“Awww… Momo-kun… looks like you couldn’t take it after all. You really got my hopes up too, you know,” said Certain Death. She sat down on a nearby fallen tree trunk. Her weapon morphed back into a scythe, and she propped it against the same tree trunk. The rain fell more. Her hair had grown soaked in it. “You really led me on, Momo-kun. You made me think you could beat me, and then you had to go and lose like everyone else who fights me.”

“It seems I was rather arrogant. I presume you did not even use your full strength?”

“Of course not, Momo-kun. I haven’t even used my limited-use skills and or my equipment, besides the weapon.”

“Ah… of course. Nor have you used your spells, it seems.”

“I don’t bother with that stuff.”

“I see.”

“So what am I going to do you, Momo-kun? You raise my hopes, you really get me thinking that you can win, and then you don’t. And then you disappoint me. I almost really wanted you to make love to me, you know?”

“Should I feel ashamed?”

Certain Death got up suddenly, kicking Momon in the chest, with enough force apparently to send him rolling away. She walked over, scythe in hand, shaking with anger. The girl stomped angrily on Momon’s helmet several times, making no headway against the adamantite visor. She paused, resting her foot on the helmet, the sound of rain pattering against Momon’s armor.

“You should feel ashamed! You led me on! You deceived me. You were almost the man of my dreams, the first time in over two hundred years, and then you gave up! How dare you! How! Dare! You!”

With each word of those three words, she stomped furiously on Momon’s helmet again. He made no move.

“I didn’t even need my [Vidyaraja Strike] or my resurrection item to- why are you looking at me like that?”

“I was just thinking about how much you look like him, especially now of all times. Your late father, I mean.”

“Wha-“ her voice sank to a furious whisper. “You bastard. How dare you compare me to that filth! I’m nothing like that disgusting depraved monster was!”

“I agree, he was rather unsavory. I’m sorry he’s your father.”

Certain Death stood there in silent fury for a moment. Then she stopped, relaxing into nonchalance.

“Spare me your pity, Momon. You bore me now. Being angry with you any longer is a waste of my time. So, I’m going to leave you here, Momon, to live and die like the rest of the pathetic weak world does. You don’t deserve to die at my hands.”

She turned and walked away.

…

…

…

Momon rested there for a few minutes, in silence. It was still raining.

“Heh… Heheh…”

He began to laugh aloud, before getting to his feet and dismissing Momon’s armor. “Fantastic! So her family is a soft spot. I should remember that. She has a resurrection ability, or more likely an item. She’s even got [Vidyaraja Strike]! That’s at least 2 levels in the Asura job class and 10 in Sword Saint! Good to know. So fighting her is like fighting Cocytus but easier. Great! [Fly].”

Ainz flew to Carne Village, and summoned the Mask of Envy and Jarngreipr from his inventory, closing the folds of his robe to conceal his skeletal ribcage. He heard someone call out to him from below.

“Ainz-samaa!” Lupusregina. She was standing and waving at him outside the Bareare residence, which was now surrounded by several platoons of vigilant goblins.

Ainz descended to the ground inside the goblins’ defensive circle. The werewolf knelt before him.

“Rise, Lupusregina. Everything went well here, by the looks of it.”

“They’re all safe and sound, Ainz-sama! They’re with their guards in the cellar. These poor goblins got together to watch nothing happen. By the sound of it, all the fun was going on at the front gate.”

“Indeed. The area is clear of immediate danger.”

“Understood, Ainz-sama.” The battle maid lowered her voice to a secretive whisper.

“Ainz-sama… I’m sorry if I’m being rude, but why do You hide Your glorious face from the humans?”

“Ah… I think my skull would unsettle the little one. I am not here to do such a thing.”

“I understand, Ainz-sama.” She entered the house. Ainz put two fingers to his temple.

“[Message]. Narberal Gamma.”

“[Ainz-sama].”

“[Narberal, have you finished pursuing the Black Scripture]?”

“[Yes, Ainz-sama. I used [Life Essence] to know when to stop, and so I broke off the pursuit several minutes early than I planned to. If I had continued, all but one would have died. I am currently in Nazarick, Ainz-sama. What is our disposition to the two human prisoners]?”

“[The two Black Scripture members? Have Pestonya heal them and leave them alone with their equipment somewhere near Kami Miyako, after any magic items have been noted down for our intelligence files. I want to give Shalltear her present all in one go].”

