Chapter 40: Plans in Motion
The afternoon sun hung high in the sky as Ainz adjusted his armor. The next day had already begun. For Ainz, the worst thing was not being able to sleep through the night. As an undead, sleep was a luxury he didn't need but the boredom gnawed at him all the same. Books have become his companions through the nights.
He spent hours reading a book about a warrior's mentality. Yet, much of it felt irrelevant. What use was breath control for someone who did not breathe in the first place?
"For our first fight of the day, we have back one of our favorites among the crowds, Momon the Black!" The commentator announced that Momon was entering the arena's grounds.
'I should have asked Narberal about my opponent.'
Silently, he cast a [Message].
{Narberal, can you tell me anything about the fight you watched yesterday? How good is the warrior I'm fighting today?}
{Adequate. He did not show much, but that was enough to defeat his enemy, a skilled lancer among humans. His level could be beyond 40.} Narberal said, making Ainz cough with surprise.
{Above 40? You should have informed me when you harbored suspicion, Narberal, and not wait for my command to tell you to do so.} Ainz scolded, masking the unease creeping in his voice.
{Forgive me, my lord! I will give my life for such a transgression.}
{Stop it! Why would I dispose of competent servants just because they made one mistake?! Do not offer your life so easily again, Narberal!} Ainz snapped, slowly infuriated by the NPCs and their tendency to want and commit suicide for their tiniest mistakes.
{Of course, my lord. Forgive me.}
{Good, now, observe the fight. I might have to take my next opponent seriously.}
Ainz observed the closed gates, awaiting his next adversary. While he didn't feel nervous before, this might be the time he did so.
'A warrior of that level might see through me. Gazef would probably even do so.'
"The adamantite warrior will face our unknown guest who has yet to reveal his name!"
The gates creaked open, and heavy footsteps echoed across the arena. A towering figure emerged, cloaked in a cape that obscured his face, save for a grizzled grey beard knotted at the ends.
His chest was bare, revealing a physique carved from many battles rippling beneath thick chest hair that extended down to his belt, which one could confuse for the fur of an animal. The only armor he wore protected his lower half and left arm, which wielded a monstrous axe, the likes of which Ainz had never seen.
'Interesting equipment, not like the ones I saw before.' Ainz noted that his Arcane Vision was picking up the faint glow of magic emanating from the axe.
"I would be lying if Momon's opponent looked harmless! He's certainly a beast! An honorable knight vs a ruthless berserker! Let's see who will win!"
There was no exchange of words between the two combatants, only a silent understanding as they sized each other up, neither revealing their true eyes beneath their masks.
"3, 2, 1. Go!"
"[Ability Boost]!"
Immediately, Ainz raised his swords just in time to block an incoming attack. His attacker was fast, probably as fast as him.
The arena trembled under the weight of the berserker's attacks, each one powerful enough to cleave a lesser man in two. But Ainz was no ordinary man.
"[Resilient Form]"
The berserker's axe connected with a thunderous crash, and as Ainz thought to have absorbed the blow, he was knocked several meters back, sliding across the dirt.
"What a strike on Momon! A devastating blow by our unknown challenger!" The commentator's voice rose in pitch.
'What was that?!' Immediately, Ainz stood back up, gazing at the warrior in surprise. 'I thought my skill should give me high resistance to any form of damage. But that attack went right through it!' Ainz didn't understand what was happening. He glanced down at his armor, now dented from the impact. If he had been human, his ribs would surely have been shattered.
There was no time to ponder. The berserker was already closing in for another attack.
"[Rampaging Charge]!"
The ground shook as the man charged, wind whipping around his form.
"[Blade Surge]"
Ainz retaliated, slashing the air and sending a barrage of energy waves at his opponent.
"[Fortress]!"
The berserker halted his charge, erecting a shimmering barrier that deflected the projectiles with ease. They simply bounced off, the martial art doing its work.
'A shame I just have access to low-level warrior skills. I'm not sure if they are even going to faze this dude.' Ainz thought grimly. His class abilities had significant cooldowns, leaving him at a disadvantage against a relentless opponent. Meanwhile, the berserker's martial arts flowed seamlessly, having a greater arsenal of skills he could throw at Ainz.
