Chapter 2, part 4

“Looks like your brother is causing problems once again Demiurge,” - Ainz addressed Demiurge.

“My apologies Ainz-sama” - Demiurge replied with a bow.

“No, no. His actions have nothing to do with you,” - Ainz told him.

While this conversation was going on, the three humans in the room stared at Ainz wide-eyed. After taking a few seconds to process what he heard Potemur addressed Ainz.

“Can... Can you explain your Majesty? If Jaldabaoth is a brother of this Demiurge, then does it mean Jaldabaoth is your subordinate? Did he attack the Holy Kingdom on your orders?!” he asked Ainz, a note of anger in his voice.

“Clam yourself Potemur. I told you it wasn't like that,” - told him Momon in a loud voice, that made Potemur calm down a little.

“Long ago, Jaldabaoth was my subordinate,” the sound of Ainz's voice appeared distant as if remembering events long past. “However, he grew too powerful and chose to pursue his own goal. I want a world where all species live peacefully together, but Jaldabaoth wants to plunge the world into chaos and savor the despair of its inhabitants.”

“He and another fool rebelled against my rule. They were defeated and sealed away,” - he concluded.

“But nothing lasts forever. Jaldabaoth had broken his seal, and had come to this world once again,” - explained Albedo.

“Although his vision is the opposite of Ainz-sama. He still admires our master, and so he styled his own entourage after Ainz-sama, using demons in place of maids. Although they can only copy the body, their faces are still those of demons, hence the need for masks,” - Demiurge said.

“I.. I understand. Then your Majesty, will you help us in our fight against Jaldabaoth?” - Potemur asked. In the end, he was there to get help and get it quickly.

“I will be honored to face Jaldabaoth again,” announced Momon, as he faced Ainz.

“You are not strong enough, human,” - retorted him Albedo, her tone clearly revealing that she thought little of his strength.

“I have fought Jaldabaoth before, while I was unable to defeat him then, this time will be different,” - Momon replied.

“No. It is as Albedo says. You no longer have the power to defeat Jaldabaoth,” Ainz stated.

“What do you mean your Majesty? Please explain the meaning of your words,” Momon demanded.

Ainz waves his hand at Demiurge, who was looking at him, indicating that he could explain.

“When he became the strongest demon my brother acquired a very powerful ability – he becomes stronger the more time he spends in this world. That ability is what led to him becoming too powerful and choosing to challenge the Supreme Being we all serve."

“You were able to fight him evenly when he first came to this world and was weakened. However, he had been in this world far too long now. Your power is no longer enough to oppose him.”

“Truthfully, Jaldabaoth breaking his seal was the reason for my coming out of my slumber,” Ainz explained. “Normally we would immediately engage and defeat him. However, I had slumbered too long, the world had changed and no one remembered the greatness of Nazarick. With no connection to the nearby countries, and being a feared undead, we could neither gather information about Jaldabaoth's location nor move to confront him.”

“Luckily, Momon had faced Jaldabaoth and limited the amount of time he could spend in this world. As well as defeated the vampire Honyopenyoko,” said Demiurge. “Still, we could not sit idly by, thus we made our move, allied with Baharuth Empire and claimed this territory. All of it in order to be in a position to gather information about Jaldabaoth's movements and promptly move to confront him,” - finished his explanation Ainz.

As understanding dawned on the three humans present, one could see their thoughts and emotions reflected on their faces. Even such experienced diplomats could not conceal their feelings, so shattering was the information they have heard.

“Although, this is not my place, may I ask about the vampire Honyopenyoko?” Zeria asked during the silence which followed Ainz's explanation. “I have heard of this vampire and its strength. What is her relationship with the Sorcerer Kingdom as well as Momon-san?”

Momon looked at Ainz, who nodded to him that it was fine to answer.

“When I and Nabe were away on a quest, Honyopenyoko attacked my estate, killed everyone, and stole a powerful item my family passed through generations,” - Momon begun. “My chase led me to E-Rantel, where I became an adventurer in order to be able to gather information which could lead me to Honyopenyoko. I've also learned that there was another vampire.”

