Five years. Nazarick had existed in this New World for five years, and in that time turned it upside down. Those possessing everything possessed almost nothing, and those with nothing had everything. Ainz humbled the great empires and kingdoms of old, breaking their arrogant defiance with his unsurpassed might, and those who adored him were exalted beyond belief. Those who opposed the will of Ainz Ooal Gown were wiped out, and those who believed in him were rewarded.

The billowing ashes and prostrate towers of the city of Re-Estize served as a cautionary tale of the fate of those who insult the undead King: annihilation. The Baharuth Empire, the Sorcerer Kingdom's client state, flourished under the auspices of its undead liege. The Dwarven Kingdom, their safety guaranteed by the Overlord, could now return to their forgotten arts and enchantments. Many in the Roble Holy Kingdom, another vassal of Nazarick, revered Ainz as Justice incarnate. Neia Baraja, who had accompanied Ainz when he destroyed Jaldabaoth, led the movement. The Second E-Rantel Accords secured peace in the north with the Argland Council State, but only after an elaborate plan involving the false death of Albedo in battle against the Platinum Dragon Lord. The plan succeeded after it was discovered the Platinum Dragon Lord assumed Albedo was a YGGDRASIL player, rather than Ainz. Feeling themselves secured but with wounds to lick after the struggle, the Dragon Lords signed the non-aggression pact. Demiurge had outdone himself once again with his stratagems.

However, one nation to the south had still not openly interacted with the Sorcerer Kingdom. And this nation was the most troublesome: the Slane Theocracy.

"Ainz-sama?" asked Albedo, expectantly. Ainz had been going over the last five years in his head, as he sat in a great chair in his E-Rantel office, poring over a map of the New World. The angelic demon's question shook him from his thoughts. Sixth, one of the homunculus maids was standing before his desk, her head bowed in apparent shame, and she fidgeted nervously.

"Ah, I apologize. I was lost in thought. What is it?"

"Please, Ainz-sama, the fault is mine, I should not have disturbed you."

This again? I can't stand how self-deprecating the maids still are!

"Think nothing of it, Sixth." The maid quietly gasped when he said her name, as if surprised he still remembered it. Albedo's usual smile intensified, her wings slowly flapping in excitement as she bored holes into the side of Ainz's head with her lovestruck eyes.

"Shalltear-sama is here to see you."

"Show her in."

"As you wish, Ainz-sama." The maid bowed and left to conduct the visitor in. Ainz felt Albedo's intent flare up slightly. Not good.

"Presenting Shalltear-sama, Guardian of the First, Second, and Third Floors," said Sixth as she returned, stepping aside to allow the vampire to greet Ainz.

"Ainz-sama!" the silver-haired Floor Guardian cheered. A sultry blush crossed her face, which was nothing abnormal for Shalltear. She always seemed to become antsy whenever she could speak to Ainz.

"Shalltear. I am pleased to see you. I apologize for making you wait." Shalltear seemed almost… flattered by his apology, her blush deepening, as if he had spoken flirtatiously with her. He could tangibly feel Albedo darken with, in his eyes, unwarranted jealousy.

"Control yourself, Shalltear! Ainz-sama is just as enticing to me, but I have some semblance of decorum in His presence." said Albedo, with a derisive smile. She's one to talk, thought Ainz. Shalltear chuckled.

"You're just jealous because you're all dry and dusty down there. A human would be enough to clean out that place, though I imagine he'd be disgusted by how rancid-"

"I am preserving my bodily purity for He who is worthy enough to take it, for the love of my life. I would turn myself over to Neuronist before I defile myself with anything remotely close to a human!"

Ainz would have been sweating now if he had the necessary skin and glands.

"I'm not trying to offend you, Albedo. I am simply acknowledging the truth that while you may have a ten-course meal up top, greasy and unappetizing though it may be, attempting reproduction with you would be a waste of Ainz-sama's warm, virile 'compassion.'"

Virile? This is insane! I'm literally bones, thought Ainz.

"Ah, I had no idea that a nympho lamprey like you had any clue about matters of true love. But even if Ainz-sama were to take you to bed, what would he hold on to? Nothing! I, on the other hand…" and Albedo gestured to her rather expansive bustline and hips. "My body has many convenient regions for Him to hold, when He fills me all the way up with his 'compassion!'" To this Shalltear had no answer, only snarling with murderous intent.

Are they saying "compassion" to refer to... Okay, too much! declared Ainz internally. He would have facepalmed if he had less control over his emotions.

"Albedo! Shalltear! Enough." The two ladies genuflected at his words.

"Ainz-sama! Please, forgive-" they both started.

