The sun had yet to rise when the Workers arrived at the courtyard of Count Femel, and unbeknownst to them, their arrival had been preceded by adventurers and members of the Espada Mercenary Company. Given their presence, the Count decided to hire some Iron-ranked adventurers to serve mostly as laborers to set up camp, keep the carriages and mounts tended, and aid the Adamantite-ranked duo of Team Darkness, and Rylen's team to keep the camp safe. Of course, at the moment the Workers had yet to come in contact with them, being left to interact with each other.
Among the Workers gathered here there were the groups of Foresight, Heavy Masher, Dragon Hunt, and Tenmu. After some initial interactions with the powerful and unpleasant leader of Tenmu in the man called Erya Uzruth, the leaders of the three other teams had come together for idle conversation. They were Hekkeran Termite of Foresight, Gringham of Heavy Masher, and Parpatra "Green Leaf" Ogrion of Dragon Hunt.
The topic of conversation had turned to Erya and the comparisons made between his strength and that of Gazef Stronoff. Something that piqued the interest of the elder Parpatra, as he mused to the others how strong the fighter, rumored to be from the Theocracy, actually was.
"I've heard of his prowess, but I haven't actually seen it with my own eyes. Perhaps I could ask my companions, but when we get down to it, what're we going to use as a benchmark for strength? For example, if we used Gazef Stronoff as an upper limit, then where'd something we're more familiar with, like the Empire's Four Imperial Knights, stand on that scale?"
"Hmm... Thou dost posit an excellent question, honored elder. The Knights known as Corrosive Wolf, The Immovable, Lightning Bolt, and Fierce Gale, is it not? Using them as a benchmark shalt only complicates things. By mine own reckoning, the four of them 'ought to be inferior to the Kingdom's Warrior-Captain. On the other hand, 'tis true the days of Gazef Stronoff towering over the common herd shalt be a thing of the past. As time goest on, new powerful warriors are wont to emerge." Gringham contemplatively remarked.
"Wait, so you want to say Uzruth is one of them? That he's really that strong? Hmm... I've never seen the power of those Four Knights up close. Me personally, the strongest person I've ever seen is probably the leader of the Royal Guard, who answer directly to the Emperor and protect the Imperial Palace. As I recall, that man's skill is quite something. Maybe he's on par with the Four Knights?" Hekkeran theorized as he rubbed his chin with right thumb and index-finger.
"The mightiest entities I know of are the Dragon Lords of the Argland Council State. Humanity cannot defeat foes like those." Parpatra chuckled while caressing his beard.
"Those mighty beings? As I dost recall, some say there's five of them, whilst others say there's seven... Ah, but alas we're looking for a way to gauge Uzruth's strength. Please limit yourself to human swordsmen, honored elder." Gringham politely pointed out.
"Hmm... You may have a point young man. The Council State's best swordsmen are almost all demihumans, so I'll have to count them out as well. Same for the arena's Martial Lord. Then I'd have to cite the Roble Holy Kingdom's lady paladin, who wields that holy sword. My team had a job there once, and I had the chance to see her in action. She's quite strong. In brute strength and divine power alone she's probably better. Well, that being said, she does seem somewhat inadequate in pure swordsmanship skills and technique. Not to mention brains. Keh-heh-heh." Parpatra said with an amused chuckle.
Some might see them debating on who was strongest as little more than a casual way to kill time before the start of a job. However, since Workers were independent agents without a guild to keep them informed and to scout out their jobs in advance, collecting information on powerful individuals took on great importance. The presence or absence of such knowledge could often determine victory or defeat, and of course, life or death.
That aside, they were all warriors in the same profession, and could not help wanting to know more about people who inhabited the martial world along with them. Thus, what started by discussing Eruya's strength, grew to become similar to a swap-meet for news about powerful beings. A discussion that continued as Hekkeran contemplatively scratched his head as he spoke.
"Now that I think about it, the Slane Theocracy tends to produce people with strangely high levels of power. I haven't heard of any particularly outstanding individuals among them. Then again, they kind of keep information like that close to the vest. Not to mention that the divine magic casters they produce are outside the scope of this discussion."
"Yeah, I can understand that. They don't even have an adventurer's guild, so good luck getting any reliable information. Hmm... Speaking of the guild, I heard there's a female warrior in the Kingdom's adamantite-ranked adventurer team, Blue Rose. What of her?" Parpatra asked in curiosity.
"Oh, the 'no breasts, just pecs' lady, right? She's very strong, but I heard that she lost a duel with the Warrior-Captain." The younger Worker promptly replied.
"Hark! Once did I hear that an adventurer addressed her with that made-up epithet, and was thus swiftly beaten half-to-death. Hahaha! Ah, such a frightening young lady." Gringham added with a laugh, trying to get back into the conversation.
