The growing tension within the Great Tomb of Nazarick hung in the air like a storm cloud.
Every Guardian, servant, and patrol moved with precision, their loyalty to Ainz Ooal Gown unshaken but tinged with a newfound vigilance. The anomalies within the tomb had awakened an awareness that even the impenetrable fortress might harbor secrets unknown to its supreme ruler.
•The Throne Room
Ainz sat on his ornate throne, the crimson glow of his skeletal eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. The Guardians had gathered to deliver their latest reports, each more troubling than the last.
Demiurge stepped forward, bowing deeply. "My Lord, we have detected further disruptions in the lower levels. The anomalies persist despite our enhanced patrols and magical defenses."
Albedo, standing beside the throne, clenched her fists. "These disruptions insult your authority, Lord Ainz. Whoever dares to undermine Nazarick will face my wrath."
"Patience, Albedo," Ainz said, his tone calm but firm. "We cannot act rashly. Demiurge, do you suspect an intruder?"
Demiurge hesitated for a moment, a rare occurrence for the demon known for his unwavering confidence. "If there is an intruder, their methods are unlike anything we have encountered before. The disturbances seem… deliberate, as though designed to provoke a reaction rather than achieve a tangible goal."
Ainz leaned back in his throne, his mind racing. Could this be the work of a rival player? Or perhaps something even more foreign to this world?
"Continue your investigations," he commanded. "Focus on the lower levels for now. Report anything unusual immediately."
The Guardians bowed in unison, their resolve clear.
---
•Valtherion's Chamber
Deep within Nazarick, Valtherion observed the throne room through his omniversal sight, his lips curling into a sly smile. The faint purple glow of the star on his back pulsed rhythmically, resonating with the energy of the omniverse.
"They suspect an intruder," he mused. "Good. Let their vigilance grow. Let them pour their efforts into a phantom threat while I prepare my next move."
The orb before him shifted, revealing a different scene—Ainz's most loyal Guardians moving through the lower levels. Demiurge and Cocytus were leading a team of Shadow Demons, their sharp senses scanning for any sign of intrusion.
Valtherion extended a hand, and the orb shimmered, focusing on one of the Shadow Demons. With a faint gesture, he reached into its mind, implanting a single thought.
"Pause. Question."
The demon faltered, its movements growing sluggish. Demiurge noticed immediately, his golden eyes narrowing.
"What is the matter?" he demanded.
The Shadow Demon hesitated, its form flickering slightly. "I… I do not know, Lord Demiurge. Something feels… wrong."
Demiurge's expression darkened. "Focus. Do not allow yourself to be distracted."
Valtherion chuckled softly, his amusement evident. "Such sharp minds, yet so easily clouded. Let's see how long they can hold their composure."
---
As Demiurge and Cocytus delved deeper into the lower levels, they encountered a series of subtle anomalies. The walls, lined with glowing runes, occasionally flickered as though disturbed by an unseen force. The air grew colder, the temperature dropping unnaturally despite Cocytus's presence.
"Lord Demiurge," Cocytus rumbled, his voice steady but cautious. "This disturbance… it is not a natural phenomenon."
"I agree," Demiurge said, his mind racing. "It is almost as though the very fabric of Nazarick is being manipulated."
He extended a hand, summoning a wave of golden fire that swept through the corridor, illuminating every shadow. For a moment, the runes on the walls stabilized, their glow bright and steady.
But then, as the flames receded, a new anomaly appeared—a faint purple sigil etched into the wall, pulsating with a strange energy.
"What is this?" Cocytus asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
Demiurge studied the sigil, his golden eyes narrowing. "A message. Or perhaps a warning."
---
Back in the throne room, Ainz pondered the latest reports. The purple sigil discovered by Demiurge and Cocytus was unlike anything he had encountered before. Its energy signature was foreign, its purpose unclear.
"Could it be a player's work?" Ainz murmured to himself. "No… even the most powerful players in Yggdrasil wouldn't have access to this kind of power."
Albedo, standing by his side, looked at him with concern. "Lord Ainz, is something troubling you?"
"I am merely considering the possibilities," he replied. "Whatever this force is, it is unlike anything we have faced before. We must remain vigilant."
---
In his chamber, Valtherion leaned back, his expression thoughtful. The purple sigil had served its purpose, drawing the Guardians' attention and forcing them to confront an enigma they could not solve.
"Let them chase shadows," he said softly. "Every step they take brings them closer to the edge of their understanding. And when the time is right…"
He extended his hand, and the star on his back flared brightly, casting the room in a radiant glow.
"…I will reveal the truth."
---
End of Chapter 6