The World Outside Nazarick
The kingdom of Re-Estize was in turmoil as whispers of the Great Tomb of Nazarick spread like wildfire. The adventurers who had escaped spoke of an enigmatic figure wreathed in power, his warning chilling their very souls. Noble courts debated the veracity of these tales, and adventurer guilds were abuzz with rumors.
While the human kingdoms struggled with fear and intrigue, a more immediate threat loomed—a village besieged by knights.
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The Incident at Carne Village
Valtherion watched through his omniversal mirror as Ainz Ooal Gown descended upon Carne Village. The image revealed chaos: villagers fleeing as knights in gleaming armor set homes ablaze and cut down innocents. Ainz had taken the guise of a hero to protect the village, but Valtherion's sharp gaze saw the deeper motivations behind his actions.
"So this is where it begins," Valtherion mused, leaning back in his chair. "Ainz's first attempt to establish his dominion, cloaked in benevolence."
He watched as Ainz unleashed his power to obliterate the knights, the dark light of his magic scattering them like leaves in a storm. Alongside him, Albedo and Narberal protected the remaining villagers, their presence awe-inspiring yet terrifying.
But Valtherion's attention was drawn to a particular moment: the summoning of Death Knights. Ainz's casual creation of these undead soldiers spoke volumes about his potential.
"Interesting," Valtherion muttered. "He shows restraint, yet he cannot help but reveal his true nature. A calculated gamble to instill loyalty through fear."
Valtherion's mirror rippled, showing him Enri, the village girl whose courage had caught Ainz's attention. Her actions would shape the future of this village—and perhaps the world—but Valtherion merely smirked.
"The seeds of loyalty and dependence," he said. "Ainz, you're laying your foundation well, but your pieces are too few. Shall I add my own to the board?"
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Ainz's Perspective
As Ainz surveyed the now-secured Carne Village, he felt a strange sense of satisfaction. The villagers, grateful for his intervention, praised him as a savior.
"Lord Ainz," Albedo said, her voice filled with reverence, "your brilliance shines once again. These humans will forever remember your mercy."
Ainz, still adjusting to his role, nodded slowly. "Yes, their loyalty will prove useful. We must ensure that this village thrives under Nazarick's protection."
Narberal stepped forward. "Shall we deploy more Death Knights, my lord?"
Ainz shook his head. "No, we've made our point. Let them spread tales of our power and kindness. It will serve our purpose."
But even as he spoke, Ainz felt a faint unease. The actions of Valtherion lingered in his mind. The enigmatic entity had remained quiet since their initial encounter, but Ainz knew better than to assume he was inactive.
"Demiurge," Ainz said, turning to the Guardian present via a magical communication spell, "any updates on Valtherion?"
"None, Lord Ainz," Demiurge replied. "He appears content to remain within Nazarick's depths for now. However, his recent encounter with the adventurers suggests he has a vested interest in our goals."
Ainz nodded, though his unease did not abate.
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Deep within Nazarick, Valtherion stood before his mirror once more, observing the village's recovery. His reflection shimmered, revealing the faint glow of the purple star on his back.
"Ainz plays his part well," Valtherion murmured. "But even the most carefully laid plans require a touch of chaos."
With a wave of his hand, the mirror shifted, showing a small group of knights who had survived Ainz's onslaught. They stumbled through the forest, disoriented and terrified.
"Perhaps it's time I left my mark," Valtherion said, stepping forward.
In an instant, he appeared before the knights, his presence causing them to freeze in their tracks.
"Y-you," one of them stammered, recognizing the description given by the adventurers. "You're from Nazarick!"
Valtherion tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. And you will serve me well."
Before the knights could react, Valtherion raised his hand, threads of violet light weaving around them. Their expressions shifted from fear to blank obedience as his power took hold.
"You will spread tales of what you've seen," Valtherion commanded. "Speak of a power beyond comprehension. Speak of Nazarick as the apex of this world."
The knights bowed mechanically before disappearing into the shadows.
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Later that evening, Ainz summoned Valtherion to the throne room. The Guardians stood at attention, their gazes wary as Valtherion strode in with his usual calm demeanor.
"You summoned me, Ainz?" Valtherion said, his tone light but laced with curiosity.
Ainz leaned forward on his throne. "I know you've been observing the outside world. Tell me, what do you think of our actions?"
Valtherion chuckled softly. "A solid beginning. Carne Village now serves as your foothold, and the world trembles at the thought of Nazarick. But you're thinking too small."
Albedo bristled. "How dare you—"
Ainz raised a hand to silence her. "Explain," he said, his tone even.
Valtherion smiled. "You aim to rule this world, yet you act as if it's a chessboard with limited pieces. What if I told you there's more to this game than you realize? More players, more boards… and far greater stakes."
Ainz's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Let's just say," Valtherion replied, turning to leave, "I've ensured Nazarick's name will echo far and wide. Whether you're prepared for what that brings… well, that's up to you."
As the throne room doors closed behind him, the Guardians turned to Ainz, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.
"Ainz-sama," Demiurge said, "do you truly trust him?"
Ainz stared at the door for a long moment before replying. "Trust is irrelevant. For now, he acts in Nazarick's interests. But we must remain vigilant."
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End of Chapter 10