Chapter 3:
Shalltear Report Ainz
Two weeks had passed since Shalltear and Arlen left the small village behind, embarking on a journey deeper into the wilderness. During that time, Shalltear had pushed Arlen relentlessly, his training intensifying with each passing day. They travelled through dense forests, over rolling hills, and even crossed a river, all while Shalltear continued to guide him in refining his skills. The boy had grown noticeably stronger, his once-awkward attempts at magic now becoming more refined, his movements sharper and more fluid.
Arlen's repertoire of magic-enhanced abilities had expanded considerably. His mastery over the basic wind and fire spells had improved significantly, and he had even begun incorporating other elements. During their journey, they had encountered a water mage performing simple spells by a lakeside, and Arlen, ever eager to learn, had managed to incorporate the essence of water magic into his swordplay. "Aqua Slash" had become one of his newest moves, a fluid strike that carried the force of flowing water. He had also managed to observe a minor earth spell, which he had adapted into "Earthen Guard," using it to create a defensive stance where the ground beneath him hardened, giving him stability and extra defence.
Shalltear had watched his progress with a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. Arlen's potential seemed limitless, and his unwavering determination to protect her—and himself—continued to motivate him. She had not allowed herself to go easy on him, knowing that true strength was forged through adversity. She also made sure to keep her true nature hidden, slipping away occasionally at night to feed, always returning before Arlen awoke, her thirst sated and her expression serene.
But Shalltear knew it was time for her to report back to Ainz. Her master would want to know about Arlen's progress, about his potential, and she could not delay the inevitable meeting any longer. They made camp one evening in a secluded glade, and Shalltear instructed Arlen to practice his breathing and focus exercises. She needed to take care of business.
Leaving the camp, she moved to a quieter part of the forest, her gaze narrowing as she concentrated. A portal opened before her, swirling with dark energy, and she stepped through, emerging in the familiar, grand halls of Nazarick. The temperature difference was immediate, the air filled with an oppressive aura of power, and Shalltear felt the weight of her duties return in full force.
She walked through the halls until she reached the throne room, where Ainz Ooal Gown, her master, sat in his imposing throne. Albedo stood beside him, her eyes filled with her usual admiration for their leader. As Shalltear approached, she bowed deeply, her crimson eyes fixed respectfully on the floor.
"Lord Ainz, I have returned to give my report," Shalltear said, her voice clear and formal. She could feel Albedo's gaze on her, sharp and curious.
Ainz leaned forward slightly, his hollow eyes glowing beneath his skeletal visage. "Rise, Shalltear. I am interested to hear what you have to say. How fares your mission? How is the boy you mentioned in your earlier report?"
Shalltear straightened, her expression composed. "The boy, Arlen, has shown significant progress. His ability to absorb magic and incorporate it into his swordplay is impressive. He has mastered several basic elemental techniques, including wind, fire, water, and even a minor earth spell for defensive purposes. His dedication is unwavering, and he continues to grow stronger each day."
Ainz was silent for a moment, his glowing eyes seeming to study her. "Interesting," he finally said, his voice deep and thoughtful. "This boy—do you believe he could become a valuable asset to Nazarick?"
Shalltear nodded. "Yes, Lord Ainz. Given time, I believe Arlen could become a powerful ally. He is loyal and driven. He wishes to grow stronger, not just for his own sake, but to protect me as well."
Albedo, who had been silent until now, let out a soft chuckle, her eyes narrowing with a hint of amusement. "Oh my, Shalltear. It almost sounds as if you're growing attached to this human. How unlike you."
Shalltear's eyes flicked towards Albedo, her lips curving into a small, almost defiant smile. "I am merely ensuring that he reaches his full potential, Albedo. Nothing more."
Albedo smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Of course, of course. Though I must say, it's quite entertaining to see you playing the role of a mentor." She paused, her eyes glinting mischievously. "I wonder if the boy knows just how fortunate he is to have such an... attentive teacher."
Shalltear suppressed the urge to snap back, instead keeping her gaze focused on Ainz. "My loyalty remains with you, Lord Ainz, and to Nazarick. I only wish to prove myself worthy of the trust you have placed in me."
Ainz raised a hand, and Albedo fell silent, her teasing smile fading. He regarded Shalltear for a moment longer before nodding. "Very well, Shalltear. Continue your mission. Observe the boy, train him, and determine his true potential. If he proves himself, then perhaps he will have a place here in Nazarick. Until then, proceed with caution."
Shalltear bowed deeply. "Yes, Lord Ainz. I will not fail you."
Ainz waved a hand dismissively, signalling the end of the audience. Shalltear turned to leave, feeling Albedo's eyes on her as she walked away. She knew Albedo found amusement in her situation, but Shalltear did not care. Her mission was clear, and she would see it through, no matter what it took.
As she stepped through the portal and returned to the forest, the cool night air greeted her, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere of Nazarick. She took a deep breath, centring herself before returning to the camp. Arlen was still practicing, his eyes closed in concentration, his movements smooth as he worked on his breathing and focus.
Shalltear watched him for a moment, her gaze softening. Albedo's words echoed in her mind, but she pushed them aside. She would not allow herself to become distracted. Arlen was her charge, her responsibility, and she would ensure that he became everything he was capable of being.
"That's enough for tonight," she called out, her voice carrying across the clearing. Arlen opened his eyes, lowering his sword as he looked at her, a tired but determined smile on his face.
"Did you take care of everything you needed to, Shalltear?" he asked, his tone curious but respectful.
Shalltear nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yes. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, we continue." She paused, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer. "You've done well, Arlen. Keep it up."
Arlen's smile widened, and he nodded. "I will. Thank you, Shalltear."
