{Ainz’s Office, the Ninth Floor of Nazarick, the next morning…}

“Has it worked, Ainz-sama?” said Narberal, looking up from where she knelt.

“Activating the [Mana Siphon] I gave you to feed another [Mana Siphon] I can use… well done, Narberal. I don’t think that was even possible in YGGDRASIL, even as a bug. Thanks to you, I should have almost thrice the amount of mana to call upon in battle. That should make fighting the Seraph much easier. I had almost forgotten about the [Mana Siphon] I gave you. I will remember your quick thinking when the time comes to give you a reward. Such ingenuity is what betters Nazarick.

I am sorry I cannot let you fight by my side with Albedo and Shalltear, as it would be highly dangerous for you, as you are somewhere in the mid-sixties in terms of levels. A Seraph Empyrean is a level 95 entity, and especially effective against low karma beings, like you and me. My equipment ensures I am safe from the Seraph’s karma-based abilities, but you do not have those items to protect you.”

“I understand, Ainz-sama, and You have my deepest thanks and reverence, but to serve You in any capacity is a reward in of itself.”

“So I have been told, but I would like to give you something, so that I can show my appreciation for what you do. I would be most pleased if you would choose something, and when the time comes, tell me, and I will try to fulfill your wish.”

“As You command, Ainz-sama. I will think of something.”

“Good. That will be all, Narberal. You are free from any duties for the rest of today. Go, relax, spend time with your sisters, get some rest.”

“As it pleases You, Ainz-sama.”

As Narberal rose to depart, the doors of the office opened.

“Albedo, Shalltear, Pandora’s Actor. Th- er, it’s good to see you all,” said Ainz. Narberal bowed reverently to them, standing aside to let them pass, before carrying on herself.

I can’t thank them for coming, because they’re gonna tell me not to and that it’s their duty to be at my beck and call or some weird stuff!

The three said nothing, genuflecting before his desk.

“Raise your heads. Now, Cocytus has just informed me of an interesting situation around Kami Miyako, that has forced him to withdraw the vassal army.”

“Withdraw… in front of an enemy that has dared to offend You? That is unacceptable,” said Albedo. She didn’t show it, but Ainz could tell that she was upset by the news.

“He had good reason to. He reported the sudden appearance of four Cherubim Gatekeepers and a Seraph Empyrean. I was meaning to use this opportunity to find out what the Lucifer Project was, but the Theocracy has shown their hand, I think. Such creatures are a severe threat to our human subjects.”

“I understand, Ainz-sama. Please excuse my hasty judgment of Cocytus.”

“It’s fine. Now, we are going to use this as an opportunity. I believe that we have forced the Theocracy to pull one of its last few aces from its sleeve, while we will not. I suspect there may be some final weapons the Theocracy possesses, but those are likely World Items. While they are not a threat to us who possess other World Items, they may be a threat to our subjects, depending on the type of item, so we must be careful.

The opportunity of which I spoke is an ultimate display of power. In full view of these human subjects, we will defeat everything the Theocracy has thrown against us. The angels, the Scriptures, their World Items, so on. Think of it. How would our subjects react?”

“The beliefs of the Lizardmen and the orator would be reinforced, the human emperor may very well lose his mind if he has not already, and no one else would dare question the absolute power of Ainz-sama. In short, You would finally be recognized as more than a mere magic caster, but a god! No, the God.”

“Precisely, Albedo. And, using the orator from the Holy Kingdom, we will unify our entire realm under a new religious system.”

“The worship of Ainz Ooal Gown-sama! Ainz-sama, this is beyond brilliance! I… may have just had a-”

“Shalltear. No one cares if you are having another crisis down there.”

“Looks like someone doesn’t love Ainz-sama enough. Is it possible the great Overseer Albedo has nothing to offer Ainz-sama?”

“Oh? Says the one who quite literally has nothing. No curves to speak of, no personality, no beauty. It seems like you’re insecure, Shalltear.”

“I used to have little to offer Ainz-sama. But thanks to some recent… acquisitions, which Ainz-sama himself has praised, I think you stand even less of a chance than before, Albedo.”

“What are you say-”

Ainz raised a hand. “Both of you. Enough. I have told both of you. Marriage is something I will consider in earnest in several centuries. We have no time to squabble.” Make love, not war. Saying that to a hedonistic vampire and a succubus who both cling to your every word… Bad idea, Suzuki.

“Forgive us, Ainz-sama!” the two ladies said.

“I forgive you both. Pandora’s Actor. What World Items does the Theocracy possess, in addition to the Downfall of Castle and Country?”

Shalltear looked at Ainz, caring little for what the Doppelganger said, whereas Albedo glanced sidelong at Pandora’s Actor as he answered, the succubus’ gentle smile unusually rigid.

