Overlordly broken

by oblivon2991

"Everything has a beginning has an end" as the saying goes. In the last day of the popular VRMMO named YGGRADASIL in the notorious guild named Ainz Ooal Gown not only Momonga remained to upkeep and manage the guild. There was an another member who helped him and stayed with him until the very end. Let's find out what happens next. (Completed. Complete rewrite coming when ready)

6. Dance Angel Dance!(part 2)

Welcome!

Thank you for reading my fanfic and giving me a chance.

My mother language is not English so please be patient about the grammatical issues.

I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.

I would like to thank the wonderful job what the Skythewood translator team done with the light novel translation.

Without their hard and persistent work, I surely couldn't write this story.

Please review it I know I will make mistakes what I will intend to correct and try to learn from my mistakes and improve myself.

I also looking for a good beta reader. If anyone knows a good one who willing to check my work please send his/her account name to me so i can make contact with him/her.

Thank you!

Now let's continue our little story!

---

Previously in the Overlordly broken:

"...Are they holding a festival?"

People were running in and out of their houses this early in the morning. They looked panicked.

Esdeath leaned forward to inspect better the events what played on the surface of the mirror then said.

„I think not Momonga-san. It looks like the villagers are frightened.

It makes me remember a lot of games and movies what I played and watched before and contained such scenes. It never ended well to the villagers."

„What do you mean? How they ended?"

„Often after scenes like this monsters or foreign soldiers or knights came and massacred everyone in the village."

…

Carne village outskirts with Ainz and Esdeath

There was no guilt, fear or confusion in his heart, which was like the surface of a calm lake. Why was it like this?

"I see… so it's not just my body, but my mind that's no longer human."

The knight saw Momonga as well and took a step back in fear.

"...So, you dare to chase girls, but not someone who can fight back?"

…

"May we know your name...?"

Esdeath turned back suddenly and showed them a big peace sign with her fingers while she brightly smirked with closed eyes.

„I'm Esdeath Gorgon at your service and besides me…"

Momonga almost responded by reflex, but in the end, he did not state his name.

The name "Momonga" was that of the guild master of the former Ainz Ooal Gown. Then what should he call himself now? What was the name of the last man who remained in the Great Tomb of Nazarick?

—Ah, that's it.

"...Remember my name well. I am Ainz Ooal Gown."

…

Fake knights POV In Carne village

„The two monsters enjoying this. They are only toying with us like two good friends playing a team game."

The commander of the knights thought this while he wetted his undergarment.

It was totally obvious for a veteran soldier. Their movements, their attacks. It was all well coordinated. No flaws no weakness no openings.

However, the two monsters only dealt fatal blows in earnest when the knights tried to escape.

"Oh god, please save me…"

"Oh god…"

…

In the village chief house

"Chief, I'm sorry to interrupt you when you're talking to our guests, but the others ready for the burial…"

"Oh…"

"It's fine. There's no need to worry about me."

"Thank you. Then, tell the others that I will be there soon."

…

Communal graveyard near Carne village

"...Do you hate humans?" Ainz asked Albedo

"I detest them. Humans are weak and inferior lifeforms. They would look so pretty if I squashed them like bugs… besides that girl."

„Albedo-san we spoke about this don't you remember?" interjected Esdeath

„Yes, Esdeath-sama however…"

…

The riders finally entered the square. There were around 20 of them, and while they were wary of the Death Knight and the Aether Spawn, they formed up neatly before Ainz, Esdeath, and the village chief. A man stepped forward from the rest of the force.

He seemed to be the leader of the horsemen. He looked like the fiercest and most eye-catching one of his men.

The leader's eyes rested briefly upon the village chief before lingering on the Death Knight the Aether Spawn then Esdeath and then he turned toward Albedo. He took a long time gaze at Esdeath. It seemed he found Esdeath uniform very strange but in his eyes, you could see a strange kind of familiarity when he looked Esdeath uniform.

„I cannot say for sure but that girly uniform seems strangely familiar for me. Never mind it's not important right now."

Esdeath realizing the Warrior Captain staring at her she only smiled winked at him. Gazef reddened deeply but he quickly shook himself back to the reality

However, once he satisfied himself that none of them were going to move, he immediately turned his keen gaze on Ainz.

Once satisfied, the leader spoke in a grave tone:

"—I am the Warrior-Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom, Gazef Stronoff. By order of the King, I have been visiting each of the frontier villages to exterminate knights from enemy countries who have been making trouble here."

…

Present

"—I am the Warrior-Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom, Gazef Stronoff. By order of the King, I have been visiting each of the frontier villages to exterminate knights from enemy countries who have been making trouble here."

"The Kingdom's Warrior-Captain…"

Won't anyone tell me what's going on? Ainz thought as he spoke to the chief, his voice carrying a hint of rebuke:

"...What sort of man is he?"

"According to the traders, he was a man who claimed the championship of the martial arts tournament held before the King, and now he leads the elite warriors who are loyal to the King."

"Is the man before us truly so amazing…?"

"...I do not know. All I heard were stories."

Ainz looked closely, and he saw that each of the horsemen had the same emblems on their chests, which resembled what the chief had said about the Kingdom's emblems. That said, he did not have enough reliable information to be sure.

Gazef looked at the chief and said, "You must be the chief of this village. Can you tell me who is the person beside you?"

Ainz interrupted the chief, who was about to answer, before nodding to Gazef and introducing himself.

"There is no need for that. Pleased to meet you, Warrior-Captain-dono of the Kingdom. My name is Ainz Ooal Gown, and I am a magic caster. This village was attacked by knights, and so I stepped in to rescue them."

Gazef immediately dismounted, his armor clattering loudly as he did. He bowed deeply once he was on the ground.

"Thank you for saving this village. I have no words that can adequately praise your kindness."

"We did not do for free however we counting on payment," interjected Esdeath

"Oh, a payment. Does this mean that you are an adventurer?"

"That is close enough to the truth."

"Oh… I see. You must be an extraordinary adventurer, then. Although, forgive my ignorance, but I have not heard your mighty name before, Gown-dono."

"It's no problem Warrior_Captain-dono. We just arrived in the country. We traveled for a very long time. When we realized the village is under attack. So we decided to help them out."

"...Travelling, you say. Though I regret having to waste the time of such a great adventurer, could you please tell me about the blackguards who attacked this village?"

"It would be my pleasure, Warrior-Captain-dono. Most of the knights who have attacked this village are already dead, so they will not be able to make trouble for the time being. Shall I go on?"

"...Already dead... Gown-dono, did you strike them down?"

"...Well, that is not entirely accurate…"

Gazef picked up on the hint in Ainz's tone and turned his eyes toward the Death Knight and the Aether Spawn. He must have smelled the faded scent of gore and death that came from them.

"I have a couple of questions… may I know what's those creatures?"

"They are servants that I and my companion created."

„Which one if I may ask?"

„The one with the white uniform."

Gazef turned to Esdeath.

„Forgive me for asking my lady. But may I ask your name?"

„Esdeath Gorgon at your service Warrior Captain-dono." she saluted to him.

It was a strange salute for Gazef standards but it was definitely a salute.

The warrior captain saluted back at this response in his own way.

„I see you If you allow me one more question. Do you not accidentally came from the Slane Theocracy my lady?"

„No. I have been never there. Why do you ask Warrior Captain-dono"

„Because your uniform is hugely similar to their head priests garbs of the Slane Theocracy."

„Priest garbs you say? Maybe. There are not so much different clothing in the world but this is not a priest garb where I came from. This is a battle uniform. Designed by myself if they have similar. That could be only by accidental similarity." she answered

This response came as a surprise to Gazef. For a moment he can't make a normal answer in his mind. „I see. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, my lady. It was not my intentions."

„Don't mention it Warrior Captain-dono. No harm was done." she shoots a bright smile to Gazef. Gazef reddened again and quickly turned away his head because of his embarrassment

The warrior captain shook himself again „Back to the topic Ainz-dono.

How about that mask?"

"I wear it for reasons known only to a magic caster."

"May I remove that mask?"

"Sadly, I must refuse," Ainz said as he gestured to the Death Knight. "It would not be good if I lost control of the [Death Knigth]."

A look of shock flashed across the faces of the chief and gasps came from the villagers hiding within the chief's house. Perhaps he had sensed the change in the air and seen the look on the chief's face, but Gazef nodded deeply and said:

"I see. Then, we'd best not take it off."

"Thank you."

"Then—"

"Before that, I have a request you might

not like to hear. This village was recently attacked by knights of the Empire, and if you gentlemen brought your weapons in, it might trigger unpleasant memories in the villagers. May I ask you to place your weapons in a corner of the village square, to put the people at ease?"

"...It is as you say, Gown-dono. However, this sword was given to me by the King. I cannot set it down without his express permission."

"—Ainz-sama, we will be fine."

"Is that so, Chief-sama… then, please forgive my unreasonable request, Warrior-Captain-dono."

"No, I see the logic in your thinking, Gown-dono. If this sword was not personally awarded to me by the King, I would gladly lay it aside. Then, could we sit down and discuss the details. Also, the sky is growing dark, and we would like to rest in this village for the night…"

"I understand. Then, let us return to my home together—"

In the middle of the chief's reply, one of the horsemen ran into the square. He was panting heavily and had an urgent report. In a high-pitched voice, the horseman said:

"Warrior-Captain! We've sighted a lot of people around the village! They've surrounded the village and they're closing in!"

---

Scene Change: Outside of Carne village

"Everyone, take heed," a calm voice spoke into everyone's ears.

"The prey has entered the cage."

The speaker was a man.

He had no distinguishing features, and he would not stand out in a crowd. However, there was no emotion in his seemingly man-made black sclerae or the scar on his face.

"Offer up your faith to the gods."

Everyone began their silent prayers, a shortened version of their usual praise to their gods.

They had to spend time in prayer even when operating in another country. This was not complacency on their part, but a symbol of their faith in their gods.

These men who offered everything to the Slaine Theocracy and the gods they revered were far more devout than the average citizen of the Theocracy. This was why they could perform cruel acts without the slightest bit of hesitation, and why they felt no guilt for doing so.

After their prayers, the eyes of every man present were as hard and cold as glass.

"Begin."

With that one single word, they neatly encircled the village in a way that would appear to onlookers as the product of long, hard training.

These men were a black ops group from the Slaine Theocracy. Though their reputation spread far and wide, little was known about their members. They belonged to one of the Six Scriptures who answered directly to the high priests of the Slaine Theocracy. They were the Sunlight Scripture, whose mission was to exterminate demihuman settlements.

However, there were very few of these men, who were the most involved of the Six Scriptures in combat. There were only around a hundred of them in total.

