Observing the village from atop a hill, a corporal stood still for a few moments.
"It seems that the members of Ainz Ooal Gown didn't take advantage of our departure to destroy this village as well as the entire forest! I even have the impression that the damage has all been repaired."
Having been one of the soldiers who accompanied Gazef to fight the Sunlight Scripture, the corporal knew that he absolutely must not do anything stupid. Being here to deliver a message from the king, authorizing the representatives of Ainz Ooal Gown to come meet him, the soldier wondered how to proceed.
Granted, the demons he had encountered had been surprisingly friendly when they first met. Still, it was important to remember that they were demons. On top of that, the corporal had no trouble remembering how powerful they were. He would have bet that a simple sneeze from Ulbert would be enough to kill him.
"Corporal Iroko, what are your orders?" a soldier asked.
"Do you really want us to go to that village?" another soldier asked.
" Honestly, I don't really want." Iroko admitted. "And I would have felt safer if Captain Gazef was with us! Still, we have a mission to complete."
Thinking back to Ainz Ooal Gown again, the corporal swallowed, before praying.
"Let's hope they are still peaceful."
" I don't see the problem. "
Surprising everyone, a soldier approached Iroko, before staring at the village of Carne. Seeing nothing that could become a danger, the soldier affirmed.
"Let's go to that village and take the opportunity to question them about Ainz Ooal Gown! We must find out whether or not they have become allies of these demons and define them as traitors to humanity if that is the case."
Surprised by his words, Iroko stared at him, before questioning him.
"Are you new among us?"
"I was added to your unit by Count Boullock." The soldier stated. "I am Warrus, one of his henchmen! He asked me to take advantage of this mission to conduct an investigation in the village of Carne."
"Good! In that case, I have some good advice to give you..."
Suddenly, Iroko grabbed Warrus' collar before starting to shake him.
"I forbid you to do the slightest harm to the inhabitants of this village, nor even to ask them questions that could upset them! You must absolutely give them no reason to go and complain to the members of Ainz Ooal Gown."
Immediately, the corporal thought back to their fight against the Nigun angels. Galadriel had destroyed several of them with an explosion... Momonga had been pierced by two spears of light without receiving the slightest damage... Nishikienrai had multiplied and destroyed all the other angels... Herohero had swallowed a supreme angel... and Ulbert...
Thinking back to the spell the goat-headed demon had cast to transform the area, Iroko couldn't help but tremble in fear. In truth, the corporal knew that Gazef's presence or absence wouldn't make much difference in a fight against these demons. If Ainz Ooal Gown wanted to kill them, all the humans in this country could be slaughtered in a matter of days.
As a result, he shook Boullock's soldier even more.
"I don't know if these demons are still here or if they are really allies of these villagers, but there is no question of provoking the slightest diplomatic incident with them! The captain was clear in his orders! No act of violence or insults are to be uttered while we are in Carne! If you do not respect this, I will have your head cut off."
Then, he pushed Warrus away before growling.
" Bakayaro ! "
Finally, turning to his men, he declared.
"Wave the white flag and once in front of the village, I want two messengers to go see the villagers to explain the reason for our visit! Then, we will have to trust our luck to hope to be able to leave this place alive."
Knowing he was right, the knights tried to remain calm, as they ordered their horses to march towards the village. Staying behind, Warrus couldn't help but growl in frustration, as he couldn't understand how Gazef's men could act so cowardly.
But no matter. Iroko wasn't his superior. If Boullock wanted an investigation into the villagers' relationship with Ainz Ooal Gown, Warrus would make sure to carry out his mission.
Tomb of Nazarick
"Your help is very valuable to me, Ulbert."
"I've always loved making models," the demon assured.
Being in Punito-Moe's office, the duo were around a table, while a miniature realization of the village of Carne was visible. Having made this model with amusement, Ulbert almost felt like he was rediscovering his child's soul.
Having also created trees to represent the forest around the village, Ulbert saw Punitto-Moe remove several of them, while stating.
"We will deforest this part of the forest, in order to expand the village! New fields can be created."
"I'm surprised you'd make that kind of suggestion." Ulbert admitted. "Out of all the members of our group, you've always been the one who claimed to be an environmentalist! Have you changed your mind?"