“[As You command, Ainz-sama. Any further orders]?”

“[Once you have turned them over to Pestonya, return to Carne Village, bring Pandora’s Actor as Momon, with his damaged armor].”

“[Your will be done, Herr Ainz].”

“[V-Very well then. I’m very proud of you, Narberal].”

“[A-Ainz-sama… I…]”

“[Just accept my praise, Narberal. Remember what we talked before the battle. End Message].”

I should probably talk to Narberal about her using German sooner rather than later. She may use it at inopportune times in the future and I should preempt that.

The door of the Bareare house opened, and out came Lupusregine, the Redcaps, and the Bareares.

“Ainz-sama!” cried Nemu, happily running to try (emphasis there) try and embrace Ainz. Ainz went to one knee to reciprocate the gesture. When they left the embrace, Ainz patted the girl on the head. He stopped once he saw the glint of jealousy in Lupusregina’s brown eyes. He cleared his throat.

“Nemu, Nfirea, Enri, Lizzie. It’s good to see you well. Lupusregina has done wonderfully.”

Will the public compliment make up for not patting her head?

The werewolf maid smiled bashfully and looked away.

Sure hope so.

“Thank you for sending Darkness to protect us, Ainz-sensei. I know we were under attack, but by whom? Was it the Theocracy again?” asked the prodigy alchemist with a bow.

“Yes. I only just got wind of it myself. I heard Momon and Nabe stepped in to handle the situation, and it looks like they did. I think I might have seen them pursuing the enemy south when I came over here. Worry not, though. Carne Village is under my protection. I promised you that five years ago, and the word of Ainz Ooal Gown is ever true.”

“Thank you immensely, Ainz-sensei.”

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony. Relax. You deserve it. There’s just been an underhanded attempt on your lives, and this sort of behavior from the Theocracy will be dealt with soon.”

“Thank you again, Ainz-sensei.”

“Think nothing of it, Nfirea. Oh, and I do apologize for not visiting more often, Mayor Enri. I should really tour around the realm more often to see how everyone is and how things are progressing. Maybe after the war is finished. Nfirea, before I forget, I wish to offer you my congratulations. Violet Mark VII has proven an invaluable asset to our forces in the Draconic Kingdom. You and Lizzie here have outdone yourselves again. Is there a reward you wish for? Actually… wait. I have an idea. How would you like a book of potion recipes from the Library of Nazarick itself? I knew an alchemist, long ago, who wrote that book. I can make a copy of the book and send it to you, along with some materials to produce some prototypes.”

“Any gift you wish to give is an incredible honor, Ainz-sensei.”

“Excellent.”

“Is that Momon-san and Nabe-san?” asked Enri, gesturing to the road not far away. Sure enough, it was. The two adamantite adventurers drew close, both having bumps and bruises and damaged clothing, but being otherwise unhurt. Nfirea bowed to them as well.

“Momon-san, Nabe-san. Thank you both for helping keep us safe.”

Momon nodded curtly. “No cowardly skulkers from the Theocracy can put us to flight, or endanger the people we have sworn to protect. Your Majesty, I’ll be heading back to E-Rantel.”

“I see. I do appreciate the effort you and Nabe went to keeping this town safe. Safe travels.”

Momon nodded again, Nabe bowed slightly, and the two adventurers turned and left. Ainz turned back towards the Bareares.

“I am glad to see you are all alright. I am sorry that this happened at all, but nothing ill came of it. If there’s nothing you need to bring up to me, I’ll be heading back to Nazarick. I wish you all a good night. Lupusregina, a moment please.”

Ainz and Lupusregina stepped away from the Bareares, who returned to their house after exchanging farewells with the undead.

“Ainz-sama… have I done something wrong?”

“No, Lupusregina. Quite the opposite. I meant what I said earlier; you’ve done me proud. That’s two rewards I need to give you. Don’t forget to ask for them when this is finished.”

“Ainz-sama… You commanded me to ask for a reward. I would like for one now, if it pleases You.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“It’s silly, Ainz-sama… I really-“

“No, Lupu. I will not think less of you, even if you ask for something I cannot grant right away.”

“Can… can you pet my head please, Ainz-sama? Like you did with the little girl?”

“Here? Now? I… I will do it, Lupu. But is this a good time?”

“I apologize, Ainz-sama… I was selfish.”