“I believed the two were working together and sought to destroy them both. However, his Majesty explained that Honyopenyoko had apparently used the item she stole from my estate to take control of her twin sister Shalltear,” - he waved at the big-bosomed girl in a dress.

“Mind control?!” Gasped Zeria when he heard this.

“Not exactly. It does not take control over a target, rather it is a power of persuasion. For instance, if someone suggested to you that betraying Theocracy was the best way to save humanity, and used that item, then you would betray Theocracy of your own free will, convinced that your decision to do so was correct,” - Momon explained that monstrous power of the stolen item. “The target does experience a temporary memory loss, similar to being mind controlled after the effect is dispelled.”

“Luckily it was a one-time use item. So we no longer have to worry about it,” added Momon.

“I understand now,” said Zeria with a look of relief on his face. “But, how did you know that the vampire you confronted was Honyopenyoko and not Shalltear? If they were twins,” he asked.

“We are nothing alike. I would never betray Ainz-sama!” - Shalltear replied energetically, “and despite being twins we were quite different, I got all the brains and Honyopenyoko got all the brawn.”

"Ah I see, so Momon was able to tell who he was facing based on the strength described by the adventurer's guild," thought Zeria.

"Still, what's with all these brothers and sisters," he mumbled.

"The Supreme Beings had created us that way," - replied one of the dark elves, who somehow managed to pick up his words.

For the sake of his mind, Zeria chose to ignore the words "Supreme Beings created us" and instead focused on what was in front of him. The two elves were clearly siblings, it was plausible the other two had siblings as well.

“Let's get back to the Holy Kingdom. Your Majesty, if Momon is no longer strong enough to confront Jaldabaoth, what will you do?” Potemur brought the conversation back to the subject of his business. He was less concerned with the history of these beings and more with protecting his kingdom.

“Naturally, as the strongest being in the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick I will fight Jaldabaoth myself,” Ainz announced.

“For the crimes of imitating my maids, controlling Shalltear and most importantly, for going against my rule I will teach him what happens to those who oppose me!” Ainz proclaimed in a powerful voice, as he stood up and clenched his fist the red dots of his eyes shone brightly.

All who were present at that moment had felt only one sensation as they saw him – fear. Before them stood an Overlord of Death, announcing someone's fate. There could be no doubt that the target of his speech would meet his end. And then it hit them...

Panic. Dominating, overwhelming panic. All those present trembled before this visage of death. As his power washed over them, the thoughts of the humans present were rather alike. And then it passed as if it was a dream, and Ainz sat back down.

“As your vassal Baharuth Empire will do anything in our power to aid you!” - Jircniv proclaimed while prostrating before Ainz. His body was still trembling from the fear he had experienced.

"Why is he doing this? Was using Aura of Despair II going too far?" Ainz wondered as he looked at Jircniv prostrating in front of him.

“Thank you Jircniv-done,” he replied, after deciding to ignore this and continue with the plan.

Zeria couldn't blame Jircniv for behaving in such an undignified way. Frankly, he himself was close to prostrating to the monster in front of him and pledging to serve him.

"It's impossible to fight this monster. No, even any attempt at opposition is foolish and will only be met with death. I should try my hardest to convince the Cardinals of this. Or should I betray Theocracy and pledge my loyalty to this monster right now?" - Zeria wavered as he tried to stop his body from shaking.

“But, Ainz-sama, Jaldabaoth had become quite powerful, is it not risky to confront him by yourself?”

“I will take Demiurge with me, he knows his brother's ability best,” Ainz replied.

“But Demiurge is weakened. The link between him and his brother had allowed Jaldabaoth to siphon his strength!” Albedo interjected. “He can't even use his human form anymore.”

“Demiurge will advise me on strategy. I will be the only one fighting Jaldabaoth, ” replied Ainz.

“But... Ainz-sama is it.. not better to let us... come with.. you?” - asked Mare in his panicky voice.

“No. If we arrive with a large enough force to guarantee victory Jaldabaoth simply won't show up,” Demiurge explained. “He'd claim that causing humans despair as they agonized for two weeks about their demise was his goal all along.”

“Additionally, If we neglect E-Rantel's defense it would leave us open to a counterattack by Jaldabaoth,” added Shalltear.