This was because the recruitment standards for the Sunlight Scripture were very strict.

Entry required the ability to cast 3rd-tier divine magic, which was also the highest tier of magic that ordinary magic casters could reach. In addition, prospective recruits had to be in excellent physical condition, and they had to possess a strong will and deep faith.

In other words, they were the elite among other elite combatants.

The man quietly sighed as he watched his men disperse. Once they scattered to take their positions, it would be very hard to be sure of their movements. However, he was not worried about their skillful encirclement of the village.

The Sunlight Scripture's commander, Nigun Grid Luin, only felt the peace of mind that came with knowing that success was at hand.

The Sunlight Scripture was not used to long-term clandestine operations in the field. As a result, they had missed four chances to finish the mission in the past. They were exceedingly careful every time they closed in on Gazef and his men of the Kingdom, in order to avoid being spotted. If they missed this chance as well, these days of tracking and pursuing would drag on and on.

"Next time… I'd like to ask the other teams for help, and leave some of the work to them."

Someone answered Nigun's gripes.

"That's right, we've always been specialized in extermination, after all."

The speaker was one of the men who had stayed behind to protect Nigun.

"I mean, this is a strange mission. Usually, we would have a backup from the Windflower Scripture for something as important as this."

"Indeed, I don't know why they only deployed us this time round. Still, this will be a good experience for us. We can take this as training in an infiltrating enemy territory. Hm, for all we know, that was what the people on top intended."

Nigun said that, but he was very clear that another mission of this nature would be very unlikely.

Nigun unconsciously felt the scar on his cheek.

He remembered the only time in the past where he had forced to flee with his tail between his legs. The face of that girl with the jet-black demonic sword rose in his mind.

Magic could have easily healed the wound without leaving a mark, but he had purposely left the scar to engrave the lesson of that humiliating defeat into his heart.

"...That damnable Blue Rose."

The members of Blue Rose were citizens of the Kingdom, just like Gazef. Their priestess was the one who most drew his ire. Besides the fact that she was an infidel who worshiped another god, she had stopped Nigun while he was planning to attack demihumans and even believed that she was on the side of justice in doing so.

"...Humanity is weak, and it uses any and all means to defend itself. Anyone who doesn't know that is an utter and complete fool."

One of the subordinates seemed to have sensed the anger smoldering in Nigun's glassy black eyes, and interjected:

"But, but the Kingdom is foolish too."

Nigun did not answer, although he agreed with those words.

Gazef was very strong, so in order to weaken him, they had to deprive him of his panoply.

They — the Slaine Theocracy — might be divided into six sects, but whenever they needed to act, they did so as one.

One reason for that was because everyone respected each other's gods. The other was because everyone knew that there were many inhuman tribes and monsters in this world and that they would be in danger if they did not work together.

"...Which is why everyone should walk the path of the righteous teachings together. Humanity should not fight amongst itself, but work hand in hand to bring about a better and brighter future."

Gazef would be the sacrifice for that.

"...Can we kill him?"

Nigun did not mock his subordinate's unease.

Their prey was the Kingdom's Warrior-Captain — the strongest man in the region, Gazef Stronoff.

"It will be fine. Right now, he does not possess any of the Kingdom's treasures, the ones which he is permitted to bear. Without them, killing him will be a piece of cake… no, it would be better to say that without them, this is our only chance to kill him."

„But if he manages to somehow to beat us. If that impossible scenario happens." Though Nigun deeply then patted his chest lightly.

" … we also have a trump card of our own. This is a battle we cannot possibly lose. Yes, we can not possibly lose!"

smiled Nigun in himself while he thought through the possible things that could happen

In this world, there were three types of magic items which fell outside the usual types and classifications.

The first kind were the relics from 500 years ago, left behind by the Eight Greed Kings who had conquered the world in an instant.

The next kind came from the Dragons, who were once the masters of the world before they were decimated by the Eight Greed Kings. The most powerful Dragons, the Dragon Lords, made the secret treasures of dragon kind.

And the third kind were the keystones of the Slaine Theocracy, the artifacts left behind from when the Six Gods descended upon the world 600 years ago.

Those were the three types.

What Nigun had in his breast pocket now was a rare treasure that very few people in the Slaine Theocracy possessed. In other words, it was Nigun's secret weapon.

Nigun glanced at the metal band on his wrist. Numbers floated up from its surface, indicating that the appointed time had come.

"Then… begin the operation."

Nigun and his subordinates began casting spells.

They summoned the highest-ranking angels their magic would permit.

---

Scene change: Carne village

"I see… so there were people out there."

Gazef peeked out at the people surrounding the village from inside the darkened house.

He could see three people within his field of vision. They were slowly advancing on the village while maintaining an even separation from each other.

They were unarmed and were not wearing heavy armor. However, that did not mean that they were pushovers. Many magic casters disliked such equipment and preferred lighter gear. This suggested that they were magic casters.

However, it was the winged monsters floating beside them which confirmed their vocations.

Angels.

Angels were monsters summoned from another world, and many people — particularly, the citizens of the Slaine Theocracy — believed them to be messengers of the gods. However, the priests of the Kingdom ruled that these so-called angels were merely summoned monsters.

While these religious disputes were part of the reason why the countries were set against each other, Gazef felt that their status as divine messengers was secondary to their strength as monsters.

To Gazef, angels, and demons, their similarly ranked counterparts, were stronger than many other monsters summoned using the magic of a similar tier. Most of them had special abilities and some could even use magic. They were troublesome foes, in his reckoning.

Of course, that depended on the individual angel. Not all of them were difficult to beat.

However, the angels this time round, with their shining breastplates and flaming swords, were of a type that was unknown to him.

Ainz was watching them with him from the side. He asked Gazef, who did not know anything and could not gauge their strength:

"Who are these people? What do they want? I don't think there should be anything that valuable in this village..."

"Gown-dono, you do not know either? ...Well, if it is not wealth they seek, then there can only be one other answer."

Ainz and Gazef locked eyes.

"They must really hate you, Warrior-Captain-dono."

… this is troubling. Judging by the way the other side has so many people who can summon angels, they must be from the Slaine Theocracy… and it's clear that the people carrying out this operation must be a special operations unit… the legendary Six Scriptures. It would seem that both in numbers or ability, the opposition is superior to us."

„How do you managed to annoy an another country so much to send their Black OPS after you Gazef-dono?" inquired Esdeath with a look on her face what resembled of a child. Who saw something new and then asked his/her mother to what is that.

"It comes with the job of Warrior-Captain.

Gazef shrugged, indicating the difficulty he was in. He might have seemed merely depressed on the surface, but inside, he was seething with anger and panic.

"Well, they've certainly gone to a lot of trouble, using the Noble faction to strip me of my gear. However, it's troublesome for that snake of a man to remain in the courts, so I guess it should be my good fortune to be able to recognize his villainy here. Still, I didn't expect the Slaine Theocracy to have their eyes on me…"

[Message]"Momong-san. Is my eyes deceive me or the angels what the Black OPS summoned is the [Archangel Flames] from YGGDRASIL. According to my race lore, I'm immune to the mind control status effects and I used my [Energy Perception] ability to identify that they are an illusion or not. And If my ability works correctly they are not an illusion. Can you clarify it Momonga-san? "

[Message]"Yes Esdeath-san. I clarify it. I used my silent cast anti-illusion magic and I can clarify. They do not seem to be illusions. But I can be still wrong. If we consider the option they can use super tier magic. If that the chase they could create high-level illusions what cannot be countered with simple tiered spells."

[Message]" We need more information before we could confront them safely. Considering they are a country Black OPS unit they may be a lot stronger than those fake knights."

Momonga only nodded silently.

Gazef turned to look at the mumbling Ainz. With a hopeful look on his face, he asked:

"Gown-dono, if it is alright with you, would you be willing to let me hire you and your companions?"

There was no answer, but Gazef could feel the weight of Ainz's gaze beneath the mask.

"You may name your price and I will meet it."

"...Please permit me to refuse."

„I see.." Gazed turned to Esdeath „Then maybe you my lady? Can you help us out in this dire situation? Your posture suggests, You can handle yourselves in battle very well. Can you help us out?"

„I'm sorry Gazef-dono. Ainz-san is the leader of our little group. But.."

Esdeath sneaked closer to Gazef and started to whisper something in his ear. For this Gazef started to nod while smiled.

"Maybe the loan of that knight you summoned or the strange vortex monster what your companion summoned would be fine."

"...I must refuse that as well."

"I see… then, what if I conscripted you and your companions, in accordance with the Kingdom's laws?"

"That would be the worst decision you could make… I did not plan to say such harsh words, but if you insist on using the authority of the Kingdom to conscript us, then we would be compelled to put up a bit of resistance."

The two of them looked wordlessly at each other. The first to avert his eyes was Gazef.

"...That would be frightening indeed. We would be wiped out before even crossing blades with the gentlemen of the Slaine Theocracy."

"Wiped out… well, that's a good joke. However, I am glad you understand me."

Gazef narrowed his eyes and looked at Ainz, whose head was nodded in thanks.

His words just now were not a joke, Gazef's instincts told him. „Making an enemy of this magic caster and his band would be a fatal error."

In the face of this life-threatening danger, his instincts were more reliable than his meager intellect.

„Who were he and the others? Where did they come from?"

As Gazef thought, he looked at Ainz's strange mask. What did he look like under the mask? Was he someone that he knew? Or…

"What's wrong? Is there something on my mask?"

"Ah, no. I simply felt that mask was very special. Since that mask is used to control that monster… then it must be a very powerful magic item… am I correct?'

"Well, about that… I should say that it's a very rare and valuable item. One could even say that it was exclusive."

Possessing a potent magic item implied that the possessor was a skilled individual. By that logic, Ainz must have been a very talented magic caster. Gazef felt a little saddened for not being able to secure his aid.

Although, part of him hoped that as an adventurer, Ainz would accept that request.

"...I see that it's meaningless to keep going on about this. Then, Gown-dono, please take care of yourself. Once again, thank you for saving this village."

Gazef removed his metal gauntlet and shook Ainz's hand. Originally, Ainz was thinking of removing his own Jarngreipr to return the courtesy, but in the end, he did not do so. Still, Gazef paid it no heed. He gripped Ainz's hand tightly, and said:

"I am truly, truly grateful to you for protecting these innocent villagers from being slaughtered. Also… I know it is very selfish of me and I have no authority to make you do anything… but I hope you can protect the villagers here, just one more time. Right now, I have nothing to give you, but I hope that no matter what, you will heed my plea… I beg you."

"About that…"

"If you should ever visit the Royal Capital, I will give you anything you desire. I swear this on the name of Gazef Stronoff."

