Overlord>12. The Bloody Valkyrie

Ainz: Aura, Mare.

Aura & Mare: Hm?

Ainz: This is where we part ways. Scout the area for the enemies as soon as we do. Understood?

Aura & Mare: ...Lord.

Ainz: But, if you find yourself outnumbered by even the smallest degree, retreat to Nazarick at once.

Aura: ...Understood, Lord Ainz.

Mare: We will do as you command.

Ainz: Excellent. Make sure that you'll do. Remember, your retreat is important part of my overall plan. Also, The Depiction of Nature and Society, and Avarice and Selfness are World-class items treasured by Nazarick. They must never be taken from us. Depending on the situation, they are more important than your lives.

Aura & Mare: Yes, lord!

Ainz: Strange...I used magic to detect the owner of the World item that's controlling Shalltear, but they aren't nearby. They really just leave her out here alone...? It doesn't make sense...

--- <OP> ---

Demiurge: I've returned...Now then, care to tell me, what's going on?

Albedo: You already know the answer tonight. Everything Lord Ainz told me with conveyed by a message.

Demiurge: I was referring why you let him go without support.

Albedo: It was the master's call. I simply obeyed it. As I hope, you entail to.

Demiurge: Why did you not protest?! We could've sent in minions in the cases of trap! If all the guardians fought together, there isn't a force that could overtake us! I couldn't begin to guess the reason behind this decision! But it is obvious that Lord Ainz was lying to us! Don't pretend that you didn't notice it!

Albedo: Yes. It is as you say.

Demiurge: Then why did you allowed him to leave without support?! When Lord Ainz planned to go to E-Rantel without a guardian escort, you strongly objected to it, so why would you possibly be okay with him doing the same thing now?!

Albedo: Because he was quite determined about defeating Shalltear with his own two hands.

Demiurge: ...

Ainz: If that's what you need, then I promise you I will come back alive. But first, I have to defeat Shalltear.

Albedo: His pure determination was intense. And, as a woman, seeing my love is so resolute, I simply couldn't bring myself to oppose my dear Lord Ainz wishes any further. It may have been irrelevant of me, but I've decided I don't really care. Besides, Lord Ainz promised he will return to us. I know in my heart, he will do just that.

Demiurge: So you made your decision on emotion, instead of logic? Did you forget he is the last of the Supreme Beings who created us? It is our duty to keep him from danger. Even if that danger comes from his own actions! He may scold, even kill us for it, but we must do something!

Albedo: And where do you think you are going?

Demiurge: I'm sure it's obvious. My subordinates and I--Er...
I see...Now I understand why you ordered me to meet you here the moment that I arrived. This was your plan, from the beginning...

Albedo: That's correct.

Demiurge: You are a fool! What if Lord Ainz perished as a result of this folly?! Are you prepared to face the consequences of that outcome?! We pledged our loyalty to him! Once he is gone, there will be no one left to serve!

Albedo: He will return to us. I'm sure of it.

Demiurge: YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY KNOW THAT!!

Albedo: You should believe in your master. As a guardian, is that not also one of your duties?

Demiurge: Ugg...! All right, but if something would happened to Lord Ainz, I will demand that you step down as the leader of the guardians!

Cocytus: You would have relinquish of position the Supreme Beings placed her in? That is blasphemy, Demiurge, of the highest caliber!

Albedo: As you wish. Tell me, Cocytus, what do you think are the odds of Lord Ainz mean victorious?

Cocytus: Three to seven. Three on Lord Ainz favor.

Demiurge: ...?!

Albedo: I see. Then let's watch as the battle unfolds. And witness our glorious master beats the odds...

---

Ainz: Damn it...I wanted to spread the name of Ainz Ooal Gown so that my comrades might find me. I planned to do whatever was necessary. Still, I made sure to move in secret...so that I could avoid unnecessary fighting along the way. So, how...how could something like this happen? I don't know who did this yet, but when I do, I will destroy them...I'll make sure they deeply regret standing in my way. They've started to fight with Ainz Ooal Gown. And that is the fastest way to the grave...!
...I'm so stupid. I know there are better ways of handling this. Aura and Mare seemed to be convinced, but I'm pretty sure Albedo thought I'm lying. As for you, don't you think this is the huge gamble as well, Shalltear? I don't even know the resurrection mechanics back in Yggdrasil exist in this world. But I'm about to start a battle with our lives on the line...
Because...

