Chapter 1
It has only been a day since Link joined the warrior captain Gazef Stronoff and his men, the men at first were hostile, giving the Hylian stares and making prejudiced comments about him due to them believing he was an elf, but once Link showed his abilities by hunting their food, fishing and making fire last night they were all starting to see him as a companion. It was a strange feeling, killing an animal, on his last life the former player had worked in a butcher shop as a janitor so the smell and sight of blood didn't aggravate him, but when he killed that deer with an arrow in the eyes he was anxious, nervous, excited, afraid, all emotions at once because of the adrenaline, he was still getting used to his new body and way of think, yet in the end, he managed to not feel guilty about killing that animal, he did it for the meat and to not starve, not because of any ill intent.
Now Link was following the warrior captain right beside his lieutenant, it was starting to get dark, and they still hadn't found anything.
When they all thought the captain would call it a day, Link, with his Hylian perks, sees and smells smoke and gestures to the captain who, a few seconds later, also sees it.
"MEN. WITH ME". Gazef yells to his soldiers.
"AYE". All but Link screams in response.
They all gallop in the direction of the smoke hoping to find survivors and answers.
Once they arrived they saw the destruction left behind, besides the smoke, only ashes were left of what once was a peaceful village, once a place full of life filled with hope, and happiness now was a desolate visage. Link can't stop himself from showing sorrow at the sight, remembering what Ganondorf did to Hyrule from what now were his memories.
Not wanting to just sit and watch Link sees the closest villager to him who is in need of help and goes to them. Link helps the villager get on his feet and puts their arm around his neck so they can walk.
The other soldiers follow Link's example and start helping every villager they encounter.
"Are you an elf?" The villager Link is helping asks.
Link shakes his head.
"If you are, you are a long way from home". They tell him. "The Elven Country is in the Southwest".
Link just shakes his head once more and takes the man close to the horses. Before he could go help someone else the hylian saw that all the soldiers were already doing it, and there was no one else left. It goes without saying that a massacre happened in this village, the same as the first one Link visited.
Link sees Gazef looking at his surroundings and contemplating the vision in front of him, Link couldn't stop himself from admiring the man, it was clear that he genuinely cared for each one of these villagers, the former player now shares this sentiment too, Link in the games was a shiny example of Lawful Good always fighting for what is good and right no matter how much it could cost him. Letting curiosity take over the hylian approaches the captain wanting to listen to him and maybe be part of the talk he will have with the lieutenant who is also approaching him.
"Lieutenant". Gazef's voice was strong and direct. "Take a few men with you and get the survivors back to E-Rantel".
"Captain". The lieutenant says, there was pain in his voice.
"What is it?". Gazef asks, his voice strong enough to sound gentle.
"The king's orders were to investigate the group that is attacking the villages of the kingdom and eliminate them". The lieutenant states.
Link was starting to admire the king of RE-Estize, like Zelda he cared for his people and want them to prosper and be happy, not like the hundreds of leaders who cared nothing for their people and just wanted the benefits of a ruler, Link hated politics and even in his former life he wasn't an adept on the matter, but he knows that being the leader of a nation and its people it's a chore, not a privilege, he just wished some of the leaders realize this.
"You are correct". Gazef says, making Link get out of his thoughts.
"However,". The lieutenant continues. "Even if the enemy is the Baharuth Empire only 50…" the lieutenant stops and looks at Link beside them, despite only meeting each other the day before he felt that he should trust him. "51 men were sent to this quest".
"It is a secret assignment". Gazef arguments.
"The nobles are behind this, aren't they?". The lieutenant asked Gazef, however, Link could see it was an accusation.
The hylian heard from some of the other soldiers about the rivalry between the royal faction and the noble faction, back in his old world it was the same, left and right people were fighting to see who could scream louder instead of giving ideas and work together for the betterment of the future of their land.
"Many in the king's inner circle believe that the king's most trusted warrior will fail, then use the fact against the king. It's too superficial." The lieutenant says.
"That is enough". Gazef says.
"Can't you see it, chief warrior?" The lieutenant was getting frustrated. "This is clearly a trap. Instead of dividing our forces, we should all go back to E-Rantel, even if we have to sacrifice some villages. The loss of the strongest warrior in the country would be a lot worse".
Link shakes his head, logically the lieutenant was right, but morally he wasn't, Link already knew that in war and battle, there will always be casualties and it was impossible to save everyone, it doesn't mean they shouldn't try, if even only one life could be safe, it was a worthy risk.
"Help others… is a duty". Link says, the Lieutenant tries to ignore him, but Gazef nods his head. "Protect them from evil… is the right thing to do".
Gazef looks at the destruction around him, Link follows his eyes, and for a brief moment Link wonders if he should use his ocarina and play the Song of Time and return three days to the past and try to save these people, but he decided against it for he doesn't know when the attack on this village happened.
"I was born a peasant". Gazef says, his eyes somewhere else.
"Me too". The lieutenant says.
Link nods at the two.
"Living in a village is like living close to death". Gazef starts. "It wasn't hard for us to be attacked by monsters".
"Yes". The lieutenant says and Link nods once more.
"So, haven't you ever had hope?". Gazef asks. "Hope that powerful nobles or adventurers would come to save you?"
"It would be a lie to say no". The lieutenant's voice softens for a moment before returning to normal. "But no one ever appeared".