Gazef lets go of Ainz's hand, making to kneel, but Ainz extended his hand to stop him.

"...There is no need to go that far… Very well, we shall protect the villagers. I swear that on the name of Ainz Ooal Gown."

After hearing Ainz swear on his name, Gazef breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you very much, Gown-dono. Now I have nothing more to worry about. All I need to do now is charge boldly ahead."

"...Before that, please take this with you." Ainz interjected while took out an enchanted item from his inventory and handed to Gazef.

It was a small, strangely carved statuette. There did not seem to be anything special about it. However—

„Please accept this humble gift from us as an apology Gazef-dono."

"If it is a gift from your good self, I will gladly accept it. Then, Gown-dono. My lady. Time grows short, but I must now leave."

"...Will you not you wait until nightfall before setting out?"

"The opposition should have spells like [Darkvision] and the like, so night fighting is not to our advantage, but I cannot imagine they will be hampered by it. Also… we also need to let you see how we stand or fall."

"I see. As expected of the Kingdom's Warrior-Captain, your keen insight is truly worthy of praise. Then, we wish you all the best, Warrior-Captain-dono."

"And I wish you a safe journey home, Gown-dono."

Scene Change: Outside of the village main square

Ainz and Esdeath quietly watched Gazef's back shrinking into the distance as he rode off.

"...Haa...when I first saw the humans here, I could not help but think of them as insects… but after speaking with them, I have come to be fond of them, like small animals."

"Is that why you swore on your glorious name to protect them?"

"Perhaps… no, I should say that it was in response to how he bravely rode to his death..."

„Not be so sure yet Ainz-san. Humans can be surprisingly crafty if it's necessary." Esdeath said this with a satisfied tone

Ainz admired Gazef.

He admired Gazef's determination, his strength of will that he did not have.

"...Albedo, order the servants to search out the ambushers around us and knock them out once they are found."

"I will do so at once… Ainz-sama, the village chief and the others are here."

"Ainz-sama, what should we do? Why did the Warrior-Captain leave us behind and not protect us?"

The chief's words were filled with fear, but there was an undercurrent of anger there as well.

"...He is doing what he must do, Chief-dono… The foe has their eye on the Warrior-Captain-dono, and if he stayed here, the village would become a battlefield. The enemy will not let you flee either. He left this place for your sake."

"I see, so that was why the Warrior-Captain left … Then, then should we remain here?"

"Village chief-dono, there is no more time. You must move quickly so as not to waste the Warrior-Captain's determination."

"I see… then, Ainz-sama, what will you do?"

"...I will stay here and observe the situation, and then wait for a good time to escort you all away."

"We are always making trouble for you, Ainz-sama, really, we…"

[Message]"Ainz-san I will leave to observe the battle personally between the Warrior-Captain band and the Black OPS. I will let you know if something interesting happens."

[Message]"Do so Esdeath-san. Do so. But If you need any help please let us know."

[Message]"Oh and one more thing I almost forgot I have a plan."

[Message]"And what would that plan be?"

[Message]My plan is the next. …" Ainz listened to his companion plan. Then nodded internally.

[Message]"Do as you like Esdeath-san. I trust your judgment."

[Message]"Thank you Ainz-san wish me luck!"

[Message]"Break your legs Esdeath-san!" with this sentence Ainz terminated the [Message] spell

After the spell termination, Ainz turned to the village chief.

"...Think nothing of it. Because I made a promise to the Warrior-Captain-dono… in any case, gather all the villagers into one of the larger houses. I will further protect it with magic."

„I'm going to check the perimeter of the village. If they're any enemy soldiers I will fight them off. If I'm unable to do it I simply retreat and let you know the enemy is coming." said Esdeath while walked away.

„B-But, my lady you can't go alone they might kill you." interjected the village chief.

Ainz suddenly placed his hand on the village chief shoulder. „She will be fine. She is mightier than she looks."

„What do you mean Ainz-sama?" asked the village chief with a wide eye

„I mean if a battle occurred between us. I surely lose against her. No matter how long preparation time I got. Or what kind of environment we fight against each other. „ the village chief only looked Ainz dumbfounded.

„And believe me that's something."

„Is she really that strong Ainz-sama?"

„Yes, she is," Ainz said with a calm tone while he looked after his leaving companion.

„ But who I am to judge your own sense of judgmentAinz-sama. I trust you! After all, you saved us all."

---

Scene Change. Outskirts of Carne Village

When Esdeath reached the outskirts of the village she sighted.

„Well, firstly we need some anti-detection, anti-information spell!"

Then she started to cast her spells what she used in YGGRADASIL to make players gather false information from her.

„If information is a weapon what can be used against you. Then you just need to use this weapon against the enemy. Turn it against them. Feed them with false information. And in the moment of confrontation, they will be unprepared. Similar things said the Art of War too.

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."

„So the only thing what you needed to do against information hunters is to poison their source of information while you gather your own precise information from your own or using the enemy's own network against them."

In YGGRADASIL information was the greatest weapon, a treasure what the players protected at any price.

With it, the players could plan forward acquire new items. Or defeat foes whose was seemingly invincible before.

Esdeath and the other guild members of Ainz Ooal Gown and the big portion of the players were aware of it and protected their own knowledge with the best of their abilities.

[Greater False Data],[False Life],[False Resource],[Greater Anti Detection Shroud],[False Identity],[Greater Layered False Information],[Poison Information], [Greater Deceive Perception]

„Now I finished with the information poisoning part I can hide my appearance from the optical scanners of theirs."

[Greater Layered Invisibility],[Anti Magic Shroud],[Hide Magic]

„However, It would be better to inspect them from a birds view. If we look the things at tactically. Well, let the show begin!„ Esdeath smiled

[Fly]

---

Scene Change: Outskirts of Carne village (with Gazef and his company)

He could feel his horse's agitation through his feet.

Even a trained warhorse — no, it was because it was a warhorse that the beast knew it was riding into death.

There were only four or five of the enemy surrounding the village, so there was a large gap between each of them. However, their encirclement was most likely airtight.

In other words, they had set a trap for him, and if he sprang it, he would die.

Even so, Gazef was still determined to break through them. No, going by the present circumstances, a forceful breakthrough was the only choice for him.

He had no chance against them in ranged combat.

If he had skilled archers by his side, it would be a different matter. If not, he had to avoid a long-range battle with magic casters.

Fighting a defensive battle would be even more stupid.

It would be one thing if they had stone-walled houses or a sturdy fort to fight from, but he had no confidence at all in the ability of wooden walls to stop magic. For all he knew, both Gazef and the houses might go up in smoke together.

Therefore, the last tactic he could use was a thoroughly unethical one.

That was to say, he would have to shift the theater of battle into the village and draw Ainz Ooal Gown into the fight, thus forcing his involvement.

But if he did that, it would completely defeat the purpose of coming here in the first place. Therefore, Gazef had to put himself in danger.

"Hit the enemy hard and draw in the sentries from around the village. After that, fall back immediately. Do not hesitate and miss your chance to flee."

After hearing the energetic replies from behind him, Gazef frowned.

How many of the men here would be able to go back alive?

They were not any more talented than ordinary people. Nor were they born with superpowers or special talents. They were just a group of men who had trained hard under Gazef. Losing the fruits of his labor here would be a terrible waste.

Gazef was going to make a stupid, senseless sacrifice, and his men were going to follow him into it. He wanted to apologize to these men, that he had drawn in with him, but once he turned around and saw them, those words died in his mouth.

What he saw were the faces of true warriors, fearless men who knew where they were headed and who had swallowed any complaints about the matter.

There was no need to apologize for the looks on his men's faces, that look which said that they knew they were riding into danger, but they would go into it regardless. One by one, the men shouted to the embarrassed Gazef:

"Don't worry, Warrior-Captain!"

"Yeah, we all came here of our own free will, to fight and die by your side, Warrior-Captain!"

"Please let us protect our country, our people, and our friends!"

There was nothing left to say. Gazef returned their shouts with a thunderous cry:

"Then, forward! Tear their guts out!"

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Still mounted, Gazef drew his bow and nocked an arrow to the string.

Though his horse shook and shuddered beneath him, Gazef calmly drew the string back. The loosed arrow struck its target unerringly, piercing the head of the frontmost magic caster… or at least, that was what he thought would happen.

"Cheh! It was useless after all. Maybe if I had a magic arrow, but… ah, I don't have what I don't have. Griping about it here is pointless."

The arrow bounced off like it had struck a sturdy helmet. That supernatural hardness must have been the work of magic. Just as Gazef had said, in order to shoot through the magic that protected against ranged attacks, he would need a magic weapon of his own.

Since Gazef did not have a weapon like that, he stopped shooting and put away his bow.

The magic casters began their counterattack and cast their spells.

Gazef focused his energies and took a stance in order to resist their magic.

Just then, the horse between his legs whinnied loudly and reared up, its front legs kicking the air.

"Go! Go! Go!"

He tightly gripped his reins and leaned forward, practically hugging the horse. Fortunately, his swift reflexes kept Gazef from being thrown off his force. While it had caused a sheen of cold sweat to bloom all over his body, at the very least, he had managed to suppress his brief panic. There was something more important to him.

A flustered and panting Gazef lashed his mount's flanks, but the horse remained still, as though someone more important than its rider was giving it orders.

This strange phenomenon could only mean one thing.

Mind-controlling magic.

The horse had been affected by such a spell. Gazef might have been able to fight off its effects, but the affected party was not a magical beast, but a mere warhorse, so resistance was not to be expected.

Anger flared up in Gazef for not predicting such an obvious form of attack. He leaped off his horse, and his galloping subordinates guided their mounts around him, flowing past him on both sides.

"Warrior-Captain!"

The last men of the group slowed down, extending their hands. They wanted to help Gazef onto their horse, but the angel looking down upon them from the heavens swooped down faster. Gazef drew his sword and swung at the angel.

The steel blade became a swift flash of light.

The stroke of the Kingdom's strongest man was enough to cleave a man's body in two. But the angel was not a man, and although it had taken a grave wound to its torso, it was not slain yet.

The blood spraying into the air was the mana that composed the angel. It vanished like smoke.

"No need for that! Turn around and charge them!"

After Gazef gave his orders, he turned a keen glare at the angel which had escaped with its life. It had been badly hurt, but it was still trying to find holes in Gazef's defenses.

"So that's how it is."

A strange feeling ran up his arms when his blade found its mark.

The angel took this opportunity to cut in with a sword of red flame. However —

"—Too slow."

In the eyes of the Kingdom's strongest warrior, Gazef Stronoff, the angel's movements were truly too slow.

Gazef's sword moved.

This blow was far more powerful than the one before it, and Gazef's sword sheared neatly through the angel's body.