Albedo: I'll be the one to kill her instead!

Ainz: Because I couldn't bear to watch any of you try to kill each other...and...
I am The Great Ainz Ooal Gown! This sacred name can never be tarnished by defeat! "Body of Effulgent Beryl"!
...Hah ha ha! As I suspected, unless I pull aggro with an actual attack, you won't go into combat mode, will you? Just like any MMO boss fight.
Sorry, Shalltear, but I'm taking full advantage of this. You'll have to wait a little longer.
"Fly", "Blessing of Magic Caster", "Infinity Wall", "Magic Ward, Holy", "Life Essence", "Greater Full Potential", "Freedom", "False Data, Life", "See Through", "Paranormal Intuition", "Greater Resistance", "Mantle of Chaos", "Indomitability", "Sensor Boost", "Greater Luck", "Magic Boost", "Draconic Power", "Greater Hardening", "Heavenly Aura", "Absorption", "Penetrate Up", "Greater Magic Shield", "Mana Essence", Triplet Maximize Magic "Explode Mine", Triplet Magic "Greater Magic Seal", Triplet Maximize Boosted Magic "Magic Arrow"...Let's begin.

---

Aura: What's that...?

Mare: I...think it's maybe Super-tier magic...

Aura: That's supposed to be even stronger than Tenth-tier...

---

Demiurge: Isn't it a little early for that?

Albedo: It's more like a skill. It doesn't use MP.

Cocytus: It may be free to cast, but once it's used, he won't be able to cast it again. A bold tactic to say the least.

Demiurge: What is his plain...? Perhaps he wants to diminish out Shalltear's HP quickly, so she won't have time to counter him?

---

Ainz: ...Still no enemies. Interesting...It could be hiding and wait for me, but I can't waste this opportunity to attack. Goodness, I'm really going and blind here...

(Wrist Band): I'll set the time for you, big brother Momonga!

Ainz: Bukubukuchagama...I wonder why I can't mute the voice on this watch...
I'll borrow some strength, from all of you...
Now then, let's go. Super-tier magic, "Fallen Down"!

---

Shalltear: ...Kuh, ha-ha-ha...! Aha-ha-ha...! Be careful, Lord Ainz! I might think you're trying to kill me! Nice try...

Ainz: It wasn't much of a present, but I hope that you enjoyed it.

Shalltear: Oh? I, on certain, do! What a treat from the Supreme Being! I can do enjoy killing a powerful man like Lord Ainz with my own two hands. How wonderful!

Ainz: Interesting. Why are you still calling me that?

Shalltear: Oh, come on, isn't it obvious? You are still one of the Supreme Beings, Lord Ainz. Calling you anything less than that would be behind of elegance.

Ainz: Who is your master, Shalltear?

Shalltear: ...What kind of question is that, lord? ...Huh? ...This doesn't make sense...? Why do I want to kill my beloved master...? Because I was attacked? Because I feel compelled to...? I have to use all of my strength to counter and destroy whoever tries to bring me home...but why him...?
I don't know what's going on! But now, I have been attacked, I have no choice but to tear you limb from limb, master!

Ainz: I see. Very well, then...
I know what's going on here!

Shalltear: You seem a tard in dress for the occasion, master? Did you actually think you'll be able to beat me wearing nothing but dirty rags?

Ainz: Ha! Ainz Ooal Gown does not know defeat! Before the day is done, you will bow down before me again, Shalltear.

Shalltear: A-ha-ha-ha...! I want you to quiver with FEAR!

Ainz: ...Watch your step.

Shalltear: Ugh!

Ainz: You should be more careful. I've cast the Triplet Maximize Magic, "Exploding Mine" in the area surrounding me.
Maximize Magic "Gravity Maelstrom"!

Shalltear: Kuh! "Wall of Stone"!

Ainz: Maximize Magic "Hold of Rib"!

Shalltear: Ah! ...Ugh! Uh!