"Then let us be those who will show up before them". Gazef says, the fire returning to his voice. "Let's show to those who put their lives at risk living in the villages. Let us show them the strong who protect the weak".
The lieutenant and Link nodded in agreement.
Once the selected men left with the survivors, Gazef and the ones who stayed started marching on their horses once more after they had eaten and rested.
"Let's go men. For the king, for the people" Gazef yells and all men but Link follow suit as they start trotting into the next village.
The next village wasn't so far. It took only more than one hour for Gazef and the others to arrive.
As they get closer Link is the first to notice the reception, one was a simple villager, the other two at his side on the other hand, were anything but simple, the tallest figure was tall, towering over the villager, and his clothes were fascinating, Link could see they were special, as if some kind of aura or energy was emanating from it, he or she was dressed on a black and purple robe with huge white shoulder pads that had a skeletal appearance, with two big red orbs in the middle, on his face a strange red and green mask with blue lenses for eyes and a strange teeth smile on it, the third and last person was clearly a woman given the appearance of the full jet black armor she was wearing, the armor's appearance reminded Link of one of the sets available in Tears of the Kingdom, the Phantom set.
As they approach the three, Link's gaze is focused on the tall person and the armored woman, there was something else about them, his instincts were telling him that. Because they both have their faces covered, Link couldn't tell if they were focusing on him as well or if they were paying attention to the warrior captain.
"I'm the leader of the knights of the RE-Estize kingdom, Gazef Stronoff". Gazef introduces himself on horseback once they reach the three who were waiting for them. "I've received orders from the king to hunt knights of the empire who've been causing damage to the villages in the region".
While Gazef talks to them Link focuses once more on the two strange people at the villager's side, now that he is close to them he could tell that their items were of excellent quality, and probably were enchanted items too. For a brief second Link feels a small shiver over his back, but it soon fades away, the hylian presumes it is the woman as he notices her posture was a few inches ahead from before, and her breathing was a few seconds faster, but it didn't stop Link from carefully observe them still.
"My name is Ainz Ooal Gown". Says the taller figure, now identified as a male and with a name to put on his face, metaphorically.
After Ainz had told his name Link pays attention to him, but this time he is not observing, just looking normally at him to see how things will go out.
"I am a magic caster who came to help when this village was attacked". Ainz tells, immediately gaining Link's respect for his act of selflessness and helping these people.
Knowing about this attack and where this village is located Link wonders once more if he should use the song of time and help these people now that he knows where they are, with the location probably now on his map, and when the attack will happen, but there was the factor that in doing so could mean that Ainz would not arrive and help since he could think he was not needed, and there is also the possibility that Link wouldn't be able to save as many people as Ainz had, so he decided against it.
Seeing the captain getting off his horse, Link does the same, he knows exactly what the warrior captain is going to do, and he felt obliged to do the same.
"Thank you for saving this village". Gazef says, approaching Ainz and showing a thankful tone in his voice. "I don't know how to thank you with words".
"My respect… you have". Link tells Ainz and offers him his hand for a shake, the woman appeared somewhat nervous by Link's action.
Ainz waits a few seconds but in the end, he accepts Link's handshake, the hylian could see the man despite being a mage had a firm grip, it doesn't faze Link but he can tell just by this single gesture that Ainz actually has a great amount of physical strength.
"Captain". One of the men said, making Link take a step back from Ainz and look at the newcomer. "Unknowns were sighted in this area. They appeared to have surrounded the village as we speak".
Link takes off his back his hylian shield and the Master Sword and smiles, it was time for battle and adventure, but most importantly, bring those who are responsible for the destruction of the villages to justice.
"Wait Link". Gazef says, making the hylian turn his attention to him. "Don't do anything yet, first let's discuss and make a plan".
Link doesn't like the idea, but he also knows that going headfirst into a battle could be deadly, he sheathes the Master Sword and puts the shield back on his back, and follows Gazef and the others to one of the nearby houses.
As they walk Ainz approaches Link, it was comic in a way, Link is only 5'2, with Ainz towering over him at 6'7. (A/U: Yes I know he is 177cm in the novel)
"Link wasn't it?" Ainz asks.
Link nods in response.
"What is an elf doing here?" Ainz asks.
"*sigh*… Not an elf" Link says, looking at the tall mage beside him. "I am… a hylian".
"…I see". Ainz says and stays silent for a few seconds. "How long have you been on these lands?".
That was an odd question but Link didn't frown upon it, it made sense, everyone he met in the RE-Estize kingdom until now were humans, which led him to believe this country is a human nation, and since he is not human Ainz probably wanted to know where he is from but first is asking how long had Link been here to first know if Link just arrived or if he always lived in the kingdom but hailed from somewhere else.
"…Two days". Link responds, raising to fingers.
"Eh… *cough*" I see.". Ainz says and starts mumbling to himself, Link could hear him but could not understand any word of it.
"Is there… something wrong." Link asks, making Ainz turn his attention back to the hylian. "You just… start talking with yourself".
"No, nothing, I was just wondering where you hail from since you are not an elf". Ainz says at a fast pace.
Link raised an eyebrow at the mage's words but smiled, his guess was correct, Ainz just wanted to know where he lived before coming to this country.
"Hyrule". Link says with pride, the former player couldn't stop himself from smiling with every memory he had of that place and the adventures he lived.
"I see. Can you tell me anything about it?" Ainz asks, his curiosity makes Link happy for meeting someone interested in the stories he has to tell and the knowledge he has to share.