Its body destroyed, the Angel seemed to melt in mid-air, its glittering wings flapping a few times before vanishing as though it had been nothing more than an illusion.

Gazef looked around, saw the enemies advancing on him in an endless tide — and smiled.

More angels flashed into existence around them as well.

Gazef was well aware that they were not ordinary reinforcements.

"...So, anything goes with magic, huh? Damn."

As he cursed the magic casters who could easily do what warriors could not, Gazef calmly took stock of the enemies surrounding him, and confirmed that this was everyone who was surrounding the village.

That would mean that the encirclement of the village was lifted.

"Then, Gown-dono, the rest is up to you."

The knowledge that he could save the surviving villagers filled Gazef's heart with endless joy. He smiled at the enemy's carelessness.

And then, the sound of hoofbeats filtered into Gazef's ears. It was the sound of Gazef's subordinates, charging back into the battle.

"I told you to scatter once the blockade went down… truly, you're a bunch of fools… and truly, I'm proud of you."

Gazef sprinted forward.

This might well be the best and only chance to end the battle. Judging by the speed of the horsemen, the enemy magic casters would need to focus all their attention on them.

He would take advantage of this opportunity to cause chaos in their ranks. That was the only way.

"Out of my way—"

Gazef activated his trump card.

Heat bloomed from his hands and spread to envelop his entire body.

Gazef broke the limits of his physical body and stepped into the realm of heroes. In addition, he activated several martial arts at once — one could call those a warrior's magic.

Gazef glared at the six angels surrounding him.

"[Sixfold Slash of Light]!"

This was a martial art that struck as fast as light. In one move, he hit the six angels around him.

In the air, a silent, lone figure floated. Obscured with high tiered magic.

„Hmm..Gazef Stronoff. It seems you deserve the title of Warrior-Captain and the strongest in this country. And it seems your men also willing to die for you." Esdeath smirked.

„They remind me of my old guildmates. The bonds we shared. Ahh, Good old times. Such companionship. Such loyalty. They deserve to live!"

Before the riders and the angels could clash Esdeath activated her spell [Greater Area Teleportation].

This was a high tiered teleportation spell from the ninth tier used to teleport allied NPC-s and players out of the harm way.

Before this Esdeath already inspected the surrounding area through her magic and her heightened perception to check the basic things what every experienced player did back in YGGRADASIL.

But the enemy doesn't even make countermeasures against basic things such as.

Time-related abilities or measurements against teleportation and space-time abilities like locking the space and time around the area or warping reality.

She only found traces of a weak scrying magic. From the Tier six or eight. She could not decide it because it was so weak for her standard.

She decided to play a little to the little spy who watched the battle from afar. So she cast a [Fake Area Information] to the surrounding area. With a [Delay Magic: Greater Break Survey] anti-scrying spell.

She realized when she cast the [Fake Area Information]. She could assign whatever she wanted to the scene what the viewer saw on the other side.

So she decided to make some fun the expense of the spy.

„Well, it's time to be the troll!" Esdeath smirked underneath her mouth

---

Scene Change: Another side of the Scrying spell

The viewer suddenly shook because of some unknown circumstance his /her spell started to work an unusual way.

The screen what his/her spell generated started to shake and become more blurry. Slowly but steadily it started to go into ant-war(the cosmic background radiation signal what your TV got when there's no normal broadcast signal).

Then suddenly the screen goes dark and the next subtitle appeared the screen in the Japanese language.

„We sorry for the inconvenience. Our broadcast will continue shortly. Please be patient!"

Around the subtitle, a chibi Esdeath teleported around and trying to solve the problems in various ways. Illustrated with various pictures. With it in the background, you could hear an annoying elevator music. ( watch?v=VBlFHuCzPgY)

The viewer starts to panic and tear his/her hair.

„What the… This is IMPOSSIBLE! I used the highest level scrying spell possible! What could block my scrying spell? What could be that strong?"

---

Scene Change: Outskirt Carne village (with Gazef)

Gazef and the members of the Sunlight Scripture only watched dumbfounded as Gazef man's teleported away.

„How? There's no way such strong teleportation spell exist. Then how do they disappeared like that? An illusion? No there was no mage among them. But then how? Just how?" asked from himself Nigun Grid Luin while his mouth was open like a fish

„WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THEM DAMN MAGES!" roared the Warrior-Captain

and started to charge

The Sunlight Scripture was still confused because of the events. They barely recognized the charging Gazef.

But they do not become the part of the six scripture by accident. Each of them earned their places through hard work. So they shook themselves from their earlier confusion and concentrated the now lone Gazef Stronoff.

The angels attacked for answer Gazef activated his abilities.

"[Instant Counter]!"

Gazef used his martial art just as the angel swung, and his body blurred away like mist.

Halfway through its attack, the angel took a hit from Gazef. That hit reduced it to glittering dust.

But Gazef's offensive did not end there.

"[Flow Acceleration]!"

With fluid, graceful moves, he dispatched the angels one after the other.

His ultimate attack took down two more angels again. This splendid display of martial technique inspired Gazef's men and gave them a ray of hope.

But the Theocracy's troops would not allow that to happen, and their commander erased that hope with mockery.

"Well done. However… that is all you can do. Clerics who have lost your angels, summon new ones. Focus your spells on Stronoff!"

The heat which had been building in the air immediately cooled off.

"This is bad."

Gazef took down another angel as he muttered to himself. It would seem there would not be any more cheering no matter how many angels Gazef slew.

They were superior in numbers, equipment, training and individual ability.

The sole weapon of Gazef's beleaguered men —his hope for victory — was gone.

After unconsciously evading an incoming sword, Gazef counterattacked and destroyed an angel in one hit. However, the enemy he was aiming for was still far away.

Gazef bit his lip and continued slashing.

His record for the most consecutive uses of his ultimate attack, [Sixfold Slash of Light], was rapidly increasing.

A warrior like Gazef could use six different kinds of martial arts at once, and combined with his hidden ultimate attack, that made seven martial arts at once.

Until now, he had been using martial arts to improve his physical attributes, fortify his mind, improve his magic resistance, temporarily render his weapon magical, as well as another technique that he used on hitting an opponent. That made five martial arts.

The reason why he had not pushed himself to the limit and used all seven at once was because powerful martial arts depleted one's concentration.

In particular, the [Sixfold Slash of Light] required three times the focus of his other techniques.

Gazef had two ultimate attacks like this, but he could only use them with four other martial arts at the same time.

He could easily defeat an angel with those techniques. But even if he struck them down, more of them were summoned anew. As long as he did not defeat their summoners, they would call up more angels to face him. While trying to run the opposition out of mana was an option, Gazef would probably tire before that.

"Bring them all on! Your angels are nothing!"

His fearsome shout startled the Theocracy troops, but they soon recovered and renewed the offensive on Gazef.

"Pay him no heed, that's just the roar of a caged beast. Don't worry, deplete his strength bit by bit. But don't get too close. That beast's claws are long and sharp."

Gazef glared at the man with a scar on his face.

If only he could defeat him, he could turn the battle around. The problem was the other angel near him, different from the ones with the flaming swords. And then there was the great distance between them, and the several layers of defenses in the way.

They were simply too far apart.

"The beast is about to make a break for it. Show him the meaning of the word 'impossible'."

The man's calm voice only served to aggravate Gazef further.

Even if he stepped into the realm of heroes, Gazef could not win with his refined melee techniques alone.

He swung wildly at the angel, but his poor balance meant that the angel easily evaded the attack.

Gazef's sword trembled in his hands as he gasped for breath.

The fatigue that filled his body seemed to be whispering into his ear, telling him to just lie down and rest.

"The hunt has entered its final stages. Do not let the beast rest — order your angels to attack consecutively."

Gazef wanted to counterattack his foes, but he was greatly outnumbered.

As his strength diminished, he could only take out one opponent at a time, since he lacked the stamina to use martial arts. Without his subordinates, the enemy's attacks were concentrated on him. With no way to break through the enemy's encirclement, he felt death closing in on him.

His concentration faltered, and he nearly fell to one knee. He desperately tried to refocus so he could fight.

The invisible impacts came again, striking the tottering Gazef.

The world before him shook mightily.

Not good!

Gazef used all his strength to try and maintain his balance. However, something seemed wrong with his body, and the strength that should have held him up was nowhere to be found.

The itch of touching the grass spread through his body and Gazef realized that he had fallen.

He struggled to rise again, but his body betrayed him. The angels' sword meant death for him.

"Now, finish him off, but do not send in one angel. Use them all to ensure he is dead."

Yes, he was dead.

His well-trained hands were shaking uncontrollably, and he could not pick up his longsword. Even so, he could not give up.

His gritted teeth made creaking sounds.

Gazef was not afraid of death. He had taken many lives in the past, so he was prepared to meet his end on the battlefield.

Like he had told Ainz, he was hated by people. That hatred became a sword that would one day pierce his body.

They had attacked several villages and murdered defenseless, innocent villagers, all to lure Gazef into a trap. He could not allow himself to die at the hands of honorless dogs like this, and he could not bear his powerlessness.

"Gaaaaaaah! Don't look down on me—!"

He shouted with all the strength in his body.

Blood dribbled out the side of his mouth as Gazef rose to his feet.

A man who should have been powerless to stand now stood proudly, the mighty force of his presence forcing back the angels that surrounded him.

"Haaa—! Haaa—!"

"I am the Warrior-Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom! I am a man who loves and defends his country! How can I lose to bastards like you who stain my country with your footsteps—!"

He was certain that great man would protect the villagers.

Then, what he should do was defeat as many of the enemies as he could , so the people would not meet the same fate as all the others.

Protecting the future people of the Kingdom. That was all he wanted to do.

"...You will die here because all you can do is babble that nonsense, Gazef Stronoff."

Gazef glared at the enemy commander as his cruel mockery reached his ears.

"If only you had abandoned these villagers on the border, you would not be dying here. You probably don't know, but your life is far more valuable than even a thousand of these peasants. If you truly love your country, you should have abandoned them to die."

"You and I… will never see eye to eye… let's go!"

"What can that body of yours do? Cease your pointless struggles and lie down quietly. As a final act of mercy, I will kill you without drawing out your suffering."

"...What a pointless effort. Truly, you are an idiot. After we kill you, we will then massacre the villagers you saved. All you have done is bought them a fear-filled stay of execution."

"Kuh. kuh… kuku…"

Gazef was smiling brightly.

"...What's so funny?"

"...Hmph, you fool. In that village… there is a group who is stronger than me. Their power is unfathomable, but they could take you all out by themselves… Trying to kill… the villagers they protect… is impossible for you."

