《Roaring Heroes Battle the Overlord (Ainz)》


 Chapter 1: Our Story Begins

    Dear Reader,


    You can refer to the female protagonist as the embodiment of the institution in the Soviet Union responsible for reviewing and censoring cultural products and publications.


    Also, there is no communist content whatsoever.


    Alright, you don''t need to read the content of the next two chapters. You can start directly from the third chapter.


    ...


    ...


    I am confident that you must have found the first two chapters confusing. Actually, these chapters are not very important; the real story begins from Chapter Three. So, if you didn''t understand the first two chapters, it''s okay.


    Let me make a few notes. The National Radio and Television Administration is an agency responsible for the censorship of all cultural works, such as movies, games, novels, and anime, especially those imported from foreign countries through official channels. All such works must undergo its scrutiny and modification, and it also has the power to ban any cultural work.


    However, this is not a political satire novel. The main theme of this book remains swords and magic, and heroes battling the demon lord.


    Additionally, the heroine''s behavior in the first hundred chapters is quite strange and unlikable. After Chapter 100, the heroine becomes much more normal.


    Okay, let our story begin.


    ...


    In the deep autumn, during the early morning hours, on the slopes of Mount Hua, a rugged mountain path unfurled.


    As the sun rose, a couple leaned against the railing, gazing out at the sea of clouds below, where a brilliant streak of dawn broke through, breathtakingly beautiful.


    The young couple nestled together, whispering sweet nothings, their eyes fixed on the sunrise over the endless cloud sea. In that moment, their hearts raced, and their intertwined fingers tightened.


    Warm sunlight bathed them, and as they gazed into each other''s eyes, their feelings deepened, prompting them to close their eyes and let their lips draw closer... closer...


    "Whoosh!"


    Suddenly, an old hand interjected between their lips just as they were about to kiss, interrupting the moment. The young man kissed the palm, while the young woman kissed the back of the hand.


    "Ugh!" The young man prepared to stick out his tongue but ended up kissing a wrinkled hand instead. He couldn''t help but spit a few times, glaring angrily at the old man who had interrupted them.


    The old man had a square face, stood straight, with meticulously combed gray hair, dressed in a well-fitted Chinese tunic suit. Climbing halfway up the mountain had left him breathless, beads of sweat already appearing on his forehead, yet not a single button on his uniform was undone.


    The old man glared at them sternly, voice booming, "Public place! No kissing allowed! Young people should refrain from such indecent behavior!"


    "Old geezer, mind your own business!" the young man couldn''t resist raising his fist as if to hit him.


    "Alas." The old man shook his head in disappointment. "Today''s youth have even forgotten the basic virtues of respecting the elderly and caring for the young."


    With that, he sighed and continued up the rugged path along the stone steps.


    At another rest area, he spotted a family of three taking a break from the climb. The parents leaned against the railing, chatting and laughing, while their child sat on the stone steps, frowning deeply, fingers tapping furiously on a handheld game console, lost in the gaming world.


    "You''re toast! I''m about to unleash my combo!" The child focused intently on the screen, his thumbs flying across the buttons, leaving behind a blur.


    An old hand reached out and snatched away his game console.


    "Hey! What are you doing?!" The child jumped up in anger on the stone steps.


    "Kids shouldn''t play such violent games!" The old man furrowed his brows as he spotted the "Street Fighter" logo on the game console''s screen.


    He then saw a character in a high-slit cheongsam, lifting her long legs on the screen, her thick thighs tightly wrapped in black stockings on full display.


    "Even pornographic games!" The old man raised his voice suddenly, his hands trembling slightly as if he were holding a piece of filth that desecrated his beliefs. If it weren''t for the fact that it wasn''t his, he would have smashed it to the ground!


    "Mom! Dad! A bad old man stole my stuff!" the child yelled.


    The two middle-aged parents turned around, surprised to see the old man. Just as they were about to speak, he cut them off, chastising, "Do you have any sense of responsibility as parents? Letting your child play such pornographic and violent games! This game is clearly a sugar-coated bomb created by foreign capitalists to corrupt our youth!"


    "Old man, you''re sticking your nose in where it doesn''t belong. It''s not your kid, so why do you care?" The man snatched the game console back from the old man and handed it to the child.


    "How can it not concern me? I''m the director of the National Radio and Television Administration! All cultural products in the country are under my jurisdiction!" the old man declared loudly, proudly straightening his back.


    In the early days, he and his colleagues drafted a law that mandated all individuals under 12 could play online games for only one hour a day, while those aged 12 to 18 were limited to two hours daily.


    They ordered that blood on screens be changed to green, that skeleton monsters in games be turned into fleshy creatures, and that criminals who got away in foreign films confess their crimes in the end. They required any female characters in visuals to pull up their collars to cover their chests and lower their pant legs to cover their thighs, covering any bloody or sexual scenes with thick mosaics, and banned female streamers in yoga outfits posing suggestively... Their achievements were countless.


    What a glorious era it was, where all adults and minors were sheltered under their watch, free from any unhealthy content.


    "National Radio and Television Administration?" The woman scoffed. "Didn''t it get dissolved back in 2048?"


    The old man''s previously proud demeanor instantly crumbled, his once-straight back now bent as if he had aged twenty years in an instant.


    Indeed, the National Radio and Television Administration had been dissolved in 2048, fading into the annals of history. He, NeeRongPing, was the last director of that organization.


    NeeRongPing silently turned away, his heavy legs feeling as if they were burdened with sandbags as he climbed the stone steps, continuing his ascent toward the peak of Mount Hua.


    Behind him, murmurs followed, "What a pity. Even in retirement, he thinks he''s still an official; he''s too addicted to power." "I wonder if he''s really the director¡ªif he is, kicking him off Mount Hua wouldn''t even repay the debt for the damage he''s done to Chinese cultural development¡­"


    NeeRongPing didn''t hear these voices; the climb was exhausting him. By the roadside, a small Taoist boy was doing morning practice in a pavilion, which triggered memories from long ago.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Over sixty years ago, he was a carefree, mischievous child with a loving mother and a strict father, along with a younger brother even more playful than he was. The family of four lived happily and worry-free at the foot of the imperial city.


    One day, a wandering Taoist visited their home and immediately took a liking to his younger brother, who was two years his junior. He praised his brother''s innate talent and, after demonstrating some magical skills, took him away to Mount Hua to pursue the path of cultivation.


    From that day forward, the brothers went their separate ways. NeeRongPing struggled through the ranks of bureaucracy, gradually rising to the position of director, while his brother, who hadn''t returned home in decades, was said to have found extraordinary experiences and achieved great mastery in Taoism.


    I must find my brother, NeeDePing! NeeRongPing resolved, quickening his pace up the steps.


    He finally reached the summit of Mount Hua.


    NeeRongPing wandered around, avoiding the noisy tourists and pilgrims, and arrived at a set of old stone steps shaded by evergreen pines.


    Compared to the famed stairways of Mount Hua, this stone path was short, with just over ten steps. At the end of the steps was a stone wall, seemingly a dead end.


    NeeRongPing ascended the short staircase, stepping up to the 1st Tier, then the 9th Tier, down to the 3rd Tier, up again to the 6th Tier, and finally back down to the 7th Tier. He then walked resolutely towards the end of the staircase¡ªthe solid stone wall.


    Naturally, he passed through the stone wall and entered a small courtyard. A young Taoist boy dressed in green was sweeping fallen autumn leaves with a yellow straw broom and showed no surprise at NeeRongPing''s sudden appearance.


    NeeRongPing gave a respectful nod and asked, "Is Master NeeDePing here?"


    The boy Taoist bowed slightly and replied, "You''ve arrived at the perfect time. Master is currently engaged in worldly matters and is available to meet outsiders today. Normally, he wouldn''t see anyone from the mundane world."


    With that, he pointed to a small house deeper in the courtyard, his cheeks showing two shallow dimples as he cheerfully said, "Master is busy with his worldly engagement, so please don''t disturb him."


    Walking along the stone path, NeeRongPing approached the small house indicated by the boy. The mist was thick, and wisps of smoke curled gently in the air. NeeRongPing breathed deeply, feeling his spirits lift and his weariness dissipate.


    He couldn''t help but marvel at the place¡ªtruly a haven untouched by decay. To him, this was likely the last uncorrupted sanctuary on the entire continent.


    Arriving at the quaint little house with its green bricks and antique charm, he pushed open the door and stepped inside quietly.


    "Malphite, use your ultimate! ADC, follow up quickly! I''ve already flashed in, and I''m taking all the damage! Oh no, we''re going to lose!"


    On the computer screen inside, the enemy''s LeBlanc unleashed a combo of EWQR skills, instantly killing the low-health Garen.


    The screen of the League of Legends game turned from color to gray, and NeeRongPing''s heart sank into a somber gray as well.


    "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? AHHHH!" NeeRongPing shouted, grabbing his meticulously combed gray hair. The hope he had cherished fell into an endless abyss, trapped in despair and anger.


    "Ah, Brother, you really came. I predicted three days ago that you would arrive."


    Dressed in a dark green Taoist robe and sporting a pair of flashy red closed-ear headphones, the young man heard NeeRongPing''s scream and turned around with a beaming smile. He took off his headphones, stood up, and embraced NeeRongPing, who was still clutching his hair.


    As he rose from his seat, another person who looked exactly like him remained seated, intently clicking away at the keyboard and mouse.


    NeeRongPing stared in shock at his younger brother, unable to comprehend how a Taoist who played games could so casually perform a doppelg?nger technique.


    "Brother, I can''t let my team down," NeeDePing, the Taoist brother, said with a sheepish grin as he scratched his head.


    It was unusual for a young man who looked to be in his twenties to call a gray-haired senior "brother," but given that Taoists often maintained youthful appearances, NeeRongPing wasn''t too surprised by his brother''s appearance.


    What did astonish and infuriate him were other matters.


    NeeRongPing pointed at the obviously expensive water-cooled PC and the 8K large screen monitor in the room, his words coming out in a disjointed, unclear manner. "You... you... what''s going on here! When I was last here, it wasn''t like this!"


    "Calm down, brother!" NeeDePing, dressed in his ancient robe, pulled up a bamboo chair for the visibly trembling NeeRongPing to sit down. "I''m engaged in a worldly engagement right now. This stuff was a gift from a rich online friend I met while chatting on the internet."


    "Worldly engagement¡­ what does that mean?" NeeRongPing asked, slightly coming to his senses as he stared at NeeDePing.


    "Worldly engagement, simply put, is pretending to be a regular person to experience the mundane world. It helps to refine one''s Taoist heart. You, having been a high official, sometimes go down to the grassroots to experience the life of the common people, right? This is just the Taoist version of that," NeeDePing explained, helping the still-shaking NeeRongPing settle into the chair. "Fortunately, with today''s technology, I can do a worldly engagement without leaving home. Back in the day, I''d have to go to the market and pretend to be a butcher, getting some blood on me every day. That would''ve been awful."


    "I see now," NeeRongPing said. At nearly seventy, his old body wasn''t quite up to handling such shocks. He steadied himself by gripping the back of the bamboo chair and took out a small bottle of calming pills from his Zhongshan suit pocket, popping one into his mouth.


    A few minutes later, as his breathing steadied, NeeRongPing solemnly took out a yellow silk pouch from his chest, untied the drawstring, and extracted a hefty cylindrical brass seal, handing it to NeeDePing.


    NeeDePing examined the seal, frowning at the engraved text. "Why are you giving me the National Radio and Television Administration''s seal? Do you want me to become a bureau chief?"


    He couldn''t understand why his older brother, NeeRongPing, would carry such an official seal, travel all the way to Mount Hua, and struggle up from the foot of the mountain to the peak at nearly seventy years old, only to give him this seal.


    The seal felt weighty in his hand, with traces of red oil paste on the engraved text and a polished area where it had been frequently handled. It clearly bore the marks of decades of use.


    "This is the seal of the old National Radio and Television Administration," NeeRongPing said. "Though the NRTA is now a thing of the past, its legacy must be carried on!"


    Looking at the brass seal in his younger brother''s pale hands, NeeRongPing continued, "This seal represents the authority of the NRTA''s past directors! It has stamped countless official documents, sealing away a multitude of harmful elements! It has suppressed the growth of ideological poisons and prevented foreign decadent and hedonistic literature, anime, and films from corrupting the spirit of the Chinese people!"


    "Is that so?" NeeDePing glanced at the flickering computer screen beside him. "The netizens I see online don''t seem to think so. It seems like the common people are quite... discontented."


    "Hmph! A bunch of shortsighted fools. How could they possibly understand the earnest intentions of us die-hard cadres who have weathered decades of challenges!"


    NeeRongPing snorted, sitting up straight, seeming to regain his former authoritative presence.


    "Look at today''s world¡ªeverything is falling apart, and the people''s morals are deteriorating! Just today, on my way up the mountain, Mount Hua, which should have been a pure land, was filled with young couples openly hugging and kissing, acting as if no one else was around!


    "What''s the difference between this and the mindless animals mating in public? I tried to advise them to be more mindful of their behavior.


    "But these young punks didn''t appreciate my good intentions. Not only did they hurl insults at me, but they even dared to lay their hands on an elderly man like myself!"


    "Hmm¡­" NeeDePing didn''t know how to respond to his emotionally charged brother.


    "Although the National Radio and Television Administration is now history, our spirit must live on! This seal carries the will of all the past directors. I hope you can use your skills to materialize this will and belief to eradicate all the harmful ideologies! Let it cleanse the impurities from those vulgar literary works!"


    NeeRongPing finally stated his purpose. He wanted NeeDePing to extract a spiritual entity from the seal that embodies the NRTA''s will and infuse it into unhealthy works to change the world.


    NeeDePing didn''t answer his request but countered, "Did you only see those shameless couples on your way up Mount Hua?"


    "Of course, what else could I see?" NeeRongPing glared with his slightly yellowing eyes at his clear-eyed younger brother.


    "Did you notice the porters carrying heavy loads, climbing up and down the dangerous paths of Mount Hua like ants?


    "They are the carriers of Mount Hua, and the tourists and pilgrims at the temples and monasteries consume a huge amount of food, water, and other supplies daily, all of which are carried up by them from dawn till dusk on their shoulders.


    "Every visitor huffing and puffing on the mountain paths is often shocked by the heavy burdens and swift steps of these porters. Yet you, brother, climbed from the foot to the peak of the mountain and only saw those hugging and kissing couples?"


    "I¡­" NeeRongPing was speechless. For the first time, he felt that, as a former official who prided himself on being uncompromising, he might have overlooked something during decades of political life.


    After a moment, he lowered his head and said, "That''s not my responsibility¡­"


    "But!" NeeRongPing looked up again, not willing to concede in this brotherly debate. If he lost, the NRTA''s decades-old will would vanish as well!


    "Our people wear blue jeans and listen to foreign pop music, and I''m really worried. Some may think we have overcorrected in some areas, but we cannot deny that we have kept certain corrupting ideas out of our country!"


    NeeDePing furrowed his brow. His brother''s words reminded him of a recent game of Civilization VI, where he had battled for an entire day and night with three players, only to be defeated by a cultural victory.


    A cultural victory in Civilization VI means a country wins by culturally overpowering others.


    After a moment of reflection, he put the brass seal, which carried decades of the NRTA''s will, back into his chest and nodded to the impassioned NeeRongPing, promising, "I will do my best to extract the spiritual entity from the seal."

 Chapter 2: The Birth of EeDeChi

    Three days later.


    NeeRongPing arrived once again at NeeDePing''s courtyard.


    At this moment, NeeDePing was rubbing his neck, sore from playing World of Warcraft for five hours the night before. Seeing his brother arrive, he called out to the center of the courtyard, where a golden-patterned magical altar stood:


    "Come out and meet the former director of the National Radio and Television Administration. He''s the one who bestowed you with his will."


    A human-shaped phantom, radiating golden light, emerged from the altar. The figure had starry eyes and a righteous demeanor, with a pair of striking brows and a serious gaze.


    The figure had starry eyes and sword-like eyebrows, exuding a resolute justice. Their eyes were bright and piercing. On their back, they carried a heavy giant sword of mysterious steel. They wore a tailored black suit and a gold-plated pen was clipped over their chest pocket.


    NeeRongPing looked at the figure in the loose Chinese tunic suit, and despite its elegant form, felt dizzy and disoriented. His vision spun, and he nearly collapsed.


    "How... How is it a woman? And a... a young girl?"


    "Nowadays, isn''t it trendy to design characters as beautiful girls? I made some adjustments, incorporating my own Taoist methods to add a cute attribute!"


    NeeDePing quickly supported the trembling, unsteady NeeRongPing and explained somewhat sheepishly, "But don''t worry, she is definitely an embodiment of the National Radio and Television Administration''s will and belief. I wouldn''t fake that."


    NeeDePing then ordered the girl in the phantom to perform, "Quick, show the director your sword dance!"


    At the command, the girl drew the heavy giant sword from her back and began to perform a series of sword moves, her strikes swift as the wind, while chanting powerfully:


    "To ask why we fight... is to ask why the leaves fall.


    "It is in their nature.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    "Perhaps, there is a better question.


    "Why do we fight?


    "To protect Home, and Family...


    "To preserve Balance, and bring Harmony.


    "For my kind, the true question is:


    "What is worth fighting for? "


    After reciting the poem and finishing the sword dance, the girl returned her sword to its place, standing upright with an aura of righteousness on the altar.


    "This poem? Did she create it herself?" NeeRongPing asked NeeDePing, looking at the girl with curiosity.


    "Uh... yes, the poem was inspired by her own will in the midst of spiritual upheaval!" NeeDePing quickly fibbed, worried about his brother''s condition.


    "I see, it''s not bad at all." NeeRongPing, supported by his brother, softened from his initial shock.


    He watched the poised, short-haired girl and grew more fond of her. He could sense from her that unwavering, righteous spirit that would never tolerate vulgarity or dark arts.


    This girl was indeed an embodiment of the National Radio and Television Administration''s will!


    NeeDePing added, "She possesses three sacred artifacts, all forged from the will within the bronze seal."


    The girl lifted the heavy giant sword on her back, and NeeDePing explained, "This sword is called ''Delete.'' The gilded pen on her chest is named ''Modify,'' and she also carries a bronze seal called ''Ban.''"


    Suddenly, the previously clear sky darkened with swirling clouds, gold lightning flashing and thunder booming.


    A crack tore open in the clouds, revealing a staircase made of blue crystal descending from the heavens. The staircase was as clear and clean as the azure sky, stretching from the clouds down to the altar on the ground.


    Looking up at the opening in the sky, one could faintly see ancient European-style farmhouses and fields.


    The short-haired girl, with the pen on her chest and the sword on her shoulder, turned and stepped onto the staircase, heading towards the opening.


    "Where is she going? Does she have enough strength?" NeeRongPing asked, his concern evident as if watching his daughter leave for the first time to another city.


    "She''s going to change those fantasy worlds that contradict moral and cultural ethics. Don''t worry, even though she can''t be the strongest in someone else''s world, she is the embodiment of decades of the National Radio and Television Administration''s will and belief. She will be one of the strongest... Let me see,"


    NeeDePing shaded his eyes with his hand, looking towards the opening in the roiling clouds, "She''s heading to a world where the main character is called... Ainz Ooal Gown."


    "Very good." NeeRongPing watched the girl marching resolutely up the transparent blue staircase in mid-air, feeling as if he saw the former directors and staff of the National Radio and Television Administration again, standing firm against the world''s harsh criticism, sealing and revising all kinds of harmful and heretical cultural and creative products.


    He pushed NeeDePing, who was supporting him, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted to the heroic girl on the staircase, "Go, carry our will to the ends of heaven and earth!"


    The girl turned, stood at attention, her legs close together, her right hand raised to her forehead in a standard salute.


    "Ensure the mission is accomplished!"

 Chapter 3: Surrounding the Bandit Gang Alone

    EeDeChi wandered aimlessly along a narrow forest path, sunlight filtering through the dense foliage and casting dappled shadows on the uneven, muddy trail.


    It had been two months since EeDeChi was born from the Daoist altar and transported to this unfamiliar world. She had casually chosen the name "EeDeChi" for herself.


    In these two months, EeDeChi had roughly figured out how this world operated and the various races'' ways of life.


    This was a fantasy world barely considered high magic, home to humans, elves, orcs, dragons, and other races. Humans had established many countries on this continent.


    Of course, EeDeChi wasn''t interested in the native inhabitants of this world. Her main goal in coming here was to deal with the protagonist of this world¡ªa guy named Ainz Ooal Gown.


    EeDeChi had been too rushed when she arrived, only knowing the name "Ainz Ooal Gown" and a place called the "Great Tomb of Nazarick." She was otherwise clueless.


    Finding someone by name alone in a strange isekai world was quite a challenge, but Ainz Ooal Gown had already established a country. Located between the Baharuth Empire and the Re-Estize Kingdom, this country was called the Sorcerer Kingdom, and he styled himself the Sorcerer King.


    Rumor had it that the Baharuth Empire had already submitted to the Sorcerer Kingdom, though EeDeChi hadn''t gathered complete information. After all, for the people on the edge of the Baharuth Empire, who sat on the empire''s throne made little difference.


    Ainz Ooal Gown was someone who acted very flamboyantly, or so EeDeChi judged him.


    So, if EeDeChi wanted to find Ainz Ooal Gown and drag him off his throne for a beating, all she needed to do was head straight for the Sorcerer Kingdom. This was her plan¡ªsimple, straightforward, but definitely effective.


    However, EeDeChi landed in a corner of the City Alliance when she arrived, which was on the other side of the Baharuth Empire. She would have to travel on foot across the entire Baharuth Empire to reach the Sorcerer Kingdom.


    In this unfamiliar isekai world, everything costs money¡ªfood, lodging, travel. EeDeChi had to first think about her livelihood.


    Fortunately, she was quite powerful, so she registered at the Adventurer''s Guild and became an adventurer, taking on quests to earn a living.


    In this world, supernatural powers are divided into three categories: Magic, Martial Arts, and Innate Talents. Magic is further divided into Arcane Magic, Spiritual Magic, Divine Magic, and other directions.


    During her two months of adventuring, EeDeChi discovered she had a strong talent for Arcane Magic. She had already mastered three or four low-level attack spells.


    However, since her magic was still at a low level, EeDeChi mainly relied on her greatsword strapped to her back, using ordinary attacks to defeat enemies.


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    Adventurers in this fantasy world deal with monsters, magical beasts, and unusual events, much like versatile mercenaries. They follow an unwritten rule of not involving themselves in mainstream human conflicts.


    They were managed by a multinational loose organization¡ªthe Adventurer''s Guild. To distinguish the strength of adventurers, the Guild issued metal tags representing their rank and power. The tags ranged from low to high as follows: Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mithril, Orichalcum, and Adamantite.


