Chapter 4: Ruler of Death and Aesir Lord.
Crane Village
"There they are. It looks like they've surrounded us in equal intervals." Gazef Stronoff said as he peeked out from within a building on the outskirts, eyeing the soldiers gating the village and trapping its occupants
"Do you have some idea of who they are?" Ainz asked. Ben stood a few feet away from the discussing men; analysing the threats with Albedo standing dutifully at his side.
"Only the Slane Theocracy could mobilize this many magic casters," Gazef answered. "And it seems they're part of the special ops unit directly under the head priest. It must be one of the six scriptures."
"Then, the ones who attacked the village earlier?..." Ainz prompted, hoping Gazef would confirm his prior line of reasoning.
"They were dressed as soldiers from the empire, but it looks as though they were actually from the Slane Theocracy," he confirmed
"Does this village hold that much value?" Ainz asked. Gazef seemed to be a pretty straightforward fellow, and Ainz respected that.
"If you have no idea why they are attacking, then there is only one reason they are attacking this place," he said.
"They're after you." Ben said, his eyes still fixed on the armies surrounding the city
"It seems you are quite despised, head warrior," Ainz replied.
"This is quite a problem," he agreed with an expression somewhere between a grimace and a smile. "To think that even the Slane Theocracy is after me…"
"But those creatures look like Archangel Flames. Why is a monster from Yggdrasil here?" Ainz mused to himself
Interrupting his thoughts, Gazef spoke. "Sir Gown," he said, still eying the silent sentinels outside. "I'd like to hire you, if possible. I will be sure to reward you as you wish."
"I decline," Ainz stated, causing Ben to sigh from his end of the room. Turning away from the window, Ben started walking out of the room with Albedo closely behind him. "Ben?"
"I'm meeting up with the Village Elder to help round up everyone." Ben said before noticing Albedo following him. "Albedo-"
"Please Lord Ben, allow me aid you with this task." She pleaded. "Let me prove myself useful to you."
"Albedo, you don't need to prove anything to me." Ben sighed and after a brief pause, he signaled her to follow him. "Let's go."
Gazef watched as Albedo followed Ben out of the house before turning to Ainz. "He's far nicer than most young nobles I've met."
"How so?"
"Most nobles won't even bother to help small villages like this, let alone listen to their subordinate's request ." Gazef said
"I guess you're right." Ainz hummed thoughtfully. "Though I doubt he would be too comfortable with being called a noble, or Albedo his subordinate."
"I see," Gazef responded. "Then, please take care, Sir Gown. Thank you again for saving this village." He reached out and shook Ainz's hand, placing his other hand on top of their joined hands once Ainz accepted the hand shake, he continued, "I am really, truly grateful. I know this is a selfish request, but please protect them once more. I have nothing to give you at this moment, but I beg of you. I beg," he started to kneel before Ainz, but the robed sorcerer stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
"There is no need for you to go that far," Ainz intoned. "I understand. You may rest assured; the villagers will be safe. I will put my name, Ainz Ooal Gown, on the line."
Looking visibly relieved, Gazef stood once more. "Then I will have nothing to worry about. I shall simply focus on the enemy before me!"
"Please, take this," Ainz said, proffering a small wooden idol.
"A gift from one such as you?" the man said, inspecting the item in Ainz's hand. "I will accept it gratefully." He took it and placed it in a pack at his hip. "I hope to see you again some time. Send my regards to Ben and Lady Albedo."
"I wish you luck in battle," Gazef said.
Sighing, Ainz watched as Gazef mounted his horse and led his cavalry out of the village. "When I first met the humans here, I saw them as no more than insects, as you do. But, the more I speak with them, the fonder I grow. Like a child among helpless animals."
As Ainz was still deep in thought, the village elder suddenly approached him. "Lord Ainz, why is the head warrior leaving?"
"Their aim is the head warrior," Ainz responded. "He is going to break their formation and give us a means of escape." He added before facing the man. "Are you and Ben having any trouble rounding up the villagers?"
"Forgive me Lord Ainz, but I haven't seen Lord Ben yet." The Man said shocking Ainz slightly
"That's strange. He told me he was meeting up with you." Ainz said before noticing the sudden appearance of a blue veil, trickling down from a peak in the open sky above the village. "Ben…what are you planning..."