"[Greater Ability Boost]!"
The berserker roared, his muscles bulging as he powered up even further.
"[Ground Stomp]!"
With a single, earth-shattering blow, he disrupted the ground beneath Ainz, sending him off-balance.
"[Penetrate]!"
The berserker followed up with a deadly slash aimed at Ainz's side.
'Not again!' Ainz's mind raced as he met the attack head-on with a skill of his own.
"[Power Strike]"
Ainz met the man's axe with his sword, glowing in power. The two weapons met, sending a giant shockwave over the arena. Both fighters were sent back, yet stuck on their feet.
'It is better to meet his attacks with one of my own instead of blocking his strikes. The latter martial art only proved my point. He has the ability to go through resistances, at least to a degree. As I deactivated my passive nullification against physical attacks, he is able to damage me roughly.' Ainz then stretched out his swords, activating another skill of his own.
"[Dark Blade]"
Shadows coiled around his greatswords, a malevolent energy emanating from the blackened blades.
The berserker's eyes gleamed with interest, a feral grin splitting his bearded face as he saw Momon's new skill.
"[Focus Battle Aura]! [Physical Boost]! [Body Strengthening]! [War Cry]!"
The warrior unleashed a torrent of martial arts, his aura swelling with power.
Ainz, now fully prepared, darted forward, closing the distance instantly.
He silently used [Guiding Swordhand], which ensured each strike would find its mark with perfect precision.
"[Savage Counter]!"
The berserker blocked Ainz's attack with astonishing skill, immediately launching a counter.
"[Blade Storm]"
Ainz unleashed a flurry of strikes, driving the berserker back step by step.
"[Crushing Earthquake Strike]!"
The berserker raised his axe high, preparing to smash the ground and send shockwaves through the arena.
'That's not good.' Without much thought, he pointed his swords at the ground. Once he made impact, his opponent made the attack.
The ground shook, yet Ainz used his swords to push him back into the air, evading the attack completely.
His swords, however, were buried beneath the rubble. Exposed and weaponless, Ainz found himself vulnerable.
"[Sword Call]"
Ainz invoked, summoning his weapons back into his hands with a flicker of shadow, a skill he got from the Darkest Knight class.
Whatever the man threw at him, Ainz could take it. He was about to charge, but the man stretched his hand out.
"I surrender. You are certainly a great fighter, Momon. Opting for strength more than the art of blades. Know this. The Theocracy would welcome a godkin such as you." His voice was deep and resonant, filled with grudging respect. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Ainz and the crowd stunned.
"It seems Momon has defeated his opponent with just his gaze alone! For a second time, that is! What a spectacle that was! An applause for Momon the Black, who just qualified for the final showdown!" The commentator's voice was nearly drowned out by the applause of the crowd. But Ainz's mind was elsewhere.
'The Theocracy just invited me to join them. I never thought this would be possible, not here. But then, the empire is still a free state.' Ainz had to gather his thoughts. His enemy, the one that hated him that much, just wanted him to join them.
While they desired Momon, they had no idea who lurked beneath the armor.
If he played his cards right, this could be an opportunity to infiltrate the Theocracy from within. Yet, the risks were enormous. His NPCs would never allow him to venture into enemy territory alone. It was far too dangerous.
'It would be dangerous as well. I wouldn't even allow Pandora's Actor to take that job. Losing him would be devastating to our cause. Summoned creatures would be able to take the job. Mmh.' Ainz mused as he left the arena, deep in thought. For now, he would put those plans aside.
'I'm gonna watch the next fight. The winner is gonna be the one I'm fighting tomorrow.' Ainz still wanted to see what Optics's abilities were. His name already suggested something.
"Narberal, what do you think about the guy I fought?" Ainz asked as he entered his balcony.
"He is strong for a human. But still no danger to us." She answered.
"Correct. Also, he is from the Theocracy and just offered me to join them." Ainz said, watching Narberal's eyes widen in surprise.
