The atmosphere in the room lightened as the conversation shifted away from the grave matters of the Dungeon. The gods' chatter grew more casual, touching on upcoming events and mundane politics.
Demeter tilted her head thoughtfully. "So, Ganesha, about the Monsterphilia? Will you still hold it in four days? Or are you considering canceling it? After all, with all the recent Dungeon outbreaks, I imagine it's been difficult to gather the monsters you need. There's not much time left—do you really think you can pull it off?"
Ainz's imaginary ears perked up as soon as the word 'Monsterphilia' came up. He wanted to know what it was and see if his conjecture was correct.
Ganesha puffed out his chest, striking a dramatic pose. "Of course! I am Ganesha! My children are more than capable of gathering the monsters we need. Monsterphilia will proceed as planned!"
Freya rested her chin delicately on her hand, her piercing gaze fixed on Ganesha. "Hmm. But if everything is rushed, and the fights turn out to be lackluster, wouldn't it be better to cancel? A poor show could tarnish the event's prestige, wouldn't you agree?"
'So it's a showcase, perhaps even a tournament involving monsters. That's much tamer than what I initially suspected.' Ainz inwardly sighed in relief, understanding the gist of the event. 'Damn you, Peroroncino,' he thought, silently cursing his friend's influence on his overactive imagination.
The conversation pivoted again, this time to the reconstruction of Orario and broader political moves.
Demeter spoke up. "Hey, about the alliance that was going to be proposed with Ares and Kali—where will their delegations be stationed? With an entire district destroyed by the 'Holy Weapon' or more like the Dungeons spear,' there's plenty of open space now."
Loki and Apollo both groaned in unison, their reactions swift and identical.
Apollo gestured emphatically. "Oh, hell no. Those two are insufferable. Ares and Kali in Orario? Absolutely not. They'd cause more problems than they're worth. Let's just designate a district outside the walls for them instead."
Loki nodded vigorously. "Agreed. Those two are braindead. Why waste valuable space on them? If we're going to expand, why not save it for gods from other countries? There are plenty of reasonable ones who'd bring value to Orario, unlike those muscle heads."
Ganesha raised his hand to interject, his voice deep as he frowned at the two gods. "Hold on a moment. Are you two suggesting we place Ares and Kali outside the walls? Have you forgotten who guards those gates? That would only create more work for me and my familia! Do you have any idea how much trouble those two would stir up if they were left to their own devices out there? Who's to say they wouldn't just rob merchants and their caravans. "
Loki rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair. "And you think they'd behave any better inside the city? At least outside, the problems they create won't be as significant as if they are inside Orario."
Ganesha shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not. If they're going to join this alliance, they need to be properly monitored. Placing them outside the walls only increases the chances of them causing trouble. Every stray conflict or commotion would inevitably fall back on me to clean up. I'm not adding that to my plate."
Demeter chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I think Ganesha makes a good point. Placing them outside would be asking for chaos. If they're to be part of the alliance, they should have a place where their actions can be observed and controlled."
Ganesha crossed his arms, nodding in agreement. "Exactly. They'll need to prove they can cooperate before we trust them with anything important. But that trust won't come if we isolate them completely."
Freya, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke, her melodic voice cutting through the conversation. "Perhaps it's not just about location but responsibility. If Ares and Kali cause trouble, then the gods who suggested their inclusion in the alliance should bear the burden of keeping them in check."
Her words hung in the air, and a few of the gods exchanged uneasy glances.
Ganesha clapped his hands together, a boisterous laugh escaping him. "There we have it! Let's stop arguing about location and focus on managing them properly. Whether they're inside the city or on the outskirts, it'll take all of us working together to make this alliance work."
Ishtar sighed dramatically, waving a hand. "Fine, though it would be preferable to bring Thor's or Poseidon's familia instead. But Poseidon is in Melen, and who knows if he would even agree to come. As for Thor, his whereabouts remain a mystery."
Goibniu interjected, his tone practical. "Perhaps some gods from the Far East would be a better option than either of them."
Hephaestus nodded in agreement. "That's a possibility. But let's not forget that Ares and Kali's familias are among the strongest outside Orario. Maybe we should also consider reaching out to the School District to involve them earlier. Their expertise could prove invaluable."
Loki snorted, leaning back lazily. "The School District? Their personnel are too few. Honestly, they should open their doors to more people if they want to be relevant in this kind of mess."
