Ainz Ooal Gown stood motionless in the corridor, the faint remnants of Valtherion's presence lingering in the air like an ominous warning.
Cocytus and Demiurge knelt before him, their expressions etched with frustration and shame.
"Forgive us, Lord Ainz," Demiurge said, bowing his head deeply. "We failed to defend Nazarick from this… intruder."
Cocytus growled, his fists clenched. "His power… was beyond comprehension. But I swear, my blade will taste his essence next time!"
Ainz held up a hand, silencing them. His crimson eyes scanned the corridor, his mind racing. Despite his calm demeanor, the display of power from Valtherion unsettled him deeply.
The ability to nullify Cocytus's weapon and Demiurge's flames as if they were nothing… And then that overwhelming space where even the strongest of Nazarick's forces felt insignificant. This was no ordinary threat.
"It's not your fault," Ainz finally said, his voice firm yet measured. "This was a test—a calculated demonstration. And you both survived. That alone is commendable."
The Guardians exchanged glances, their loyalty to Ainz only deepening.
---
The War Council
Minutes later, the core members of Nazarick gathered in the throne room. Albedo stood by Ainz's side, her expression a mixture of anger and concern. Mare and Aura sat quietly, their usually playful demeanor subdued by the weight of the situation. Sebas, ever the pillar of composure, remained silent, awaiting instructions.
The atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with anticipation.
Ainz leaned forward in his throne, addressing the room. "You all felt it, didn't you? The power he unleashed."
Albedo clenched her fists. "Lord Ainz, who is this Valtherion? To enter Nazarick uninvited is already an unforgivable offense, but to claim to be one of us?"
"He is a mystery," Ainz admitted. "One that predates even my understanding of Nazarick's creation. His words suggest he believes himself to be tied to Nazarick, but I cannot recall any such entity."
Demiurge adjusted his glasses, his mind clearly working through the puzzle. "If I may, Lord Ainz… his actions indicate a familiarity with Nazarick's systems and hierarchy. He bypassed multiple security layers, manipulated Cocytus's weapon, and even nullified my magic. This level of control suggests he is not bound by the same limitations as us."
Aura frowned. "Do you think he's one of the Supreme One, like you, Lord Ainz?"
The room fell silent at her words. The possibility had crossed Ainz's mind, but it opened up even more troubling questions.
"If he is," Ainz said slowly, "then he is far more than just a player--cough--The Supreme One. His powers extend beyond the framework of Yggdrasil. They felt… unrestricted, as though the very world itself bent to his will."
Sebas spoke up, his tone measured. "What are your orders, Lord Ainz? Shall we prepare for war?"
Ainz considered his next move carefully. "Not yet. This Valtherion has shown restraint. If his goal was destruction, he could have unleashed far greater devastation. For now, we observe. Gather all the information you can. Aura, Mare—survey the perimeter of Nazarick. Demiurge, strengthen our internal defenses. Cocytus, prepare the combat forces in case he returns."
The Guardians bowed in unison. "As you command, Lord Ainz!"
---
Elsewhere in Nazarick
Deep within the forgotten recesses of the tomb, Valtherion stood before an ancient mirror, its surface rippling like liquid. His fingers traced the edges of the frame as he gazed into its depths, where fragments of countless worlds shimmered and merged.
"So, the Supreme One finally shows his hand," Valtherion murmured, his voice tinged with amusement.
He closed his eyes, reaching out with his omniversal senses. The mirror responded, revealing images of Ainz and the Guardians, their discussion playing out in vivid detail.
"Loyal, disciplined, and predictable," Valtherion mused. "But predictable loyalty is both a strength… and a weakness."
With a wave of his hand, the mirror's image shifted, showing the lands beyond Nazarick. Kingdoms, empires, and adventurers filled the view, their lives continuing unaware of the cosmic chessboard they now stood upon.
Valtherion's gaze darkened. "The New World… such potential, such chaos. And yet, so limited in scope. If Nazarick is to rise beyond this petty plane, sacrifices must be made."
---
Aura and Mare walked cautiously through the forests surrounding Nazarick. The younger twin, Mare, clutched his staff nervously, glancing around at every rustle of leaves.
"Sister, do you think he's still watching us?" he asked.
Aura smirked, patting him on the head. "Relax, Mare. If that guy shows up, we'll take him down together. We're stronger than he thinks."
But even as she spoke, a faint chill ran down her spine. Deep down, she knew that Valtherion was unlike any foe they had encountered before.
---
Back in his chambers, Ainz sat alone, the weight of his position pressing down on him. Valtherion's cryptic words echoed in his mind:
"I am as much a part of Nazarick as the stones beneath your feet."
Was it possible that he had overlooked something during his time as Momonga? Some hidden mechanism or event that had allowed Valtherion to emerge?
Ainz sighed, his skeletal fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of his throne. "If he truly is part of Nazarick, then I must uncover his origins. But if he is an enemy…"
His eyes glowed with a crimson light, his resolve hardening.
"…then he will learn why none can stand against Ainz Ooal Gown."
---
End of Chapter 8