"Why would the Theocracy send an agent of their own to ask that of you, my lord?" Narberal asked, her gaze shifting uneasily around the room.
"Probably to use Momon against me. The one who came to fight me gauged my abilities and once he thought me worthy, invited me. Also, I'm not sure I would be able to beat him if the fight continued. He's beyond the level Gazef was." Ainz replied. He hadn't expected to meet such an adversary here, but nonetheless, he was able to make out one of the Theocracy's enforcers.
"You will need to repair your armor, my lord." Narberal suggested, her eyes on the dented adamantite.
"I will visit Nazarick after the next fight. I'd like to see it." Ainz said, leaving Narberal confused.
"But my lord, I don't understand your interest in watching these humans fight. It is not even enjoyable. Nazarick's Colosseum has much better fights to offer." Narberal said.
"It may seem boring to you, but I want to learn from them and observe their tactics, moves, strengths, and weaknesses. I am not a full-fledged warrior, meaning whatever strengths my opponents have, I must know. Martial arts seem like spells to me, meaning one warrior can possess a multitude of them. I only possess a handful of warrior skills at the moment. Weak ones at that." Ainz explained.
"I see. But wouldn't stronger equipment from Nazarick help your cause, my lord? At least higher-class items, not the ones you carry now." Narberal suggested.
"It would. But, it would also draw suspicion to us. If I suddenly walked around in legendary or even divine class gear, people would get suspicious." Ainz answered. "My current equipment is just fine. It is experience that I need as a warrior."
"That is why you want to watch these humans fight. You wish to increase your own knowledge of battle tactics. But isn't Cocytus a better advisor, my lord? His knowledge surely surpasses everything these humans know about being a warrior."
"He is an excellent teacher. Yet these humans have something he doesn't. Martial arts. You may look down upon this warrior magic, but I intend to study my next opponent and how he utilizes his abilities. The time might come when you will regret not having done so, Narberal." Ainz said, hoping to give the maid an important lesson.
"I understand, my lord." She answered.
The next two fighters were already introduced, one being Hekkeran and the other Optics.
'Now let us see what you can do, Optics.' Ainz mused, leaning forward with interest.
The two warriors stood poised, swords drawn, ready to clash.
"Let the fight begin!"
Both fighters immediately activated their martial arts, their bodies glowing with heightened power. Hekkeran, quick on his feet, made the first move.
"[Twin Blade Strike]!"
Optics countered with his own.
"[Instant Counter]"
No damage was done, yet Hekkeran didn't stop, slashing at Optics relentlessly.
'I have greater mobility and speed with my twin swords, while he has to find an opening to attack with his longsword.' Hekkeran thought. As long as he puts pressure on Optics, he should be fine.
"[Blade Mirage]"
Optics's sword multiplied into many translucent blades, getting Hekkeran off-guard. He saw one incoming attack, deciding to block it. Yet his sword went right through. It was the wrong one, and Hekkeran knew that another strike was likely heading his way. He had a millisecond to react and find the right one, but it seemed impossible.
"[Physical Boost]!"
He tried dodging the incoming blades. Some passed through him until he felt a sharp pain in his left arm. Optic's blade had cut into his flesh, yet it was nothing lethal. But he felt a burning sensation where he had been injured, and it didn't go away.
Optics now felt it was his time to go offensive.
"[Crimson Flash]!"
Optics moved with blinding speed, his sword a blur of crimson light. Hekkeran struggled to keep up, blocking what strikes he could, but Optics's precision was too much. He barely managed to fend off the relentless assault, his stamina waning with each exchange.
"[Iron Fist]!"
Desperate, Hekkeran used his hand to block the next strike, anticipating an attack from the right. But Optics had predicted this, striking from the left with an elbow to Hekkeran's chin.
The Sword Dancer fell back, the pain being too immense for him to concentrate on the battle. Optics abused this opening, going for the finisher.
"I'm not done yet! [Dull Pain]! [Twin Double Blade Strike]!"