Ainz quietly observed the exchange, processing the gods' discussion when, suddenly, his name was called.
"Ainz," Freya's voice rang out, smooth and alluring. "Do you have any suggestions about which gods we might reach out to? Surely, during your time outside Orario, you must have come across a few acquaintances. Maybe you could recommend someone who'd be willing to join."
Ainz's thoughts spun quickly. In truth, he didn't know the names of many gods, let alone ones who could join such an alliance. While he had done brief research on the raid bosses who were gods in Yggdrasil, those entities were already named, and fabricating a connection would risk exposing him as a liar.
He composed himself and replied in an even tone, "Where I lived... it was rather isolated. There were no gods there, so unfortunately, I can't recommend anyone."
Ishtar frowned, her sharp gaze narrowing on him. "How did you even end up here, then? And how did you know about the problems in Orario before arriving? I've heard whispers that you might be a god of time, capable of seeing the future."
Her frown deepened as her thoughts visibly churned. 'But no... to our knowledge, there are no gods who can foresee the future. Or... wait, is there one? No, I swear there isn't. But why do I feel like I've forgotten something important? A god… one I can't recall...'
Ainz felt a momentary flicker of panic, but he quickly remembered the answer he had rehearsed for this scenario. He had a way to validate any claim he made, even if he lacked the abilities she suspected.
"Let's just say that intuition and observation play a significant role," he said cryptically, his skeletal visage unreadable. "As for foresight… well, sometimes patterns in the world speak for themselves."
He thought back to the Dungeon's reactions to his powers. He could, if necessary, stage an event to lend credence to his words. For example, he could claim, 'I foresee a Dungeon break in eight days,' and then orchestrate one. The Dungeon seemed to react strongly to his presence—like the time he had cast a super-tier spell, resulting in a massive break.
Alternatively, he could fabricate the appearance of an unprecedented threat. Ordering a level 40-50 monster, -equivalent to an 8-10 level monster, if the information he got from Alina and the guardians were correct- , to wreck havoc. This would suffice to convince the gods of his "prophecy."
For now, his measured response seemed to appease most of the gods.
"As for the gods we might invite," he said, his tone neutral but firm, "I would defer to your wisdom. The alliances you've already forged seem critical. Though, if I may offer a suggestion, why not focus on fostering alliances with factions that have unique expertise rather than sheer strength? Sometimes, ingenuity and knowledge can overcome raw might."
Though his words sounded altruistic, Ainz's suggestion was calculated. Inviting factions with specialized knowledge would inevitably draw them to Orario—and, by extension, to him. This approach would save him the trouble of venturing across the world in search of information, as these opportunities would come to his doorstep.
He gestured toward Hephaestus and Goibniu. "Craftsmanship, for example, is invaluable. Or perhaps the Far East—if they bring techniques and philosophies unknown to Orario, it could strengthen your collective defenses in unexpected ways."
Hephaestus nodded thoughtfully. "That's not a bad point. The Far East has traditions that could complement our own. Their forging techniques alone could enhance the equipment available to our children."
Before anyone else could respond, Dian Cecht scoffed, his arms crossed in visible irritation. "And what good would that do us? Craftsmanship and exotic philosophies won't stop a spear that can pierce the heavens. What we need is overwhelming strength—power capable of facing these threats head-on. Strength is what matters—not tinkering with foreign techniques."
The room fell silent, but not with agreement. Instead, several gods turned their gazes toward Dian Cecht, their expressions ranging from sharp to outright disdain.
Demeter was the first to speak, her tone cutting despite its usual warmth. "Oh, please, Dian Cecht. We all know why you're against this idea. You're just afraid someone will come in and outshine your precious business. It's the same reason you've gone out of your way to impede Miach at every turn."
Dian Cecht's face twisted in indignation. "That's preposterous! My concern is for Orario's safety, nothing more."
Freya's lips curved into a sly smile, her piercing eyes locking onto him. "Is it? Or is it that you fear competition from gods whose innovations might make your potions less indispensable? It wouldn't be the first time, after all."
Goibniu grunted, his tone gruff but firm. "She's right. We all remember how you tried to keep Miach from gaining ground with his elixirs. You can't hide behind altruism when your actions are so transparent."
Hephaestus folded her arms, her fiery eyes narrowing at him. "Dian Cecht, the dungeon doesn't care about your monopoly. If we're to stand a chance, we need every advantage, whether that's weapons, potions, or tactics. If you can't see the bigger picture, then stay out of the way."