"...Someones stronger than the Kingdom's greatest warrior? Do you think boasting like that will do you any good? You truly are an idiot."

"...Angels, kill Gazef Stronoff."

Countless wings moved in response to that cold, cruel order.

Before the angels could reach Gazef an almost impossible unpredictable thing happened. Suddenly a big cloud of dust appeared obscuring the view of the Sunlight Scripture and consuming the attacking angels.

From inside the cloud, a loud clapping sound was heard. Paired with a sweet female voice.

„Well done! Well done! You really did well! Attacking a lone soldier with magic. You should be proud of yourselves or not! Considering you are Black OPS you better be not. This action was pretty amateur." she said with a sarcastic tone.

Gazef just supported his sore body on his knees. Before him, there was that strange girl. The companion of Ainz-dono.

„What was her name? I got it Lady Esdeath."

„Sorry for being late Warrior-Captain it taken a while to prepare the teleportation spell what we used to teleport away from your soldiers."

He gathered his remaining strength and started to speak.

„Lady Esdeath! What are you doing here? You say you and Ainz-dono were the one's whose make my soldiers disappear."

„Yes, we were Gazef-dono."

Gazef only stared ahead of him. „They live. They live!" Then he realized an almost impossible thing before him.

All 30 angels have struggled against a force field. It was like a fly stuck in the net of the spider and struggled to escape. „How is this possible?"

„Yes. They were all teleported back to the village. Retrospectively I'm sorry my late intervention. It almost cost your life Gazef-dono. It took a while we prepared the spell."

„Don't mention it Lady Esdeath. I must thank you and Gown-dono that you did this for us!"

„Please don't call me lady I'm not noble born Gazef-dono. You can call me Esdeath."

She shoots Gazef a smile while she looked back.

„However, you are tired and your body is sored Gazef –dono. So if you don't mind I take this from you. Be prepared Ainz-san soon teleport you out."

„Looks like it's about time to pull out Gazef-dono."

„No Esdeath-dono I just can't.." but Ainz already activated the item what he gave Gazef and teleported him away from the battlefield.

---

Scene Change: Main Square of Carne village

The scenery before Gazef changed, and he was no longer on that bloodsoaked plain. Instead, he was in the village main square.

There were worried-looking villagers but more importantly his comrades around him.

"This, this is..."

When he looked around he saw the village chief near him.

"So you're the chief… Gown, Gown-dono does not seem to be here."

„I'm here Warrior-Captain-dono!"

He heard the deep characteristic voice of Ainz while he makes his way to him.

„Gown-dono! We must go help Esdeath-dono. They will kill her if we do not help her!"

Ainz just chuckled „Don't worry Gazef-dono. I know her better than anyone. She can take down anything and anyone without any difficult. But I cannot say the same about the enemy. They should be the ones whose terrified. "

Gazef frowned. „But still we should help her! No matter how strong she is she can't take down one of the legendary scriptures of the Slane Theocracy alone!"

„Believe me Gazef-dono. You don't want to to make a woman angry,especially her. She even manages scare me sometimes. Anyway before we departed she warned me."

„If any of you dare to interrupt my fun. You will wish for a thousand death!"

Gazef imagined Esdeath while she said these worlds with a crazy face.

It scared the shit out of him.

„First rule: Don't make a woman mad!" he said in himself then chuckled

„Then it cannot be helped. „

Gazef smiled and allowed himself to relax. He would have no part to play in what would come next. Gazef collapsed to the ground, and the villagers and his soldiers hurriedly drew closer.

The Six Scriptures. An enemy that even Gazef Stronoff, the strongest warrior in the region, could not hope to defeat.

Yet, he could not even begin to imagine that Esdeath would lose based on what Ainz said.

---

Scene Change: Battlefield

The little banter between Esdeath and Gazef was not heard by the members of the Sunlight Scripture because Esdeath blocked the surrounding with her anti-information gathering magic.

Nigun became impatient and blew off the dust clouds with on of his spell.

Nigun of the Slaine Theocracy's special operations unit — the Sunlight Scripture — looked at the thing what seemed impossible with the perturbation in his eyes.

There was a lone girl standing alone in the field instead of Gazef Stronoff. With a bored uncaring look on her face while she inspected the símbols on her gloves.

Her face was childishly beautiful. The color of her hair was pure white and her eyes were almost luminous blue.

She had a great figurine with a modest bust. Not too big not too small. Her uniform was very strange for Nigun.

It almost looked like the garbs of the head priests of the Slane Theocracy.

But at the same time, it was strangely different.

She wore white gloves with strange symbols and a strange military cap on the top of her head. Besides that, she wore a long coat on her shoulder just like some kind of cape. And her buttoned shirt revealed a little bit of her cleavage Not too much just enough to trigger the fantasy of the man. And finally, she wore a mini skirt.

Before her, there was a force field what seemingly stopped the angels whose still struggling to break the barrier or are it they want to escape it?

Nigun ordered back the angels to guard their defensive perimeters.

Slowly but steadily the angels could struggle out their weapons from the force field then rallied back to the Sunlight Scripture side.

Then the barrier disappeared.

„Why would an operative of the Slane Theocracy interrupt our mission? This does not make any sense. That means she is not from the Slane Theocracy." Nigun frowned in himself

„Hey you! Lady! Who are you? Where did you take Gazef Stronoff?"

She completely ignored Nigun for a moment still inspecting the symbols on her gloves.

„Is she playing with me? Is she only want to anger me? I will make her regret her ignorance whoever she is! Her ignorance will be her downfall!"

„Hm. You speaking to me?" she finally responded

„Yes, I speak to you! Who are you?"

„I think introduction in order Stranger-san!"

Nigun took control of his feeling."Yeah right. She probably doesn't know who is she messing with. I will show her the error of her ways."

„I'm Nigun Grid Luin commander of the Sunlight Scripture. You should be aware of that the Sunlight Scripture one of the six legendary Black OPS unit of the Slane Theocracy. You have no chance to defeat us!"

But she still seemed uninterested. For an answer, she stretched her arms and yawned a fat.

Nigun almost loosened his composure but in the end, he managed to fight off the urge to release the angels to her. „You seems a talented individual. So if you help us eliminate everyone in the village. We will forget this little incident and I will intercede myself for your interest before the head priests itself. You could gain titles,estates, and power if you join us.

What do you say? Do you join or foolishly refuse this great offer and die?"

Finally, her attention focused to Nigun.

„Answering your first question. I'm Esdeath Gorgon nice to meet you." She waved and smiled at him childishly

„Secondly. My companion teleported Gazef Stronoff away back to the village. So if you want him you had to go through me first."

Nigun started to lose his cold demeanor. He trembled because of the rage what caused by this brat unrespectful responses.

„And lastly. Why should I join you? The way you and your team attack. The way how you make your tactic.

Well, it's seems very unprofessional. If this is the best what your country can offer. If this is your Black OPS, the special squad of your country looks like. I wonder. What does the rest of the brigade of trash like?"

Nigun furrowed his brows.

In the Slaine Theocracy, nobody would dare speak in such a way to their betters.

"Ignorance is truly deplorable. You will pay the price for your foolishness."

"...Really now. Do you really think that will happen? I observed your battle earlier, so my presence here would indicate that I am confident of victory. After all, if I was not sure that I could beat you, would it not be wiser for me to leave that man to die?"

She was right.

"I have a question for you if you can understand it. The angels you have brought with you should have been summoned by 3rd-tier magic. Am I correct?"

She was stating the obvious.

Esdeath went on, ignoring Nigun's puzzled expression:

"The monsters you summoned are similar to those in YGGDRASIL, so I was curious as to whether the names were the same. Many of YGGDRASIL's monsters were derived from mythology… monsters like angels or demons should be no exception. Said angels and demons are most commonly associated with Christianity, but it seems quite unnatural that something called an archangel exists in a world without Christianity. That would mean someone like myself must exist in this world."

Nigun had no idea what Esdeath was talking about and his ire was rising. He asked:

"That's enough of your self-absorbed prattle. Now tell me; where is Stronoff?"

„Do you not paying attention what I said before dumb-dumb.

It seems I have to say it slow for you to understand it."

Esdeath sighted. Then she started to speak to Nigun in a slow way. Like you speak with the retards.

„My .Companion .Teleported .Them . Back. To the village Dumb de-Dumb."

Nigun frowned again."How dare she speak me like that? She is lying. Yes, this is the case. She just plays for time for her comrades. So they can escape while she sacrifices herself. Very brave but utterly foolish." Then Nigun started to smile.

"How foolish. Even if you tell a lie like that, a quick search of the village will—"

"—It is not a lie. I merely answered your question. Well, there is another reason for why I answered your question."

"...Could it be that you want to beg for mercy? If you help us save some time, I can consider again my previous offer for you." said by Nigun

"Nonono… well… the truth is, I overheard your conversation with the Warrior-Captain. What a lot of balls you have."

"To think you would dare say that you would massacre the villagers that I and my companions, took the time to personally rescue. I cannot think of anything that is more offensive than that dumb-dumb."

Esdeath long coat on her shoulder rippled in the wind. That same wind blew across Nigun and company.

The cold wind just happened to be blowing from Esdeath's direction, but Nigun hurriedly brushed away the phantom image that loomed in front of him. Yes, that vision of total destruction before him must have been an illusion.

"...What, what do you mean by 'offensive', girl? What of it?"

Although he was obviously frightened, Nigun did not change his mocking tone.

He was the commander of one of the Slaine Theocracy's secret weapons, the Sunlight Scripture. How could he be afraid of a single child name? It was impossible. It could not be possible.

Yet—

"I mentioned a deal earlier. These are the terms. You will hand your lives over to me without resistance. In exchange, you will not have to suffer. However, if you put up a fight, then the price you fools shall pay is to die in despair and agony."

It was just a single step, but around Esdeath's body, the air seemed to swell massively before their eyes. Cowed by her, the men of the Sunlight Scripture reflexively took a step back.

"Ahh…"

Several hoarse cries came from around Nigun.

They were cries of fear.

Her presence was filled with an unimaginable power. This was the first time Nigun had been faced with such might. Therefore, he could understand his men's fear.

Nigun was a powerful individual himself, a veteran of many battles who had grazed the edge of death countless times, who had taken many lives. He could feel the might radiating from the mysterious girl, an oppressive, potent pressure. It must have been worse for his men.

What kind of being was she?

What was the true identity of this girl? Who is she? What is she?

Once more, Esdeath ignored Nigun's panic and spoke coldly:

"That is why I did not lie to you and answered your question honestly. It is because there is no point in lying to those that are about to die."

A thrill of cold ran from the bottoms of Nigun's feet to the top of his head. He had felt this countless times in his struggles along the edge of life and death. It was a sign of impending doom.