"Hmm... Verily, after mentioning the names of the strong, I have come to realize that there aren't many powerful pure swordsmen. Lest I mention those known to mine self. Let us see... there's the Dark Knight of the Thirteen Heroes of eld, whom hailed from the City-State Alliance. Then there's "Fierce Flash" Cerabrate of the Dragon Kingdom's adamantite-ranked adventurer team Crystal Tear. Then there's our fellow Worker 'Crimson' Optix of 'Blazing Inferno', and then... Brain Unglaus. Ah! And perhaps the Espada's Juno Ulmeyda, even if she dost not seem much of an active warrior." He promptly added.
"Hm? Who are they?" Parpatra asked in confusion.
"Hoh~! Dost thou not know, revered elder? That man is a famed swordsman of the Kingdom. From thine own recollection I could regale a tale of how he matched the Warrior-Captain. Alas, I admit that Juno isn't as well known for her swordsmanship. What of thee?"
Gringham turned his question to Hekkeran who simply shook his head in reply, leaving Gringham with a clearly disappointed expression that neither of them seemed to know who these were.
"Well, I have heard of the Espada. Juno in relation to them is their 4th-ranked." Hekkeran promptly added, realizing the vagueness of his previous answer
"Then harken unto me mine comrades. For this is a matter of years gone by, when I once took part in the Kingdom's grand martial tournament. It was during the semi-finals, that I had the privilege of measuring their blade skills. Mine abilities could not hope to compare to his. As for the lady, she showed much promise, even if she didst not compare to either Unglaus or Stronoff at the time." Gringham proudly informed.
"You're talking about the tournament which Gazef Stronoff won, right?" Parpatra asked, massaging his beard interest.
"Indeed! In the end, 'tis Unglaus that met defeat at Stronoff's hands. Truly, the battle of those contenders was a sight to behold~! Both were paragons of swordsmanship, and verily do I recall the many queries thine fellow sword brethren levied; how didst he deflect that flash of light? And being able to strike with but a single curve of the blade under those circumstances!? Mine eyes were opened upon witnessing such sights and more~!" The shorter Worker replied, clearly excited by these fond memories.
"Juno... Wait... The Espada!?" Parpatra exclaimed, with a suddenness that made it seem like a light had just shone on him.
"Erm, aye. 'Tis correct."
"Yes, now I remember. I've heard of the group. I guess the fact she doesn't do much made my memory grow dull. She must have improved greatly, if she her rank is so close to that of Rylen Tsezguerra~" The elder mused with a nostalgic chuckle.
"Hoh~? Are you familiar with that great man, honorable elder?" Gringham asked, clearly intrigued.
"Kehehe... Indeed, I am~ We crossed paths several times in our youth and shared several a duel. I simply couldn't help but test myself against him, and I failed every time. Kah-hah-hah~!" Parpatra replied with a lively laugh.
"Then, he must have kept the power from his youth. To be able to head such an accomplished group as the Espada." Hekkeran mused, earning himself a rather displeased and even sad expression from the elder.
"Hmph! I wonder about that. I met him not long before the Espada first showed up, and he was nothing but an old man, wandering the land waiting for his death. It was quite disappointing, sickening even to see him like that. It had been my wish to duel him in our old age, but seeing him like that, I simply couldn't... I guess he was still hiding something from me." The elder said with a now more somber tone, in which he eventually fell silent.
"Well, even if age affected his power it is clear that he, much like you, is still quite capable. And probably the reason why these Espada are so powerful, with such a wise and skilled leader." The younger Worker quickly said, trying to break the silence.
"T-True! After all, he even ended up using some of my own [Martial Arts]. He must have been holding out on me the last time we met. He always had a problem with finding proper motivation and reasons to fight. I wonder what would happen if we were to meet again..." Parpatra mused with a smile.
"I do not mean to insult thee, honorable elder, but I am unsure if a match between the two of you would result in a victory..." Gringham said, now with a rather serious tone.
"...And most agree that the higher-ranked Espada shalt be comparable to adamantite-ranked adventurers. Verily, the latest news to reach mine ears from the war in the Dragon Kingdom, is that the feats from the Espada, even those of lower rank, is comparable to those of heroes... Naturally, this includes 'Heavy Explosion', whom was formerly a member of the Four Knights." He added, in the same serious and now even foreboding tone.
"Heroes you say?" Parpatra inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"I understand that the beastmen are fearsome foes, but to put them at that level is a bit much, no?" Hekkeran skeptically asked.
"Hmph! It is hard to believe." The elder hissed in a strangely serious, and even aggressive tone.
"H-Honorable elder?" Gringham mumbled, noticing along with Hekkeran the sudden change.