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“Then it is settled. I and Demiurge will go to the Holy Kingdom to defeat Jaldabaoth. Albedo will remain in E-Rantel as the Guardians Overseer, Aura and Shalltear will provide her assistance if needed. Mare will serve as an envoy to the Slane Theocracy,” - Ainz concluded.

“Oh, and Momon, I have studied the reports from the Draconic Kingdom. They are in rather dire straights. It is possible

that they will request our aid. If that happens I want you to provide them the help they seek,” - he continued.

“Then your Majesty, when will we depart? It's a long journey and we only have seven days left,” - Potemur inquired.

“Do not worry Potemur. We can get there in just two days. So please take your time to relax after your long journey. We will leave in three days,” - Ainz told him.

“You can get to the Holy Kingdom in just two days? But how?” Potemur asked surprised by this proclamation.

“We have.. a faster method of transportation,” - Ainz replied with a chuckle.

Potemur decided not to ask further. As the meeting had been concluded, Ainz used a portal to send Jircniv back to the Baharuth Empire. Zeria, Potemur, and Momon had left as well.

Zeria tried to talk to Momon but was stopped quickly. Leaning close to his ear the adventurer whispered: "I know what you want to ask me, but is the Sorcerer Kingdom a suitable place for such talk?" After saying that he excused himself and left Zeria alone.

With the audience over Potemur went to the guest house where he informed “The Young Blood” that they would stay in the city for three days, before leaving. Shrugging his shoulders when asked about how will they return so quickly, he suggested they explore the city and learn more about the Sorcerer King.

Sometime later

After resting for a few hours in their room in the “Golden Pavilion” -- paid for by the Sorcerer Kingdom. Marv and Kiza decided to go to the adventurer's guild.

As they walked into the Adventurer's Guild they were greeted by a strange sight. Although there were plenty of adventurers inside, there were very few jobs on the request board.

They walked further inside and saw displays of weapons and armors. This was a strange sight, as normally the Adventurer's Guild was not a place to buy equipment.

“Say, what is with this equipment displays?” Marv asked a receptionist.

“Oh, are you adventurers from another city?” She asked, taking a glance at the orichalcum plates the two wore. “This is runic equipment, available exclusively to the adventurers of the Sorcerer Kingdom.”

After getting their answer they went to take a closer look at the equipment displayed.

“This is some pretty good stuff!” Exclaimed Marv as he looked at the swords displayed. They weren't necessarily better than his own. But he had to spend quite a bit of time to find materials to enhance his swords, and they cost him a fortune.

Nearby Kiza was examining some daggers.

“Hey, how much are these swords?” - Marv asked the receptionist again, pointing at the display table he just left.

“Five silver tokens,” replied receptionist. When she saw Marv's confused expression she explained:

“Tokens are the currency found in the Adventurer's Dungeon near the city.”

“Eh? Adventurer's Dungeon? What the heck is that?” - Marv asked, unable to understand what she was talking about.

“Oh, you must be one of the foreign adventurers I was told about. Then would you like to take a look at the Adventurer's Dungeon, where our adventurers can gain battle experience and learn to fight as a team?” Asked a man with gray hair and a mustache. “I am Pluton Ainzach, the guild master of the Adventurer's Guild of the Sorcerer Kingdom,” - he introduced himself.

After Marv and Kiza introduced themselve, the three of them left the guild and went to the Adventurer's Dungeon, located outside the city.

As they rode there, Ainzach explained the changes that had been implemented to the Guild under the rule of the Sorcerer King. And the new focus for adventurers, from being simple monster exterminators to becoming adventurers who would go to distant places and discover the unknown.

As they listened to Ainzach's passionate speech, they could not help but be jealous of the adventures of the Sorcerer Kingdom. To be able to adventure and discover new things, instead of completing quest after quest just to improve your equipment sounded very tempting.

After about five minutes they've reached a spot that was cleared of all the trees. There was a massive arc – an entrance leading to the dungeon. In front of it stood a death knight.

They passed the undead being and descended down the stairs. At the bottom was a large room, with four corridors leading in different directions.

