different countries, a honorable priest of the Six Gods would never turn a blind eye against fellow humans in times of need for such a lowly reason such as territorial difference. Feel free to ask me for any request anytime, as long as it is within my power to comply it", ensured the High Priest with a gentle, warm eyes.

"Yes. Thank you very much. Although I'll be saying this for the sake of the future, I'll be counting on you and the temple for your assistance."

"Leave it to me. This old man can still be of some use somehow."

After exchanging farewell, High Priest Cerilio watched as Ainz, Narberal, Gustavo, Ainzach, Raksheer and his two assistants leave.

Seeing their fleeting backs, Cerilio stroked his long, white beard.

"So they will be one of the representatives of humanity, huh. I wonder how long they would last against that absolute being. Fufufufu..."

The two priests behind him remained motionless while his ominous chuckle reverberated inside the temple.

* * *

After parting ways with Ainzach and the rest, Ainz headed towards the Golden Pavilion, their home in E-Rantel.

Ainz felt his nonexistent heart breaking every time he steps into the glamorous inn and opens the door to their room.

Haaah. I should've taken a cheaper inn instead of a the first class. Or even renting out a single house might've been cheaper. The payment to this room really bleeds my pocket all the time.

Ainz's gaze travelled to the furniture and antiques in the room. Some paintings are also present, each of them made by famous painters unknown to Ainz.

The beddings and the blanket are made from a first class fabric. It feels smooth and comfortable. Even the pillows are soothing to lie down at despite Ainz's head only being a skull.

I don't even need these, yet I'm paying for it. This sucks. I should've acted out as a merchant instead. Then money and information would come flowing in.

Ainz considered what would've happened if he chose to act as a merchant, but immediately dismissed the idea.

I don't have any identity, no fame, no connections. I don't even have the knowledge and money needed to start that kind of career. I guess it's a no go, after all.

Setting his unnecessary thoughts aside, Ainz sat on the edge of the bed and dispelled his [Perfect Warrior] spell as well as his armor and changed into his usual gear.

Narberal, as usual, stood motionlessly like a mechanical doll beside the door while staring right at him with unblinking eyes.

Honestly, Ainz finds it creepy when they do that.

Back at the game, there is no issue with them staring at us all day, since they're just a bunch of ones and zeroes. But now that they've gained real life and consciousness, you don't know what they're thinking about you. Plus, I can't make any stupid actions or any weird noises the whole time. If I'm not an undead, I might've already gotten crazy with this stuff.

Ainz has to protect his image of an extremely wise and intelligent, almost omniscient, ruler. And that ruler couldn't possibly do strange and weird actions and noises, which he does most of the time when he is alone.

When comparing the capability of Suzuki Satoru to protect the image of a certain omniscient being, his facade is as soft as an eggshell's. One mistake, and it'll all break down. That's why he has to be very careful.

After a couple of breaths, Ainz took all the magic items he "picked up" during the rescue and laid it one by one in the bed. All in all, he "picked up" about 43 magic items, with some of them similar by twos or even threes.

Hooh. So this small dagger here can cut through iron armor like paper, huh. And this helmet is used to place a blessing on the user, protecting the user from weak mental attacks. Oh, this one has an interesting shape. What is this for? How about this one?

Ainz felt happy every time he learns the information about magic items he never knew before. It was one of his boredom reliever when spending his time in YGGDRASIL all by himself. Over time, it already grew into some sort of addiction.

Checking them meticulously one by one, he didn't notice that it has already been hours since then. When he took a peek by the window, the evening sky is already visible.

Oh, crap. I'm already late for my meeting with Albedo.

Hurriedly, Ainz packed up all the magic items on the bed and placed them inside his [Inventory].

"Narberal, I'll be going back. Stay vigilant, as usual."

"Understood. Please be careful."

Ainz teleported immediately after giving her a nod.

The place he teleported to is right outside the doors of his office in the 10th floor. Since he brought the guild ring with him this time, he didn't require having someone on standby at the surface to hand him one.

What greeted him is the figure of two powerful-looking insectmen guarding his doors. Startled at first, they immediately knelt down after realizing it is him.

"Welcome back, Ainz-sama.", greeted the two in unison, their mandibles clicking with every word.