Ainz's glowing eyes flickered faintly within the hollow sockets of his skull as he watched the exchange unfold. The gods' transparent disdain for Dian Cecht amused him, but it was also enlightening. He made a mental note of Dian's insecurities and the accusations about his interference with Miach—an intriguing detail that only deepened Ainz's understanding of the divine politics at play. Still he couldn't let anyone obstruct what he had already began. If the gods who had knowledge were not invited because of Dian Cecht then that would be a big loss for Ainz.
So when the room quieted, Ainz finally spoke, his tone calm and measured, but with an undertone of cold amusement that sent a chill through the air. "It seems, Dian Cecht, that the others here are quite familiar with your... business practices. One might even think your opposition stems more from self-preservation than concern for Orario's future."
Dian Cecht stiffened, glaring at Ainz. "And what would you know of it, outsider? You're not one of us, nor do you understand what it takes to maintain balance in this city."
As the room grew tense from Dian Cecht's defiance, Ainz's glowing eyes flared brighter, a sinister crimson hue casting faint shadows on the walls. He slowly rose from his seat, exuding an aura of absolute authority. With a mere flick of his hand, the temperature seemed to drop, and an oppressive atmosphere blanketed the room.
∗∗Despair Aura I Activated∗∗
The gods felt it immediately—the weight of an otherworldly presence pressing down on their very souls. For most, it was a fleeting sense of dread that forced them to sit up straighter and listen. For Dian Cecht, however, it was as though an invisible hand gripped his heart, squeezing just enough to remind him of the fine line between life and death.
Ainz's voice, cold and imperious, echoed through the chamber. "An outsider? Perhaps I was, once. But let me remind you, Dian Cecht—and all of you—that I am no longer an observer standing on the periphery. I came to Orario because I detected a potential world-ending threat. Not for personal gain, not for petty squabbles, but for the survival of all. And now, as the leader of this alliance, I will not tolerate insubordination from anyone."
Dian Cecht shrank under the combined weight of Ainz's aura and his words, unable to muster a response. His defiance crumbled, leaving only a bitter scowl as he lowered his gaze.
The other gods exchanged uneasy glances but dared not speak against Ainz. Even Loki and Freya, ever the provocateur, simply observed with an enigmatic smile, clearly impressed by the display of power and authority.
Ainz allowed the oppressive aura to linger for a few more moments before withdrawing it, the chill in the air receding as swiftly as it had come. He returned to his seat, folding his hands before him, his gaze sweeping the room like a ruler surveying his subjects.
The oppressive silence lingered like a suffocating fog, even after Ainz withdrew his aura. The gods sat motionless, their divine composure shattered, some struggling to steady their breaths. Slowly, the fear that clutched their hearts began to loosen its grip, but unease still danced in their eyes.
"Let this serve as a reminder," he continued, his tone calmer but no less commanding. "This alliance exists for a reason. Personal ambitions, rivalries, and fears have no place here. Should anyone forget that, I will personally ensure they are reminded."
The room remained silent, the weight of Ainz's authority now firmly established. Even Dian Cecht dared not look up, his earlier defiance utterly extinguished.
With a satisfied nod, Ainz gestured for the meeting to continue. "Now that this is settled, let's focus on what truly matters—strengthening Orario and securing capable allies, rather than indulging in personal grievances."
Freya leaned back in her chair, her gaze shifting to Ainz. "Now that that's settled, Ainz, your suggestion does have merit. The Far East could bring a new perspective, and we'd be foolish not to explore it."
Loki smirked, though her tone remained casual. "We will send them an invitation. Just don't expect those hermits to jump at the chance to leave their cozy little domains."
Apollo let out a nervous laugh, but it faltered, betraying his unease. "A reminder, though, that the Dungeon is not just the source of power in Orario—it's the lifeblood of every other region as well." He cleared his throat, forcing a measured calmness to settle over him, though his shoulders remained tense. "We could always have the Guild blacklist those who refuse to help, couldn't we?"
Ganesha, more attuned to the workings of Orario's economy, furrowed his brow, his tone thoughtful. "I'm not so sure that would be a good idea. While it's true that {Magic Stones} can only be obtained from the Dungeon, and the Guild holds a monopoly over their distribution, there are consequences to such actions. Blacklisting them might seem like a solution, but it could lead to a serious disruption in the flow of goods. If the Guild starts restricting trade or penalizing too many, the market will suffer. We could see a drastic dip in income, and that would hurt everyone, including us."
