[The First Day of Destruction, 3:00 PM][6th Floor: Amphitheater — The Great Tomb of Nazarick]
This location served as the primary command center during large-scale engagements. Servants, summoned monstrosities, and Guardians designated for deployment would inevitably gather here before marching upon the enemy.
In the center of the arena, Ainz Ooal Gown sat upon a temporary obsidian throne.
Ainz's crimson points of light remained fixed on the Mirror of Remote Viewing floating before him. The magical window displayed a scene of absolute devastation. The insectoid legion spawned by the Super-Tier spell, [Creeping Doom], was currently razing the city of Torantel to the ground. Having already consumed two villages in their wake, they were an unstoppable tide of chitin and mandibles.
These insects were not mere summons; they were the twisted remnants of humans and other organisms caught within the spell's radius. Unlike standard summons, they possessed no duration limit. However, there was a restriction: only one "swarm" could exist at a time, and as living biological constructs, they required food, air, and water to sustain themselves.
The spell's insidiousness lay in its transformation effect. Victims were warped into giant insects, their levels forcibly raised to 30 if they were originally weaker. Yet, the most terrifying aspect was their growth potential. Much like the Soul Eaters, these abominations could grow stronger by devouring the flesh and blood of their enemies.
Incidentally, while Ainz had cast this as a Super-Tier magic, one member of "Hierarchy" residing on the 8th Floor—a super-level mercenary known as Beelzebub—could utilize a lesser version of this effect as a special skill. It was merely a small glimpse into the terrifying power They possessed.
"Several hours have passed. The Slane Theocracy should have noticed the anomaly and initiated an emergency response by now," Ainz mused aloud, his deep voice resonating in the amphitheater. "Demiurge, what is the reaction from the Council State?"
The demon standing beside the throne bowed elegantly.
"There are no specific movements at the moment. However—"
"However, our current intelligence network is far from comprehensive, is it not?" Ainz interjected.
"Precisely, Lord Ainz... I am terribly sorry. The intelligence networks we have established within both the Theocracy and the Argland Council State are far from perfect. We lack eyes where it matters most."
"No, do not apologize. It was I who suddenly decided to accelerate the destruction of the Theocracy, thereby disrupting your original timeline. If anyone is to blame, it is I."
"Lord Ainz, please, I beg you not to say such things!" Demiurge exclaimed, his voice thick with devotion. "Failing to keep pace with Lord Ainz's visionary thinking—failing to prepare for every eventuality in advance—is absolutely a dereliction of duty on our part as Guardians!"
On the other side of the throne, Albedo nodded deeply, her expression grave. It was a sentiment clearly shared by all the NPCs: the Supreme One was infallible; any errors were solely due to the incompetence of his servants.
"Ah... um. Very well."
Ainz mentally waved away the awkwardness. Why are they always so hard on themselves?
Albedo stepped forward. "For the time being, let us proceed under the assumption that the Council State has already obtained intelligence regarding our attack. We shall continue the destruction of the Theocracy based on that premise."
"…Umu?"
Why? Is it necessary to go that far?
Fortunately, before Ainz could voice his confusion and potentially expose his lack of insight, Demiurge seamlessly continued the thought.
"A wise judgment, indeed. Although the Council State and the Theocracy cannot be considered enemies, they have long existed in a state of friction and mutual vigilance. It is inconceivable that they have not infiltrated one another with spies. Information regarding Torantel's fall has likely already crossed the border."
Ah... I see! That makes sense.
Ainz nodded slowly, projecting an aura of profound understanding.
"Furthermore," Albedo added, "that platinum-armored individual who calls himself Riku Aganeia may also make a move. Depending on the timing of his intervention, we may be able to indirectly determine the depth of his connection with the Council State."
"Lord Ainz, regarding that uncertainty... how should we handle the engagement? You once said, 'Perhaps it is necessary to lose again...'"
"Umu..."
Ainz paused, pretending to ponder a complex stratum of stratagems.
"Be prepared and act according to the circumstances," he finally declared. "However, for now, the annihilation of the Theocracy and exacting vengeance for Shalltear and Nazarick are the top priorities."
"Understood!"
"By the way, Demiurge. I have reviewed your proposal regarding the 'Experience Point Ranch.' To be frank, it is excellent."
"Oh...!" Demiurge's face lit up. "Thank you for your generosity, Lord Ainz!"
The demon smiled genuinely. To an observer, it might have looked like a puppy receiving praise from its owner, but beneath the surface, it remained the wicked grin of an Arch-Devil.
The plan was ruthless efficiency: raise humans and other sentients like livestock, periodically "harvesting" them. The resulting experience points would be stored within the World-Class Item, Avarice and Generosity, to facilitate the use of spells that demanded an XP cost, such as Wish Upon a Star.
According to Demiurge, the original concept was to wait until the Sorcerous Kingdom attacked the major demi-human nations in the central continent before fully developing the ranch. Demi-humans possessed racial levels, making them of higher quality and faster growth rates than humans when used as "experience point livestock."