“On the left is the easiest difficulty, suitable for copper, iron and silver ranked adventurers. The final boss is of the gold ranked level,” - Ainzach began to explain as he motioned toward the corridor. “Straight ahead is a wing suitable for gold and platinum adventurers. The corridor to our right is suitable for mithril and orichalcum adventurers. And the corridor behind us is suitable for adamantite. Although no one had been there except “Darkness” when they tested the strengths of the monsters inhabiting it.”

“Each wing contains specific tokens, copper, iron, silver, and gold, found on bosses as well as hidden chests and such. These tokens can be traded in for corresponding equipment, ensuring that adventurers are properly equipped for their strength level,” - Ainzach explained enthusiastically.

“Hold on, then that means that silver tokens drop from the wing to our right? The one suitable for mithril and orichalcum adventurers?” Marv asked. His shoulders sunk a little as he realized that in the Sorcerer Kingdom, a mithril ranked adventurer would be able to obtain swords similar to his own.

“This certainly is a better way to prepare and equip adventurers than the traditional way.” - admitted Kiza. “But doing the same dungeon over and over would result in one's abilities being limited, just enough to complete that specific trial.”

“It as you say,” replied Ainzach, “which is why we also have training grounds, where adventurers can train, duel, and even fight group vs group, to learn how to fight groups of adaptable enemies.”

“Oh, duel you say?” Marv asked, his interest piqued. In the Holy Kingdom, he was the strongest Orichalcum fighter. How would he rank here?

“Hoho, would you like to test your strength?” Laughed Ainzach, sensing that vibe from Marv.

After he affirmed the guild master's suspicion., they left the dungeon and Ainzach led them to a place nearby.

Soon training grounds came into their view. There were dummies for archers to practice shooting at, as well as dummies for close range fighters to practice attacks. There were also people training in pairs, attacking and blocking. Amongst those training, Marv saw several lizardmen. They seemed to be giving instructions to the humans training.

As they approached those training Ainzach called out to one of the lizardmen.

“Oi, Zaryusu Shasha, could you please come here.”

A dark green and charcoal lizardman approached them, he wore what looked like an adamantite armor of a high level, on his belt was a peculiar weapon, a dagger made of a blue and white material, that seemed to glow dimly.

Ainzach explained to the lizardman that Marv, an orichalcum adventurer from the Holy Kingdom desired to test his strength. After looking at Marv, the lizardmen agreed to duel him.

“Do not worry about injuries. Any injury sustained here will be healed for free,” Ainzach told Marv “Also, you might find it difficult to injure Zaryusu-san.”

Everyone in the training area stopped and looked at the two fighters take their position. Foreign adventurers were rare in the kingdom, and for them to challenge their instructor was even more so.

“Ready? Begin!” Shouted Ainzach.

The two fighters shortened the distance between them. Marv was surprised to see how well the lizardman was moving – he easily parried several of Marv's attacks.

"He's gauging my ability. His armor is better, and I don't know his abilities. Then ending it quickly is the way to go,” Marv concluded.

His trump card was his ability to chain several attacks together, culminating with an attack using both swords in a pincer maneuver – it was impossible to block both blades without a weapon or a shield in each hand. The lizardman in front of him only had his dagger.

Marv smiled in his mind as he dashed toward his opponent.

[slash]

Marv activated the first martial skill in his chain.

[Icy Burst]

Marv was hit with a blast of cold air. His attack chain was interrupted. Additionally, with the cloud of icy air enveloping him, he couldn't see his opponent.

[tail swipe]

Marv was swept off his feet and was momentarily disoriented when he flopped on his back. When he regained his senses the lizardmen's blade pointed at his chest. He had no choice but to admit defeat.

"That's our instructor for you! Great job Zaryusu-sama. Awesome!” These and other exclamations resounded from the surrounding humans who observed their fight.

The four of them talked a little afterward before Marv and Kiza went back to the “Golden Pavilion.”

“A place to train, a place to gain experience as a group fighting monsters, and a way to ensure you are properly equipped for your strength level, all the while receiving salary and bonuses according to your rank... “ Marv was thinking out loud.

“Yea, the adventurers of this Kingdom have it made, don't they?” Laughed Kiza.

“We are here for three days, let's get the group together and explore the dungeon for our rank!” Marv suddenly suggested. It was only natural he wanted to demonstrate his strength after his defeat.