“No… Forget that. I was selfish just now. I apologize. I should always have time for my Children.” Before she could defend his previous decision, Ainz stepped closer to Lupusregina, extending his hand, still wearing Jarngreipr, and began to ruffle her hair. The battle maid gasped in shock, before nuzzling in acceptance.

“I’m proud of you, Lupu.” He scratched her behind the ears. He moved to cup her face next. “I am very proud of you. Good work.”

“Th-thank you, A-Ainz-sama…” whispered the werewolf with a bright joyous smile.

{Ainz’s Office, the 9th Floor of Nazarick, the next day…}

Ainz had gathered all the Guardians in there.

“Ainz-sama, will Cocytus be joining us?” asked Demiurge.

“No, Demiurge. He is busy leading the war effort in the Draconic Kingdom. Quite impressively, I might add. With the small force we gave him, he’s liberated half the Draconic Kingdom, rescued Queen Oriculus from the Theocracy’s custody, and is now chasing the Theocracy forces to the eastern border.”

“The experiment with independent thought was a resounding success, as to be expected from the intellect of a Supreme Being. What surprised me the most was that Cocytus pushed me to find songs for him, to improve morale among the troops while strengthening their loyalty to You. I took the liberty of providing him with several fitting texts, written by members of apparently monotheistic religions.”

“I see, Demiurge. Well done. I am pleased with your initiative and Cocytus’.”

“Ainz-sama.”

“Now, I have gathered you all here because we almost ready for the next stage of the war. The final stage. We have gathered sufficient intelligence on the Theocracy’s main force, and we have almost routed their military forces far from home.

Now, I know that I said I would destroy the Theocracy. I have altered this plan slightly. We will not treat the Theocracy’s people as we did the Re-Estize Kingdom’s. Shalltear, I promise you I will hand over those responsible for the incident over to you when this is done, for you to dispose of as you wish. I have decided that we will conquer the Theocracy’s people, and govern them as we did the Lizardmen.

Our new plan is to end this in a vast, earth-shaking showdown with the powers of the Theocracy, making the largest display of power we have made since the Katze Plains. Suffice to say, we are going to destroy their six Gods and what they left behind once we have crushed their armies in the field. Cocytus has brought them to battle one last time. They will not survive this.”

{A field of battle, the eastern region of the Draconic Kingdom, at that same time…}

“WE’RE DOOMED! RUN!”

“STAND! STAND!”

“FIGHT, MEN, FIGHT FOR YOUR LIVES!”

“FORM SQUARE! FORM SQUARE!”

“NO RETREAT! NO SURRENDER!”

“WE’RE SURROUNDED! WE’RE GOING TO-”

The Grand Marshall of the Slane Theocracy stood amidst his personal soldiers, the elite golden-armored Garde du Templiers. Only one white-and-blue standard, tattered and darkened with dirt, blood, and ash, fluttered above the dense smoke and roaring fires of the battlefield, the ground around torn up with spells and covered in arrows. The Marshall looked around at the horrendous carnage around him, the bodies of Imperial Legionaries and his own troops strewn everywhere, the last of the Garde coalescing into a schiltrom of spears and swords for a last desperate stand, centered around him. Hails of arrows and spells rained down on the Garde from three sides. No arrow was yet kind enough to quench his shame.

All of this… for nothing. We had the advantage of the terrain, manpower, fortification, interior supply lines, almost everything! And yet here we are, about to be cut down on the battlefield, surrounded. Is it because I’m an impious man? Is it because I don’t hate non-humans? Has that state of mortal sin turned the Gods against me?

A voice roused him from his thoughts.

“Grand Marshall, sir! Come with us! Please! You must escape!”

“Here. On the field. With the men. I will stay.”

“Sir, we must insist!”

Several aides rushed to grab hold of the Grand Marshall, aiming to drag him off the field before any chance of escape was lost. He struggled against them furiously.

“Sir, we cannot lose you!”

“Sir, the battle is LOST!”

“The Garde is dying so you can liv-“

The Grand Marshall wrestled himself out of the arms of his aides, drawing his sword at them.

“Whoever tries to move me dies. I stay. Leave while you still can.”

Defeated, the aides withdrew.

{The Sorcerer Kingdom forces, at that same time…}

The Goblin Strategist bowed to Cocytus, who stood beside him.

“My Lord, the enemy flies before us! Ours is the victory.”

“That. Is. Apparent.”

They watched the fighting continue.

The Emperor, astride a black horse, circled around to stand in front of Cocytus.

