The corridors of the Great Tomb of Nazarick stretched endlessly, their design a masterpiece of perfection, yet tonight they pulsed faintly with unease.
The Guardians' meticulous patrols continued, their every move shadowed by the unknown presence that dared challenge the sanctity of their home.
But deep within the bowels of Nazarick, where light scarcely reached, a far greater power stirred.
---
The Lower Levels: Vault of the Forgotten
Demiurge and Cocytus stood before the Vault of the Forgotten, one of the most secure and enigmatic chambers in Nazarick. Its gates were forged from indestructible adamantite, etched with runes of supreme sealing magic. Only Ainz himself possessed the authority to open it.
Or so they thought.
As they examined the area for clues, a low hum reverberated through the air. The sigil they had found earlier began to glow brighter, its energy resonating with the surrounding runes. Before either Guardian could react, the Vault's gates began to creak open.
Demiurge's eyes widened, his sharp mind racing. "Impossible. These seals—"
"Are trivial," a voice interrupted, smooth and commanding.
From the shadows emerged Valtherion, his figure cloaked in his elegant black overcoat. The pulsating purple star on his back illuminated his form, casting a surreal glow that seemed to defy the natural laws of light.
Demiurge and Cocytus immediately dropped into combat stances. Cocytus gripped his massive halberd, its icy edge shimmering with lethal intent, while Demiurge summoned a circle of fiery runes around him.
"Identify yourself!" Demiurge demanded, his voice a mixture of authority and caution. "You dare trespass within the Great Tomb of Nazarick?"
Valtherion tilted his head slightly, his expression one of mild amusement. "Trespass? My dear Demiurge, I am no trespasser. I am as much a part of Nazarick as the stones beneath your feet."
Cocytus growled, his halberd ready to strike. "Then why do you hide? Declare your purpose, or face annihilation!"
Valtherion chuckled softly. "Annihilation? From you?" He extended a hand, his fingers glowing faintly. "Very well. Let me demonstrate the futility of resistance."
---
Cocytus lunged forward with the speed of a blizzard gale, his halberd aimed directly at Valtherion's chest. The weapon, enchanted with layers of supreme ice magic, could freeze entire armies with a single strike.
Yet, just as it reached Valtherion, it stopped.
Not because of a block or dodge—but because the halberd itself refused to move. It hovered in the air, trembling as though in fear, its icy glow dimming.
"What—?!" Cocytus roared, pulling with all his might, but the weapon remained suspended.
Valtherion glanced at the halberd with disinterest. "You wield impressive tools, Cocytus. But they are nothing more than tools. And tools obey their master."
With a flick of his wrist, the halberd disintegrated into particles of light, leaving Cocytus momentarily stunned.
Before he could recover, Valtherion turned his gaze to Demiurge. "And you, Demiurge. A master of strategy, manipulation, and infernal might. Let us see how far your flames reach."
Demiurge unleashed a torrent of golden fire, the flames twisting into the shape of a massive dragon as they roared toward Valtherion. The heat was intense enough to melt steel, the attack designed to incinerate even the most resilient foes.
But as the flames approached, they simply… vanished.
No explosion, no resistance—just an eerie silence as the fire disappeared into nothingness inches from Valtherion.
Demiurge's golden eyes narrowed. "What manner of power is this?"
Valtherion smiled faintly. "Your flames are impressive, but they are bound by the laws of magic. And I… am not."
---
Despite the overwhelming display of power, neither Demiurge nor Cocytus retreated. They regrouped, their loyalty to Ainz unshakable.
"You underestimate our devotion to Lord Ainz," Demiurge declared, summoning a series of runic barriers around himself and Cocytus. "Even if you wield power beyond comprehension, we will defend Nazarick to our last breath."
Cocytus nodded, his icy aura intensifying. "We live to serve Lord Ainz. You will fall!"
Valtherion's expression softened, almost imperceptibly. "Devotion… a commendable trait. But misplaced loyalty can be dangerous."
He raised his hand, and the purple star on his back flared with blinding light. In an instant, the entire corridor transformed.
The walls dissolved into a vast, star-filled void. The floor beneath them became translucent, as though they were standing on the edge of infinity. Demiurge and Cocytus found themselves weightless, their movements sluggish as an overwhelming pressure bore down on them.
"This is but a fragment of my domain," Valtherion said, his voice echoing through the endless expanse. "The omniverse bends to my will. Your strength is admirable, but it is insignificant against the boundless."
He extended a hand, and countless purple orbs materialized around him, each one radiating a power that rivaled Nazarick's World Items.
---
Before Valtherion could unleash his next move, the void shattered like glass, and the familiar stone walls of Nazarick returned. Ainz stood at the end of the corridor, his skeletal figure radiating an aura of absolute authority.
"Enough," Ainz commanded, his tone cold and unwavering.
Valtherion lowered his hand, a flicker of respect crossing his face. "Ah, the Supreme One himself. How fortuitous."
Ainz stepped forward, his crimson eyes locking onto Valtherion. "Who are you, and why are you here?"
Valtherion's smile returned, calm and confident. "All in due time, Lord Ainz. For now, consider this a mere introduction."
With a wave of his hand, Valtherion disappeared, leaving only the faint glow of the purple sigil behind.
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End of Chapter 7