"There is nothing that needs to be forgiven. The matter is dropped. Rise, Shalltear. What brings you here? I trust your mission in the Dwarven Kingdom proceeds well?"

"Quite well, my Lord. Although I am no expert in such matters of state, the Dwarven Council has told me that runic weapon exports to us have quintupled in the last month. This has coincided with the new trade routes to the Council State following the Re-Estize Treaty, as well as increased demand from the Holy Kingdom and the Empire. They request undead assistants in their forges so they can reallocate more manpower to Rune development."

"Consider it done. Anything further."

"I wish to ask about a personal matter, Ainz-sama."

"A personal matter?"

"Regarding my disgrace from five years ago."

Five years ago? The brainwashing with the World Item! That's still bothering her. Then again, I haven't exactly been diligent on getting to the bottom of it.

"Speak, Shalltear. What is on your mind?" Ainz already knew what it was.

"Forgive my selfishness, Ainz-sama, but I wish to mention that we have not yet resolved who caused me to betray you, nor has proper vengeance been meted out to them."

"Yes. I am sorry. I am wrong for having pushed the issue so far out. But now is a better time than ever. We have no major obligations or plans in motion, other than resource gathering; the Council State is pacified for now, the Empire is secure, and the rebuild programs for the Holy Kingdom and the eastern Re-Estize Kingdom are over a year ahead of schedule thanks to Aura and Mare's efforts. Now that we are secure on those other fronts, I believe it is time we turn our attention south, to the Theocracy. I have long suspected that they are the possessors of the World Item, and I intend to confirm or disprove my suspicions. Thank you for reminding me of this, Shalltear. I will begin to handle the matter. For your thoughtfulness and your successes in the Dwarven Kingdom, I will give you a reward of your choice. And please, before you say anything, don't tell me you don't deserve it. You deserve this reward for the good results in the Dwarven Kingdom, and more besides."

"Ainz-sama..." Shalltear seemed to be split between insisting he needn't apologize or insisting he needn't give her a reward. "I ask that those insects who caused my... disgrace... be given to me."

"Consider it done, Shalltear." Wow, she didn't spout on about how unworthy she is. This is good.

"Your kindness is an ocean, Ainz-sama. Unless there is anything else you require of me, Ainz-sama, I will return to Feo Jera and resume my duties."

"Very well. I will keep you informed of our findings, Shalltear. Until we meet again."

"Until we meet again, Ainz-sama." And with that, Shalltear conducted herself out of the room, escorted by Sixth. Ainz leaned back in his seat, putting a hand to his chin.

"Albedo. Call for Demiurge immediately. Finding the possessors of the World Item is our first priority now. If they have one, they could have more, and I don't want to find out what they do the hard way. They may even be connected to other YGGDRASIL players."

"At once, Ainz-sama."

{Several minutes later…}

"Greetings, Ainz-sama!" said Demiurge, as he passed through the [Gate]. He immediately took a knee and bowed at the same time.

"Rise, Demiurge. We have little time for formalities," said Ainz. The demon rose, dusting the lapels of his red suit, and adjusting his glasses. Ainz could have thought that Demiurge's tail was wagging, like a dog's.

"The next stage of the thousand year plan, Ainz-sama?"

"Not quite, Demiurge." The demon looked somewhat disappointed.

"We are going to resolve the matter of the World Item owner."

"I had been wondering where that would figure into the Plan, Ainz-sama. Logic and deduction dictate that the most likely candidate to possess a World Item would be the Slane Theocracy. As you yourself said all those years ago after we first encountered the Platinum Dragon Lord in Re-Estize, the Theocracy's Six Great Gods were likely YGGDRASIL Players. In addition, the Theocracy special force unit you destroyed outside of Carne made use of summoned Angels, magic items, and spells, all from YGGDRASIL."

"Indeed, Demiurge."

"Then, my Lord, I believe that this calls for war against the Slane Theocracy. Forgive me if I anticipated too far ahead, Ainz-sama, but I guessed that you summoned me to discuss some matter regarding Theocracy, which was why I brought all our intelligence files and dossiers regarding that nation, its economy and military strength."

"Excellent, Demiurge." The archfiend smiled joyfully at Ainz's praise. "Yes. We need a public justification for war. I want to preserve the E-Rantel Accords, especially with the Council State, and I would prefer to take the path of least resistance, focusing on only one threat at a time. Prepare a brief, one-page summary of our intelligence on the Theocracy. Focus on the Scriptures and their known capabilities."

"Will we need a secondary justification for war in the unlikely event the Theocracy does not possess the World Item?"

"No. I am still considering how the Theocracy would play into our future plans. I would prefer the Theocracy to take the same route the Baharuth Empire did. But that is unlikely, given their zealotry. Regardless, we will test the Theocracy. To be short, I need a serious threat to appear on their border.

