The moon hung low, its silvery glow casting elongated shadows across the ancient ruins. The teams of magical investigators stood at the threshold, their breaths misting in the chill night air. They moved with purpose, their footsteps, once heavy and armoured, now danced lightly across the ancient stones. Shield hats adorned their heads, and shield cloaks swirled around their forms, blending seamlessly with the shadows.
The hill loomed above them—a sentinel guarding the secrets below. Arche Eeb Rile Furt, her wand at the ready, led the way. Beside her, Imina whispered incantations, unravelling the air itself. Roberdyck Goltron traced protective runes in the moon-drenched soil. And Hekkeran Termite, ever watchful, scanned the horizon.
As they circled the base of the hill, the world shifted. The {Quietus} spell enveloped them, swallowing the clatter of footsteps and the rustle of leaves. Their breaths became echoes, lost in the night. Then, the {Disillusionment} charm settled upon them like a second skin. Their outlines blurred, their presence veiled. They were phantoms, slipping through the veil of reality.
Above, a wizard soared—a lone figure with {Invisibility}, {Levitation}, and {Revelio} woven into his being. His wand hummed, a spell ready to pierce the darkness.
They reached the summit, their boots brushing against the edge of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Arche's wand trembled as she channelled magic through it, ready to send up a {Red Sparks} charm in case of danger, acting as a beacon, a message to their comrades if they were attacked.
From their wands, {Lumos} spells cast a soft glow, illuminating the path ahead. The ropes, imbued with {Locomotor} magic, descended like snakes. They looped around each Worker, securing them as they were gently lowered.
As each Worker descended without a problem, landing within the tomb grounds, their first destination was one of the four smaller mausoleums in each cardinal direction. Now that the effective duration of the {Disillusionment} charm was over, everyone came into view again. Each team ran towards their respective mausoleum.
They crouched low, concealing themselves with tombstones, trees, or statues, running through the darkened graveyard. During this time, the {Quietus} charm was still in effect, so they did not make any noise even when they ran with all their might while seeking cover. Their movements were swift and fluid, like shadows racing across the land.
X
Seeing the vast amount of treasures in the smaller mausoleums they couldn't hide their expectations for what they would find in the most important location—the central mausoleum.
"Gringam, what took you so long?" Hekkeran asked.
"My sincerest apologies; it seems I have kept thee waiting."
"Well, it's not like we arranged a meeting time, so it's fine. That aside, let's move to a different place and decide what we'll do next."
Hekkeran lowered his stance, leading the way even as he kept an eye on his surroundings.
Shortly after they began moving, Gringam asked: "A question, if I might; has thy team discovered treasure?"
Hearing the barely concealed excitement in Gringam's voice, Hekkeran recalled the way his own team had been and smiled in satisfaction.
"Oh yes, we did. We were all smiles. The old man said so too."
"So that was thy experience as well? Truly, we did well coming to this tomb."
"Indeed, we should properly thank whichever big shot was buried here."
"Mm. That said, after discovering so much treasure, we might have to prepare ourselves for the possibility that the main tomb will be barren."
"No, I'm willing to bet that there'll be more treasure."
"Thy words... how much dare you wager?"
"Not bad. Not only can I find more in the tomb, but I can make a tidy sum off you as well. However, the problem is that you and I might bet on the same thing."
Neither of them laughed out loud, simply smiled broadly.
After passing the huge statue, they ascended a long, gently sloping flight of stairs that seemed to be made of the same material as the stone sarcophagus. The entrance to the central mausoleum stretched before them.
"'Tis the stench of the dead."
"Yes, you're right. It's a common smell in the Egyptian tombs." Hekkeran expressed his agreement with Gringam's muttering.
While it was not as nauseating as the vile odour of decay, the faint stench of undeath unique to graveyards hung in the cold air. There were undead present in such a well-kept tomb.