Meanwhile…
On noticing the forming veil, Gazef quickly led his cavalry in an arrowhead formation toward the ring surrounding the village. "Break through the soldiers and lead the enemy away from the village!" he shouted over the thundering hooves of the horses they rode. "After that, continue to retreat! Don't miss the timing!"
As they approached the perimeter held by the enemy, the head warrior drew the bow he had slung over his shoulder and loosed an arrow, but instead of hitting the Sentinel, it struck harmlessly on the now complete barrier surrounding the area.
Halting his soldiers to inspect the barrier, Gazef noticed that the Sentinels who had been guarding the Village were now stones. "What the hell is going on?" He asked himself
Slane Theocracy, Supreme Executive Council
A table made of gleaming black stone sat in the center of the room, surrounded by six luxurious chairs, all of which were occupied by six different individuals garbed in priestly robes.
These were non other than the Six Cardinals, the ruling Council of the Slane Theocracy.
From the first to last seat sat Berenice Nagua Santini, the Cardinal of Fire, Zinedine Delan Guelfi, the Cardinal of Water, Dominic Ihre Partouche, the Cardinal of Wind, Raymond Zarg Lauransan, the Cardinal of Earth and commander of the Six Scriptures, Yvon Jasna Delacroix, the Cardinal of Light and finally Maximilian Oreio Lagier, the Cardinal of Darkness.
All Cardinal members sat in silence as they gazed at the 'Orb of Viewing' which rested at the center of the table. The orb in question was projecting the image of Nigun and the Magic casters of the Sunlit Scripture.
The silence in the room was finally broken when one of the Cardinal members change the focus of the orb to two individuals casually walking towards Nigun's troops
"Is that Gazef?" Zinedine asked as he studied the young man who was walking beside an armored figure; female if the armor was anything to go by off
"Gazef is not a magic caster." Berenice said with a scoff. "Perhaps this is one of his lackeys?"
"Still, it seems foolish to send only two individuals to face the full might of the Sunlit Scripture." Dominic said
"I highly doubt that." Yvon scoffed. "Those two were most likely sent by Gazef to beg for Nigun's mercy. A shame they will be receiving none."
"They've stopped." Raymond announced, causing the other Cardinals to raise a brow.
"Maybe fear has frozen them." Yvon said. The others were about to agree with his reasoning when suddenly the young male looked straight at them; clearly aware of the orbs magic.
"Impossible!" Maximalian slammed his hand on the table, before voicing everyones shock. "There is no way anyone can detect the orb's surveillance without the use of anti-divination spells!"
As the Cardinals began to murmur amongst themselves, Raymond silently casted [Mana Essence, causing a scared expression to slowly form on his face.
The spell [Mana Essence] permitted him to perceive his opponent's mana for a while, and so the boy's mana appeared before him. "How can one individual…possess this level of power." he whispered to himself, but the other Cardinal members were still able to hear him. Before Raymond could be questioned by the Cardinals, the orb on the table suddenly shattered into many pieces as a result of the boy whispering something.
For a brief moment, the entire room sat in silence as they all stared at the now destroyed orb. Said silence was broken as Raymond muttered five words that sent shiver down their spines
"The Sunlit Scripture is Lost."
Crane Village
What the hell?" Gazef cursed, striking on the blue curtain with his sword in an attempt to break through.
A wave of dread and puzzlement washed over Gazef. "Are they trying to destroy the village with a single spell? Is that even possible." he thought to himself
"Head Warrior!" a voice called from behind Gazef.
"Sir Gown." Gazef hurriedly rush to meet Ainz for answers. "What's happening?!" He asked fretfully
"There's no need to Panic Head Warrior." Ainz said not looking at Gazef, but the veil. "This is Ben's doing."
"What?!" One of Gazef's soldier yelled in shock. "You telling me that boy did this?!"
Ignoring the soldier, Ainz curiously stuck his hand toward the dome, and rather than making contact with it, his arm sunk deep into it.
"So that's how it is." Ainz thought as he continued to observe the dorm. "He created it to prevent living beings from leaving or entering. But since I'm an undead, it doesn't apply to me. Smart."
"Head Warrior Gazef." Ainz called
"Yes?"
"I want you and your men to return back to the village." Ainz said before walking through the veil. "I on the other hand, will be heading out to aid Ben."
