Because of his racial skills, Ainz didn't take much damage even though his armor was hit by the tail. But if this was an arcade shooting game, it would’ve been a slip up.
"Now the score is 1:1."
Just a mere hamster— the feeling of anger wells up.
I will use a ranged attack too.
Ainz decided as he increased the strength in his right hand. As Ainz was making preparation, the Virtuous King of the Forest said in awe:
"Thy armor… is really great. No, thy power and swordsmanship are impressive. Thou art a superb warrior. Were thee a famous figure among the society of men?"
Ainz relaxes his right hand.
He asked with a hint of disappointment:
"Do I look like a warrior?"
"… Why would thou question that? If not a warrior, what else would thou be? No, perhaps a knight?"
"Virtuous King of the Forest… an undeserved title. The script had been a mess since I found out you were a giant hamster…" It was difficult to see Ainz, who was clad in full armor, as a Magic Caster. But with an impressive name like Virtuous King of the Forest, Ainz was hoping it could sense something was off.
Nullifying magic was only seen as fending it off through strong force of will. The effect of resistance and nullification wasn't much different in YGGDRASIL, but it should have acted more like a wise sage.
But the title of Virtuous King didn't fit him at all. If it was named giant Djungarian hamster from the very beginning, he wouldn't have gotten his hopes up. The people addressing it as virtuous king were the ones with the problem. It was misleading advertisement or branding.
Ainz lost his will to fight and lowered his giant sword.
"What art thou doing! It is probably impossible… Surrendering before the fight concludes? Fight this king with all your might! This is a battle to the death!"
Whenever the hot blooded Virtuous King of the Forest said something unexpected, Ainz would be hit psychologically. Since strong emotions would be suppressed, Ainz should still have some strength left.
"Enough… already."
Ainz said in an icy tone, pointing the sword in his right hand at the Virtuous King of the Forest and activating his power.
Despair aura V.
Because the chance of causing instant death was too high, Ainz held back and only utilized the terror effect of level I.
Air was emitted out with Ainz as the center, the chill that causes mental effects spread out around him.
When it came into contact with the chill, the Virtuous King of the Forest's fur stood on end and it flipped over at an amazing speed. The defenseless soft stomach full of silvery fur was exposed.
"This king surrenders! This king admits its loss!"
"… Ah… it's just an animal after all…"
Ainz answered tiredly as he walked to the Virtuous King of the Forest's side, looking down at its defenseless belly and thinking of his next move.
It is a monster of this world so it would be a pity to chase it away. Too bad it's just a hamster, should I keep it as a pet… At most, its corpse would be of use.
One of Ainz's job classes was necromancer. It was a class that enslaved corpses, but the strength of the zombie created was dependent on the race of the corpse.
The best corpses would be powerful races like dragons while human corpses would turn into zombies or skeletons. What kind of undead would the Virtuous King of the Forest which didn't exist in YGGDRASIL turn into?
Virtuous King of the Forest zombie?
"Want to kill it?"
A bright voice came from behind. Ainz turned and saw Aura had suddenly appeared next to Narberal.
"If you want to kill it, I want its skin. I think it would yield great leather."
Ainz looked down and met the teary eyes of the Virtuous king looking upwards. Its whiskers were trembling as it silently feared what its fate might be.
He recalled his conversation with the Virtuous King of the Forest. It reminded him of his comrades.
After hesitating, Ainz sighed and made a decision:
"My real name is Ainz Ooal Gown. If you are willing to serve me, I will spare your life."
"Thank, thank you for your mercy! This king would repay you with my loyalty. The Virtuous King of the Forest will serve the great warrior Ainz Ooal Gown-sama!"
Aura looked with eyes of pity at the Virtuous King of the Forest declaring its fealty.
After exiting the forest, the group hoping Ainz and Narberal would make it cheered their safe return. Only Lukeluther looked a little stunned.
Nfirea asked Ainz with a mixture of surprise and praise:
"No injuries at all… Did you avoid battle?"
As Ainz was about to answer, Lukeluther interjected:
"Momon-san, did you bring something back with you? Did you get bewitched?"
"I sparred with the Virtuous King of the Forest and tamed it. Hey, show yourself."
The Virtuous King of the Forest with pearl white fur slowly came out of the forest. The Sword of Darkness members stood around Nfirea with a shocked expression, raising their swords and took a step back.
It might just be a Djungarian hamster, but it's so big…
Even though its beady eyes were cute, its gigantic size was still intimidating. It was natural of the adventurers to protect their client. Ainz lowered his volume and said:
"Don't worry everyone. He has submitted to me and won't go berserk and harm people."
Ainz approached the Virtuous King of the Forest and put on an act of caressing its body.
"As my lord said, this Virtuous King of the Forest had sworn fealty to my lord and serves him as a vassal. I swear to my lord that I will not cause trouble for everyone!"
The Virtuous King of the Forest declared its loyalty to Ainz once again.
Everyone might be wary of its gigantic body, but it was originally a cute Djungarian hamster, they wouldn't be on guard after getting used to it. The problem was how to convince everyone this was the real Virtuous King of the Forest. Ainz was at a loss.
But things didn't go the way Ainz imagined.
"… This is the Virtuous King of the Forest! Amazing, what a grand beast!"
— What?
Ainz switched his gaze between Ninya and the Virtuous King of the Forest, observing carefully to see if he was just teasing. But Ninya was serious.
"… Wow, this Virtuous King of the Forest… is as great as the legends! I can feel its tremendous power just by being in its presence!"
Dyne said in awe.
— Huh? Tremendous power?
"Ara, my hat is off to you. To accomplish such a grand feat. With such power, you are indeed qualified to bring Nabel-chan around with you."
"We would definitely be wiped out if we encounter such a monster. As expected of Momon-san. You are too good."
Listening to the praise of Lukeluther and company, Ainz looked at the Virtuous King of the Forest once again.
A gigantic Djungarian hamster.
That's the only comment Ainz had. Why would they think this monster was threatening?
"…. Everyone, don't you think the eyes of this monster are cute?"
Everyone stared with eyes wide open when they heard this, as if their eyeballs were going to drop out. This probably sounded ridiculous to them.
"Mo, Momon-san! You think the eyes of this monster is cute?"