In the previous chapter: Momonga, using the Remote Viewing item, discovered a village that was under attack. Immediately, he called Narkhan and Six. The Three Supremes left Nazarick for the first time, exploring the new world that unfolded before them. During their journey, they arrived at the village and, thanks to their superior skills, intervened, annihilating the invading soldiers. Some time later, in the midst of the situation, Gazef Stronoff appeared, who held a conversation with Momonga before facing the forces of the Slane Theocracy. Despite his bravery, his soldiers were defeated, leaving him in a critical situation. However, the Three Supremes intervened and wiped out the enemies with ease. At the end of the day, Momonga made a momentous decision: to adopt the name Ainz Ooal Gown, in honor of his guild.
Somewhere in the New World, on a lonely island, waves crashed against the shore in a constant rhythm, filling the air with their echo. Sitting on the sand, a man over two meters tall contemplated the vast ocean in silence. His wild mane, in shades of gold and black, fluttered in the sea breeze, giving him an even more imposing appearance. His broad shoulders and colossal physique stood out under the light beach attire he wore: a shirt with floral prints, shorts and simple flip-flops. His eyes, completely golden, seemed to shine with a deep glow, as if they contained a hidden power.
Behind him, a humble wooden hut, resembling a shack, stood, a silent witness to his presence. The only sound in that place was the incessant rocking of the sea.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. Without warning, a figure appeared behind the man. It was a butler with an elegant bearing, his hair straight, perfectly combed, and a serious countenance.
The man's golden eyes shifted slightly, glancing at the newcomer. His thick, emotionless voice broke the silence.
-What do you want?
The butler bowed before replying in a respectful tone.
—Mr. Thomas, they're calling you.
Thomas slowly rose to his feet, his colossal height casting an intimidating shadow over the servant. Looking up, the butler had to crane his neck to see him in all his magnitude. Thomas, his expression one of utter indifference, let out a single word in his deep, authoritative voice.
—Disappear.
The butler frowned slightly, his gaze reflecting some displeasure before he responded in a more severe tone.
—My lord is waiting for you. It's time for you to go.
Thomas' eyes flashed with tremendous energy. Without warning, he raised his fist and sent it flying at the butler with tremendous force.
—BOOM!
The impact was catastrophic. The entire island shattered in an instant. The sea roared, shuddering at the brutality of the blow. Rocks and debris flew in all directions as a massive shockwave rippled across the ocean. The devastation was absolute, as if nature itself had witnessed Thomas's colossal power.
A few meters away, on the surface of the water, the butler suddenly appeared, sliding with agility as he resisted the power of the attack. The immense cloud of dust and debris that had been raised began to dissipate, and from among it emerged Thomas, walking on the water with the same ease as his opponent.
The butler looked at him carefully and thought: He is strong... it is not for nothing that he is one of the "100-plus" level players. Without losing his composure, he spoke firmly:
—I don't want to fight. The lord requires your presence, Thomas… God class player, God of War, Hero of Fighting.
Thomas, who was moving slowly, stopped when he heard those words.
—That guy is a believer. I'm not going.
Without further ado, he turned and began walking back towards the remains of the destroyed island.
-Go away.
The butler insisted.
—New players have arrived in this world, but we don't know anything more. They are powerful.
Thomas paused for a brief moment, but without turning around, he replied coldly:
—I don't care. I don't care if this world is destroyed.
He resumed his walk, ignoring the butler.
"You don't deserve to be a player…" the butler said in a more aggressive tone. "Just because you lost someone, are you going to give up?"
At that instant, Thomas disappeared from sight.
—Tch…!
The butler jumped to the side at the last second, covering himself with his forearms. A devastating punch passed inches away from him, splitting the water in two with a massive blast of wind.
—BOOM!
In the distance, another island was destroyed by the indirect impact. The roar reverberated throughout the ocean.
The butler was stunned. His gaze returned to Thomas, but to his horror, Thomas was already in front of him, throwing another punch with monstrous speed.
—BOOM!
The sea erupted. A colossal explosion of water engulfed the area, and the butler was thrown back from the impact with cuts and scrapes on his body. He landed on the water, breathing heavily as he stared at Thomas. There was a slight fury in his eyes, and an uncontrollable energy emanated from them.
Damn… that kind of Ki Warrior is too strong…
"Wait…" the butler said suddenly. "Those words… were spoken by the lord. He ordered me to repeat them to you if you refused to go."
Thomas looked at him silently, his expression serious.
—I see you're selling out your own lord… So it was he who said them, huh? Hmm…
Suddenly, Thomas disappeared again.
The butler could barely react when the colossus appeared in front of him, this time at an even faster speed. His heart stopped for a second.
"Take me to your lord," Thomas said in a deep voice. "Let's see if he really thinks he's the greatest."
The butler sighed and nodded.
—I understand… I'll take you to him.
Without further ado, he raised a hand and said:
-Portal.
At his words, a blue vortex appeared in the air, swirling with mystical energy. Without hesitation, the two of them stepped through, disappearing in its glow. As soon as they crossed the threshold, the portal closed behind them, leaving the sea completely silent.