Without much thought, Hekkeran activated one of his more exhausting martial arts in the hope of getting Optics off-guard. He thought he would see him as an easy target and wouldn't expect an attack now.
But Optics was already out of range, the twin blades slicing through empty air.
Hekkeran stared in disbelief. No one had ever dodged that technique before. It was nearly instantaneous—impossible to avoid unless… unless Optics had anticipated it.
"How?" He gasped. Was he that much weaker than an adamantite-ranked warrior?
"Do you surrender?" Optics asked him, his sword leveled at Hekkeran's throat.
Realizing he was beaten, Hekkeran dropped his weapons and bowed his head in defeat.
"And we have a winner, ladies and gentlemen! The one and only Optics!" The commentator's voice boomed as the crowd erupted in cheers. Optics remained stoic, unaffected by his victory. The fight was not yet won.
'What an interesting fight. Just seconds before Hekkeran was about to execute an attack after being punched, Optics flinched and didn't go attack himself. He seems to have a lot of experience to predict such an attack. Even I would've been surprised if my opponent attacked me after taking such a blow.' Ainz knew that he had no great chance of defeating an opponent with much experience, just as he saw in his earlier fight.
Eight Edge Assassins were already sent by Albedo to guard Ainz in his private suite after Narberal informed the Guardian Overseer of what Ainz told her.
'I guess it is better that way. We don't want the Theocracy to suddenly kidnap me.' Ainz wouldn't think it possible, but exactly that thought he put aside. He was in a New World, after all. There were many things he didn't know about this place.
"What time is it, Narberal?" Ainz asked.
"It is 15.24. Our scheduled meeting at the Ministry of Magic will be in 15 minutes." She informed.
"We will take a carriage then." Ainz decided, rising from his seat. The day was far from over, and his plans were only just beginning to unfold.
Fluder Paradyne was one of the most renowned magic casters in the known world, having reached the 6th Tier, an accomplishment few could claim.
He was a true scholar, having researched magic for over 200 years by now. Through magical means, he was able to extend his age further; how long he could do this, he didn't know.
He was headed to the most lavishly furnished guest room of them all, where the Ministry of Magic awaited visitors, mostly from the Emperor or other important people.
Fluder paused before the grand doors, adjusting his well-kept beard and smoothing out the rich fabric of his robe. Though his attire was fit for an evening gala, he had little interest in the political and social affairs of the court. His true passion was, and always had been, the pursuit of magical knowledge. Yet, as much as he wished to remain secluded in his chambers to research magic, certain obligations required his presence in the broader world.
With a deep breath, he knocked on the door and entered the meeting room.
Seated at the center of the room were two adventurers, both of whom were already well-known throughout the Empire. The first was a warrior clad in jet-black plate armor—Momon the Black, a figure shrouded in mystery and power. Beside him sat a woman of stunning beauty, her features almost ethereal. Fluder recognized her instantly.
'Momon of Darkness and the Beautiful Princess Nabe, then?' He certainly didn't expect such a visit, but since they were high-priority guests, he had to attend to them.
"Forgive me for keeping you waiting." Fluder said politely, closing the door behind him. Yet, as he turned to face them, his gaze lingered on Nabe, a sense of unease creeping into his mind. "Odd…"
Nabe was said to be an arcane caster, but as Fluder gazed at her with his innate talent—one that allowed him to perceive the aura of any magic user—he saw nothing.
The absence of any magical presence left him both confused and speechless. Could she have been lying about her abilities? Or perhaps…
'Perhaps protection from divinations?' Fluder pondered. Such measures were uncommon, especially among adventurers. Typically, the aura of a magic caster was a protective shield in itself, visible only to those with similar talents. Could Nabe have already known of Fluder's abilities and chosen to conceal her own?
"Is everything alright?" Momon's voice cut through Fluder's thoughts, the warrior's tone calm yet commanding.
"Ahh, forgive my rudeness." Fluder quickly recovered, though his mind was still spinning. He took a seat opposite Momon, trying to steady his nerves.
"Alright, let us begin then."
Before Fluder could inquire what was to begin, Momon continued.