Parpatra was clearly displeased with the notion that Rylen was that powerful. It was strange for such a calm and experienced man to show this side of himself, but this brought in him some youngster furor. Never had he imagined that Rylen, who was just a few years older than himself, had not only stayed in his prime, but in his old age had improved greatly. Never had he imagined that he had been left that far behind.
"Hrm? Y-Yes?" He asked, suddenly coming back to his senses.
"Thou lookest rather displeased." His fellow Worker pointed out, getting a loud and laidback laugh in return.
"Kah-hah-hah~! I suppose I do. Well, it's just some remaining embers from my youth. No good, I tell you. Getting this riled up before something like this gets you killed."
"Right! No harm done. Hehe..." Hekkeran said as he awkwardly chuckled.
"Indeed. Speaking of another matter, have you two heard that there's a third adamantite-ranked adventurer team in the Kingdom?" Parpatra asked with a whimsical smile.
It was then the discussion moved on to the feats of Momon and Nabe, showing themselves as powerful individuals with the killing of a Gigant Basilisk, and the major part they played in the defense of the Kingdom's capital against a demonic attack. However, unlike the Espada who were carried by the reputation of familiar names and time active, Darkness was target of some doubts when it came to the three Workers. After all, they were entirely new and not as well known. To them, it was entirely possible that some things had been exaggerated or simply moments that had played out in a way that was favorable to them.
Their discussion came to an abrupt end when out of nowhere, Erya punched one of the poor elven slaves on his "team". Naturally, this only increased the disgust and anger those present felt towards Erya. Especially Foresight's Imina who as a half-elf, felt particularly disgusted by his actions. Her clear displeasure and possibility of a violent counterattack prompted Hekkeran to quickly signal his comrades Arche Eeb Rile Furt and Roberdyck Goltron to hold her back.
Once things calmed down a bit, the three leaders of their respective Worker teams held a brief discussion regarding which team should take the lead in this assignment, with the decision that Gringham and his Heavy Masher would take the lead. Eventually, the Count's butler arrived at the courtyard welcoming the Workers, along with reminding them of their goal to explore the mysterious tomb within the Kingdom. Then the detail of their escorts of six adventurers and three mercenaries came to light.
With that, he then led them to two carriages that were waiting for them, and much to the awe of the Workers they were being headed by Sleipnirs. These were large and eight legged beasts that were seen as the perfect creatures for land travel, but extremely difficult and expensive to precure.
As they approached, they saw the aforementioned adventurers, who seemed to be iron-ranked upon closer inspection, helping to load the luggage into the carriages. Watching them were two other more distinct individuals, a man and a woman who by their clothing seemed to be ranger-type scouts.
These people quickly became the center of attention. Even more so than the Sleipnirs, when their eyes fell on the rings they bore. One didn't have a number, while the other was numbered "9". It quickly became clear that they were mercenaries of the Espada, bathing the Workers in several murmurs regarding their presence. As well as allowing Hekkeran to request that Gringham's team ride with Erya, to which he agreed, understanding the reasons.
"Hmph! Are you sure we'll be fine with these puny iron-ranked adventurers and low-ranking Espada? I don't want to come back to a wrecked camp, or wake up to find myself sharing it with monsters." Erya suddenly and boldly said.
"Hm, you must be Master Uzruth, are you not? I assure you that there will be no problems." The butler coldly replied.
"Are you saying that on the assumption that we'll be helping too? I can understand it if that's case." Erya retorted.
"No. There will be stronger individuals travelling with you. Master Momon, Master Rylen, and Mistress Nabe?"
As if on cue, three individuals emerged from within one of the carriages in the order they were announced. The darkly clad warrior known as Momon of Darkness strode forth, while to his side in much lighter armor with a mantel over it, and carrying his regular walking staff was Rylen. The world-class beauty Nabe was scowling behind him, though her displeased expression did not mar gorgeous features that easily elevated her above the Kingdom's "Golden Princess".
Everyone was silent, even Erya, as these figures of pure power appeared before them. Parpatra was particularly silent, stunned at how Rylen looked so much younger and fierce than the old man he had been the last time they met.
"Allow me to introduce to you the individuals that will be traveling with you and defending your campsite. The adamantite-ranked adventurer team of Darkness, Momon and Nabe. From the Espada Rylen Tsezguerra, Jaecar Laporin, and Elsa. I trust they are acceptable?" The butler calmly asked, receiving silent nods in reply.
The sight amused the iron-ranked adventurers that were loading supplies, feeling validated by seeing the Workers stare in awe at the pinnacle of what an Adventurer could be. They were also pleased to know that they would get the chance to at least watch over the same area as the Espada. Not only due to the presence of Rylen, but due to all that the Espada had done, especially during the demonic invasion.