As the fire crackled softly and the stars twinkled above, Shalltear allowed herself a moment of quiet reflection. Whatever the future held, she knew one thing for certain—she would guide Arlen, protect him, and perhaps, in doing so, find a part of herself she had long forgotten.
Shalltear Arlen Roadblock
The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the forest as Shalltear and Arlen continued their journey. The air was cool, the kind of crispness that hinted at the approach of autumn. The past two weeks had been gruelling, but rewarding for Arlen. His training had become more intense, with Shalltear introducing new techniques and pushing him to master his elemental abilities. Each day was a test of his endurance, skill, and willingness to push beyond his perceived limits.
Arlen had grown accustomed to the relentless pace. He had stopped questioning the severity of his training, understanding that Shalltear's methods were deliberate. Each exercise, each repetition, had a purpose, and though he was exhausted at the end of every day, he could feel himself getting stronger. He had gained a better grasp over the wind magic, using it not just for attacks but also to enhance his mobility. His "Gale Step" allowed him to move faster, almost gliding over the terrain, a technique that Shalltear had pushed him to perfect.
"You're progressing well," Shalltear said, her eyes studying him critically as they walked. Arlen's chest swelled with pride at the rare praise. "But remember, Arlen, strength without control is dangerous. Mastery comes when you can adapt, when you can make the power yours in any situation."
Arlen nodded, her words resonating with him. He was beginning to understand what she meant—how the flow of magic should be an extension of himself, not just a tool to wield. It was a lesson that had taken time to sink in, and he knew he still had far to go.
As they continued along the forest path, Shalltear suddenly halted, her crimson eyes narrowing as she scanned the surroundings. Arlen stopped as well, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword.
"What is it?" he asked, his voice low.
Shalltear didn't respond immediately, her gaze fixed on something in the distance. A moment later, Arlen heard it too—a faint rustling, the sound of movement in the underbrush. It was too deliberate to be the wind or an animal. Shalltear stepped forward, her expression cold and focused.
"We're not alone," she said quietly, her eyes glinting with a dangerous light. She gestured for Arlen to stay close, her senses extending outward as she tried to gauge the presence she had detected.
From the shadows of the forest, a group of figures emerged—bandits, their faces covered with crude masks, their weapons drawn. There were five of them, their eyes glinting with malice as they approached. The leader, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, his voice dripping with arrogance.
"Well, well, what do we have here? A couple of travellers, all alone in the woods," he said, his gaze moving between Shalltear and Arlen. He seemed to linger on Shalltear, a greedy smile curling his lips. "You picked a bad place to wander, lady."
Arlen stepped in front of Shalltear, his sword drawn, his eyes hard. "Leave now," he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "We don't want trouble."
The bandit leader laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "You hear that, boys? He doesn't want trouble." The other bandits chuckled, their weapons raised as they moved to surround Shalltear and Arlen.
Shalltear's expression remained unchanged, her eyes cold as she assessed the situation. These men were nothing compared to the threats she had faced in her long existence. She could eliminate them without a second thought, but she hesitated. This was another opportunity for Arlen—to face a real threat, to apply what he had learned under pressure.
"Arlen," she said, her voice calm. "Handle them. Show me what you've learned."
Arlen glanced at her, surprise flickering in his eyes, but he nodded. He took a deep breath, centring himself. He could feel the magic within him, the elements he had practiced day after day. He knew this was a test, and he would not fail.
The first bandit lunged at him, a crude axe swinging through the air. Arlen sidestepped, his movements smooth, his body light with the aid of his "Gale Step." He countered with a swift slash, his blade trailing with a hint of wind magic, cutting through the bandit's arm and sending him sprawling to the ground with a cry.
Another bandit rushed in, this one wielding a short sword. Arlen ducked under the strike, his hand moving in a quick arc as he summoned water magic, his blade glowing with a blue sheen. "Aqua Slash" cut through the bandit's defence, the force of water pushing him back, knocking him off balance.
The remaining bandits hesitated, their confidence wavering as they watched Arlen dispatch their comrades with ease. The leader snarled, his eyes narrowing. He charged at Arlen, his weapon raised high, but Arlen was ready. He channelled the earth magic he had learned, his stance shifting as he grounded himself, "Earthen Guard" giving him stability. He blocked the heavy strike, the force reverberating through his body but leaving him unmoved.
With a grunt of effort, Arlen pushed back, his blade igniting with fire magic as he swung upward. "Flame Arc" connected, the flames scorching the bandit leader's chest, sending him crashing to the ground with a scream.
The last two bandits, seeing their leader fall, turned and ran, their courage shattered. Arlen didn't pursue them, his chest heaving as he lowered his sword. He turned to Shalltear, his eyes searching for her reaction.
She stepped forward, her eyes meeting his, a small smile playing on her lips. "Well done," she said, her voice holding a note of approval. "You handled yourself well. Your control is improving."
Arlen let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his shoulders relaxing. "Thank you, Shalltear. I… I just focused on everything you taught me."
Shalltear nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Good. But remember, this was just a small challenge. There will be far greater threats ahead, and you must be ready for them. Continue to train, continue to push yourself."
Arlen nodded, determination in his eyes. "I will. I promise."
Shalltear's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she turned away, her eyes scanning the forest once more. "Come. We should keep moving. It won't be long before those bandits find more of their kind, and I'd rather not deal with another interruption."
Arlen sheathed his sword, falling into step beside her as they continued along the path. The adrenaline from the fight still coursed through his veins, but he felt a sense of pride—a sense that he was truly beginning to understand what Shalltear was trying to teach him. And as they moved deeper into the forest, he knew that this was just the beginning—that the challenges ahead would only grow more difficult, but he was ready to face them, with Shalltear by his side.