However, new data had changed the equation. The lineage of Players was widely spread throughout this region of the continent. A series of investigations revealed that the probability of humans possessing innate Talents was overwhelmingly higher than that of other races.
Therefore, the decision was made to establish the ranches immediately during the destruction of the Theocracy, selecting the citizens of that nation as the first batch of breeding stock.
How cruel, Ainz thought, a fleeting sentiment.
The plan was flawless regarding Nazarick's interests, so Ainz would support it. In the past, the remnants of Satoru Suzuki's humanity might have caused him significant distress.
However, this time... Ainz found himself almost eager.
Is it because I consider the Theocracy to be the sworn enemy of Nazarick? Haha... hahaha.
Humans often spouted grand platitudes like "revenge is empty" or "hatred only breeds more hatred." Ainz found such notions laughable. If you possessed enough power to completely exterminate your enemies, the hatred would end right there, wouldn't it?
This was the privilege of the strong over the weak.
This was Nazarick's justice.
"Proceed with the plan, Demiurge. Now, it is time to move to the most crucial phase. Before we crush the Theocracy completely, we must eliminate its greatest threat—that World-Class Item...!"
Ainz stood up from the throne, his presence dominating the arena.
Downfall of Castle and Country. A beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.
Mind control was clearly an effect-type ability. Logic dictated that as long as one possessed a World-Class Item, they would be immune to the effects of another. Therefore, one might think it foolish to be overly cautious.
But Ainz knew better. In YGGDRASIL, there was the precedent of the "Seven Stars Mutual Restraint," where specific World Items could bypass immunities under the right conditions. Every World-Class Item was unique, a breaker of rules. Furthermore, he could not rule out the possibility that the transition to reality had altered the mechanics, causing "flavor text" to manifest as actual power.
The Theocracy acted arrogantly because they possessed the legacy of the Six Great Gods. Ainz would show them that such arrogance was a fatal error. However, he would not be reckless. World-Class Items were anomalies; they were to be avoided unless victory was guaranteed.
That he could remain so calm and cautious while seething with anger was likely a benefit of his undead physiology. His emotions were suppressed, leaving only cold calculation.
Ainz's strategy was simple.
"First, we execute a decapitation strike. We find the user, and we seize the item... Entoma."
"Yes!"
With a crisp, chirping reply, Entoma Vasilissa Zeta dragged a disfigured corpse forward.
It was the remains of the Elf King.
It could barely be called a corpse anymore. The skin had been flayed for scroll production; the bones dismantled for crafting materials; the blood drained for alchemical reagents. The limbs and head had been severed and distributed to various servants. All that remained on the floor was a trunk of muscle tissue and internal organs.
After repeated experiments, Ainz had determined that this was the bare minimum required to be classified as a "corpse" for the purpose of creating undead.
"Next, we send in something expendable. Even if it is controlled, it will not matter. Send it directly to the so-called Holy Capital."
Ainz extended a skeletal hand toward the meat of the Elf King.
"—Create High-Tier Undead: Eternal Death."
Create High-Tier Undead was a special skill usable four times a day. However, by utilizing the dark ritual enhancement, Ainz could consume two uses at once to bypass the level cap of the summon.
By repeating this ritual, he could create an undead approaching level 90.
The Eternal Death was one such being.
It belonged to the thief class, yet it differed significantly from mercenaries like the Hanzo. Unless ordered to suppress it, the Eternal Death radiated a permanent "Aura of Death and Decay." This rendered its stealth capabilities negligible—it was hard to hide when everything around you withered and died—but the aura provided a constant area-of-effect debuff and a chance of instant death to anything nearby.
The Eternal Death was an attack-speed specialized unit, similar to Cocytus, but due to its lack of stealth reliance, its defense stats were surprisingly robust.
Its name signified "the perpetual generator of death."
As if seeping from the pores of the underworld, a black mist drifted toward the Elf King's remains. It enveloped the flesh completely, writhing violently like living sludge.
It was a scene Ainz had grown accustomed to, yet it never failed to impress.
The Elf King had been level 70 or so—high-level by YGGDRASIL standards. Would such a high-quality catalyst allow for a stronger creation?
Something to look forward to, hehe...
The black mud twisted, elongating and hardening until it formed a tall, thin, humanoid figure shrouded in darkness.
"It is complete. Undead Slave—Vision Link."
Ainz cast the spell to share his senses with the creature.
"Go now, my servant. Go to the Holy Capital of the Theocracy. Execute your task according to my will."
The figure bowed, its voice a somber rasp from the grave.
"…I hear and obey."
Ainz raised a hand, casting Gate. The dark portal swirled into existence, connecting the heart of Nazarick directly to the outskirts of the Kami Miyako—the Slane Theocracy's capital. With a final, jerky nod, the Eternal Death stepped through. The black mist trailing from its form seemed to corrode the very air as it passed, vanishing into the spatial rift.
The Gate closed. Silence returned to the Amphitheater, heavy and absolute.
Ainz slowly lowered himself back onto the Obsidian Throne. The hard surface offered no comfort, but comfort was not something the ruler of the Great Tomb required.
"Magnificent," Albedo breathed.