"Anything… specific?". Link asks.
"Hmm. How about your sword." Ainz says, turning to look at the weapon on the hylian's back. "I feel like it is a very special sword".
Link nods his head and smiles.
"It's called… the Master Sword". Link says and hearing the name of the sword made Gazef, the chief of the village, and the woman looks at him, maybe accusing him with their eyes of being pretentious because of the sword's name. "According to legends… The Master Sword was crafted by the Goddess Hylia as the Goddess Sword… and was later forged into the Master Sword by the Goddess's chosen hero and its spirit… Fi… who bathed it in the three Sacred Flames located across the land that would become the Kingdom of Hyrule… The kingdom I hail from".
Link was a little surprised by himself, the former player wasn't much of a talker in his last life, one of the reasons he preferred silent protagonists and why Link was his favorite, he was surprised because he was able to talk a lot more than he usually does, and this time it didn't felt uncomfortable, the others didn't seem to mind his story very much, but the air Ainz was giving him showed Link that he believed, or at least, was interested enough in the story. Link sees that it was a good choice to talk about the Master Sword as a legend instead of a fact, this way people wouldn't think he is crazy, only deluded at most for believing his sword was a gift from the gods.
"That is a nice story". Ainz tells Link. "You fully believe in it, don't you?".
Link could sense the mage was smiling behind his mask, so he smiled in response to his words and nodded his head. Ainz puts a hand over Link's shoulder and gives him a pat.
"Keep believing in it, believing is all that matters". Ainz says, sounding wise but also having a small amount of sadness in his tone.
They enter the house as their conversation ends, Link leans his back into the nearest wall and watches as Gazef and Ainz look through the window at the enemies who have surrounded the village. Link was hoping that Ainz would join them. The former player looks at the back of his hand and wonders if he has the Triforce of courage with him, he already has Link's spirit, optimism, and thirst for adventure and helping others, so it wasn't a fool's hope to think he also has the iconic higher power within him.
"You were right". Gazef tells the man who warned him. "They have surrounded the village".
"Who are they?" Ainz asks.
"Only the Slane Theocracy could send so many mages like this". Gazef says.
Link remembers what he heard about the country, a racist place that believed that humans were chosen by the gods and all other species should be terminated, Link frowns at the thought, he would surely be hunted by them for no reason if he met anyone from that country.
"They are part of a special unit commanded by the High Priest". Gazef says. "I'm sure they are one of the scriptures".
"So, they attacked the village". Ainz comments while looking through the window before turning his eyes to Gazef.
"They were dressed as knights from the Empire". Gazef tells him. "But it looks like they were from the Theocracy all along".
'Devious'. Link thought.
"As I thought". Ainz comments. "Is this village so valuable?"
"Gown-dono, if you don't know why they are attacking". Gazef stops looking through the window as well and turns to Ainz. "Then, there is only one reason for all of this".
"They are… after Gazef". Link says, already figuring out what the Theocracy was trying to accomplish, all eyes are on him, but he just crosses his arms and looks away. 'With Gazef dead the Royal faction would lose influence and power opening doors to the nobles, and the Theocracy could put a new family on the throne, one they could control'.
"It appears you have many enemies, warrior captain". Ainz tells.
"What a problem". Gazef says with an easy smile and tired tone. "To think that the Theocracy Slane is after me".
Link, with his higher senses, takes a look through the window to see his enemies, they were all dressed in black robes and wearing some kind of veil or burqa over their heads, and besides each one of them there was some type of summoning, they appeared to be angels, although their appearance wasn't organic, as if they were just living armor.
"Gown-dono". Gazef says, making Link's eyes turn back to the warrior captain. "If it's possible, I would like to hire your services. I'll give you whatever you want".
"I refuse". Ainz says.
"I understand". Gazef says.
'So do I'. Link tells himself and smiles.
Link realizes Ainz won't go with Gazef because someone needs to stay with the villager to protect them in case one of the enemies come here or if Gazef and his man fail to stop them, another act of selflessness by the magic caster only making Link's respect for him grow even more.
"Then take care Gown-dono. And thanks for saving his village". Gazef smiles and goes to the mage so he can shake his hand. "I'm truly grateful. I know it is a selfish request, but please, protect these people one more time. Now I have nothing to give, but I beg of you. I beg of…" Gazef is ready to drop on his knees but is stopped by Ainz.
"It is needless to go so far". Ainz tells Gazef, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I understand. I'll protect the villagers. I'll bet my name Ainz Ooal Gown in it.".
"So, I have nothing to fear" Gazef raises with a genuine smile. "I'll focus on finishing the enemy".
"Please, accept this". Ainz says, giving some sort of wooden carving to the warrior captain.
Link looks at the object and feels something about it, not something bad, but enough to make him have to hold himself and not take the Lens of Truth from his inventory to look at it. Once he hears the slight sound of metal clanging he notices he was staring at the item for too long and the woman in armor was glaring at him under that helmet, so he recomposes himself.
"A present from one such as yourself, I accept with gratitude". Says Gazef as he takes the present it was given to him. "Goodbye".
"Good luck". Ainz tells the warrior captain as he starts to walk away, towards the battlefield. "Are you coming, Link?".
Link looks between Ainz and Gazef, he points his eyes to the magic caster, and Gazef nods, understanding his intention and leaves them.