"Nabe, please remove your ring."
The command was simple, and Nabe complied without hesitation. The moment she did, Fluder's world tilted on its axis.
"What?!"
Fluder could not believe it. A radiating power surrounded Nabe as it did not before. His body trembled at the sight.
"Impossible!"
The words escaped him as a gasp. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The aura that now surrounded Nabe was beyond anything he had ever encountered.
Yet, his talent had never lied to him. It revealed only the truth. And the truth was undeniable.
"The 7th… no, don't tell me, this power is… the proof of the 8th…?"
Fluder's voice was a whisper, trembling with awe and fear. The 7th Tier of magic was the stuff of legends, spoken in ancient tales to lull children to sleep. But here, standing before him, was someone who had surpassed him—a feat he had long believed to be impossible.
Fluder then noticed Momon removing one of his gauntlets and one of the rings he wore.
…
Suddenly, the entire room was bathed in an ethereal light so pure and intense that Fluder felt his consciousness begin to waver. The reality he had known, the laws of magic he had studied for centuries, seemed to dissolve in that radiant glow.
He, Fluder Paradyne, the Triad Magic Caster, found himself lost in the presence of a power that defied all logic.
"This…this is too unbelievable…" His voice cracked, barely audible, as he stared at the man before him.
A famous warrior, told in tales and stories, was, in truth, a being of unparalleled magical might—far beyond anything Fluder could have ever imagined.
"That is the 8th Tier… then this is the 9th… no… it cannot be… dear gods…"
The realization struck him like a thunderbolt. If Nabe could wield the 8th Tier, then what was Momon, this Dark Hero, capable of?
Yet Fluder already knew the answer to that question.
The 10th Tier. It was never proven to exist, only speculated. And now, a being of such immense power from that domain stood before him.
Without thinking, Fluder fell to his knees, tears streaming down his weathered face.
"...I once believed in a minor deity who governed over magic. However, if you are not that god, I shall promptly renounce my faith. That is because the true god has deigned to appear before me."
Fluder pressed his forehead to the cold floor, his entire body trembling. His knees and head ached from the hard surface, but he paid the pain no mind. The overwhelming joy in his heart eclipsed all else.
"I know this may be rude, but I beg you! Please, bestow your teachings upon me! I wish to glimpse the abyss of magic! I beg you! Please!"
"What sort of price are you willing to pay for that?" Momon's voice, cold and unyielding, responded.
The Triad Magic Caster did not hesitate, willing to hand in his soul and body.
"Everything! Yes, I will pledge everything I have to you! O Lord of the Abyss! O unfathomable one!"
Momon regarded the old man for a moment before speaking again.
"Mmh, very well. If you are willing to give me everything, then my knowledge shall be yours. I grant your wish."
Those words were like a divine decree to Fluder. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he moved to kiss Momon's boots in a gesture of ultimate loyalty. Yet, even in his state, Fluder held back, aware that too much devotion might displease his new god.
"Enough of that."
"Thank you! Thank you, master!"
Even if Momon was overwhelmed by Fluder's behavior, he did not show it.
"Your first order shall be—"
Through the echoing halls of the floating city marched an unusual group—a towering knight clad in heavy armor, two ninja assassins, a caped magic caster, and a cleric leading the way. This was Blue Rose, an all-female adventurer team known throughout the land.
Lakyus stomped forward with a palpable grudge, having said no words since their arrival here.
In hopes of lifting her mood, Evileye spoke to her.
"Lakyus, please, you can't stay mad at us forever. We knew you would never leave the kingdom behind, so what did you expect us to do? We couldn't just stand by and watch our friend die."
Lakyus abruptly halted, her hands clenched into fists. For a moment, it seemed as if steam might escape from her ears. She spun around in a blur, her eyes flashing with a mixture of fury and betrayal.
"I expected not to be mind-controlled and dragged all the way to the Argland Council State! You all turned against me, and I cannot forgive that—not until I've had time to process it all."
She could not believe how little control she had over the team. She was their leader, after all, and doing such a thing was breaking her trust in them.