The group prepared themselves as they stepped into the mausoleum. Before them was a great hall. Countless mortuary slabs of stone lined either side of the hall, and opposite them was a staircase leading down. The door leading downstairs was wide open. A strangely chilling gust of ice-cold air flowed out from behind it.
"This way." Led by Hekkeran, Gringam's group descended the stairs.
A burial vault lay at the foot of the stairs, with a set of doors straight ahead. It seemed to be the only one around.
While it was more cramped than the room above — the mausoleum — it was wide enough. Hekkeran's companions in Foresight, Eruya's Tenbu and Palpatra's group were all here.
"Now then, what shall we do next? The original plan was to split up here and investigate the interior, but after inspecting the mausoleums, do you have any other ideas?"
After saying so, Hekkeran looked around at everyone else.
It did not feel like anyone wanted to propose anything new. Was it desire, or just a simple trick of the light? He could not be sure what that glow in everyone's eyes was. Their faces were filled with excitement as they longed to rush into the depths of the tomb.
"In sooth, I have a counsel to offer. Let us sweep the outer bounds in a circle, and with keen eyes search for doors that may lie hidden from plain sight."
The team leader might have spoken, but the team members did not look happy about it.
After all, they had all seen the glittering prizes just now. Even if that opinion came from their veteran leader, it was very hard for them to go along with it. Surely, they must have imagined the treasure fleeing before their very eyes.
"What sayest thou? We have scanned the surface, yet cannot avow that our search was thorough. Perchance there be other paths concealed beneath the mausoleums, dost thou not think? Moreover, we have not yet searched the graveyard, have we?"
"I believe what Gringam is trying to say is that according to the songs of the bards about the great ruins — that is to say, the Ruins of Sasashal — there was a safe passage near the entrance which could take everyone straight to the heart of the area."
"Ah, Gringam. We've checked already, but unfortunately there aren't any secret doors in this room."
"Precisely. We are willing to endure hardship for the sake of the company. In exchange, we beseech thee to grant us a portion of the treasures ye discover on this level. How doth 10% from each other team sound? Moreover, should ye uncover another level below, may we entreat thee for the privilege to enter and explore it first?"
"I have no objections to that proposal."
The first to reply was Palpatra. Shortly after that, Hekkeran also expressed his agreement.
"Since the revered elder has already spoken, we also don't have any objections! By the way, how about you, Uzruth?"
"Personally, I object very much, but it's only 10%, hardly a big deal. However—"
"—Great! It's decided then!"
The portly man laughed merrily at Eruya's barbed reply. It was Eruya who was displeased by having his acidic words completely disregarded.
"Ah, Gringam. In that case, we have a request for you. We found a huge flag woven of precious metal threads in the mausoleum we investigated. We didn't bring it along because it was too bulky. Can we trouble you to help us bring it back?"
"I concur with Hekkeran's opinion. Though it shames me to trouble you, I would be glad if you could help us recover ours as well."
"Since it's that way, we'll leave ours to you as well."
Eruya jerked his chin at one of the Elves, and the skinny girl shakily unloaded a large piece of cloth she was carrying on her back and laid it on the ground.
"Understood. Is there aught else thou dost wish to leave behind, or that thou wouldst have us take away?"
Nobody answered Gringam's question.
"Verily! Then shall we heed the counsel but now given and scour the surface. Ye all must take care likewise. Howbeit, should ye uncover any treasures, prithee leave them for our keeping."
"Haha, Gringam. Gladly will we leave the monsters to you, but regretfully, we will not leave so much as a single coin of treasure behind."
The group chuckled, and then Hekkeran asked everyone: "Then, shall we move out?"
The group accepted that suggestion immediately, and so they went forth.
Their eyes gleamed with desire and expectation as they took their first step into the unknown ruins — the underground tomb.
After opening the door in the room, a passage led straight into the depths.
Perhaps they should have expected this, but the passage was very clean.
This was a passage of stone with no mildew or algae growing on it. There were alcoves on either side, each filled with human-sized objects wrapped in funerary shrouds. There was none of the stench that was unique to corpses. There was just the cold, clear air, as well as a smell like that of the dead.