    Although EeDeChi wasn''t sure where her strength ranked in the entire isekai world, she hadn''t lost a single battle in the two months she''d been fighting.


    Whether it was a red-scaled subdragon that had the Baharuth Empire''s knights in a bind or a rampaging demon boar that had the villagers fleeing in terror, she had defeated them all with ease. As a result, EeDeChi''s adventurer rank had risen significantly, and she was now a Mithril-level adventurer.


    ¡­


    Under the fiery red sunset, a brutal battle was unfolding on the grassy forest edge. More accurately, it was a one-sided massacre.


    One side, identifiable by their gear and attire, was a cavalry patrol squad from a nearby town¡ªeight men in total. Six had already fallen in pools of blood. The remaining two were badly injured, their half-armors in tatters, still struggling to hold on.


    The attackers were the notorious "Black Scorpion" bandits! This gang was known for murder, kidnapping, and robbery, having committed dozens of crimes across the Baharuth Empire.


    After moving into this border town, they committed several more crimes. When they encountered the Empire''s patrol squad, they resorted to ruthless violence to avoid being caught.


    The Baharuth Empire''s cavalry was known for their excellent equipment and rigorous training, but the Black Scorpion bandits had a Magic Caster capable of using 4th Tier magic.


    The cavalrymen''s flesh and blood, even with the enhancement of Martial Arts, couldn''t withstand the power of magic.


    Cavalry captain Aaron swung his two-handed sword, activating his Martial Art¡ªFortress of the Faith, barely managing to deflect a thrown axe. He then twisted to the side and thrust his longsword through the damaged leather armor of an enemy, piercing the bandit''s heart.


    Killing one enemy didn''t lighten his burden, as he saw his last comrade, the young George Wells, who had joined the cavalry patrol less than three months ago, struck by a fireball from the Magic Caster. George was engulfed in flames, turning into a burning human torch.


    Screaming in agony, George twisted and charged at the Magic Caster, wildly swinging his steel sword, trying to take the caster down with him.


    But the Magic Caster just sneered and flicked his fingers, sending George flying like a flaming human kite, never making another sound.


    "Am I the only one left?" Aaron pulled his sword from the bandit''s corpse, holding up his steel knight''s sword now full of nicks and gaps, taking deep breaths to regain his strength. He stood straight, determined to die with the honor of a knight, but in a situation with such a vast disparity in strength, did his resolve even matter?


    Around him, five or six bandits wielding one-handed broad swords and oak shields slowly closed in, while the Magic Caster leisurely put away his staff, preparing to watch the last man, Aaron, struggle to the death.


    Suddenly, the sound of hooves¡ª"clop clop clop, clop clop clop"¡ªechoed from the other side of the forest, growing closer and then stopping in the clearing.


    Both the bandits about to swarm in and Aaron, ready to fight to the death, were stunned. From the sound of the hooves, it seemed only one cavalryman was coming. Wasn''t that like asking for trouble?


    Everyone turned to look in the direction of the hoofbeats. Aaron saw it was not a lone cavalryman seeking death, but something even worse: a girl with short black hair.


    The girl wore a black linen outfit, draped in a gray knit shawl, and carried a giant sword that was far too large for her petite frame.


    The black-haired girl dismounted, clearly inexperienced with riding. The horse she was on was much taller than her, rearing and trying to flee.


    But she managed to use strength to hold the reins with one hand, tightly tying the frenzied brown horse, which was twisting its body, to a larch tree in the forest.


    The newcomer was none other than the still-awakening EeDeChi.

 Chapter 4 Low-tier Physical Immunity

    "Hey, boys," EeDeChi waved a hand by her nose, frowning at the mix of blood and the faint smell of roasted meat wafting through the forest.


    "I heard the fighting from a distance. Tsk, tsk, what a bloody and violent scene. Why isn''t the blood green?"


    The bandits exchanged confused looks, wondering what to make of this person who had suddenly ridden in and started spouting such bizarre comments.


    EeDeChi flicked her gray cloak aside, revealing a silver-white metal badge that glinted in the dappled sunlight.


    "A mithril-level adventurer, huh? No wonder she dares to come here to die alone." The bandits shared knowing glances and burst into laughter.


    They had lost count of the adventurers they had killed, and they always targeted high-level adventurers. After all, higher-level adventurers had better gear, and the loot from their corpses was more valuable.


    Of course, they would never go after Orichalcum or Adamantite-level adventurers, as a team of such adventurers was nearly equivalent to a small army. But a mithril-level adventurer coming across them was essentially a suicide mission!


    "Run! Adventurer! They''re not ordinary bandits! Go to town and find the knights!" Aaron shouted anxiously at the nonchalant EeDeChi, hoping to warn her to leave and get help.


    The knights upheld order and honor and had always looked down on the freewheeling adventurers. Yet, seeing a mere mithril-level adventurer come alone to rescue them made him both grateful and more anxious.


    But EeDeChi showed no sign of leaving; in fact, she even took a few steps forward towards the bandits.


    Aaron''s heart was heavy with bitterness. Logically, being an adventurer is a high-risk profession, but judging by this girl''s intelligence, he couldn''t understand how she had survived this long and managed to reach mithril level.


    A one-eyed archer among the bandits, wearing a copper eye patch, drew his longbow. He notched a steel arrow and aimed it at EeDeChi.


    He grinned at the other bandits and said, "I''m going to shoot her right eye. Do you think I can hit it?"


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    Aaron knew this one-eyed archer, nicknamed "Sir One-Eye," was terrifyingly accurate with his bow. He was once the commander of the longbow unit in the Baharuth Empire, but when Emperor Jircniv purged the nobility, Sir One-Eye''s family was exterminated.


    During that bloody night of power struggles, he lost his position and an eye, ultimately having to join the "Black Scorpion" bandit group because of his exceptional archery skills.


    His greatest pleasure was killing Baharuth Empire''s knights, nobles, and officials. During the recent battle, two of Aaron''s companions had been shot through the eye holes of their helmets, killing them instantly.


    Damn! This girl was done for! Aaron couldn''t bear to watch what was about to happen to EeDeChi.


    "Sir One-Eye" sneered as he released the taut bowstring. With a whoosh, the steel arrow flew through the air, piercing straight for EeDeChi''s eye.


    However, the swift arrow inexplicably deflected upon hitting EeDeChi''s eye, as if a straw had struck a marble statue. It bounced away lightly and fell to the ground.


    EeDeChi blinked and bent down to pick up the arrow, examining it closely. The once sharp, slender steel arrowhead was now bent to one side, as if someone had hammered it askew.


    Holding the bent arrow, EeDeChi addressed the stunned "Sir One-Eye" with a tone of old-fashioned wisdom, "Young man, you''ve got this all wrong. The right side of a person facing you is actually your left side. If you want to shoot my right eye, you should aim to your left, not at my left eye."


    It was almost unbelievable! The bandits and Aaron around her stared with their mouths agape, hardly able to believe their eyes.


    The bandits had expected EeDeChi to fall to the ground, an arrow embedded in her eye socket. Aaron thought EeDeChi might dodge or deflect the arrow with her sword, but EeDeChi did nothing; she simply stood calmly in the clearing, while the arrow had bounced off her eye.


    The bandits were thrown into a panic, and the enemies who had been surrounding Aaron scattered to focus on EeDeChi.


    A voice with a hint of age rang out among the bandits, "Don''t panic, it''s just Low-tier Physical Immunity. This little girl has some skills; no wonder she''s a mithril-level adventurer at such a young age."


    The speaker was Pilar Yaput, the top Magic Caster of the "Black Scorpion" bandit group¡ªa genius Magic Caster skilled in 4th Tier magic. With a bit more mastery over higher-tier magic, he could enter the rare "hero" domain among humans.


    He had once been a teacher at the Baharuth Empire''s Mage Academy but was expelled by the Empire''s chief mage, Fluder Paradyne, for attempting to master dark magic.


    Afterward, Pilar sought greater power and the thrill of destruction and carnage, founding the "Black Scorpion" bandit group with a band of outlaws.


    Pilar was the core figure of the "Black Scorpion" bandit group. With such a powerful Magic Caster leading and strategizing, the "Black Scorpion" bandits not only repeatedly escaped the Baharuth Empire''s knights but also grew stronger.


    Hearing that Pilar was preparing to act, the panicked bandits began to calm down.


    In their past battles, no matter how troublesome the enemy, when faced with their top Magic Caster¡ªPilar Yaput¡ªthere was only one outcome: death.

 Chapter 5: The Magic Repeater

    EeDeChi curiously examined Pilar, a bald wizard with a gray stubble beard and a face covered in wrinkles and dark spots like dried pine bark. His black wizard''s robe was embroidered with twisted red lines that formed strange, symbol-like patterns.


    His hands were as withered as dead tree branches, holding a pitch-black staff. At the staff''s top was a white skull with two flickering, dark red flames in its eye sockets, giving it an eerie look.


    EeDeChi pointed at the bandits in front of her and said, "You guys have Justice Values ranging from -100 to -500. Wiping you all out is justified."


    In this world, there''s a concept known as Innate Talent. An Innate Talent is a power one is born with, and almost one in every two hundred people possesses one in this world. Most of these talents are simple and convenient, like weather forecasting, with only a few being powerful and rare skills.


    When EeDeChi arrived here, she discovered she had an Innate Talent¡ªshe could see everyone''s Justice Value. (In the anime Overlord, it is also called Karma.)


    If she uses her Talent, in her view, every person has a number floating above their head, ranging from -500 to +500. Based on her experience, Justice Value roughly corresponds to a person''s morality as follows:


    -500: Extremely Evil


    -400: Evil


    -300: Very Evil


    -200: Wicked


    -50: Neutral


    0: Neutral


    +50: Neutral


    +150: Good


    +300: Extremely Good


    For instance, the bald wizard holding the skull staff had a Justice Value of -460, indicating extreme evil. He must have harmed many innocent lives.


    Seeing EeDeChi''s curious gaze, Pilar felt a surge of anger. It had been a long time since anyone dared to look at him so rudely. Even the most daring outlaws in his gang never had the audacity to look him in the eye.


    EeDeChi made the first move, waving her hand to cast a newly learned attack spell.


    1st Tier Magic: Ice Cone.


    A surge of icy blue energy gathered at her fingertips, then solidified into a sharp ice cone, shooting toward Pilar.


    Pilar sneered, his staff striking the ground and forming a faint shield. The sharp ice cone shattered into pieces upon hitting the shield, failing to touch Pilar even slightly.


    Seeing Pilar effortlessly block her magic, EeDeChi''s eyes brightened. She commanded, "Interesting. You''re the Magic Caster, right? Come on, use your highest-tier magic on me. Don''t hold back."


    It wasn''t that EeDeChi enjoyed being attacked; she had been operating on the fringes of human civilization since arriving in this world and had only ever seen 2nd Tier magic. Now that she had the rare chance to face a "Great Magic Caster," she wanted to test her limits and assess her own abilities.


    "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Pilar was completely enraged. He raised his staff and unleashed his most powerful spell, aiming to obliterate the girl in one blow.


    3rd Tier Magic: Hellfire Serpent!


    A crimson fire serpent erupted from the top of his staff, crossing several meters in an instant and wrapping EeDeChi in blazing flames.


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    Aaron watched in horror as EeDeChi, engulfed in flames from head to toe, reminded him of George, who had just been reduced to a charred skeleton. He couldn''t help but mourn silently for the girl.


    As the flames gradually subsided, the crowd was stunned once again: EeDeChi stood unharmed. If not for the scorched grass around her, no one would believe she had been surrounded by intense fire!


    "This is Mid-tier Magic Immunity!" Pilar took a deep breath. He realized he had finally met a challenging opponent.


    This EeDeChi, a human with the Mid-tier Magic Immunity typically found in high-level magical beasts, was indeed a troublesome adversary.


    "Hmph, keep being arrogant, but in the end, you''re just a human. Mid-tier Magic Immunity, huh? Let''s see if you can handle High-tier magic!" Pilar raised his staff and began to chant, preparing to unleash his ultimate spell that he had mastered over his entire life to defeat this arrogant human.


    The skull at the top of his staff, once dark and empty, suddenly erupted with red light. The eerie glow flickered like ghostly flames in the eye sockets, radiating magic through the surrounding space, spreading in ripples like concentric circles.


    Pilar''s close-protection bandit allies instinctively stepped back, wary of the magic''s potential to affect them.


    EeDeChi frowned, took out a pen from her pocket, and pointed it at the casting Pilar, saying:


    "The Magic Repeater."


    The Magic Repeater? Pilar was momentarily stunned. Was that the name of a spell? He had never heard of it before.


    To stay informed in battle, Pilar had studied all mainstream magic in the world, whether or not he could use it. He was well-versed in the casting forms and effects of even cleric''s Divine Magic.


    But what kind of spell was "The Magic Repeater"?


    He glanced around but saw no magical effect and sensed no fluctuation of magic power. EeDeChi stood there, looking dazed, holding what appeared to be a steel pen, pointing it at him.


    Just bluffing? Pilar felt a surge of irritation. A nameless little adventurer daring to mock him. Die in agony! He brought his staff down forcefully.


    5th Tier Magic: Death God''s Reflection!


    A piercing shriek echoed from all directions in the forest, as if demons from hell were screaming.


    A thick, blood-red mist gushed from the eyes of the skull atop the staff, filling the sky. The mist then transformed into a giant humanoid figure cloaked in red, its arms spreading slowly like the grim reaper reaching out, heading towards EeDeChi in the clearing!


    The red mist engulfed EeDeChi like a deluge of blood. The surrounding bandits panicked and fled, fearing that the drifting red fog would catch them.


    Pilar leaned on his staff, smugly awaiting the dissipating red mist, eager to admire his masterpiece after unleashing his ultimate spell.


    At this moment, EeDeChi should have been lying on the ground, her eyes bulging and bleeding, her limbs twisted grotesquely. The absence of her screams suggested she might have bitten off her own tongue in her final agony.


    Pilar reveled in the thought of this insolent fool''s miserable death, feeling a twinge of satisfaction.


    A gentle breeze rustled through the forest, gradually dispersing the blood-red mist. The grass on the ground had completely withered, and the surrounding trees seemed to have entered winter early, their leaves fallen, leaving only bare branches pointing at the gray sky.


    Nearby, a thief who had inhaled some of the red mist clutched his throat, writhing and convulsing on the ground.


    "Achoo!" Amid the fading red mist, a sneeze was heard.


    EeDeChi remained standing, holding a pen in her hand.


    "Achoo!" She sneezed again, sending out two streams of red mist from her nostrils, as if silently mocking Pilar.


    "This¡­ this is impossible!" Pilar''s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He screamed through his gray lips, "How is this possible! How is this possible! How could you be immune to my High-tier magic!" Pilar was on the brink of despair!


    But soon, he was completely doomed.


    After sneezing, EeDeChi pointed her pen at the thieves standing in place and said, "Start repeating."


    5th Tier Magic: Death God''s Reflection!


    5th Tier Magic: Death God''s Reflection!


    5th Tier Magic: Death God''s Reflection!


    5th Tier Magic: Death God''s Reflection!


    5th Tier Magic: Death God''s Reflection!


    5th Tier Magic: Death God''s Reflection!


    The deathly red mist surged and roiled, as if blood was overflowing throughout the space. The red-cloaked reaper spread across the entire forest.


    The once sunny sky darkened instantly, becoming ominously gloomy. The forest turned into a hell of demonic wails, filled with heart-wrenching screams¡ªboth the shrieks of demons and the agonized howls of thieves.


    Captain Aaron of the cavalry tried to escape the area, but his legs trembled uncontrollably, and his once firmly held knight''s sword fell to the ground. He sank to his knees in the red mist inferno, prepared to face death.


    "Huh? That Justice Value 153 boy, don''t just lie there playing dead!" In the midst of despair, Aaron heard a girl''s voice calling from a distance, and then felt someone rush to his side and drag him out of the red mist.


    (Note:The number of repeats is: 11 - spell tier. For example, a 5th-tier spell has a repeat count of 11 - 5 = 6)

 Chapter 6: Find a Guide

    "Eight hundred gold coins!" EeDeChi stared at the spatial ring in her right hand, imagining the sound of coins clinking together like a small mountain of gold inside. Even though she prided herself on her calm demeanor, she couldn''t help but feel a twinge of joy.


    After dealing with the bandit group, and with the assurance from Captain Aaron of the cavalry and the confirmation from the officials of Montell City following their field investigation in the forest, it was verified that EeDeChi had single-handedly eliminated the Black Scorpion bandit group. The lord of Montell City generously awarded her the bounty of eight hundred gold coins.


    To express his gratitude for removing a threat to the empire, the lord also took off a spatial ring he was wearing and gifted it to EeDeChi.


    The Black Scorpion bandit group had killed nearly twenty of the lord''s knights, so now the lord could finally sleep peacefully at night.


    Amid the envious and admiring glances of others, EeDeChi walked out of the Adventurer''s Guild hall in Montell City. Her adventurer''s badge, which had once been a bright silver, was now a radiant gold, shining like the sun. Mithril had been upgraded to Orichalcum.


    Although the elimination of the Black Scorpion bandit group wasn''t listed as a mission by the Adventurer''s Guild, they had nonetheless upgraded EeDeChi''s rank from Mithril to Orichalcum based on her performance in the battle.


    Orichalcum was second only to the highest rank of Adamantite. Even in the entire Baharuth Empire, adventurers with Orichalcum badges were exceedingly rare.


    When Aaron saw his savior walking out of the red pine doors of the Adventurer''s Guild, he rushed over, feeling genuine gratitude and admiration for EeDeChi.


    Seeing the Orichalcum badge on EeDeChi''s chest, Aaron couldn''t help but exclaim, "An Orichalcum-level adventurer! I''ve never seen one before¡­ But in my opinion, only an ''Adamantite'' level would truly match your skills! You''re sure to become an ''Adamantite'' level adventurer in the future¡ªliving proof of a legend!"


    "Is that so?" EeDeChi appeared nonchalant.


    She had no interest in her own achievements in this world; her only concern was whether she could deal with Ainz Ooal Gown, the only thing she knew about him was his name.


    "Have you heard of the Sorcerer Kingdom? There are rumors that the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire has signed an agreement to voluntarily become a vassal state of the Sorcerer Kingdom," EeDeChi abruptly interrupted Aaron''s continuous praise to ask about Ainz Ooal Gown.


    "Well..." Aaron seemed a bit embarrassed. After all, he was a knight of the Baharuth Empire, and EeDeChi''s direct question was somewhat impolite, but he didn''t take it too seriously.


    In his many years of dealing with adventurers, Aaron knew that those with exceptional strength, like powerful mages, often had eccentric personalities and behaviors.


    Aaron racked his brain for information and scratched his head. "We''re not very clear on that. You know, in a small border town like ours, we''re not a military stronghold. Not only is transportation poor, but news is also scarce.


    "To be honest, it takes four or five months for our salaries to come from the capital, and we''re always worried that the local nobles will pocket some of it.


    "Regarding the Sorcerer Kingdom, I''ve only heard rumors like you. But I hope it''s not true. Otherwise, we''ll have to change our knightly oaths to swear allegiance to that Sorcerer King in the future, hahaha."


    Aaron grinned and added, "There was an old soldier who left the imperial knight order and went to the City Alliance. I had a brief chat with him.


    "He said that Sorcerer King, the undead Magic Caster named Ainz Ooal Gown, used some big magic and summoned a few mountain-sized black monsters that wiped out over a hundred thousand soldiers from the Re-Estize Kingdom.


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    "Then the Emperor and the nobles were terrified and quickly announced their submission to the Sorcerer Kingdom.


    "Haha, that old soldier was so adamant, it sounded almost true. I''ve fought in battles before, and no matter how strong a mage is, they could only match a few thousand soldiers at most. Wiping out over a hundred thousand soldiers with one spell?"


    Aaron shook his head and continued, "That''s just nonsense! If they really did wipe out over a hundred thousand soldiers from the Re-Estize Kingdom, our cavalry would have long since flattened the kingdom''s capital and captured the Golden Princess. Hahaha.


    "The old soldier wasn''t quite right in the head, as if he''d suffered a major shock, so nobody paid him much attention. He abandoned his High-tier knight position and ran off to the City Alliance across the border, as if he was fleeing from disaster. It was a waste of the Empire''s yearly investment in his training and development," Aaron said.


    "I see," EeDeChi thought to herself. All she knew about Ainz Ooal Gown was his name, the "Great Tomb of Nazarick," and that he had established a so-called Sorcerer Kingdom. Due to the hasty nature of her arrival, she was unaware of any other details.


    "By the way, if you want to find more reliable information, you can head to Golden Sheaf City on the other side of Mistwood¡ªZhefnav Pradkeer.


    "Golden Sheaf was originally a city built by elves, and its original name was long and awkward, so now everyone just calls it Golden Sheaf. A top adventurer like you would be better suited to Golden Sheaf or even the capital city," Aaron genuinely suggested.


    EeDeChi nodded slightly in agreement.


    Golden Sheaf was indeed a well-known large town in the Baharuth Empire, and it was only separated from her current border town, Montell City, by a sparsely inhabited forest¡ªMistwood.


    However, Mistwood lived up to its name. Its dense canopy blocked out the sun, and it was perpetually shrouded in white mist, with magical fluctuations in the air being extremely chaotic. Numerous ferocious monsters roamed within, some of which had mutated, becoming even more dangerous and aggressive. Few ordinary people dared to enter, as it remained a chaotic, untamed forest.


    Therefore, the road between Montell and Golden Sheaf had to go around Mistwood.


    Even with the fastest highland horses pulling a four-horse carriage non-stop day and night, it would take twenty days to reach Golden Sheaf from Montell. However, spending those extra days was clearly better than risking one''s life by attempting to cross Mistwood.


    But EeDeChi was pressed for time and didn''t want to stay in this isekai world for long. Moreover, Montell lacked both the valuable highland horses and the four-horse carriages that nobles enjoyed. This meant the journey to Golden Sheaf would take nearly a month.


    Fortunately, where there are monsters, there are adventurers. The vast array of monsters in Mistwood often means valuable magical materials for adventurers.


    For example, a complete set of scales from a Crystalwing Tree Lizard can fetch five gold coins on the market¡ªenough for a rural farmer to earn from several years of hard work.


    Despite the high mortality and disability rates in the adventurer profession, people are always eager to sign up. This is one of the main reasons: high risk means high reward.


    From what EeDeChi knew, adventurers frequently formed teams to enter Mistwood from Montell for tasks like gathering herbs or hunting monsters. Experienced elite adventurers would even traverse the entire Mistwood, collecting rare monster hides, teeth, bones, and blood along the way, before selling their haul in Golden Sheaf on the other side.