"Would you mind speaking with the Workers? I have to see how things stand in the carriages." The butler asked with a respectful bow towards Momon and Rylen.
"Of course. You don't have to worry, we'll handle things here." Momon said with a surprisingly humble tone.
"Indeed... Jaecar. Elsa. Help them with anything they need." Rylen professionally added.
"Hm... Nabe will also help." Momon added, to which the beauty bowed in acknowledgement.
Having spoken with Rylen, Ainz hadn't really learned anything new about the Espada. However, he did get the impression that they, especially Rylen, had a distinct impact on those around them. Ainz also felt this as Momon, as people likewise saw him in a very favorable and capable light. So with that in mind, and not wanting to risk the Espada stealing some of the focus, he decided to take on a more helpful and capable attitude. Hence his offering of Nabe to keep helping with the luggage, since Rylen had so selflessly offered his own companions. Following the lead of such a distinguish elder should be the correct move, should it not?
"Oh, thank you."
With a bow the butler took his leave to the carriages, with a less than pleased Jaecar and Elsa following after him. Though they had the grace to hide this fact.
"Before we mingle, I have a question to ask of all of you." Momon said looking at the Workers, whom felt rather taken by his soft, yet rich tones.
"Why are you going to the ruins? I know that you've been hired, but unlike adventurers, who find it difficult to refuse a strongly worded request, you have a choice. So why would those whose actions are not bound, choose to accept this uncertain assignment? What drives you to do such a thing?"
"..."
No one answered right away, though it wasn't like they didn't have an answer. They did have one, and ironically enough, most of them had the same thing in mind. The delay came from deciding who would relay it to Momon, since none wanted to seem rude towards and adamantite-ranked adventurer. Eventually one of Parpatra's men spoke up.
"Well, for the money, of course."
"Hm. The obvious answer." Rylen remarked in a low tone.
"That is to say, if your client pays you enough, then it's worth risking your lives?" Momon insisted.
"Indeed~! Thine client offered recompense which doth satisfied us. To wit, there might be further prizes depending on what is found within those ruins. It is mine contention that such largesse warrants the risk of ourselves." Gringham replied without hesitation.
"I see... So, this is what you have all decided... I understand. Please forgive me for asking such a worthless question." The Dark Warrior said, in a surprisingly humble tone.
"Ah, such a trifle..." Gringham went to speak, when suddenly Parpatra laughed over him.
"Hyahyahya~! Now that we got that matter out of the way. I feel like it is our turn to ask something, wouldn't you agree, Rylen?" Parpatra mused with an accusatory tone.
"Hm. I suppose you have every right to do so." Rylen replied with an earnest tone.
"I've heard the power of the highest ranking Espada be compared to that of Adamantite-ranked Adventurers. Even to the power of Heroes. I want to test how true this is for you, number-one. Especially after the last time I saw you." The Worker hissed, now with a measure of hostility.
"You have every right to feel insulted or even tricked. But what you saw was quite true, what you saw was me without aim or purpose, as I was most of my life. However, I have found my purpose, as you can see. But, if you wish to experience it for yourself, I won't deny you." Rylen said, his imposing tone sending a chill down the back of several Workers.
"I'm happy to see your rank hasn't influenced you, too much. Then, let's spar a bit. Just like old times."
"Let's move this to the courtyard." Rylen said with an amused smirk.
"Hah! Let's! And apologies, young man, had it not been for this old acquaintance of mine, I would have challenged you." Parpatra informed with a laugh.
With proper authorization from the butler, Rylen, Parpatra, every other Worker, Adventurer, Espada and even the butler himself made their way to the courtyard. As the group walked there was much talk among the Workers regarding what the outcome of the battle would be.
While they all agreed that if Parpatra had challenged Momon he would have lost, his chances against Rylen seemed somewhat better in the eyes of some. Even if it was only because of what the elder had hinted at regarding Rylen. While others were very certain that the number-one Espada would live up to his rank.
Finally, both elders came face-to-face, with the group watching over them. Needless to say, when it came to how they looked, Rylen seemed to be at a disadvantage. The majority of those present were better acquainted with Parpatra, and his skill, power and the weapon he wielded made out of a whittled-down dragon's fang.
Rylen was just holding a seemingly normal walking-staff, even if they could assume that wasn't the case at all. When it came to their gear, they assumed that Rylen's was better, since the Espada were a proper organization with several connections and a steady form of income. So it was down to pure skill in the eyes of those watching.
"Then, I'll take the lead... [Dragon Fang Thrust]!" Parpatra growled, charging at Rylen.
