(A/N: HAPPY XMAS TO THE CHRISTIANS READING THIS!)
Ainz and Demiurge watched intently as Hiro maneuvered through the battlefield, his every movement displayed in the glowing orb before them. Ainz's expression was calm, yet a hint of intrigue flickered in his eyes as Hiro began manipulating the environment around Gargantua.
Demiurge observed closely, adjusting his glasses as Hiro targeted the steam vents, redirecting the lava to mix with the scalding vapor. "Fascinating," Demiurge muttered. "This human—insignificant as he may be—has devised a strategy that uses Gargantua's own strength against it."
Ainz nodded, his eyes fixed on the scene. "Indeed, it seems Hiro understands how to create a situation where Gargantua's steam and the lava will build overwhelming pressure."
As the steam and magma combined, the pressure rapidly intensified, and Hiro leapt to a higher vantage point. The vents began to rumble violently, unable to withstand the force accumulating beneath them. Demiurge's lips curled into a smile as he watched the unfolding chaos.
"This human has managed to reach a floor no other adventurer in history has attained," Demiurge remarked. "To think he could manipulate the environment with such precision."
Ainz remained silent, though inwardly he felt a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. "Let's see how far he can go before his luck runs out," he finally said, watching as the immense pressure erupted, tearing Gargantua apart in a cataclysmic blast of steam and molten rock.
Ainz and Demiurge continued to observe as Hiro's strategy unfolded perfectly, resulting in Gargantua's destruction. As the smoke and steam cleared, revealing Hiro's victorious stance, Demiurge's eyes gleamed with renewed interest.
"It appears he's already prepared for the next floor," Demiurge commented, a hint of amusement in his voice. "He's made it past the seventh floor—my floor—meaning I'll have to improvise."
Ainz turned his gaze to Demiurge, his expression unreadable. "So, you're admitting he's overcome your challenges. That's unexpected, Demiurge."
Demiurge nodded, the hint of a smile forming on his lips. "It's rare to encounter an adventurer capable of making it this far, let alone one who has surpassed my trials. I must admit, his adaptability is impressive. But rest assured, Lord Ainz, I have a few ideas in mind for what awaits him."
Ainz's eyes glowed faintly. "I trust you will make it suitably challenging. We cannot let him progress too easily."
"Of course," Demiurge replied, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "I'll ensure that the eighth floor tests him like no other, and I will personally see to it that he faces the unexpected."
Suddenly, a firm knock echoed through the chamber. Ainz glanced toward the entrance, and with a subtle gesture, he signaled the maid standing by the door. She bowed respectfully and opened the door, allowing the visitors to enter.
Sebas stepped inside, his posture as composed and dignified as ever. Beside him were the 7 Pleiades Battle Maids Sisters, each standing with military precision. Their expressions remained neutral, though a sense of readiness radiated from them.
"Lord Ainz, Demiurge," Sebas greeted, bowing deeply. "I apologize for the interruption, but there are matters that require your attention."
Ainz's gaze shifted from the orb to Sebas. "Speak."
Sebas straightened, his tone calm yet serious. "It concerns the adventurer, Hiro. Reports indicate he is progressing faster than anticipated. The Pleiades and I have come to offer our assistance should you require further preparations."
Demiurge's eyes lit up with interest. "Ah, an intriguing development." He looked at Ainz. "What are your orders, Lord Ainz? Should we prepare contingencies for the upcoming floors?"
Ainz's eyes glowed as he considered the situation. "Very well. Demiurge, continue with your improvisation plans for the eighth floor. Sebas, ensure that the Pleiades are stationed as needed. If Hiro reaches their position, we will be ready to test him further."
Sebas and the maids bowed deeply. "As you command, Lord Ainz."
Ainz's eyes glowed faintly as he gave his next command. "Demiurge, inform Victim to retreat from the eighth floor for now. I may need his abilities as a trump card if, by some chance, Hiro manages to fend off your attacks."
Demiurge nodded, his smile widening, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "Understood, Lord Ainz. I will ensure that Victim is repositioned and prepared. If Hiro truly proves capable of withstanding everything we throw at him, Victim's sacrifice will be the final measure."
Ainz's tone remained calm. "Good. We must ensure that no matter how far he progresses, he does not surpass the limits we set for him."
"As expected of you, Lord Ainz," Demiurge responded with his usual composed smile, fully grasping the implications behind Ainz's words. The use of Victim's ability was a rare and decisive measure, one that spoke volumes about both Ainz's preparation and his readiness for any outcome.
Ainz's voice boomed through the chamber, resonating with authority. "Good luck, Demiurge," he declared, his eyes glowing with an intense light.
Demiurge smiled, filled with a mixture of pride and loyalty. He bowed deeply, placing a hand over his chest. "Your words honor me, Lord Ainz. I will not fail you."
As Demiurge turned and left the chamber, Ainz watched him go, a faint sense of satisfaction lingering. You will always be the wisest in my eyes, he thought, appreciating the loyalty and dedication of his most trusted subordinate. With that, Ainz returned his attention to the scrying orb, prepared to witness how Hiro would fare against the trials to come.