The betrayal stung deep. As their leader, Lakyus had always believed she had control over the team, yet they had acted against her will, breaking the trust she had placed in them. Even if their actions had been to protect her from the Sorcerer King's wrath, she had wanted to face the Overlord herself—as a patriot of her nation. But now, all her plans lay in ruins.
Her kingdom was taken over, probably dissolved, and merged with Ainz Ooal Gown's own ever-expanding lands. And the thought of what might have happened to Princess Renner gnawed at her, a bitter pain she could hardly bear.
"C'mon, Evil Boss, you gotta understand. We couldn't just leave you behind. What do you think would've happened if you stayed? Do you really believe you could've miraculously defeated the Sorcerer King or some shit?!" Gagaran said. And she was right. Lakyus knew that deep down.
"That's still not an excuse. From now on, whenever you all disagree with me, you'll just do the same-"
Before she could finish, Evileye stepped forward and slapped her across the face, cutting off her words. The shock of the blow left Lakyus momentarily speechless.
"You moron! We're your friends! How can you even think we'd betray you like that? Your judgment was clouded by your loyalty to Re-Estize. You were obsessed with defending the kingdom's 'honor' and 'pride,' but let's be real—it was the most corrupt nation there was!"
Evileye's words struck Lakyus like a hammer. The truth was undeniable. Lakyus closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she struggled to regain her composure.
"I...I need more time to think about all this. Let's just focus on what we're here for." Lakyus said, taking the mantle of leader and putting the discussion aside for the moment.
With that, Lakyus resumed her position at the front, putting the heated discussion aside for the moment. The group continued their walk through the grandiose halls, taking in the magnificent illustrations that adorned the walls—so lifelike that they seemed ready to leap from their frames at any moment.
"Never knew we would walk through the legendary floating city." Tina murmured in awe.
"Yeah, who knew, maybe the Eight Greed Kings even walked through here once. Eh, maybe not, since its quite a big place to live in." Gagaran added.
"We're gonna meet with Platinum Dragon Lord soon, also known as Lord Tsaindorcus Vaision. When we're face to face, show some respect to the old man, alright." Evileye reminded them, her tone turning serious.
"This is a first for me, meeting a real Dragon Lord. I heard stories when I was a kid, big as mountains, strong as gods." Gagaran said exited.
"Most of that is true. But please do not put it to the test. His power is far beyond my own. We're here as guests." Evileye warned, her eyes narrowing as she shot a look at Gagaran.
"How did Gazef's corpse end up here? Isn't this city far away, somewhere in the Dolor Desert?" Lakyus asked, her tone softening at the mention of the fallen warrior. Though relieved his body hadn't been lost or desecrated, she was still curious.
"Probably teleported here, just like we did." Evileye answered.
"So the Dragon Lord can do that?" Gagaran asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes, he can do that! If you wanna ask what else he can do, we would waste a day or two! Don't question anything he says, and if you don't understand it, ask me after the meeting. I will do the talking. You're just here because we're a team, and Lakyus is needed for the revival. But apart from that, you should keep your mouth closed once we enter the last pair of doors." Evileye instructed firmly. While she was on friendly terms with the dragon, she was not ready for her friends to insult him in any kind of form.
"Understood…" Gagaran inquired no further.
"How did he even get this city from the Eight Greed Kings?" Tia asked.
"Once they defeated each other, he took it for himself. It's really massive and dangerous if traversed alone. I'm unsure if the big guy found everything to know about this place." Evileye was once here a long time ago, and it hadn't changed a bit.
"Couldn't the Dragon Lord give us some weapons to fight the Sorcerer King? I'm sure the Eight Greed Kings had plenty of deadly stuff in their arsenal if they conquered the known world." Gagaran suggested, her mind already imagining new gauntlets or boots she could wield in battle.
"Platinum Dragon Lord is very strict with the things he gives away. You can't expect to get anything from him if he doesn't fully trust you." Evileye said, breaking everyone's hope of getting anything interesting from the dragon. Since his species is known for hoarding treasures, they were sure that he must have some ancient artifacts hidden in the floating castle, not giving them away so easily.