“Stop this, Cocytus-dono! This isn’t war, this is needless butchery! Let me retire my troops, and we can call a truce with them to accept their surrender!”

“Your. Troops. Are. Fresh. To. What. Purpose. Need. They. Retire?”

The Emperor pointed out towards the remaining enemy.

“Look out there, Cocytus-dono! They might be weak in your eyes, but they are fighting to the last drop of blood to stand their ground! If I deploy in my force now, those men will simply get cut down like animals for slaughter! Can they not have the chance to surrender?”

“If. I. Am. Not. Mistaken. It. Seems. You. Feel. Pity. For. The. Enemy.”

“Not pity, no, not pity. I simply wish to point out that there is no honor in this business. This is an execution, all because of being on the wrong side!”

“You. Have. Not. Explained. The. Benefits. Of. Their. Surrender. They. Are. Best. Neutralized. By. Killing. Them.”

“What about this? If the troops slaughter them here, the Theocracy will deem Ainz-dono a blood-thirsty killer and a sadist, and when we conquer the Theocracy, the people, resenting the deaths of their loved ones here, will resist integration. Believe me, Cocytus-dono, I rule an Empire, I know of what I speak.”

Cocytus stood there, for a moment. He retrieved a scroll from his inventory.

“[Message]. Ainz-sama.”

The Emperor waited with bated breath.

…

…

…

…

“[End. Message]. Jircniv-dono. I. have. Spoken. With. Ainz-sama. Mercy. Is. Permitted.”

“Will you relay my deepest gratitudes to Ainz-dono? Nimble, call for the retreat, and have someone make a white flag of truce. Again, thank you, Cocytus-dono.”

“You. May. Pull. Back. Your. Forces. But. The. Courier. Is. Not. Needed. I. Will. Deal. With. Them. Myself.”

The Emperor’s eyes widened at this statement.

“But they-“

“I. Will. Deal. With. Them. Myself. Have. I. Been. Unclear?”

“N-no, Cocytus-dono.”

{The Garde du Templiers spear wall, fifteen minutes later…}

The once chaotic battlefield had fallen silent. The Legions and the Goblin Army had withdrawn. There stood the last of the Garde du Templiers, not more than a hundred men standing, catching their collective breath. The spells and barrage of arrows had stopped. The Templars stood on guard.

Fire and lightning spells had started fires everywhere. Through the low fog and smoke that hung over the field, the soldiers saw an imposing silhouette, more than two meters in height, lumbering its way towards them from the direction of the enemy forces. In its arm, it grasped an immaculate silver halberd. It stopped several meters from the spear wall.

“I. Relay. A. Message. From. The. Sorcerer. King. Ainz. Ooal. Gown-sama. Who. In. His. Mercy. Has. Seen. Fit. To. Extend. Mercy. To. You. And. Permits. You. To. Surrender. And. Lay. Down. Your. Weapons. Tell. Me. Who. Is. In. Command. Here. Or. Can. Speak. For. You.?”

Silence. After a few moments, an armored man passed through the ranks, carrying a sword in his hand. He closed to five paces from the pale blue monster. He spoke quietly, but proudly, holding himself up straight.

“Jean-Louis Antoine Ordeaux Chordan, Grand Marshall of the Slane Theocracy.”

“Chordan-dono. Ainz-sama. Permits. You. To. Surrender. Do. You. Accept?”

“An alternative? Let these go.”

“You. Wish. To. Sacrifice. Yourself. And. Let. The. Others. Go. Not. Knowing. What. Fate. Awaits. You?”

“Yes.”

“A. Selfless. Offer. Although. Your. Nation. Has. Offended. Ainz-sama. You. Have. Won. My. Respect.”

“Thank you, sir. Your name?”

“Cocytus. Servant. Of. Ainz. Ooal. Gown-sama. Commander. Of. The. Sorcerer. Kingdom’s. Armed. Forces.”

“You led the Sorcerer Kingdom forces here?”

“Correct.”

“Incredible. Excellent leadership. Wield an Imperial Legion like a sword, Cocytus-sama”

“It. Is. All. The. Same. Differing. Only. In. Scale.”

“What?”

“A. Sword. An. Army. It. Matters. Not. The. Principles. And. Techniques. Are. The. Same. For. Instance. When. You. Made. Your. First. Move. Against. The. Right. Flank. That. Was. No. Different. Than. A. Feint. As. You. Intended. To. Deal. The. Final. Blow. Elsewhere.”

