[ Capitano POV ]
As I leaned against the rough bark of a tree near the wooden bridge I had been charged with defending, my thoughts drifted aimlessly. The solitude of the moment allowed them to wander to distant places. Was Momonga already making his move to save that small village? The thought lingered like a faint shadow in the corner of my mind, unsettling yet indistinct. Before I could dwell on it further, Sebas's voice broke through my reverie, calm and unwavering as ever.
"Momonga-sama requests your presence," he announced, bowing with his customary precision.
I returned the gesture reflexively, my nod shallow but respectful. Sebas turned and vanished into the forest as silently as he had appeared, his retreat leaving me with the weight of his message. I was to join the mission. That much was inevitable.
It was logical, after all. Yes, entirely logical. Why else would a knight exist if not to serve?
With a sigh that felt heavier than it ought to, I pushed off the tree and adjusted the straps of my gauntlets. The wood of the bridge creaked beneath my boots as I crossed it, each step pulling me further from the solitude I had clung to. My fingers tightened the leather straps with a deliberate slowness, the metallic clink grounding me in the physical world. At my side hung my sword, its weight not a burden but a constant reminder—a fragment of the past that still whispered promises of duty and purpose.
Ahead, the portal shimmered with an otherworldly energy. Its dark edges pulsed faintly, a heartbeat of ominous intent. Standing before it was Albedo, clad in resplendent obsidian armour that caught the dim light and reflected it in sharp, unyielding flashes. Her golden eyes shone with something beyond mere reverence—it was a hunger, an unquenchable yearning to serve.
"Albedo," I greeted with a slight incline of my head as I approached.
She turned, her expression softening at the sight of me. "Ah, you've arrived," she said, her tone warm yet tinged with anticipation. "Momonga-sama awaits us beyond. Are you prepared?"
I nodded curtly. "Always."
Her gaze lingered, studying me with unnerving intensity. It was as though she sought to unearth something buried beneath my words, something I had not even begun to articulate. After a moment, she stepped closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"You do understand what an honour this is, don't you? To act in his name—to carry out his will?"
I met her gaze, unflinching. "Of course. That's why I'm here."
Her lips curved into a faint smile, satisfaction flickering in her eyes. Without another word, she turned and strode toward the portal. Her every movement radiated confidence, an unshakable certainty in her purpose. I followed, my fingers brushing the hilt of my sword—a silent reassurance to myself that I was ready, even if my thoughts whispered otherwise.
The transition through the portal was jarring. Heat and tension enveloped me as we emerged into a dense forest. The air felt charged, heavy with unspoken conflict. But the scene at the clearing's centre pulled my attention with an almost magnetic force. Two women—one child and one adult—cowered before Momonga, their wide eyes brimming with terror. Nearby, the broken body of a knight lay sprawled in lifeless testimony to his failure.
Momonga stood at the heart of it all, a figure of otherworldly authority. His skeletal visage exuded an aura of power that seemed to warp the very air around him. The Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown gleamed in his grasp, its sinister elegance commanding both awe and dread.
"My lord," Albedo began, her voice a melody of devotion. "I apologize for the delay. Preparations took longer than expected."
Momonga inclined his head slightly, his crimson gaze unwavering. "No. Your timing is perfect."
We bowed in unison, the gesture automatic yet laced with purpose.
"What shall we do with these... lower lifeforms?" Albedo asked, her voice sharp with disdain.
Her words stirred something in me—an involuntary reaction, a tightening in my chest. I couldn't deny the truth in her assessment; humans were weak, frail, and insignificant in the grand order of existence. Yet, the venom in her tone unsettled me. Was their worth truly so negligible? Or was that conclusion born of convenience?
Momonga's gaze lingered on the women, his skeletal features unreadable. After a moment, his focus shifted toward the forest's edge. "For now, the ones in armour are our enemies," he declared, his voice calm and absolute.
I stepped forward instinctively, my hand brushing my sword. "As you command, Lord Momonga, I will—"
He raised a hand, silencing me with the gesture alone. "There is no need. The Death Knight will handle it."