Elsewhere... A vast grassy wasteland stretched as far as the eye could see. The wind blew gently, stirring the golden spikes of wheat that covered the plain. In the center of the landscape stood an imposing castle in silver and white tones, with black details that highlighted its majesty.
Inside the fortress, in the royal hall, there was a circle of nine thrones, all designed in a unique and majestic style. However, one of them stood out above the rest: it was the largest and was located in the central point, dominating the room.
Occupying that main throne, a white-haired elf rested with a regal bearing. He wore armor, half of his waist was a robe and the other half was armor, and on his shoulders rested a cape with a white fluff edge, and on his head floated a silver crown . His gaze was cold and sharp, as if he could see through the hearts of those present.
Around him, sitting on the other thrones, were figures of different races and lineages, each with an aura of undeniable power:
Loki, the Trickster God – A youthful-looking being with pointed ears and a sly smile. He wore a black and green robe with gold detailing, and his gaze reflected intelligence and mischief.Grimmir, the Dwarf of the Eternal Forge – A short, stocky man with a braided red beard. His mithril armour gleamed in the hall light, and at his belt hung a runehammer of titanic proportions.Thor, the God of Thunder – A muscled colossus with a golden mane that flowed down his back. He wore rune-engraved plate armor and a red cape billowed behind him. At his side lay his legendary hammer, emanating electric sparks.Odin, the Allfather – An old man of imposing presence, wearing a robe of dark blue and black. His remaining eye glowed with a golden glow, while the other was covered by a runic eyepatch. Inscriptions of ancient legends could be seen on his staff.Hela, the Goddess of Death – A pale-skinned woman with jet-black hair that fell in waves down her back. She wore obsidian armor with green details that seemed to absorb the light. Her gaze, filled with disdain and dominance, rested on others with a mixture of boredom and contempt.Freya, Queen of the Valkyries – A goddess of heavenly beauty, wearing gold and white armor that radiated a warm light. Her cloak was made of falcon feathers, and her sword, resting on her lap, seemed to glow with a holy radiance.Ragnar, the Viking King – A powerfully built warrior with a fierce look. His blond hair was braided and his chest, covered in armor of fur and steel, bore the scars of a thousand battles.Njord, the Lord of the Seas – A man with blue hair and tanned skin, dressed in a sea-hued robe. His mere presence caused the humidity in the air to rise, as if the ocean responded to his will.
The last throne belonged to Thomas, the God of War, but until then it had been empty.
A portal of blue light opened in the center of the hall. Thomas and the butler emerged from it, moving calmly as the vortex dissipated behind them.
The gazes of the eight leaders fell on Thomas, analyzing his presence with interest, disdain, or simple indifference.
The white-haired elf, sitting on the main throne, gave a slight smile before speaking in a calm but authoritative voice.
—I see you've finally decided to introduce yourself, Thomas…
Thomas looked at them lazily and sighed before speaking.
—Players pretending to be Norse gods? How stupid.
His gaze fell on the white-haired elf with intensity, his eyes reflecting a latent challenge.
—You don't think so, "King"? —he said ironically—. King of the elves... or god? Well, whatever.
The room fell silent for a moment. Some glances reflected amusement, others annoyance. The atmosphere became tense, as if every word Thomas said would ignite a spark in the room.
The elf called King shook his head, calmly crossing his arms before replying:
—You're still angry about last time.
Thomas glared at him, his fists clenched tightly as his resentful voice split the air:
—You killed those players… and above all, you finished her off…
Rey maintained her calm posture, unfazed by Thomas's rage. Her tone was firm, but without a trace of regret:
—If I hadn't killed her, she would have manipulated you and used you against us, destroying the balance of the world and leading to its ruin.
Thomas gritted his teeth, frustration in his eyes. His breathing became heavier, but Rey continued speaking without hesitation:
—I showed you proof of what he did, and yet you still look at me with hatred…
Thomas sighed in frustration, trying to contain his anger. His voice, now colder, cut through the silence:
—If this is why you called me, then I'm leaving.
He turned around with a firm step, heading for the exit.
"This isn't why I called you," Rey said firmly, her voice echoing through the room. "You'd better take a seat. This time, I mean it, Thomas… we need your strength."
Thomas stopped dead in his tracks. His shoulders tensed, and after a few seconds of silence, he slowly turned his head. He eyed Rey suspiciously, but eventually walked over to his throne and plopped down on it, folding his arms casually.
— Fine. Say what you have to say, King.
King exhaled patiently and began to speak:
—We have been in this world for almost a thousand years. We were the first to arrive… or so we thought.
His gaze swept the room, taking in each of those present before continuing:
—When we appeared, many players came with us, causing chaos and wars everywhere. In the end, we emerged victorious, but we lost too much in the process. Still, we decided not to interfere in this world anymore. We swore that we would only enjoy it without causing harm and that we would only act if more players appeared. And so it has been. We have stopped most of the players who have appeared on the continents we rule.