"Cluriox and Aridal, so it is both you this time. Good work, as usual."

"Yes! Thank you very much for remembering our names!"

"Stop that. It is only obvious that I should know the ones Cocytus trusts. And being trusted by a trusty subordinate, take note that I trust you as well."

Ainz can't read an insect's expression, but they both seem happy as their mandibles and wings began to twitch excitedly.

I should at least praise them every time possible, since I don't even pay any of them for their work. Just wait, you guys. If I somehow stumble upon a windfall, I'll make sure to give you guys a reward or something. Or even a salary, if possible.

Ainz unknowingly had the same line of thought that fathers who has low-paying jobs think every time they look at their children.

"Ehem. Anyway, is Albedo inside?"

"Y-yes. Albedo-sama is inside."

Ainz immediately noticed their compound eyes twitch before giving an affirmative response.

As expected. She must be angry, huh.

Giving them a nod, one of them knocked on the door, which opened up soon after.

Inside the room is Albedo smiling towards Ainz, as well as one of the Homunculus maids, with her head bowed low.

None of the Eight Edge Assassins were inside the room.

"...so, you sent all of them?"

"Yes. Since they're stealthy, swift and their ability to detect suspicious people is high, they are perfect for the mission."

"Albedo-"

"Don't worry, Ainz-sama. Those insolent bastards who dared harm you in such a cowardly way won't last any longer. I, Albedo, vow you this."

"Just wait a-"

"Yes, I know what you're going to say. I'll also make sure to punish them thoroughly and harshly to make them regret their sins."

Ainz wanted to say something else, but her smiling, unnerving face despite her cruel words are too overpowering.

With that, Ainz slumped his shoulders in defeat and went to his table and sat down.

After learning from Narberal about how Ainz was lured to a trap and was attempted to be assassinated, Albedo flared up. Even though she knows that Ainz is well and good, that he didn't even get hurt at all, she won't let up and sent the Eight Edge Assassins to E-Rantel to search for the ones who are behind it.

She even almost had Ainzach and the others killed for placing Ainz in a dangerous situation.

She's way too overreacting. If she does this every single time, I won't be able to relax during my time as Momon anymore.

Ainz felt as if he's suffocating. At first, he felt happy knowing that he has a woman who is worried about him back at the guild, at his home. But over time, he began to lose that appreciation and started feeling uneasy and unsettling from his surroundings, not knowing if he is being followed by a Winged Eye or something, keeping him under surveillance.

It feels like I'm walking into a road full of landmines. No, a road full of landmine switch instead. One careless step, and the person on the other end will end up in smithereens.

Ainz cannot understand her and her obsession, for he is clueless that a woman in love with a few screws in the head loose is sometimes more dangerous than a hostile player with a World Class Item in hand.

"So, have you found anything?"

"Not yet. The Slaux that was held captive didn't really add any valuable information about the perpetrators behind them except their history with them and the way they work."

While Ainz and the others attended the funeral at the temple by watching it through the Clairvoyance Orb, an Eight Edge Assassin slipped into the prison and held an additional 'questioning' with the Slaux. Although an Eight Edge doesn't have any torturing skills or abilities, it certainly knows how to make the target feel pain.

One of Entoma's pet did some help, though. A centipede called Noxious Crawler, which eats the victim from the insides. It's obvious that the target didn't offer too much resistance.

"Hoooh.. What is it, then?"

"The Slaux and its other kin were living peaceful lives in their village somewhere in the depths of Lumair Forest at the City-State Alliance territory. But about two years ago, a significant number of them, probably somewhere near 50 or so, were abducted by other demihumans and were forced to receive orders from someone named Horogus, which were assassination and infiltration orders in human cities. They refused, of course, but they eventually cracked after receiving harsh treatment for several months. And thus, they infiltrated the Holy Kingdom, the Re-Estize Kingdom, the Baharut Empire, and the Slaine Theocracy for information gathering for about a year, reporting their findings through a talking bird."

"Hmm.. Whoever is behind this, they must've been careful not to reveal their identity to anyone. Which makes it more likely that they don't have anyone else in the human cities aside from the Slauxes. Don't you think so?"