There were white lights spaced along the ceiling at regular intervals, but due to the great distance between them, there were still a lot of shadowy corners along the passage. While it did not affect their travels, the dimly lit lamplight made them wonder if they had missed something. Moving without preparing illumination seemed quite dangerous.
"Rober, is there an undead reaction from that body?"
"No, none at all."
"Really?" Arche replied, and then walked over to a wrapped corpse, slicing the shroud open with a dagger. After seeing her actions, two of the men from the group stepped forward to help expose the cadaver underneath the shrouds.
"Judging by the height and physique, it's most likely human. And a grown male."
"He's not wearing clothes, so we can't tell which era the ruins came from."
"Still, these ruins really are a mystery. We can't tell its age from its architecture or the burial styles. For all we know, these ruins might be from millenniums ago."
"—If that were really the case, then this would be a historic find."
"These ruins' date of construction and background are still a mystery, after all."
"Understood. Can we move on now? I want to kill monsters."
The somewhat displeased Eruya expressed his disinterest.
X
"Good grief, they're gone."
"They're all gone. They might be members from the ministry, but we did break bread with them, and they're our comrades for this job. I hope they'll come back safely... what do you think, Momon-san?"
"—That they're all going to die?"
Ainz answered in gloomy tones, and the leader of the mercenary group who had questioned him froze up.
'Crap. I said what was in my heart…'
"Er, no, what I meant was that we should be mentally prepared for that outcome. These are previously undiscovered ruins, and there's no telling what dangers are waiting for them inside. Being too optimistic is harmful."
"I see, so that's what you meant... thanks for your concern."
'...I thought I was being pretty stiff, did that actually pass muster? I feel pretty good about this.'
The leader was probably nodding non-stop because those words were spoken by a Heroic-ranked man, so he was blindly thinking the best of him.
It would seem that Ainz's efforts — he had been as friendly and approachable as possible during their journey to Nazarick — had borne fruit, given their favourable attitude towards him.
"Then, in keeping with the plan, I will go rest first." Ainz headed for his tent.
In the past ten years, to escape his workload, Ainz had regularly taken trips around the world. During his adventures, he had met many people, beings of various races. Some were befriended, others were subjugated. This had bolstered the forces of Nazarick many folds over the years. He also created his own mercenary group with his newfound allies.
Ainz and Evileye entered the tent together and closed the flap, and then just in case, they checked around outside. Nobody seemed to be paying attention to them; in fact, they seemed to be deliberately trying not to stare at Ainz.
"...While people call this a love nest, I guess I was right to not deny it right away. That way, they won't be suspicious of why we pitched our tent so far away, and they won't pay undue attention to us or come near this place."
He might have lost some things, but he had gained much more in return. Ainz took off his helmet, exposing his skeletal face.
"Now then, Evileye... no, Keno, I will be returning to Nazarick. I plan to have Pandora's Actor take my place; if anything happens before that, think of a clever way to deal with it."
"That guy!? Great!~" Keno's eyes lit up with delight at the mention of Pandora's Actor taking Ainz's place. She had always enjoyed Pandora's company and valued his unique insights, especially when it came to magical research.
"If he is coming, then ask him to bring me the Grimoire of Lost Incantations. It would be incredibly helpful for my research. There are some advanced spells and ancient knowledge in there that I believe could aid us significantly."
Ainz nodded thoughtfully. "The Grimoire of Lost Incantations, huh? That should be doable. I'll ensure that Pandora's Actor retrieves it from Ashurbanipal and brings it here."
Keno smiled, her fangs slightly visible. "Thank you, Satoru. Pandora and I have already discussed some potential breakthroughs, and this grimoire might just be the key we need."
Ainz placed a reassuring hand on Keno's shoulder. "I trust in your abilities, Keno. Your research has always been impressive. I look forward to seeing what you uncover."