Odin, with his grave and wise tone, narrowed his eyes and asked:
—If that's true, why did you call us? Have more players shown up this time?
King nodded seriously.
—As you know, my ability allows me to "read" the world, like a king. Thanks to this, I noticed last time that there were four continents in this world. We rule two of them, but we have always stayed out of it, letting people live in peace, without intervening in their wars and battles.
Loki, leaning back in his seat lazily, sighed impatiently.
—Get to the point, King. What's going on?
King exhaled patiently and continued:
—Yesterday I used my ability to read the world… but this time, I could only read three continents. One of them was impossible for me to track.
Grimmir, the dwarf, frowned, rapping his knuckles on the table.
—What do you mean by that? We don't understand you.
King clarified seriously:
—My ability to read the world comes from my title as king. But if I can't do it now, it means that someone with the same title as me has interfered… and is in this world.
There was a heavy silence in the room. Thomas, now intrigued, narrowed his eyes before speaking:
—So, how strong is this player? You say he's high-level… Do you have an estimate?
King nodded gravely.
—In the past, no matter which player appeared, I could always read the world. But now, it's as if the world itself refused to acknowledge me… Which means that someone level 100 or above has appeared.
Thor frowned, his expression growing more grim.
"So that being has appeared…" His voice boomed like thunder. "There's no doubt that it's a player. But if it's on a continent we don't control, we can only watch for now."
Rey sighed, his gaze scanning those present before continuing in a firm voice:
—At the beginning of the game, I created a guild called Sovereign, and together with my seven friends, we were the first to join. Each of us awakened a class of hero, but we also noticed their limitations. So, to protect our main accounts and continue enjoying the game, we created secondary accounts.
The gods listened in silence, some with nostalgia, others with a certain bitterness.
—However, when we faced a certain player… we lost everything.
The gods bowed their heads in silence, remembering that fight. Only Thomas remained indifferent.
King continued:
—When we only had the secondary accounts left, we used them and abused the system to level up to absurd power. By completing special quests, we obtained the classes of the Norse gods and formed a new guild: Asgard, the world of the gods.
He paused before adding:
—On our way we met Thomas, who also possessed a kind of god.
All eyes turned to Thomas, but he didn't react.
—Our classes couldn't appear on the rankings, as it would be unfair to ordinary players. But even so, we managed to recover and go far. Without being listed on any rankings, we were considered the number one guild. When the game closed… we found ourselves here.
The King clenched his fists and, with a fierce look, hit his throne hard.
—I don't want to lose this world. This is the only place where we can be ourselves! No one mistreats us here, we breathe fresh air here. The players who came before us became greedy and wanted to take everything… but we defeated them and protected the balance of the world.
The room fell silent, Rey's every word etched in the minds of those present. His gaze burned with determination as he gave his final statement:
—So why don't we care about this world anymore? Are we just cowards hiding while everything is destroyed? I won't sit back and do nothing! We know we're strong, we can fight! It's time for us to use our power… because we will protect this world with everything we have!
Odin narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms as he analyzed the situation. His tone was serious when he finally spoke:
—I understand… So how will we handle things with this player who has appeared?
The king leaned back on his throne, exhaling calmly before answering:
—We need to find out if it's just one player or if there are more. Also, we have an informant on that continent, so we'll wait for his information and then we'll move.
The atmosphere became tense. Ragnar, the Viking king, narrowed his eyes, leaning his elbows on the table as his voice boomed out in earnest:
—Tell me, King… what do you plan to do if that player turns out to be the one who took everything from us in the past? —His gaze hardened. —The strongest player… Narkhan.
Silence fell over the room like a heavy blanket. Eyes exchanged, some reflecting doubt, others concern. Rey drummed his fingers on the armrest of his throne before speaking coldly:
—I don't care if he's the strongest player. That's just a ranking title.
He sat up slightly, his eyes shining with determination.
—I don't care if he's good or bad, or if he's the most powerful. But if he tries to destroy the balance of the world...
Suddenly, a wave of power emanated from his body. The ground vibrated and the air became dense, taking on a whitish hue. The rumbling of energy caused some to instinctively clench their fists.
—…I will destroy it.
Those present felt the suffocating pressure of her aura, forcing them to stand firm so as not to retreat. Their expressions varied between surprise and admiration. After a few seconds, Rey closed her eyes and her power dissipated, returning calm to the room.
Odin clicked his tongue, while Loki let out a heavy sigh.
"So, what's the plan?" Loki asked lazily, leaning back in his seat.
The leaders began to discuss strategies, fine-tuning the details of their next move. Meanwhile, the butler, ever present at their side, watched silently. His gaze reflected a deep respect, almost veneration, towards those he considered supreme beings.
One by one, the gods and warriors stood up, preparing to leave the hall. However, before Thomas left, Rey spoke in a more restrained tone:
—Thomas…
Thomas paused without turning, waiting for her words.
—Forgive me for what I did. I didn't mean to hurt you, but I don't want to lose this world. I want to protect it with all my might.