Ainz took a peek at Albedo's expression. If she didn't think of at least that, she might be viewed as incompetent for sending the Eight Edges around E-Rantel to comb it out for other possible beings which may be involved with the main culprit.

But her smile remained stuck, not even a single hint of uneasiness.

"Yes, it is as you say. But I've got more information to support that conclusion of mine, the conclusion that there's definitely others involved hanging around E-Rantel. Although, I'm actually feeling silly for saying these, since Ainz-sama must've already reached the same conclusion, I will do my best to answer your expectations, however measly and insignificant it may be when compared to your broad, endless insight and wisdom."

Ainz flinched from her reply. He hated moments like these, moments where the NPCs, especially Albedo and Demiurge, praises him for his nonexistent wisdom and such. It is one of the moments that causes the most pressure and stress on him.

It can't be helped. At times like these, let's use the usual strategy.

"S-seems like you realized my purpose. As expected of Albedo. This is indeed a test, a special test given to the one and only Guardian Overseer, the one I and my colleagues trusts the most in the entire Nazarick. Our expectations were never betrayed, and I'm sure Tabula-san would be puffing his chest right now from pride over his creation's outstanding capabilities."

He might even be dancing from joy, actually. This must be why parents value intelligent children more, since they are their source of pride.

Ainz shuddered when he remembered Pandora's Actor, his somewhat eccentric 'child'.

"Yes! Thank you very much! I promise to do my best even more from now on!"

Albedo bowed her body to full 90 degrees, her wings flapping from extreme delight.

Praises are good for brushing off suspicions. I feel bad for using Tabula-san's name, but I have to do this if I don't want to be found out.

"Although I'm only stating the obvious thing, I'm glad to see that it makes you happy. Anyway, can I hear your answer already?"

"Ah, yes. Continuing on from the new information gathered from the Slaux, he admitted that they weren't even sure who they were working for. They only receive and execute orders through the messages brought back by the talking bird for over a year. Thoughts of escape passed through their minds several times before, but a magic seal that binds them with their captor and tells them their every location kept them in line."

"Is it Slavery Seal? Or a Tracking Timebomb?"

"I'm sorry but I don't know. I thought of asking Aureole Omega about the seal, since she might know something, but Ainz-sama arrived before I did. So I lost the chance."

"Which means you have a photo or a drawing then, am I right?"

"Yes. Here it is."

Albedo handed him a piece of paper, and the image in it made Ainz's knees weak.

"T-this is-?!"

His hands holding the paper trembled. Gone were his anxiousness and uneasiness caused by Albedo, replaced by extreme worry and fear.

"- a [Soul Binding Seal]..."

Ainz finally blurted out the name of the magic.

On the paper, a magic circle with the characters of Ainz, no, Suzuki Satoru's homeland's writings, can be seen. Yes, it is a magic seal with kanji characters written on it.

This is a magic spell that can only be unlocked by level 70 Shrine Priestess. Although some YGGDRASIL items have similar spells sealed within, this appearance is undoubtedly a [Soul Binding Seal].

Silence drifted off inside the room until Albedo spoke up.

"This means that we have finally stumbled upon other Players also in this world, or somebody who are involved with them. Worse is that,-"

"-they might be involved with Shalltear's brainwashing...", Ainz muttered, cutting off Albedo's line.

Ainz felt tons of tension crashing down onto him. If what he just concluded is indeed true, then there's no time to play Momon or anything else. He needs to act quickly, for the other side had already make their move while he doesn't even know anything about them.

For all he knows, Momon's identity must've already been revealed.

So then, why did they ensnared Momon with such a measly trap? Is it really just to buy time? But against a character at level 100, it is far too weak. There were signs of battle when Shalltear was brainwashed, which means that they fought with her, only to retreat miserably later. Since Momon allegedly defeated Henyopenyuko, which is Shalltear, then they would realize that Momon is not someone they could carelessly mess with, since there were no signs of surveillance. And if their goal is just to buy time, then kidnapping a noble as a bait is far too elaborate. If a level 100 Player is the one who faced me in the trap instead, they would've been able to reveal my identity. Or did they realize about Nazarick's forces? Did I make a mistake of showing off the Nazarick Old Guarder in the Lizardmen Village? Did they see through the extent of the abilities of the Floor Guardians with some kind of ability, thus becoming vigilant and retreated to the shadows, conducting attacks to the Kingdom as an indirect way of pressuring me? Aaaahhh!!! What's going on!!!!