Ainz: By the way, have you got mention this? I've litter the ground with all kinds of traps. Why don't you flap those wings over to me?

Shalltear: Shame on you! I will not be provoke easily, Lord Ainz? I'm sure you've made the air around to equally as deadly.

Ainz: Was it that obvious?

Shalltear: Of course. I'm no fool.

Ainz: She bought it! That was the only mine spell I've cast. I don't have enough MP to waste on magic that might not get results...I have to play this smart...I wonder how much I'll be able to damage her, before I completely drain my MP...?

Shalltear: ...As expected of Lord Ainz, if I continue to rush him, it's not going to get me anywhere...However, as magic caster, his strength only exists as long as his MP left. If I can force him to use it all, he won't be able to counter my constant physical attacks, he'll be finished. This Pipette Lance allows me to heal myself if I land a hit my opponent. And mount of HP that will through this is equal to the damage caused. Because of that, Lord Ainz cannot summon a creature to fight on the front lines on him...He knows that weak-level monsters will only feed my Pipette Lance and keep me alive in definitely. His spell is an only option.
Oh, my poor beloved Lord Ainz! He is to fight me all alone! He must be so frustrating...! But sad..."Mana Essence"...He has astounding amount of MP...How did he managed to obtain this much power...? Fortunately, his specialization is necromancer, he won't give him the fighting edge. I still have a chance...It bothers me he's not wearing his usual God level items...But staring match will get us nowhere first...I should heal in prepare for the long hole...
"Regenerate".

Ainz: I won't make that easy. Maximize Magic "Gravity Maelstrom"!

Shalltear: "Greater Teleportation"! ...Eh?! How did he stop me?!

Ainz: "Drifting Master Mine"!
...Not good enough. Maximize Magic "Astral Smite"!

Shalltear: Hah!

Ainz: Maximize Magic "Thousand Bone Lance"!

Shalltear: "Greater Teleportation"!

Ainz: Get back here!

Shalltear: "Negative Impact Shield"!

Ainz: What?!

Shalltear: You look so surprised! Did you not know that I have skill like this in my arsenal, Lord Ainz?

Ainz: No. But it won't save you.

Shalltear: Ha-ha-ha! I love watching you try to play tough absolutely adorable! Do you know about my "Purifying Lance"? Or should I explain it, too?

Ainz: It summons a holy object.
...Ugh!

Shalltear: Ha-ha-ha! For a weapon meant to battle magic caster, it doesn't disappoint, does it? I don't think I've seen anything work so well against you!

Ainz: Don't underestimate me! Maximize Magic "Reality Slash"!

Shalltear: Ah! ...Heh.

Ainz: That wasn't normal recovery magic. What did you do?

Shalltear: What's the matter, Lord Ainz? It seems you are losing your composure. Don't worry. I didn't cheat. That was another one of my special skills. Lord Peroroncino so put to grace me with many of them. I dare say his foresight prove that he is far superior to you as a Supreme Being.

Ainz: Is that how you truly feel?

Shalltear: Huh?

Ainz: Let's do this, Shalltear. It doesn't matter how many special skills you have. My magic will always be stronger.

Shalltear: Well, if it's a shoot-out you want, I would be happy to play along. Don't cry when I win!
I cannot use these so many times...

Ainz: Maximize Magic "Reality Slash"!

Shalltear: "Purifying Lance"! Ah!

Ainz: Gah!

Shalltear: Be careful, Lord Ainz! You are running low on MP!
I may have used up my skills, but I still have plenty of MP left.
Let's see how you handle my spell craft? Maximize Magic "Vermillion Nova"!

Ainz: Triplet Maximize Magic "Call Greater Thunder"!

Shalltear: Aahhh!

Ainz: Ng...Umm...!

Shalltear: He's undead. Fire should have finished him! Let me guess, you used magic to protect yourself against fire?

Ainz: Compensating for your weaknesses is basic.

Shalltear: True. But he can't prepare to counter magic for all elemental weaknesses...In that case, I'll have to stick with element that hurts him most...
Cast Maximize Magic "Brilliant Radiance"!

Ainz: Maximize Magic "True Dark"!

Shalltear: Ug...Ahh...! ...Looks like holy magic really does enough on you!