Thomas closed his eyes for a moment before turning slightly towards him.
—It's okay, don't worry... —he murmured in a rough voice—. It's just that my anger is still burning inside me. That's why I left this place... I didn't want to hurt those I call my comrades.
Rey nodded silently. Thomas sighed and, without another word, left the place.
Rey stood for a moment longer in silence before standing up. He walked slowly to the window, where the wind blew hard, making his cloak flutter. The sunlight bathed the landscape, illuminating a world he had sworn to protect.
He closed his eyes for a moment and sighed, letting the breeze hit his face. Then, in a low but firm voice, he murmured:
—If Narkhan is in this world and dares to interfere… this time I will defeat him.
He clenched his fists and looked out at the horizon. At that moment, he knew that the peace they had built was in danger, and that the time to act was approaching.
Elsewhere in the New World, in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, inside Ainz's office on the ninth floor, the supreme ruler sat at his desk while Albedo stood beside him, handing him her report.
Albedo looked through some papers before speaking in a calm voice:
—According to the surveillance report made by Aura, no contact with another Yggdrasil player has been detected so far. In addition, she is about to expand the surveillance area to the large forests surrounding Nazarick.
Ainz nodded slightly and replied in his characteristic tone:
—I see… tell him to continue with that strategy. And what about the person we captured? Did he say anything?
Albedo flipped through her documents quickly before replying:
—The man's name is Nigun. He was the commander of a special unit of the Slane Theocracy's Illuminated Scripture.
Ainz muttered thoughtfully:
—Slane Theocracy… Goblins, ogres, lizardmen, and similar races… A theocratic nation that believes humans must unite to dominate all other species.
Ainz pondered silently for a moment before concluding:
—For now, it would be dangerous to establish contact with them…
He turned slightly towards Albedo and asked:
-Anything else?
Albedo bowed her head respectfully before continuing:
—Finally, what should we do about the villagers?
Ainz leaned back in his seat and calmly replied:
—For the time being, we'll leave them alone. Carne Village is the only foothold we've managed to secure on friendly terms. It might come in handy later, so don't create a negative image about us.
Albedo nodded, satisfied with the answer.
—That would be all my report for today, my lord.
Ainz nodded in approval.
—Good job, Albedo.
Albedo, with a gleam of devotion in her eyes, smiled tenderly and replied:
—I am not worthy of such words, my lord. You are not only the Supreme Being, but also the man I love. Please use me in any way you see fit…
He bowed deeply, an expression of absolute ecstasy on his face.
Ainz sighed internally, trying to ignore his guardian's intense loyalty—and obsession—then stood up and spoke in a firm voice:
—I'll go talk to the other Supremes. Call Demiurge after I'm done with them, we might need him for the next plan.
Albedo looked up with interest.
—Next plan…?
"That is so," Ainz said, "but I need to speak with the other Supremes first."
Albedo nodded respectfully, and in an instant, Ainz disappeared from the spot using the Guild Ring.
Albedo was left alone in the office, looking at her own hand, where she wore a golden ring with a red gem in the center. On it, the guild logo was engraved in black.
"Ainz-sama…" she whispered with devotion. "I do not want to be separated from you. I could continue wearing this ring… but I will wait for you, as a wife would."
Meeting Room of the 43 Supreme Beings – Great Tomb of Nazarick
Elsewhere in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, within the imposing meeting hall, Ainz appeared via teleportation.
Unhurriedly, he walked to his seat and sat down. Behind him, the majestic Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown stood tall, radiating its imposing presence. With his skeletal hand, Ainz gently touched a part of his skull before activating his communication ability.
—Message. Six, Narkhan, it's time for the meeting.
A moment later, the answer came through the mental message.
—We understand, let's go there.
In an instant, two figures appeared in the room, teleporting into place. Six and Narkhan walked confidently to their seats and settled in unhurriedly, with the confidence of those who knew they belonged there.
Narkhan leaned back in his seat with an amused smile on his face.
—Well, Ainz, what are we going to do? Why have you called us this time?
Ainz, with his calm and calculating tone, replied:
—I want to inform you about what the person we are facing said. Apparently, he is from the Slane Theocracy and belongs to the Illuminated Scripture, being its commander.
Six crossed his arms and clicked his tongue in annoyance.
—So you're from that nation of fanatics who don't accept any other race, only humans... Tsk. You look like you're going to be a problem.
Ainz nodded seriously.
—That's right. For now, it would be best to avoid any direct confrontation with them until we have more information about this world.
Narkhan, with a spark of amusement in his eyes, looked at him with interest.
—So, what do you plan to do?
Ainz placed a hand on the table, his tone reflecting the depth of his thoughts.
—I received information from the leader of Carne Village. The Tomb of Nazarick is located within the Kingdom of Re-Estize. To the north, nestled against the mountains, is the Baharuth Empire. Both countries are on bad terms, which has led to constant battles. These are mostly fought on the plain near E-Rantel, the city closest to our location. Meanwhile, the Slane Theocracy is located south of both countries.