Thousands of possibilities and scenarios filled Ainz's head in an instant. Although Suzuki Satoru is not considered as an intelligent individual, when it comes to planning and strategies in YGGDRASIL, he is one of the best within the others in the Ainz Ooal Gown. He just doesn't realize it, since Punnito Moe always outshines him. And he excels more when planning a strategy with only himself as the participant, emerging victorious almost every time during PvP Battles even against players twice stronger than him.

Large-scale planning like this is too farfetched for him to untangle. For now, that is.

Ainz's nonexistent brain started to get filled with tons of incomprehensible thoughts, which calmed down only after his passive calming skill kicked in.

When he returned to his senses, he realized that his jaw is slacking, and the other two inside the room have been staring right at him for some time since his thoughts started to dwindle off.

"Ahem. Where were we again? Ah, the possibility of a Player being behind this, yes? After seeing this seal, the possibility behind it is indeed significant. But there are several magic items of YGGDRASIL scattered around this world, you know. It is best if we don't let our imaginations take over our judgement, yes? We should keep on remaining vigilant for now, until we have gathered enough convincing evidence. Did you understand, Albedo?"

"Clearly, Ainz-sama. And as you have said, we should indeed gather information. And that's exactly why I sent the Eight Edge Assassins over. After learning about the attack on the Kingdom, I concluded that the enemy is rather intelligent, targeting the key figures amongst anything else. Its as if they want the humans of the Kingdom to be isolated, seeing that they killed almost all the possible leaders. They missed with the most crucial one, though."

"Hmm? Leaders? Sorry Albedo, but can you elaborate what you just said?"

Ainz has been cut off from any updates since yesterday, since he was with Ainzach and the rest, staying up all night watching the proceedings of the King's mourning.

"Ah, they must've yet to publicize it. About an hour ago, right after the King was buried and everyone went back to their homes, the nobles and the members of the royal families had a meeting at the Royal Castle, discussing about the next ruler and the future direction of the Re-Estize Kingdom. And on that occasion, they were once again attacked by the enemy, as I expected. As a result, all the nobles positioned as the head of their families, as well as all the ones with royal blood, has been murdered. Only two individuals, as well as another one who might've also fell victim, luckily survive."

Ainz was speechless. Bombs of events has been falling one after another, and another one, much bigger than the rest, just exploded once more. His thoughts cannot follow properly.

"...And the survivors?"

"The noble who has the biggest power over the Kingdom, Marquis Raeven, as well as the Warrior-Captain who was once saved out of mercy by your extreme kindness, Gazeff Stronoff, are the only survivor. Although they unmasked their assailants only by chance, they are indeed alive and kicking as of now. On the other hand, the third princess, who didn't betray my expectations, was wise enough to excuse herself from the proceedings of the meeting, pretending to be sick with grief due to her father's death and locked herself inside her room along with her plaything-I mean, her trusted bodyguard, who stayed with her to comfort her. And that's how the sole remaining human with the Re-Estize Kingdom's royal blood kept herself alive. Currently, the capital is in a state of chaos, and it won't be long until the Kingdom breaks down from the inside. The Empire won't also take this lying down, and I'm sure that they will begin marching as soon as possible."

The comfy chair took Ainz's meager weight as he leaned back on it.

They attacked the nobles. Back in E-Rantel, they targeted Gustavo, Ainzach, and the late Mayor Panasolei. Which means that I'm just a pebble in their way. I'm not their real target.

Relief flooded into his entire body upon reaching that realization.

"Should I abandon the Kingdom..."

That sentence was muttered out by Ainz out of pure accident, but Albedo quickly caught up on it.

"I think you must, Ainz-sama. Seeing from these events, they're not targeting you at all, and their real target is the Kingdom. The Empire might be the real suspect behind this, or someone they're acquainted with. Regardless, these proceedings doesn't have anything to do with you, Ainz-sama. So please, pardon my words, abandon Momon and E-Rantel, and just stay here inside the Nazarick instead, where we could protect you every single second. Please do think about it.", she finished up, with a desperate look in her face.