I stepped back, releasing my grip. As his attention returned to the trembling women, he produced a vial of crimson liquid. Its glass surface caught the light, shimmering with promise—or menace, depending on the perspective.
"You are injured," he said, his tone almost gentle. "Drink this."
The adult woman clutched the child tightly, her voice trembling. "B-Blood?"
The word hung in the air, slicing through the moment like a blade. Her eyes widened, terror etched into every line of her face.
She reached hesitantly for the potion, her voice faltering. "I-I'll drink it... but my little sister—"
Before she could finish, the younger girl screamed, pulling her hand back violently.
"Big Sis! No!"
The child's cries echoed through the forest, raw and visceral. Momonga tilted his head slightly, the motion oddly inquisitive. He seemed almost... curious, as though studying the incomprehensible reaction before him.
Albedo, however, wasted no time. She stepped forward, her halberd raised, her expression cold and unyielding. "You pathetic lower lifeforms," she spat. "Your fear is an affront to Momonga-sama's generosity."
Her intent was clear, and my body moved before thought could intervene. The sharp ring of steel filled the air as I drew my sword.
"Albedo," I said, my voice cutting through the tension. "Stand down."
Her golden eyes snapped to me, narrowing dangerously. "Stand down?" she echoed, her voice low and venomous. "These vermin are unworthy of his mercy. Their lives are insignificant next to his glory."
I met her gaze without flinching, my blade steady between us. "The blade of a knight is not meant for the defenceless," I said, my tone firm but calm. "These are not our enemies. They are victims of circumstance."
Her grip on her halberd tightened, a humourless chuckle leaving her helm, "Do not presume to lecture me, knight. Everything we do is for Momonga-sama."
"And he has not ordered their deaths," I countered. "Our purpose is to uphold his name, not tarnish it with unnecessary cruelty."
For a moment, the forest seemed to hold its breath. Then, slowly, she lowered her weapon. Her smile returned, this time tinged with mockery.
"Very well," she said. "Have your chivalry. But remember, mercy is a luxury we cannot always afford."
I sheathed my sword, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon me. "Perhaps," I said quietly. "But mercy is a strength, not a weakness."
Momonga, who had watched the exchange in silence, finally spoke. His voice was steady, his tone unreadable. "Shall we proceed?"
I inclined my head. "As you command."
As we moved deeper into the forest, the weight of what lay ahead seemed to grow heavier with every step. My grip tightened on my sword, a silent vow to myself. Whatever awaited us, I would remain steadfast—not just in service to my lord, but in service to the ideals I refused to abandon.
I stared back at the two, the bodies still low to the ground this time things were different, her wounds completely healed with a green defensive barrier placed around her and my eyes proceed to shift to what sat next to her. Two horns used to summon goblins and the effects it had were immense, I remembered watching it on the PC screen and just being in awe at how a seemingly weak item was able to produce results like that.
"U-Um, Thank you very much for saving us! "
The child mimicked her, " Thank you! "
Momonga simply continued to stare forwards as if unbothered by their words of thanks, " Don't worry about it. "
The woman with a bit of courage spoke up once again, " Wh-What is your name? "
Momonga this time decided to proceed to add flair by spinning around and raising his arms, he, however, didn't speak as if pondering before the famous three words left his mouth - " Ainz Ooal Gown "
A frown formed on my mouth as this was slightly different from what I had remembered, trailing behind Momonga who was now walking away from the two.
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It did not take long to reach the village, primarily due to the use of the spell Fly. A truly remarkable magic—one that rendered tedious journeys and crude roads irrelevant. What a joy it was to soar over the dense sea of trees, their jagged branches clawing impotently at the air beneath us. Below, the so-called "road" meandered aimlessly, little more than a scar in the earth, worn into existence by years of weary feet. It was an insult to the word, really—more of a rut than a passage.
When we arrived, however, the scene that unfolded before us extinguished any hint of levity. The air reeked of blood and charred wood. The Death Knight had done its work, and it had done so with unbridled efficiency. Corpses were strewn like broken dolls across the village—some split asunder, others hurled against trees with such force that their limbs jutted at grotesque angles. Blood streaked the walls of the crude wooden homes, and what few soldiers still drew breath cowered pitifully amidst the carnage, weapons trembling in their hands.
