Momonga stepped out from the dark magic circle, with Genji following close behind. The girl they had rescued trembled in fear as the knight behind her attacked. But when the knights saw Momonga and Genji appear, they froze, forgetting to swing their swords, as if unable to sense any threat from them.
Genji understood that in this world, humans could only reach a maximum level of about 30, but they didn't really have a clear idea of what that level meant. Momonga observed all this with calm detachment, raising his hand with a soft motion.
"Heart Mastery," he said, casting a spell to crush his enemy's heart. It wasn't flashy, but it was one of the ninth-level necromancy spells he excelled at. He chose this approach because if the knights retaliated, he'd be able to react quickly. Besides, he wasn't alone—he had a strong ally right behind him.
The knight in front dropped dead instantly, barely able to react. Momonga noted this lack of resistance with mild surprise. He wasn't used to how fragile these people were, especially now that he was no longer human himself. The other knight, terrified, stood frozen.
"You have the nerve to chase a defenseless girl but not to face someone stronger?" Momonga asked, considering his options. He didn't want to use Heart Mastery again—he was more interested in testing his opponent's strength. For now, he cast "Dragon Thunder," a fifth-level lightning spell that formed a bright, dragon-like beam in his hand, aimed at the fleeing knight. The lightning struck with deadly accuracy, taking the knight down.
Momonga noted, "How weak! A fifth-level spell was enough to kill him." Momonga was surprised—he was used to casting eighth-level magic, yet here, fifth-level magic was more than enough.
"Momonga," Genji commented with a hint of amusement as he comforted the girl, "it seems our opponents are weaker than we thought."
Momonga agreed, nodding. "I'll handle the remaining knights, but stay careful." He then summoned a mid-level undead, the Death Knight, a towering figure wielding a large shield and a rippling sword. The sight of it terrified the girl further, but Momonga paid no attention as he issued his command: "Protect this area, and eliminate any knights attacking the village."
The Death Knight let out a roar that echoed through the area, sending a tremor through the air. Then it followed Genji, who had already gone on ahead.
Momonga noticed the girl beside him trembling, so he took out a red healing potion. "Here, drink this. It's a healing potion—it's safe." His tone was calm but carried a gentle reassurance.
The girl nervously took the potion, drinking it in one gulp. Almost instantly, relief washed over her as her injuries began to heal.
"It doesn't hurt anymore?" Momonga asked.
"Yes... yes, it's better," she stammered in surprise, grateful for the potion's quick effect.
Curious, he continued, "Do you know anything about magic?"
"Yes… I've heard about it. A healer sometimes visits our village… a friend of mine can use magic," she replied shakily.
Satisfied, Momonga cast another spell for her protection. "This is a barrier to shield you," he explained as a translucent cocoon formed around her, guarding her from nearby creatures. To ensure her safety further, he handed her two simple-looking horns. "These are the Goblin General's Horns. Blow one, and goblins will appear to protect you."
Though these horns seemed like minor, disposable items, Momonga knew their summoned goblins would remain until defeated. He'd kept them as old, almost-forgotten items from his world, unaware of how useful they might become here.
As he finished, he looked at her and said, "Remember the name—Ainz Ooal Gown."