Ainz, of course, is seriously considering about it. If the Kingdom would get destroyed eventually, leaving it beforehand is definitely the obvious choice. When war starts and he is still around, he might get caught up in the middle and will be forced to participate in it, maybe even handed with an army due to his solid reputation. Adventurer as he may be, Momon is regarded as a hero, a living legend by the citizens. They would come running at him when danger looms in, and will be forced to protect them despite the rule of an adventurer being prohibited from getting involved in human wars.

My achievements as Momon, the connections I made, plus the possibility of a Player being involved with all these. I can't possibly leave it all behind, not when I can still do something about it. The battles are no big deal, but the real problem is the one after that. If, just hypothetically, the Kingdom will persist on existing, what would happen to me afterwards?

Ainz analyzed the possible outcome of his contribution to the Kingdom.

If the Kingdom persists to exist, at the very least, I would be handed with a nobility. And if I can, I would ask for the Carne Village to be under my territory. With that, I could safely and legally protect them and use the village for various livelihood and agricultural experiments. Yes, that would be nice. I won't have to go adventuring that much anymore, since money would come pouring in if my territory becomes stable and efficient. I could concentrate on information gathering with that.

Ainz envisioned himself on a noble's clothing, with a mansion behind him.

Fufufu.. That would be nice. Let's just call that house an extension of Nazarick. A branch office.

Ainz began seriously considering getting involved with the war and earning contribution points, enough to earn a nobility and a territory.

After several moments of fierce internal debate inside his thoughts, he finally reached a conclusion.

"Albedo, I have decided. I will join the battle. I can't possibly miss such a wonderful opportunity like this. And don't worry, as soon as the situation turns sour, I'll immediately retreat to Nazarick. I promise you that."

Albedo, although her eyes says that she is against it, eventually agreed.

"Very well, if that's what you desire, I cannot possibly get in the way. But please take care of yourself, Ainz-sama. If something ever happens to you, me and everyone in Nazarick wouldn't be able to atone our sin of not being able to do our duty of protecting you even after dying a million times."

"Then, I should work harder to keep my children, our children, from doing something so stupid.", replied Ainz.

Meanwhile, I'll earn as much points as I can, much more than everyone else. Enough contribution points to even make me a king. Hahaha.. As if that's possible.

Ainz, while laughing at his silliness, never ever imagined that his absurd thought he made as a joke would actually come true.

* * *

Various Locations Around the Re-Estize Kingdom

A huge flock of monster birds and bird-type demihumans, about hundreds of thousands of them, traversed the skies as far as the eyes can see. Shrouded by the darkness of the night, as well as the clouds high in the sky, no one down below ever noticed their identity as they flew through the night sky.

Although it was known that birds have bad eyesight at night, that problem was not an issue for these flock. Owl-type birdman and bird monsters were positioned at the front most and at the sided of the huge flock. All the ones with bad eyesight needs to do is to trust them and follow them from behind.

Their direction is towards the East, near the sea where the Re-Estize Kingdom/Holy Kingdom border lies. To round off the foolish humans towards the center and prevent them from escaping is their duty.

Led by Ignis, the "Ruler of the Skies", the winged monsters flew tirelessly.

* * *

From the mountain range at the territory of the Draconic Kingdom, when seen from the distance, it is as if the entire forest is moving downwards. But actually an eye-popping amount of creatures that can be seen as a fusion of humans and beasts, the beastmen, were the ones who were pouring down from the mountains. With their eyes glowing crimson at the darkness, as well as their saliva dripping from their jaws, no insects or any other creatures stands in their way.

Monsters and other beasts also joined their ranks. Wolves, bears, jaguars, and even demonic beasts trailed along with them.

Their numbers: more than a hundred thousand.

The most notable monsters among the other monstrous creatures converged in the area is a group of enormous greenish lizards about five to seven meters long. The bright green substance dripping from their mouths dissolved the plants and stones they land upon.