She stood at the side, her hands clasped over her chest, her golden eyes shimmering with an intensity that made Ainz internally recoil. Beside her, Demiurge adjusted his glasses, the glint of the lenses hiding a look of supreme satisfaction. Even Cocytus, who had been silent, let out a puff of cold air, a sign of his approval.
"To think," Albedo continued, her voice trembling with adoration, "that you would find a use for even the most wretched of refuse. That Elf King... he was trash, Yet, in your hands, his miserable existence has been elevated to a tool of vengeance. It is... poetic justice of the highest order, Ainz-sama."
Eh? Ah, yes. Poetic justice. That was exactly what I was going for.
Ainz nodded slowly, maintaining his regal facade. "Indeed, Albedo. To waste resources is the hallmark of a fool. Even garbage has its uses if one knows how to burn it properly."
In reality, I just needed a high-level corpse to test the limits of the Dark Ritual. The Elf King was level 70-ish. In YGGDRASIL, using a player corpse or a high-level NPC corpse yielded different results for the 'Create High-Tier Undead' skill. I was simply curious if the New World's 'native' high-levels followed the same logic. But... well, if it makes them happy, let's go with the justice angle.
"Sasuga Ainz-sama," Demiurge interjected, his tail swaying rhythmically behind him. "And by sending a single, high-concentration unit of destruction rather than an army, you accomplish multiple strategic objectives simultaneously."
Ainz stiffened slightly. Here it came. The moment where Demiurge explained Ainz's own plan to him.
"Oh?" Ainz prompted, leaning his chin on his skeletal hand. "Elaborate, Demiurge. Let us ensure the others understand the depths of this move."
Please explain it so I understand it too.
"Understood," Demiurge bowed deeply. "First, the emotional impact. Sending an army would be an act of war. Sending a single undead assassin created from the corpse of their neighbor's King? That is a statement of horror. It tells them that their leaders are nothing but raw materials to us."
"Second," Demiurge raised a finger, "is the probe. You mentioned the World-Class Item, Downfall of Castle and Country. By unleashing a creature that radiates instant death and decay, you force them to deploy their strongest assets immediately. Ordinary soldiers cannot stop the Eternal Death. The Black Scripture will be forced to engage. And once they do..."
"...We will know who holds the item," Albedo finished, her smile widening into something predatory. "If they try to use the item on a summon, they waste it. If they don't, the summon destroys their city. A perfect lose-lose situation for them."
"Precisely," Demiurge concluded. "It is a bait so deadly they cannot ignore it, yet so expendable that we lose nothing if it is destroyed. A flawless opening move in this game of chess."
Ainz listened, the imaginary sweat pouring down his nonexistent spine.
I just wanted to smash something because I was angry, and I wanted to test the summon! I didn't think about political statements or psychological warfare! But... wait, that actually makes a lot of sense. Good job, me. Or rather, good job, Demiurge.
"Correct," Ainz said, his voice deep and smooth. "You have grasped my intentions well, Demiurge. The Theocracy believes themselves the protectors of humanity. We shall see how well they protect themselves when Death comes knocking—not as an army, but as a silent, inevitable plague."
"Your wisdom knows no bounds," Cocytus rumbled, clicking his mandibles. "Using. The. Elf. King. As. A. Weapon. Is. Fitting. Punishment."
Ainz glanced at the spot where the Elf King's remains had been. There was still a slight stain of blood on the pristine Arena floor. He felt a twinge of guilt about the mess, but then the emotional suppression kicked in, washing it away.
Whatever happens to the Theocracy now... they brought it on themselves.
His mind drifted back to Shalltear. The anger that had been simmering deep within his ribcage flared up again, hot and sharp, before the green light of his passive skill suppressed it once more. The calm return was almost jarring.
They dared to touch what belongs to me. They dared to brainwash my friend's child.
"Albedo," Ainz spoke, and the Overseer snapped to attention.
"Yes, Momonga-sama?"
"Prepare the surveillance network of nazarick. I want to see everything that happens. If the holder of the World Item appears... I will not leave it to the summon. I will handle it personally."
A ripple of shock went through the room.
"Ainz-sama!" Albedo stepped forward, concern etching her beautiful features. "To put yourself in danger! If they possess a World Item that can control minds..."
"I have the ultimate countermeasure," Ainz said, tapping the red orb in his chest—his own World-Class Item. "But more importantly... I will not allow them an easy death. If they show themselves, I want to look them in the eye before I end them."
He stood up again, the shadows of the obsidian throne seemingly lengthening to embrace him.
"Entoma."
The maid chirped and stepped out from behind the line of Guardians. "Yes, Lord Ainz!"
"Clean up this mess," he gestured to the wet spot on the floor.
"Understood!"
Ainz turned his back to them, facing the Arena walls.
"Now," Ainz whispered to himself, too low for the Guardians to hear. "Let us see if the flavor text of 'Eternal Death' holds true in this world."
…
Author's Note
Thank you for reading—I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter will be released on Sunday. I read every comment, so please leave your thoughts and any suggestions for improvement. Your support means a lot.