Ainz Ooal Gown stood in the vast plains just outside of Rimuru's city, the swirling air thick with tension. The powerful aura he had felt earlier was now before him—a small girl, seemingly harmless yet emitting an unimaginable presence. Next to her was Rimuru, who looked calm, but even Ainz could tell that he was well aware of the strength that Milim Nava, the Dragonoid, held.
As the air settled, Ainz kept his guard up, though his face maintained that cold, emotionless demeanor—his own defensive mechanism in these situations. The one thing that troubled him the most was how she radiated such a playful and innocent demeanor despite her overwhelming power. It was clear to him that, despite her incredible strength, she lacked maturity in areas of judgment. And this gave Ainz a plan.
"Rimuru, my old friend!" Milim said brightly, her voice breaking through the momentary silence. "Who's this skeleton guy? He's strong! I can feel it!"
Ainz felt her gaze on him. She was scanning him, analyzing him without any sign of fear. That alone was enough to make him curious. No being had ever reacted to him this way. Even the most powerful beings in Nazarick showed some measure of caution around him. But Milim? She seemed completely nonchalant.
"I am Ainz Ooal Gown," he stated, his deep voice reverberating across the plains. "I lead an organization known as Nazarick, and we are here to discuss future alliances."
Milim's eyes sparkled with childlike glee as she tilted her head. "Nazarick? Sounds important! But you know, no one's as strong as me!" She puffed her chest proudly, grinning as if daring him to challenge her.
Ainz studied her, noticing her unguarded nature. This could be his opportunity to not only form a connection but to perhaps use her power to his advantage. Her carefree attitude showed that she could easily be manipulated, though Ainz had to tread carefully.
"Indeed," Ainz responded calmly. "Your strength is undeniable, Milim. Rimuru has spoken of your immense power. Stardust energy, was it?"
Milim's face lit up instantly. "Yes! You've heard of it? Stardust energy is the most powerful form of energy there is! It's endless, and I can generate as much as I want with my Mana Breeder Reactor!" She raised her arm and opened her palm, letting a swirl of dense, glowing energy appear before them. The intensity of it left even Ainz in awe, though he didn't allow his shock to show.
Instead, he leaned in slightly. "Fascinating… truly fascinating. Such a power could reshape the world itself."
Milim beamed, basking in the praise. "Of course! I'm the strongest, after all!"
It was then that an idea struck Ainz. He knew he had to play into her ego. Milim, despite her overwhelming power, had the mind of a child. She was playful and innocent, and he could use this to his advantage. Ainz had seen what Rimuru had achieved when he gained the name Veldora had given him, and now, a similar opportunity was in front of him.
"Milim," Ainz began, his voice laced with a subtle yet enticing undertone. "You know, I've heard of powerful beings bestowing names upon others. Like your friend Rimuru here, named by the mighty Veldora. I wonder, could you possess such authority as well? Your power is surely beyond comparison. Perhaps you could give someone a name, granting them even greater strength…"
Milim's eyes widened in excitement, her mind racing with the idea. "You think so? You think I could give someone a name? That sounds fun! I could totally do that, right, Rimuru?"
Rimuru shot a quick glance at Ainz, immediately catching on to what was happening. He couldn't help but chuckle internally. This was exactly Ainz's style—indirect manipulation, allowing his target to come to their own conclusions.
"Well," Rimuru said cautiously, "if anyone could, it'd be you, Milim."
Milim's excitement grew. "Then it's settled! I'll give you a name! Hmm…" She furrowed her brow, deep in thought, her enthusiasm taking full hold. She stood there for a moment, pondering, before her face brightened again. "How about… Ainz Ooal Gown! That sounds cool, right?"
Ainz had to stop himself from chuckling. She had unwittingly just repeated his own name, but that wasn't the point. The point was that Milim, in her innocence, had now acknowledged him through the ritual of naming. There was a subtle surge of energy coursing through him, though nothing like what Rimuru had experienced when Veldora named him. Still, it was symbolic.
"It's an honor, Lady Milim," Ainz said with a small, respectful bow, keeping up his regal appearance. "I shall wear this name with pride."
Milim puffed up her chest again, clearly pleased with herself. "I knew it! I'm great at this! Now, you'll be even stronger!"
Ainz nodded, though his mind was already working. The power Milim wielded—this Stardust energy—was unlike anything he had seen before. It seemed to be an endless wellspring, fueling her abilities beyond the limits of what even the most powerful beings could achieve. If he could somehow gain access to that, or even a fraction of it…
"You truly are incredible, Milim," Ainz said, layering his words with admiration. "With such power, you could reshape entire realms. And to think, all of this is simply a fraction of your potential…"
Milim grinned widely, her pride shining through. "Yup! I'm the best! No one can beat me!"
Ainz, his mind sharp as ever, decided to press further. "You know, it's a shame that beings of your magnitude exist only in this world. Imagine if there were other realms where you could expand your influence. Worlds where your name and power could echo for eternity…"
Milim's eyes widened in fascination, her curiosity piqued. "Other worlds? That sounds amazing! Can we go there?"
Ainz smirked inwardly. This was exactly what he wanted her to think. He could use Milim's power to open gateways to other worlds, perhaps even bringing over more powerful beings—or manipulating her to unlock pathways to other dimensions. But for now, it was all about planting the seeds.
"In due time," Ainz said smoothly. "With your strength and abilities, I'm certain we could find a way. Perhaps, together, we could explore these realms. You and I, reshaping them as we see fit."
Milim bounced on her heels, excited by the prospect. "That sounds fun! Let's do it!"
Rimuru, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel both amused and slightly worried. He knew Ainz was always playing a deeper game, but manipulating someone like Milim could have dangerous consequences. Still, he trusted Ainz enough to know that he wouldn't make a move without careful consideration.
As the conversation continued, Milim rambled on excitedly about the many things she wanted to do, from fighting strong opponents to showing Ainz more of her incredible power. Ainz, on the other hand, was already planning his next move—how he could harness her abilities for his benefit, all while maintaining the facade of their newfound "friendship."
For now, it seemed Milim was fully under his influence, oblivious to the greater scheme that was unfolding. And with the name-giving ritual complete, Ainz knew that the path to even greater power was slowly opening before him. The only question now was how to best use it.