"Enjoy this slaughter," said Momonga, watching as the knights who had been attacking the villagers turned from hunters to hunted. Genji glanced around at the destroyed village but felt nothing for the scene of ruin.
Belius, one of the knights, noticed the strange man in front of him. He didn't look like a villager, nor was he wearing armor. Maybe an adventurer? Either way, he had to be taken down.
"Are you all blind? Take care of him!" Belius shouted, but just as the knights moved forward, a massive, terrifying creature appeared behind the man.
"What... what is that?" one of the knights gasped.
Even though they didn't know what the creature was, its sheer presence struck fear into their hearts. They felt the weight of death pressing down on them. The creature moved forward, passing by Genji and heading straight for the first knight, who couldn't even react before he was killed in one swift motion.
With just one strike, the knight's armor was sliced open, and he fell in two pieces. The other knights watched in horror—it had only taken one blow. What kind of monster was this?
"Death Knight," Genji murmured.
Even though it was just an ordinary Death Knight, it was strong enough to handle these knights with ease. The remaining knights felt a cold fear spreading through them.
"That's not human!" one muttered, his mind telling him to attack, but his body unwilling to move forward. The Death Knight continued, striking down any knight who came close, as if cutting firewood.
"Follower Zombies," Genji explained calmly. Every soul killed by the Death Knight would become its follower, trapped forever.
Finally, some of the knights realized they might have a chance if they targeted the man who had summoned the creature. Belius and a few others rushed at Genji, but when they struck, their swords simply shattered against him.
Genji gave a small smile, finding the sight a bit amusing. He wore enchanted armor, making ordinary swords useless against him. Looking at the desperate knights before him, he raised a hand.
"Fear."
With just a single word, the knights collapsed to the ground, unable to move. It was a low-level spell, yet it worked perfectly.
Genji walked up to Belius, lifting his head so he would look at him. In his last hope, Belius stammered, "Please... spare me."
Genji hadn't expected the plea but listened as Belius continued. "I have money! I'm a captain—I can give you gold coins, even status and women. Just let me live," he begged.
"Is that so?" Genji asked with mock interest.
"Yes, I swear! I can prove it!"
Genji let out a sigh. "Forget it. I'd rather you hand over the money now." Recently, he'd been struggling with funds, and this offer was tempting. However, he wasn't about to be swayed by the empty words of a man who had no honor left.
Before Belius could plead further, Genji's blade sliced cleanly, ending the knight's life in one swift motion. The other knights were left in shock and fear, watching their leader fall.
"Dear God," one of them whispered, feeling the full weight of the Death Knight's presence.
The remaining knights tried to regroup, planning to send out a signal and call for backup. But as they attempted to retreat, the souls slain by the Death Knight rose as zombies, forcing them back into the fight.
"It looks like this is enough," Genji said to Momonga, signaling for the Death Knight to halt. Then he addressed the surviving knights. "If you surrender, you can leave. Go."
The remaining knights dropped their weapons and fled, desperate to escape.
Genji called out after them, "Remember the name Ainz Ooal Gown. Tell your corrupt leaders that if they attack again, they'll face total destruction."
Momonga descended from the sky to meet Genji. "How was it, Genji?"
"Those knights were far too weak. No challenge at all."
"Ahaha, splendid!" Momonga laughed. Then, Genji turned his attention to the villagers, though they couldn't tear their gaze away from the Death Knight.
"I saw your village under attack, so I stepped in to help—but there is a condition," Genji said. The villagers glanced nervously at each other, unsure what to expect.
He continued, "In return, I need you to share what you know of this world. Help us understand its value and knowledge."