But I couldn't help but wonder what truly froze their hearts. Was it the Death Knight? That towering spectre of slaughter, its form a twisted mockery of chivalry? Or was it us—the three figures hovering above it, silent and still, as though gods surveying the ruin of mortals?
I confess I hoped, selfishly, that it was us. There is power in such moments, is there not? To stand apart, untouchable, while the world below quakes in terror—it is intoxicating, if one is honest. Yet, I knew well the truth: that the Death Knight inspired a primal fear far deeper than our presence ever could. It was, after all, an avatar of destruction in this world—a creature invincible against mere soldiers. It was akin to pitting a dying child against the fury of a storm. The outcome was never in question.
But all of this came to an end with a single command.
"Death Knight," Momonga's voice rang out, calm and unyielding. "That's enough."
The monster halted mid-strike, its blade dripping with fresh blood. The soldiers' heads snapped toward us, their terror now entirely focused on the skeletal figure at our centre. Flanked by Albedo and me, Momonga exuded a presence that could not be ignored. From their vantage, I could imagine how we must have looked: two figures clad in black armour, standing like silent sentinels on either side of the terrible mage, his crimson gaze burning with unnatural light.
Momonga began to descend, the air itself seeming to bend to his will. Albedo and I followed, our movements deliberate, measured. We were not men or women in that moment—we were symbols, shadows cast by a greater force.
When he spoke, his voice carried the weight of inevitability. "Nice to meet you all. My name is Ainz Ooal Gown." His skeletal arm rose slightly, the motion both commanding and strangely courteous. "I will allow you to live. Go, and tell your superi..—no, your owners—of this."
The soldiers' eyes widened at his words, their fear mingling with disbelief. Momonga—or rather, Ainz—continued, his voice low but sharp as a blade.
"Next time you bring trouble to this area, I will bring death to your kingdom."
He punctuated the command with a simple gesture. "GO! And be sure to tell everyone my name."
They needed no further encouragement. Their weapons clattered to the ground, forgotten in their haste to flee. They ran like cornered animals, their dead comrades left behind as grim remnants of the slaughter.
"Wait."
The single word cut through the retreating chaos, spoken by a lone figure. A man, bowing deeply, his trembling voice carrying just enough strength to reach us.
"Who... who are you, sir?" he stammered, his head still lowered.
Momonga turned toward him, his crimson gaze settling on the man. For a moment, there was only silence, as though the weight of the question demanded careful thought.
"I saw this village being attacked and came to save you," Ains replied, his tone plain yet unassailable. The simplicity of his words belied the awe they inspired.
The peasants who had gathered—what few of them remained—stared up at him, their fear giving way to something dangerously close to reverence.
"Now you are safe," he continued. His skeletal form loomed over them, his robes billowing faintly with an unnatural grace. "I want you to be at ease."
With deliberate steps, he approached the villagers, his crimson gaze sweeping over them like a judge appraising the accused. Then, without warning, he turned slightly toward us, his expression unreadable but pointed, before returning his focus to the bowing crowd.
"However," he said, his voice softening with an edge of finality, "it wasn't for free."
The villagers exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of relief and gratitude. To my surprise, they seemed almost eager to comply, nodding in unison at his words.
"I would like to be thanked for it."
At this, the peasants fell to their knees, murmuring their thanks with what I could only describe as religious fervour. I found myself studying them, my gaze lingering on their trembling forms. There was something unsettling about their gratitude—not because it was unwarranted, but because of its sheer intensity. Was it born of genuine relief, or was it merely fear, dressed in the robes of thankfulness?
Albedo, however, stood rigid beside me, her silence betraying a quiet storm. Her golden eyes were fixed on Ains, but the faint sound of her gritted teeth did not escape my notice.
"Albedo," I said softly, tilting my head toward her.
She did not respond, but the tension in her frame spoke volumes. Her disdain for the scene was palpable, radiating from her like heat from a fire. She loathed this—the act of lowering ourselves, as she would see it, to help these so-called "lower lifeforms."