With only Ainz, Albedo, and Link inside the atmosphere seemed to grow colder and the pressure in the air stronger, the tension was so thick one could probably walk over it. Staring at each other and with their size difference Ainz appears to be a mountain but Link only looks at him, not fazed and immovable as his eyes meet the man's own in front of him.
They all stay in complete silence until Link makes the first move and walks toward Ainz, the armored individual makes a quick movement, and their armor makes a sound that resonates with it, but with a single motion of his head, the mage tells the armored woman without a word for her to not do anything. Face to face with Ainz, Link bows to him in respect.
"You… are a good person". Link says with honesty. "I hope… we meet again".
Raising his head Link looks at the magic caster who nods at him. After saying what he wanted to say Link leaves the house and leaves them alone, he has a battle to fight.
Once Link, Gazef, and all his men were on their horses they charge towards the battlefield, with Link taking one last glance at the magic caster and smiling.
"We will fight the enemy with our heads up". Gazef yells with passion. "Break the first barrier and take them away from the village. After that, keep with the withdrawal. Don't break formation".
"AYE!". All but Link scream.
"Let's go, rip and tear until it's done". Gazef screams.
As they advance, Gazef takes his bow and an arrow from his waist, Link follows suit and takes his own from his inventory, Gazef takes the first shot, the arrow flies through the air with grace towards its target but it breaks a few inches away from the contact by some small green barrier, Link immediately recognices it as magic, probably a protection spell, he doesn't know if his arrow will do what Gazef's couldn't but he tries anyway, as Link let go of the string of his bow his arrow flies in a speed much greater than Gazef's, like the warrior captain's arrow Link's own hits the same green barrier, unlike the captain's though, his arrow doesn't slow and breaks the barrier as if it was paper, hitting his target on the shoulder nut also tearing through his flesh and coming out from the other side of his body, making the magic caster scream and fall in agony and pain on the ground, trying to stop the huge amount of blood that is dropping from the injury Link had given him.
"Great work Link". Gazef says, amazed by how Link could accomplish what he could not, Link only nods to him in response.
They both sheath their bows and draw their swords as they advance, one of the mages points their hands towards Gazef's horse and a blue magic circuit appears in front of his hands, immediately, Gazef's mount stop on his tracks making the warrior captain jump away from it.
Link, seeing that the captain was now on foot gives a gentle tap on Epona's neck, signing for her to leave the battlefield, and jumps from his saddle, landing right beside Gazef.
One of Gazef's men tries to give him his hand to help, but as he does it, one of the summonings attacks. Link bends his knees and jumps towards it, once he is within the Master Sword's range the hero of time does a vertical cut and cuts the summon with ease just like a hot knife cutting through butter.
"That's impressive Link". Gazef tells the hylian, now only the two of them are on the battlefield as Gazef's men manage to break the enemy's formation and escape. "I never saw anything like this". The hylian smiles hearing that statement.
Link changes his stance, he inclines his body forward and bends his knees with one foot ahead and the other behind, he holds the handle of the Master Sword with two hands and lowers his arms while pointing the sword upward, at an angle of 60 degrees.
The enemy mages start acting and each one of them summons a new creature, all of them exactly like the first one. Link takes a look at the man he hit with his arrow and saw that he stopped moving, a part of him regrets it came to violence, but these men attacked, killed, and burned innocents in their homes so he felt justified, making the regret vanish as soon as it came, Link was fighting for justice and to protect the innocents, it might be a naïve thought, but you are never wrong when you are doing this.
When it looks like Gazef and Link would have to take all the summonings by themselves Link hears the sound of hooves getting stronger. The hylian looks at where the sound is coming from and sees Gazef's men returning to the battlefield.
Gazef and Link smile at the sight and share a look, nodding at each other and getting ready for the fight that is to come.
"I ordered them to leave the moment they drove the enemy's attention.". Gazef says with a proud smirk. "You are all idiots… whom I'm really proud of". He takes a look at Link. "Are you ready Link?".
The hylian nods at the warrior captain. The enemy soon takes notice of Gazef's men approaching from behind and turns around, they use the same magic they had on Gazef's horse on their mounts, and two horses are affected making their riders fall, they survive but are immediately impaled by the light blades of the summons.
Most men managed to return and form a circle around Gazef and Link but there were a few casualties just like the first two who had fallen.
Once the formation is complete, all men get off their horses as the summons start to attack, Link jumps forward and engages one of them in combat.
"Hey". Link screams.
The creature tries to attack Link, but he easily evades, it was strange, these creatures are giving trouble to everyone no matter where Link looks, but to him, they are incredibly slow, slow and also weak, Link pairs the next attack once the summons charges at him and it barely fazed Link's battle stance, he didn't want to sound arrogant, but it felt like he could defeat them using only one hand.
Wanting to test his theory Link pushes the summoning back, but to his surprise, the creature flies with ease because of the force used against it, despite Link barely using any strength, not to mention, he wasn't wearing his golden gauntlets yet, so he watches as the creatures vanish in thin air from Link's push. Link grabs the Master Sword with his right hand and takes his shield off his back with the other.
This was the hylian's first real combat, so he had to test himself and his abilities. It would've been safer to do it back at his house, but the thrill of adventure and the wish to explore got the best of him, and this brought him to this situation, where danger lurks at every corner and death can be the next step with every move he and the enemy makes, yet he still smiles, anxious for more, knowing that this fight is to protect and defend those who can't protect himself. The former player loved it, this chance to do good and to be better, was a gift given to him, and he would waste it.