    After parting ways with Aaron, EeDeChi made her way to the "Marina" Tavern.


    The "Marina" Tavern was operated by the local Adventurer''s Guild, catering to adventurers who came to rest after their intense explorations, exchange task information, and discuss combat strategies against monsters. It was also a place where adventurers would seek teams or hire helpers.


    Besides adventurers from all over, the tavern also attracted shrewd black market dealers, Magic Casters looking for special magical materials, and even priests and clerics with dubious secrets. It was a diverse gathering spot for all sorts of people.


    In terms of combat ability, EeDeChi could confidently consider herself an elite adventurer, but when it came to navigating Mistwood, finding water sources, and keeping her direction without getting lost, she was completely in the dark. So, she decided to hire a guide at the "Marina" Tavern to lead her through Mistwood.


    The "Marina" Tavern was not far from the Adventurer''s Guild. As EeDeChi approached the oak door, she could already smell the cheap beer and hear a few coarse expletives.


    She looked at the tavern''s sign, where the golden-painted "Marina" in fancy script was carved into the hard redwood. Next to it was an illustration of a curvy, scantily clad elven woman holding a goblet and posing provocatively. Under the effect of the 2nd Tier spell "Everlight," the sign glowed in the dark.


    "This place is so vulgar. It should be shut down!" EeDeChi thought with genuine disgust, shaking her head. After a moment''s hesitation, she pushed open the squeaky oak door and stepped inside.

 Chapter 7: Barrett

    The oak door of the "Marina" tavern creaked open, and a tall, muscular middle-aged adventurer, clad in Gorgon leather armor and with a cross-shaped longsword at his waist, stepped inside.


    He tread lightly, cautiously navigating through the noisy tavern, careful not to draw attention from the adventurers who were drinking and reveling around him. Despite his lowered head and sideways shuffle as he squeezed past two waitresses carrying trays, his imposing figure still caught the eye of those nearby.


    "Hey, isn''t that ''Shield of the Mage,'' ''Friend of the Magic Caster,'' Barrett Monde?" a brown-bearded adventurer shouted loudly, focusing on Barrett''s face.


    "What ''Shield of the Mage''? Now he''s ''Imperial Chief Eunuch'' Barrett! Hahaha!" another adventurer laughed raucously, winking at Barrett. "Come on, Barrett, let me buy you a drink. Tell us your story!"


    Most of the tavern''s patrons burst into laughter, clearly familiar with Barrett''s tale, no longer needing him to recount it.


    Some newly arrived adventurers eagerly inquired about Barrett''s situation from those around them. After hearing the details, they too directed sympathetic and amused glances towards Barrett''s lower half.


    Barrett''s face flushed red with anger, but he felt powerless.


    Just five days ago, it wasn''t like this. Adventurers and employers alike used to warmly call him by his nickname, "Shield of the Mage." However, after he took on the task of capturing a two-headed lizard and crossed the River Fra, everything changed. He lost something crucial to a man''s life.


    The River Fra was a shallow stream by the Mistwood, the deepest part barely reaching Barrett''s waist.


    For someone like him, a "Mithril" level elite adventurer with nearly twenty years in the field, the River Fra was nothing more than a minor ditch. Yet his life had taken a turn for the worse in this small, insignificant ditch.


    Barrett was leading a team of adventurers, preparing to wade across the River Fra on foot to reach the Mistwood. Drawing from his experience of crossing the River Fra forty to fifty times, Barrett judged that the river was completely safe at that moment.


    First, the water was shallow. Second, the riverbed was made of hard, gravelly soil, so one''s feet wouldn''t sink in.


    Most importantly, there were no dangerous creatures in the river. There was indeed a species of green-scaled short-snouted crocodiles inhabiting this river, but during this early autumn, the green-scaled short-snouted crocodiles had migrated up the River Fra to the distant Gal Lake to lay their eggs.


    This was common knowledge among adventurers working along the Mistwood''s edge, and Barrett confidently led his team into the River Fra.


    However, he didn''t expect that downstream, a village had built a new dam over the summer, blocking the migratory route of the green-scaled short-snouted crocodiles. As a result, when they waded across the River Fra, four or five of these crocodiles attacked them.


    Fortunately, no one was killed by the crocodiles'' death rolls. Only a half-elf got a foot bitten, and a magic chant apprentice lost his left hand.


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    Barrett wished he had only lost a hand. However, the crocodile that attacked him had cleverly chosen to emerge from the murky water and bite him from beneath, catching him off guard.


    Despite Barrett''s skillful martial arts allowing him to narrowly escape, he still lost something vital from his lower body, along with his dignity as a man.


    Strictly speaking, this incident wasn''t Barrett''s fault; it was due to insufficient information. Any adventurer from Montell City leading the way would have faced the same attack from the crocodiles that failed to migrate. It was Barrett''s bravery in taking the lead to the center of the river that spared the rest of the team from a far more disastrous fate.


    Other adventurers didn''t question Barrett''s abilities, but adventurers were notoriously unsympathetic and prone to schadenfreude.


    Soon, the nicknames "Imperial Chief Eunuch" and "Castrated Barrett" spread among the adventurers in Montell City.


    Nicknames are different from given names. Names are given by parents and can be changed if one isn''t happy with them. Nicknames, however, are determined by others.


    Barrett, with his exceptional combat skills and extensive experience, had protected more than a dozen Magic Casters during his adventuring years, earning him the titles "Shield of the Mage" and "Friend of the Magic Caster."


    He had once relished those nicknames. Now, with people renaming him "Imperial Chief Eunuch" and "Castrated Barrett", he felt powerless to change it.


    With a dark expression, Barrett resisted the urge to draw his sword and take down a few of the loudest, most obnoxious drunk adventurers. Amid the mocking laughter, he walked toward the tavern''s counter.


    He planned to collect the prepaid deposit he had left for long-term drinking at the "Marina" and then leave Montell City for a place where no one knew him, to start his adventuring life anew. He would need to save a significant amount of money to seek out a Divine Magic Caster to heal his lower body!


    Such magic was likely a "limb regeneration" spell and would clearly be expensive. Moreover, the green-scaled short-snouted crocodile''s bite had poison, and the healer who treated him mentioned that the poison was only barely held back with low-level magic. To completely remove it would require higher-tier magic.


    Fortunately, the tavern''s receptionist maintained a professional demeanor and didn''t join in the laughter with the other patrons. Instead, she looked at Barrett with pity and sympathy.


    As Barrett continued toward the counter, he suddenly sensed someone staring directly at him.


    Even though he was the center of the tavern''s comedic drama, with everyone''s eyes on him, Barrett''s years of adventuring had honed his senses, and he detected a peculiar gaze fixed on him.


    Barrett turned his head and found the person who had been staring at him.


    It was a short-haired girl sitting alone in the corner of the tavern. Her neat, ear-length black hair stood out. She wore a somber black linen outfit with a gray woolen shawl draped over her shoulders.


    Her old-fashioned, stern appearance, coupled with her serious expression, gave her an air of maturity that contrasted sharply with the rowdy adventurers around her.


    The only thing that hinted she might be an adventurer was the giant, heavy sword she carried, which seemed disproportionate to her height.


    From Barrett''s years of experience, he could tell that this girl was young and didn''t seem like a cleric or a nun.


    Typically, girls her age would be concerned with their appearance, often dressing in vibrant colors. Even daughters of poor farmers liked to wear a wildflower in their hair.


    But this girl, sitting with a straight posture, looked like an old nun from a monastery, exuding an air of outdated formality.


    As she stared at Barrett, she seemed to nod in satisfaction, as if pleased with something.


    If Barrett were five or six years younger, he might have thought the girl was attracted to his strong, rugged physique and mature face. However, now he could see that her gaze was more like a housewife inspecting meat at the market.


    An uncomfortable feeling washed over him. Barrett shook his head, dismissing the sensation, and refocused his attention on the tavern''s receptionist.


    At that moment, an adventurer reached out maliciously to touch his crotch. Barrett angrily pushed him away, instinctively closing his legs, and headed toward the counter.


    Suddenly, a figure blocked his path. Barrett was stunned, and paused, looking down to see the black-clad girl with the gray shawl, who had been watching him earlier.


    But she had been sitting at the far edge of the tavern, separated by nearly five tables and a noisy crowd of adventurers. How had she appeared right in front of him so suddenly? Was it magic or martial arts? Barrett felt a pang of wariness.


    The young girl was a head shorter than him. She tilted her head slightly to look up at Barrett and extended a hand, seemingly offering a handshake.


    She introduced herself, "Hello, young man. My name is EeDeChi. I think you''re a good person. How about being my guide?"

 Chapter 8 : Tavern Turmoil Part One

    Did this girl just call me "young man"?


    Barrett was both amused and exasperated. The girl in front of him was likely a newbie adventurer, fresh out of her hometown. Not only was he over a decade older than her, but he was also a head taller. And as for experience, he''d been in this line of work for nearly twenty years.


    Barrett waved his hand, about to refuse, when an adventurer holding a mug of black rye beer sidled up next to him.


    This adventurer, with a long sword strapped to his back and a face full of freckles, flashed a grin that revealed a missing front tooth.


    Leaning towards EeDeChi with what he thought was a sincere smile, he said, "Hey there, little girl. This guy below the waist is already useless. If you''re into the older man type, I''m your guy. I''m a platinum-level adventurer! Very powerful! I can guide you for free."


    He puffed out his chest proudly, and the shiny white platinum-level badge on his chest gleamed.


    Barrett recognized him as "Scarface Bladebearer" Valent. Recently, Valent, who was getting on in years, had wanted to retire from adventuring to go back to his hometown, get married, and start a family. So now he tried to hit on every young girl he met, even if they looked like they were not interested.


    Unfortunately, his appearance was so off-putting that not many young women were willing to give him the time of day. But he truly was "desperate," trying to flirt with someone like EeDeChi, who had "serious fuddy-duddy, keep away" written all over her face.


    EeDeChi expressionlessly lifted a corner of her gray cloak, revealing a yellow metal badge on her chest. The badge gleamed with a sun-like brilliance under the tavern''s hexagonal chandelier, dazzling Barrett and Valent.


    She glanced at the dumbfounded "Scarface Bladebearer" Valent and said coldly, "Get lost, you Justice Value -120 loser."


    This girl was an orichalcum-level adventurer! Barrett was astonished.


    Orichalcum-level was just below the highest rank, adamantite-level! It was one tier above his mithril-level and two tiers above Valent''s platinum-level!


    Orichalcum-level was an extremely rare rank, with only about thirty or so adventurer teams in the entire empire possessing an Orichalcum badge.


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    Barrett was already the center of attention in the tavern, so now most people were staring at the orichalcum-level badge on EeDeChi''s chest, a symbol of her power and status. The surrounding adventurers began to whisper among themselves, and waves of astonished murmurs spread through the tavern like ripples.


    (Note: Adventurer ranks from lowest to highest are: Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mithril, Orichalcum, Adamantite)


    "WHO''S ORICHAlCUM-LEVEL?!"


    A gruff voice boomed in the middle of the tavern, and a hulking figure emerged from the crowd. The giant disdainfully eyed EeDeChi, then pushed through several tables, striding purposefully toward Barrett and the others.


    As he made his way through the crowded tavern, he shoved several adventurers who were quietly drinking at their tables. One thin adventurer even fell under a table, but everyone dared not say a word to this furious and massive guy.


    Barrett recognized him as "Bonebreaker Axe" Wood Balder, a notorious mithril-level adventurer known for wielding two heavy, bloodstained battle axes forged by dwarves.


    Wood was bigger and more muscular than most, with exceptional combat skills and a quick temper. He had hunted many infamous monsters and had broken numerous noses and ribs in fights with other adventurers, earning him the nickname "Bonebreaker Axe."


    According to Barrett, Wood Balder had repeatedly applied to the Adventurer''s Guild to be promoted from Mithril to Orichalcum based on his achievements, but his requests were denied each time due to insufficient strength.


    "Bonebreaker Axe" Wood towered two heads taller than EeDeChi and was nearly three times as broad, like a wall looming over the black-haired girl.


    He glared down at EeDeChi, a long scar twisting grotesquely on his face, and coldly asked, "You''re an Orichalcum-level? I''ve killed so many monsters and still can''t get to Orichalcum! How many times did you suck the guild master''s cock to become orichalcum level? you little bitch!"


    Barrett wanted to intervene and calm Wood''s angry, volatile mood. Even though EeDeChi had a demeanor like a stern old nun from a monastery, Barrett still felt a bit of sympathy for her. He believed that a man with any self-respect shouldn''t lay hands on a woman.


    Although Barrett wasn''t a knight, he upheld a standard that some adventurers scorned.


    EeDeChi''s adventurer rank was indeed higher than Wood''s, but Barrett didn''t think she''d have an advantage in a fight. Sometimes, an adventurer team at the Orichalcum level didn''t mean every member had Orichalcum-level power.


    Just as Barrett was about to speak, EeDeChi cut in, "You scum with a Justice Value of -250, you''re an adult. Stop acting like a child and yelling at me."


    Justice Value? Barrett didn''t understand what that was, and Wood clearly didn''t either. But Wood did hear the words "scum" and "child," which ignited his fury completely. He extended his arm, thicker than a full-grown silverback gorilla, and grabbed for EeDeChi''s neck.


    But EeDeChi was faster, or rather, though she acted after him, she was quicker to act.


    The black-haired girl grabbed Wood''s neck and lifted him up. Since Wood''s neck was as thick as a tree trunk, EeDeChi could only get a grip on half of it. The sight was somewhat comical, like a slender elf lifting a burly troll.


    Wood''s legs kicked wildly. Due to his height, even though EeDeChi lifted him, his feet could still touch the ground. Yet despite his powerful kicks, he couldn''t escape EeDeChi''s slender arm holding his throat.

 Chapter Nine : Tavern Turmoil Part Two

    Seeing this scene, the adventurers in the tavern were stunned, and even Barrett, who was usually quite knowledgeable, was greatly surprised.


    Wood''s arm was nearly four times as thick as EeDeChi''s. He twisted EeDeChi''s arm with his rough, bulging hands, trying to break it, but it was as ineffective as trying to twist dough around an Adamantite rod; the arm didn''t budge an inch.


    Wood''s face turned red, and the scar on his face grew more menacing. He clenched his fists, which were as big as small pumpkins, and began to pound EeDeChi''s face with heavy blows, "Boom! Boom!" resonating through the room!


    Barrett had seen Wood swing his heavy blood-streaked battle axe and slice an iron-armored fire lizard in half. He had also clashed with Wood over loot division, so he knew the immense power contained in Wood''s fists, which were as large as an Ogre''s.


    Yet, EeDeChi seemed like a statue cast in the ground. Despite taking blow after blow to the head, she held Wood''s neck with her arm straight, showing no reaction.


    She sneered and said, "It''s quite good outside the tavern. You should go there."


    With that, EeDeChi made a throwing gesture, and Wood flew out like a projectile from a siege engine, soaring over the heads of the adventurers inside the tavern, shattering the tavern''s waist-high door, and crashing heavily outside.


    "Ouch!" Wood''s distant scream revealed he hadn''t just fallen outside the tavern but probably landed across the street.


    Several burly adventurers hurried outside to assist Wood. They were teammates from the same adventuring group, but they clearly didn''t dare to confront EeDeChi for an explanation.


    "Scarface Bladebearer" Valent quietly retreated into the crowd of patrons, and the people in the tavern resumed their discussion, shifting their focus back to the topic they had been discussing before Barrett walked in.


    EeDeChi calmly adjusted her collar, as if the recent altercation was nothing more than a trivial distraction. She continued to address Barrett, "I need a guide to take me through Mistwood to Golden Sheaf City on the other side. I think you''re a good fit. The payment for this job is 40 gold coins, but if that''s not enough, I can offer more."


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    An orichalcum-level adventurer wants to hire me as a guide? Barrett instinctively wanted to refuse. Typically, orichalcum-level and adamantite-level elite adventurers have a reliable and well-coordinated team, and they wouldn''t want an outsider who isn''t accustomed to their ways to join in, as it could delay their progress or disrupt the team''s rhythm.


    Moreover, for an orichalcum-level adventurer team, crossing Mistwood should be a piece of cake. Why would they need to hire him? Even a temporary team of mithril-level adventurers from Montell could easily make a few trips through Mistwood.


    Barrett waved his hand, signaling that he wasn''t interested.


    "80 gold coins," EeDeChi said, doubling the offer without hesitation.


    Eighty gold coins wasn''t a small amount; it was enough to buy a large estate with a garden in Montell. But Barrett still didn''t want to take the job. What puzzled him was why EeDeChi, with so many adventurers around at Marina''s Tavern, had specifically chosen him.


    What Barrett didn''t know was that in EeDeChi''s view, the Justice Value above his head was 146, while the only person in the tavern with a higher Justice Value was the receptionist, with a score of 154. EeDeChi''s primary method of evaluating people was almost entirely based on the Justice Value displayed above their heads.


    "95 gold coins!" Seeing Barrett''s hesitant expression, EeDeChi increased the offer once more.


    "Barrett, just accept her offer. With that kind of pay, even I''m tempted! After you finish this job, you can go with this lady to the monastery. She''ll be a nun, and you can be a priest. No more dangerous work for you!"


    Hearing EeDeChi continually raise the offer, a chatty short adventurer next to them couldn''t help but chime in. Judging by EeDeChi''s stern and mature demeanor, he assumed she must have been a nun before.


    EeDeChi shot a cold glare at the man with a Justice Value of 52, scaring him into shrinking his head and returning to his black rye beer.


    Barrett refused again. Honestly, the higher the reward, the more wary he became. Higher pay usually meant greater risk, which was a universal rule in most adventuring careers.


    If he became EeDeChi''s guide, who knows if this formidable and peculiar girl might one day throw him into the air like she did with Wood!


    "120 gold coins!" EeDeChi arched her elegant black eyebrows and raised the offer once more.


    Seeing EeDeChi frown with what seemed like rising anger, Barrett felt a sense of dread.


    He placed his right hand lightly on the hilt of his sword and took a small step back with his left foot. If EeDeChi decided to act out like she did with Wood, he would either counterattack immediately or run for the door.


    After nearly twenty years in the high-risk adventuring industry, his survival relied on constant caution and vigilance! Unlike some rookie adventurers who sacrifice limbs or even their lives for a few coins.


    Of course, frequent risk-taking means occasional setbacks; he had recently lost part of his body.


    "150 gold coins!" EeDeChi sighed heavily.


    "Deal!" Barrett shook EeDeChi''s right hand firmly, his blue eyes earnestly meeting her dark ones. "I guarantee I''ll get you through Mistwood safely!"


    After all, who would turn down shiny gold coins?

 Chapter 10: Entering Mistwood

    After EeDeChi paid a 50-gold coin advance, the Adventurer''s Guild acted as the notary and signed a contract with a magical seal, making Barrett EeDeChi''s guide, responsible for leading her safely through Mistwood to Golden Sheaf.


    The contract included an unbreakable spell. If Barrett were to tear up the contract or shirk his guiding duties, the 3rd Tier magic "Crimson Curse" would follow him for the rest of his life.


    It was a sunny and bright morning in Montell. According to Barrett''s supply list, EeDeChi and he went to the market and the weapon store run by the Adventurer''s Guild to purchase supplies.


    Since witnessing EeDeChi''s formidable strength in defeating Wood, Barrett was very confident in her abilities.


    It wasn''t until noon, when they met as scheduled, that Barrett sadly discovered his orichalcum-level "elite" adventurer companion had been swindled into a fool by unscrupulous merchants.


    "This glow-in-the-dark potion you bought¡­" Barrett picked up a finely crafted glass bottle shaped like an owl, filled with a deep blue potion.


    He opened the bottle, pouring the potion into another transparent vial. The potion turned out to be a light blue, while the original ornate owl bottle remained deep blue.


    "You''ve been conned! This glass bottle is just dyed deep blue; the glow-in-the-dark potion inside is cheap and light blue." Barrett shook his head, then picked up a bundle of steel wire and yanked it hard, causing the entire coil to fall apart.


    "This twisted wire is fake, and this healing potion is green! It''s obviously a fake. And this steel multi-blade dagger is magically coated steel, and this luminous stone, and this¡­ and this¡­ and this¡­"


    As Barrett spoke, he threw EeDeChi''s purchases out of the bag as if they were trash.


    EeDeChi, carrying her oversized giant sword, crouched on the ground, her face flushed with embarrassment, and she buried her head in her arms, unable to lift it.


    In reality, it wasn''t entirely her fault. Although EeDeChi was an orichalcum-level High-tier adventurer, she had only been in this world for a little over two months.


    In terms of slaying high-level monsters and enemies, she could indeed be considered orichalcum-level. But when it came to adventurer life experience, she was probably less knowledgeable than even the lowest copper-level adventurer.


    Copper-level adventurers are native to this world, unlike EeDeChi, who was new here. Aside from understanding the language, she was unfamiliar with everything else.


    Moreover, the merchants in Montell had similar Justice Values, or rather, all were equally low. EeDeChi couldn''t distinguish which were honest traders and which were unscrupulous swindlers.


    Barrett picked up a bottle of light yellow vitality potion and watched as the light yellow substance settled into a clump in the bottle, shaking his head in private.


    He decided to teach this adventurer, who was one level higher than him, some basic knowledge: "People like you, who lack the ability to discern, should avoid buying things from Gyxiya''s caravans. Eight out of ten Gyxiya are swindlers, and the other two are thieves or fortune-tellers. How to identify Gyxiya? Those caravans with a yellow seven-star emblem are Gyxiya. Of course, some Gyxiya won''t display any emblem. In that case, you need to observe carefully. Look for high-carriages draped with crimson silk, or check if the seller has a northern City Alliance accent¡­"


    Barrett spoke extensively, listing one point after another. He realized how rich his adventuring experience was and felt a surge of pride as he thought it would be nearly impossible to impart all this knowledge to EeDeChi in such a short time.


    Even this orichalcum-level "elite" adventurer, as formidable as her combat power might be, had to listen to my teachings.


    EeDeChi stood up, adjusted the giant sword on her back, cleared her throat, and said, "As your employer and direct supervisor, you should be mindful of how you speak to me. Otherwise, you might have a hard time navigating the bureaucratic world. As a leader, I only need to provide the general direction. The specifics, of course, are up to you to handle."


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    WHAT? Barrett looked utterly confused. EeDeChi''s words made only half sense to him, but her tone and demeanor were reminiscent of the nobles in Montell.


    "Well then, Leader, do you have any specific instructions for crossing Mistwood?" Barrett asked with a hidden smirk.


    "My instruction is that we must cross Mistwood, understood?" EeDeChi said without a hint of embarrassment.


