The Great Tomb of Nazarick was a realm of unparalleled wonder and mystery, a place that defied mortal understanding. Its halls, each meticulously designed by the former members of Ainz Ooal Gown, radiated their creators' genius and effort. Yet, even in this bastion of absolute loyalty and power, shadows could stir in the quietest corners.
In the throne room, Ainz Ooal Gown reclined on his seat of power, his skeletal visage betraying no emotion as he listened to Demiurge's latest report. The demon's sharp mind had already begun crafting strategies for spreading Nazarick's influence, but there was something in his tone today—a faint undercurrent of caution.
"My Lord," Demiurge said, his golden eyes narrowed slightly, "I have detected faint disturbances within Nazarick. They are subtle, almost imperceptible, but I would be remiss not to inform you."
Ainz leaned forward slightly, his crimson eyes glowing with curiosity. "What kind of disturbances?"
"They are… fleeting," Demiurge admitted, a rare note of uncertainty in his voice. "Like whispers in the wind, barely detectable even to me. However, it is clear that they originate within our domain."
The room fell silent as the Guardians exchanged wary glances. Albedo, standing closest to the throne, stepped forward.
"Lord Ainz, if there is even the faintest possibility of an intruder, we must investigate immediately," she said, her voice firm.
Ainz considered her words carefully. "Agreed. Assign additional patrols to the lower levels. I want every corner of Nazarick inspected thoroughly. If there is something—or someone—within these halls that shouldn't be here, we will find it."
---
In the Depths of Nazarick
Far below the throne room, Valtherion watched the proceedings with a smirk. Through his connection to the omniverse, he could observe the throne room without detection, his ethereal sight painting the Guardians as pieces on a chessboard.
"So quick to act, yet so blind to what lies before them," he mused. "They're clever, but they lack perspective. They see only what their master wishes them to see."
Valtherion's chamber pulsed with faint light, the purple star on his back flaring slightly as he reached out to the omniverse. A map of Nazarick materialized before him, glowing lines tracing its intricate design. Every corridor, every room, every hidden passage was laid bare to his gaze.
He focused on the lower levels, where a group of Shadow Demons had been dispatched to investigate. The demons moved with practiced stealth, their forms melting into the darkness as they searched for any sign of intrusion.
Valtherion extended a hand, and the star on his back surged with power. One of the Shadow Demons froze mid-step, its body rigid as a faint purple light enveloped it. Through the demon's eyes, Valtherion saw what it saw, felt what it felt.
"You are efficient," he murmured, his voice reaching the demon's mind like a distant echo. "But your loyalty is misplaced."
The demon shuddered as Valtherion's power seeped into its essence, reconfiguring its very nature. When the light faded, the Shadow Demon stood still for a moment before vanishing into the darkness, its mission subtly altered.
---
Elsewhere, Narberal Gamma and the rest of the Pleiades continued their patrols. The maid who had encountered Valtherion in the previous chapter walked among them, her steps steady but her mind in turmoil. She had spoken of the incident to no one, yet the memory lingered, vivid and inescapable.
As the group moved through one of Nazarick's countless corridors, a faint noise drew their attention. It was a low hum, almost imperceptible but growing louder with each passing second.
Narberal raised a hand, signaling the others to halt. "Prepare yourselves," she commanded, her voice cold and precise.
The corridor ahead shimmered, the air distorting like a mirage. From the distortion stepped a figure cloaked in shadow, its form indistinct but radiating a palpable menace.
"An intruder?" one of the maids whispered, gripping her weapon tightly.
"No," Narberal said, her eyes narrowing. "This is… different."
The shadowed figure raised an arm, and the corridor was suddenly filled with an oppressive energy. The maids staggered, their movements sluggish as the air seemed to thicken around them.
Narberal gritted her teeth, her magic flaring as she tried to counteract the effect. But before she could act, the figure spoke, its voice resonating with a chilling familiarity.
"You serve your master well," it said, its tone neither mocking nor praising. "But tell me—what would you do if that master faltered? If his will wavered?"
Narberal's eyes widened. "What… nonsense is this?"
The figure chuckled, a sound that echoed endlessly. "A test. Nothing more."
With a wave of its hand, the oppressive energy vanished, leaving the maids gasping for breath. The figure stepped back into the shadows, its form dissolving like smoke.
Narberal straightened, her expression grim. "Return to the throne room," she ordered the others. "Report this to Lady Albedo immediately."
---
When Narberal's report reached the throne room, Ainz listened intently, his expression unreadable. The Guardians exchanged uneasy glances, their loyalty unshaken but their concern evident.
"A test," Ainz repeated, his voice thoughtful. "What kind of being would dare to test the loyalty of Nazarick's servants?"
"I will personally investigate this matter, Lord Ainz," Albedo said, her tone resolute. "Whatever this force is, it will not be allowed to undermine your rule."
Ainz nodded. "Be thorough. And ensure that Nazarick remains secure at all times."
As the Guardians departed to carry out his orders, Ainz leaned back in his throne, his crimson eyes narrowing. For the first time since arriving in this new world, he felt a flicker of unease.
---
In his chamber, Valtherion stood before his orb, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. The omniverse whispered its approval, its infinite voices weaving a symphony of possibilities.
"They're beginning to notice," he said softly, his gaze distant. "Good. A strong opponent is forged in the fires of doubt and challenge. Let them struggle. Let them grow."
The star on his back flared, casting the room in a pulsating glow.
"The pieces are in motion, Ainz Ooal Gown. But this is only the beginning."
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End of Chapter 4