"We are forced to make adjustments in this village," Punitto said. "Our goal is to show the rest of this country that we mean no harm to humans and, on the contrary, that we are willing to help those who want to become our allies."
Looking at the miniature reproduction of Carne, he assured.
"This village must be identical to all those in this country! Therefore, what would be the reaction of the other villagers, seeing Carne develop?"
"And you're willing to sacrifice the environment for that?" Ulbert asked.
"Of course not! It's even the opposite."
At that moment, grabbing a miniature building, he positioned it in the area where the forest had been removed. Becoming the most imposing building in the village, the building resembled a ten-story parking lot.
"We will build a building, which will have the same area as a field! However, since it will have ten floors, we will be able to fit ten fields in it."
"To create ten fields?" Ulbert repeated. "Do you want to create fields on top of each other?"
"That's it! Instead of destroying the equivalent of ten fields, we're going to deforest a small part of the forest and build this building! The fields won't be next to each other, but on top of each other! The villagers will therefore be able to have the food they need, without the ecological impact becoming irreversible."
Crossing his arms, becoming thoughtful, Ulbert affirmed.
"This idea has already happened in our world, but it's complicated to do! We have to build a building and put a field on each floor! So, our priority is to be able to create an incredibly strong structure."
"The Tomb of Nazarick is gigantic." Punitto-Moe retorted. "If such a building exists, this one will be a breeze to build."
"It's not the same thing! First of all, we didn't build this tomb! Because of that, we are unable to say if it's magic that allows this structure to hold in place or if we are able to reproduce it by ourselves."
"Exactly, if it is magic that allows our tomb to remain standing, then we must do the same with all the future buildings that we will construct."
Thinking back to his old world, Punitto-Moe said.
"Even though this world seems to be in medieval times, it is obvious that progress is improving day by day! Therefore, how long will it take for this world to become like ours? 100 years? 500 years? 1000 years? No matter, I refuse to let this world make the same mistakes as ours."
Staring at Carne's miniature, he assured.
"There is no question of waiting until the last moment to make the right decisions! If we want to live in this world, it is from today that we will change things! And to start, we will create the perfect village! A village with a minimum surface area, which can accommodate a large number of people and give them all the comfort they will need to live properly! The economic and ecological ratio will be our priority."
Hearing this, Ulbert couldn't help but chuckle. Then, dropping into an armchair, he declared:
"It's amazing to think that people like us seem to come up with ideas that are way better than all the assholes who used to run our world and who only cared about getting more money while sacrificing the future of our planet."
"At the moment, we have no certainty that it can work." Punitto-Moe retorted. "But I confess to having a multitude of ideas! If my perfect village can exist, then we will have to focus on the energy future of this planet! We must prevent the humans of this world from stupidly exploiting the coal, oil and uranium reserves of this world! Instead, we will focus only on renewable energies and..."
Someone knocked at the door.
"Ulbert-sama! May I come in?"
"Come in, Demiurge," his creator assured him.
Entering the room, the demon bowed before the two supreme beings.
"Ulbert-sama... Punitto-Moe-sama... please excuse my rudeness! However, we have just received a message from Carne Village! Apparently, soldiers from the Re-Estize Kingdom have arrived to give a reply from their country's king."
" Really ? " Said Ulbert. " Has Gazef already come back to see us ? "
Looking frustrated, Demiurge retorted.
"According to Bukubukuchagama-sama and Yamaiko-sama, no important man from the kingdom has come here to speak to you! Ulbert-sama, this is a real lack of respect towards you."
"I wouldn't even bet on them sending someone to answer us, really," Punitto-Moe admitted.
"At least they weren't stupid enough to send an army here to try and kill us." Ulbert remarked. "Demiurge... where's the armored fool?"
"From what I know, Touch-Me-sama has decided to train with Takemikazuchi-sama."
"Okay! Contact him! We're going to Carne and if we leave without him, he'll keep complaining."
" At your service. "
Trying to remain calm, Iroko stood in front of Yamaiko, whose build was twice as large as hims.
"Huh… Yamaiko-san… it's a real joy to join you."
Looking somewhat surprised, Yamaiko questioned him.
"No offense, but have we had the opportunity to meet yet?"
"I am one of Gazef's men! I was with him when we fought against Nigun and his men."
" I see. "
Then, the corporal glanced towards Bukubukuchagama, who was still in her slime form. Seeing him staring at her without saying anything, Aura took a step towards him.