The last pair of doors appeared, two lizardmen standing guard outside.
"You may enter." One said, opening the doors to allow them entry.
Inside, they were met with a sight that took their breath away—a giant dragon with metallic scales gleaming in the light. The creature's presence was overwhelming, its majesty beyond anything they had imagined.
"Welcome, Evileye and Blue Rose." The dragon's deep filled the room, vibrating through their very bones.
"Hi there, Tsain." Evileye greeted. The whole of Blue Rose bowed to show their respects toward the Dragon Lord, except her.
"Good that you made it here." A familiar voice called out. The group turned to see Brain Unglaus and Climb approaching.
"Wha- How are you here?!" Lakyus asked. Still, Blue Rose was surprised by their appearance.
"They didn't just take Gazef's body, but us as well. And I have to say, it's good to see you all." Climb said, his voice trembling, tears forming in his eyes.
"C'mon now, Climb, it's all good. We're back together, don't you see!" Gagaran said enthusiastically.
"All except Princess Renner." Lakyus whispered.
"Yes, all except her." Climb repeated.
"Losing someone close is a pain that never truly fades. But we must not let despair consume us. Lakyus of Blue Rose, if my memory serves, you are the one with the power to revive Gazef Stronoff." Platinum Dragon Lord interjected.
Lakyus turned to the Dragon Lord, a surge of pride swelling within her that such a being would even mention her name.
"That is correct, Lord Tsaindorcus Vaision." She confirmed.
"Please, we are all allies here. You may call me Tsaindorcus, or simply Tsain. I take no offense." The dragon assured. "Gazef has been preserved in ice. I will bring him here now." With the wave of his hand, the dragon conjured forth a block of ice before him, a figure visible in its midst.
"Gazef!" Climb called out as he saw the familiar face. The room fell into silence as all eyes fixed on the body of the fallen hero.
With one claw, the Dragon Lord cracked open the ice block, revealing Gazef's body, still clothed in the kingdom's treasures.
Lakyus, still shocked by the presence of Stronoff's corpse, neared it, prepared to do what must be done.
"[Raise Dead]"
Gazef's body glowed in an ethereal light. All the participants eagerly awaited the man's return. Yet nothing seemed to happen at first–
"Huahhh!"
The Warrior Captain suddenly gasped for air, screaming at the top of his lungs. His body felt weak, as though it had been poisoned, but there was no nausea.
"Whell am I?" Gazef's words were slurred, his tongue still numb from the effects of the resurrection.
"You're back, Gazef!"
The Warrior Captain suddenly felt a force impact on him, two arms clinging around the man as if he was gone for a long time.
"Climb, ith thath you?" Gazef could not believe it, his heart pounding rhythmically at the sight of his comrade.
"And me." Brain said, stepping forward with a grin and extending a hand to help Gazef up.
"My eyeth are all blurry." Gazef muttered, but he could make out the outline of Brain's blue hair.
He reached out, but his strength failed him, and he slumped back down.
"All that armor is dead weight right now. We should remove it." Climb suggested, and Brain nodded.
"We should get him to some safe place, maybe an inn where he can rest." The Sword Saint added.
"I agree. Evileye, could you perhaps teleport Gazef and his friends to an inn beneath?" Tsaindorcus asked politely, his massive eyes focusing on the masked vampire.
"Sure thing." Evileye replied, stepping closer to the three men. "Grab my shoulders." Brain and Climb did as told. Evileye then kept Gazef's hand in her grip, teleporting the three away.
"There they go." Gagaran said.
Now, only the four remaining members of Blue Rose stood in the chamber with the Platinum Dragon Lord.
"Ahh, Lakyus, it seems your uncle just arrived." Tsaindorcus said, his tone casual, as though discussing the weather.
Lakyus's eyes widened in surprise. Her uncle, who she had thought was in hiding, was here according to the Dragon Lord's words.
"Hey, there!" She heard a familiar voice from behind.
She turned quickly and saw the familiar suit her uncle always wore.