Ainz rose from his seat, a sense of determination settling over him. "Sixus, I want you to go to Aura, and tell her to bring Victim," he instructed the maid. "Have her relay the plan to Victim. It's crucial that he understands the strategy."
The maid nodded, ready to comply. "At once, my lord."
Ainz continued, "The plan is to relocate Victim to the tenth floor of Nazarick—the throne room. That is where the final showdown will take place if Demiurge's strategy proves insufficient. We must be prepared for any outcome."
As the maid hurried off to execute his command, Ainz's mind raced with possibilities. He knew that if Hiro managed to surpass the challenges set before him, the confrontation in the throne room would be a critical moment. Ainz had to ensure that all pieces were in place for what could be a decisive battle.
He settled back into his chair, the glow of the scrying orb illuminating his thoughts. The stakes were high, and he would not let anything jeopardize the integrity of Nazarick or his plans for the future.
Ainz's expression grew serious as he considered the potential challenges ahead. "Also, send Mare to Pandora's Actor. Tell him to retrieve 'it' from the secret treasure room," he added. "It should be brought to the throne room as a precaution."
The maid nodded, taking note of his instructions. "Understood, Lord Ainz. I will ensure Mare is dispatched immediately."
Ainz leaned back in his chair, contemplating the implications of bringing the artifact into play. That one artifact had a potential one Ainz knew about it, and while he hoped it wouldn't be necessary, he wanted to be prepared for any eventuality.
As the maid exited to carry out his orders, Ainz focused once more on the orb, anticipating the next move Hiro would make and the challenges that lay ahead. He needed to ensure that every possible advantage was secured for Nazarick, and that meant having all his resources ready for whatever might come.
Ainz's eyes flared red as he contemplated the gravity of the situation. The glow illuminated his skeletal face, reflecting his resolve and the weight of the decisions he had made. The tension in the air seemed to thicken as he prepared for the unfolding events.
With the knowledge that Hiro had already surpassed expectations and the stakes now higher than ever, Ainz felt a surge of determination. The fate of Nazarick rested on his shoulders, and he was prepared to unleash everything at his disposal if necessary.
"Let the games begin," he muttered, his voice low and filled with conviction. He would not allow any challenger to threaten the sanctity of his domain.
X―x―X—x—X―x―X
Back with Hiro, he dashed through the tunnel carved by Albedo, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The ground trembled beneath him as the volcanic eruption sent waves of molten rock and flames racing toward his position. The intense heat bore down on his back, and the deafening roar of the explosion echoed through the tunnels.
Hiro could feel the heat radiating from the fiery bomb behind him, urging him to run faster. Each step felt like a race against time as he navigated the winding path, desperately seeking an exit. The walls of the tunnel glowed with an ominous orange hue, illuminated by the flames that threatened to consume him.
As Hiro sprinted through the tunnel, he caught sight of Albedo and the members of Foresight still hard at work, their efforts hindered by the relentless pressure and constant lava floods that made digging increasingly perilous. The heat was oppressive, and the air crackled with danger.
Suddenly, Hiro turned around and saw a massive wave of heat and molten lava rushing toward him, closing the distance with alarming speed. Panic surged within him, leaving no time to think. He pulled out his katana, aiming it forward, and shouted, "Hypercharge Pierce!"
In an instant, a laser beam shot from the blade, traveling at the speed of sound. The beam sliced through the tunnel, obliterating any material in its path and creating a clearer escape route as it tore through the rock and lava.
Albedo, still digging diligently, suddenly paused, her ears catching the distinct sound of something rushing through the air. "What is that?" she questioned, glancing at the Foresight members, who shared her confusion.
Before they could process it, the sound grew louder, and they turned to see a bright streak of light—a shooting star—heading directly toward them. Hiro was right behind it, desperately running as lava flowed in pursuit.
"WHAT IS THAT?!" Termite yelled, eyes wide.
"IS IT A METEOR?! WE'RE GOING TO DIE!" Imina screamed, pointing dramatically.
"EVERYONE. SCATTER!" Albedo orders.
"MOOOVE! FUCKING MOOOOOVE!!!" Hiro yelled again, desperate to get them to safety.
Just as the hypercharge beam closed in, Albedo and the Foresight members scrambled to the sides, ducking behind whatever debris they could find. The beam made contact with the lava, erupting in a massive explosion that sent a shockwave rippling through the tunnel. Dust and steam filled the air, obscuring everything in a thick cloud. But luckily, they managed to exit the 7th floor, a simple lava puddle serving as evidence behind them and the collapsed tunnel.
When the dust began to settle, the scene was one of chaos. Foresight members were sprawled out on the ground, some still cowering, while Albedo stood with her hands on her hips, a slight smirk playing on her lips as she watched the aftermath.
"Honestly, was that really necessary?" Imina quipped, rolling her eyes at the dramatics.
Hiro caught his breath, trying to regain his composure. "I didn't want to be lava toast!"
Just then, a rumble echoed through the ground beneath them, causing everyone to freeze. Albedo's smirk faded as she turned to Hiro, her eyes widening in realization. "What now?"
...
X―x―X—x—X―x―X
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