As Ainz prepared to leave, Keno felt a mix of excitement and determination. With the ancient tome, she was confident that she and Pandora could make significant strides in their magical endeavours.
She watched as Ainz dismissed his magically created armour and swords. The spell he cast was [Greater Teleportation]. Because he was wearing the Ring, Ainz bypassed the barrier deployed over Nazarick and arrived immediately at the chamber before the Throne Room.
"Welcome home, Ainz-sama."
Right after that, a melodious female voice greeted him.
"I've returned, Albedo."
The deeply bowed woman raised her head, and a smile like a flower blooming spread across her ravishing features.
'Uhhhh…'
As he saw the look of loving adoration in her eyes, Ainz felt itchy all over and he wanted to roll around on the ground. However, he could not act in a way that did not fit Ainz Ooal Gown, sovereign of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick.
In order to suppress the weak, lingering emotions within himself, Ainz deliberately coughed, something that his skeletal body should not have required.
"If all is proceeding according to plan, the invaders should arrive soon. No, perhaps they have already arrived. Have the welcome preparations been made?"
"They are flawless. I am certain we will be able to entertain our guests."
"Is that so... Albedo, I look forward to the reception you have prepared."
Ainz entered the heart of Nazarick; the Throne Room. He had already given Albedo orders concerning the intruders this time around. He had expressed the desire to observe the performance of the new defenses she had erected in the Fake Nazarick under live battle conditions.
The Real Nazarick's defenses had already been verified via countless experiments over the years. Now it was the turn of the Fake Nazarick they had built as a decoy and to be the face of Ainz Ooal Gown.
"...The intruders are very weak, so obviously it will be impossible to use them to verify all the systems. Still, I hope we will learn something from this operation."
"Understood. I guarantee I will meet your expectations, Ainz-sama."
"Very good." As Ainz slowly sat down upon the throne, several television monitor-like objects appeared before him. The monitors showed scenes from the Fake Nazarick. The (Fake)Tomb was covered in all forms Anti-Divination spells and with friendly-fire turned down, the screens should not be able to showcase it.
This should have been the result of Albedo's tinkering with the defense network, but Ainz was not quite sure what had been changed.
'Maybe the magical energy that was released in the beginning? But, that might create a flaw in the defenses… In order for this training exercise to be fruitful, I need to learn something from these images. Otherwise, things will go badly when the exercise is concluded and we swap opinions.'
Ainz was the supreme ruler of Nazarick. Such a highly placed man could not claim ignorance of the defensive systems to his own subordinates.
"Then, just in case, I'd like to confirm that Ariadne won't activate, will it?"
He opened the control console and saw that all was well, but he still could not help asking. In theory, the Fake Tomb should not be a part of Real Nazarick, but it doesn't hurt to confirm it. Since they were able to monitor and control it from here.
'In fact, does the Fake Tomb even have an Ariadne System?' Over the years, Ainz had travelled all over the world and visited many ancient castles and tombs. However, there were no such systems or rules governing those sites.
"We have made several contingencies to stop it as per your orders, Ainz-Sama."
"Alright, good work, Albedo."
"It was only possible due to your guidance, Ainz-Sama."
"Umu…" Ainz said magnanimously as one of the monitors which he was controlling showed an image of the intruders. "—They've finally entered. I was getting tired of waiting."
Was it due to being undead? Ainz felt no pity for them, and it somewhat frightened him. He did not even feel cruel, like someone trampling ants to death. In truth — in truth, he felt nothing at all.
There was only the desire to see the results of his Guardian's efforts. And of course, the benefits it would reap for the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick.
"Albedo, not a single one of them is to escape intact, do you understand?"
"But of course. Please enjoy the fate that will befall these foolish creatures. Also... I believe you said earlier that you wanted lab rats to test Harry with. Which lot shall we use?"
"Hmm, that's right. I've sparred with the old man before, I've practiced with that man on the road, and this team isn't suitable for practice. By process of elimination, it has to be them."
Ainz shifted the monitor so Albedo could see, and pointed to a group of people.