"Uncle!" She cried, rushing toward him with open arms. Azuth emerged from the suit and caught his niece in a warm embrace.
"It's good to see you, kid."
"I missed you!"
The scene was heartwarming, bringing a smile even to the stoic face of Tsaindorcus Vaision.
"You know, I heard what happened with you and your team. And you really don't have to be that angry with them. They saved your life, after all. I wouldn't have seen you again if they didn't." That was a good point. If she stayed, she would have fought for nothing, not even the lives of her friends and family. She would just be another corpse added to the piles the Sorcerer Kingdom massacred.
"I know. But I'm still angry." Lakyus retorted, bringing her uncle to laugh.
"Yep, you're the Lakyus I remember."
Evileye reappeared just then, noticing the happy reunion.
"Did I miss something?" She asked.
Gagaran, tear-filled eyes, answered. "They just had a reunion."
"I see." She then turned to the Dragon Lord. "So, since you got yourself involved, you're probably planning to defeat the Sorcerer King. Am I right?"
"Whether I am the one to do so is still uncertain. But the player known as Ainz Ooal Gown must be eliminated—no matter the cost." Platinum Dragon Lord said.
"Player?" Lakyus asked, raising her brow.
"Yes, I am certain that he is one. His subordinates are likely beings brought into this world by players. However, I am unsure if he is alone. Information about him is scarce." The dragon confessed.
"So, an otherworldly undead that has god-like powers..." Lakyus's voice trailed off, filled with despair. Evileye had once explained what a player was. The thought was terrifying, but coming from a being like the Dragon Lord, it was likely the truth. A being such as it would not need to lie. Simply assert its will in every way.
"...Yes. Sadly, players appear every century or so and bring great calamities with them." He explained.
"But not all players!" Evileye quickly corrected him.
"Ah, yes, not all were evil and destructive." The Dragon Lord said reluctantly.
"Is there a way to stop them?" Lakyus asked, a flicker of hope in her voice.
"They are extremely powerful. Players are masters of Tier Magic and probably know everything about it. Their kind is still a mystery, as they appear in all shapes and forms. Their ability to grow in strength quickly is ridiculously powerful when they don't have reached their limit." Tsaindorcus explained.
"They can also use spells of the 10th Tier." Evileye stated.
The others stared at her, jaws dropping in disbelief.
"You can't be serious. Don't joke around." Lakyus said.
"She speaks the truth. What you call the 10th Tier is the domain of players." The dragon confirmed.
"B-But that's t-the domain of g-gods…" Lakyus stuttered. Her belief in her god couldn't allow her to accept such a thing as truth. No, she denied even thinking about it.
"And Ainz Ooal Gown can probably use that Tier…" Evileye affirmed.
"Well, then I say we just forget about fighting him and run as far away as possible! Maybe some faraway country!" Gagaran offered to run away and never look back. The memories they made in the kingdom were never going to be relived again. Everything that they knew was destroyed by one malicious being.
"You can do that. But if I call for aid, I hope that you, Lakyus of Blue Rose, and Evileye, along with any allies you can gather, will join me in opposing the undead king." Tsaindorcus said.
"We'll be here." Evileye looked to Lakyus, nodding.
"Very well. Then I wish you safe travels, Blue Rose."
discord . gg / h6cpJ5d3xh
Here's my discord invitation code. Join if you're interested in becoming a proofreader of my next chapters, or you just want to hang around. Both work.
The next chapter is here! So, hope you like it! Ainz still hasn't fought the final battle in the arena, and that is yet to come with a great surprise!
If you think Gazef wouldn't be able to be revived, I disagree. He wished he would not want to come back to life, but I think he wouldn't waste the chance to protect his king and his people.
Also, people complained that Gazef shouldn't be able to be revived because of [True Death], and [Raise Dead] wouldn't work. Prior to their meeting PDL had removed all status effects from Gazef's body allowing him to be revived by an 5th Tier Spell.
And no, Lakyus doesn't hate her uncle, if you don't believe me go to the wiki or join my dc where you'll get it explained.