The said monsters are called Gigant Basilisks, Rank A monsters with 100 DL (Danger Level). One of these creatures can destroy a small city by itself, a monster that can turn a person into a stone with its [Petrifying Gaze]. No warrior would want to face this creature, since death is the immediate outcome. Except for some exceptional individual, slaying a Gigant Basilisk is akin to slaying a young dragon. Even if you're a renowned warrior, facing a single one would be madness.

Speculations from veteran adventurers declared that the only reason why Gigant Basilisks aren't ranked at DL 150 is because they lack the rational thought that most of the powerful monsters has. If only they had intelligence, dealing them would be much more difficult. That's how dangerous Gigant Basilisks are.

And yet, a group of these vicious monsters, numbering up to a dozen, is obediently marching a long journey along with beastmen and other monsters. What's more, they're not even eating the beastmen around them, a behavior that their species has due to their voraciousness. They don't discriminate their food, whatever they may be. What could be the reason behind their timidness and obedience?

The answer is simple: they are under control. They have been tamed. The monster that were feared by humanity itself, Gigant Basilisks, were tamed like a loyal dog. Who could've done such absurd thing?

In the middle of the Gigant Basilisks group, riding on the biggest Gigant Basilisk measuring more than ten meters long, is a lone being. A muscular humanoid with his chest covered in fur, looking down on every other beings around him.

The "King of the Beasts", Lunark, strode Westwards, towards the fortress city of E-Rantel.

* * *

Aside from the huge flock of birdman and and beasts heading towards East, there is another separate group of monstrous flying creatures Southeast, towards the Abeiron Hills.

The said group of flying creatures are not birds or birdman, but wyverns. Spanning at 10 meters from wing to wing, the "Wolves of the Sky" strikes fear to anyone who sees them from below.

However, that's not all. Riding on them is another creature that is also feared by humans. Huge, muscular, and ugly greenish monsters that stands at 5 meters tall. With regeneration speed on par with the vampires, the hideous monsters called trolls snarled their fangs against the pressing wind.

At the head of the flock of wyverns is another winged monster more terrifying than wyverns, a monster that can spew fire from its mouth like a dragon, a being that is more dangerous than a Gigant Basilisk, the Fire Drake flew forth.

And riding on it is a woman, a beautiful, blonde woman with long, flowing dress. What's strange is that her body itself is slightly translucent and it also releases a slightly greenish glow, giving her a radiant, glittering appearance.

Liliane, the "Goddess of Nature", is singing along with the wind.

* * *

At the Northern part of the Valeria Mountain Range, another army is gathering up. Numbering no less than two thousand, this army is just a speck of dust compared to the army of Ignis and Lunark. In numbers, that is.

When in fact, this army could annihilate both armies just by themselves. Looking at them would give you the answer why. For they are giants, that's all. Humanoids standing at 8-15 meters in height, shaped with brutality and barbaric attitude in mind, giants are one of the most fearsome creatures that walked upon this world.

What's more, there is a variety of them in the army.

Hill Giants with green skin who are 15 meters tall in average. Wielding solid tree trunks pulled from the ground, they are even feared by young dragons.

Rock Giants with brown skin whose bodies are the toughest among its cousins. They also have a skill that literally turns their bodies into boulders, which does not only protect them, but also rebounds the attack of anyone back to them. But in exchange, they lose their mobility in that state.

Plain Giants with fair skin who, despite being the smallest among them at only 8 meters, are the fastest. They could outrun any horse, and they could jump at absurd height and reach for flying beasts as snacks.

War Giants with reddish skin who, just like its name, are the most barbaric and war freak among their race. In their tribes, Children even from 5 years of age were trained to be savage warriors. To gain a land for their own inside their territory, they have to battle the current owner. Even women are decided by battles. Hundreds of scars, big and small, are visible from their bulging, muscular arms, making them the most intimidating ones in the giant army.

There are also Sea Giants with blue skin who lives by the sea. Their outstanding ability in swimming may not be that impressive in the army, but their harpoon skills is second to none. After all, what they hunt are not whales and sharks, but Krakens and other ferocious sea monsters.

But that's not all. Aside from giants, there are also another kin of theirs, only slightly different.