The invoked [Martial Art] enveloped his spear in a bright light, with the Worker quickly closing the distance between himself and Rylen with no clear hesitation when it came to possibly seriously injuring the Espada. In fact, the killing intent Parpatra emanated made some of them think he had lost his mind. He was completely serious in this match. Which was almost as shocking as had unperturbed his opponent was.
"Hmph... Always so eager... [Smash]!"
Calling upon an art of his own, Rylen brought his staff upwards onto his opponent's spear. The resulting impact unleashed a large blast of air-pressure as Parpatra found his attack nullified, and his body sent staggering back, while Rylen seemed mostly unfazed. Awed gasps came from nearly every corner of this impromptu area. Except of course for Rylen's team, whom looked on blank-faced, and Team Darkness, with Nabe equally indifferent, and Momon who studied the event with arms crossed in silence.
"Kah-hah-hah~! Just like old times... [Gale Acceleration]!" Parpatra countered in exuberance.
Planting both feet on the ground, Parpatra unleashed a barrage of thrusting attacks at such a speed that some could only see them in a truly frightful display of after-images, making them wonder what he was like in his prime. What topped this display was Rylen charging in headfirst into the attack barrage, as he calmly invoked his own [Martial Arts].
"[Full Throttle]... [Fortress]."
With the former, Rylen pushed Parpatra back with a burst of overwhelming speed. With a well-placed [Fortress], he placed his staff in the way of an attack, and [Martial Art] sent the impact back upon Parpatra, who once again found himself pushed back, but this time much more violently. This left the Worker open to a horizontal swing to the side of the head, sending him onto the ground with a powerful and swift motion.
"...!"
For a moment those present sighed as the intense exchange seemingly came to an end. But this calm quickly turned into alarm, when Rylen lifted his staff above his head, and appeared to be bringing the end of it down on the fallen Parpatra's head.
"[Piercing Dragon Tusk]!"
"Oi! I yield!" Parpatra yelled out.
He did so just as Rylen's now glowing staff was rammed just a few inches away from Parpatra's head, causing the ground to crack and shift under the power of the attack. A few tense seconds passed before Rylen pulled away and chuckled.
"Hahehe... Good to see I've satisfied your curiosity." He said, extending a hand.
"Keh! Harsh as usual. You're meant to soften with age. Hah!" Parpatra laughed, taking the Espada's hand.
"Perhaps. I guess I've yet to live as fully as you, to soften that much." Rylen mused, helping the Worker back to his feet.
"That's a sad thing to say for someone my elder. It's also quite humbling to see that you've grown stronger at this age. Hmph... While time has caught up with me." Parpatra said with a weary sigh, prompting Rylen to place his hand on his shoulder.
"Nonsense. You are an example of what people can strive for. To be alive and this powerful at your age, and in a profession where men and women often die young. Do not judge your power based on my own. You've done well to stay like this after all this time. And for that, I will always respect you. You are potential realized, and don't you ever forget that." Rylen passionately said.
"While you're still realizing your own... What a strange thing to say as an old man. Ah, very well. I'll take this loss. I'll come to bother you for a drink once this's over." Parpatra chuckled, turning back towards the group of onlookers as Rylen did.
"Just one more thing. You should already know this, but be smart. The same goes for all of you! You don't get to our age by being powerful alone. Be smart and live to fight another day." Rylen announced, getting him a cheer from both Workers and Adventurers.
Meanwhile Ainz, under the guise of Momon, watched the entire exchange with great interest. As is his interest regarding the Espada was already quite considerable, given how quickly they had risen, their apparent power, and how quickly they compiled the information he requested. He could see their worth, so he was keenly interested to see them in combat. Especially the 1st-Espada, and what he had seen did not disappoint. By the standards of this world at least.
He couldn't use magic to gauge their levels because he was still under the influence of the [Perfect Warrior] spell. Of course even if he wasn't, he wouldn't want to risk his cover by having it noticed somehow. Especially by those with some hidden ability, item, or a [Talent]. Even so, based on his experiences, he could reasonable place Rylen somewhere around level-40.
This was quite surprising, given what he had heard about how Rylen before joining the Espada was a shriveled-up version of himself. To see him like this was a testament of the man's own potential and experience. Along with the gear the Espada had at their disposal. The fact that Rylen was possibly stronger than the younger Gazef Stronoff only served to further increase his interest in them.
Of course, this included those in-charge of the Espada in Amelia and Aizen, since they clearly were great minds, who had access to such impressive gear and individuals. In a way Ainz, felt regret about not having been able to get the Espada inside of the Tomb for this experiment. Despite the lingering distaste of inviting intruders per Demiurge's plan, they would have certainly allowed him to test a few more things than this lot, and would likely have interesting loot on them.
"Honorable elder, how dost thee fair?" Gringham asked in concern as Parpatra approached.