    "Understood, Leader."


    Barrett silently grumbled, what kind of instruction is that? It''s just stating the obvious.


    Clearly, EeDeChi wasn''t going to become a savvy shopper overnight, so Barrett took care of all the procurement tasks. EeDeChi just followed him and helped pack the purchased items into the spatial ring.


    Barrett also had a spatial leather bag, but it was small, only holding a few cubic feet of items, in stark contrast to the spatial ring''s nearly hundred cubic feet of storage.


    With Barrett''s adept handling, all supplies for the journey through Mistwood were quickly gathered. Food, clean magical distilled water, healing potions, vitality potions, short-term magical charging lamps, and various weapons and equipment were all accounted for.


    EeDeChi, on the other hand, bought a thermos with a fixed 2nd Tier magic "Complete Isolation" and used it to brew lycium chinense and dried chrysanthemums.


    Barrett asked if she was brewing a magical potion, and EeDeChi told him it was for "health preservation," a potion that could extend human lifespan.


    Although Barrett didn''t fully understand what "health preservation" meant, the idea of extending life intrigued him, so he decided he''d get a thermos for himself to try brewing it too.


    Time flew by in their busy preparations. By the next morning, with the morning stars still faintly twinkling in the sky, EeDeChi and Barrett made their way through the adventurer''s campsite, still asleep, and onto a rugged path worn down by decades of adventurer traffic, stepping into Mistwood.


    According to Barrett, the white mist in Mistwood seemed to be the earth''s breath. In the morning and around noon, Mistwood would "inhale," and the mist would be at its lightest.


    In the evening or at night, Mistwood would "exhale," and white mist would appear in thick clouds, covering every corner of the forest as if wrapped in a heavy white veil.


    Of course, the timing and duration of Mistwood''s "breathing" varied with the seasons and weather. Experienced adventurers could determine the best time to enter, when the mist was at its thinnest.


    From Barrett''s experience, the best time to enter Mistwood was just as the sun rose above the horizon, when the mist was minimal and the light was ample. He didn''t want to run into familiar adventurer buddies who might tease him with new nicknames like "The Strong Eunuch" or "Imperial Chief Eunuch," so he set off early.


    So far, everything was going smoothly. Barrett, a seasoned adventurer who had crossed Mistwood nearly sixty times, navigated the forest with ease. Leading EeDeChi, he expertly avoided frost wolf dens, pits covered with rotting leaves, and animal traps set by other adventurers.


    They continued deeper into the forest, the overgrown path underfoot narrowing until it vanished completely.


    Barrett stopped every few dozen meters to check their direction and used his machete to hack away at the protruding branches and thorny brambles. Behind him, EeDeChi stumbled over the wild grass clumps every few steps. Barrett had to expend extra effort clearing the way to help his employer keep pace.


    Looking up through the canopy, the sky had darkened completely, or rather, there was no sky visible at all.


    Due to the lack of logging, every tree in Mistwood had grown to a girth that required two people to encircle it. The dense canopy completely blocked the sky, with branches and leaves straining to capture any available light, leaving none for the ground.


    This was the situation Barrett, the seasoned adventurer, had anticipated. He took out a magically charged lantern to light up the surroundings and dispel the darkness, while EeDeChi, whose hair was now a mess from brushing against branches, followed closely behind.


    After a considerable amount of time, the veteran adventurer checked his silver pocket watch to confirm that Mistwood''s "exhaling" time was approaching, along with the unwelcome nightfall. They stopped to find a dry place to set up camp for the night.


    There was no dry place in sight; the ground was covered in layers of decayed leaves accumulated over centuries, damp and moldy, with various small creatures dwelling within, making it an unsuitable camping spot.


    But Barrett was not easily discouraged. He had learned how to build treehouses in the elven lands of the southern Slane Theocracy. An elven adventurer once remarked that his treehouse was better built than those of a ten-year-old wood elve. Barrett couldn''t tell if this was a compliment or an insult.


    He never had the chance to ask, as that elven companion was later swallowed by an adult red dragon.


    ...


    EeDeChi and Barrett worked hard together, but after EeDeChi accidentally felled the third suitable oak, Barrett had no choice but to work alone and set up two rudimentary but sturdy tree shelters between the branches.


    At first, Barrett suspected EeDeChi was using this method to shirk responsibility and avoid labor, but after a close observation, he was sure that although the girl was stronger than an ogre and had a peculiar personality, she was not one to play petty tricks.


    So EeDeChi sat leisurely on a fallen tree trunk, occasionally sipping from her magical thermos containing lycium chinense and chrysanthemum "health preservation" potion, watching Barrett swing his axe and work hard.

 Chapter 11: Python Devouring Humans

    As night fell, Mistwood began its "breathing." The mist thickened from all directions, making the already gloomy and dark forest even more obscured, with a heavy black curtain shrouding everything.


    Even with the magic lanterns enhancing the brightness, one could see no further than five steps ahead. EeDeChi had initially planned to hunt some small magical creatures to improve their dinner, but she had no choice but to retreat to the camp.


    Determining the arrival of night in a forest that was already dim and shadowy seemed difficult, but the nocturnal creatures of the forest had their own reliable biological clocks.


    Some yellow lights flickered in the distance, moving up and down. These were the bioluminescent moths beginning their courtship rituals.


    The once-clear chirps and flapping wings of birds were gone, replaced by the sight of large bats with massive wings occasionally passing through the hazy glow of the lantern.


    At this moment, Barrett had kindled a bright and warm campfire and was adding dry twigs from fallen trees to it.


    The fire crackled and popped, with a new iron pot sitting atop, its bottom scorched black, bubbling away. Inside the pot were chunks of salted beef jerky, potato slices, pumpkin pieces, and a few onions.


    Barrett had even luxuriously cut some black cheese into small pieces and added them to the pot. Thanks to EeDeChi''s spatial ring providing ample storage space, they had plenty of food.


    Next to the campfire were two sharpened pine branches, on which two plucked wild chickens were roasting. The chicken had turned golden brown under the flames and oyster sauce, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma. Barrett had taken it upon himself to prepare both the stew and the roast chicken tonight.


    EeDeChi approached. Though her stomach was growling with hunger, she maintained a dignified expression.


    She placed her hands behind her back, bent slightly, and sniffed the steam rising from the pot. Nodding slightly, she praised:


    "Not bad, the stew is well-made. I didn''t expect you had such cooking skills. Though it''s not quite up to the standard of the dinner I had with the lord of Montell City, it''s good for you. Keep it up."


    Barrett grumbled inwardly. Going on an adventure, just having a hot meal was already a luxury, and comparing it to a lord''s feast was a bit much. How did this person get involved with a lord anyway? And why did her tone sound so oddly bureaucratic?


    The seasoned adventurer shook his head, too lazy to think further. His stew-making skills were indeed impressive, a real standout among adventurers who typically forage and cook for themselves. If he couldn''t be an adventurer in the future, he''d consider becoming a chef.


    After they had enjoyed their meal and filled their stomachs, they prepared to sleep in the damp and chilly makeshift treehouse.


    Barrett used the remaining soup to extinguish the campfire, set up magical wards around the camp for protection, and installed a few simple traps beneath the trees. He also sprinkled a light layer of insect-repellent powder inside the treehouse.


    Before going to sleep, he and EeDeChi agreed on their watch schedule: EeDeChi would take the first half of the night, and Barrett would take the second.


    Barrett reminded EeDeChi, "Don''t wander around at night; don''t be drawn to strange noises; if you need light, use cold glow stones instead of lanterns or torches; there might be small magical creatures in the treetops, so avoid climbing up¡­"


    Though many of these were common sense for adventurers, Barrett wasn''t sure if this orichalcum-level adventurer had the same experience.


    EeDeChi nodded in agreement and settled into her part of the treehouse. Barrett said no more, wrapped himself in a blanket, and turned in for the night. He quickly fell asleep, a skill every elite adventurer had mastered to stay sharp during intense adventures and battles.


    As the night deepened, the boundless darkness gradually filled the world. EeDeChi sat in the treehouse, eyes wide open, listening intently to the forest''s quiet, rhythmic breathing in the night.


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    Bats flapped their wings as they flew between the tree branches. On the ground, tiny insects crawled, and worms worked hard to tunnel through the decomposing layer of soil. A nameless bird woke up inexplicably in the night, cooed twice, and then fell back asleep.


    In the distance, two nocturnal monsters fought fiercely, their blood-curdling roars shattering the silence, disturbing the slumbering forest. One monster emerged victorious, and the sound of it crunching the defeated bones echoed through the trees before the forest fell asleep once more...


    Meanwhile, Barrett was having a gentle dream.


    In his dream, a hazy pink mist enveloped him as a girl with wine-red hair approached. She wore a light blue off-the-shoulder gown that swayed as she walked.


    Who was this girl? Barrett seemed to have forgotten her name, only recalling that the wine-red-haired girl had once admired him. Later, Barrett believed he couldn''t provide the stable life she longed for, so they parted ways.


    The girl drew closer to Barrett, her slender fingers brushing aside a strand of her wine-red hair, her hands gently sliding down the straps of her gown. The dress slowly fell away, revealing her graceful figure and her smooth, full breasts swaying slightly, flawless and beautiful.


    She gave a seductive smile, stepping forward with her left leg, then her right, seemingly moving closer to Barrett.


    With a sharp "snap," a steel animal trap clamped down on her right leg. The trap''s sharp steel teeth dug deeply into her calf, blood splattering.


    An animal trap? Barrett jolted awake from his dream, grabbing the sword from under his pillow and quickly climbing out of the treehouse. Looking down, he saw EeDeChi, holding a torch, awkwardly staring at him with a trapped expression. A closed animal trap was firmly clamped onto EeDeChi''s foot.


    Barrett hadn''t expected that the trap he had carefully set for the monsters would end up catching his own employer!


    "Didn''t I say not to wander around at night?" Barrett rubbed his sleepy eyes, speaking with a hint of frustration.


    Fortunately, EeDeChi had high resilience. The medium-sized trap, which was capable of breaking a goat''s leg, had left no mark on her foot, which relieved Barrett somewhat.


    "Also," Barrett scolded from the treehouse, "I told you before that you can''t use fire at midnight. You should use magical cold glow stones instead. Torches can attract dangerous creatures."


    EeDeChi shrugged, pulling open the trap on her foot with one hand while holding the torch in the other. She pointed into the darkness and said, "I heard fighting and cries for help in the distance and wanted to check it out. Besides, if leaders always listen to their subordinates, the hierarchy would be upside down."


    Barrett paused, momentarily stunned. The Mistwood at night was as silent as a graveyard, and he hadn''t heard any fighting or cries for help. Of course, he trusted that an orichalcum-level adventurer might have more sensitive hearing and could pick up sounds he couldn''t.


    "Anyway," Barrett waved his hand urgently, "put out the torch quickly before it attracts any creatures."


    EeDeChi scratched her head. "It''s too late. Something is already coming this way."


    As if in response to her words, a rustling sound grew louder, coming closer through the endless darkness. It sounded like a massive creature sliding over fallen leaves and tree trunks.


    Hearing the slithering sound, Barrett felt a chill run down his spine.


    He pulled a crossbow and a 1st Tier magic "Realm of Clarity" bolt from his spatial leather bag, loaded the crossbow, and shot the bolt in the direction of the noise.


    The bolt, trailing crystal fragments, briefly cut through the darkness with its glow.


    A colossal triangular snake head emerged in the night. Its mouth slightly open, it hissed with its forked, crimson tongue. Its body, covered in black and white scales, was as thick as a cow and agilely wriggled through the trees, rapidly approaching them with its nearly twenty-meter-long length.


    A fully grown Titan Python! Barrett was at a loss. Throughout his journey, he had used the skills honed from years of close escapes to guide EeDeChi through the Mistwood, which had claimed countless adventurers. They had narrowly avoided frost wolves, demonic giant brown bears, Ogre vine monsters... and now EeDeChi had attracted such a monstrous creature!


    If EeDeChi weren''t his employer, he would have already jumped down to give this reckless person a good beating!


    Of course, even if EeDeChi weren''t his employer, now wasn''t the time for a lesson. The immediate priority was to escape. A fully grown Titan Python would require at least five well-coordinated mithril-level adventurers to defeat, and now they were just offering this giant serpent a midnight snack!


    "Sprinkle the ice amber powder I gave you on yourself, THEN RUN!" Barrett shouted to EeDeChi. The girl was still watching the Titan Python with curiosity, completely unaware of the terrifying beast she was facing.


    With years of experience, Barrett jumped down from the tree to gather the cooking gear from the campsite, preparing to flee in the opposite direction.


    The Titan Python seemed to sense that its prey was trying to escape. It stretched its neck and accelerated its slithering, quickly cutting through the dense forest. Its massive mouth opened wide, lunging at EeDeChi.


    Barrett couldn''t spare a thought for EeDeChi''s fate. The clever serpent was attacking from both sides. Its thick tail smashed through several tree trunks, flinging them at him.


    Barrett reacted swiftly, pulling a steel-covered oak shield from his spatial leather bag and activating Martial Art: "Fortress of the Faith."


    The tail hit the shield like a battering ram. Despite the defensive Martial Art enhancing his shield, Barrett''s arms tingled from the impact, but he held firm.


    When the tail withdrew, Barrett peeked out from behind the shield and saw the enormous snake head, which should have bitten EeDeChi, raised high. The head had smashed through five pine trees, and half the serpent''s body was flipping around.


    Looking at EeDeChi on the ground, holding a broad, heavy giant sword in one hand, Barrett quickly understood: the Titan Python, with a body thicker than a water buffalo, had been sent flying by EeDeChi''s single strike.


    "Oh my gods," Barrett licked his parched lips, abandoning the thought of giving EeDeChi a thorough scolding.


    "Is the strength of an orichalcum-level adventurer really that terrifying?"

 Chapter 12: Survivors in the Belly of the Snake

    The giant sword on EeDeChi''s back was blunt on both sides and could not cut through anything, so when EeDeChi swung it, it was more like wielding a giant flat club.


    Barrett had once asked EeDeChi why she didn''t sharpen the blade, to which EeDeChi replied with a cryptic phrase, "A heavy sword needs no edge; mastery comes without the fine workings." Another enigmatic saying that Barrett couldn''t quite understand.


    The Titan Python swayed its head, shaking its body like it was drunk. Clearly, the previous strike had left its head ringing. It twisted its body and turned its head, opening its massive jaws to lunge at EeDeChi again.


    Holding the giant sword, which was awkwardly large for her, EeDeChi sidestepped with feline agility, avoiding the attack.


    She then cast a 2nd Tier Fireball spell. The searing fireball exploded against the serpent''s scales, leaving only a slight black mark. Clearly, the high-tier monster''s scales were not only hard but also had substantial magical resistance.


    Seeing her magic attack was ineffective, EeDeChi shook her head and swung her sword down on the serpent''s head with even greater force. This blow was heavier than the last. The triangular snake head, about the size of a wild boar, was knocked away like a soccer ball, smashing through tree after tree, and the entire serpent''s body rolled over several times.


    EeDeChi closed the distance with the still writhing Titan Python and, as if swatting a fly, brought the heavy sword down on its head, ending the battle decisively. The entire serpent shuddered once more at the moment of impact and then lay still.


    For adventurers, a motionless Titan Python was a treasure trove of gold. Especially for an adult high-tier monster that had grown for decades, its fangs, venom sacs, scales, and bones could all be sold for a good price.


    Barrett hummed a little tune as he worked by the dim light of the lantern, methodically dismembering the giant python. Meanwhile, EeDeChi set up a campfire nearby, hanging a pot to boil water for making "health preservation" potions.


    Barrett didn''t stop her. After witnessing her combat skills firsthand, he was confident that even if the ruler of Mistwood, the Forbidden Grizzly, showed up, it would just be to deliver some gold to them.


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    Too bad the Forbidden Grizzly only roamed during the day and wouldn''t be drawn in by the firelight, which Barrett found quite regrettable.


    After an hour of work, having removed several large, intact snake scales, Barrett used an obsidian curved blade to slice open the Titan Python''s belly. He reached inside and felt around, his hand brushing against something that felt like a human head in the slick, slimy stomach.


    Barrett shuddered, stopped humming, and withdrew his hand, then made the incision in the python''s belly even larger.


    ...


    "Come check out our loot." Twenty minutes later, Barrett wiped the large beads of sweat from his forehead and called to EeDeChi, who was lounging with her legs crossed atop the treehouse, snoozing.


    EeDeChi leaped down from the tree, her gaze sweeping over the neatly arranged snake fangs, spinal bones, and stacked skins on the forest floor.


    She nodded in approval and said, "The dissection skills are good, but a skinned snake looks too bloody and is not suitable for minors to view."


    She then pointed to two slime-covered humanoid shapes on the ground and asked, "What organs are these? They look quite strange. How much can they sell for?"


    Barrett shook his head. "These aren''t snake organs; these are two living people. Remember the distant cries and sounds of battle you heard? It looks like a group of adventurers ran into this Titan Python before us and got swallowed. These are the only two survivors I managed to drag out of the snake''s belly."


    In the quiet of the Mistwood at night, the fog swirled under the yellow glow of the lantern, creating a hazy, indistinct scene. EeDeChi stood beside the neatly stacked black snake scales, her face reflecting disbelief as she exhaled slowly.


    In the same Mistwood, just beside them, an adventurer team had been wiped out. The Titan Python, which EeDeChi had dispatched with just three strikes, had recently swallowed several adventurers whole.


    "There''s nothing to be done. In this dog-eat-dog world, weakness itself is a sin." Barrett said, shaking his head as he looked at the four slime-covered metal badges in his hand¡ªtwo silver, one gold, and one platinum.


    These adventurer badges, found among the snake''s rotten flesh and severed limbs, gave him a rough idea of the team''s strength. Overall, they were at the "gold" level of adventurers.


    A weak adventurer team venturing deep into the Mistwood was almost certain to meet a grim fate. But there are always a few naive souls who, seeking higher rewards for difficult tasks, choose to take risks and end up in tragic situations.


    (Note: Adventurer levels are ranked from lowest to highest as follows: Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mithril, Orichalcum, Adamantite.)


    EeDeChi and Barrett cleaned the two survivors'' slime-covered bodies with warm water, dried them by the campfire, dressed them in clean spare clothes, and gave them healing potions and vitality elixirs. By the time dawn approached, the two survivors finally woke up.

 Chapter 13 - The Boy and the Girl

    The survivors were a boy and a girl. The boy was a platinum-level adventurer, while the girl was a silver-level adventurer. From the girl''s attire, it appeared she was a support role Divine Magic Caster.


    Both of them had a look of bewilderment and sorrow in their eyes. Seeing the massive corpse of the Titan Python on the ground, their bodies involuntarily shivered.


    Ultimately, the boy''s spirit recovered first. As a platinum-level adventurer, he managed to steady himself after drinking a bowl of snake meat stew brewed by Barrett. With a slightly trembling voice, he recounted the terrifying events of the previous night to EeDeChi and Barrett.


    Their adventurer team was called "Rose of the Night," and they had taken a mission from the Golden Sheaf City Adventurer''s Guild to collect 20 Frostspider Magic Sacs.


    The "Rose of the Night" team had originally planned to operate only on the outskirts of Mistwood, but their teammate, a silver-level adventurer with the Innate Talent "Perception of the Sunrise Land," was bitten and poisoned into a coma by a Yellow-eyed Venom Lizard. The team lost their way and unknowingly ventured deep into Mistwood.


    Last night, they were suddenly attacked by a Titan Python. One by one, the members of the team were strangled and bitten to death by the Titan Python. The boy and the girl lost consciousness after being constricted and suffocated by the Titan Python.


    The Titan Python, thinking they were dead, swallowed them whole. It was only when Barrett cut open the dead serpent''s belly that they managed to escape with their lives.


    The boy''s name was Sean Tachya, a platinum-level adventurer skilled in using a longbow and dagger, and also responsible for vigilance and reconnaissance in the adventurer team.


    He was the first to notice the Titan Python''s approach. After sounding the alarm, he grabbed the girl and tried to run in the opposite direction, but this only led to them both being swallowed by the serpent in the end.


    Sean was not originally a member of the "Rose of the Night" adventurer team but had been added to the mission temporarily.


    "Collect 20 Frostspider Magic Sacs." Barrett, with his extensive experience, assessed the task in his mind. Magic Sacs are organs used by Frostspiders to store their magic power. Collecting twenty of them in a short time involves significant risk and requires entering the Frostspider''s lair. It''s impossible to complete the hunt by only operating on the outskirts of Mistwood.


    A platinum-level adventurer with a clear understanding of their own abilities would never join such a low-powered team for a task with such high risks. However, seeing that the boy was already anxiously concerned about the girl''s condition, even while still recovering himself, and was carefully comforting the girl, whose eyes were still marked by fear and tears, Barrett understood why he joined the "Rose of the Night."


    The girl''s name was Stella Famillion, a low-powered Divine Magic Caster. Her surname suggested she was a descendant of a fallen noble family from the Baharuth Empire. She was originally a cleric who worshiped the deity Gaia. Due to her brother''s gambling addiction and the family''s debt to loan sharks, she had to leave the temple and become an adventurer to work off the debt.


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    Fortunately, Barrett had brought enough stamina and calming potions before setting out. His delicious Turnip Snake Meat Stew, which was incredibly tempting, helped Sean and Stella quickly recover both physically and mentally. As for whether EeDeChi helped, she drank more of the stew than the girl did. Barrett only hoped she would leave some hot soup for the survivors who were greatly traumatized.


    After getting everything in order, the four set off again. Sean was always extra cautious, carefully guiding Stella through the forest, which slowed their pace considerably. Aside from that, the journey was smooth.


    They encountered a group of clueless Wither Beasts, Beholders, and a rather large Gray Rampaging Brown Bear along the way, but EeDeChi handled them effortlessly with just a few strikes. Sean and Stella were stunned by EeDeChi''s terrifying combat prowess, while Barrett happily followed behind, dissecting the monster corpses and collecting the loot, occasionally hoping for more high-tier monsters to come their way.


    After trekking through Mistwood day and night for five days, they finally emerged from the forest on a not-so-sunny noon and reached the adventurer camp on the outskirts.


    After a brief rest in a modest inn, they hired a four-wheeled carriage and headed to the heart of Golden Sheaf.


    Barrett and Sean went to the Adventurer''s Guild and the black market to sell the loot they had gathered from their Mistwood expedition. The Titan Python sold for a very high price, as a complete high-tier adult monster was extremely rare. Just the five vials of fresh venom extracted from the poison sacs fetched a total of 45 gold coins.


