As the battlefield raged on, the air thick with the acrid smell of smoke and blood, Ainz felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The clash of steel and the cries of the wounded echoed all around him, but his focus remained unwavering. He had a plan, one that would not only ensure the Orc Lord's defeat but also serve a greater purpose in the grand design of his strategy.
"Rimuru," Ainz called, his skeletal hand raised to draw his ally's attention. The blue-haired figure was engaged in combat, dispatching Orcs with an efficiency that spoke to his power. As Rimuru turned, Ainz continued, "I have a proposition for you."
Rimuru wiped the sweat from his brow, the adrenaline of battle coursing through him. "What is it, Ainz?"
"I will create a barrier to collect the souls of the fallen Orcs. In exchange, I would like you to deliver a peaceful death to the Orc Lord. He deserves that much after everything."
Rimuru's expression turned serious. "A peaceful death? You mean… you want me to show him mercy? After everything he's done?"
Ainz nodded, the hollow gaze of his skull steady and resolute. "Yes. I believe it is important to acknowledge the end of life in a dignified manner. The Orc Lord has fought fiercely for his people. Allowing him a peaceful passing would not only honor his struggle but also send a message of compassion that might resonate with others."
After a moment of contemplation, Rimuru's features softened. "I understand. If that's what you want, then I'll do it. But we have to finish this battle first."
"Indeed," Ainz replied, his voice echoing with the weight of authority. "Let's make this quick. I will summon the barrier."
As Ainz focused his energy, the ground beneath him began to tremble. Dark magic swirled around his skeletal form, coalescing into a massive, ethereal barrier that expanded outward, encasing the battlefield in an ominous dome of shadows. The barrier shimmered like a dark glass, trapping the souls of the fallen Orcs within its confines.
The remaining Orcs, witnessing the display of power, began to panic. Fear surged through their ranks as they watched comrades disappear, their souls drawn into the void created by Ainz. "Regroup!" the Orc Lord shouted, his voice a mix of anger and desperation. "We will not yield to these invaders!"
But the tide of battle was already turning against him. The kingdom's warriors, emboldened by Ainz's show of power, pressed forward with renewed vigor. They fought harder, determined to claim victory and honor their fallen comrades.
Rimuru took advantage of the chaos, his movements swift and fluid as he fought through the ranks of Orcs, making his way towards the Orc Lord. "I'll get to him," he shouted over the clamor of battle. "You keep the barrier strong!"
Ainz nodded, his concentration deepening as he maintained the barrier's integrity. The souls of the fallen Orcs swirled within, their energy filling the space around him, strengthening his own magic.
As Rimuru reached the Orc Lord, their eyes locked in a moment of understanding. The Orc Lord, panting and bloodied, held his sword with a shaking grip. "You… you think you can defeat me?" he spat, his voice hoarse from exertion. "You're just another fool thinking they can take my power!"
Rimuru took a breath, calming himself as he prepared for what was to come. "You've fought bravely, Orc Lord. But this battle is over. I'm here to offer you something different—something better than death in the heat of battle."
The Orc Lord's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm here to offer you peace," Rimuru said, his voice steady. "A chance to leave this world with honor."
"Honor?" the Orc Lord scoffed, though his voice betrayed a flicker of uncertainty. "What honor is there in losing?"
"The honor lies in recognizing the fight you've given for your people. You've led them fiercely, and while I cannot condone your methods, I respect your strength," Rimuru replied. "Join me in this. Accept your end as a warrior, not as a victim."
The Orc Lord hesitated, looking past Rimuru to where Ainz stood, maintaining the barrier. He could see the power radiating from the being who had turned the tides of battle, and something within him stirred. "Why should I trust you?"
"Because I know what it means to fight for those you care about. I've seen countless battles, and in each one, I've learned that true strength comes from mercy, too," Rimuru responded, his eyes sincere.
The Orc Lord's expression wavered, a battle of emotions raging within him. In that moment, he recognized the futility of continuing the fight. The death of his warriors weighed heavily on his heart, and perhaps it was time to find peace.
"Very well," he said finally, lowering his sword. "If I must fall, then let it be with honor."
With a nod, Rimuru moved closer, preparing to grant the Orc Lord the peaceful end he had promised. The atmosphere shifted as the remaining warriors fought back the last few Orcs, the cries of battle slowly fading into an uneasy silence.
Ainz, sensing the change, released the barrier. The swirling souls of the fallen Orcs streamed toward him, their energies merging into a potent force. With a wave of his hand, he harnessed their power, feeling himself grow stronger.
As the last of the Orcs fell, Rimuru knelt before the Orc Lord, his gaze gentle. "Thank you for your strength. May you find peace in the next life."
With a soft glow surrounding them, Rimuru cast his spell, enveloping the Orc Lord in a warm light. The pain and exhaustion faded from the Orc's eyes as he accepted his fate, a rare smile gracing his features.
"I will remember this," he murmured as the light enveloped him completely, and with a final breath, he faded away, leaving only a gentle whisper in the wind.
As silence fell upon the battlefield, Ainz turned to Rimuru, the energy from the collected souls surging through him. "You have done well, Rimuru. Your compassion is commendable."
Rimuru stood, his heart heavy yet content. "Thank you, Ainz. It's important to recognize the humanity—even in our enemies."
The remaining soldiers began to cheer, their voices rising as they celebrated their victory. Baron Leonhart approached, weary but triumphant. "We did it! We pushed them back!"
"Indeed," Ainz replied, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. "But let us not forget the cost of this victory."
As the warriors began to regroup, Rimuru and Ainz shared a moment of understanding, knowing that this battle was just one of many in the struggle for peace and power in their world. They had forged an alliance, but they had also forged bonds that would last beyond this conflict, setting the stage for greater challenges ahead.