And yet, as I watched the villagers bow and scrape, I found myself wondering: was she entirely wrong? Could such fragile beings ever truly understand the magnitude of the power that had spared them? Did they thank him because they were grateful—or because they feared what would happen if they did not?
The answers eluded me, and perhaps that was for the best. For now, the village was quiet, save for the murmurs of the living and the silence of the dead.
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[ Narrators POV ]
The air was thick with the scent of blood and burning wood. Shadows danced along the trees as the remnants of the village smouldered in the distance. Capitano stood leaning against his sword, the metal tip buried lightly in the earth, while Albedo paced nearby, her expression dark and brooding. Her golden eyes glowed faintly in the light, sharp as the halberd she carried.
"You presume too much," Albedo hissed, her voice low but venomous. "To defy me in such a way, Capitano. Do you think yourself my equal? Or, worse, my superior?"
Capitano exhaled slowly, his armoured fingers brushing idly over the hilt of his blade. "This again?" he muttered, his tone laced with a practiced patience. "I didn't defy you, Albedo. I followed what I believe to be Momonga-sama's unspoken intent. That is all."
Albedo stopped mid-step, turning on her heel to face him. Her lips curled into a sneer, her flawless features twisted by indignation. "His intent? His intent? Don't presume to know the will of Momonga-sama better than I do, knight." She stepped closer, her voice rising. "You, who dare to lecture me on duty while allowing those vermin to walk away unscathed? What loyalty is that?"
Capitano remained still, his gaze steady beneath the shadow of his helm. "Loyalty," he said evenly, "is doing what serves his will, even when it may not align with our own instincts. You saw his actions, Albedo. He saved this village. He gave those people his protection. Do you think he did that on a whim?"
Albedo faltered for the briefest of moments, her fingers tightening around the shaft of her halberd. "Perhaps he wished to use them as pawns. Resources. Whatever his reason, their lives are meaningless."
"Meaningless or not," Capitano replied, stepping forward, "Momonga-sama chose to spare them. That alone gives them value—his value, not yours or mine to judge." His voice lowered, deliberate and firm. "And let's not forget—if I hadn't stopped you, he would have."
Albedo's eyes flared with anger at the suggestion, but she did not deny it. She turned away sharply, her long raven hair sweeping behind her like a cloak of night. "You speak as though you know him so well," she snapped. "As though you understand his designs better than I, his most loyal servant. It's insulting."
Capitano sighed, shifting his weight as he leaned more heavily against his sword. "I don't pretend to know his plans in their entirety, Albedo. None of us can. But I can see the patterns. Why save this village at all if there wasn't some larger purpose behind it? He's no saint, and neither are we. Every move he makes is calculated, deliberate."
Albedo crossed her arms, glaring into the distance. "And what purpose could these pathetic creatures possibly serve?"
"I don't know," Capitano admitted. "But that's not for us to decide, is it?" He straightened, gesturing toward the hut behind them. "Think about it. He had every chance to let them perish. To turn his back and let this place fall to ruin. But he intervened. He gave them his 'name'. That's no small thing, Albedo. That's a statement."
She clenched her fists, her sharp nails pressing into her palms. "Perhaps. But it still grates against my instincts. To lower ourselves to their level—to spare those who should bow or perish—it's unthinkable. It feels... wrong."
Capitano tilted his head slightly, his voice softening. "You're not wrong to feel that way. It's in your nature to despise weakness. But we're here to serve, not to question. If Momonga-sama sees potential in this village—whether as tools, subjects, or something else—then it's our role to ensure his vision comes to fruition."
Albedo's shoulders tensed as his words sank in. Her anger, while not extinguished, seemed to subside into a simmering frustration. She cast him a sidelong glance, her golden eyes narrowing. "You speak as though you have some great wisdom, knight. And yet, you're still nothing more than a sword for him to wield."
"And that's all I need to be," Capitano replied calmly. "A sword knows its purpose. It doesn't swing itself out of anger or pride. It moves only when the hand that wields it commands."