    As for the remaining intact snake scales, fangs, high-quality Gray Rampaging Brown Bear hides, and even several pieces of fresh Titan Python meat, everything combined earned them a hefty sum, their pockets bulging with gold coins. Barrett even arrogantly told the buyers that he only accepted gold coins, not silver or copper, as using silver coins would overload his already insufficient spatial leather bag.


    Since EeDeChi killed all the monsters alone and Barrett and Sean handled collecting the valuable parts from the corpses, the loot was split as follows: EeDeChi got 60%, Barrett 30%, and Sean 10%. Sean then gave half of his share to Stella.


    The four returned to the tavern operated by the Adventurer''s Guild in Golden Sheaf to celebrate their adventure and soothe Sean and Stella''s pain over losing their teammates.


    "How old are you two?" EeDeChi asked at the dinner table.


    "18," Sean replied.


    "I''m 17," Stella said.


    This age was neither too old nor too young, Barrett thought as he took a sip of his beer. He had left home at 15 to work as a hunting guard for a noble.


    "So young, 17, still a minor," EeDeChi said, sipping her juice.


    "Huh?" Barrett, Sean, and Stella all looked at EeDeChi with confusion, unable to understand her statement.


    "What''s wrong?" EeDeChi frowned, as if the strange ones were the other three.


    "16 is the age of adulthood," Sean said.


    "Nonsense, it''s 18," EeDeChi replied confidently.


    "It''s definitely 16. I''ve never heard of 18. I''ve even seen 15-year-olds holding coming-of-age ceremonies, and some places consider 14 to be adulthood," Barrett said.


    "In our place, 16 is also considered adult," Stella said quietly.


    "Never mind that, you''re still a minor!" EeDeChi said firmly, pointing at Stella''s nose.


    "Sure, whatever you say," Stella replied meekly, not daring to argue with EeDeChi.


    "As a minor, you can''t participate in such dangerous adventures. Where''s your home? I''ll take you back," EeDeChi said.


    Stella was immediately distressed and began pleading with EeDeChi. She thought EeDeChi was dismissing her because of her low skills and using the minor excuse to kick her out. She went on and on, promising to work hard, that she had great potential, that she wouldn''t hold them back, and that she would do their laundry and dishes.


    EeDeChi ignored all this until Stella realized that EeDeChi''s only concern was protecting a minor.


    Stella shifted her approach, pitifully explaining how poor her family was, how much they needed money to pay off debts and for medical expenses. Sean also chimed in, and they finally managed to somewhat persuade EeDeChi.

 Chapter 14: Forming an Adventure Team

    After careful consideration, EeDeChi decided to form an adventurer team.


    Though she believed she could handle the great demon Ainz Ooal Gown on her own, this journey through Mistwood had made her realize the importance of enlisting the help of others in this world. Without Barrett, the exceptional adventurer guide, she might still be wandering in Mistwood. Since she chose to operate as an adventurer, it made more sense to lead a team and make a presence in this world.


    EeDeChi proposed to Barrett Monde, Sean Tachya, and Stella Famillion that the four of them should form a team with her as the leader.


    Sean and Stella both eagerly agreed. They had witnessed EeDeChi''s formidable strength and considered having an orichalcum-level adventurer as a companion to be a divine gift.


    Barrett also agreed to join the team but had a barely noticeable frown, suggesting some unspoken concerns.


    "Let''s name our adventurer team ''The Last Defender of the Way.'' I think it''s a great name," EeDeChi suggested. While she appeared to seek everyone''s input, she was actually firmly deciding on the team''s name.


    The other three didn''t object to the name, which was quite unorthodox for an adventurer team. Even if they had objections, EeDeChi would have listened carefully and then disregarded them.


    The four then went to the Golden Sheaf Adventurer''s Guild to sign the contract and press their handprints. Thus, ''The Last Defender of the Way'' adventurer team was officially registered! Since EeDeChi was the strongest and the initiator of the team, she took the role of the leader.


    Under the glow of the "Everlight" magic chandelier in the spacious tavern, the waitresses in light blue maid uniforms fluttered around the tables like butterflies.


    Adventurers, having removed their leather and chainmail armor, placed their swords and weapons at their feet, relaxing their weary bodies with rich, exquisite meals and fine wines to ease the exhaustion from prolonged stress during their adventures.


    This was the "Golden Harvest" tavern, a venue specially established by the Golden Sheaf Adventurer''s Guild for adventurers. True to its status as a major economic hub in the northern Baharuth Empire, Golden Sheaf''s Adventurer''s Guild hall was twice the size of Montell City''s, and its guild tavern boasted far better facilities than the small, shabby tavern in Montell.


    The four of them were seated in a quiet, undisturbed corner of the tavern, enjoying lunch and discussing their next move, or as EeDeChi put it, having a "meeting."


    Feigning an urgent need to use the restroom, Barrett left the tavern, signaling EeDeChi to follow him.


    EeDeChi glanced at the other two at the table. Sean was using his fork to place a peeled lobster from his plate onto Stella''s, while Stella remained indifferent to Sean''s attentions, focusing on her pork chop.


    The newly appointed adventurer team leader took a bite of a lemon cake and walked out the tavern''s front door.


    "What''s the matter? Do you have any concerns you''d rather not voice? It''s fine, just speak up. I''m a very open-minded leader," EeDeChi said slowly, chewing on the cake.


    I know you''re the leader, but could you stop saying that word all the time? Barrett thought to himself, having already heard this young girl use the term with a bureaucratic air several times.


    But that wasn''t his main concern. In adventurer teams, close camaraderie or even romantic relationships were the norm, and he believed that "The Last Defender of the Way" team would evolve into something similar.


    (Note: Adventurer ranks are categorized from lowest to highest as: Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mithril, Orichalcum, Adamantite.)


    "I''ll be straightforward," Barrett said after a moment of consideration, as he was always a candid person.


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    "A well-rounded adventurer team should have members whose levels differ by at most two ranks. You''re Orichalcum-level, so subtracting two levels puts us at Platinum-level. Therefore, we should aim to recruit adventurers who are Orichalcum, Mithril, or Platinum. Stella Famillion is just a Silver-level cleric. Her power is too low and will slow us down, whether we''re hunting monsters or exploring ruins."


    EeDeChi shook her head. "Although Stella''s strength is lacking, she''s a good person. Her Justice Value is 216, which is 70 points higher than yours. She''s exactly the kind of talent our team needs!"


    "What''s Justice Value?" Barrett asked, confused. "Can it be used to measure combat ability?"


    "Of course not," EeDeChi replied, pointing to her eyes. "I have an Innate Talent that allows me to see others'' Justice Values. To me, each of you has a number floating above your heads. That number represents your Justice Value and helps me gauge a person''s sense of morality."


    "If it can''t measure combat ability, what''s its use? We''re an adventurer team dealing with dangerous work¡ªfighting monsters and exploring unknown territories¡ªnot going around the empire''s slums to aid the needy!" Barrett countered, struggling to understand EeDeChi''s perspective.


    He questioned, "Are we supposed to judge the ability of new adventurers solely based on their Justice Value?"


    "Exactly," EeDeChi nodded. "The standard for evaluation is Justice Value. Do you know why I chose you from dozens of adventurers in the tavern back in Montell? It was because your Justice Value was higher than everyone else''s. I hope your Justice Value doesn''t drop in the future, or I won''t hesitate to kick you out of the team!"


    Barrett stared wide-eyed at the girl before him, who was now looking at him with a detached expression. He finally understood why EeDeChi, whom he didn''t know at all, had suddenly appeared in front of him in the "Marina" tavern and asked him to be a guide.


    Barrett had thought that EeDeChi had been attracted to him because of his reputation as an elite adventurer. Now, he realized that EeDeChi had hired him at a high price simply because "his Justice Value was higher than others." What a ridiculous reason.


    "But, EeDeChi," Barrett still tried to argue, "you''ve seen my strength. Even ten Stellas together might not be able to defeat me. With your Orichalcum-level power, we could easily recruit a stronger cleric or priest."


    EeDeChi waved her hand, her face showing a hint of anger. "I''ve already made up my mind about this. There''s no use in discussing it further. Don''t bring up objections. Also, from now on, you should address me as ''Captain!'' You are now just a regular member of ''The Last Defender of the Way'' adventurer team!"


    "Captain," Barrett said with resignation, "with your Orichalcum-level strength, the tasks we''ll be taking on will be particularly dangerous for a Silver-level like Stella. Just like the Titan Python you easily defeated a few days ago¡ªit swallowed her whole. Having Stella join us might seem like a good thing for her, but in reality, it''s putting her life at risk."


    EeDeChi swung her hand down as if to slap something. Realizing there was no table around, she slapped the door of a nearby tailor shop, causing passersby to turn their attention toward them.


    The newly appointed leader glared at Barrett. "Who''s in charge here, me or you? Do you not respect me as the leader? Are you trying to act like you''re all unique and capable just because you''re going against what the leader says? What, did you read some Chicken Soup for the Soul and think that contradicting the leader will show off your unique personality and capabilities, huh?"


    "I¡­" Barrett stammered. What in the world is Chicken Soup for the Soul? EeDeChi was spouting off in that confusing way again.


    Despite being intimidated by EeDeChi''s haughty demeanor, Barrett quickly backed down. "Alright, fine. We''ll do it your way. After all, you''re the captain."


    EeDeChi nodded in satisfaction with Barrett''s attitude. The two returned to the tavern and continued enjoying the remaining dishes of their lunch while discussing their future plans.


    Even though Barrett verbally conceded, he still felt a pang of frustration. After nearly twenty years in the adventurer business, he could see that EeDeChi''s combat style was reckless, rushing in without much strategy.


    In future battles against monsters and beasts, with EeDeChi, an Orichalcum-level fighter, charging forward, and Sean, a Platinum-level archer, providing support from behind, the task of protecting the Silver-level cleric Stella would fall to him, the Mithril-level adventurer. After all, his old nickname had been "The Mage''s Shield."


    But before, he''d been protecting Platinum-level and Mithril-level adventurers who could use 3rd Tier or even 4th Tier magic.


    Barrett shook his head inwardly, trying to comfort himself. With a powerful leader like EeDeChi, he shouldn''t have to risk his life fighting monsters as much. He could take on higher-level, higher-paying Orichalcum-level missions. Life would definitely be easier, and the work would be less grueling.


    Just as he was contemplating this, EeDeChi filled her highball glass with champagne, then stood up with her glass raised, glancing at the other three before beginning her toast.


    "Today, ''The Last Defender of the Way'' adventurer team is officially established. This is a significant day, and we will surely make our mark in history. Our legend will echo across the world. I''m thrilled to see so many exceptional talents gathered under my command.


    "Let''s raise our glasses and work towards a common goal! That goal is¡ªto defeat the King of the Sorcerer Kingdom, Ainz Ooal Gown! Cheers! Cheers!"


    "WHAT?!" Barrett was daydreaming about a future of easy adventures when his hand shook, nearly spilling his  glass of beer.

 Chapter 15: A Day in the Life of Ainz Ooal Gown

    In the spacious and luxurious circular room, the floor was covered with a layer of pale golden velvet carpet over the black polished marble. The immaculate walls were adorned with elegant sky-blue carvings, decorated with golden lily patterns.


    The arched ceiling was painted with lavish and intricate frescoes, and beneath the dome hung a grand twelve-arm crystal chandelier. The room exuded a blend of romance and solemnity, showcasing opulence and grandeur.


    One might mistakenly think this was the imperial palace where the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire met with his ministers, but the large, red sandalwood bed, gilded and large enough to accommodate five people, in the center of the room revealed that it was, in fact, just a bedroom.


    A skeleton dressed in off-white silk pajamas lay quietly on the silk bed.


    It seemed that the skeleton would remain lying in this luxurious bedroom indefinitely, but suddenly, two crimson lights flared up from the dark eye sockets of the skeleton''s head, piercing through the quiet darkness of the room.


    Ainz Ooal Gown had awoken. Of course, it wasn''t quite accurate to say he had "awoken," as Ainz, being an undead, no longer required sleep. The routine of lying down at night and sitting up in the morning was merely a continuation of his biological clock from when he was human before crossing into this world.


    After all, he was a transmigrator who had become an undead. He had yet to fully correct some of his human habits. Besides, during the long nights, he had nothing else to do but lie in bed and let his thoughts drift in meditation.


    The subordinates of the Great Tomb of Nazarick were adept at both combat and governance, so Ainz had little state affairs to handle.


    Although his loyal subordinates frequently sought his guidance with great reverence, Ainz could only offer symbolic advice.


    As a former mediocre office worker now commanding hundreds of capable subordinates in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, it was somewhat overwhelming.


    However, thanks to the powerful capabilities of his subordinates, the conquest of the world continued smoothly.


    Since Ainz had used the Super-Tier Magic "I? Shub-Niggurath" to annihilate 180,000 soldiers of the Kingdom Army within an hour, the two major human nations, the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire, had successively submitted to the Sorcerer Kingdom he founded and willingly became its vassal states.


    (I? Shub-Niggurath ¡ü)


    The Re-Estize Kingdom''s submission to Ainz was understandable, given that the kingdom''s main army had been almost entirely wiped out, and even the crown prince had been killed. But why would the Baharuth Empire voluntarily seek to become a vassal state? This left Ainz quite perplexed.


    After the one-sided massacre of the kingdom''s army ended, Ainz had taken the initiative to visit the capital of the Baharuth Empire, planning to spar with the arena champion, the Martial King, to show goodwill towards Emperor Jircniv of the Baharuth Empire. However, after the duel, Emperor Jircniv, trembling with fear, had requested to become a vassal state, leaving Ainz bewildered.


    Ainz had originally intended to befriend Jircniv, to learn about the demeanor of a ruler and statecraft. It seemed now that this was no longer possible.


    Reflecting on the past events, Ainz sighed lightly, got out of bed, and pulled open the collar of his silk pajamas, preparing to put on his outer robe. Seeing the black and red embroidered robe on the hanger, which was enchanted to never get dirty, he suddenly decided he wanted a change of clothes.


    Ainz pressed a magic bell on the desk to call in the maid Yuri Alpha.


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    "Ding~" The bell rang, but before Ainz could give his instructions, the bedroom door was slammed open. A light, pure white figure dashed into the room, unfurled her black wings, and flew straight towards Ainz by the bed.


    "M-Master Ainz!" Albedo threw herself onto the unprepared Ainz, pinning him to the bed. Her flawless face was alight with a sultry, seductive glow.


    She pulled open Ainz''s pajamas and rubbed against his bare chest, her tone dripping with intoxication, "Master Ainz in pajamas, so sexy! Ah! This firm chest, this perfect ribcage. Master Ainz, you must be hinting at me to do what needs to be done! It was worth waiting outside the bedroom all night!"


    Albedo, wearing white evening gloves, untied the bow on Ainz''s pajamas, preparing to proceed with her next move.


    "Hey! Albedo, what are you doing!" Ainz, pinned to the bed, struggled desperately, while inwardly cursing.


    On the eve of his arrival in this isekai world, Ainz had altered Albedo''s setting from "not chaste" to "in love with Momonga" with a sense of amusement, resulting in the current situation.


    ("Momonga" is Ainz''s game name. After crossing over from the game to this world, Momonga changed his name to the name of his guild¡ªAinz Ooal Gown.)


    Albedo had been expressing her affection for Ainz with a nearly frantic attitude. However, after crossing over, Ainz became an ultra-high-tier undead, and his desire for romantic affection had gradually faded. As an undead skeleton, he was also incapable of fulfilling Albedo''s desires and could only stiffly reject her advances.


    "Let go of me! I command you to let go!"


    Pinned under Albedo, Ainz struggled to issue his command with the tone of someone in authority.


    Normally, Albedo would go to great lengths to follow his orders, but now she spread her black wings, her gaze sultry and intoxicated, writhing against him like a cat. She wasn''t listening to his words at all.


    The Dark Lord Ainz tried to push Albedo off him, but Albedo, being the strongest shield in Nazarick in terms of combat power, was not easily moved.


    Fortunately, others in the Great Tomb of Nazarick noticed the commotion. Shalltear Bloodfallen was the first to rush in, her face pale with shock as she yelled, "Damn it! How dare you get in my way! Master Ainz belongs to me!"


    She then grabbed one of Albedo''s arms and pulled hard. Maid Yuri Alpha also came running in, grabbing Albedo and pulling her back, while Maid Solution joined in, holding Yuri''s waist to assist in pulling.


    Sebas Tian, dressed in a black tailcoat, jogged in, grabbing Albedo''s other arm. The four of them worked together, like a tug-of-war, to finally pull Albedo away.


    Sebas, holding the still-struggling Albedo, gave a slight apologetic bow and slowly backed out of Ainz''s bedroom.


    As Ainz breathed a sigh of relief, Shalltear, with her petite figure, leaped onto him, wrapping her limbs around him like an octopus, her eyes wide and pleading as she said, "Master Ainz, I want it too~."


    "Stop it¡­" Ainz flailed, caught in yet another battle to pull Shalltear off him¡­


    The farce finally came to an end. Dressed in his formal attire, Ainz surveyed the Great Tomb of Nazarick and made his way to his throne. Along the way, he greeted each of the Floor Guardians, but Albedo was notably absent. According to Sebas, Albedo had retreated to her bedroom, sinking into a depressive state after her outburst and did not want to come out.


    Ainz had intended to offer some comfort to Albedo, but he stopped in front of her room. He was unsure how to handle Albedo''s almost obsessive affection. Ainz had a vague premonition that Albedo''s unfulfilled passion might one day lead to trouble.


    Although Ainz had been a career-driven individual who never even had a first love before crossing over, he had at least seen enough to recognize the dangers. The shocking example of Makoto Itou from the anime *School Days* had left a lasting impression on him.


    Looking at the reports on his desk, Ainz sighed and began to deal with the administrative tasks. The reports seemed numerous, but in reality, Ainz''s role was merely that of a rubber stamp.


    The NPCs'' abilities were so exceptional that whether it was conquering other nations or managing the Great Tomb of Nazarick, everything ran smoothly and efficiently.


    Reading through the clever decisions and strategies detailed in the reports, Ainz worried that his own directives might end up making things worse.


    It seemed he would have to frequently visit the capital of the Baharuth Empire to closely observe Emperor Jircniv''s behavior and learn how to be a better ruler. Resolute, Ainz opened the next report.


    "Hmm, not bad. Cocytus has already trained the lizardmen into an elite force. I can''t even achieve that level of efficiency. I wonder how Demiurge is faring in the Roble Holy Kingdom. From his reports, it seems the ranch operations have entered a positive cycle, and the parchment is continuously being transported to the Great Tomb of Nazarick. It seems I don''t need to worry about it."


    Ainz opened several reports from subordinates who had left the Great Tomb of Nazarick and found there was nothing requiring his direct intervention.


    "Why do I suddenly feel a bit bored?" Ainz looked up at the opulent ceiling, sinking into the golden armchair with its fox fur cushion.


    "Ah, if only I could find other Supreme Beings. Even if I can''t find any Supreme Beings, finding other crossovers would be great."


    The naive and somewhat innocent Dark Lord Ainz had no idea that, on the distant border of the Baharuth Empire, a Heroine had already stepped through the void, journeying from afar just for him.

 Chapter 16: When Gods Wont Help, I Will

    "Everyone, move a bit faster. We''re supposed to be an elite team," EeDeChi said, jumping down from the central teleportation circle and casting a dissatisfied glance at the others stumbling behind him.


    The area was surrounded by towering stone columns, embedded with palm-sized magic crystals. Magic flowed through the grooves carved into the columns, and the faint blue glow shimmered like a starry river. This was the central teleportation hub in the capital of the Baharuth Empire.


    They had managed to travel instantly from the neighboring Golden Sheaf City to the capital of the Baharuth Empire thanks to EeDeChi''s insistence on using the expensive magic teleportation circle.


    Teleportation was the fastest and most costly mode of transportation in this world. Generally, only nobles and high-tier magic casters could afford it. Of course, anyone with enough gold could experience the instant transfer.


    EeDeChi had originally wanted to teleport directly from the border of the empire to the area near the Sorcerer Kingdom, but due to insufficient funds, they could only teleport to the capital.


    Teleportation involved distorting space with enormous magical power to create a narrow transfer corridor, then squeezing people or objects through the corridor and pushing them out into another space. Ordinary people felt a tearing sensation in both body and soul during teleportation, which was extremely uncomfortable.


    However, EeDeChi jumped off the teleportation circle still full of energy, while Barrett, Sean, and Stella stumbled around as if they were drunk.


    Stella, who had the weakest constitution, collapsed onto a chair in the teleportation hall, trembling as she cast a 2nd Tier Divine Magic spell, "Gaia''s Smile," to finally catch her breath. She then cast blessing spells on Sean and Barrett, and the three of them gradually recovered.


    EeDeChi watched Stella, dressed in a short cleric''s outfit, singing her Divine Magic spell with interest. She offered her an appreciative smile but shook her head and said, "Stella, your outfit is too frivolous for our team."


    "Huh?" Stella, holding her holy symbol, looked a bit confused. "This is the common attire for female clerics and priestesses, isn''t it?"


    She was dressed in a cleric''s uniform of blue and gold stripes, the well-tailored outfit accentuating her shapely figure perfectly. Under her cream-colored cloth hat, chestnut soft shoulder-length hair fell neatly. She wore a pair of white deer leather boots and held a magic wand, looking every bit the pitiable young maiden. No wonder Sean was so attentive to her, constantly fussing over her with warmth and concern.


    EeDeChi looked around at the other adventurers and smacked her head, exclaiming, "Right, this is an isekai world, no wonder all the cleric and warrior women dress like they''re cosplaying¡ªdressed provocatively and frivolously! What a shame! It would be better if this were Dungeons & Dragons."


    "What''s isekai, what''s cosplay?" Stella asked curiously, her eyes twinkling, while Sean leaned in to catch EeDeChi''s half-understood words.


    Barrett, however, was used to EeDeChi''s odd phrases and continued to check the equipment in his backpack without interruption.


    EeDeChi waved her hand dismissively, "Never mind, you wouldn''t understand anyway. In any case, you need to ditch these flimsy clothes and pile on some real defense. Full-body armor and a chainmail undergarment are essential, and you should also wear a full great helmet that covers your entire head, with just slits for the eyes."


    "Ah! But, I''m a cleric, not a heavy-armored warrior," Stella protested, her face taking on a woeful expression.


    "I''m the team leader, and you have to follow my instructions; it''s for your own good," EeDeChi stepped forward, closing the distance between her and Stella.


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    "Captain! The armor you''re talking about is too heavy. Even if Stella puts it on, it''ll restrict her movements and slow everyone down!" Sean quickly stepped in front of EeDeChi.


    Though Sean was slightly taller than EeDeChi, his nervous demeanor in the face of EeDeChi''s imposing presence was like a hen protecting its chicks from a tiger.