“Ainz-sama. I am overwhelmed with regret, for my agents to the Theocracy have failed You in that respect. All I can tell you is that the Theocracy possesses two additional World Items, but they have not been identified yet.”

“That’s fine. The gap in our intelligence will be resolved as we attack. If we all are properly equipped with World Items, there will be no problems. As for you, Pandora, I have a job you might like. You will infiltrate the Theocracy’s treasury and catalogue all the magic items therein, while we attack. Now while infiltrating, remember, the Seraph Empyrean has an ability allowing it to detect creatures with negative Karma within a certain radius, and an aura that damages them automatically. That is a weakness, as it is essentially blind to non-evil creatures who are not hostile to it. You must avoid drawing attention to yourself at all costs. It matters not to me how you gain entry, as long as no one knows about it.”

“I understand, Ainz-sama. Shall I retrieve the World Items, or simply identify them?”

“I leave that to you. If they have the capacity to negatively affect our subjects upon use, retrieve them. If they are relatively harmless, then you may leave them. Take a World Class Item with you as well, to serve as an insurance policy.”

“Leave it to me, my Creator! I shall not fail You!” The two ladies winced with not-so-subtle jealousy. Ainz elected to ignore their reaction.

“Excellent. You may begin immediately, Pandora’s Actor.”

The Greater Doppelganger rose, bowed, and departed.

“Albedo, Shalltear. We will put on a grand show for the enemy. Albedo, you and I will appear first, and begin the fight, acting as the tank. We will fight defensively at first, assessing our ability to withstand the combined attacks of the Black Scripture and the angels. When we have a good idea of how capable the enemy is, we will bring in Shalltear.

Shalltear, you will remain behind at first, observing the battle through the Mirror of Remote Viewing, waiting for me to cast [Widen Magic – Darkness]. Then with Pestonya’s mana reserves, you will [Gate] to us. Your sudden appearance in the battle is sure to shock the Black Scripture. When you arrive, Shalltear, feel free to taunt or mock them. Our agents obtained information saying that you killed three of them that night: Myriad Barriers, Divine Chain, and the World Item user, Kaire. While you wait, read up on the dossiers for the Black Scripture members.

Of course, both of you are to wear your full sets of armor. Especially you, Albedo. The Seraph Empyrean can cast the Super-tier spell [Alpha and Omega]. If we are unable to disrupt its casting, I will be counting on your defensive abilities. [Magic Ward – Holy] will not be sufficient protection against the spell.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

That is the plan, plain and simple.”

“But elegant, Ainz-sama, as only the mind of a Supreme Being could formulate such a stratagem,” said Albedo.

“Where Your vast intelligence is concerned, Ainz-sama, the Guardian Overseer is right.”

“Excellent, you both are most, er, perceptive.”

“Thank You, Ainz-sama, but we do not deserve Your praise for stating the obvious, as compared to the deeper mysteries of the Supreme Beings.”

“You may think it insignificant, but as the only remaining Supreme Being, I am pleased to see that even those of you that I did not create wish to more fully understand me. But before we digress too much, I believe I have stated the plan. I will go to the new Imperial Legion camp. Albedo, don your armor, and use a Mirror of Remote Viewing to find me. Teleport there and bring it with you. Shalltear, don your armor, return here, and use another Mirror of Remote Viewing and wait for the signal in battle, and we’ll take it from there. You are dismissed.”

“Your will be done, Ainz-sama.” Albedo got up and turned to leave, whereas Shalltear began undressing immediately. Before she had crossed the half-nude line, Ainz realized what was going on.

“Er, Shalltear, what are you doing?”

“Putting on my armor, Ainz-sama, while ensuring You are properly entertained.”

Albedo had turned and now she scoffed.

“As if some thin slippery eel could entertain Ainz-sama. Well, if that’s how you want it, Shalltear. Two can play at this game. And I’m going to win.” The succubus, smiling as usual, reached up for the top of her white robe, intending to bare her ample bosom first.

“Both of you, no. Stop this. I require silence and solitude for now, to prepare my spells before I travel to the Theocracy. Please go and don your gear.”

“At once, Ainz-sama.”

The two did up their respective dresses, bowed deeply, and departed. The doors shut behind them.

“[Message]. Cocytus.”

“[Ainz-sama].”

“[Cocytus, I would like to know, is there any high ground that provides a good view of Kami Miyako from a safe distance]?”

“[I. Have. Examined. The. Terrain. While. There. Are. Vantage. Points. There. Are. No. Such. Areas. As. You. Desire].”

“[It’s fine. I was just asking. It looks like I’ll be bringing Mare as well. Also, how is the disposition of your troops]?”