"Thank you, Sir Gown." Gazef said
"I advise you save your thanks for when Ben returns." Ainz said
Earlier…
"[Greater Anti-Life Cocoon]." Ben said, casting a city wide dome around the village of Crane. Throwing one last look at the petrified sentinels, Ben started heading off towards the larger fleet of Mages, with Albedo by his side.
"Albedo."
"Yes Lord Ben?"
"I want to apologize for making you an accomplice to my deception." Ben said, referring to the lie he told Ainz
"You don't need to apologize to me Lord Ben." Albedo said. "No matter what decisions you take, I will be always there to support you. Even if the whole world turns against you."
"Thank you Albedo, that means a lot to me." Ben said, unknown to him that the Succubus was turning red under her armor. As the duo got closer to Nigun's troops, Ben suddenly stopped walking, prompting Albedo to raise a brow
"Is something wrong Lord Ben?" She asked
"Detection magic." Ben said as he looked to the sky, staring directly at the invisible eye watching them. "To think that this world has people who can use long range detection magic. [Break Down]." he muttered, causing the Eye to instantly collapse on itself. "Let's go Albedo."
…Present time
"Who are you?" Nigun asked as he started at the two individuals before his army. "I was under the impression that Gazef would be here."
"Man I hate large crowds." Ben thought as he took note of the numbers Infront of him. "Time to put up a show until Ainz gets here."
"Greetings, people of the Slane Theocracy," Ben intoned. "My name is Ben Strega, Emissary of the Great Ainz Ooal Gown."
"I am Nigun, Captain of the Sunlit Scripture. Tell me, who is this Ainz Ooal Gown you speak of?" Nigun asked. "I have never heard of him."
"He is the man who protects this village."
"Is that so? Tell me Strega, has he sent you to beg for the lives of the villagers?" Nigun asked mockingly. "Or have you come to beg for your life instead?"
"Forgive me Captain Nigun, I was under the impression Gazef Stronoff was your target?" Ben asked
"Killing Gazef is our primary assignment." Nigun confirmed. "But after he is killed, that village will be next."
"Is that so?" Ben asked with an edge to his voice
"Is there a problem, BEN?" Nigun asked mockingly, prompting his subordinates to laugh
"I can't believe this." Ben growled in disbelief, instantly shutting their laughter. "I can't believe I actually thought I could reason with you lots."
"Well, you could always negotiate your surrender." Nigun said
"No."
"No you say?" Nigun asked
"No." Ben repeated. "The time for negotiation is over. The fact you intend to slaughter this village has destroyed any room you had to negotiate."
"Really Now?" Nigun asked. "Tell me magic caster, what will you do now?"
"I'm left with no choice but to kill you." Ben said
"Such insolence." Nigun hissed. "Dispose of this fool."
Two of the angels surged forward and attempted to skewer Ben with their swords, and at first it seemed like it worked. Nigun confidently taunted, "How pathetic. This is what happens when you make stupid bluffs."
But as he looked closely, he noticed that the angels seemed to be struggling to break through an invisible force. Ben had his hands behind his back as he watched the angels aimlessly attack him. Ben's invisible defense was as a result of the passive skill [Rune of Protection, which nullifies low level physical and magical attacks
"Are you done?" Ben asked, causing the magic casters surrounding them to slowly back away, as fearful mutterings could be heard even from the distance between them. "[Ignite]." The angels were instantly set ablaze, before scattering into light particles. "I'm curious to know how you can use the same magic and summons from Yggdrasil, but I'll set aside my curiosities and deal with you first.
"Albedo, stand back," Ben said causing her to hurriedly comply. Nigun and his men directed all of their Archangel Flames to attack him. As they converged upon on him, Ben used the spell [Negative Burst, surrounding himself with a dark sphere that rapidly expanded and obliterated all of his attackers in one fell swoop.
If the company before him had shown fear previously, it was nothing compared to their current reaction. Several scrambled backwards in an attempt to save themselves, others tripped over themselves trying to get away. All sense of order in their ranks devolved into discord as each caster seemed to simultaneously decide that they could best the boy before them with numbers.
The air was filled with their shouting as Ben was fruitlessly bombarded with weak spell after weak spell. From the names he was able to pick out of their cacophonic cries, he realized they were indeed using spells from Yggdrasil. "I'll need to look into this later." As he was pondering this, one of the casters tried to use a slingshot on him, but Albedo rushed Infront of him before decapitating the man, creating a fountain of blood that stained the area.
