Just After The Wave

Rivers of lava flowing in all directions. Walls cracking with molten lava flowing through them in thin passages. Everything so hot even the air seemed to burn itself. A lake at the end of everything, and a single path leading to the blazing temple. The half-ruined temple representing the fall of the Gods, truly it was hell. The seventh floor of Nazarick. At the center of the ruins, sat Demiurge on his white throne overseeing his domain.

In front of Demiurge, space distorted and Ainz and Albedo appeared using teleportation.

"Hah! Ainz-sama!"

Demiurge got off the throne immediately and bowed down. A few surrounding demons and monsters bowed down too.

"Welcome to my domain Ainz-sama. But, if you had just given us the word and your humble servants would have come to you. You did not need to trouble yourselves."

"There is no need to worry about it. I have business here anyway."

"Ha! Please enlighten us on what we may do for you."

"Hmm! Call Evil Lord Envy along with any two evil lords here. I have to ask them something. Your presence is required too."

"Y-yes. I will summon them here immediately. Until then, if I may, please, by all means, sit on the throne."

"Hm- Aah! Okay!"

The entrance to the floor, a pair of black double-doors. Said doors guarded by seven powerful demons. The demons each representing one of the deadly sins; namely- Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Sloth, and Wrath at last.

Demiurge arrived there and chose three of the lords. They rushed back to greet Ainz. They passed through the narrow path and into the temple until they were at an appropriate distance. They all knelt in unison.

"Your loyal servants at your command, Ainz-sama."

Ainz was sitting on the pure white throne Demiurge was sitting on earlier. He had one hand on the rest while the other held his chin. Albedo stood behind him with both her hands in front.

"Umu. Thank you for coming here. Now, we have some matters to discuss with you. First of all, Albedo, fill them on the details. Tell them all the info shared by the hanzos too."

"Yes."

Albedo went on to explain everything that happened in the wave from the rescued village to the skill of envy. They all listened attentively. After she finished, Ainz spoke before any of them could speak.

"So. I am sure, Demiurge, that you have your assumptions. Out of which, tell me your thoughts on the main points for now."

"Yes. First of all, the one who attempted to spy on you. It is obvious that it is an enemy. The enemy in question might as well be the woman whom you fought with. It could also be some other enemy who may as well participate in the future waves.

Although, they could also be from the kingdom of Melromarc hoping to keep you under check. The counter-measure was activated, so the caster would have undoubtedly taken backlash. It is also possible that it resulted in instant death. If there are no such cases then this option could be eliminated. All in all, there is not much known about the one who cast the surveillance spell."

"Melromarc. That might just be the case. Well, I thought that the information was insufficient too."

"Yes. Now as for the woman. Her parting words open up the doors for many suspicions. But I am sure you have already noticed. The clouds in themselves were very somewhat like the advanced version of the spell "Gate". Given, Gate is the highest-tier teleportation spell known to us, it is very plausible that we may face powerful opponents in the coming waves who could cast potent spells.

To be able to cast such a spell in such a radius, it is possible that the opponent may possess world-item of their own or even have powers matching to it. It is also very possible that it may be a spell fueled by some ritual or many beings together as one."

"Yes, I did notice those clouds. I just thought that the monsters were coming from some corner of this world. However, after those words by that woman, I doubt that. However, the woman was somewhat of a fool if I must say. She did not finish off the heroes when she had the chance to. Aah, there is not much intel!

What do you think about that skill? I want you to make changes in the plan so that his capture is done at the earliest possible. I reluctantly left him alone this time due to the fact the power of the skill was leagues below the original and he had nothing left after it. However, I won't allow him to grow any stronger. "

"Yes, it is as you say. An attack that pulverized the entire shop should have shattered most of her bones just by the aftershock. According to the hanzos, the king is holding a feast tonight. We may accelerate our plan. But, it shames me to say that I do not have the minute details of the plan that would change the plan majorly sorted out. If I may, I ask for a time of no more than two minutes to make the plan concrete. I would also like to consult Albedo."

"That is fine. Take your time. Until then, Evil Lord Pride, Envy and Wrath."

"Yes."

Evil Lord Pride, a masculine and sleek monster whose body size was comparable to Demiurge himself. Body completely black with red eyes and proportionate arms. A long single horn protruding from his forehead with his small tail burning with a blue flame at the tip.

Evil Lord Wrath, with the appearance of a fearsome demon with fangs protruding from his mouth and his body covered in scales. Two long flaming wings, a snake-like tail, and sharp claws.

Evil Lord Envy, a feminine-looking monster dressed in a tight-fitting bondage outfit. Her dark face hidden by a long crow mask.

"I want to ask you about your special ability. Like I have heard that Wrath's attack and defense stats increase with an increase in the hate value."

Wrath spoke first, "It is as you say Ainz-sama. The higher my hate value grows, the more my offensive and defensive stats. As a result, it is easy to lose control and target opponents at random."

Pride spoke second, "For me, the more powerful the opponent I face, the more my overall stats grow. The gain is lower than other Evil Lords whereas all my stats grow without exception. As such, I easily get immersed in fighting the most powerful opponent in a group battle."

At last, Envy spoke, "While facing an opponent, only my offensive abilities are boosted. The gain has the potential to be more than any other lords but is directly dependant on the opponent's offense. So, in any group battle, I am most likely to fight the one whose offense exceeds mine by the most."

After hearing them, Ainz stayed quiet for a moment contemplating. He broke the silence sending them away and telling Envy to give a detailed description of her abilities related to Envy. He turned to Demiurge and Albedo who were both looking straight at him.

"Demiurge, is it done?"

"Yes. The plan is ready."

The Next Morning in the Queen's chambers

"W-W-WHAT? ARE YOU IN THE RIGHT MIND?"

"Y-yes. Your majesty. Princess Malty has assassinated the king in cahoots with the church. A-and then the Spear Hero was framed for conspiring this in alliance with the Shield Hero. They both have been marked most wanted criminals. Spear Hero is already locked in the dungeons below."

She sat on the ground right there taking the support of the wall. She wanted to deny it all. This time Malty had gone too far. Too far to a place of no return.

"What did they say in their defense."

"The Spear Hero was not given a chance to. The people's rage was too much. As soon as the news was announced, everyone without exception pounced upon him. Even the heroes deemed him dangerous and assisted in his capture. He is placed in the most heavily guarded jail cell in the dungeon."

"MALTY! You stay away from the capital for now. As long as Malty sits on the throne, none of us are safe. She will do everything in her power to take over the throne. Until then, send a messenger to inform that the funeral will be held after... five days. I will depart from here in three days."

"A-are you sure, your majesty."

"Yes."

"Understood."

With that, only one figure remained in the room. That one struggling her best to take in the information. Her daughter had not only killed the king but also, orchestrated the news publically. This meant that the news must have already reached the other representatives of other countries. They won't sit quietly after receiving this news.

This meant War. War with at least a single country.

She would have to use the three days to stall them enough. To delay them long enough that she could ask him for help.