Valtherion remained in the hidden depths of Nazarick, the ancient mirror rippling before him as he observed the movements of Ainz and his Guardians. His faint smirk grew into a full grin.
"They are cautious," he muttered to himself, his voice calm yet filled with intrigue. "Good. They should be. But they also underestimate me... as expected."
With a flick of his wrist, the mirror's surface shifted, revealing a glimpse of the world beyond Nazarick. Kingdoms and empires continued their petty squabbles, blissfully unaware of the titanic forces moving in the shadows.
"Yet, even as gods play, there must be balance," he said softly. His tone carried neither malice nor benevolence—it was simply fact.
He turned away from the mirror and stepped into the dark hallways of the tomb, his movements graceful and unhurried. The walls seemed to react to his presence, pulsing faintly with a violet light that resonated with his essence.
"I suppose I'll reveal my hand soon enough," he mused. "Ainz has potential, but he lacks ambition. Perhaps it's time I remind him that power unused is power wasted."
---
Ainz's Inner Circle
Ainz sat at the head of the long table in the grand hall, his Guardians gathered around him. The atmosphere was tense but focused as Demiurge stood, delivering his analysis.
"Lord Ainz, I have completed my investigation into Valtherion's intrusion," Demiurge said, his tone sharp and analytical. "While his powers are undeniable, his actions suggest no immediate intent to harm Nazarick. On the contrary, his calculated retreat indicates a desire to observe us."
Albedo frowned, her golden eyes narrowing. "You suggest he is… testing us?"
"Precisely," Demiurge replied. "His movements were deliberate. He targeted Cocytus and myself, yet refrained from engaging the full force of Nazarick. It's as if he seeks to measure our response rather than destroy us outright."
Ainz leaned back in his throne, his mind racing. "Then we must consider the possibility that he is neither ally nor enemy, but something in between."
The Guardians exchanged glances.
"Lord Ainz," Albedo said, her voice filled with concern, "if Valtherion poses no immediate threat, should we still seek him out? Or would you prefer we bide our time?"
Ainz tapped his skeletal fingers against the armrest of his throne. "No. For now, we will focus on fortifying Nazarick and observing his movements. If he truly is part of Nazarick, as he claims, then perhaps he can be… utilized."
---
Valtherion's Intervention
Far from the main halls of Nazarick, a group of adventurers approached the Great Tomb, their hearts filled with a mix of bravery and desperation. They were well-armed and prepared, believing the tales of an abandoned ruin to be a chance for glory.
As they reached the perimeter, however, the air grew heavy, and a chilling pressure pressed down on them. One of the warriors froze, his sword trembling in his grip.
"Do you feel that?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Before anyone could answer, a figure emerged from the shadows—Valtherion. His glowing purple star pulsed faintly, casting an eerie light over the group.
"Fools," he said, his voice carrying a weight that made their knees buckle. "Do you even realize where you stand?"
The adventurers exchanged fearful glances, but their leader—a young knight—stepped forward, his courage barely holding. "This land is unclaimed! Who are you to stand in our way?"
Valtherion's eyes glinted with amusement. "Unclaimed? How arrogant." He extended a hand, and the ground beneath the adventurers trembled. Chains of ethereal light shot up, binding them in place.
The knight struggled against the bonds, his voice shaking. "W-what do you want from us?"
Valtherion leaned in closer, his expression unreadable. "What I want is irrelevant. What you should concern yourselves with is whether I find you amusing enough to spare."
Before the adventurers could react, the chains vanished, and they were thrown back several feet. As they scrambled to their feet, Valtherion turned away.
"Return to your kingdom," he said over his shoulder. "Tell them that the Great Tomb of Nazarick is not to be trifled with. Do so, and perhaps I will allow you to keep your lives."
Without another word, Valtherion disappeared, leaving the adventurers to flee in terror.
---
Word Reaches Ainz
Hours later, Aura reported the incident to Ainz in the throne room.
"He let them go?" Ainz asked, his tone a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"Yes, Lord Ainz," Aura replied. "They were terrified. They'll spread the word about Nazarick, but… why would he spare them?"
Ainz considered this, his mind piecing together the puzzle. "Perhaps Valtherion seeks to protect Nazarick in his own way. Or perhaps he is playing a game we cannot yet understand."
Demiurge adjusted his glasses, his expression thoughtful. "If he wished to harm us, he would not have warned them. This suggests his goals align with ours, at least for now."
Albedo frowned. "Even so, his methods are reckless. Allowing humans to leave with knowledge of Nazarick could invite more trouble."
"Not if they fear us," Ainz countered. "Valtherion's actions may have planted seeds of terror that will dissuade others from approaching."
---
Valtherion's Perspective
Back in his sanctuary, Valtherion watched the adventurers flee through the mirror. He chuckled softly to himself.
"Such fragile creatures," he said. "But even the smallest pawn has its place on the board."
Turning away, he folded his arms and gazed into the void.
"For now, I'll let them wonder. Let them whisper my name alongside Nazarick's. Fear is a tool, after all, and one I intend to wield to perfection."
---
End of Chapter 9