Link looks at Gazef's men and sees that they are falling one by one, and despite some of the summonings being defeated the casters can simply bring them back, Link knew that when fighting summoners you have to take the caster first because the summon would either disappear or get weaker but he refrains to do so due to the thought that these men needed to be brought in so they can stand trial and be judged for their crimes. The hylian sees that the casters were not running low on mana and his lack of information could also be a disadvantage since they could probably be carrying mana potions with them to recover their energy.
"Martial arts: Sixfold Slash of Light" Gazef screams.
Link looks at the warrior captain and is impressed, with some strange technique Gazef was able to make six separate cuts doing just one, the hylian watches as the six summonings Gazef had struck disappear in thin air, then he observes the warrior captain's opponent, he was a bald man with blue eyes and a scar on his face, his clothes were similar to the other magic casters but Link saw his clothes were more sophisticated and expensive than the others, and unlike them, he was not wearing headgear. Link was sure he was the leader of this party and why Gazef chose to attack him.
Gazef tries to advance but four more summons goes after him, Link sees this and quickly takes his boomerang out of his inventory and throws it at the last two summons, he hits the first, cutting its neck swiftly, but misses the second, but Link wasn't worried, when the summon turn his sight from Gazef to the hylian its fate was sealed, Link's boomerang returns to the owner but not before hitting the summon on the back of the neck, decapitating it.
"Thank you Link". Gazef screams and prepares to face the two summons that approach him. "Martial Arts: Instant Counter". Gazef counters the first summon and prepares to do the same with the second. "Flow Acceleration". Gazef then does a move Link is really familiar with, he swings his sword by spinning himself like a tornado, cutting the second summon in half.
"We can win". Yells one of the soldiers.
"With the warrior captain and Link here, we will". Another one screams.
"Impressive". Their leader speaks, but his voice had enough sarcasm to make Link frown. "You possess so many abilities, but it's not enough".
The enemy leader then looks at Link, his frown matches the hylian's own, Link could see the disgust on his face despite never meeting each other before today, just seeing it Link knows this man's hate against him is pure based on his race.
"I don't know why or what a filthy elf is doing in the RE-Estize Kingdom and I don't care. But as a citizen of the Slane Theocracy, it is my duty as a member of the race chosen by the Six Great Gods to eliminate garbage like you from this world." The man says and raises his hand forward. "Summon more angels. Concentrate all attacks on Stronoff".
'So, these summons are angels, I wonder if there are more types of just these ones'. Link thought after learning the name of his opponent's species.
The mages follow their leader's orders and start summoning more angels, Link takes this opportunity and runs toward Gazef, now that the enemy commander made the mistake to announce what his tactic is Link can take advantage of it.
Link stays in front of Gazef, he puts his shield in front of them and brings the arm with his sword to his back at the waist level.
"This is bad". Gazef says as he looks at the summons getting out from the magic circles on the ground like zombies. "Link what are you…".
Link silences Gazef when their eyes meet, the hylian doesn't say a word, but Gazef understands everything just by seeing his new friend's body language, Link was asking Gazef to trust him, Gazef wonders what could Link do, but after seeing him fight and defeat all his opponents without using any Martial Arts he doesn't doubt what Link is capable of.
Gazef nods at Link, he gives the hylian his trust and his eyes tell Link's own that he will follow his plan. Link smiles at the trust put in him and nods at Gazef. Link then gestures to the warrior captain with this head, signing for him to get on the ground them the time is right, Gazef nods once more and lowers his sword so he can be prepared for when the time comes.
The mages all finish their summons and let their gazes fall into Gazef and Link, what happens next is not a fight but cowardice, all the mages start shooting at the soldiers with their magic Link and Gazef are only saved from the attacks thanks to the Hylian Shield holding against it like it was nothing.
Gazef can't do anything but watch in pain as one by one his men fall while he is protected behind a shield, it pains his heart but he knows that if he leaves this spot he would share their fate, and he can't let himself ruin Link's plan after putting his trust into him. Once the magic attacks stop Gazef looks at the angels floating above, there were probably over twenty, for a moment he doubts Link will be able to do anything, but one look at the hylian and he can see he is not fazed by the number of enemies.
With no risk of getting attacked by their summoners the angels charge at Link and Gazef all at once, Link tightens his grip on the Master Sword and lowers his head. Gazef sees that the time was now and gets on the ground immediately.
"HAAAAA" Link yells as he swings his sword with a spin like Gazef did.
Four angels were cut by Link's sword and four more when Link spun for a second time, the other twelve, on the other hand, are burned when a giant red outline of fire made by Link's spin rises, burning all the angels at the same time. This was the Great Spin Attack, normally it costs a great amount of magic power, but with his magic recovering normally with time, Link has nothing to worry about.
"Impossible". One of the casters says.
"Monster". Another yells.
"CALM DOWN, ALL OF YOU". The leader says, but Link could sense a little tension inside him.
The leader, Nigun, clicks his tongue after witnessing Link's power, he was nervous because what he did should be impossible, as the leader of the Sunlight Scripture his position allows him to obtain information from everywhere in his country about everything, and he never heard about and Elf so powerful, except for two, and he knows the one in front of him is not either of them because one is the Elf King, and Nigun knows he is in the Elf Kingdom dealing with the war against the Theocracy, the other is a half-elf and member of the Black Scripture, the Theocracy's strongest unit, but this elf in front of him was different, he defeated 20 angels with only one attack, each member of the Black Scripture could do it, but none of them could do it with only one strike.