"Have the angels charge her! Don't let her get close!"

Nigun's voice broke slightly as he shouted his orders. It sounded more like a scream.

It was not to raise his men's spirits. He was simply afraid of that girl.

Two Archangel Flames flapped their wings in response to Nigun's command, launching an attack.

The angels flew straight up to Esdeath and stabbed at her with their flaming swords.

all of the Sunlight Scripture, who had been predicting that course of action, could not believe their eyes. It was not that anything happened. On the contrary—

Nothing happened. At least firstly it seemed nothing happened.

Indeed, the woman called Esdeath Gorgon took no action. She simply allowed the angels to run her through. She did not dodge, block cast a spell.

Their shock became a mockery.

That act, pretending to be some mighty figure, was nothing but a bluff. It was not that she did not wish to block it, but that she could not respond in time to the high-speed attack of the Archangel Flame. Now that the truth was out, they did not seem like anything special at all.

His men breathed sighs of relief. Nigun, who felt quite silly for being so afraid, sighted.

"How unsightly. To think she would try to scare us with a bluff…What a waste of time."

Suddenly, a question came to mind.

Why was Esdeath corpse not falling?

"...What are you doing? Call back the angels. She can't fall down with those swords stuck in her."

"But, but we've already given the order."

Then the members of the Sunlight Scripture realized the thing. And they horrified because of their realization.

The angels have been stabbed with their own flaming swords.

His subordinates' confused voices startled Nigun, and he looked at Esdeath again.

The angels were desperately flapping their wings, like butterflies caught in a spider's web.

The two angels slowly moved to the side. However, their movements were very strange. It looked as though they are dying.

"...I told you, didn't I? There is no way you gentlemen can defeat me. Shouldn't you heed the warnings of others?"

While she said these sentences the angels finished their struggle for their life and vapored away for the nothingness.

The calm voice filtered into Nigun's ears.

He could not comprehend the sight before him.

She was stabbed through her chest and abdomen, but Esdeath was still standing, as though nothing were wrong.

"Impossible…" one of Nigun's subordinates moaned, giving voice to the words in Nigun's heart. Judging from the angle of the angels' sword, they had to be fatal wounds. Even so, Esdeath did not seem to be in any pain. Moreover, the angels got the damage instead of her.

"...There must be some sort of trick."

"Ah, definitely, how could anyone be fine after being run through by a sword?!"

Panic and fear spread through the Slaine Theocracy's special forces unit. They were all veterans of numerous battles and had experienced many dangers in the past, but this was a sight they had never seen before. Not even the angels that Nigun could summon were capable of such a feat.

"[Super-Tier Physical Nullification] topped with passive [Vector shield] — "[Super-Tier Physical Nullification] is a passive skill that negates the attacks of weapons with moderate data content and mid-tier monsters' attacks. It only protects against attacks of up to level 80 — in other words, attacks above level 80 can harm me. It is an all-or-nothing ability… to think it would actually see use here. Well then… these angels are in the way.

[Vector Shield]: passive ability Further strengthen the "[Super-Tier Physical Nullification] and repulses all physical and most of the magic attacks back to the attacker fully or partially. This depends on the level and the stats of the attackers."

She explained with a mocking smile and a scary smirk.

"If I know how the angels were named, I can then understand how you can all use YGGDRASIL's magic. But let us leave this aside for now."

Esdeath was still talking about things which nobody could understand.

However, that only intensified the Sunlight Scripture's fear of her mysterious power.

Nigun gulped.

"Alright, we'll end these pointless games here. Are you satisfied? Since it looks like you aren't willing to accept the deal, then it shall be my turn."

"Are you ready? — it'll be a massacre. When I finish with you will beg for a fast death."

A sudden spike of cold pierced his spine, followed by a surge of nausea. Nigun, the hardened killer who had presided over many slaughters, was now feeling something that he had never felt before.

He had to run. He had no way of beating this girl, so doing battle with her would be very dangerous.

However, Nigun struggled to shake that feeling away. He had cornered his prey Gazef — how could he watch him get away now?

Still, a warning resonated from the depths of his soul. Nigun shouted his order:

"All angels, attack! Hurry!"

„Huh. You are really dumb aren't you?"

Nigun could hear the cool, calm voice of someone who was being attacked by angels, but did not care. Esdeath was surrounded by so many angels that nobody could even see her, but yet her voice did not carry even the slightest hint of worry.

It looked like she would be impaled by countless blades — no, Esdeath spell took effect before that.

"[Twiligth Burst]."

The air shuddered.

A wave of twilight radiance erupted from Esdeath, like the negative image of a camera flash. It only lasted for an instant, but it had an immediate and obvious effect.

"Im-impossible…"

The angels, over 40 of them, had been annihilated by the twilight wave.

Their opponent had not used dispel magic to neutralize the summons. The angels that were blown away by the twilight wave had taken damage. In other words, Esdeath had used a powerful spell to wipe out all the angles in one fell swoop.

Nigun knew that the members of the strongest special ops group, the Black Scripture, could also eliminate that many angels. In other words, all she had to do was treat Esdeath as an opponent on their level. While she might be as strong as a member of the Black Scripture, he had the advantage of numbers on his side, so victory was still possible.

However, his subordinates did not have the same source of moral support that he did.

"U-uwaaaah!"

"What, what the hell!"

"She is a monster!"

Once they realized their angels were useless, they wailed and fell back upon the spells that they knew and trusted.

"[Charm Person], [Iron Hammer of Righteousness], [Hold], [Fire Rain], [Emerald Sarcophagus], [Holy Ray], [Shockwave], [Confusion], [Charge of Stalagmite], [Open Wounds], [Poison], [Fear], [Word of Curse], [Blindness]..."

All kinds of spells rained down on Esdeath.

Yet, even as the storm of magic lashed against her, Esdeath was unmoved and looked at them with a bored and annoyed expression on her face. You could clearly read from her facial expression the next sentence.

"Are you really this stupid?"

"Well, all of these are familiar spells...who taught them to you? The Slaine Theocracy? Someone else? There are more and more things I want to ask you now." She said with a bored tone.

Not only could she slaughter all their summoned angels in one move, their spells were also incapable of harming her.

Nigun felt like he was trapped in a nightmare.

"Hyaaaaah—!"

One of the men screamed wildly as he saw that his spells were ineffective. In desperation, he pulled out a sling and loaded it with a bullet. Although Nigun doubted the effectiveness of such a projectile when even an angel's sword was useless, he did not stop the man.

The bullet that could easily shatter bone sped toward Esdeath.

It was followed by a sound. That sound was like an explosion.

An instant.

It had happened in an instant.

Since they were in battle, they could not take their eyes off their target.

After the shoot, the man with the sling slowly collapsed to the ground.

"...Huh?"

Nobody knew what had happened. They were the ones who had launched the attack, yet the result was completely opposite — one of them had fallen instead.

One of the men went over to inspect his dead comrade, and he shouted:

"His, his head's been smashed in!"

"...What? Smashed… don't tell me it's the sling bullet he threw!"

„Huh." Esdeath sighted with a disappointed facial expression."It seems you are not capable of the process of learning. I said before but I repeat myself .Very. Slowly. Again. Dumb-Dumbs. Passive [Vector Shield]. If. You. Attack. Me. With. Such. Weak. Attacks. That. Will. Reflected. Back. To. You. Twice. As. Strong. Common .Language? Or. Should. I. Try . Another. Language?

„IMPOSSIBLE. YOU ARE LYING. SUCH ABILITY OR SPELL COULD NOT EXIST."

„Yes, this must be some kind of trick. She is bluffing, using some kind of illusion on us." Nigun still tried to convince himself about the things what happened in the next few minutes just the creation of some kind of mind-affecting spell.

"Ngk! Puh! Principality of Observation! Get her!"

In response to Nigun's orders, the angel that had been standing by up till now suddenly spread its wings and flapped, propelling itself forward.

The Principality of Observation was an angel in full body armor. It held a mace in one hand and a round shield in the other. A garment that looked like a long skirt covered its legs.

The Principality of Observation was stronger than the Archangel Flames, but it had not been deployed into battle until now because of its special skill. In accordance with its name, the Principality of Observation had the ability to raise the defense of all its allies. However, this ability lost its effect once the angel moved, so the wise decision would be to order the Principality of Observation to hold its ground.

The fact that Nigun had ordered it to attack was a sign that he was grasping at straws. He had to clutch at anything which might turn out to be a lifeline, even if it ended up being chaff.

„It seems I was right. You are unable to process new things and learn from them."

Esdeath said this with a bored face.

As ordered, the angel drew up in front of Esdeath and raised its shining mace. Esdeath nonchalantly reached out with her gloved left-hand hand to meet the attack.

While it would not have been surprising for that strike to splatter organic material, Esdeath's hand was fine. She casually took the subsequent hits as they came.

"Huh,"Esdeath sighed,"I think it is my turn now". She stabbed the angel with her index finger what penetrated the armor of the angel without any resistance then she activates her ability „[Reverse Flow]."

[Reverse Flow]?Reverses the enemy NPC or Player fluid and energy flow inside the body causing instant death or a huge amount of damage with crippling and stun effect.

In that instant, the Principality of Observation exploded with a bloody gore. If you can call it that what remained from the angel. Then slowly the little morsels started to evaporate into the nothingness.

No traces were left behind. The previous scene — that of the angel's attack— felt like they had been illusions like they had never happened.

"How, how could this be."

"In just one hit…"

"Hiiiiiiii!"

"Im-im-impossible!" Nigun shouted amidst his confusion.

The Principality of Observation was a high-tier angel whose offensive and defensive strength were in a 3:7 ratio. It boasted the strongest defense of all other angels in its tier.

In addition, Nigun's natural-born talent, [Enhance Summoned Monster], could improve the stats of any monster Nigun summoned. As a result, there were very few people who could defeat a Principality of Observation summoned by Nigun.

Nigun had never seen anyone defeat it with just one spell. Even the Black Scripture, whose members' power pressed against the limits of humanity, could not do it. In other words, Esdeath's power exceeded that of mankind.

"It's can't be! It's impossible! Nobody can defeat a high-tier angel with just one stab with its finger! What are you, Esdeath Gorgon?! It's impossible that nobody's heard of you before! What is your real name!"

There was no trace of calm left in Nigun, just his wild screaming in the hope of denying reality.

Esdeath spread her hands once more. Under the light of the setting sun, the looked like they were drenched in blood.

"...Why do you think it is impossible? Is that not just the result of your ignorance? Or do you mean to say that this is all you know of the world? Impossible only exist in the dictionary of the weak minded fools! Oh and one more thing. There is no alias. My name is Esdeath Gorgon I born with it. If you never heard of it that's because I only recently arrived from a very far away country Dumb de-Dumb."