"Hey, I find you very rude to stare at Bukubukuchagama-sama like that."
"Huh? So... Sorry." The man apologized, even though he was being scolded by an elf barely the size of a child.
"Aura... there's no need to be so rude! After all, I didn't find him rude."
Then, strangely moving her body, Bukubukuchagama took on a humanoid appearance, before taking on the appearance of a human dressed like an idol.
"YEAH!" Bukubukuchagama said, winking.
"What?" Several soldiers asked in surprise when they saw her do this.
"I love this ability to transform myself," the young woman assured. "It's so awesome."
Iroko was also surprised, even more so, seeing a teleportation portal appear not far from them.
"What is this?" someone asked.
"Ainz Ooal Gown…" Iroko affirmed, having seen this before.
Indeed, five silhouettes came out of the portal and positioned themselves in front of the soldiers. Finding themselves behind, Sebas and Demiurge let Punitto-Moe, Ulbert and Touch-Me advance towards the messengers. Immediately, recognizing the goat-headed demon, Iroko felt the beating of his body become stronger and stronger. The presence of the demon alone was enough to frighten him. As a result, he put a knee on the ground.
"Members of Ainz Ooal Gown... I greet you! Let me introduce myself... I am Corporal Iroko, one of Gazef's men."
Stepping towards him, Touch Me declared.
"Iroko-san… thank you for taking the time to come all the way here to deliver your king's answer."
"Touch-Me san..." Iroko acknowledged, feeling reassured by his presence. "Gazef-san would have wanted to bring you this message himself! However, he had to ensure the safety of the king of our country! I am sorry that it was someone like me who came to you."
"Don't worry about that." Punitto-Moe assured. "Without wanting to be pushy, can you give us your king's answer?"
"Huh... when Gazef-san spoke about your request to sign a non-aggression pact between our kingdom and Nazarick, several nobles were very outraged by it! And that greatly influenced our king to refuse this pact."
Hearing this, the members of Ainz Ooal Gown remained calm. However, their creations showed anger on their faces.
"How dare they refuse Momonga-sama's generous proposal?" Aura growled.
"I wonder if these nobles need us to pay them a courtesy visit to instill some notions of politeness in them." Demiurge said.
Feeling auras manifesting outside of their bodies, Iroko declared.
"However, to show his gratitude towards you, our king has agreed to meet with the representatives of Nazarick and has invited them to a party that he will organize! This party will be in your honor."
"A party... in our honor?" Bukubukuchagama wondered.
At first surprised upon hearing this, Punitto ended up confessing.
"Honestly, I would have bet that we would have had to insist on being able to speak to your king! That is excellent news."
Surprised, while he expected the demons to be angry, at the refusal of their non-aggression pact, Iroko heard Touch6me affirm.
"Now that we have such an opportunity, we must not waste it."
"I guess all three of you will go to this party." Yamaiko understood.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Ulbert assured him, with a sinister smile.
"Hearing him, Iroko swallowed. Thinking that Touch-Me was human, the corporal didn't really fear him. He feared Punitto-Moe more. However, his small size seemed to make the plant-man less frightening than he was. As for Ulbert...
"You... Do you really want to go to this party?"
Immediately, lowering his gaze to stare at him, Ulbert questioned him.
"Why this question? Isn't it the right to receive an invitation?"
Feeling an intense fear invade him, Iroko had his legs shaking. Behind him, his soldiers were just as scared. They were afraid that the demon would get angry and decide to kill them.
Yet, suddenly starting to laugh, Ulbert retorted.
" Relax ! I know you asked this question because you are afraid of me! Honestly, I find it satisfying! However, I do not intend to attend this thanksgiving feast to kill your king! Just like the rest of my companions, I hope to establish ties of peace with your country! And as one of the representatives of Nazarick, I feel compelled to insist on being one of the guests."
"Huh... don't worry." Ikoro assured. "I have no intention of banning you from coming to the palace! After all, you are one of the saviors of this village! And honestly, I would rather Nazarick become our ally than our enemy."
"Very intelligent choice." Ulbert assured. "As for this party, without wanting to be too demanding, I would come in the company of Demiurge."
Immediately, Iroko saw him make a gesture to Demiurge, who bowed slightly.