Nigun wonders for a moment if Link was one of the Elf King's children, if so he needed to report it back to the priests of the Theocracy so they could prepare a strike team to assassinate him.
At the same time Nigun ponders about Link, Gazef does the same as he raises back to his feet. His new friend defeated 20 angels without breaking a sweat, like the enemy leader, the warrior captain never saw such power before, it reminded him of…
'Gown-dono'. Gazef thinks about the magic caster still at Carne village.
Gown had told Gazef that he defeated all the Theocracy soldiers who were disguising themselves as knights from the empire to protect the village, and now, he sees Link defeating all those angels and ready for more. Gazef smiles, he never thought he would meet such powerful people in a single day, no doubt Ainz Ooal Gown and Link were on the same level, maybe Ainz is the most powerful magic caster in the world, and Link, the most powerful swordsman.
"Thank you Link". Gazef says with a gentle voice, happy to have met such good people.
The hylian only spared the warrior captain a smile and a nod, looking at him in the eyes briefly before turning his attention back to his opponents.
"I am Nigun, captain of the Sunlight Scripture of the Slane Theocracy". Nigun yells while taking a step forward. "You are powerful indeed young elf. May I know your name?".
Link only frowns and readies his sword.
"Not gonna tell me?" Nigun fakes disappointment.
Link stands straight and slowly shakes his head as a response, before going back to his combat stance.
"Then you shall die as a nameless opponent". Nigun says and gestures with his hand forward. "And after both of you are killed, we will kill every villager".
Hearing those words, Gazef laughs, a genuine laugh, and Link only smiles, the mages appeared to be tense hearing the warrior captain being so calm despite the huge difference in their number, Nigun just appears disinterested.
"What is so funny?" Nigun asks.
"In that village, there is someone stronger than me". Gazef says with a smile and Link nods his head in agreement.
"Bluffing?" Nigun asks with a mocking smile. "Principality Observation, kill Gazef and the elf".
Link noticed the Principality Observation was different from the other angels, this angel is embodied in armor with a long robe covering up its legs. It wields a huge mace made of divine power and equips a round shield with an image of the sun on its left arm. Compared to the others he fought, this angel has four wings, given its rank is higher than the former.
The angel attacks with both hands holding its mace, and like those who did so before, Link saw the attack was slow, he raises the hylian shield and blocks its attack with ease. When the angel's mace hit Link's shield he knew the attack was strong because it created a shockwave when it stoke, but Link didn't feel a single force behind the attack and didn't bulge with the impact.
The hylian simply swings the Master Sword in a vertical cut and following suit, the angel is cut in half with each half falling on the ground from different sides and disappearing in thin air once they touch the grass.
The panic that Nigun managed to disperse from his men return, and the leader of the Sunlight Scripture's nervousness was turning into despair, he was far above his man, his summon being a prime example, yet just like his men's summons the opponent in front of him disperse it with only one strike.
"One hit…". One of the men whispers, so loud it sounded like a scream.
"THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE". Nigun yells, breaking character, any rational thought was starting to leave his mind. "There is no way for a high-level angel to be destroyed with a simple swing of a sword".
"Captain Nigun, what will we do?" One of the mages, scared to the core asks, hoping their leader can turn the tides.
Nigun has a shocking realization and then smiles, he remembers something and grabs the inside of his robes, pulling something out. Link just observes as the man raises his hand while holding something that looked like a blue rupee, Link has no idea what it is, but given Nigun's change of behavior and how hopefully he speaks his next words Link is sure the enemy captain is putting all his hopes into that object.
"We will summon the strongest angel of all". Nigun says.
"Is that…". A new voice speaks, breaking Nigun's momentum and bringing silence to the battlefield.
Link turns and looks at the newcomer who is behind him, he recognizes him immediately, Ainz Ooal Gown, and with him, the armored woman. Link's eyes widen and starts looking around when he realizes Ainz appeared out of nowhere and Gazef, who was right behind him, just disappeared.
Ainz appears to notice Link's awareness and puts a hand on the hylian's shoulder so he can calm him down.
"The captain is fine". Ainz says with a comforting voice. "When I saw that magic item I changed places with him, I knew that he would not survive that even with your help".
Link thinks about Ainz's words, he doesn't know what that item does nor what it is, but Ainz clearly does, and Link trusts his words, he saved the village after all. Link nods to the sorcerer and stans in front of him, with Ainz here Link knew he didn't have to worry about protecting Gazef and he was sure Ainz didn't need Link to protect him.
"Greetings, soldiers of the Slane Theocracy. My name is Ainz Ooal Gown". Ainz starts speaking, Link felt he was into something. "I was watching your battle with young Link here and the warrior captain and heard what you said".
"So. Did you come to beg for me to spare the villagers?". Nigun says with an uncaring tone.
"No. I came here to give you an offer". Ainz says and Link realizes immediately what he was planning.
"Oho really, what offer?" Nigun was just entertaining Ainz and Link at this point, at least it is what Link is thinking.
"Surrender… and your man can go". Link says, pointing the Master Sword at Nigun. "Resist… and you will all be sentenced to prison with no trial".