Silence reigned in the air as they awaited the answer. Esdeath's voice was as clear as a bell:

In the face of Esdeath's arrogance, Nigun was unable to rebut what he was hearing. It was something he did not understand from a woman he did not know. That was the situation he was in.

Nigun was starting to get annoyed by his rapid breathing.

The sound of grass rustling in the wind was annoying too. His heartbeat sounded especially loud. He was breathing heavily like he had been running for a long time.

Words of reassurance began appearing in his head. However, the sight of Esdeath being stabbed with swords, as well as her mass slaughter of angels with just one spell, were telling Nigun something else.

„—That is a monster beyond my wildest imaginings. I could never hope to defeat it."

"Cap-Captain, what, what should we do...?"

"Figure it out yourself! I'm not your mother!"

Nigun only managed to calm down after he could no longer see the face of the man he was shouting at.

Losing his cool in front of an unknown monster like this was a very bad thing.

The sun was slowly falling below the horizon, and darkness threatened to swallow the world. It felt like Death itself was opening its maw to devour everything. Nigun tried to force his fear back, and gave an order:

"Protect me! Protect me if you want to live!"

Nigun brought the crystal out in his trembling hand. His subordinates, usually vigorous and nimble, were chained down by fear and their movements were slow. Even these fearless men would hesitate when ordered to become a shield against a monster like the one which stood before them. However, he had to have them buy him some time, no matter what.

„Oh, what kind of toy you have here?" Esdeath said with a chillingly happy tone."I hope It is something worthy of my time. Because this little game starting to bore me. So please entertain me something more exciting than those weak angels."

The magic sealed within the crystal could summon the most powerful angel known to man. It was an angel that had single-handedly destroyed a Demon God that rampaged throughout the land 200 years ago.

It was an angel of the highest order, that could easily destroy a city.

Casting the spell to summon that angel again required an incalculable amount of money and manpower, but Esdeath, this mysterious girl, was worthy of being eliminated by its power. More importantly, it would be worse if the crystal was taken without the spell being cast.

This was what Nigun told himself.

He concealed his fear that he would become a lump of meat like his deceased underling.

"I am going to summon an angel of the highest order, hurry up and buy me some time!"

Once they realized the truth, his subordinates moved swiftly.

Esdeath, who was facing them, should have noticed the flames of hope blazing up. However, she made no move, instead of babbling about some nonsense to herself.

With a pensive expression.

"...Could that be a spell-sealing crystal… and from its brilliance, it should be something that can seal anything except a super-tier spell. So they have a YGGDRASIL item like that as well… that being the case, what kind of angel can they summon… Seraph-class? While I don't think they can bring out a Seraph Aesphere, if they manage to summon a Seraph Empyrean, maybe I can have a little challenge here." Esdeath mouth crooked to a sadistic smile „Or rather… could it be a monster unique to this world?"

While Esdeath held her ground, Nigun ritually broke the crystal in his hand, and a brilliant radiance spilled forth.

A hidden sun seemed to have risen upon the land, dying the grass a blinding white. A dull fragrance filtered into everyone's noses.

The legendary angel descended upon the earth, and Nigun exulted:

"Behold! The glorious visage of the highest angel! Dominion Authority!"

It was a mass of many shining wings, and among them were a pair of arms that held a scepter, symbolizing royal authority, but there was no head or legs visible. Though it looked quite disturbing, anyone could tell this was a sacred being. In the moment it appeared, the surrounding air turned bright and clear.

The advent of this supreme incarnation of goodness drew wild cheers from everyone who saw it. The blood of Nigun's men boiled with excitement.

Now, they could kill Esdeath Gorgon.

This time, she would be the one to be afraid.

She would learn her foolishness before the power of the gods.

In the face of their jubilance, Esdeath barely managed to get a sentence out:

Esdeath eye and face started to twitch because of her anger and disappointment.

"This… this is it? This is what you call getting serious…? This is your ace in the hole that you were planning to use on me?"

"Indeed! Your fear is only natural. After all, this is what an angel of the highest order looks like. While using it here seems like a bit of a waste, I have determined that you are worthy of it!"

"How could this be…"

Esdeath facepalmed.

"Esdeath Gorgon. The truth is, you deserve respect for forcing me to summon this most exalted of angels. Be proud of your fearsome strength and abilities!"

"Personally speaking, I would like to bring you into our fold. If you are truly that powerful… however, I am not allowed to do so on this mission. At the very least, I shall remember you — the girl who made me decide to summon this mighty angel."

However, the response to Nigun's praise was a cold voice:

"Really… this is ridiculous."

"What?"

Nigun had no idea what Esdeath was saying. To Nigun, Esdeath was little more than a sacrifice to the highest order of angel, which humanity could not possibly defeat. Yet, her attitude seemed too relaxed for that.

"I can't believe how disappointed I am. I was hoped a little challenge from that shiny toys of yours! But this is a just disappointment."

Nigun's mind could not keep up with this disrespectful tone before the angel of the highest order.

"How can you act like that in front of the angel of the highest order?!" Nigun shouted He could not believe that Esdeath completely ignoring Dominion Authority and mocking it.

Their calm attitude of absolute superiority made the surging joy in Nigun's heart vanish. In its place were terror and unease.

Could it be that Esdeath Gorgon is more powerful than this mightiest of angels?

"No! Impossible! It cannot be! Nobody can be stronger than the highest-placed of the angels! This is a being which can defeat a Demon God! In the face of a foe that humanity cannot beat — it's a bluff! It must be a bluff!"

It would seem Nigun could no longer control his emotions.

He will not acknowledge this. He could not believe that a girl who could defeat Dominion Authority was not only an enemy of the Slaine Theocracy but was standing right in front of him.

"Use it! Use [Holy Smite]!"

This was the magic of the 7th tier and above, a realm humanity could not reach. Even the large-scale rituals in the Slaine Theocracy could not cast it, but this most exalted of angels, Dominion Authority, could do it by itself. That was why it was ranked among the highest order of all angels.

The magic that Nigun ordered to be cast, the 7th tier [Holy Smite], was such a mighty spell.

"I got it, I got it. Hurry up and make your move. I won't do anything. That should satisfy you, right?" said Esdeath by a mocking tone while she positioned her hands to a surrendering position.

However, Esdeath's mockingly relaxed attitude was like a pedestrian letting another person walk past him.

Her mocking attitude filled Nigun with fear.

This angel of the highest order had once defeated the Demon Gods of legends. Its omnipotent power was enough to qualify it as the mightiest being on the continent. It was invincible.

Yet, if someone could defeat it...

If the mysterious girl before him could do it, it would mean that this mysterious person was a far stronger being than a Demon God.

In response to its summoner's wish to use its most powerful attack, Dominion Authority shattered its scepter. The fragments rose up into the air and slowly orbited its body.

"I see. So this is a once-per-summoning special skill that it uses to augment its spell power. It would seem this Dominion is about the same as the one in YGGDRASIL…"

「Holy Smite」.

The spell was cast, and a pillar of light broke through the sky.

With a loud whoosh, a seemingly endless cascade of holy blue-white radiance flooded down from the heavens, submerging Esdeath. Esdeath doesn't even bother to resist. She only spread her arms beside her stared up at the sky with a bright smile and closed her eyes.

The 7th tier of magic — a height humanity could not hope to attain.

This sacred power would annihilate all evil beings, and even good entities would meet the same fate. The difference was only if they were reduced to sightless atoms, or if there would actually be remains left behind. This was the awesome power of magic that exceeded the realm of humanity.

No, it would be strange if that were not the case.

Yet — she was still there.

"—Hahahahaha, It is soo good feeling. The power what it gives it is a little weak but nonchalantly satisfying."

The pillar of light vanished and Esdeath just standing here stronger than ever without any injury. It just made Esdeath growing energy wings and a halo of holy light on the top of her head.

"Wonderful, I've concluded another experiment."

Her voice sounded indifferent… no, it would be more accurate to say that she was satisfied.

Nigun and company thought that way, and the smiles on their faces froze.

„A-An angel? How could this be? WHY WOULD AN ANGEL ATTACK US! THE PROTECTORS OF THE HUMANITY?"

Esdeath looked at them with an annoyed face.

„Really? You think I am an angel? That's very flattering but I assure you I am not an angel nor a demon. I can just use the holy and the dark elements as I see fit."

Nigun and the other in the Sunlight Scripture frozen hearing this. „How could this be possible An entity who can use both holy and dark element? IMPOSSIBLE that two elements the counter of each other."

There were scant few intelligent beings that Nigun knew of, which could stand on par with the highest-tier angels:

The Six Gods which Nigun believed in

The kings of the mighty draconic races — the Dragon Lords.

The legendary monster who could destroy an entire country — Landfall.

And one more — the Demon Gods.

He had heard that the Thirteen Heroes had defeated and sealed away the Demon Gods. Judging by that wave of evil from just now, that must have been a Demon God about to break its seal.

At the same time, Nigun had the faint hope that if they were Demon Gods, then Dominion Authority might still have a chance to win.

"One more time! Use 'Holy Smite'!"

"...Now,now it's my turn [Angelic Control]. Stop you low-level crap!"

Nigun felt how the control of the Dominion Authority slips out of his hand. He cannot control it anymore because Esdeath Gorgon became its new master.

„Now I have full control of it. Let's play! My first order little angel is that. Hmm, let's see. Ahh. I got it! Land on the ground and dance for me! Dance Angel! Dance!

The angel immediately obeyed its new master command. Landed and started to dance.

Esdeath just clapped her hand and smiled while she

rhythmically moved her head. Left,right,left,right.

Meanwhile, Nigun and the other was frozen because of the fear.

„She using the highest level of the angel to entertain herself? What kind of entity is she?"

„Ahh. This becomes boring quite fast. I think I just dispose of this trash.… Now, know despair. [Black Hole]!"

A small point appeared on Dominion Authority's shining body. It slowly enlarged into a yawning black void.

The black hole swallowed everything.

It was so underwhelming that it made them stare in dumbfounded silence. It might even be laughable. But they could no longer see it.

As the radiance of Dominion Authority vanished, the light drained from the surroundings.

There was only the sound of the wind blowing across the plains. And then a hoarse cry broke the silence.

"Who… are you …" Nigun asked these-these impossible beings again. "I have never heard the name of an entity called Esdeath Gorgon before… no, there can't be someone who could control with a whim and destroy the highest-ranked angel in one blow! Someone like that should not exist..."

„I said you before Nigun-san. But I say you again. Such thing impossible only exists to those who made barriers before themselves and their goals."

Nigun shook his head powerlessly.

