"Put your faith in God."
Everyone began to pray.
Even when on missions in other countries, they always found time to pray. Their faith was very important to them.
After the prayer, a sense of purpose seemed to envelop them, transforming their demeanor.
"Let's get started."
They surrounded the village in an organized formation.
This group hailed from the Slane Theocracy, known for their covert operations. They operated like a shadow force—rarely seen but often discussed.
Among the Six Scriptures under the priests of the Slane Theocracy, the Sunlight Scripture was primarily tasked with destroying demihuman villages.
Of the Church's six special intelligence forces, the Sunlight Scripture possessed the most combat experience, although it was also the smallest, consisting of fewer than a hundred elite members, including reserves.
The requirements to join were stringent. First, one had to wield third-level faith magic, along with great physical fitness, a strong spirit, and unwavering faith.
"Why do we have to conduct a stealth mission if our job is to destroy?" one member questioned.
"At least for now, this task doesn't seem as straightforward as we thought," another replied.
"Just think of it as practice," came the encouraging response.
The Sunlight Scripture wasn't typically suited for stealth missions. They had been sent to eliminate Gazef, the warrior captain of a neighboring country, but had failed four times already.
They were being extra cautious this time. Any mistake could lead to yet another failure. After all, they were up against Gazef Stronoff, the strongest knight in the region. Normally, such a task would be handled by the Theocracy's most powerful group, the Black Scripture.
However, they had no choice; they also needed to contend with the resurrected Dragon King of Destruction and the powerful artifact known as "The Beauty of the Country."
Meanwhile, the Windflower Scripture was occupied with tracking down the traitor linked to the Miko Princess's artifact.
Nigun Grid Luin touched a wound on his face, recalling a time he had felt humiliated.
"Damn Blue Rose."
Blue Rose and Gazef both hailed from the Kingdom of Re-Estize. Blue Rose was a high-level adventurer, renowned as "Steel Grade."
But he couldn't forgive her. She was also from the Shrine, albeit worshiping a different god.
Nigun placed his hand over his heart.
In this world, there were three kinds of truly special magical items.
One type was left behind by the Eight Desire Kings who ruled five hundred years ago.
Another was a secret treasure created by the highest-level Dragon King before being defeated by the Eight Desire Kings.
The last type was a treasure bestowed by the six great gods who descended six hundred years ago, which helped establish the Slane Theocracy.
This time, he brought one of the most precious treasures possessed by only a few in the Slane Theocracy—his ultimate weapon.
"The battle begins!"
Nigun commanded everyone to activate the highest-level angel summoning magic they could control.
...
"It looks like he's a magic user from the Slane Theocracy, part of a special intelligence unit, one of the Six Scriptures."
Just from that, it was clear this battle would be tough.
He then looked at Genji and Momonga beside him.
"Sire Genji and Sire Ainz, I wonder if you would accept my offer. I promise the payment will meet your expectations."
Momonga glanced at Genji.
Usually, there was no need to intervene.
"I have to refuse," Genji replied firmly.
Only acting in critical situations would bring greater rewards and effects than during ordinary times.
Momonga thought about the knight from before.
"So those attacks must have come from the Slane Theocracy."
Gazef nodded.
Momonga asked again, "Is this village's defense really that advanced?"
"No, there's only one reason. They are coming for me."
The Knight Commander felt frustrated that the two didn't accept his request.
Still, he hoped they, as adventurers, would take the job.
"Well, there's no point in continuing this way. Thank you again for saving the village."
He took off his metal gloves and shook Genji's hand.
"I hope you can protect the villagers from being slaughtered. Thank you very much."
"Yes, I will. By the way, please accept this little carved trinket."
Genji handed Gazef a small, oddly carved wooden figure.
"As long as it's your gift, I'm happy to take it. With you around, I have nothing to worry about."
"Well, adventurers, even though I'm reluctant, I have to leave."
Genji quietly watched Gazef walk away.
"Genji, that is..."
Well, I'll leave it to you then.