Six nodded slowly.
—We already knew that from the reports... So, what's your next move?
Ainz looked at his companions calmly before replying:
—I'm thinking of going to E-Rantel and working as an adventurer until I reach the highest rank. That way, I'll be able to gain better information and gauge the strength of this world.
Six rested an elbow on the table and brought a hand to his chin, pondering.
—I see... So that's the plan. I read in the reports that adventurers are welcome in any nation. It's not a bad idea... Makes sense.
Ainz nodded, satisfied with Six's reaction.
—I see you understand. So, I was planning to leave Nazarick in his care while I went to E-Rantel.
Narkhan looked at him with a mocking expression before leaning back in his seat with feigned laziness.
—Oh, yeah, what a great plan. I almost believed it…
Ainz looked at them seriously.
-What do you mean?
Six smirked and covered a light laugh with his hand before speaking with obvious amusement:
—If you wanted to go out and explore the world, all you had to do was say so. Why are you giving us so many explanations to convince us? Did you think you needed proof to get permission, Ainz?
Narkhan let out a bigger laugh and pointed at him in amusement.
—Exactly! What's wrong with you? We're not NPCs that you can manipulate with orders, we're your companions. Hahaha, it seems like you tried to justify it to us just like you would to them, but it doesn't work with us.
They both started laughing and teasing him mercilessly, enjoying Ainz's bewilderment. He just sighed internally.
"Ah, right... I'm talking to these two... And I'm worrying too much."
Finally, he raised his hand in surrender.
—Okay, so... How do we arrange everything so I can leave?
Six and Narkhan looked at each other and replied in unison, with a smile that Ainz immediately recognized as dangerous.
—We'll go with you. We want to explore the world too.
Ainz blinked, processing her words before shaking his head.
—That can't be. Someone must stay in Nazarick.
Narkhan leaned back in his chair, his body stretched out.
—We can leave someone in charge while we explore. Nazarick will still be standing without any problems.
Ainz frowned.
—But it would be best if one of you stayed.
Six smiled slyly.
—If anyone has to stay, you should stay. You're the guild leader, so it's only logical that you stay here.
Ainz opened his mouth, but it took him a few seconds to react.
—Huh...? Why me?
Narkhan leaned forward and looked at him with a huge smirk.
—Hahaha, what a great idea! It couldn't be better.
—Wait, wait... It's okay for someone to stay, but—
Narkhan let out a loud laugh and spoke in a mocking tone:
—You see! It wasn't that hard to say yes.
Six looked at Ainz with a nostalgic air and added in a relaxed voice:
—Besides, we said that one day we would all go on an adventure together, like in the past. It's about time we did it, don't you think?
Ainz sighed deeply, feeling his argument slowly crumble.
—Okay... But then, how will we organize everything? Who will we leave in charge of Nazarick?
Six spoke seriously while crossing his arms.
—It would be best to leave one representative for each of us. That would leave three leaders... Hmm, although on second thought, that would be four if we included Demiurge in an intelligence plan for Nazarick in case of emergency.
Ainz nodded after a few seconds of thought.
—That seems like a viable plan. For my part, I think it should be Albedo and Demiurge, right?
Six smiled slightly and calmly replied:
—Yes, those two would be perfect, since they are the ones who manage Nazarick most of the time.
Then he looked at Narkhan and asked curiously:
—And you? Who do you plan to leave in charge?
Narkhan smiled beneath his mask, his eyes flashing with amusement before he replied:
—As you know, my floor is disconnected from the others for precaution and other reasons... but this time I will place Zhou Fan.
Ainz and Six were visibly shocked. Six stood up from her seat abruptly and spoke in disbelief:
—Are you really planning to place Zhou Fan this time?
Ainz opened his skeleton mouth and then the saw, analyzing his companion's decision.
—Hmm... I don't think you'll give it up that easily. Until now, you've never allowed that NPC to leave his floor, not even in emergencies.
Six nodded firmly.
—Exactly. It's always been like that. You consider him the best NPC ever created. Even we, when we first saw him, noticed that he was on another level. It's not for nothing that he's the guardian of the Eleventh Floor.
Ainz crossed his arms, pondering the situation.
—If we talk about combat classes and races, Zhou Fan's are among the rarest in the game. They are on the same level as your own class, Narkhan.
Narkhan could only smile beneath his mask in amusement before replying:
"My floor has been isolated for too long. It's time for my NPCs to join the others in Nazarick. Also, I'll open the doors so that the NPCs on my floor can go out to the upper floors, though no one will be able to enter unless I approve. That's what I plan to do, so it wouldn't hurt to have my best NPC help out with the management of Nazarick. After all, they've always been managing the Eleventh Floor."
Six raised an eyebrow, still in disbelief.
—Are you sure you'll lend that NPC? I can't even believe it.
Narkhan let out a sigh before speaking calmly:
—I'll lend it seriously. And you? Who will you put in?
Six crossed his arms and replied firmly:
—I'll put my strongest NPC: Aiko.
Narkhan smirked.
