Feeling distinctly out of place amid the villagers' mourning, Ainz quietly withdrew from the funeral and rejoined his NPC subordinates.
"Albedo, our task here is complete. We're withdrawing."
"Understood."
The beautiful succubus replied crisply. Her entire body was encased in layered armor; without it, her horns and wings would have been impossible to hide, and the villagers would likely have fled in terror.
Ainz himself was no different. His skeletal form was hidden beneath robes, his face concealed by a mask, iron gauntlets covering his bony hands. To the villagers, he appeared only as a mysterious magician.
Yet despite the absence of any apparent threat, Albedo's tone carried unmistakable tension.
After a brief pause, Ainz asked quietly, "…Do you hate humans?"
"I dislike them," Albedo answered without hesitation. Humans are fragile, inferior beings. Crushing them underfoot would be quite satisfying."
Ainz sighed inwardly. That response was perfectly in line with her racial settings. In truth, he could sympathize—since coming to this world, even his own emotions were restrained by his undead traits, such as the automatic calm that suppressed agitation.
"…Even so," Ainz said calmly, "we need to maintain appearances. This village is currently a valuable source of information. Don't let personal impulses interfere."
"I understand!" Albedo replied immediately.
Satisfied, Ainz decided to take his leave properly and bid farewell to the village chief. However, before he could do so, he noticed the old man speaking anxiously with several villagers, their expressions uneasy.
Another problem already? Ainz thought.
"What's wrong, Village Chief?" he asked.
Seeing Ainz, the chief's eyes lit up with relief. "Lord Ainz… it seems mounted soldiers are approaching from outside the village."
The chief hesitated, but the plea was obvious. Ainz nodded.
"I see. Then leave this to me. Everyone, hide inside the chief's house. The chief and I will remain here and see who they are."
The villagers obeyed at once. Soon, the square was empty save for Ainz, Albedo, and the village chief. At Ainz's order, the Death Knight positioned itself near the house, standing guard.
Hoofbeats echoed closer, then slowed as the riders entered the village. A middle-aged man dismounted and approached.
"I am Gazef Stronoff," he announced. "Warrior Captain of the Re-Estize Kingdom. By royal order, I am here to subjugate the Imperial Knights causing unrest in this region and to inspect the villages."
His gaze shifted to the chief. "You are the village chief, correct? Then may I ask—who is the person beside you?"
At the same time, outside Carne Village, the trap was closing.
Nigun Grid Luin observed the surroundings calmly as the members of the Sunlight Scripture took their positions, black robes fluttering faintly. Countless extermination missions lay behind them. This one would be no different.
"The prey has entered the cage," Nigun said softly. "Offer your faith to the gods."
At his words, every member began to pray in silence.
This was no empty ritual. The Slane Theocracy cultivated faith as a weapon, and its elite units were forged in absolute conviction. They believed themselves righteous—and thus felt no guilt in slaughter.
"Begin the operation."
Back in Carne Village—
"Thank you, Lord Gong."
Gazef clasped Ainz's gauntleted hand firmly, gratitude plain on his face. Had this mysterious magic caster not intervened, the village would have become yet another smoking ruin.
Though doubts lingered about Ainz's origins, Gazef would never let suspicion overshadow genuine gratitude.
Before he could say more, a subordinate rushed over, face pale.
"Warrior Captain! Figures have appeared around the village—they're surrounding us!"
Gazef's expression hardened. "All units, take cover! Do not act rashly. Observe the enemy first!"
He immediately moved to the corner of a building near the village entrance and peered out.
"…As I feared."
Three figures came into view. They wore no armor and carried no visible weapons—but Gazef knew better. Their black robes were reinforced and enchanted, tougher than steel.
More alarming were the winged beings floating beside them.
Angels.
"Warrior Captain," Ainz said quietly, having joined him at the corner, "you recognize them?"
Gazef nodded grimly. "Based on earlier intelligence—and their summons—these are likely members of the Slane Theocracy's Six Scriptures."
Ainz stared at the angels with mild confusion. Flame Archangels? They looked disturbingly similar to the summons from Yggdrasil.
"Lord Gong," Gazef said seriously, "would you accept my employment and assist us?"
"These people are here for you, aren't they?" Ainz replied flatly. "Then I must refuse."
Gazef's shoulders stiffened, but he pressed on. "Then please—this is not a commission, but a request. Protect the villagers and help them escape. I beg you."
If he led his men out to draw the enemy's attention, the villagers might yet survive.
Ainz studied him for a moment, then nodded. "I understand."
A warrior willing to sacrifice himself for civilians was not someone Ainz disliked.
With that, Gazef began assembling his direct squad, preparing to move.
From afar, hidden in the forest—
"So those are the Theocracy forces sent to kill Gazef?" Vier asked softly, watching the Sunlight Scripture close in.
It was her first time seeing them. The angels looked… unimpressive.
Is that all? she scoffed inwardly.
"Vier," Villard said calmly, "prepare tools and spells to dismantle teleportation seals. Wait for my command. When the time comes, ensure unrestricted teleportation in the area."
"I understand."
The net tightened.
And the true clash was about to begin.
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