Link looks at Ainz, his eyes shining and seeking approval, the woman appeared tense at the hylian's world, and Link couldn't blame her, he did steal the spot from Ainz because he wanted to act cool and be a hero of justice.
"Eh? *cough* I… yes, surrender now and your men shall go, if you don't it's all on your head". Ainz says, basically repeating what Link just said, but the hero of time just smiles and nods, happy for the mage agreeing with him.
"I grew tired of this game". Nigun says, still holding his ace. "Let's see how you handle the most powerful angel".
The crystal in Nigun's hand starts to glow, Ainz and Link just observe, the latter doesn't know what it does, but the former does.
"Albedo, use your ability to protect me". Ainz tells the armored woman.
"Yes". Albedo says, swinging her axe and getting in front of Ainz in a defensive stance.
Link presumes that whatever that crystal does could be damaging to Ainz more than himself and Albedo, with this in mind he goes to the woman's side and raises his shield to protect the man, it was a small price to pay for what Ainz did for the village, but Link had to start from somewhere.
Ainz and Albedo look at Link's actions, the first wonders why he is doing it, and the second is just annoyed.
'Is he a player? From what I observed he appears to be one. Does he know I'm a player too or not? Or is he just pretending to make me lower my guard'. Ainz's thoughts about Link at the moment.
"Dominion Authority". Nigun yells as the crystal glows brighter.
The light emanating from the crystal ceases and another angel is summoned, Link observes and knows this one is more powerful than the others. There's also a big difference in their appearance, their head and body are obscured, and it is covered with numerous glowing feathered wings and is decorated with royal tablets. At the front of its head, a glowing divine magic circle is emitted.
"This angel is your ace?!" Ainz asks, for the untrained ear it sounded like disbelief, but Link knows what the mage is feeling is disappointment.
"That's right". Nigun says, the cockiness from before returning and making Link roll his eyes for the man to not notice Ainz is not impressed. "The little elf proved he is worthy for this item to be used".
Ainz just facepalms while Link feels frustrated for being called an elf once more.
"I can't believe it". Ainz says.
"Are you afraid? There is no salvation for any of you". Nigun smile was sick and his arrogance had clearly eaten his mind fully at this point.
"What a joke". Ainz says.
The magic caster's words made Nigun stop with the sickening smile and replaced it with shock, Link wondered if Nigun would start letting despair eat his mind instead of arrogance, the brief exchange of words with the warrior captain gave Link enough info about Nigun's personality, he is the typical know-it-all who feels superior to others given his power and his status and feels like everything should go according to his wishes, and when he fails or someone proves him wrong he denies reality and keep twisting the truth so the blame can never be traced to him, basically, his ego doesn't allow him to accept his imperfections.
"I changed places with the warrior captain and joined this young Hylian on the battlefield because I was worried about them, only to be faced with a child's play". Ainz says, still facepalming, Albedo and Link looking at him, the first being attentive to his words, the second, glad that he didn't call him an elf. 'I'm going to let Link take care of this, even if he is not a player I can safely deduce he is above level 80, so taking care of this summon is easy for him, and I can learn more about his abilities'.
"Child's play". Nigun says, Link notices the despair coming back in his voice as his shocked face mirrors the one he made when Link first defeated all those angels in one hit. "What are you talking about? *gulp* It cannot be. NO! IT'S IMPOSSIBLE. You are bluffing, in front of you is a being humanity cannot defeat. ATTACK THEM WITH HOLY SMITE".
"Link". Ainz says, making the hylian look at him. "Would you do the honors?".
Link smiles and nods his head, he brings the Master Sword to his waist level, pointing it in the opposite direction of the angel, and a familiar glow starts to run through the blade of the sword until it reaches the tip, when Link sees the small light coming out of the Master Sword's blade he slashes it in the direction of the angel and an energy wave comes out of the sword, hitting the angel in a curved cut on the horizontal and making the upper part that was cut fall from the lower part which stills floats before the whole body of the angel disintegrates in pure light.
Silence hangs in the air, Link just defeated their strongest summon with ease by using only one attack. Ainz reevaluates the hylian, he was sure now that Link is level 100 and starts to wonder if he is a player or NPC, and if he should offer Link a place in Nazarick, the tomb he and his subordinates live in. Albedo is on edge, she now knows Link is a threat, he is skillful and powerful and could actually kill her master, herself, and any citizen in Nazarick. Nigun is destroyed, Link had single handled crushed all his willpower thrice, first when he defeated the wave of angels, second when he defeated Nigun's own summon, and third right now after he defeated the most powerful of all angels.
"Who are you?" Nigun whispers, but the silence made his voice sound loud enough for everyone to hear.
"… I am Link". Link tells them with no emotion or intention except for answering the question.
As the words leave Link's mouth the sound of shattered glass is heard, making all present look at the sky, the place where the sound came from, Link finally notices how dark it already is, the battle only felt like seconds yet the dark sky and hundreds of stars where there to prove him wrong.
"What was that?". Nigun asks, as much in the dark as Link.
"It looks like someone was watching us with magic". Ainz says. "My defensive aura activated, so they didn't see much".
Link's eyes widen in surprise, he didn't know magic like this could exist, nor that he could be being spied on at this exact moment. Once again Ainz does another good action, willing or not he helped Link and for that, the hylian is thankful and bows to Ainz in gratitude.