Freya leaned back, her eyes glinting with a dangerous light. "If that's the case, then let's take matters into our own hands. We could capture a few high-level monsters and release them into the outskirts. Outside Orario, they won't have high-level adventurers to stop them. Their cities will be left defenseless, and they'll have no choice but to come crawling to us for help."
Ainz, whose mind had been turning over the idea of recruitment and its potential failure, nodded thoughtfully. "It's a sound plan. My children are among the strongest here, so I'll have them capture the most powerful monsters they can find. Once we have them, we'll unleash them, forcing the city to ask for our assistance. It might seem... harsh, but when you consider the stakes, isn't it all for the greater good?"
Hephaestus shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her brow furrowed with concern. "But what if the other gods disagree? This doesn't exactly sound like something that would sit well with everyone."
Demeter, ever the skeptic, spoke up with a quiet murmur. "Yeah, this sounds like too much. There has to be another way."
Ainz's voice remained steady, his gaze cold and calculating. "Perhaps. But if we don't take drastic action now, the entire Lower World could fall into chaos. If we don't unite the gods, and if we don't act quickly, the consequences will be far worse than any of us can imagine."
Goibniu cleared his throat, his tone practical but calm. "Well, let's not jump to conclusions just yet. Perhaps we should start by explaining the entire situation to them first. If they still refuse to cooperate, then maybe we can consider the actions you've suggested. But let's hold off on resorting to violence too quickly."
Ganesha let out a nervous laugh "shall we move on?"
The world beyond the walls of the meeting room remained blissfully unaware, unaware that their fate rested in the hands of those gathered within. While they went about their lives, oblivious to the forces shaping their future, the weight of decisions made here would determine whether they stood on the brink of salvation or destruction.
Demeter nodded, trying to quickly stop the discussion of how they would easily lead to massacres "Yes. The Guild's latest proposal deserves attention."
The room stirred as the gods collectively latched onto the new topic, grateful for the distraction.
"The new Guild building on Floor 18," Demeter continued. "They're calling it a 'safe haven,' meant to serve adventurers and researchers alike. The Guild envisions a central hub to stabilize expeditions and encourage deeper exploration of the Dungeon."
"About that, how will that work? We know that the Guild's workers don't have a blessing so will they just enter their without the capabilities to protect themselves? Or will Ouranos finally give them a blessing?" Ishtar asked
"Yes, to travel to the 18th floor is far from easy, even for experienced adventurers. How exactly do they intend to make it work?"
"I heard that Ouranos will give his blessing to the workers," Ganesha replied, his voice thoughtful but tinged with uncertainty. "Though, I've also heard rumors that the Guild plans to pay adventurers to help level up the workers. How much of that is true, I can't say for sure." He paused, his expression darkening slightly as his mind wandered.
Ganesha knew more than he was willing to reveal. He understood that Ouranos, despite his aloof nature, had likely discovered secret passages between the floors—routes that could make the 18th floor more manageable, safer for the Guild's workers. But that was nothing more than speculation. What troubled him more was the alliance that had quietly formed between Ouranos and the Xenos, a group of creatures many would consider enemies. They had become his hidden allies, lending their assistance in exchange for their own survival, a delicate balance of secrecy and cooperation.
The Xenos' existence and possible involvement was something Ganesha couldn't share. It was secret, something few even knew about. And if their presence were to be revealed, it would not go over well with the other gods—or with the people of Orario. Their existence, their true nature, was too controversial, too dangerous to expose. It was better to keep silent, to allow the people to remain blissfully ignorant of the hidden forces that might be at play, and hope that the delicate web of alliances didn't unravel in the wrong moment.
As the meeting drew to a close, most of the gods left the room, their voices and footsteps gradually fading into the distance. The echo of their departure lingered for only a moment, before an unnatural silence descended upon the gathering space. Ainz sat still at the head of the table, his hand resting lightly upon the smooth surface.
The three goddesses—Hephaestus, Freya, and Loki—remained seated, but the tension between them was palpable. Each of them had a particular agenda, a reason they wished to speak with Ainz alone, and it was clear from the narrowing of their eyes and the way they subtly inched their chairs closer that none of them were willing to concede to the others. Freya's lips curled into a thin smile, her eyes glinting with a mixture of desire and enticement. Loki, ever the trickster, leaned back in her chair, arms crossed with a challenging gleam in her eyes. Hephaestus, meanwhile, appeared the most composed, but there was an unmistakable firmness to her gaze that suggested her patience was running thin.