    For some reason, Barrett seemed to agree with EeDeChi. He indeed disapproved of those teenagers, barely seventeen or eighteen, daring to venture out as heroes and adventurers in skimpy, cool clothing.


    EeDeChi then looked past Sean at Stella, instructing sternly, "Can''t handle heavy armor? Then you need to train more! Look at you, all skinny arms and legs. Dressed in that frivolous outfit, are you going to a battlefield or starring in a hentai anime?"


    "Captain, you can''t just use your authority to force Stella into doing something she''s unwilling to do. It''ll be hard to get everyone to follow you if you do that," Sean, with his clever personality, tried to persuade EeDeChi with a different approach.


    EeDeChi''s beautiful eyes widened in anger. "Who dares to defy... Hmm¡­"


    She reconsidered and said, "You do make a point. How about this: Stella, we''ll make a deal. Teach me a healing Divine Magic spell. If I can learn it within an hour, you''ll have to change out of those clothes and put on chainmail. If I can''t learn it, you can keep wearing what you''re wearing."


    Stella''s eyes widened. "Is that even possible? But Divine Magic requires a strong faith in the gods to cast."


    "Don''t worry about that," EeDeChi waved her hand dismissively. "Let me show you the power of a captain with orichalcum-level skills. Then you''ll know that defying orders won''t end well!"


    Stella, somewhat bewildered, accepted the challenge. Divine Magic required one to have loyal faith in a deity. After a long period of devout service, one could receive the deity''s blessing and draw upon powerful forces through brief prayers.


    Even though EeDeChi had a high aptitude for Arcane Magic, and could immediately profess faith in a deity, she couldn''t hope to earn the deity''s favor and power in such a short time. Besides, EeDeChi had previously claimed to be an "atheist" who didn''t believe in any gods or monsters. Overall, this challenge wasn''t in her favor.


    The group of four arrived at the wilderness on the outskirts of the capital. Stella closed her eyes, knelt on the ground, and clasped her hands around a golden circular holy symbol, murmuring:


    "Gaia, I offer everything to spread your love and glory in the world. Your devoted follower seeks the blessing of your divine light."


    On the ground, a few ants that Barrett had just crushed began to show a soft white glow. Some of them waved their antennae and started moving again.


    A few ants remained motionless. Stella explained that the ones that didn''t move had their bodies too damaged for low-level healing magic to work.


    Barrett then carefully crushed the few ants that had miraculously revived, trying to leave their bodies intact.


    EeDeChi began her attempt to learn the Divine Magic spell. She held the golden holy symbol and repeated the prayer she had heard, but, as expected, there was no reaction.


    EeDeChi silently repeated the spell again, but there was still no reaction.


    She tried a third time, with no success.


    Stella breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that learning Divine Magic in just an hour was indeed unrealistic. The captain''s idea was far-fetched, and she wouldn''t have to swap her cleric uniform for heavy chainmail after all.


    As a young girl who still cared about her appearance, Stella found it hard to accept the idea of wrapping herself entirely in armor.


    EeDeChi, seemingly frustrated, took a deep breath. She stood up, holding the golden holy symbol in her left hand, and picked up her giant sword with her right hand, raising it high towards the sky.


    Stella, still kneeling on the ground, looked up at her captain in confusion, unsure of what she intended to do. Barrett and Sean stepped back slightly, watching the oddly behaving, serious-faced EeDeChi with surprise.


    EeDeChi planted her feet firmly, standing tall. She held the holy symbol tightly in her left hand and raised the giant sword with her right, her voice strong and clear:


    "O great Gaia, lend me your power and respond to my call. Do not be ungrateful! If Gods Deny Salvation''s Hand, With Sacred Blade I''ll Reprimand!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, a golden light spread across an area of nearly twenty meters. Warm energy flowed around, and the ants on the ground, whether whole or crushed, were completely healed. They flipped over, wiggling their antennae, and resumed their movements, happily crawling around.


    Sean felt as if he were soaking in a comforting hot spring. A soothing warmth flowed through him, and he noticed his left leg, which had previously been bitten by a desert wolf, was completely healed.


    Stella, still kneeling, stared in disbelief at EeDeChi, who stood proudly. Her eyes were filled with awe and reverence for the divine miracle.


    She murmured, "This is 4th Tier Healing Magic¡ªNO, it''s 5th Tier, maybe even higher-tier magic!"


    Barrett, also enveloped in the golden light, experienced a similar sensation to Sean, but even more intensely.


    He could feel every cell in his body joyfully growing, moaning, singing, and celebrating new life. As a seasoned adventurer with nearly twenty years of experience, all of his numerous old and hidden wounds were healed in that moment!


    Most importantly, he felt the parts of him that had been bitten off by a crocodile in the River Fra¡ªthe penis and testicles¡ªhad regenerated at this very moment!

 Chapter 17 - The Attack on the Brothel

    Barrett cautiously unfastened his belt and peeked inside, tears streaming down his face.


    "Captain!!!" he shouted, grabbing EeDeChi in a tight embrace, overwhelmed with joy. "It''s grown back! I''m a complete man again! Hahaha!"


    Barrett laughed heartily, his entire being filled with the joy of recovery. His burly frame shook EeDeChi as he held her, but EeDeChi stood unmoved on the ground, resembling a bear weeping with a black wooden stake nailed to the floor, which looked somewhat comical.


    EeDeChi was momentarily stunned by Barrett''s sudden bear hug. Soon, she understood what Barrett meant by "it''s grown back."


    Pushing the muscular Barrett away with one hand, EeDeChi nodded and said, "Mind your manners."


    With the challenge complete, EeDeChi had mastered High-tier area healing magic in an incomprehensible way.


    Stella was unsure whether it was Divine Magic or Arcane Magic, or perhaps Gaia had reluctantly lent her powerful strength after EeDeChi''s intimidation.


    Stella dared not think further on this matter, fearing it might lead her to question her faith, which was a deadly issue for a cleric.


    While Barrett was still wiping away his tears, Sean quickly accompanied Stella to a weapon shop in the capital, purchasing a chainmail with a hooded neck guard and cotton lining.


    Time flew by, and soon it was dusk. The four of them then gathered in the Adventurer''s Guild tavern.


    The tavern was bustling with activity, and beneath the grand crystal chandeliers, arms lifted oak beer mugs in toasts. Adventurers roared and laughed, drinking black rye beer, slicing up meat from their plates, and filling earthen bowls with rich and tender corn pork stew.


    Waitresses in black vests and white lace aprons moved through the crowd, serving delicious dishes while dodging the occasional grope of rough men reaching out.


    What do adventurers do when they''re not adventuring? Chat, brag, play cards, drink, duel, gamble, or even visit brothels? Adventurers live on the edge, and the gold coins in their pockets are earned through life-threatening risks. After completing a task, they naturally want to unwind.


    The "elite" adventurer EeDeChi was unaware of this, but seasoned adventurer Barrett, having had his fill and downed a few pints of malt beer, felt a stir of excitement. Now that his manhood had regrown, he wanted to test its functionality.


    Barrett clapped Sean on the shoulder and gave him a knowing look. "Want to check out some fine ladies in the capital? I know a few great spots."


    Sean, being a platinum-level adventurer, had seen his fair share of dirty business and instantly understood Barrett''s meaning.


    His green eyes flickered with a glint of realization, but he quickly composed himself, straightened his back, and turned his gaze to Stella, who was sipping her soup slowly. With a gentle look, he firmly said, "No thanks, Uncle. I''m a respectable person! There''s a saying: ''Lust is a viper; a single bite can send you into the abyss.''"


    Barrett gave a helpless smile, was about to get up, when EeDeChi, who had been lounging with his eyes closed, opened them and looked over. "Hmm? Where''s a good place to go?"


    Barrett made a "you know what I mean" gesture, not wanting to elaborate.


    The flesh trade is a legitimate business whether in the Baharuth Empire, Re-Estize Kingdom, or Slane Theocracy. After all, there are powerful nobles and many women driven to desperation by life.


    Stella put down her spoon and bowed her head in silence. Sean knew that her older sister had to work in a brothel to pay off family debts.


    Barrett shrugged, ignoring them , and stood up to head outside the tavern.


    EeDeChi leaped from her chair, grabbed the giant sword resting against the table, strapped it on her back, and followed Barrett out.


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    Outside the tavern, a black carriage with night lanterns clanged its copper bells as it rolled by, splashing mud from the puddles onto Barrett''s boots. Barrett glanced at EeDeChi, who was following him closely, and asked, "Captain, what are we doing?"


    "What are we doing? Of course, we''re going to rescue fallen women," EeDeChi said, tightening the giant sword strapped to her back, with an air of self-importance.


    Fallen women? Barrett silently puzzled over this term.


    After EeDeChi used her healing magic to cure all his ailments, her peculiar ways had greatly increased her stature in Barrett''s eyes. He didn''t ask further questions and instead waved down an open carriage. EeDeChi climbed in with him.


    "Take us to 5 Fallen Avenue, Rable Street," Barrett said, handing the driver three silver coins. "Please hurry, no need to change."


    The driver, sporting a full beard, winked at Barrett with a knowing look. But upon seeing EeDeChi, dressed in black with a serious demeanor, his expression changed and he turned away.


    The horse snorted, and the carriage set off, rolling over the cobblestone streets.


    True to its reputation, the capital of the Baharuth Empire was bustling even at night. Street signs, enhanced by the magic "Everlight," glowed in vibrant colors, pushing back the darkness.


    Carriages clattered by, and elegantly dressed nobles disembarked with the help of their servants, beginning their nighttime activities.


    "Is this esteemed lady also out to enjoy herself?" the driver asked in a deep, rumbling voice.


    Dressed in solemn black with a gray cloak, EeDeChi looked like the most straight-laced of girls. Her destination, a place catering to men, sparked curiosity.


    Barrett was about to come up with an excuse, but EeDeChi spoke first. Her tone was exceptionally serious: "I''m not here to indulge; I''m here to bust the place up!"


    At her words, the driver turned to meet EeDeChi''s stern gaze and shrank back. He shrugged, turned away, and cracked the whip, speeding up the carriage.


    The carriage made a few turns down the street, passing through a narrow alley. In the distance, about three or four hundred meters away, stood a three-story building glowing with neon lights.


    The driver glanced at Barrett''s imposing figure and pointed his whip towards the building. "That''s the place, ''Julina''s Forbidden Paradise.'' My carriage can''t get too close; the guards will chase me off. Please disembark here."


    Barrett and EeDeChi got out and walked towards the building. The driver gave them a last glance, snapped his whip sharply against the horse''s back, and the carriage sped away into the darkness.


    Where Barrett and EeDeChi''s sight could not reach, the driver pulled up the reins, jumped off the carriage, and ran into a small shop with a narrow door.


    The shop had no goods for sale, only a man clad in leather armor with tattoos etched on his face.


    Seeing the driver enter, the man frowned and asked, "What about those two passengers you just dropped off?"


    The driver caught his breath and replied, "The woman said she''s here to cause trouble. probably some young noblewoman looking for her husband. The man looks like an adventurer, probably her hired muscle. Don''t waste time; notify the guards. That guy is built solid and has a sword. He looks like he can fight."


    The tattooed man took out a diamond-shaped emblem from his chest and activated the red crystal on it. He was sending a signal to the guards and bodyguards inside the brothel.


    Watching the red light flash briefly on the emblem, the tattooed man sneered, "A foolish woman, bringing an adventurer to our Forbidden Paradise to stir trouble. Even if you''re an orichalcum-level adventurer, I''ll make sure you leave in pieces!"


    Meanwhile, Barrett followed closely behind EeDeChi as they arrived at the entrance of "Julina''s Forbidden Paradise."


    "Julina''s Forbidden Paradise" was a three-story brick building with a large courtyard surrounded by high walls. The walls were decorated with gold and fluorescent paint, depicting scantily clad human, elf, and beast-kin girls in lascivious poses.


    There was only a small door for the entrance, flanked by two guards in full steel armor holding long spears.


    EeDeChi strode into the Forbidden Paradise with impressive speed, and the guards did not stop her.


    Barrett tried to follow, but two tower-like guards blocked his way.


    "What''s this about?" Barrett was surprised to find himself, a man, barred from entering the brothel.


    One burly guard, clad in iron gauntlets, pushed Barrett roughly and growled, "Our boss will take care of your lady. If you want to visit a brothel, go somewhere else."


    Two more figures, clad in black chainmail and wielding curved swords, emerged from the darkness, forming a semi-circle around Barrett.


    Recognizing the martial arts of concealed movement, Barrett felt a chill. He had come merely to unwind and indulge himself, never expecting such trouble.


    If the four people on the opposite side challenged him one by one, Barrett was confident he could take them all down¡ªeven the two heavily armored guys were just tougher shells.


    But with the current numbers stacked against him, Barrett couldn''t help but worry about the captain who had already entered Forbidden Paradise.


    He glanced over the guards'' spiked shoulder pads toward the captain standing in the courtyard. EeDeChi, isolated, was now being menaced by two burly guards in leather armor, brandishing long swords, who were closing in on her.


    Barrett placed his right hand on his sword hilt, contemplating his next move.


    "Adventurer, get lost. This isn''t a place for paupers like you," one armored guard barked, shoving Barrett again.


    Inside, a guard nearly twice EeDeChi''s size placed a hand on her left shoulder, while another reached for her face, seemingly intending to pinch it.


    EeDeChi signaled Barrett with a hand gesture, indicating not to worry.


    In that instant, she grabbed the rough hand reaching for her face and executed a shoulder throw, sending the bold guard crashing onto the second-floor balcony, shattering the ornate railing.


    She then lifted her left foot, and the other guard was hurled backward, smashing through the first-floor door.


    Witnessing this, Barrett sighed, took two steps back, and removed his hand from his sword. He shrugged at the four blocking guards and said, "Well then, I won''t go inside. I hope you won''t either."

 Chapter 18: The Poor Little Girl

    In the room where candlelight danced, on a rather cramped pink wooden bed, a plump, half-naked middle-aged man lay with his eyes half-closed, his smile sleazy.


    Underneath him was pressed a little girl in a short lace dress.


    The girl was only about twelve years old, with shoulder-length golden hair adorned with a pale green hairclip. Her face was youthful and pretty. However, her pale blue eyes were dull and lifeless, staring blankly at the ceiling as if she were already dead, completely oblivious to the overweight middle-aged man lying on top of her.


    Next to the small pink bed, another girl was sprawled on the floor, her face and attire almost identical to the girl on the bed, as if they were cast from the same mold. But she was sobbing, with tears streaming down her cheeks.


    The corpulent middle-aged man was Marquis Felix Luffman, and his favorite aspect of "Julina¡¯s Forbidden Paradise" was the array of secretive and forbidden services it offered.


    In Forbidden Paradise, beyond human females, elves, and beastkin, anyone with enough gold or power could indulge in the dark services hidden within the depths of human nature.


    The loli twins, who had recently arrived, were his favorite.


    One was named Kuuderika, the other Ureirika. They might have been kidnapped and sold here, or perhaps their desperate parents sold them.


    However, Marquis Felix didn''t care about this at all; he didn''t even know whether the girl he was pressing down was Kuuderika or Ureirika.


    All he wanted was to take a brief respite from the oppressive political struggles of the Baharuth Empire and unleash his twisted desires.


    The girl beneath him had vacant, lifeless eyes and her body was utterly still, which greatly displeased Marquis Felix. After enduring prolonged abuse, her psyche had completely collapsed, and only healing magic kept her body intact. However, this magic could not mend the deep scars of her tormented soul, leaving her as nothing more than a walking corpse.


    Such a little girl, despite her beautiful face, was a lifeless doll.


    Marquis Felix grabbed her throat and shouted, "Cry quickly, cry quickly, if you don''t cry, how can I get erection?"


    The pale face of the little girl spasmed slightly, but her gaze remained fixed dully on the ceiling. Marquis Felix, annoyed, released his grip on the girl''s neck. With his left hand, he fiercely slapped her across the face, followed by a sharp smack from his right hand, and then alternated blows. The girl''s clean cheeks quickly swelled up, turning red.


    Another little girl, sobbing under the bed, struggled to her feet, her childlike cries pleading, "Don''t hit Ureirika!" She crawled on all fours onto the bed and fiercely bit into Felix''s bare shoulder with her not-so-sharp teeth.


    The Marquis pushed her away with a single motion, and Kuuderika crashed into the sturdy bedpost and tumbled off the bed.


    On the bed, Ureirika''s lifeless eyes finally shed a tear that trickled down her cheek.


    Marquis Felix gets erectioned and starts groping for his short dick.


    "Creaaak," the door to the room opened. Marquis Felix turned his head disapprovingly and saw a black-haired girl dressed in coarse linen pushing the door open, staring blankly at him.


    Being interrupted at such a moment greatly infuriated Marquis Felix!


    He glared at the solemn-faced black-haired girl and angrily said, "Did I ask for a nun''s services? Get out of here immediately. Just seeing your face ruins my mood."


    Marquis Felix turned back, ready to resume his actions with the girl beneath him. His hands tightened around Ureirika''s throat, just about to make a move when he suddenly felt a chilling sensation up his spine, his hair standing on end.


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    This was a warning of death, a sign of a looming storm. He could sense the terrifying, silent presence behind him spreading like the wings of an ancient dragon, opening wide in fury, ready to unleash a storm of fiery breath.


    Trembling, Marquis Felix turned his head. In his final glimpse, all he saw was a giant sword.


    With a single slash from EeDeChi, Marquis Felix''s bulky body flew off the bed, smashing through the solid stone wall and crashing into the next room.


    In the adjacent room, a woman wearing an emerald crown was whipping a man chained to a chair when the wall suddenly shattered, and a bloody figure tumbled in. The elven woman dropped her whip and fled screaming.


    Ignoring the terrified shouts from the next room, EeDeChi walked to the pink bed, tidied up Ureirika''s tear-streaked dress, helped her up, and then picked up Kuuderika, who was sobbing on the floor, holding their frail bodies as she walked out of the room.


    Julina¡¯s Forbidden Paradise was already in chaos. Unconscious guards lay scattered on the roads and stairs. Cries of "Intruder!" echoed continuously. Barely clothed patrons and women ran about in panic, while fully armed guards with sharp blades ran up and down the stairs searching for the intruder.


    ¡­


    Zona Quinn, clad in dark green Gorgon leather armor, hurriedly ran towards the third floor. He was in charge of Marquis Felix Luffman''s security when he was outside.


    What should have been an easy job turned into a nightmare when intruders suddenly appeared in the brothel. On his way upstairs, Zona saw one guard after another lying unconscious on the ground, each with only one wound. The intruder¡¯s power was terrifyingly evident as each guard was either killed or knocked out with a single strike.


    Zona was confident in his own skills. Before becoming a bodyguard, he was a renowned orichalcum-level adventurer, famous for his "Blood Dance Twin Swords" that had slain countless humanoid warriors and monsters alike.


    On the narrow, dark spiral stone stairs, a black-haired girl carrying two frail-looking girls blocked Zona''s path.


    The stone stairs were narrow and dark, the lamps on the walls extinguished, with only a stained glass window slightly ajar. Cold moonlight streamed through, casting a chilling glow on the black-haired girl''s menacing face.


    Zona didn''t recognize the girl, but he knew the two little twin girls she was holding. They were Marquis Felix''s latest favorite playthings. But how did they end up in her hands?


    Zona broke out in a cold sweat. He drew his sword, pointing it at the stern-faced black-haired girl, and demanded, "Where is Marquis Felix?"


    "You mean that pig?" The black-haired girl tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "He''s already dead."


    "You..." Zona was furious. If Marquis Felix was dead, he, as the security guard, would be held accountable. The marquis''s family would surely send him to the gallows. His only option now was to take this girl''s head to quell the nobles'' fury!


    Martial Art: Invulnerable Fortress.


    Martial Art: Flowing Like Water.


    Martial Art: Sky-Piercing Thrust!


    In an instant, Zona unleashed three martial arts techniques in succession! With his blood-red twin blades, he lunged at EeDeChi, his body moving up and down the stone steps like an arrow, aiming for her throat.


    Because she was holding a girl in each arm, EeDeChi couldn''t draw the sword on her back. In the narrow stairwell, there was nowhere to dodge this fatal attack.


    All she could do was kick the charging dual-blade swordsman towards the stained glass window.


    The colored glass shattered into pieces as Zona screamed, crashing through the window and falling outside.


    Two more clueless guards charged up with spears. EeDeChi leapt, planting a foot on each of their faces, knocking them out instantly. She then casually walked away.


    Emerging from the first-floor hall into the chaotic courtyard, she saw over a dozen fully armed guards lying around in disarray.


    Next to the guards'' bodies, Barrett, his face covered with a black cloth, was busy working frantically.


    He turned over an unconscious guard, skillfully unfastening the chest armor with his thick, rough hands and rummaging through the cotton padding underneath.


    EeDeChi, holding the two little girls, saw Barrett''s actions and frowned, asking, "What are you doing?"


    Barrett shrugged. "Just grabbing what I can before the sheriff arrives."


    He pulled a small pouch of coins from the guard¡¯s inner shirt and waved it at EeDeChi. "Money''s hard to come by. An adventurer needs to learn to make money off both the dead and the living. You wouldn''t believe it, but these guards at Forbidden Paradise are not only well-equipped, but they also carry a lot of cash."


    EeDeChi shook her head. "How is this any different from robbery?" She set down the two pale little girls and told Barrett, "Take care of them for me."


    Barrett pulled down his black cloth mask and exhaled through his nose, retorting indignantly, "You''re one to talk. You''re the one who knocked out all these guards. I''m just collecting some loot. They were minding their business when you barged in and caused a ruckus. We should leave soon. The knights will be here any minute. We don¡¯t want to be caught by the sheriff and become wanted criminals."


    "I just couldn''t stand seeing all this," EeDeChi said, her face showing a hint of anger. She took the giant sword from her back and headed back into Julina¡¯s Forbidden Paradise.

 Chapter 19: Isekai Also Needs Crackdown on Prostitution

    About five minutes later, EeDeChi emerged, driving a group of scantily clad men and women out.


    They were all patrons and "fallen women" from Julina''s Forbidden Paradise. They hadn''t had time to escape the building, and EeDeChi, wielding a giant sword with one hand, drove them out one by one, much like a farmer herding chickens.


    "Face the wall, stand still, and crouch with your hands on your head! Hands on your head! Hands behind your head! Yes, like that, crouch against the wall!" EeDeChi commanded the nearly naked men and women while swinging her giant sword, making them line up against the wall.


    Some of these unfortunate people were completely naked, covering their faces with their hands; others were wrapped in only a thin veil or bed sheet, shivering in the cold night wind.