"Ah! I understand! A serious threat… I am reluctant to suggest this extreme a measure, but perhaps the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown has the answer. Perhaps a Primal Elemental summoned by the Staff would provide a serious threat. Is my reasoning sound, Ainz-sama?"

"Primal Elementals are Level 87 creatures… hmmm… I can order it to hold back and attack predictably… A good choice. I applaud your quick thinking."

"Please, Ainz-sama, I am unfit-"

"I insist that you are. Accept my compliments. Please."

"Ainz-sama… your kindness is enough to conquer the world."

{Basilica of the Six, Kami Miyako, several weeks later…}

Bathed in a soft blue light by the glorious stained glass windows, depicting religious scenes from centuries ago, seven people sat around a table. The Six Cardinals and the Pontifex Maximus of the Slane Theocracy. The very heart and soul of that human nation. The Pontifex spoke.

"Cardinal Partouche, what are the reports from the Windflower Scripture? Have they identified the monster from the Katze Plains?"

"Yes, Your Holiness. It is an extremely potent fire elemental."

"How potent?"

"The Windflower Scripture unanimously advises the matter of containment be transferred to the Black Scripture."

"Cardinal Lagier, the Black Scripture is under your control. What is your opinion?"

"Your Holiness, I support Cardinal Partouche's motion to deploy the Black Scripture. I believe that the First, Seventh, and Eleventh Seats should begin close reconnaissance, and our next move should be based on the results."

"Is the Thousand-Leagues Astrologer up to the task? She has expressed repeated unwillingness to scry anywhere near or even related to the Katze Plains. It would bode ill for us if we cannot count upon her abilities in the coming days. The darkness is closing around us, the light fading. We shall need all our strength for the coming storm."

"It has already begun."

"Cardinal Santini? What do you mean?"

"Is it not obvious, Your Holiness? This monster is the work of the Sorcerer King. Long has he designed against us, and only now are those plans being put into motion."

Another voice spoke up. "How can you be sure? Is this not just conjecture on your part?"

"Cardinal Lauransan, here is the situation, plain and simple. The Re-Estize Kingdom was destroyed long ago by the Sorcerer King in a matter of weeks. The Baharuth Empire is their vassal. The Roble Holy Kingdom reveres him as a god. We are all aware of the secret non-aggression pact with the Argland Council State. That leaves us. We are the only neighbors of the Sorcerer Kingdom who have not yet been targeted by it."

"To be frank, I think it has already become involved. It became involved when the old members of the Sunlight Scripture vanished."

"I fear so. On that matter… Cardinal Dracrowa, is the recruitment drive for the Sunlight Scripture proceeding well?"

"Yes, Your Holiness. We have replenished over half of the Scripture's spellcasting strength, thanks to the adventurers saved from the Kingdom, but we have yet to find someone with the capabilities of the late Captain Luin, and we have yet to recover or replace the Holy Treasure he lost."

"No matter, The Lucifer Project will be completed within the next few weeks, and we will have the advantage. Also, do not be so harsh on Luin just because he is dead. He was a useful man, and I for one admired his faith. His arrogance concerned me however, as his brush with Blue Rose showed. If it is true that he fought directly against the same Sorcerer King who slaughtered 70,000 with a single spell and laid waste to Re-Estize, then we should conclude that he stood no chance to begin with."

"He should have retreated when he saw the battle turn against him, and he might have saved some of his men. Furthermore, I think-"

"Enough about Luin. He is unimportant now. Our focus must be on the present dangers to humankind. The fire monster for now. If we can take control of it, we have the potential to draw out the monster's master or creator and gather further intelligence. Additionally, I believe that if the Sorcerer King is behind this monster, he may use it to entrap us, coming forth to destroy it himself and then declare us to be indebted to him. I will not have our nation fall away as the Holy Kingdom did. Therefore I, Cardinal of Death, Maximillian Oreio Lagier, move to fully equip and deploy the Black Scripture, and to authorize the use of the First Legacy: the Downfall of Castle and Country."

"I, Cardinal of Life, Yvon Jasna Dracrowa, second the motion."

"I, Cardinal of Fire, Berenice Nagua Santini, third the motion."

"I, Cardinal of Wind, Dominic Ihre Partouche, support the motion."

"I, Cardinal of Water, Ginedine Delan Guelfi, support the motion."

"I, Cardinal of Earth, Raymond Zarg Lauransan, support the motion."

The chamber stood silent for a short while. The Cardinals all looked to the Pontifex for his declaration. At last, he spoke.

"It is decided. Send for the Captain of the Black Scripture. May the Six bless this mission."