The air in the Great Tomb of Nazarick was alive with tension. The corridors, once filled only with the quiet hum of magical enchantments, now echoed faintly with hurried footsteps and murmured discussions among the Guardians. Even the ever-loyal Albedo and Demiurge seemed to carry a shadow of unease. Ainz Ooal Gown, their supreme ruler, had given clear orders to uncover the source of the disturbances within their domain.
Meanwhile, Valtherion reclined in his private chamber, a faint smile playing on his lips. He could sense the ripple effect of his actions. His subtle interference with the Shadow Demon and Narberal's encounter had begun to sow uncertainty.
"Every move they make strengthens the illusion of control," he mused, gazing into the glowing orb that floated before him. Within its depths, he could see the unfolding events in Nazarick. Demiurge was already organizing his network, deploying scouts and magical wards in every corner. A brilliant strategist, to be sure, but even brilliance had its blind spots.
Valtherion's hand hovered over the orb, the star on his back pulsating with energy. A single thought extended into the omniverse, and the orb shifted, displaying a scene outside Nazarick. Ainz had ventured into E-Rantel, disguised as Momon, to further his knowledge of the New World. Valtherion observed with interest, noting the calculated way Ainz interacted with the local populace.
"Interesting," Valtherion muttered. "You wield diplomacy like a weapon, Ainz Ooal Gown. But what happens when you face someone who wields chaos with precision?"
A faint knock interrupted his thoughts. Valtherion turned, his expression neutral. The door creaked open, revealing a lower-ranked servant—one of the nameless attendants who kept Nazarick running efficiently.
"My lord," the servant said, bowing deeply. "The patrols have intensified. It is difficult to move unnoticed."
"Good," Valtherion said, his tone calm. "Let them believe they are closing in. Their vigilance makes the game all the more entertaining."
The servant hesitated before speaking again. "What are your orders, my lord?"
"Continue observing," Valtherion replied. "Do not interfere unless necessary. The time for revelation is not yet upon us."
The servant bowed again and retreated, leaving Valtherion alone with his thoughts.
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In E-Rantel, Ainz's presence as Momon the adventurer was quickly making waves. His display of power and authority during the previous encounters had left the city's residents in awe. This served his purpose well—Ainz needed to establish himself as a dominant force in this world, someone to be respected and feared.
Accompanied by Narberal, who maintained her cover as Nabe, Ainz visited the Adventurer's Guild. The guildmaster greeted him with the respect afforded to a rising star, and Ainz took the opportunity to learn more about the city's political and economic structures.
While Ainz and Narberal mingled with the local adventurers, Valtherion's gaze shifted back to Nazarick. The Guardians were still mobilizing, their efforts focused on the lower levels where the disturbances had been most pronounced.
"Let us add another layer to their disquiet," Valtherion murmured. He reached out to the omniverse again, his power weaving into the very fabric of Nazarick.
In the lower levels, Demiurge and Cocytus stood in one of the vast chambers, discussing their next steps. The room, lined with glowing runes and defensive wards, was designed to repel even the most powerful intruders.
Suddenly, the temperature in the chamber dropped. Cocytus, accustomed to the cold, barely noticed, but Demiurge's sharp senses caught the change immediately.
"Something is wrong," he said, his golden eyes narrowing.
Before they could react, the runes along the walls flickered, their light dimming for a moment before stabilizing. It was a subtle disruption, almost imperceptible, but enough to set both Guardians on edge.
"An attack?" Cocytus asked, his voice low and measured.
"No," Demiurge replied, his mind racing. "This is not an external force. This is… internal."
Valtherion watched through his orb, his smile widening. He could feel Demiurge's mind working, analyzing every possibility. The demon's intellect was formidable, but Valtherion had accounted for that. This was not about defeating Demiurge—it was about unsettling him, creating cracks in the facade of absolute control.
As Demiurge and Cocytus discussed their findings, Valtherion's attention shifted again. He focused on a group of patrols moving through one of the mid-level corridors. Among them was the maid he had influenced earlier, her movements precise but her mind clouded with doubt.
"Let us see how far your loyalty can stretch," Valtherion said softly.
He extended his influence, reaching into the maid's thoughts. A faint whisper echoed in her mind, a voice that seemed both familiar and foreign.
"Why do you serve so blindly?" the voice asked. "Have you never questioned your purpose? Your master's motives?"
The maid hesitated, her steps faltering for a moment before she forced herself to continue. The whisper faded, leaving her shaken but resolute.
Valtherion withdrew, satisfied. Every seed of doubt he planted was a step closer to his ultimate goal.
Back in the throne room, Ainz returned from his excursion to E-Rantel, his mind filled with new information about the New World. Albedo greeted him with her usual enthusiasm, while the other Guardians awaited his orders.
"Report," Ainz commanded, his voice echoing through the chamber.
Demiurge stepped forward, bowing deeply. "My lord, we have detected further anomalies within Nazarick. They are faint but persistent, suggesting an internal source."
Ainz frowned, his skeletal features betraying no emotion. "Do you suspect an intruder?"
"It is a possibility, though unlikely," Demiurge replied. "The defenses of Nazarick are unparalleled. If there is an intruder, they are either extraordinarily skilled or… something beyond our understanding."
Ainz considered this, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "Increase patrols and enhance the wards. I want every corner of Nazarick secured."
"As you command," Demiurge said, bowing again.
As the Guardians dispersed to carry out their duties, Valtherion observed from his hidden chamber, his amusement growing. The tension within Nazarick was palpable, each Guardian working tirelessly to uphold the illusion of control.
"They are strong," Valtherion said to himself. "But strength alone is not enough. The game is only beginning."
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End of Chapter 5