Albedo studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she turned her gaze back to the darkened forest. "Hmph. You have a way with words, Capitano. I'll give you that. But don't mistake my restraint for submission. The next time those vermin test us, I won't hesitate."
"Understood," Capitano said with a slight incline of his head. "Just remember—if Momonga-sama commands otherwise, I'll stop you again."
Albedo's grip on her halberd tightened, her teeth gritting audibly. "You're insufferable."
"And you're predictable," he countered with the faintest hint of a smirk.
Her gaze snapped back to him, and for a moment, it seemed she might strike him outright. But instead, she let out a sharp exhale, shaking her head. "You're lucky Momonga-sama values you," she muttered, turning away. "Otherwise, I'd carve that insolence out of you myself."
Capitano chuckled softly, resting a hand on his sword's pommel. "And you're lucky Momonga-sama treasures you, Albedo. Otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to stop you—for good."
Their eyes met briefly, a silent challenge passing between them. Then, without another word, Albedo resumed her pacing, the tension between them fading into the hum of the night. For all their differences, they both understood the truth that bound them: their devotion to Momonga was absolute, and for him, they would endure each other's company—even if it meant biting their tongues.
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[Omake: The Case of Humanity's Worth]
Courtroom - Nazarick Supreme Court [All matters spoken in this court are written down by Demiurge]
The grandiose chamber echoes with tension as Capitano stands at the defendant's podium, his hand resting calmly on the hilt of his sword. Across from him, Albedo takes the prosecutor's stand, her expression icy and disdainful. At the judge's bench, Momonga sits resplendent in his skeletal glory, his crimson eyes glowing faintly with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Ainz's hand absently taps the surface of his Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown, a faint indication of his weariness.
Momonga: "Court is now in session. This... debate will determine whether humans are the 'useless weaklings' Albedo claims or whether they hold the hidden potential Capitano insists they possess."
(He sighs heavily, waving his skeletal hand for the proceedings to begin.) "Please keep the arguments civil. And concise. For once."
Albedo: (Stepping forward, a venomous smirk curling her lips)
"Your Majesty, it is clear to anyone with even a shred of intellect that humans are inferior in every conceivable way. They are physically weak, cowardly, and utterly lacking in magical ability. Even their so-called 'civilizations' are primitive—laughable, really, compared to the splendour of Nazarick." (She gestures dramatically toward Capitano.) "And yet, this fool insists on defending their worth. I ask you, why waste your time, Momonga-sama, on creatures so pitiful?"
Capitano: (Calmly raising a gauntleted hand)
"Objection, your Honor!" (He points his sword at Albedo, who glares daggers at him.) "The prosecution's argument is based entirely on bias and generalization. While humans may lack the overwhelming power of Nazarick, they have repeatedly proven their ingenuity and resilience. It is precisely their adaptability that allows them to thrive in environments where others would falter!"
Momonga: (Leaning forward, raising a skeletal hand to interject)
"Order in the court! Capitano, this isn't a duel—put the sword down. And Albedo, please don't antagonize the defendant before we've even heard his evidence."
(He mutters to himself) "Why did I agree to this again...?"
Albedo: (Snapping her fan open and fanning herself dramatically)
"Very well, Your Majesty. Let us indulge this delusion for a moment. Capitano, present your so-called 'evidence' of human worth. Enlighten us."
Capitano: (Nods confidently)
"Gladly. Let's begin with innovation. Despite their limited lifespans, humans have created remarkable tools and technologies. They've harnessed fire, constructed vast cities, and even developed advanced farming methods to sustain large populations. These achievements required intelligence, cooperation, and resourcefulness—qualities not to be dismissed lightly!"
(He slams a hand on his podium for emphasis, and the courtroom briefly fills with the sound of his conviction.)
Albedo: (Rolling her eyes)
"Tools? Farms? Oh, please. The great Supreme Beings of Nazarick could conjure food with a snap of their fingers! Why bother praising creatures who have to toil in the dirt just to survive?"
Capitano: (Countering with a sharp tone)
"Their 'toil,' Albedo, is a testament to their determination. Humans can't rely on divine powers or level 100 skills—they make do with what they have. And let's not forget, some of the most advanced magical theories were first developed by humans! Their scholars and mages, while no match for Nazarick's brilliance, have still achieved great strides in arcane knowledge."