“An interesting perspective, Cocytus-sama.”

“It. Comes. From. Experiences. Which. Has. Proven. Most. Helpful. In. The. Last. Five. Years. When. I. Have. Commanded. The. Armies. Of. The. Sorcerer. Kingdom.”

“Cannot help but feel jealous. Less men, inferior supply lines, terrain disadvantage, and now command inexperience too. Incredible. Never expected to meet my match like this.”

“I. Am. Honored. By. Your. Respect. And. I. Will. Honor. You. In. Turn. With. Mine. As. You. Were. No. Easy. Foe. However. I. Must. Know. If. You. Accept. Ainz-sama’s. Terms. Of. Surrender.”

“Let them go, Cocytus-sama. I refuse, however.”

“You. Reject. Ainz-sama’s. Terms?”

“Correct, but I am not speaking for the men, only me. Going to ask them, however.” The Marshall turned. “Any who wishes to surrender or leave, do so now.”

Silence. No one moved. No weapon was dropped. Then they began to shout.

“We’ll fight the end, Grand Marshall!”

“We’ll fight that beast and win!”

“I will not be remembered as a coward!”

“Vive l’humanité!”

“There is no defeat but death!”

Cocytus’ mandibles clacked, and he exhaled a burst of cold air.

“A. Fine. War. Cry. You. Will. Be. Remembered. As. Warriors. And. Brave. Men. I. Would. Ask. Your. Names. But. There. Is. No. Time. To. Hear. All. Of. Your. Names.”

“Vive la Garde!”

“Garde du Templiers!”

“Pour l’humanité!”

“I. Will. Remember. The. Garde. Du. Templiers. As. Brave. Heroes. Of. The. Theocracy. Marshall. Will. You. Fight. With. Them?”

“Yes, Cocytus-sama. Gods and Dogma be damned. We will fight, with honor.”

“I. Am. Pleased. Now. Make. Your. Final. Preparations.”

“Before I do, Cocytus-sama, is that the weapon we shall face?”

“I. Will. Not. Use. The. Decapitation. Fang. I. Shall. Use. This.” Cocytus planted the halberd into the ground, drawing instead a magnificent katana from thin air. “The. God. Slaying. Emperor. Blade. The. Last. And. Greatest. Creation. Of. My. Father. Who. Was. A. Far. Greater. Warrior. Than. I.

I. Ensure. Its. Honor. And. Thus. My. Father’s. Is. Preserved. By. Coating. It. Only. With. The. Blood. Of. True. Warriors. And. Men. Of. Honor. Such. As. You.”

“An honor vie with such a weapon, Cocytus-sama. Hope we honor you and your father’s creation with our fight. Shameful to have only met you now, and as an enemy.”

“I. Agree. But. We. Are. Only. Living. Weapons. Of. Our. Respective. Sides. The. Sword. Can. Not. Question. Its. Master.”

“Even so, quite sad to not have made your acquaintance earlier. Before we begin, one final favor of you?”

“Speak.”

“If defeat, burn my body and my men. Spare us from being undead.”

“It. Shall. Be. Done. I. Give. You. My. Word. As. A. Fellow. Warrior. And. Leader. If. There. Is. Nothing. Else. Take. As. Much. Time. As. Needed. To. Speak. To. Your. Men.”

“Thank you, Cocytus-sama. There is nothing else. Grateful for your courtesy.” The Marshall turned and went back to his company of troops. The Grand Marshall pointed his sword forward and cried out. “Pour l’humanité!” He ran forwards to Cocytus. The Garde du Templiers charged forward with a roar. They threw their spears at the Floor Guardian, before drawing their swords to close the distance. A fresh plume of smoke floated by, obscuring all of them. Cocytus moved his blade to the side in preparation.

Cocytus swept horizontally before him with the God-Slaying Emperor Blade. Red.

The blade swept down now, the blood and entrails sloughing off it.

A horizontal sweep again, to the other side. The Templars were silenced.

Cocytus looked at the standard of the Theocracy lay on the ground, tattered, and cut to ribbons, its staff cut in two, its once pure white background stained a deep red.

Cocytus retrieved his halberd, returned the God-Slaying Emperor Blade to his inventory. He retrieved a small item from his inventory, a red wand. He pointed it at the bodies, and fire spewed from its tip.

“I. Hold. Our. Agreement. Fulfilled. You. Fought. Well. Chordan-dono.”