    Among them were nobles from the empire, wealthy merchants, and even famous courtesans known throughout the Baharuth Empire''s capital for their seductive beauty.


    But at this moment, they were all equal, naked, trembling, and huddled in the corner, quietly following orders.


    Barrett pulled his face covering tighter and wrapped two shivering little girls in a tattered gray blanket he had found. He watched the bizarre and comical scene before him with interest, enjoying the view of a few of the naked women''s alluring figures.


    "Captain, what are you doing?" Barrett asked with curiosity.


    "Can''t you tell?" EeDeChi replied impatiently, "I''m cracking down on prostitution."


    A half-naked man tried to sneak out while EeDeChi was distracted. With a swing of her giant sword, EeDeChi cut a deep gouge into the marble floor. The half-naked man yelped in terror and quickly crouched back into the corner, covering his head.


    "Not bad." EeDeChi looked at the men and women huddled in the corner with their hands on their heads, and nodded with satisfaction.


    She turned to face the three-story building of Julina''s Forbidden Paradise, wrinkling her nose in disgust. Then she pulled out a circular copper seal from her bosom.


    The copper seal spun in her hand, emitting an aura of authority and menace that subdued the entire area.


    After hesitating for a moment, EeDeChi slipped the seal back into her cloak, deciding not to use it.


    She then cast her magic.


    3rd Tier Magic: Hellfire Serpent!


    2nd Tier Magic: Fireball!


    2nd Tier Magic: Firefall!


    Fire rained down, with fireballs and fire serpents exploding against the walls and windows. Under the rampant magical flames, Julina''s Forbidden Paradise was instantly engulfed in a scorching sea of fire.


    The roaring flames drove away the coolness of the night, and in the flickering firelight, EeDeChi''s shadow, holding her sword with one hand, stretched long.


    The golden-red firelight danced in her clear black eyes, casting a brilliant golden hue over her figure. She stood before the towering inferno, and for a moment, Barrett was left staring in awe.


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    But Barrett quickly snapped back to reality. He wondered why the girl, who usually wore such an unapproachable expression, now looked so striking while burning down someone else''s establishment.


    He wrapped his strong arms around the rescued twin girls and leaned in to whisper in EeDeChi''s ear, "Captain, we should hurry. The imperial constables will probably be here soon!"


    EeDeChi looked down and considered Barrett''s suggestion, realizing he had a point.


    The four of them exited Julina''s Forbidden Paradise, found an empty open carriage¡ªits owner might have fled or was crouched naked in the corner of Forbidden Paradise.


    Barrett didn''t care about the details. He placed the two pale-faced little girls in the back seat and, after EeDeChi jumped onto the carriage, took the reins and quickly drove away.


    Adventurers are usually multi-talented individuals, and Barrett was no exception. He had once worked with a carriage driver who had switched to becoming an adventurer and had learned to handle most of the mainstream carriages on the continent. Though his driving skills were a bit rusty, he could still manage.


    The Baharuth Empire has a widely known proverb: "Lust is a viper; a single bite can send you into the abyss."


    Barrett glanced at the blazing Julina''s Forbidden Paradise behind him and couldn''t help but reflect. The proverb was indeed true¡ªhis momentary lapse of desire had brought EeDeChi, which led to the complete destruction of Julina''s Forbidden Paradise.


    Lust truly is a fearsome viper!


    He checked the hard coins in his pouch to ensure they were still there, then gave the reins a vigorous snap. The horses trotted off, pulling the carriage towards the distance.


    Along the road, several squads of guards with shields and spears were making their way toward Julina''s Forbidden Paradise. Although the location was remote, the towering flames made the seriousness of the situation clear.


    Barrett carefully drove the carriage down the street, trying to avoid the soldiers. However, a squad of knights soon charged towards them.


    There was no way for EeDeChi''s carriage to avoid them and was directly blocked by the knight squad.


    The leading knight grabbed the reins, stopping their carriage, and raised his sword, pointing it at Barrett. He demanded, "Adventurer, did you just come from that direction?"


    The knight pointed his sword towards the distant red blaze and continued, "Someone sent a message to the guard knights saying that Julina''s Forbidden Paradise was attacked by twisted and terrifying bandits. Do you know anything about this?"


    EeDeChi stood up from the carriage seat, about to speak, but Barrett quickly covered her mouth. Although Barrett was a bulky man, his mind was just as agile as his physique.


    In a split second, Barrett had crafted his excuse. He looked innocently at the knight leader, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "I don''t know anything about that. I was just passing by. I did see a group of bandits robbing and setting fire inside, so I hurried away as fast as I could and didn''t have time to pay attention to what was happening inside."


    He then pointed to EeDeChi and the two twin girls wrapped in a gray goat wool blanket, speaking sincerely, "They''re my employers. The original driver was drunk, so they hired me to drive the carriage. You know, as long as the pay is right, we adventurers are willing to do anything."


    The peculiar attire of an adventurer and their out-of-place job characteristics made them easy to spot in a crowd.


    Now, an adventurer driving a light, open carriage that seemed out of place for his status, with a young girl and two frail little girls on board, was bound to attract suspicion. The black-haired girl, with her "don''t come near me" expression, made it even more suspicious.


    The knight leader held his sword, still deep in thought.


    He could tell that the adventurer driving the carriage was a skilled fighter, strong and adept in combat, with a seemingly kind gaze that masked a ruthless and sharp edge. He was a seasoned adventurer who had fought on the brink of life and death many times.


    However, he was also aware of the defenses at Julina''s Forbidden Paradise. The brothel owner, rich and with noble backing, had built a strong guard force, with more heavily armored, magically enhanced guards than the imperial cavalry he commanded.


    The adventurer man alone couldn''t have caused such a commotion, so he must be telling the truth. The priority now was to rush to the burning Julina''s Forbidden Paradise and perhaps catch a few bandits.


    The knight leader sheathed his sword and waved at Barrett, "Move out of the way! Don''t block our path!"


    Barrett gave a sheepish smile, jumped down from the carriage, and led the horses to the edge of the street. The imperial cavalry then thundered past them with a rumbling of iron hooves.

 Chapter 20 - Arches Sister

    "Great Gaia, please bestow your blessing and protect with holy light¡­" Stella clasped her hands around the holy statue, sitting by a small bed, chanting the Divine Magic blessing spell.


    Soft white light gently floated over Ureirika and Kuuderika''s frail bodies. As the sacred faith magic took effect, the two suffering little girls hugged each other tightly as they slept. Their once-tight lips relaxed, and their pale faces gradually gained a hint of color.


    Stella sighed, her beautiful light brown eyes showing a trace of sadness. She picked up a woolen blanket and covered the twin girls, then gently tucked in the corners.


    "How is it?" EeDeChi, seated in a chair, asked once Stella finished her task. "Have you healed them?"


    EeDeChi had a strong talent for Arcane Magic and had previously learned a High-tier group healing spell, but she was clueless about this Divine Magic blessing spell that soothes the spirit, so she could only watch Stella perform the magic alone.


    Stella fidgeted with the holy statue in her hands and said, "Their physical injuries have been healed, and some internal injuries are taken care of. But their mental anguish is too deep; I can''t completely soothe their inner trauma. It requires a more High-tier Divine Magic blessing spell to fully drive away the shadows from their hearts."


    She lowered her head, feeling a bit guilty. "I''m still too weak."


    "It''s okay, you''ve done very well. Thanks to you, their spirits have stabilized. There will be opportunities to heal them completely in the future."


    Such comforting words did not come from EeDeChi but from Sean, who patted Stella''s shoulder to reassure her.


    Barrett, reclining in a soft chair, watched the scene with a sense of boredom, idly swaying back and forth.


    As a seasoned adventurer with nearly twenty years of experience in the industry, Barrett  has seen many situations where both humans and gods will feel angry. His current concern was whether the imperial constables would come knocking on their door.


    They were now on the second floor of a hotel in the capital, occupying four adjacent single rooms.


    Sean had taken care of paying for the rooms. After leaving the burning Julina''s Forbidden Paradise, Barrett had persuaded EeDeChi to cover her face, and under the cover of night, he had sneaked into the hotel with the twin girls and EeDeChi, presumably without being noticed.


    "This world is so dark! They would even harm such young children," EeDeChi fumed as she stood up from her chair and walked out of the room.


    "This world is dark like that," Barrett shrugged. "This is a legitimate business. Captain, next time you''re out robbing people, you''d better cover your face. Otherwise, if you''re caught killing, setting fires, and leaving survivors, you''ll definitely be wanted. And it''ll drag us into it too."


    "Young man, watch your words. How am I a robber? Did I steal anything?" EeDeChi retorted loudly.


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    Barrett gestured toward the two little girls curled up on the bed, sound asleep. "Aren''t you the one who stole these two kids?"


    The twin girls were sleeping peacefully, cuddled together like kittens, their golden hair intertwined, their tiny bodies rising and falling gently with each breath. They looked both pitiful and adorable.


    EeDeChi snorted, "In a feudal society with underdeveloped productivity, the existence of the sex industry does have some degree of rationality, but forcing minors of this age into prostitution is absolutely illegal!"


    "What are productivity and feudal society?" Sean and Stella asked curiously. The Captain''s explanation, though somewhat unclear, seemed very intriguing to them.


    Barrett, who had been with EeDeChi the longest, could understand a few things and shook his head. "It''s not illegal. The Empire revised the law five months ago, stating that any female, regardless of age, can sell herself, no matter how young. If you don''t believe me, ask Stella. She''s from the Empire¡ªshe can confirm if it''s true."


    Stella nodded. "That''s correct. Since the Empire became a vassal state of the Sorcerer Kingdom, the Emperor has relaxed many industry restrictions."


    Hearing this, EeDeChi''s face hardened. "It seems I need to have a word with the Emperor of the Baharuth Empire and impart some elder wisdom. How do I get to the Emperor''s residence?" she asked Barrett.


    Barrett pointed out the window. "The palace is in the middle of the capital, underneath the tallest spire."


    EeDeChi looked out. Although it was deep into the night, a faint magical light outlined a high tower in the sky. She had seen this tall, four-sided spire during the day and thought it was just a landmark, not realizing the Emperor''s palace was below it.


    EeDeChi walked toward the window, seeming ready to jump. Sean hurried over and grabbed her, looking worried. "Captain, what are you doing?"


    EeDeChi shook off his hand. "I''m going to see the Emperor."


    Barrett, who had originally given directions, ran over and grabbed EeDeChi. "Captain, calm down. You''ll get into big trouble like this! Wait until later¡­"


    In the scuffle, Ureirika and Kuuderika, who had been sleeping soundly, were woken up. One of the girls looked at the arguing figures by the bed, her frail body trembling, and with a sobbing voice said, "Sister¡­ Sister¡­" The other girl remained unresponsive, holding tightly to her sibling.


    Seeing the twin girls awake, EeDeChi no longer insisted on jumping out the window. She approached the two little girls wrapped in blankets and tried to put on a friendly expression. "Don''t be scared, I''m here. No one will hurt you. I''ll take you home. What are your parents'' names? Where do you live?"


    The little girl cried out, "We don''t want to go home, we don''t want to find our parents. We want to find our sister¡­"


    Stella stepped forward, bending down to gently support the girl''s thin shoulders and offered comfort.


    ¡­


    EeDeChi, Barrett, and Sean waited outside the room. A few minutes later, Stella, with a look of worry on her face, opened the door softly and walked out, closing the door behind her.


    The plan had been to send the twins back to their parents, as the group couldn''t take them on adventures. But Stella''s expression suggested things weren''t going smoothly.


    "They don''t want to go home. They said their parents treated them poorly, but their sister was very kind to them, so they want to find their real sister. By the way, their sister is also an adventurer," Stella briefly explained the situation.


    This made sense; only irresponsible parents would let their daughters end up in a brothel. It''s possible the parents sold the twins.


    "Then let''s find their sister quickly. Since she''s an adventurer, we can check with the Adventurer''s Guild. We''re an adventuring party, not an orphanage. We can''t be dragging these two around on every mission," Barrett said bluntly.


    EeDeChi shot him a sharp look, making Barrett feel uneasy. However, EeDeChi acknowledged Barrett''s point¡ªthere would be many tough battles ahead.


    "But," Stella sighed, "their sister is Arche Eeb Rile Furt, a member of the Four Strategists. She took on a mission and hasn''t returned in a long time. It seems she went missing while exploring the Great Tomb of Nazarick on the Empire''s border."

 Chapter 21: Causing Trouble for the Emperor

    "The Great Tomb of Nazarick?" Barrett paused for a moment. "Isn''t that the incident from back then?"


    "What incident?" EeDeChi asked, clearly curious.


    Sean, Stella, and Barrett exchanged strange looks at EeDeChi, puzzled as to how their orichalcum-level elite adventurer leader was unaware of this matter.


    With a composed expression from EeDeChi, Barrett began to recount the event that had sent shockwaves through the entire adventurer community.


    It was several years ago when a tantalizing rumor spread among adventurers:


    Between the Baharuth Empire, the Re-Estize Kingdom, and the Slane Theocracy, there was an undiscovered ancient tomb. From the scant information about the tomb''s exterior, it was clear that it was vast and possibly filled with immense treasures and precious artifacts buried within. The potential rewards for exploring it were enormous.


    Of course, such a massive tomb would undoubtedly be guarded by undead creatures enhanced by necromancy, and possibly protected by various arcane defenses. Entering it recklessly would almost certainly lead to unknown dangers.


    However, the allure of riches and magical items was irresistible to adventurers and nobles alike. Soon, a noble with significant influence organized several adventurer teams, including some renowned squads. They all ventured into the Great Tomb at once.


    The result of this expedition was that none of the adventurers who entered the Great Tomb ever came back out.


    Dozens of well-equipped and experienced senior adventurers vanished overnight. After that, a new nation called the Sorcerer Kingdom emerged near the Great Tomb, overrun by powerful undead creatures. No one dared to probe into the tomb''s secrets anymore.


    Barrett spoke of the matter with a sense of nostalgia. At the time, he had been invited to explore the Great Tomb, but he had declined due to the distance. If he had gone, he wouldn''t be here now, recounting the story as if it were a tale.


    "The Great Tomb, the Great Tomb of Nazarick... Sorcerer Kingdom... Ainz Ooal Gown..." EeDeChi furrowed her brow as these fragmented names collided in her mind, gradually coming together like pearls on a necklace.


    She suddenly understood, exclaiming, "I get it! I know where her sister is!"


    "You know where Arche Eeb Rile Furt is?" Barrett, Sean, and Stella looked at EeDeChi in surprise.


    "Hmph, Arche must have been taken by Ainz Ooal Gown to join his harem!" EeDeChi declared confidently.


    "''Join his harem''? What does that mean?" Sean, Stella, and Barrett exchanged puzzled looks.


    EeDeChi then explained in detail that "joining a harem" meant adding one beautiful girl after another to one''s collection.


    In her view, Arche''s sister, the adorable golden-haired twin, must have inherited her sister''s beauty. Therefore, Ainz would have taken a liking to her and added her to his harem. This meant the twin''s sister was still alive, and EeDeChi only needed to rescue her.


    "But..." Barrett, well-versed in such matters, raised a counterpoint, "It''s said that the king of the Sorcerer Kingdom is an undead, a skeleton. It seems unlikely he would have such capabilities... Are you sure about your judgment, Captain?"


    EeDeChi snorted coldly, "I''ve seen it all in my time. I''ve consumed more salt than you''ve eaten rice, crossed more bridges than you''ve traveled roads, and read more pages of books than you''ve used toilet paper. As for an isekai protagonist like Ainz Ooal Gown, I could guess his personality with my eyes closed. I''ll go talk to him and demand he hand over Arche. If he refuses, I''ll smash his damn skull to pieces!"


    "Isekai? Protagonist?" Sean, Stella, and Barrett exchanged bewildered looks at EeDeChi''s rant, unsure what their captain was talking about.


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    As night deepened, after Stella had managed to get the anxious twin girls to sleep, EeDeChi also put aside her plan to "share life wisdom" with Emperor Jircniv. The "Last Defender of the Way" adventurer team retired to their rooms and fell into a deep sleep.


    The heavy night gradually faded as the moon dimmed, and the morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting its gentle light on the world. It was dawn.


    The four of them packed their belongings and prepared to head to the Adventurer''s Guild to see what tasks were available. Barrett stopped EeDeChi from heading outside the inn and instructed Sean to scout the capital city for information while the other three waited in their rooms.


    About half an hour later, Sean burst through the door of their inn room, panting and holding two rolled-up parchments. "Uncle, you were right! You and the captain are wanted!"


    "What?!" EeDeChi slammed the table and stood up. "How dare they put a bounty on me?"


    Barrett ignored EeDeChi''s outburst and quickly closed the door. He unrolled the parchment to examine the wanted notices. One side of the parchment was smeared with some white-gray wall dust, indicating that Sean had just torn it off a wall.


    As expected, one of the parchments had a clear depiction of EeDeChi''s appearance and attire, rendered with oil paints. The portrait was almost identical to EeDeChi, with black clothing, black hair, and a giant sword, though the eyes were a bit menacing.


    Barrett wasn''t surprised by this. The Empire had specialized Magic Casters capable of reading living people''s memories. The mage made the memories of witnesses manifest, and then artists could create highly realistic portrayals of criminals.


    Below the image were EeDeChi''s crimes listed:


    - Attacking "Julina''s Forbidden Paradise," killing 5 people and injuring 31;


    - Arson at "Julina''s Forbidden Paradise";


    - Murder of a Marquis.


    Bounty: 700 gold coins.


    Barrett gasped. Killing an Imperial Marquis was serious trouble. According to Imperial law, even three EeDeChis hanging from the gallows wouldn''t be enough to calm the fury of the nobles and the royal family.


    At the bottom of the parchment, it was noted: The female outlaw is extremely dangerous, mastering 3rd Tier Arcane Magic. Ordinary citizens should not engage if they spot her; instead, they should notify the Imperial Knights.


    The other parchment only detailed Barrett''s attire and equipment, with a less clear depiction of his face.


    Thanks to Barrett''s experience, he had covered his face with a black veil while scavenging from the guards. According to the parchment, Barrett was a cohort of EeDeChi, with a bounty of 100 gold coins.


    Just 100 gold coins? Barrett shook his head. It''s really unfair. Wait, what am I thinking? This is a bounty on my head, not an adventurer''s pay!


    "What now?" Barrett glanced sideways at his captain, clearly thinking, "You didn''t listen to me earlier, and now you''ve really gotten us into trouble."


    EeDeChi impatiently snatched the parchment and frowned. Sean and Stella leaned in to take a look as well.


    "The drawing is quite accurate, though it lacks a bit of liveliness," EeDeChi commented, stroking the non-existent beard on her chin.


    Sean stared at the wanted poster and then glanced at EeDeChi, swallowing nervously.


    EeDeChi shot him a look. "What''s wrong? Hungry?"


    Sean scratched his head and laughed awkwardly. "It''s nothing. I''ve just never seen 700 gold coins before."


    EeDeChi: "¡­"


    "Well, you can''t entirely blame the captain," Stella said, glancing back at the twin girls sleeping soundly on the bed. Her eyes were gentle as she spoke. "If I had the captain''s strength, I''d probably do the same."


    Sean, having just swallowed, immediately agreed. "I agree with the captain''s actions. Her intentions are definitely good! Those nobles are all just a bunch of useless idiots. Hardly any of them are good people!"


    Barrett shrugged. He had been just as reckless as EeDeChi when he was younger. This wasn''t his first time being wanted. Escaping the capital city was familiar territory for him. But now, with all the routes likely blocked, it was time to come up with a strategy.


    The root of the problem, EeDeChi, put down the parchment and gazed out the window, seemingly deep in thought.


    They were on the second floor of the inn. Looking out the window, the sky was an exceptionally clear blue, with bright sunshine and wispy clouds drifting gently in the breeze. In the distance, the tall, clean, white spire of the royal palace could be seen.


    Thanks to its protective magical aura, this tallest building in the capital palace had always remained clean and bright since its construction.


    The adventurer captain with a bounty of 700 gold coins seemed to have come to a decision. She tightened her grip on the giant sword strapped to her back and said to the other three:


    "It looks like, besides taking down the big bad guy Ainz Ooal Gown, I need to do something else. You all should leave. I can''t help you anymore. Since I''m already wanted, I''ll go teach Emperor Jircniv a lesson and impart some wisdom to him before leaving this country."


    With that, she jumped onto the table by the window, placed her left foot on the windowsill, and with a powerful push, leaped out the window. She flew through the air like a black bird, leaping from rooftop to rooftop with agility surpassing that of a cat. After a few bounds, she crossed several streets and disappeared behind the closely packed buildings.


    "Don''t worry," Barrett said. "With the captain''s strength, only the Four Imperial Knights of the Baharuth might be able to stop her."

 Chapter 22 – An Unexpected Encounter

    On the day when the magic portrait of EeDeChi, meticulously crafted by the Empire''s painter, was posted on the wanted list of the Baharuth Empire,


    Early in the morning, at the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown woke up from his bed as usual. Since he was unaware that anyone wanted to smash his skull, he was in a good mood. After a bubble bath with a slime assisting him, he quickly finished dealing with the day''s administrative tasks.


    The reports from his subordinates were neither numerous nor complicated, with the only highlight being the new weapons and armor tributed by the Dwarf Kingdom. Since the Great Tomb of Nazarick demonstrated unparalleled might in the battle against the Quagoa, many distant nations and tribes of different races had chosen to submit.


    Feeling bored, Ainz thought that since there was nothing else to do, he might as well observe the actions, etiquette, and demeanor of Emperor Jircniv of the Baharuth Empire.


    Jircniv was a young and capable emperor, known for his ruthless tactics and exceptional strategies. To consolidate royal power, he had purged the domestic nobility on a large scale when he ascended to the throne, earning the title "The Blood Emperor."


    Although he was stubborn and cruel in power struggles, he was still a competent ruler. Jircniv had implemented numerous reforms, greatly enhancing the economic and military development of the Baharuth Empire.


    Before Ainz crossed over to this isekai world, he was just a lowly company employee. Now, suddenly becoming the supreme ruler and the ultimate overlord of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, he felt somewhat out of place. So, he often used invisibility magic to disguise himself, standing next to Emperor Jircniv, observing his every move to improve his own commanding presence.


    This tactic proved quite effective. After secretly studying for a while, Albedo once commented with stars in her eyes that Ainz-sama was becoming more and more regal, and it didn''t seem like mere flattery.


    Determined to further his skills, Ainz activated a teleportation spell to arrive at the capital''s palace of the Baharuth Empire. After using high-tier invisibility magic, he entered the palace where Jircniv met with his ministers. For Ainz, who mastered 10th tier and Super-Tier Magic, the highest 6th Tier defensive and guard spells in the Baharuth Empire''s palace were as trivial as chalk lines drawn by a child.