Albedo: (With a mocking laugh)
"And how often do they misuse this 'knowledge,' Capitano? How many human kingdoms have collapsed under their own incompetence or greed? They're fragile. Petty. Short-sighted."
Capitano: (Slamming his fist on the podium again)
"Objection! While human societies are imperfect, that is precisely why they grow. Conflict forces them to adapt, to improve. And their flaws—yes, even their greed—drive them to strive for more. Unlike us, who already stand at the pinnacle, they must earn their survival every single day!"
Momonga: (Throwing up his hands, his aura flaring slightly)
"ENOUGH! Both of you, calm down!" (His voice reverberates through the chamber, silencing the heated exchange. He rubs his temples—or where his temples would be if he had them.) "Capitano, Albedo, this is supposed to be a reasoned debate, not a shouting match!"
(After a moment, he leans back, exuding an air of authority.)
"Now, Capitano, do you have any specific examples to support your argument? Something tangible?"
Capitano: (Grinning confidently)
"Of course, Your Majesty. Consider the Horn of the Goblin General." (He gestures toward the evidence table, where a pair of simple horns rests.) "A human villager, with no prior combat experience, used this item to summon an army and fend off a larger, better-equipped force. That is strategic thinking in the face of overwhelming odds."
Albedo: (Scoffing)
"A mere trinket from Yggdrasil. Hardly a testament to human ingenuity."
Capitano: (Pointing sharply at her)
"Yet it was a human who used it effectively. Tools mean nothing without the wisdom to wield them. And speaking of wisdom, need I remind you that humans have produced countless works of art, literature, and philosophy? Their creativity rivals even the constructs of Nazarick."
Momonga: (Holding up a hand)
"All right, I think we've heard enough examples for now." (He looks between the two, his glowing crimson eyes narrowing slightly.) "Let me summarize: Albedo, you argue that humans are weak and insignificant, while Capitano believes they possess hidden potential. Am I correct?"
Albedo & Capitano (simultaneously):
"Exactly!"
Momonga: (Leaning back with an audible sigh)
"Wonderful. Now I have to make a decision I never wanted to make. Why am I not surprised?"
(He pauses, his bony fingers drumming against the bench.)
"Here is my verdict: Both of you are correct."
(The courtroom erupts in protest—Albedo and Capitano glaring at each other as they shout over one another.)
Momonga: (Raising his Staff, silencing the room with an overwhelming aura of authority)
"SILENCE!" (His tone is sharp and final.)
"Capitano is correct that humans have potential and resilience, which are valuable traits. However, Albedo is also right that they are weak and flawed, particularly compared to the denizens of Nazarick. Both perspectives are valid—and both are necessary to understand the complex nature of the beings we now share this world with."
(He looks pointedly at each of them in turn.)
"So, no more arguments. Or I'll have Demiurge mediate the next debate, and trust me, you don't want that."
(With that, he bangs his staff on the ground.)
"Court is adjourned."
[Post-Courtroom Scene]
As the denizens of Nazarick disperse, Albedo approaches Capitano, her expression a mix of begrudging respect and simmering annoyance.
Albedo: "You make a compelling case, knight. But don't think this changes anything. I still find humans revolting."
Capitano: (Chuckling softly) "And I still find your stubbornness predictable. But I respect your passion, Albedo."
She huffs, turning on her heel and stalking away. Capitano watches her go, shaking his head with a faint smile.
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A/N : Seems like his settings are finally starting to kick in, even if only slightly. Signs are beginning to crack through his facade. I'm really having fun with these omakes, hehe, it also adds extra word count so even better.
If you guys are enjoying this so far, please drop a review saying what you like and don't like, as long as it's useful criticism I'd be grateful. Goodbye my bony friends, until next time...
[Most likely going to be a while before I post again, likely a hiatus of a month due to real-life matters, although if you do wanna read another one of my works, I just started another one with updates that will be similar to this once I get back. It should have two chapters, both 3k words each by the end of this week.]