"Feh. I'm fine. Just a bit sore on the neck." Parpatra replied with a weary chuckle.
"Was he as strong as we thought?" Hekkeran earnestly asked.
"Hm. Indeed. There's no doubt about it. He's stronger than he was in his prime. I don't question that he's in the realm of adamantite." The elder replied, briefly looking back at Rylen.
"Ah, what a shame then that we didst not have a chance see a sparring match with Momon." Gringham mused with a light laugh.
"Oh, that one's clearly a force in his own right too. From what I felt of him, and the brief glimpses I got of him during my match, he didn't even flinch. Not once." Parpatra said in a cautionary tone.
"Yeah, I noticed it too. Of course, with the armor it isn't easy to tell, but I can see that he wasn't fazed by what happened. But does that mean that he's stronger than Rylen?" Hekkeran asked in trepidation.
"Aye, mayhap it is so. Based on what we hast heard of his feats, and what we have witnessed with thine own eyes."
"My, my. What a troublesome lot we're traveling with." Parpatra laughed, still with a pained neck.
"Amazing. They're even stronger than Hekkeran." Arche nonchalantly remarked from behind her team leader.
"Hey. O-Of course they are. They've reached the highest tier of power. The realm of adamantite. Don't compare me with those giants."
With the sparring match out of the way, the group made its way to the carriages. After a long, but still relatively short journey thanks to the Sleipnirs, they arrived at the strange and unknown tomb. The group arrived at a clearing not too far from the tomb towards the late afternoon.
A camp was soon set up, comprised of several tents, a few campfires, and a place to hold the steeds. In particular, Darkness and the Espada were given larger tents, with Darkness having requested to be placed some distance away from the rest. Most of those present simply assumed they wanted some privacy to be alone, since there were already enough whispers that the adventurer pair were lovers.
When night fell, the Workers were sent out to explore the ruins while the Adventurers and Espada were left to guard the camp. The iron-ranks were placed all around the camp area, with Elsa looking over them and helping to coordinate their defenses. Jaecar remained on top of one of the hills near the camp, using his superior senses to oversee the area.
Rylen too as at his side overseeing the area and making sure nothing approached from the flat planes and hills around them, while Darkness was meant to stay in the camp itself in case something got pass their initial defensive lines. However, after a while Momon went up the hill to meet the two Espada, approaching them before casually speaking up.
"So, they entered the tomb."
"It would seem so." Jaecar remarked in a neutral tone.
"What do you think their chances are?" Rylen calmly asked, looking at the armored Adventurer.
"T-They should be prepared to face their deaths."
Ainz had to hold himself back on his answer, since his first thought was to reply as if the deaths of the Workers was a certainty. While this was the case, Ainz decided not to let his thoughts show. He was in the presence of people he was very keen on maintaining a decent relationship with, so he had to minimize any issues as much as possible.
"Huh. That's a rather pessimistic way to look at things." Jaecar remarked without looking at them.
"But it's not wrong. Who knows what is waiting for them once they go inside. Traps, monsters, undead. I doubt they'll find just simple treasure." Rylen added with a weary sigh.
"Would you have gone into the tomb?" Momon curiously asked.
"Personally? I don't think I would without good reason. If it was a request assigned to me, I would do it, but not as rushed as they are being now. What about you, Momon?"
"Hm. Those are some good points. While I will admit I would go if it was an adventurer quest, I would gather as much information as possible beforehand. Which indeed isn't the case here." Momon replied, with a palpable interest in his voice, since the concept of dungeon raiding brought back fond memories of his friends.
"Ahem! In any event, do you mind if Nabe and I take my break as planned?" He suddenly asked before getting lost in his nostalgia.
"Not at all. I'll go and relieve your position, so you can go to your tent." Rylen professionally replied.
Giving both Espada a nod, Momon made his way to his tent where he was greeted by Nabe, whom he tasked to look after things until Pandora's Actor replaced him. Ainz then dropped the guise of the Adventurer, and using the [Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown], he teleported himself back into Nazarick. In short order, he stood in front of the large double-doors that led to the Throne Room. Upon his arrival, said double-doors were quick to open and Ainz was greeted by the kneeling form of the otherworldly beauty that was the Guardian Overseer, Albedo.
"Welcome home, Ainz-sama." She greeted, looking up at her beloved with a loyal and decidedly affectionate gaze.
"I'm home, Albedo." Ainz neutrally remarked, starting to walk into the Throne Room as he did his best to ignore what was for him, a singularly disturbing gaze.
"The intruders should be entering as planned. Was there anyone of immediate note among them?" He curtly asked as Albedo now followed with a now more professional tone and posture as she replied.