Cyclops, the one-eyed giants living at the harshest lands in the world like wastelands, bare mountains, and even near active volcanoes. Their sizes also range from 12-15 meters, and the only difference with them is that they only have a single eye.

That said, the have something that makes then a little more superior than giants. And that is their ability to use and cast magic, an ability no giants could ever have have. Their magic varies from elemental spells, summoning spells, production spells, and even body strengthening spells. Some can even use holy magic. Equipped with those, the won't lose to any type of giant in a one-on-one battle, except for some exception.

Leading them all is Rigram, the "Harbinger of Chaos". He is 15 meters in height, with reddish black skin. He is a hybrid between a Rock Giant and a War Giant, giving him absolute defense and destructive strength.

However, because of his hybridization, he was beaten to death and driven away by both tribes. Being picked up and adopted by Horogus since childhood, he was trained by him until he became so absurdly strong, which led him to be able to fulfill his dream, which is to end the discrimination between his kin where he suffered from.

Aside from that, he also has a talent which is perfect for his dream. And that talent is the ability to win the hearts of any creature or race he has beaten before. Using that, he won against the tribe leaders of the said giant types and took them under his banner, along with their underlings.

With that, he was able to form the army of giants. Without a doubt, they are the strongest force of the Legion of Monsters, the group that Horogus created.

And currently, the one leading them is no other than Horogus. His name is currently unknown to the world, but the future "Lord of Destruction" would be the one who will bring upon the darkest night upon the history of the humanity.

* * *

Meanwhile, while every single being from the Legion of Monsters are in a tense, alert status, Senshi also has his own agenda to attend. He was ordered to manage the base, which is called "The Stronghold", while Horogus is away. But actually, there is nothing much to do.

To fend off boredom, he is currently walking around the base, looking around the empty structure.

"Really, what a boring castle this is. No artwork or anything. As expected of uncultured, barbaric demihumans. This is totally different from His place."

Senshi is the type of person who likes to appreciate artworks, sceneries, and other beautiful things. Yet, The Stronghold is empty. Bare from any piece of art. It displeases him.

The only thing that could be considered an artwork is the golden throne and the two dragon skeletons behind it. However, such artwork is not in his taste.

"Killing those dragons to win that four-armed muscle brain's favor and trust was such a pain. Especially when I can't show the extent of my true abilities."

Senshi remembered the time when he was asked by his master, his true master, to gain Horogus' trust. To do it, he lured two legendary-class dragons near the Azure Falls, which, as expected, caused a commotion at their base. It caught Horogus' attention and he went out to deal with the dragons.

At that moment, making sure that Horogus is watching, Senshi swiftly killed the two dragons by cutting off their veins and other vital parts. Of course, he didn't use the sword in his waist, but another spare sword. He doesn't want to draw his precious, treasured sword against such a much weaker opponent.

As a result, he made a good impression with Horogus, which asked him to join the Legion of Monsters, to join their cause. He immediately accepted the offer, since that was his purpose all along. He also offered the two dragon corpses to Horogus, who decided to make it into an ornament in his throne after stripping off its skin and flesh.

Ever since, he has been working for him, earning achievements and fulfilling missions given to him to earn Horogus' trust even more. He was also the one who employed Marianne and Liliane during his journeys. This lead to him becoming the leader of the Six Spears, Horogus' strongest underlings, in the span of 8 years. He became the second-in- command and is now currently standing as the proxy leader of The Stronghold.

All for a single reason.

"Master asked me to find Players. And to do that, joining an organization that is bound to stir up some trouble is the right choice. After all, no matter how much they try to hide, people with abilities are bound to reveal themselves at times of need. They were also once humans; seeing their fellow kin die right in front of their eyes without them doing anything to prevent it would be unbearable."

Senshi recalled the sensation he got from the silver-haired girl and the unknown being at the capital of the Kingdom. He also sensed a similar sensation from Momon, although it was being suppressed. The feeling if danger. The aura of a worthy opponent.

"Finally, I can finally draw this sword of mine after all these time. I can't wait."

Senshi, the one known as the "Godly Swordsman", laughed maniacally while envisioning the future battles to come.

to be continued...

{A/N: It has only been a month, but I already hate college. Am I bound to suffer several more years from it?!}