"And I'll come with Sebas." Touch-Me said, introducing Sebas.
"For my part, I will come alone." Punitto-Moe informed him.
Nodding slightly, Iroko tried to find a positive point in this situation. But there was none. Indirectly, the corporal was giving permission for five super-powerful demons to come inside the imperial palace. And even if there were only 5 of them, Iroko knew that they could destroy the capital without much effort.
"I... The king will be informed.
"Good! That's great news! We really appreciate you coming all the way here to tell us this." Punitto informed him.
Then, creating a magic circle, Punitto made his arm disappear, before grabbing an object.
"I would like to give you this as a token of gratitude."
"Huh?" Iroko wondered, seeing him hold out a black metal gauntlet.
"Take it." Punitto-Moe told him. "I'll give it to you."
" Huh ... really ? "
"Yes." The plant-man assured. "In Nazarick, we have thousands of identical magical objects! Have no fear."
At first hesitant, Iroko finally grabbed the gift. However, he was surprised by the weight of the object. Feeling like he was holding a huge piece of lead, the corporal could only hold the object for two seconds, before letting it fall to the ground.
" What ? "
"It is extremely heavy." Punitto-Moe affirmed. "But also very durable! When you wield it properly, you will obtain a power that you have never felt before."
" Huh ... thank you. " Said the corporal.
Amidst the stench of corpses that hung in the air, Dyne was healing Lukrut and Peter's wounds with the [ Healing Light ] spell. With nothing else to do, Ninya began cutting off the goblins' ears with a dagger.
They would be paid to turn ears at the guild. Of course, adventurers didn't claim their bounty with monster ears alone. Instead, they had to submit different body parts depending on the different types of monsters. However, goblins and ogres were demi-humans, so for the most part, ears were used in their case.
Ninya cut off the ears with practiced ease, then noticed that Momon and the others had moved away somewhat.
"Damn it." Janin growled, stomping his foot against the ground. "This isn't even funny! Given their low level, it would take at least an army of goblins to make me sweat."
"It's true that a level 5 magic spell would have been enough to easily win this fight." Gali agreed.
For his part, Momon was looking around where most of the ogres had died. He seemed to be searching for something.
"What's wrong, Momon-san?" Ninya asked, approaching him.
After hearing Ninya's question, Momon turned to him and answered.
"Ah, I was just thinking... do these monsters drop items... especially crystals or something?"
"…Crystals? I've never heard of Ogres wearing anything like crystals."
"I see. I was just wondering if they were carrying treasure.
"Treasure? I would jump for joy if Ogres were used to carrying treasures." Ninya replied as he removed the Ogres' ears with practiced movements. "By the way, Momon-san… Your group is amazing! Seeing your equipment, I knew you were fighters who could be proud of your abilities, but I didn't think you would be this amazing."
Hearing Ninya's words, the other three adventurers, who had finished with their healing magic, approached their new allies.
"That was awesome! I'm in awe of you, as a fellow warrior." Peter assured. "How did you train your arms like that?"
"At first glance, it is obvious that your swords are as valuable as a vast treasure." Dyne agreed. "I have never seen such valuable swords before."
"Occhan, your ninja techniques are incredible." Lukrut stated. "Please make me your disciple."
"I would rather die." Janin retorted.
"Don't be mean." Lukrut said, slapping him on the back several times. "I'm sure you like me."
A crack was heard, as Nabe gritted her teeth at the ranger behaving in such a manner towards her creator.
"Gali-san..." Ninya called out, approaching her. "I noticed your magic spell and found it very powerful! Would... Would it be possible for you to give me some advice? I would like to be able to improve my magic."
" I would think ... "
"You guys are amazing too." Momonga said, looking at the other group. "You guys are showing great teamwork! I'm sure you'll all be able to surpass me easily."
Momonga's response made the smiles on the Swords of Darkness' faces even more bitter.
Peter and the others had worked hard to become stronger, and they had carefully saved all their earnings, using them to strengthen themselves.
They could get along because they all shared the same goal. However, even when they thought back on all the efforts they had put in since they became adventurers, none of them could imagine themselves on the level of Momonga or his friends. To them, these new adventurers stood on a peak that almost no one could reach.
Each of them had the abilities to succeed in any mission, even fighting alone. And they all had a chance to become heroes of this kingdom.
Everyone was certain of it.