"There's no need to waste your strength Albedo." Ben said
"I beg your pardon, Lord Ben." Albedo said. "But if someone wishes to fight a Supreme Being, such as you, they should at least be able to best me. These men are mere pebbles fighting a mountain."
"I'm afraid they wouldn't meet your requirements in ten lifetimes." Ben commented with a slight chuckle, looking towards the once-confident commander.
This seemed to trigger even more fear from Nigun. "Principality of Observation! Attack!"
A lone, massive angel floating near Nigun wielding a shield and mace glowed in response to the command. It slowly floated towards Ben, reared back, and struck with its shining mace. However, it was all for naught as Ben's passive skill stopped the strike.
"[Dragon Lightning]" with a single gesture, he sent forth a bolt of lightning which punched a hole through the creatures chest.
"O-one hit?.." Nigun breathed out. "That's impossible! There's no way a high-level angel could be destroyed so easily!"
Their panic had been evident before, but the soldiers were positively beside themselves now. All sense of formation and composure were gone. Some desperately called to Nigun for help or for orders. Seeing their panic emboldened his own, and he decided it was time to use his trump card. "We will summon the highest level angel!" he declared.
From within his robes, he pulled out a large, light-blue crystal with a glowing core. As Ben observed it, he realized that it was a sealing crystal meant for magic other than top tier spells. It seemed they even possessed items from Yggdrasil. "Albedo. I believe your skills may be required" Ben said
"Understood." She answered, immediately retreating to his side
"Dominion Authority!" Nigun called, hefting the crystal high above his head.
The glow from the crystal's core shined momentarily to a level that was blinding. When the light cleared, another, even larger angel floated in the air before them. This one was easily double the size of the one Ben had just destroyed, and it had eight wings. In its hands, it held a large staff capped with metallic protrusions designed both for stabbing and bludgeoning.
"This…this, is your trump card?" Ben asked, incredulous.
"That's right!" Nigun roared, regaining some of his former confidence. "I have deemed you worthy of using this item! Finally regretting your defiance?"
"Hahahaha." Ben couldn't help but laugh out loud as he held his hand over his mouth in an attempt to cull his laughter. "Sorry about that…I was honestly expecting something stronger and not this child's play."
"Ch-child's play? What are you saying?" Nigun muttered. "I-It can't be…No, it's impossible! No way. You're, lying! Mankind can't compete with its might!"
"Is that so?" Ben asked as he stepped forward while deactivating his passive abilities. "Then take your best shot."
"I'll show you! Smite him with your divine power! Dominion Authority is the holy product of seventh tier magic! Nothing can survive it!"
The creature in question raised one hand in Ben's direction. Its hand glowed, and after a few seconds of charging its skill, a radiant white light rained down upon him from the heavens. As it cascaded over him, he couldn't help but chuckle; the sensation was so minimal. It stung a little, but it barely affected him. "So this is damage?" he chuckled. "This is pain."
"You…You humans!" Albedo screamed, her hands writhing in anger as she swung her axe sporadically in her fit of rage. "That's my love! My beloved Lord Ben, the ruler of my heart and soul! You caused him pain! And for that, you will know hell!"
"Albedo, calm down," Ben said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's fine."
"But my love…"
"I barely even registered it." Ben said
"That was reckless of you." Ben and Albedo turned to the form of Ainz, who had just arrived via teleportation. "To think you would take an attack head on without any defense is beneath you."
"What took you so long?" Ben asked.
"What's the matter, were you getting tired of being my spokesman?" Ainz asked
"Obviously." Ben answered causing the older man to chuckle
"Then allow me to take over from here." Ainz said before pointing a finger at the angel floating in front of him. "[Black Hole]."
A small black orb appeared in front of the angel. With a violent hissing sound, it started to draw in all surrounding matter, including the angel. Its body warped and contorted as it was quickly drawn into the orb and crushed into nothingness. As it disappeared, the plain was silent for a brief span of seconds. Some of the casters simply collapsed.
Nigun whimpered. "A power that surpasses demons…who in the world are you?"
"My name is Ainz Ooal Gown," Ainz stated. "In the past, there was no one who did not know this name."
"W-w-wait!" Nigun shouted. "Sir Ainz Ooal Gown, n-no, Lord! All of us… No, I alone am enough! If you spare my life, I will give you whatever r-reward you wish!"