—You see. In the end, you also chose someone strong for the position.
Ainz just sighed, understanding that the decision had already been made.
—Fine, since we've come to this, so be it. But, Narkhan, why do you want to open your apartment now?
Narkhan rested an elbow on the back of his chair and spoke in a more relaxed tone:
—As I said, it's for them to socialize. Since we came to this world, NPCs have become more aware. Even though they spend time with each other, they still feel lonely in the end. It's time for them to go out and see the world around them.
Ainz nodded in understanding before concluding:
—So, the plan is ready. All that remains is to file the charges and decide how we will handle everything.
As the three leaders continued their conversation in the meeting room, outside, the atmosphere was imposing and elegant. The walls were adorned with exquisite tapestries, while the floor was covered in a crimson carpet with intricate embroidery bearing the guild emblem. Everything about the place exuded an air of absolute grandeur.
In front of the doors to the meeting room, at the foot of the majestic staircase that led up to it, a figure stood motionless. With his refined bearing and characteristic sharp smile, Demiurge waited with the patience of a strategist. His impeccable posture denoted discipline and absolute control, as always.
It was then that the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. Demiurge turned his head slightly in the direction of the source of the noise. Without needing to look, he already knew who was approaching.
"Hmm... Shalltear," he murmured in a calculating tone. "What brings you here?"
Shalltear's voice echoed with her usual elegance, though a glint of excitement flashed in her eyes.
"Demiurge, I see you are here as well," she replied in a seductive and melodious tone. "If I must answer your question, I have come to bid farewell to the Supremes… and, of course, to take one last look at Ainz-sama before I depart."
Demiurge slightly adjusted his glasses with a smile that revealed no emotion.
—I see… Then, is it time for you to fulfill the mission entrusted to you by Ainz-sama?
"That's right," Shalltear said proudly, slightly lifting her chin as a faint smile appeared on her lips.
With her characteristic aristocratic bearing, Shalltear stood next to Demiurge, observing the large door that separated them from the meeting.
—I heard that the Supremes are here, that's why I came to this place.
Demiurge, without losing his polite and analytical tone, responded naturally:
—If that's the case, you can knock on the door. They may have already finished their business. I'll follow you.
Demiurge, without losing his polite and analytical tone, responded naturally:
—If that's the case, you can knock on the door. They may have already finished their business. I'll follow you.
Shalltear tilted her head slightly, an amused smile on her lips, while her crimson eyes sparkled with curiosity.
—Oh... I thought no one could enter the meeting room.
Demiurge smirked, adjusting his glasses with the same elegance as always.
—That's right. Ainz-sama established that rule so that only they could discuss important matters without interruptions.
Shalltear turned her gaze to the large door with an intrigued expression, her lips curving into a slight smile.
—I wonder what they're arguing about...
Demiurge, without losing his unwavering stance, closed his eyes for a moment and spoke in his methodical tone.
—It is not our business to know what the Supremes decide. Our purpose is to obey their orders without objection, because that is what we were created for.
Shalltear nodded slowly, without losing her refined demeanor.
"I guess you're right," she muttered with an air of resignation, although inside her, curiosity was still burning at the thought of what her beloved Ainz-sama was doing.
Demiurge, maintaining his firm posture, nodded calmly.
—I'll follow you.
Shalltear nodded gracefully and began to ascend the stairs with refined steps, as if she were parading through a noble hall. Arriving in front of the large door, she gently raised her hand and gently knocked on the wood with her characteristic elegance.
Inside the meeting room, Ainz, Six, and Narkhan were discussing the final details of the plan, when suddenly a sound interrupted their conversation: someone was knocking on the door.
The three of them exchanged a glance before Ainz, his voice imposing and calm, spoke:
—You may enter.
The large door swung open gracefully, and Shalltear crossed the threshold with her trademark grace. With a refined movement, she placed both hands on the sides of her dress and bowed deeply, demonstrating her absolute respect for the Supremes. Behind her, Demiurge entered with his confident gait, bowing his head in reverence as he placed one hand on his chest and the other behind his back in a gesture of impeccable discipline.
The three Supremes watched them in silence until Ainz spoke up with his usual authoritative tone:
—What brings you to this place?
Demiurge was the first to respond, with his usual politeness and calculating tone.
—Ainz-sama, you summoned me.
Ainz nodded slightly before speaking:
—That's right, Demiurge. Stay, we have matters to discuss with you.
The demon simply bowed his head in understanding, while Ainz turned his attention to Shalltear.
—And you, Shalltear? What business brings you here?
Shalltear, with natural elegance, gave a slight smile as she cast a gaze of devotion at the Supremes.
—First of all, I hope you are in excellent condition.
Six, with his relaxed attitude, smiled back kindly.
—We're fine, Shalltear. What about you?
The vampire's eyes sparkled with joy upon hearing Six's question, and she replied sweetly:
—I'm fine, Six-sama.
Six smiled at him with a friendly gesture.
—I'm glad to hear that.
Ainz, maintaining his imposing tone, resumed the conversation.