"Raise your head Link". Ainz says and Link does as he is told, both of them turning to look at their opponents. "I guess this fight is over".
"Wait. Please wait". Nigun says, as Link predicted, despair has taken over his mind.
Link doesn't want to listen to another word, he puts his hand inside his rupee bag and takes out the longshot from his inventory. Ainz tilts his head, curious about the item Link has in his hand and wanting to see what it does. Link points the longshot at Nigun and shoots, a pointy metal arrow tied to metal chains flying at the target, it pierces Nigun in the leg making blood gush out like a fountain as Nigun screams in pain when the longshot crawls him towards Link when the chains start pulling back. Once Nigun is at his feet Link punches him in the face, due to his lack of knowledge, Link holds back his strength just so he would put Nigun to sleep instead of killing him.
'Strange, in the game the longshot brought me to the enemy, not the other way around, I wonder if this was changed in this new world and now I have only this option or both of them'. Link thinks as he gets on his feet after punching Nigun and looking at the other magic casters, he didn't want to arrest them, Ainz already killed the ones who were responsible for destroying the villages and killing the people, and these men are all just following orders, but they also used their summons to attack Gazef and killed a lot, maybe all of his men.
"…Ainz". Link says, making the caster and his subordinate look at him, Link doesn't have any means to restrict all those men, and if Gazef is the only survivor he and Link wouldn't be able to take them all to face judgment, it pains Link to say the next words. "…Let them go".
"HOW DARE…". Albedo says but is stopped.
"ALBEDO". Ainz's voice is all that is needed for the woman to stop in his tracks.
The magic caster doesn't say anything to the hylian, seeing this as an agreement Link only looks at the magic casters that were still there, too shocked and scared to say or do anything, and signs with his head for them to leave. They all didn't waste time and turned around, running like hell was after them.
Link didn't know, but the reason Ainz didn't say anything was that he was contacting one of his subordinates through a spell, ordering them to capture all the fleeing magic casters so they can be interrogated and have information taken out of them.
Putting Nigun over his shoulder Link looks at Ainz one more time, the magic caster was looking in a different direction than Link who was looking at Carne's village. Not wanting to say goodbye Link just gives his hand to Ainz, the magic caster accepts it without hesitation and shakes the hylian's hand.
"See you around Link". Ainz says and starts to walk away, Albedo following behind.
Link starts walking towards Carne Village, he knows what will happen next, he will deliver Nigun to Gazef, and they both will go to the city of E-Rantel where Link will become an adventure, Link and Gazef will say their goodbyes as the warrior captain takes the prisoner to the capital to be judged and executed for his crimes, and Link will start his journey as an adventurer.
Link then stops in his tracks and takes a look at the starts, he already knows what will happen in the near future, so he starts to think about what he doesn't know it's going to happen in the near future, the people he will meet, the journeys he will have, thinking about it all the hylian can't stop himself from just smiling to the sky. Link knows his adventure is just beginning.
Meanwhile
Ainz walks with his head full of thoughts, so many things happening in such a small amount of time.
First, he was transported to this world and became his game character, then all the NPCs in Nazarick came to life and had personalities and opinions of their own, and most recently he met someone who might be in the same spot as him.
"Something on your mind, Ainz-sama?". Albedo asks with worry.
"A few things". Ainz says but before Albedo could ask further he continues. "Did Shalltear capture all the feeling casters and took them to neuronist?".
"Yes, Ainz-sama". Albedo says.
"Good". Ainz says.
"Ainz-sama, if I may". Albedo pleads and they both stop in their tracks.
Ainz nods his head and Albedo smiles, almost gathering tears in her eyes.
"Why did you do it? Why did you show compassion to that lowly human and elf to the point you gave one of them such a valuable item and marched to battle for them?" Albedo asks in a way that reminded Ainz of the trope evil can't comprehend good.
'Valuable? That item was just a cheap cash item'. Ainz shakes his head mentally as he looks at Albedo. "It wasn't compassion Albedo. I used them to gather information on the enemy, once my evaluation was complete I knew it was safe to engage in combat. We are in a strange new land so we have to always assume the enemy is more powerful than us".
Albedo gently smiles at her master and nods.
"What about the elf Ainz-sama?".
"He is not an elf Albedo, he is a hylian". Ainz says, showing Link respect as he showed him. "What about him?".
"Why let him live? Isn't he a potential danger to you and Nazarick?" Albedo asks.
'Ah, Link. Right now I have two theories, he is a habitant of this world or a player, though the second is not possible, any player of YGGDRASIL knew about the name Ainz Ooal Gown, and Link's behavior didn't look like he was acting, although he was really good at it if it was. For now, the only thing I'm sure of is that he is level 100'. Ainz's thoughts are put aside as he continues his talk with Albedo. "Everyone could be a potential enemy Albedo, the reason I didn't kill him is because there is not enough info about him, what if there is an entire army of people like him where he came from? What if they learn about his death and come after us for revenge? All that aside, he was polite and respectful to me, I can't repay such treatment with treachery, until we know more we leave him alone".
"As you command, Ainz-sama". Albedo bows to her master and they both resume their walk.
'I hope Neuronist found anything from those guys, their information will be essential for my next moves". Ainz gives a mental sigh and thinks about the consequences of his action, his plan was to capture Nigun and his men for interrogation but Link, unaware of it, had thrown that plan through the window. 'I hope this doesn't come to terrorize me in the future'.