"Idiot." Ben said, causing Nigun to flinch. "Have you forgotten what I told you? The time for negotiation is over."
"You human disrespected Lord Ben's kindness." Albedo said in a composed and stately manner. "For that you should bow your head and be thankful when your lives are taken."
Nigun's expression was one of absolute fear. "Humans…?.."
Ainz removed the mask as his red eyes glowed with power. "I will make sure your death is painless."
"Please!" Nigun begged
"There is no atonement for you." Ben said as the entire field became covered with various elemental Sigil. "Just perish." In an instant the entire Sunlit Scripture was bombarded with various wazes of magic, killing them all in an instant
Crane Village
On returning back to the village, Gazef had intended to pay Ainz and Ben for their aid, but the later refused his offer, requesting information about the surrounding nations and a map of the kingdoms.
Right now, Ainz is discussing with the Village Elder and Gazef, while Ben is overseeing the repairs of the village.
"I wonder if I did the right thing by killing those soldiers?" Ben wondered. "Now that I think about it, I should have at least left one of them alive for questioning." He sighed
As he was pondering the possible outcomes of his actions, he heard Albedo speak up behind him. "Whoa…You were so cool, Lord Ben…" she giggled, an adorable smile settling on her features.
"Same could be said about you as well. " Ben said, having heard her. "I noticed you did not call those humans lower lifeforms when we encountered them. You've also been helping Enri and Nemu"
"I…eh…" Albedo stuttered, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I am learning to tolerate humans…for you Lord Ben."
"I appreciate your effort." Ben said genuinely. "Also between me and you, you don't have to call me Lord Ben. Just Ben is okay."
"Ku, kufu! Am, am I really allowed to do that? Would it not be disrespectful to shorten your name?"
Ben did not think that it was a big deal. Besides, she was making an effort against her settings for his sake, the least he could do for her is make her happy. "It's fine, Albedo. It's just between the two of us."
"I understand…Ben." Albedo twisted her body shyly.
"Better." Ben said
"As always, you are too good to me, Ben…" Albedo said in a breathy whisper, pressing herself up against him.
"Albedo, wh-what are you-" Ben gasped out. Getting slightly uncomfortable, he quickly interrupted her. "Albedo, I think it's about time we returned home. I hope you don't mind getting Ainz for me."
"As you wish my love," Albedo replied before walking off
"Man, that was close." Ben whispered to himself before smiling.
Nazarick
Ainz rested on the throne, while Ben stood by his side. Most of the floor guardians had gathered before them. Ainz looked out upon them as they knelt before him, silent for a few seconds as they waited for him to speak. "First, Ben and I apologize for moving on our own. Albedo will tell you of the events that transpired in Carne Village. However, there is a more pressing matter I want to attend to. [Greater Break Item]."
All the Guardians gasped in unison
"I have changed my name. From this day forward, I will be known as: Ainz Ooal Gown!." Ainz announced. "If you have any objections, stand and voice them now."
Albedo, with her head bowed, called, "We have heard your command, and as always, we devote absolute loyalty. Hail Lord Ainz Ooal Gown!"
"Hail Lord Ainz Ooal Gown!" the others echoed.
"We shall give ourselves completely to the Supreme One!" Shalltear practically moaned.
"For Fuck sake Shalltear, you just had to make things weird." Ben mentally groaned
"To the most powerful king," Aura and Mare said in unison.
"Everyone in this world will know of your greatness," Demiurge added, pushing up his glasses with one hand.
"The one who rules over all, our king," Cocytus continued.
"Glory to the Overlord, the ruler of death!" Albedo finished.
"This is an absolute order," Ainz intoned. "Make Ainz Ooal Gown an eternal legend!"
Later…
The guardians stood as the supreme beings left the chamber. Albedo was the first to speak. "Demiurge, tell everyone of the conversation Lord Ainz had with Lord Ben."
Demiurge rose to his feet behind Albedo. "As our lords gazed upon the night sky, Lord Ainz said: 'I may have come to this land to obtain this untouched box of treasures.' And, ultimately, he said to Lord Ben: 'Taking over the world might be the only enjoyable thing now."
"Everyone," Albedo followed almost immediately, "Know that the final goal of the Great Tomb of Nazarick is to present this world, this box of treasures, to Lord Ainz and Ben!"