"The initial readings have only pointed out simple magical enchantments. Their power as well, is what we have come to expect from the people of this world. There is no need to worry, Ainz-sama. All preparations have been completed, and I'm certain our 'guests' will enjoy everything we have for them."
"Umu... I see. Still, keep an eye on our surroundings. When Shalltear came across this stranger and woman related to Cthalpi, they also managed to slip pass our preparations. I want everyone ready to act, in case anything like that happens here." Ainz said firmly as Albedo bowed in acknowledgement.
Despite his tone and demeanor, internally Ainz wasn't entirely calm about this situation. While he understood and saw the value in experimenting with the Tomb's defenses against outsiders, the strange man that had imprisoned Shalltear and the woman who was related to Cthalpi still weighted heavily on his mind. While Shalltear said that the man had admitted to being weaker than her, the potential presence of Cthalpi in this was a considerable threat.
Having combed guild-records to refresh his memory on her, Ainz was now certain that she was an individual that he couldn't beat in a one-on-one. At least not easily. There were NPCs that could do it, but Ainz honestly didn't want them anywhere near her. It was too great a risk. His fight with a mind controlled Shalltear proved that a more experienced Player like himself would be able to turn the tables.
Ainz's worries were so great that he promptly found his emotions being put in check. As he sat upon the [Throne of Kings] and wearily considered an encounter with Cthalpi, it wasn't the most pleasant of ideas. However, it was something he believed wouldn't bother him tonight, so long as he kept his focus.
"Well, I look forward to seeing the results of your hospitality, Albedo." He said in darkened humor as he leaned back.
Placing herself to his side, Albedo called forth a virtual panel, where she pressed on several keys so as to summon several screens to show Ainz the current location of the Workers. At the moment, the screens showed the different teams splitting up, going in different directions.
"So they've begun... What of Cocytus, Mare, Shalltear?" Ainz asked, his body showing visible signs of what could be called eagerness.
"They are all ready to be called upon if need be. They naturally have their [World Class Items] at the ready, and we have teleportation circles set up to both take targets to specific locations and distance them from more critical areas if need be. Please, be at ease, Ainz-sama." Albedo replied, showing some clear concern at her master's disposition.
"Hmm... Very well, make sure none of these Workers leaves this place unscathed."
"Of course. Please, relax and witness the fate of these thieves."
What was there to watch, really? In the end what Ainz had already expected came to pass, and even if it was a good showing for Nazarick, he was left thinking that perhaps the night would have felt more fulfilling if they had considered trying to attract bigger game.
Dragon Hunt was completely destroyed by a handful of Nazarick Old Guarders, with Parpatra being the final member to go down, having regretted not taken Rylen's advice, but also at a certain peace to have seen him once more before the end, and in such good shape. Heavy Masher had the misfortune of being teleported to different areas of the Tomb, and more or less split among members of Nazarick's Five Worst to suffer less than swift ends. Tenmu was dispatched by Hamsuke as he defeated the detestable Erya, effectively freeing the three elves he kept as slaves.
Foresight ended up in the Amphitheater on the 6th-Floor, being used as a source of some amusement for Aura, Albedo, and Shalltear, as Ainz "fought" the Workers, until he decided to simply end things. This resulted in Arche being the only one to run away from the arena and into the nearby forest. Shalltear tailed her with the instructions to give the girl a quick death, after showing her proper despair.
While Arche would normally use [Fly] to move over the vast forest, at the moment she failed to not only because she was assaulted by bats every time she tried, but also because she could see several glowing red eyes following her through the trees. From time-to-time one of these pairs of eyes would approach her and reveal to her a beautiful female vampire, all of these seemed to clearly be controlled by the one named "Shalltear".
These different vampires did not remain quiet however. They hauntingly whispered in the shadows, with their voices echoing through the forest and pushing themselves into her ears in an almost deafening cacophony. They said the same thing over and over again, speaking of how there was no escape, how this beautiful scenery was in fact underground, and that she could run as much as she wanted, but would never see the sun again.
This torment went on for what seemed to be an eternity, until eventually Arche's legs gave out and the girl fell to her knees, out of breath and mentally defeated. It was then, that Shalltear approached her in earnest, her Vampire Brides also gathering around them, entrapping Arche whom turned around and finally faced her stalker. Taking in her petit form, her eccentric and high-quality garments, the high-quality sword in her right-hand and a bemused smirk.
"So, it's impossible?" Arche dejectedly mumbled.
"Escape? Quite so~ But don't relax just yet, you still have to die after all~" Shalltear replied in amusement.
The young Worker felt her entire body shake, a chill continuously permeating through it and her mind drawing a blank in regards to her future. She would die here. This much was painfully clear. She would die just like she imagined her team had. Then she focused on her sisters, whom she loved the most in this world, and how she hoped, prayed, would be able to survive without her. With no future, no hope, and no escape, Arche decided to die fighting.