"All I know is that you are far beyond a Demon God… this is unbelievable… who exactly are you…"

"...Like I said, I am Esdeath Gorgon. In the past, there was nobody who did not tremble at this name. Well, I guess we've spent enough time on idle chatter. Going on would only be pointless. Also, just so we don't waste each other's time, there is an anti-teleport effect surrounding me, and my subordinates are waiting in ambush. You have nowhere to run."

The sun set completely, and darkness swallowed the land.

Nigun knew that this was the end. This was an unassailable reality. Just as his subordinates fell into despair one after the other, cracks appeared in the sky, like the breaking of a pot. They vanished in an instant, and the scenery returned to normal.

As confusion washed over Nigun, Esdeath answered:

"Good grief… you know, you should thank me. It would seem someone was using divination magic to keep an eye on you, but because I was in the spell's effective range, my anti-scrying offensive barrier activated, and you were not observed. Really, if I had known, I would have linked a higher-tier attack spell to it."

Those words filled Nigun's eyes with realization.

The Slaine Theocracy must have been spying on him.

"A widened [Explosion] might not be enough to teach them how to behave… oh well, things being as they are, playtime is over."

A wave of cold ran through Nigun as he picked up the hidden meaning in those words.

He was filled with an incomparable fear. The fear that he, who had taken countless lives in the past, was now going to have his own life taken. His subordinates saw his terrified expression and it frightened them as well.

He was on the verge of tears.

"Wait, wait a bit! Lady Esdeath Gorgon-dono, no, -sama! Please wait, we, no, I wish to make a deal with you! I guarantee you will not be disappointed! As long as you spare me, I will give you any amount of money you want!"

„Do you really think I am interested in money anymore? You should know. I am in the money gate."

He could see his shocked subordinates out of the corner of his eye, but they were no longer relevant to him. The thing that mattered now was his own life. Everything else was of secondary importance.

Besides, he could find more subordinates, but his own self was irreplaceable.

Esdeath looked thoughtful for a moment then her mouth crooked to a sadistic smile.

„You know what? Let's play another game. I will say you a riddle. You will answer it and I let all of you go."

Nigun face relieved for a moment because he was quite good at riddles.

„But if you fail. I only let one of you go to tell your little leaders. „If you try such things as you tried here again. In the near future. I simply march your capital city. Annihilate everyone and everything who stand against me and dissect all of the head of your government. With a great satisfaction. Oh, and I keep your little toy. To compensate me for wasting my time."

Nigun and the others froze again. „If we fail we are doomed."

„Now let's see the riddle. Oh, I have a good one in the end of my tongue. Let's start the riddle!"

"To all things and men, I appertain,

and yet by some am shunned and disdained.

Fondle me and ogle me til you're insane,

but no blow can harm me, cause me pain.

Children delight in me, elders take fright.

Fair maids rejoice and spin.

Cry and I weep yawn and I sleep.

Smile, and I too shall grin.

What am I?"

„You have three minute and five tries to figure out what is it. You can work in a group. START!"

Nigun and the others tried to figure out what the riddle entrained immediately but in the end. They miserably failed.

„No. No. And no. The answer is a mirror image of the surface of the water! Now tell me which of you is have children and family?"

Only one of them held up his arm.

„Ok. You can go now. Give my message to your leaders." As Esdeath said this She hissed away the scripture member with her hand.

The scripture member only stood dumbfounded. „I said you can go. Hush-hush. Before I change my mind. Chop-chop!" with that the scripture member started to run as fast as he can.

„Now what should I do the others? I got it![Mass Paralize]" with that all of the scripture members paralyzed.

[Message]"Demiurge."

[Message]"Yes Esdeath-sama!"

[Message]"Please send someone to my position. There're a few gentlemen who need to be interrogated."

[Message]"As you wish Esdeath-sama. I send someone to collect them right away!"

„Now we have done with this! It's time to head back to the village. Ainz-san surely became impatient."

„Maybe I went a little overboard with them" Esdeath murmured

[Message]"Momonga-san I am heading back to the village!"

[Message]"How did it go Esdeath-san?"

[Message]"It was pretty boring. They were very weak. Theirs so called trump card. The national secret treasure was only an angel around level 55-60. I paralyzed the Black OPS members and sent them into Nazarick to interrogation except one. That one I sent back to his leaders with a warning. To not do such foolish thing ever again or I will dissect them."

[Message]"Is that so. I hope It will not come back later to us and cause trouble."

[Message]"It most likely not. They most likely think he gone mad. After what he saw. But if it comes back to us badly. We will solve it somehow as always."

[Message]"I hope you are right Esdeath-san."

---

Scene Change: Carne Village

Once she reached the village, the villagers,the soldiers led by Ainz, came out to meet them.

They lavished praise and thanks onto them, Esdeath saw Gazef among the villagers.

"Oh, Warrior-Captain-dono, I'm glad you're alright. I should have gone to your side earlier, but the item Ainz-san gave you took some time to work, which was why I was almost too late. My apologies."

"What are you saying? It is I who should thank you and your companions. After all, you saved me and my men… speaking of which, where did those fellows go?"

Since Gazef had changed his tone somewhat, Esdeath decided to nonchalantly inspect him.

Gazef had taken off his armor and carried no weapons with him.

He was bruised all over and half his face was swollen up, like a strange-looking, misshapen ball. Yet, a fire burned within his eyes.

Esdeath turned away, as though she had seen something brilliant. Her eyes reflexively went to the ring Gazef wore on his left ring finger.

"Oh, I chased them off. I couldn't take care of all of them, as I thought."

That was a lie, of course. They had all been shipped back to the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick except one.

In the end, Gazef broke the silence:

"Truly amazing. I do not know how I can repay you and your companions help. Please, look for me when you come to the Royal Capital. I will welcome you all with open arms."

"Is that so… then, we will have to impose on you when the time comes."

"...Gown-dono, I do not know what plans you have, but would you be willing to travel with us? We will be staying in this village for a while."

"Is that so. Well, we were planning to move on, though we have not decided our destination yet."

"Forgive me, there was no need to worry about a mighty being like yourself and the ladies beside you, Gown-dono. Then, please seek me out when you reach the capital. My doors will always be open to all you. In addition, I am deeply grateful to you for your gift of a full set of equipment from the knights who attacked the village."

Ainz nodded and decided that he had taken care of everything they needed to do in this village. There had been more things to do here than he had expected, and he had spent more time here than he had planned.

"Let's go home"

---

Scene Change: Later In the throne room of Ainz Ooal Gown

Sebas trailed behind Ainz as he entered the room, fashionably late.

There were many people kneeling here, to show their loyalty. Esdeath stood beside the throne as she should.

Nobody in this place moved a muscle, and it was so quiet that even the sound of their breathing could be heard. Apart from that, there was only the sound of Ainz and Sebas' footsteps, as well as the tapping of the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown on the ground.

Ainz ascended the stairs and sat on the throne. Sebas remained at the foot of the throne, kneeling behind Albedo.

Ainz silently surveyed the throne room from where he was seated.

Almost all of the guild's NPCs were gathered below him and beside him was his loyal companion Esdeath. They looked quite majestic when he watched them from on high, like a Night Parade of monsters. Ainz could not help but silently praise his guild members for their creativity in making so many different and interesting characters. As he looked again, there were several NPCs who were not present. However, that could not be helped. After all, they could not easily move the ultra-large golem Gargantua and Victim — who oversaw the 8th Floor — from their positions.

However, it was not just NPCs who were gathered here. Although they were not intended to replace the abovementioned two people, this great hall also contained many high-levelled vassals who had been hand-picked by the other Floor Guardians.

That said — the Throne Room did not feel crowded at all, given its massive size. Although he could understand why his underlings would not want to let their servants into the heart of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick — the Throne Room — Ainz felt that such severity was not needed.

Ah, forget it, not like it's important anyway. After deciding to discuss those matters later, Ainz slowly addressed his subordinates.

"Firstly, we would like to apologize for taking independent action."

Ainz was feeling singularly unapologetic as he said those words. It was mere pleasantry, yet the apology was extremely important. Since gathering them all was his idea, then he needed to let his subordinates know that he trusted them implicitly.

"Albedo will tell you why I have gathered you all here afterward. However, there is a matter which is more important than that. I must tell the gathered members of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick something — [Greater Break Item]."

Ainz cast a spell which could destroy a magic item of a certain level. A large flag fell from one of the poles attached to the ceiling.

The sigil on the flag represented "Momonga".

"I have changed my name. From now on, my name is…"

Ainz pointed to a certain place, and everyone's eyes followed his finger.

"My name is Ainz Ooal Gown. You may address me as Ainz."

Momonga was pointing to the flag which hung behind the throne, imprinted with the icon of Ainz Ooal Gown. Momonga raised his staff and forcefully slammed its tip into the ground, to get everybody's attention.

"If anyone objects to this, rise now and let your views be heard!"

Nobody spoke out in opposition. Albedo was all smiles as she replied:

"We have all heard your glorious name. All hail Ainz Ooal Gown! Oh, Supreme One, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama, every member of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick pledges their undying loyalty to you."

Shortly after, the Floor Guardians shouted as one:

"All glory to Ainz Ooal Gown! Supreme Lord and leader of us all, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama! We shall give ourselves completely to you!"

„All hail Ainz Ooal Gown," Esdeath said this while smiled with a calm tone

"Long live Ainz Ooal Gown! Oh King of fearsome power, Ainz Ooal Gown-sama! All shall know of your greatness!"

The shouts and praise of the NPCs and servants thundered through the Throne Room.

„—My friends, what do you think of me using this great name? Are you happy? Are you displeased? If you have any objections, please let me know, tell me "this is not a name you can take for yourself". I will gladly return to my old name of Momonga. Although Esdeath-san gave her blessing for using this name. She was only one member from the 41."

"Then—"

Ainz looked out at everyone.

"—Next, I shall announce our new direction. This is an absolute order."

Ainz paused here and looked around. The subordinates before him had serious, stern looks on their faces.

"Make Ainz Ooal Gown an eternal legend."

"There may be many heroes, but we will surpass each and every one of them. We will let everybody in this world know that Ainz Ooal Gown is the true heroes! If there are people stronger than us, we will deal with them in ways other than force. If we encounter a magician with many subordinates, we will achieve our goal some other way. This is merely the preparatory phase in order to let everyone know that Ainz Ooal Gown is the greatest. Let us fight together for this glorious future!"

Esdeath stepped forward and started her monolog „We will not fail! We will annihilate everyone who staying our way! We will conquer the world in the great name of Ainz Ooal Gown!" she shouted these words

„Hurraaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy" Everyone started to cheer in unison.