“[The. Holy. Kingdom. Archers. Led. By. The. Squire. With. The. Bow. Spend. Every. Morning. In. Prayer. To. You. Ainz-sama. But. Morale. Among. The. Legion. Is. Breaking. Down. Even. The. Most. Dedicated. Officers. Are. Losing. Hope. Against. Seeing. So. Powerful. A. Foe. As. A. Seraph. Empyrean. Emperor. Jircniv. Has. Took. Ill. When. The. Angels. Appeared. And. Has. Refused. All. Medical. Assistance. From. Nazarick].”

“[Refused? Hmm. Then I will need to bring Lupusregina as well to ensure he’s alright. The Emperor is too useful to kill off or allow to die].”

“[As. You. Command. Ainz-sama].”

“[Very well then. I will be joining you shortly. Gather the commanders of your force].”

“[At. Once. Ainz-sama].”

“[End Message]. [Message]. Lupusregina, Mare.”

“[A-A-Ainz-sama! Uh, I-I-I’m here]!”

“[Lupusregina Beta here, Ainz-sama! And Mare-sama]!”

“[It is good to hear you both. I will meet you both on the surface of Nazarick].”

{The Exterior of Nazarick, a few minutes later…}

Ainz stood in the middle of the opening, surrounded by temples and mausoleums to unknown people. Mare appeared not long after, daintily adjusting his skirt, and genuflecting before the undead king. Using [Fly], Lupusregina came along as well, her crozier in hand, kneeling before Ainz as well.

“Rise, both of you. I am pleased you arrived so quickly. [Gate].”

A swirling purple vortex opened before them.

“Through here.”

Passing through to the other side, they found themselves amid an Imperial camp, a well-ordered arrangement of tents surrounded by a wooden stockade. Not as effective as a castle, but certainly a good defense against most conventional means of attack. The three quickly made their way to one of the most prominent tents.

“Ainz-sama! You’re here!” It was Neia. As Ainz had commanded, her scar was healed. She had just been speaking to various members of the army, legionaries and archers and goblins alike. “Everyone! Justice walks in our midst! We cannot lose!”

Ainz briskly nodded to her and entered the tent. There, Cocytus, Zaryusu Shasha, the Goblin Strategist, and Baziwood Peshmel were discussing something. They stopped as soon as Ainz entered.

“Ainz-sama. Forgive. Me. I. Did. Not. Anticipate. Your. Arrival. So. Soon. I. Believed. It. Would. Have. Been-“

“It’s fine, Cocytus. No need to stand on ceremony. Mare, find an open but low area of land, and inform me.”

“A-A-At once, Ainz-sama!” The dark elf went off.

“Are you one of the Imperial Knights?”

“Yeah, that’s me. Baziwood Peshmel… er, Your Majesty.”

“What I said goes for all of you. No need to stand on ceremony. It’s a waste of time for now. I have brought one of my most talented healers to see to the Emperor’s health. This is Lupusregina Beta. I believe you saw her first when the Emperor was first invited to my realm to discuss the matter of unwanted visitors in my abode. Please do not reject her assistance. I need the Emperor to be in good health as soon as possible. I have many policies to suggest to him, that he alone is effective enough to implement. Lupusregina, accompany Sir Peshmel to the Emperor’s tent, and ensure he is in good health. This is a serious matter, remember.”

The Imperial Knight left reluctantly, followed by the battle maid. Ainz felt the [Message] spell being used.

“[A-Ainz-sama… I f-f-found a flat place, as ordered]!”

“[Good work, Mare. Next, you should use your magic and raise it into a hill high enough to see Kami Miyako from standing on it and wait for me there. If you want, you can raise a few extra hills around it, so it isn’t all by itself].”

“[Y-y-yes, Ainz-s-s-sama]!”

{The Emperor’s Tent…}

Lupusregina grinned over the blanket-covered lump on the cot, which was trembling. “Hmm. [Detect Disease]. Let me guess, Mr. Burly Knight Man, blondie clapped eyes on the big bad over the city?”

“Something like that, miss.”

“That’s Lupusregina to you, Mister.”

“And that’s Baziwood to you, Lupusregina.”

The two stared at each other defiantly for a few seconds, while the poor Emperor lay in a shivering heap on a cot. Lupusregina smiled at him, widely. He’s so feisty… I wonder what he’d look like if I bend his knees the wrong way… Will he scream or cry for mommy first? I remember that silly prince boy cried first.

Baziwood thought to himself as well. She’s real cute, she gives no fucks, and she’s got spunk, but I dunno if the Home Legion can or wants to handle another trooper. I think I should keep clear of those on the undead’s payroll. They have a habit of damaging more stuff than you expect, like poor Enec.