"[Reinforce Armor]! [Flash]! [Continual Light]!"
With [Reinforce Armor] she increased her defenses, with [Flash] she wrapped her body in bright searing light and with [Continual Light] she had her staff emit a similarly bright light that was enhance by the previous spell as then she charged.
"Good~ Come at me~" Shalltear eagerly hissed.
"..."
It happened in the blink of an eye. One moment Shalltear was in front of Arche, and the next she was behind the Worker. Before Arche could even realize it, Shalltear had beheaded her with a swift and masterful stroke, employing not her superior "stats", but the culmination of technique and skill her training with Cocytus had honed. Truly, it had been the thing of beauty.
What followed was a surprising display, had it not been ordered by Shalltear herself, in that her Vampire Brides swarming the body to feed on it, while at the same time taking great care not to damage it further. Shalltear simply watched on, completely underwhelmed by tonight's events, and feeling strangely cheated that her desired foe had not appeared.
At first she had no interest in these Workers, but then she warmed up to the idea that perhaps she could cross blades and draw blood with someone of some interest, just to change things up from constantly facing Cocytus and his tests. Yet, Albedo had limited her role in this operation and then Ainz-sama had tasked her with stalking and killing a magic-caster.
This did not interest Shalltear. Not even the possibility of toying with such a pretty young girl held her interest, so she called upon the Vampire Brides that she had placed around the arena, just in case they were needed and used them to get the girl to fall into despair faster. Such was her disappointment. She wasn't even in the mood for a chase. Well, at least she managed to make some use of this human as live practice to test out her flexibility and technique, but even that was too much to ask of such a weakling. Frankly, she was rather deflated by tonight.
"Get a move on! We have to get the body back to Ainz-sama." She belligerently instructed, letting some of her frustrations out on a nearby tree.
With Arche dead, Nazarick had concluded its "test", and Ainz felt a very clear sense of relief, since nothing unexpected happened. All that was left now was to clean up. The one Worker from Arche's group that survived unharmed, a man named Roberdyck Goltron, would be used at a later time for his experiments in memory manipulation via the [Control Amnesia] spell. In a strange way, he and Arche were the lucky ones.
Meanwhile outside the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the Adventurers and Espada waited for the Workers to return, and as the sun started to rise it was grimly clear that no one was coming back. Around this time on top of the hill near the camp, there was a meeting between Rylen, Momon, and the leader of the Iron-ranked Adventurer party, so as to determine their next course of action.
"Perhaps we should wait a little while longer. We don't know what they came across in there. It's still possible they will return." The brown-haired, blue-eyed Adventurer earnestly said.
"Unlikely. If there was anyone alive, they would have come out long ago. As is, they should have brought back anything found on the surface before going in. At this point they are dead, or exhausted and waiting for their death." Rylen concluded with a stern expression.
"Hm. Agreed. We should start preparing to head back." Pandora's Actor, under the guise of Momon, added.
"B-But what if they are alive!?" The young Adventurer argued.
"They would have returned. And we aren't here to risk ourselves by going in after them." The Espada calmly replied, right as Jaecar and Elsa joined the trio.
"We examined the area from a distance. There's no signs of life. Or even any signs that anyone tried to leave that place." Jaecar matter-of-factly informed.
"Then that settles it. We're leaving." Rylen announced, starting to walk away.
"B-But..." The young Adventurer went to say, just for Momon to speak over him.
"He's correct. They knew that death was a possibility. We should respect their decision and see the end of our mission through." Momon said, also walking after the Espada.
"R-Right..." The Adventurer mumbled, feeling defeated.
Rylen sighed, briefly looking in the direction of the Tomb as he walked back to camp. Perhaps it was fate that had brought him and Parpatra back together again, in order for them to conclude the business they had with each other. Still, it had gone exactly like how Aizen had predicted it; whoever went to investigate the Tomb would probably vanish, never to return.
He would be lying if he said that he didn't feel like turning around to face Momon and beat him into submission for this, but Rylen knew better. He knew that Aizen had his own machinations regarding the Tomb and what resided inside. He also knew that there were smarter ways to go about things when it came to fighting someone his greater, and that close to their home base. Letting one's raw emotions to run rampant was the way of the young and the foolish.
With the Workers dead, everyone packed everything back into the carriages and returned to the Count that had hired them, to inform him of what had happened. Unbeknownst to some, this in turn would further advance Nazarick's plans for the Baharuth Empire. While Rylen's team would return to the Roble Holy Kingdom to start taking on other quests, Aizen would eventually approach Queen Calca Bessarez, to begin his own plans for that country. With the wider world blissfully ignorant of the things to come.