The first phase took six months, the second phase took three years, and the third phase took a full twenty years. Ten years ago, when Brain and Gazef reached the required strength, Asahi removed their pressure.
For the next ten years, they focused on conquering the Great Tomb. Although it took them a decade to clear it, it wasn't without some leniency.
While Asahi's simulated Great Tomb was accurate and detailed, Brain and Gazef progressed by clearing it room by room, like advancing through levels in a game. In reality, if Ainz and his group arrived, they wouldn't fight level by level but would instead launch a massive raid, exploiting their numbers and coordination, which Brain and Gazef couldn't counter.
However, now both of them had become incredibly powerful, surpassing level 100. Even without extraordinary equipment, they no longer feared Ainz and his group.
"Excellent, your training is now complete. This training took a total of twenty-three and a half years. But don't worry, you haven't aged. You've likely noticed by now that once you reach a certain level of power, you stop aging. If you become strong enough, even immortality is within reach."
"With your current lifespan, as long as you don't get killed, you basically won't die. This is the benefit of having strength."
Asahi looked at the two with satisfaction. After over twenty years, they had learned how to handle these threats. In fact, as long as Ainz doesn't gang up against the two of them, they could hold their own in any single combat. Unless Ainz used an arsenal of premium cash items, he wouldn't stand a chance against them in one-on-one battles.
In one-on-one duels, Brain and Gazef were now unbeatable. In group battles, however, they could only ensure their own survival, not achieve a decisive victory. This was inevitable given the sheer number of powerful enemies. As each floor guardian was at the max level.
When Ainz arrived in this world, he was essentially a max-level character entering a novice village. The only real threats to him were World Items. No individual or creature posed any real danger to him and his subordinates. But now, Brain and Gazef had become living exceptions to this rule.
"Time flies, and it's already been over twenty years. I've almost forgotten the concept of time!"
Brain felt a sense of unreality. To have become so powerful in just over twenty years was really unimaginable to him. Both he and Gazef had been training since childhood, and it had taken them decades to reach their previous levels of strength.
Now, after just over twenty years, they had achieved what was once unthinkable. Asahi's extraordinary methods had shown them just how terrifyingly powerful he was
Since their training was complete, there was no need for them to stay any longer. Asahi brought them back to the kingdom, where, in reality, only a moment had passed since their departure.
"Twenty years passed, but it's only been the blink of an eye here. Incredible!"
Gazef marveled at the untouched magical sand on his desk. He knew that Asahi's ability to manipulate the flow of time was beyond astonishing.
"By the way, Gazef, there's something else I need to tell you. If you truly want to save this kingdom, you should deal with the noble and royal family's issues. Even if you fend off external invasions, internal strife will be a major problem!"
Asahi felt it necessary to warn Gazef. Brain was more cunning, but Gazef's straightforward nature made him susceptible to being exploited. Though it would take a World Item to truly harm him, Gazef's character could still lead to trouble.
Moreover, how do the nobles of this kingdom doing things was laughable to Asahi. The royal family began to frantically plunder power because the old king was sick. Although the eldest prince was somewhat competent, he was too reckless.
In the original work, his attack on Carne Village led to his downfall, a truly tragic fate.
The other princes were no better, as they're merely maintaining appearances. As for the Golden Princess, Renner, she's a yandere who prioritized herself above all. In the original story, she even betrayed her own kingdom and colluded with the Sorcerer Kingdom.
But it's also because she can't take the throne at will. After all, she is a woman. In this era, there is no equality between men and women.
Although many women among adventurers are strong, in the worldview of this world, women are always inferior to men.
"Nobles of the kingdom, huh? Strictly speaking, I can't handle that!"
It's not that Gazef wasn't unwilling, but his power was limited. Although he was in charge of the army, he's not at the highest level, and just a Warrior Captain. He had no power over the nobles and the royal family.
"In fact, you can just find a suitable person to inherit the throne, and then use them to reform the kingdom country. Otherwise, the chaotic state of your kingdom will eventually lead to problems!"
Asahi shook his head.
It can be said that Gazef is too upright, and this kind of juggling and scheming is not suitable for him.
Otherwise, with his current strength, he can just could support someone and even play the game of controlling the king to command the nobles.
But if he really does this, he will not be Gazef.
He could, however, support someone for meaningful reforms.
"I understand. I will choose a prince to assist!"
Gazef nodded, but this wasn't what Asahi wanted to see.
"Actually, you can consider the princess. Although your era has issues with gender roles, if someone is sufficiently convincing, then Golden Princess Renner is your best choice!"
Asahi smiled as he said that. He was curious to see what would happen if Gazef and Golden Princess Renner worked together, and what the kingdom would become in the end. After all, that woman is not simple at all.
In the original work, she outwitted everyone. So given enough opportunity, running a country would be child's play for her. And compared to her, the princes were far less capable.