—The same to you, Shalltear. Now tell me, what exactly brings you to this place?
Shalltear turned to Ainz, her cheeks gaining a slight blush as her gaze became dreamy.
—Of course, I have come so that Ainz-sama's glorious form may be engraved in my mind once more.
A brief silence fell over the room. Six and Narkhan exchanged bewildered glances, their thoughts lining up in unison: Huh...? Did he really just say that?
Ainz, for his part, felt a pang of discomfort, wondering how he should react. After a second of indecision, he cleared his throat and subtly changed the subject.
—Hmmm... Since you're here, tell me, is there anything else you wish to tell us?
Shalltear, without losing her refined demeanor, nodded gracefully.
—Yes, I have come to inform you that I will leave immediately to meet with Sebas, who has already left under your orders… I think I will not be able to return to Nazarick for a while, so I came to pay my respects before leaving.
Ainz nodded calmly, regaining his composure as he pondered the information.
—It's okay Shalltear, continue with the mission and return safely.
Shalltear bowed slightly and spoke respectfully:
—Yes, Ainz-sama.
Lifting her head, she noticed that Narkhan was standing in front of her. Surprise crossed her face for a moment as her eyes rose to meet his. Her serious, firm gaze contrasted with her usual carefree attitude.
The crowd fell silent. Demiurge, with his keen intellect, adjusted his glasses as he thought: What speed...? I didn't even notice when it arrived.
Six watched the scene with curiosity before asking naturally:
—Is something wrong, Narkhan?
Shalltear, still surprised, lowered her gaze for a moment before speaking with a slight hint of shyness in her voice.
—Is something wrong, Narkhan-sama?
Narkhan kept his expression serious, putting aside any hint of amusement.
—Tell me, Shalltear... Do you wish for a peaceful path or someone to help you? Depending on what you choose, I will give you something.
Shalltear blinked, confused by the question, but quickly answered with determination.
—Whatever you wish, Narkhan-sama. I will fulfill your will.
Narkhan shook his head slightly.
—No. I want you to decide. I'm giving you that choice.
For the first time, Shalltear fell silent, processing his words. She pondered for a moment before replying in a solemn tone:
—I don't think I'll be able to have a peaceful journey... Then, I want something to protect me, Narkhan-sama. But I'm not worthy of receiving your gift.
Narkhan narrowed his eyes and spoke firmly:
—I see... It's a good choice. But remember, Shalltear, I'm the one who decides who's worthy and who's not. Do you understand?
Shalltear lowered her head in respect.
—I understand, Narkhan-sama.
She then pulled herself together and looked straight at him seriously. Narkhan raised two fingers to his face, and at that instant, particles of red and black energy began to gather together. The tiny spheres danced in the air, fusing together to form an object: a large, golden coin with intricate dragon-shaped engravings.
Everyone present watched the scene with interest, their gazes fixed on the object that materialized. Narkhan held the coin with two fingers before letting it rest in his palm.
—Shalltear, stretch out your hands.
Shalltear, with a mix of excitement and reverence, extended her clasped hands in front of her. Narkhan placed the coin in her palms with a firm gesture.
Turning around, he walked back to his seat calmly before speaking.
—You are the guardian of the first three floors of Nazarick and the first to leave. You must take care of yourself.
Shalltear looked down at the coin, observing every detail with fascination. She turned the object over in her fingers, noticing the perfection of its engravings, until she finally asked with genuine curiosity:
—Narkhan-sama, what is this coin for?
Narkhan glanced at her and replied seriously:
—If you encounter an enemy you can't defeat, use that coin. It will summon me to the battlefield.
Shalltear's eyes widened in shock. Her body reacted instinctively, and holding the coin in both hands, she bowed deeply.
—Thank you, Narkhan-sama! I will not disappoint you.
Narkhan nodded before adding:
—I hope you actually use it and that it doesn't just gather dust.
Shalltear stated confidently.
—Don't worry, Narkhan-sama. I will use the coin if I encounter an unbeatable enemy or an emergency situation.
Demiurge, who had been silently watching the scene, shifted his gaze to the coin in Shalltear's hands as he adjusted his glasses.
—A coin capable of summoning the most powerful being... It's like making a wish. How lucky Shalltear is... Use it well.
Shalltear, after carefully putting away the coin, made a final bow and spoke with determination:
—I'll be leaving right now.
Six said goodbye in a friendly tone.
—Take care, Shalltear. Let us know if anything happens.
Shalltear nodded with a slight smile.
Ainz, with his usual imposing voice, gave the final order:
—You heard them. You can go.
Narkhan, regaining his carefree attitude, rested an elbow on the arm of the chair and smiled in amusement.
—Have fun outside, Shalltear... Hahaha.
Shalltear left the room with a smile on her face, clutching the coin in her hand as she disappeared down the hallway.
The doors closed again after Shalltear left. Six looked at Narkhan curiously before speaking.
—You gave him a very interesting article.
Narkhan looked at her and replied with amusement in his tone.