Ainz: Umm...!

---

Demiurge: Cocytus! What's happening to him?!

Cocytus: The holy element is a fatal weakness, even to undead of Lord Ainz' level. Since his equipment focuses mainly on protection from fire, he has no way of guarding himself against it completely.

---

Shalltear: (Pant, pant) I used one holy spell after another against him...But in a battle of magic, Lord Ainz is still far superior...Thankfully, I've managed to make his MP drop quite a bit...

Ainz: "Body of Effulgent Beryl"!

Shalltear: That spell is defensive magic...
Good! I was bored anyway! I will be much more fun to rip you apart with my lance!

Ainz: You truly have me cornered...

Shalltear: Huh? Then why don't you run away? At this point, it seems like your only chance for survival.

Ainz: You might be right about that. But, truth be told, I don't care. I'm a selfish man, and stubborn beyond measure.
I don't want to run. It's funny. I feel strangely fulfilled as guild leader. But, given the current circumstances, I don't quite understand why that is...Perhaps, no one can.
Maybe, it's because that while I held the position of guild leader, I mainly dealt with day to day business, administrating regulations...But right now, I am fighting in the front lines for my guild...It may just be self-satisfaction.

Shalltear: So, it's pride? Here I thought you are beyond such human feelings.

Ainz: Who knows? You might be right about that. Look at me. I've really dampened the mood with this, haven't I? Why don't we continue our duel?

Shalltear: Now! "Summon Household"!

Ainz: "Sharks Cyclone"!

Shalltear: Wraaah!

Ainz: Ugh! ..."Body of Effulgent Beryl", activate!

Shalltear: Eh?!

Ainz: "Wall of Skeletons".

Shalltear: Maximize Magic "Force Explosion"!

Ainz: "Greater Magic Seal", release!

Shalltear: Ah! "Magic Destruction"!

Ainz: Um! "Fly"! ...Eh, she recovered! Triplet Maximize Magic "Reality Slash"!

Shalltear: Ugh! ..."Negative Impact Shield"!

Ainz: Um...! Umm!

Shalltear: ...Humph.

Ainz: At last, she's using it...Shalltear's final trump card, Einherjar!

Shalltear: "Summon Household"...

Ainz: These numbers are a bit of a problem, but one well-placed spell should be enough to take them out. Einherjar, on the other hand, will be...?!

Shalltear: ...

Ainz: That's so cheat! I know friendly fire's allowed, but I can't believe she sacrifice her households to heal herself!
Gah! Ugh! Ah!
...Skill, "The Goal of All Life is Death"! Widen Magic, "Cry of the Banshee"!

Shalltear: Eh...? Guh!

Ainz: Game over!

---

Ainz: ...That must have been quite an experience. How did you enjoy your first parade into death, Shalltear?

Shalltear: I expect no less of you, my lord. For a moment, I actually thought I would share with my households' dark fate. But, thanks to resurrection item Lord Peroroncino gave me, my HP is at max, and I'm fresh as daisy and ready to go another round. However, your MP should be running on empty meaning your offensive ability is next to nothing. And whatever spell you can master would never take my HP down from full.

Ainz: You're right.

Shalltear: Still, you are amazing. I'm also have no MP left. I had used my most powerful skills just to keep you on defensive. I couldn't imagine it would be possible for the two have been fought so much. For being at disadvantage, you did very well to get this far!

Ainz: Honest praise. I'll accept it graciously.

Shalltear: Now then, do you have any last words before I end you?

Ainz: Let's see...I suppose I could go on and on about how I'm defenseless without my MP. All I could commend you for a so expertly backing me into a corner. Instead, I think I'll thank you for fighting me with everything you had...and ensuring my victory.

Shalltear: ?!

Ainz: If you had fought me any other way, I would have never been able to execute my plan so flawlessly.

---

Ainz: Shalltear's powerful heavy attacks were taking my MP down to nothing. She grins at sure of her victory. I suppose, this is as good a time as any to bring my plan into light. Everything is revealed. I am the Overlord, the one who rules over Tomb of Nazarick. Face me, and you'll face the power of Ainz Ooal Gown! You will see it soon enough!
Chapter 13: Player vs Non Player Character.