For a moment, there was an eerie silence. Ainz sat there, his thoughts already at work, quickly piecing together what had just transpired. He was no stranger to the antics of his own guardians, particularly Albedo and Shalltear, whose bickering could rival even the most petty of arguments. In fact, he had come to expect the squabbles between powerful women—be they divine or mortal. The gods before him were no different, each one vying for a moment alone with him, each one driven by their own ambitions, desires, and agendas.
A soft sigh escaped Ainz as he realized that this was a situation where no matter what he did, he was bound to anger at least one of them. The careful balance of power had already been tipped, and there was no avoiding it. With a resigned but decisive motion, Ainz stood up, his figure towering over the table.
"I believe this conversation is best left for another time," Ainz spoke, his voice steady and unyielding. "I've already overstayed my welcome, and I'm certain you have much to discuss among yourselves."
His gaze briefly passed over each of the three goddesses. Freya's expression faltered for just a moment, the hint of a smirk slipping from her lips. Loki's ever-present mischievous grin twisted into something slightly more sour, her usual playful nature replaced with a simmering frustration. Hephaestus remained stoic, though her lips tightened in slight irritation.
With those final words exchanged, Ainz gave a slight bow turned on his heel and walked toward the door, his cloak billowing lightly behind him, as his mind focused on what was to come.
As he stepped out of the room and onto the cobbled streets of Orario, the bustling noise of the city surrounded him. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, tense atmosphere he had just left behind. The cool evening air nipped at his robes, but Ainz's mind was elsewhere, wrapped around the recent discussions—particularly the Guild's plans and the unspoken implications they had for everyone involved.
As the memories of the meeting swirled in his mind, his thoughts inevitably turned to Eina Tulle, the elf who had once been a valuable source of information. She had helped him navigate the labyrinth system of Orario and the Dungeon, providing insight that, while they could have gathered themselves, would have taken much longer. The way she had guided him, with patience and diligence, had left an indelible mark on his thoughts.
Eina, he mused silently, her name lingering in his mind. 'Yes... if the Guild really is planning to help their workers level up in a safe environment, I think I can offer more than just a measly gift this time.'
He paused, his steps slowing as the weight of his thoughts took hold. The last time he had met Eina, it had been under less personal circumstances. She had been the first to scold him in years—not for any of his usual decisions, but out of concern for the safety of the Guardians. Her worry had been genuine, a rare quality that had caught Ainz off guard. Few to none had ever shown such concern for his subordinates. The way she had scolded him, with an earnestness that bordered on motherly, had caused a stir within him.
It wasn't just that she had dared to confront him—it was the why of it. She had feared for the safety of his Guardians, and that struck Ainz more deeply than he cared to admit. It was the kind of concern that wasn't motivated by manipulation or hidden agendas.
Ainz's eyes, glowing faintly behind his mask, narrowed slightly. 'She deserves more. I can repay my debt to her.'
His thoughts crystallized. Helping the Guild's workers level up in the Dungeon could be more than just a strategic move. If the Guild was truly going to put plans in motion for the workers to gain experience in a safer environment, then this could be an opportunity—an opportunity to take charge and help someone who had been crucial in his understanding of Orario and the Dungeon. It would also serve as a way to honor the debt he owed her for all the information she had provided.
'I will help Eina. She has been a tremendous help to me,' Ainz decided, his steps resuming with renewed purpose. 'I'll take care of her. A gift isn't enough. It never was. Helping her level up will not only repay my debt but ensure her safety in the dangerous Dungeon. The Guild's actions, whether they truly intend to provide safe training or not, will be the perfect opportunity for that.'
The faint smile of satisfaction, one only a few could ever notice, tugged at Ainz's skeletal lips. 'And besides, the opportunity to guide her through this... it may be the least I can do.'
He walked through the busy streets of Orario, his cloak trailing behind him, already formulating the necessary steps to approach Eina and offer his assistance. If the Guild truly intended to request help for their workers, Ainz would make sure that the elf—who had scolded him once, and now deserved far more than just gratitude—was well taken care of.
He had made up his mind.
"Yes," he murmured quietly to himself, "I will help her."
-
Author's note- I don't know if I will make another chapter before Christmas so I wish you all a Christmas and a happy new year. I hope you are blessed and pass a good time with your family or wherever you are.