—It's up to her whether she uses it or not.
Six sighed and crossed his arms.
—Whatever you say... But every time I see Shalltear, she looks like a doll. I want to hold her and protect her.
Narkhan just smiled beneath his mask without answering. Ainz, for his part, diverted the conversation with seriousness.
—Well, now that we've finished with that matter, we'll talk to you, Demiurge.
Demiurge, who had remained standing, bowed his head slightly in respect.
—Yes, Ainz-sama. What do you wish me to do?
Ainz spoke calmly.
—We, the three Supremes, have decided to leave Nazarick for a while.
Demiurge opened his eyes in surprise and a slight hint of worry crossed his face.
—What do you mean by this, Ainz-sama? Is there something that bothers you about the Guardians or Nazarick?
Six kindly interjected before Ainz could respond.
—Don't worry, Demiurge. What happens is that we will go to E-Rantel to register as adventurers. We need to gather information.
Demiurge sighed in relief before nodding.
—I understand… So, what do you require of me?
Narkhan, who had remained silent until that moment, rested an elbow on the arm of the throne and spoke in his usual serious tone.
—We need to fill in the gaps in the plan and move forward with the other projects. It's not for nothing that you're Nazarick's strategist. While we're gone, we need you to oversee everything and train the Guardians.
Demiurge immediately nodded and, with a deep bow, replied with determination.
—I understand, Supremes. I will help you in any way I can.
From that point on, they began to discuss the details of the plan, fine-tuning each piece to ensure dominance of Nazarick even in their absence.
Demiurge walked out of the room with calm steps, walking through the halls of Nazarick while adjusting his glasses with an elegant gesture. As he walked forward, he mused to himself:
"What a great plan… I expected nothing less from the Supremes. Now it's my turn to fulfill my role and warn the other Guardians."
Meanwhile, in the throne room, Ainz let out a sigh of relief.
—It seems we were able to complete all the preparations.
Six nodded and crossed his arms.
—Yes, but we still have to inform the other Guardians and define how things will be handled in our absence.
Narkhan, in his usual amused tone, burst out laughing.
—Hahaha, but the most important thing about this plan was to get Mama Albedo to let Ainz leave Nazarick.
Six laughed knowingly.
—Hehehe, poor Ainz. If Demiurge hadn't mentioned it, we might have overlooked it.
Ainz just sighed in resignation.
—Either way, I think this was the only viable option. In the end, none of the Guardians seem to have any sympathy for humans… and Albedo just hates them.
Narkhan shrugged indifferently.
—You're right, but well, it's already decided.
With that said, Narkhan stood up and stretched out his arms.
—I'll go to my apartment to prepare everything. Let me know when everything is ready.
Six also stood up from his seat.
—I'll do the same. Call me when the time comes, Ainz.
Ainz nodded, watching as his two companions left the room, while in his mind he was already calculating the next steps to take.
Ainz stood up and teleported away, disappearing from the scene.
In the throne room, all the Floor Guardians were gathered together with the Pleiades, arranged in a hierarchical order: closest to the throne was Albedo, followed by the Guardians, and lastly, the Pleiades.
Mare, a little nervous, broke the silence.
—D-Demiurge… do you know why we were all called to the throne room?
Demiurge looked at him with his usual calmness and replied in a mysterious tone.
—They are going to tell us something very important. Also… we might meet a little person.
The Guardians exchanged curious glances, and Mare asked shyly:
—A-a person…? Who is it?
Demiurge shrugged and smiled enigmatically.
—I don't know for sure. Narkhan-sama didn't want to tell me, he just mentioned that it would be a surprise… —then he adjusted his glasses while thinking— But I have an idea of who it could be.
Albedo intervened with interest.
—Hmmm… if it is under Narkhan-sama's command, then it must be one of his subordinates.
Cocyutos spoke in his deep, slow voice.
—If he is a warrior under your command, I wonder how strong he will be.
Aura, with her characteristic enthusiasm, crossed her arms and commented:
—So a new ally shows up! Hmm… Now that I think about it… why is the Eleventh Floor restricted to all residents of Nazarick?
He then looked at Albedo and asked curiously:
—What do you say, Albedo?
Albedo looked at her seriously before answering.
—I don't have much information about that floor, but access to it is restricted for our safety. Also, before coming to this world, I heard the Supremes say that that floor is of enormous size… even larger than the Sixth Floor.
Aura opened her eyes in astonishment.
—Bigger than the Sixth Floor?! But Mare and I manage that floor and it's already gigantic!
Mare, surprised, whispered while nervously clasping his hands together.
—I w-wonder what his subordinates will be like… and who they will be…
Demiurge smiled mischievously, adjusting his glasses.
—Well, we'll find out soon enough. If Narkhan-sama is keeping it a secret, it must be something really special.
Albedo crossed her arms and nodded with interest.
—Whoever it is, if he has the approval of the Supremes, then he deserves our full attention.
The Guardians and Pleiades fell into expectant silence, uncertainty hanging in the air as they awaited the arrival of the Supremes.