“Well, blondie here’s got a simple problem. To put it oh so concisely, he’s scared shitless, and I’m not talking a small spook either. He’s really freaking out.”

“I don’t get it. He has an amulet to help him withstand this sort of thing, mental effects or something like that.”

“Probably only to a certain extent. When you get closer to Ainz-sama in the degree of power, the less things and defenses that can resist you. For instance, a werewolf cleric similar to me could cut down even a muscular human bodyguard who wears adamantite armor, especially if he has any nasty thoughts about said cleric. Power’s a relative thing. But don’t worry about your precious blondie here, he’ll be fine. I’ll give him a little pazazz and abracadabra, and he’ll shape up. [Heal]. [Sleep].”

The Emperor’s breathing almost instantly relaxed, and he stopped shaking. Baziwood gawked at what had just happened.

“What in the hell? None of the medics and healers could so much as get him to stop shaking, and here you come and with two spells you got His Majesty sleeping like a baby! Is everyone who works for that…” Baziwood trailed off. Lupusregina was staring at him with murderous eyes and a massive grin, daring him to finish. The Imperial Knight gulped.

“Why is everyone who works for the Sorcerer King so powerful?”

Lupusregina shrugged casually, her usual vim and verve returning. She started making her way outside the tent. “That’s what we were made for.”

“Made?”

“Uh-huh. Get it? I’m a demon maid,” she said. No one laughed. “Anyway, blondie will be good to go in a few minutes. Ainz-sama wants him along for the ride.” She disappeared.

{The residential area of Kami Miyako…}

The Captain of the Black Scripture sat inside his personal apartment, a generous space, with only spartan accomodations. He wore no armor, but some simple garments. His spear leaned against the wall beside the door. He said nothing, thinking quietly to himself. It wouldn’t be long before he had to meet with the rest of the Scripture and Certain Death in the Temple District. It wouldn’t be long before the battle was joined against the Sorcerer King. A dark fear gnawed at his heart. Some instinct, some gut reaction told him that not even the mighty angels summoned by the Fourth Legacy and the Lucifer Project would be enough to defeat Ainz Ooal Gown.

A knock at the door stirred him from his thoughts. It opened, and three ladies he recognized entered. He stood up to speak to them.

“Andromaque, Cassandre, Helene, what are you doing here? The Pontifex ordered the evacuation of the city. It is dangerous!” he said, his voice laced with concern.

“The victor should not return home without solace for his weary soul and body. We are here to prepare your bath. The holy laws dictate that the spouse should always aid and support the other as best they can, and it also says that not even the descendants of the Gods are beyond the holy laws. You go forth today and fight for us and our people. Hector, please. Let us repay you with this small token of our love.”

“But Andromaque… I am not due to wed any of you for several days. The holy laws do not apply.”

“They will when we are married. Please, Hector, let us prepare your bath for you. We have already brought everything we need.”

The Captain nodded in defeat. “I will go now. Do as you wish, but I cannot personally guarantee your safety.”

“The Six will protect us, as will you. Stay close to your colleagues. Do not be cut off.”

“Thank you, Helene. Thank you, all of you. I… I love you all, and I… look forward to the bath if… no, when I return.”

Andromaque smiled at him, but Cassandre looked rather anxious. The four of them exchanged kisses on the cheek.

Helene helped the Captain don his armored breastplate, Cassandre tied his long black hair into a knot and placed his helmet atop his head, and Andromaque gave his dark spear to him. As he made to leave, Cassandre tried to gently take his arm. He turned to face her.

“Please, Hector… come back to us,” she whispered, before burying her head into his shoulder. He embraced Cassandre momentarily. The only sound was her gentle sobbing. Then, he turned and left.

{The Temple district of Kami Miyako, a half-hour later…}

The Basilica of the Six had fallen into ruins, the summoning of the mighty Seraph Empyrean had made sure of that. Amidst the tumbled stones and broken glass, the Pontifex, the Cardinals, and the Black Scripture stood, discussing their plan. The four Cherubim Gatekeepers had fallen back, forming a defensive circle around the ruins.

A courier on horseback galloped by. “The Undead has entered the city! He is making his way here!”

Cardinal Lagier answered him. “Go to the Treasury, inform Certain Death we need her here now.”

“Your Eminence, forgive my ignorance, but where is the Treasury?”

Cardinal Santini pointed the courier in the right direction, and he nodded and galloped off. Moments later, a great voice boomed.

“I greet you, Leaders of the Slane Theocracy. I am the Sorcerer King, Master of Eleven Legacies, Slayer of Jaldabaoth, Bane of Re-Estize, Ainz Ooal Gown!”