As the vibrant colors of dusk faded into the night, Rimuru gazed around the goblin village, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his fellow creatures. They had shared stories and laughter, but now, as the sky darkened and the stars began to twinkle overhead, he sensed that it was time to rest.
"Hey everyone," Rimuru announced, his voice carrying across the gathering. "It's getting late. Let's call it a night and continue our discussions tomorrow!"
The goblins nodded, their expressions filled with gratitude and excitement. They dispersed to their respective huts, leaving Rimuru feeling a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. He turned to Ainz, who stood slightly apart, his skeletal form silhouetted against the fading light.
"I'll catch up with you tomorrow, Ainz. We've got a lot to discuss," Rimuru said cheerfully before bouncing back to his hut.
Once inside, Rimuru settled down, but his mind was still buzzing with thoughts of Ainz Ooal Gown. He was unlike any creature Rimuru had encountered before—a powerful being from another world, much like himself. But with that power came uncertainty.
Rimuru activated the Great Sage, his trusted advisor, and guide. "Great Sage, I need your input on Ainz. What do you think of him?"
The air shimmered momentarily, and Great Sage's voice resonated in Rimuru's mind. "Analyzing… Subject Ainz Ooal Gown displays immense magical potential. However, there are indications that he may be a threat to your existence."
Rimuru shrugged, dismissing the concern. "A threat? He seems pretty chill to me. Besides, he's from another world! That's kind of cool!"
"Caution is advised. While he may appear harmless, the level of his power suggests he could pose significant danger. Further evaluation is recommended."
"Come on, Great Sage! I've dealt with my fair share of threats. Ainz is just another traveler like me. If he were really dangerous, wouldn't he have attacked already?" Rimuru reasoned, trying to ease his advisor's concerns.
"Assessment: Emotional bias detected. Proceeding with caution may yield better outcomes in the long run."
Rimuru sighed, leaning back. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind. But for now, let's focus on what we can do with Ainz on our side. I can't help but think he could be an asset!"
Meanwhile, Ainz had returned to his own hut, a modest structure nestled at the edge of the village. He sat cross-legged on the floor, the atmosphere inside the room shifting to a more serious tone. As he contemplated the events of the day, he decided it was time to secure his surroundings.
With a series of intricate hand gestures, Ainz cast a powerful spell, locking and sealing the entire room. Magical barriers sprang into existence, shimmering softly in the dim light. He needed solitude to think through his current situation without any interruptions.
What to do now? Ainz pondered, his mind racing. He could feel the faint connection to his own dimension, a weak tether that hinted at the existence of his guild base. But the link was fragile, and he lacked the necessary mana to summon it fully.
I need more mana, he thought, frustration creeping in. If I could summon the guild base and any remaining servants, I would feel more secure. With them, I could strategize more effectively and reinforce my position in this world.
He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of his own dimension. It's there, but…
Ainz began to unravel his thoughts further. The connection is weak, perhaps due to the limitations of this world. I must find a way to gather more mana, not just for the summoning, but to solidify my presence here.
Images of the goblin village flooded his mind—their camaraderie, their skills, and Rimuru's carefree attitude. Ainz knew that forming alliances was crucial, but he also needed to ensure that he had the means to assert his power if necessary.
Maybe there's a way to absorb mana from the creatures in this world? Ainz considered. If they all draw mana from their surroundings, perhaps I can find a method to siphon it for my own needs. The goblins seem to have a connection to the land, and Rimuru…
His thoughts were interrupted by the realization that Rimuru could be an asset in this regard. The slime's unique abilities could provide insights into how mana flowed in this world. Ainz could potentially leverage Rimuru's knowledge to enhance his own power.
But he needed to be cautious. Rimuru had a playful nature, and Ainz couldn't afford to reveal too much of his own intentions just yet. For now, it was best to play the part of the willing ally while secretly plotting his own ascendance.
As Ainz contemplated his next steps, he felt a sense of determination wash over him. This world is full of opportunities. I will uncover its secrets and harness its power, no matter the cost.
With that resolve, Ainz opened his eyes, the barriers shimmering softly around him. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on. After all, he was Ainz Ooal Gown—the overlord of a guild that had once dominated the game world, and he would reclaim that power here.
As the night deepened, Ainz steeled himself for the journey ahead. Knowledge, power, and alliances awaited him, and he would not rest until he had everything he sought.