“Incorrect. Being able to utilise power to its fullest and being experienced are two different issues. Do you remember that time in the past when Nazarick was being invaded by a large number of enemies, that scene where Shalltear was fighting against the opponents?”
“Although I did not pay my utmost attention when listening to the details, but she seemed to have said that she vaguely remembered dying.”
“……And anything else?”
Albedo shook her head to indicate no.
“Against solo invaders, it was usually us who went to deal with them…having such a stingy character has been a great help this day. Well then, it is still me who will handle this, I who have the highest chance of winning shall do the confrontation.”
Ainz grinned. Of course, his face did not move at all.
However, Albedo seemed to have sensed the Supreme Ruler’s smile, and had flushed cheeks like a young maiden who caught sight of her admired man.
Ainz declared war on someone not present.
“I am the one known as the Guildmaster of Ainz Ooal Gown. When engaging in PVP, the actual chance of victory is high…… invincible against even those with flawless builds. How can I lose to the type of person who solely relies on their attribute. Furthermore, the most important fact is the strong bond I have with Peroroncino. Know that this battle was over even before it had begun… Shalltear.”
“……Ainz-sama, I will no longer stop you. However, promise me that you will return safely.”
Ainz silently watched Albedo, then nodded slowly.
“I promise you, I shall defeat Shalltear and return.”
Part 2
Arriving in a world of green, Ainz surveyed his surroundings. He then smiled at the fact that checking for people in the vicinity was the first thing he did after the transfer. If there was actually someone whom Ainz should be alert of, he would have long been under attack and there would be no way he could take his time like this.
The transfer destination was at least two kilometers away from Shalltear’s position, just as a precaution.
Although it was already checked through the use of magic, there was no way of being certain that the person who had used a World Class item to subject Shalltear to mind-control was not nearby. However this concern was unfounded. Ainz lowered his shoulders and turned to look at the two persons who were following from behind.
“Let us split up here.”
He instructed Aura and Mare.
Considering the fierce battle to come, Ainz only permitted these two to accompany him.
He had already rescinded his previous commands, allowing the majority of those operating outside to return to Nazarick. Apart from Aura and Mare, Sebas and Solution were the only members of Nazarick who were currently outside.
The main reason for choosing these two people was to psychologically take advantage of the enemy’s emotional weakness in battle. Because Aura and Mare’s humanoid race was different from Demiurge’s and Cocytus’ heteromorphic race, perhaps the opponent would stay their hand and be unable to bear killing such adorable humanoid children.
Of course, the opponent could also be a cold-blooded killer. Regardless, in order to prepare for the unexpected, he wanted someone to be placed nearby.
Although it may also be an unhelpful bad chess move instead.
Ainz looked at the two dual-coloured, differently shaped metal gloves that Mare wore. The metal glove on the right hand looked like an angel’s hand, smooth and releasing a silver-white brilliance. The metal glove on the left hand however, was like that of a demon’s, covered with spikes and hooked claws and emitting a red glow from lava-like cracks.
Following this, Ainz turned to Aura, looking at the scroll hanging at her waist.
“…… If the enemy matches our number or outnumbers us, immediately retreat to Nazarick.”
“……Understood.”
Aura wore a stiff expression as she nodded in response, while Mare followed suit and quickly bowed his head.
“Listen well. It is absolutely crucial that you retreat, because that’s part of my plan as well.. Also, what I have given to you are Nazarick’s secret treasures and you cannot allow them to be snatched away under any circumstances. Depending on the situation, you must consider them to be more important than your own lives. Understood?”
Ainz cautioned them like this. He felt a bit uncomfortable about Aura, who hesitated before responding, because it could become a fatal problem if her loyalty caused her to disobey her order.
Hearing the two people’s response — an energetic and a timid one— Ainz harboured some doubts.
To be honest to myself, which is more important to me?
Planning to save Shalltear, yet refusing to use World Class items to do so. From this perspective, it could be said that the items were more important.
But the reason for refusing to use World Class items was what he told Albedo in the Treasure Hall. They were the final trump card and had the power to change defeat into victory in any situation.
It’s another matter if there was no other way to save Shalltear, but since there was still a way, it was the wiser decision not to use it.
Leaving that aside: the faithful servants, who had been created by his companions and became sentient and loyal NPCs, or the World Class Items who were the very symbol of adventuring and had elevated Ainz Ooal Gown’s standing in the game YGGDRASIL; which one was more important?
Unable to find the answer despite giving it much thought, Ainz was troubled.
If it were before coming to this world, he could decisively give an answer, but now he was perplexed.
The guild members shed a lot of blood, sweat, and tears during the design process, carefully crafting what would eventually become these NPCs that showed emotion.
Because I currently plan to kill this……this NPC who is like our child……planning to kill Peroronchino’s daughter.
Ainz was troubled.
It could also be described as a sense of guilt.
However—
Ainz stared sharply in the direction of Shalltear’s probable position.
“To break the control of a World Class item, this is the only way.”
These words were blurted to convince himself
Seeing the worried look in Aura and Mare’s eyes, Ainz felt that letting these two continue to worry was not helpful and changed the subject.
“Well then, you two go cooperate with them and do a good job scouting the surroundings.”
Ainz’ finger was pointed at four masses of flesh floating in front.
They were about two metres in diameter and the body was pink in colour. These monsters also had countless murky eyes which looked like they were haphazardly sewn together using eyes removed from the carcasses of many different types of creatures.
They were undead created using the spell 「Create high-tier Undead 」, known as Eyeball Corpses.