    Since it was still early, Ainz took a glance at the emperor''s bedroom and saw that Jircniv was still asleep. Ainz wasn''t in a hurry; he pulled out a chair from his storage space and waited in the palace.


    As time passed, Ainz noticed that Jircniv still hadn''t arrived in the meeting hall with his ministers.


    "What''s going on? Does the emperor have a day off too?" Ainz wondered, using high-tier magic to pass through the wall and enter Jircniv''s bedroom.


    Then he saw Emperor Jircniv press a young maid, dressed in white stockings, onto the bed and fucking her hard.


    "Eh..." Ainz, cloaked in an invisibility and silence spell, observed the sex scene before him, "What a lively young man indeed."


    Ainz looked at Jircniv''s various sex positions, from missionary style to doggy style to cowgirl, and expressed admiration.


    But Ainz''s heart remained relatively calm. After crossing over to this isekai world and becoming an undead, his desires and interests in physical intimacy had gradually faded.


    Suddenly, he thought of Albedo, and a sharp pain struck his head.


    "Never mind, I''ll wait a bit longer," Ainz decided against using invisibility magic to interrupt Jircniv and went back to sit in the meeting hall with the ministers. The hall was empty; without the emperor seated on his throne, the ministers and generals hadn''t entered.


    ...


    Ainz flipped through his small black booklet, reviewing the details and etiquette he had recorded from observing Emperor Jircniv of the Baharuth Empire.


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    "Walk with your gaze level and forward, but keep a bit of peripheral vision to observe your surroundings."


    "When addressed by subordinates from behind, turn slowly and don''t respond too hastily, as if the subordinate is assigning you a task¡­"


    "Huh?" Ainz looked up from his booklet to see a girl dressed in loose black clothing, wearing a gray cloak, with short black hair and carrying a giant sword, push open the palace''s golden doors and stroll casually through the spacious, empty hall.


    Who is this girl? Ainz was puzzled. He had been observing Emperor Jircniv in the palace intermittently for nearly a month and had never seen this black-haired girl before.


    Moreover, this was the main hall where the emperor met with his ministers. The only people allowed to carry weapons in this area were the renowned Four Knights of the Empire and a few trusted generals of Emperor Jircniv. Any unknown individuals carrying weapons who dared to enter this room would be immediately identified as assassins and killed on the spot.


    Could this girl be lost? Ainz wasn''t sure. However, it wasn''t his concern. With his 8th Tier simple invisibility magic, he was practically undetectable to anyone in the palace. Even if this distracted girl were to be hacked into a bloody mess by the imperial knights, it had nothing to do with him.


    The girl with the longsword approached Ainz and looked around the opulent palace, then turned her gaze toward where Ainz was sitting, her black eyes filled with curiosity.


    "Hey, skeleton in clothes, can you tell me where that emperor, Jircniv or whatever his name is, is?" The girl asked, directing her question toward Ainz.


    "Eh! You can see me?" Ainz was astonished. He closed his black booklet and looked down to check his magical aura. His magic power was subtly shimmering around him, and the invisibility spell hadn''t failed.


    EeDeChi found it a bit strange that this undead with a Justice Value of -500 was talking like this. How could such a large skeleton sitting in a chair with a "-500" above its head not be seen by others? With a Justice Value of -500, this undead must have a twisted mind, perhaps even a twisted brain.


    Despite her confusion, she maintained a friendly demeanor. On her way from the castle''s outer areas to the center of the palace, she had overturned dozens of guards and knights but still hadn''t figured out the emperor''s location.


    EeDeChi realized that violence wouldn''t solve the problem; it was better to communicate properly.


    Ainz placed his hand on the armrest of the chair and subtly cast a High-tier detection spell on the girl before him.


    10th Tier Magic: Power Detection.


    A string of text and symbols appeared in Ainz''s vision:


    Race: Human


    Level: ???


    Combat Power: ???


    Magic Power: ???


    Innate Talent: ???


    Defensive Magic: None


    Potential Attack: None


    Ainz became cautious in an instant. This was the first time he encountered so many "???" in a detection spell since crossing into this isekai world. Either this girl had used a 10th tier or Super-Tier anti-detection magic, or she possessed an anti-detection magic item comparable to 10th tier power!


    Moreover, her ability to see through his 8th Tier invisibility magic with just her eyes meant she had considerable magical power and could cast spells well above 8th Tier!


    Ainz realized he had unexpectedly encountered a powerful and mysterious figure. After calming his excitement and nervousness, he noticed that the girl, despite her unknown strength, didn''t seem to have hostile intentions, so he decided not to act immediately.


    "What do you need Emperor Jircniv for?" Ainz asked, regaining his composure. Without sufficient information, he couldn''t act recklessly.


    "I need to have a chat with this young fellow and teach him a thing or two about ruling a country," EeDeChi said casually.


    Does Jircniv just show up whenever you want? He''s the emperor, the supreme ruler of the Baharuth Empire! The ruler with the title "Bloody Emperor"! Ainz felt a bit bewildered, not understanding what was going through the serious-faced girl''s mind.


    However, considering that he himself had been casually roaming the palace, observing Jircniv''s behavior and etiquette for quite some time, he didn''t have much room to criticize the girl for her actions.


    "Who are you?" EeDeChi asked Ainz Ooal Gown, suddenly reaching out and grabbing the black notebook from his hands to flip through it.


    "Hey! You can''t just take someone else''s stuff!" Ainz was startled; he hadn''t been prepared for this sudden action.


    "Just looking. It''s not like I''m stealing it," EeDeChi said, flipping through a few pages of the notebook. She found detailed notes on the emperor''s behaviors and etiquette.


    "What are you doing with this?" EeDeChi handed the notebook back to Ainz Ooal Gown and asked.


    "Well..." Ainz took back the notebook and decided not to reveal too much about himself until he knew more about her. "I''m responsible for recording... recording the emperor''s etiquette and actions, to correct his behavior and make him appear more regal."


    "Is that so?" EeDeChi said noncommittally. "Then do you know where the emperor is?"


    Suddenly, a message arrived from the Great Tomb of Nazarick. A red magical scroll appeared in Ainz''s hand, and he converted the message to display in his vision.


    In his view, Sebas, dressed in a formal tailcoat, looked awkwardly at Ainz. He bowed deeply, his neatly trimmed gray beard quivering slightly. "Honorable Supreme One, Shalltear and Albedo are arguing over the bathrobe you use, and they are about to come to blows. Please come and mediate."


    "Or you could take another bath?" Sebas cautiously suggested.


    The message ended, and Ainz''s vision returned. He felt a headache coming on.


    "Hey, where''s the emperor? Don''t just stand there silent," the black-haired girl asked with a hint of frustration.


    "Wait here. He''ll be taking that seat soon," Ainz pointed to an ornate, jewel-encrusted throne deep in the palace.


    He decided to investigate the girl later. With that thought, Ainz used teleportation magic and left the capital of the Baharuth Empire.


    "Eh? He''s gone!" EeDeChi looked at the chair where the undead had been sitting, now completely empty, and was left in stunned surprise.

 Chapter 23 The Four Knights of the Empire

    A young man with luxurious attire and strikingly handsome features, Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix of the Baharuth Empire, strolled leisurely down the corridor. Reports had already come in about intruders breaking into the palace, but Emperor Jircniv paid it no mind.


    In this world, only the powerful figures from the Sorcerer Kingdom could threaten the heavily guarded imperial palace. If Sorcerer Kingdom''s people came, there would be no need to resist; it would be best to surrender and accept one''s fate.


    He still vividly remembered that nightmarish day. A pair of dark elf twins descended from the sky on a dragon, wielding High-tier earth magic to annihilate the fully armored knights in the palace, marking the first display of the Sorcerer Kingdom''s¡ªspecifically the Great Tomb of Nazarick''s¡ªterrifying power.


    After that, the situation spiraled uncontrollably into the darkest depths of the abyss.


    The royal family was invited by Ainz Ooal Gown to tour the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    The empire''s most trusted court mage, Fluder Paradyne, defected from the empire and pledged allegiance to Ainz Ooal Gown.


    Ainz Ooal Gown used an unprecedented Super-Tier magic to obliterate tens of thousands of soldiers from the Re-Estize Kingdom.


    Ainz Ooal Gown engaged in a martial arts contest with the Martial Champion, subtly warning the imperial emperor not to act recklessly.


    The Baharuth Empire officially announced its voluntary status as a vassal state of the Sorcerer Kingdom.


    Jircniv rested his hand on the white stone railing of the palace and gazed at the majestic castle. A bitter smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. When he first ascended the throne of the Baharuth Empire, he was brimming with ambition, eager to accomplish something legendary.


    To achieve this, he had ruthlessly purged the nobility with whom he shared considerable blood ties, concentrating power within the royal family. After that, he planned to crush the capital of the empire''s longtime enemy, the Re-Estize Kingdom, with the empire''s iron cavalry, then march south to conquer the ever-arrogant Slane Theocracy.


    Following that, he aimed to subdue the rebellious demi-human tribes around him, expanding the empire and establishing the Baharuth Empire as the strongest human empire in the world.


    But the sudden appearance of the Great Tomb of Nazarick had completely derailed all his plans. Ambitions, aspirations, strategies, and grand dreams all seemed as fragile and laughable as a child''s sandcastle in the face of overwhelming power.


    He had longed to end the century-old war with the Re-Estize Kingdom using the empire''s knights and magic, but seeing the Re-Estize Kingdom''s main force fall like harvested grain under the terrifying magic of the Great Demon King Ainz Ooal Gown, he felt no satisfaction, only boundless fear.


    If Ainz Ooal Gown could mercilessly wipe out tens of thousands of Re-Estize Kingdom''s soldiers, then he could easily destroy the entire Baharuth Empire.


    Reports from the intelligence department also mentioned that 70,000 Quagoa in the Azerlisia Mountains had been slaughtered to near extinction by Ainz Ooal Gown''s subordinates.


    Facing a ruthless demon king, Emperor Jircniv now only wanted to do his best to preserve the lives of the people of the Baharuth Empire and his own life, with no hope left for grand conquests. Even attacking the war-weary Re-Estize Kingdom had lost its appeal.


    Under the supreme intimidation of Ainz Ooal Gown, the Baharuth Empire and the Re-Estize Kingdom, which had been at war for nearly a century, were merely two shivering rabbits in the winter. If one was killed, the hunter''s arrow would quickly turn to the other.


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    Jircniv sighed and stopped his thoughts. Recently, he had become quite despondent. Once diligent and uninterested in women, he now wallowed in indulgence. When he realized that all his efforts were in vain, he questioned what meaning his life had beyond pleasure.


    He pushed open the doors to the main hall of the palace and walked inside. Normally, he would meet with ministers and generals here, discussing state affairs and handling administration. But now, the resplendent palace was empty. Some senior officials had been terrified into resignation by Ainz, returning to their homes, while others had left, unable to tolerate the emperor''s despondency.


    No, there was someone in the palace.


    Jircniv looked up and saw a girl in black clothes with black hair, leaning against a pillar with a giant sword on her back. She was half-asleep, her head nodding slightly.


    Who is this? Jircniv frowned. How did the guards let her in? He adjusted his ornate headpiece and belt, then walked over to the girl and cleared his throat.


    The young girl, not very old, was startled awake. She blinked at Emperor Jircniv, her gaze hazy: "Who are you¡­"


    Interesting!


    A faint smile played at the corners of Jircniv''s mouth. He stood a head taller than the girl before him, looking down at her with a smirk and said:


    "Such a pure and unaffected girl. You''re the first ordinary woman I''ve seen who hasn''t knelt before the emperor. You really have some personality. I like that."


    The black-haired girl looked a bit confused. She tilted her head, thought for a moment, then stood up straight and suddenly grabbed the collar of the golden-haired man''s ornate robe, lifting him up!


    "So," EeDeChi''s dark eyes sparkled with intensity, her drowsiness gone, "you''re Emperor Jircniv?"


    She lifted the struggling, handsome man with one hand and threw him onto the central, opulent throne in the palace.


    "Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix." Jircniv adjusted his crumpled collar, trying to maintain the dignity of the empire''s highest ruler, and said with a serious tone, "I am the emperor of the empire. What do you want? You''ve already committed¡ª"


    With a swooshing sound, EeDeChi drew the long sword from her back with one hand. In an instant, the broad blade swept past Emperor Jircniv''s ear, the wild sword wind ruffling his golden hair, and he was instantly silenced.


    "Your name is too long, hard to remember. I thought an emperor would be an old man, but you''re a young guy, and you look pretty clean-cut." EeDeChi nodded, tapping the emperor''s cheek with the flat of her sword and said with a grin, "It''s good to be young. Young people should listen to advice."


    "Your Majesty! Bandit! Release His Majesty!" Several shouts rang out from behind. The palace doors were burst open with a loud bang. EeDeChi turned to see four well-armored knights in magic armor, wielding longswords and greatswords, charging in.


    Three men and one woman stood in the palace. Leading them was a burly warrior with a golden beard, clad in heavy armor. They positioned themselves in the spacious hall, blocking off any escape routes for EeDeChi.


    Behind them, ranks of fully armored knights surged in, their enchanted adamantine armor gleaming. Longswords, steel spears, and adamantine tower shields formed a fan-shaped formation, surrounding EeDeChi and the emperor.


    From the corner of her eye, EeDeChi saw that as the four knights entered, Emperor Jircniv breathed a sigh of relief and reclined in the throne''s backrest.


    The three warriors were the emperor''s most esteemed and renowned Imperial Four Knights! Though one had already fallen, leaving only three.


    "Lightning Bolt" Baziwood Peshmel!


    "Fierce Gale" Nimble Arc Dale Anoch!


    "Heavy Explosion" Leinas Rockbruise!


    Baziwood, wielding a broad black giant sword, glared at EeDeChi and the long sword she held against Emperor Jircniv''s ear. His expression darkened. "An imperial fugitive daring to infiltrate the palace! No wonder we couldn''t find you. It turns out you''ve advanced right into the heart of it."


    Nimble, clad in a black cloak, looked anxious. "This woman has some skills. She''s already injured dozens of guards and grand mages. To be safe, let''s all attack together."


    "Stay calm and don''t act recklessly! His Majesty is still in her grasp!"


    EeDeChi smiled and withdrew her sword from beside Jircniv. She strolled confidently towards the tightly prepared encirclement.


    Although the imperial knights were unsure why the female bandit would voluntarily abandon such a high-value hostage, they were nonetheless relieved. The greatest constraint on their combat ability had been voluntarily discarded by the enemy.


    As EeDeChi moved a considerable distance from the emperor, Baziwood roared, "Attack!"


    The three knights unleashed their prepared martial arts, slashing through the air like four black, sharp streaks of light, converging on EeDeChi from all directions!

 Chapter 24: The Emperors Hope

    One of the strongest¡­


    Before she crossed into this world, she had a vague sense that her power was among the strongest. But if she was one of the strongest, it meant there were others who were also among the strongest.


    Could that guy named Ainz Ooal Gown be one of them? EeDeChi muttered to herself while stroking the giant sword in her hand.


    In the opulent palace, the area where she stood was a charred wasteland, scattered with spell marks, flames, iron arrows, and ice shards.


    This was the aftermath of the various offensive spells cast by the court mages earlier. The marble floor was scorched with blackened holes, yet she remained unscathed.


    "Is this all the Empire''s Four Knights can do?" Disappointment was evident in EeDeChi''s black eyes. No wonder the Baharuth Empire had willingly become a vassal state of the Sorcerer Kingdom¡ªhuman strength was just too weak.


    The three knights who had just attacked her with murderous intent now lay in the corners of the palace, their armor torn and groaning in pain.


    These three had a fairly high Justice Value, so EeDeChi hadn''t killed them, but they wouldn''t be able to fight again anytime soon.


    One of the knights, Baziwood, was pale, with a large dent in his high-quality adamantite armor. He tried to rise, bracing himself with his heavy sword, but ultimately ended up kneeling on one knee.


    Ignoring him, EeDeChi swung her giant sword and approached the crumbling defense formation of the remaining guards. The guards, forming a fan-shaped perimeter around her, wobbled with their shields and long spears, their eyes filled with terror as their adamantite armor clattered as they retreated.


    The emperor, Jircniv, who had been sitting casually on the throne, now stood up. His handsome face was now blank, and his voice trembled as he said, "Warrior, please spare them. If Lord Gown wants to take my life, he only needs to strike at me. Please don''t harm my people and my subordinates."


    "Your Majesty! Don''t say that, we''re just too weak to protect you¡­" Baziwood, one of the Empire''s Four Knights, showed a face of reluctant resistance, struggling to stand.


    EeDeChi stopped and turned around with a puzzled look, "Who is Lord Gown?"


    Jircniv stared for a moment and said, "The unparalleled God of Destruction, the most powerful Magic Caster, the eternal emperor of the Sorcerer Kingdom, the writer of magical rules, the master of time and space, the king of the undead...¡­"


    EeDeChi was taken aback, "So many people!"


    Jircniv continued to recite with the air of an actor performing in an opera, "...the one who controls the world, the supreme ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the great and supreme¡ªAinz Ooal Gown!"


    "Is it Lord Gown who sent you?" Jircniv asked cautiously. He had thought that such a powerful figure, who could easily defeat the Empire''s Four Knights and toss him onto the throne, must have been sent by Ainz.


    "Oh, you mean Ainz Ooal Gown. His name has such a long prefix," EeDeChi said, suddenly understanding.


    What she didn''t know was that this flattery had been crafted by the Baharuth Empire''s Minister of Literature over three days, intended to butter up Ainz.


    "I''m not sent by Ainz Ooal Gown. In fact, I''ve never even met him," EeDeChi waved her hand. "And, I need to deal with him."


    "Deal with¡­ Lord Gown?" Jircniv gasped, his voice tense. "What do you mean by ''deal with''?"


    "It means... if I can kill him, I''ll kill him. If I can''t, I''ll at least change him into something else," EeDeChi explained, looking relaxed.


    Jircniv took a couple of steps back and sat down again on his throne. He covered his face with his hands, his mind racing.


    "But before dealing with him, I need to discuss something with you," EeDeChi walked up to the throne, staring at Jircniv.


    Jircniv snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to meet EeDeChi''s stern gaze. He forced a thin smile on his pale face.


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    He ordered the trembling guards huddled in the palace, "Everyone out. Knights, go find the court priest to treat your wounds. No one is allowed in without my command!"


    The guards and court mages picked up their weapons and helped the exhausted Empire''s Four Knights out of the palace. The massive palace doors slowly closed, and the grand hall fell silent again, leaving only Emperor Jircniv and EeDeChi.


    Sitting on his throne, Jircniv leaned forward slightly, adopting a humble posture. "Warrior, feel free to make any requests."


    EeDeChi wasted no time and stated directly, "I want you to amend the laws to ban anyone under 18 from engaging in prostitution! Also, strengthen the oversight of the sex industry and conduct a crackdown on prostitution once a year."


    "A crackdown on prostitution?" Jircniv looked confused. "Also, isn''t the legal age 16?"


    In most countries and tribes in this world, 16 or even 14 was considered the age of adulthood, as most boys and girls had to take on the responsibilities of supporting a family early.


    EeDeChi widened her eyes and looked furious. "Are you arguing with me?"


    "Ah¡­ no," Jircniv, noticing the girl''s displeased expression, quickly added, "I can amend the law to set 18 as the age of adulthood."


    "Good, you''re still reasonable," EeDeChi said, nodding in satisfaction.


    "Is there anything else you need?" Emperor Jircniv asked cautiously.


    EeDeChi fixed her gaze on Jircniv''s head, where a number -52 floated above him, indicating the Emperor''s Justice Value.


    "Well¡­ there''s one more thing." EeDeChi reached into her bosom and pulled out a slender golden object¡ªa pen. She pointed the pen at Emperor Jircniv''s head. The pen''s tip was sharp and thin, shimmering with a golden light.


    "What is that? What are you going to do?" The Emperor''s voice quivered with a hint of fear.


    "This pen is called ''Modify.'' It''s my personal magical tool. I haven''t used it in a long time," EeDeChi muttered to herself.


    "It not only helps me cast the Magic Repeater but also has a major function: it can alter a person''s Justice Value. This pen generates 2 points of Justice Value per day and can store up to 500 points. You can transfer the stored Justice Value to others. The effectiveness of the transfer depends on the recipient''s strength¡ªthe weaker they are, the better the effect."


    Jircniv looked at the sharp-tipped golden pen, the tip pointing directly at his forehead, less than 8 inches(20.32centimeters ) away, with a glimmering gold edge.


    He suddenly felt a pang of fear and tried to get up from the throne.


    EeDeChi firmly pressed his head down and said sternly, "Don''t struggle, young man. As an emperor, your Justice Value is -52, which is way too low. I''ve managed to gather 132 points here. I''ll transfer all of it to you."


    "Relax,I am coming." She muttered some words, and the pen burst forth with a golden light that shot straight into Jircniv''s forehead!


    "Your Justice Value is now 79," EeDeChi said, watching the number above the emperor''s head. "With the protection of imperial authority, it only used up 1 point. Not too bad."


    Jircniv felt a warm flow swirling in his brain, but it soon settled. He nervously checked his body and found no missing parts or organs, and his mental state seemed normal. He let out a sigh of relief.


    EeDeChi put away the pen, patted Jircniv on the shoulder with an encouraging tone, and said, "Do well, little brother. You''re a competent emperor, and I have high hopes for you. Remember, don''t employ undead with a Justice Value of -500 in the future; it will negatively affect your character in the long run."


    "I¡­ didn''t employ¡­ anyone like that¡­" Jircniv thought, feeling confused but reluctant to speak further.


    The black-haired girl with a slightly mature demeanor strapped the giant sword back onto her back and walked out of the palace.


    "Warrior, where are you going?" Jircniv asked in surprise. Was she storming into the imperial palace, capturing the emperor, injuring the Four Knights of the Empire, just to make him change the laws to prevent children and young adults from selling their bodies?


    "I''ve got a lot on my plate. First, I need to find my subordinates, and then I''m off to find Ainz Ooal Gown and get him to hand over a girl," EeDeChi said without turning around. She kicked open the palace doors, took a few quick steps, and vanished into the palace.


    Jircniv slumped back onto his throne, his tense nerves finally relaxing. He leaned on his elbows, deep in thought. After a while, he seemed to have an epiphany and smiled as he muttered to himself, "The heroes of today really are something else."


    A messy-haired figure peeked cautiously around the palace doors. After confirming that the woman had left, the disheveled figure carefully stepped inside.


    He took a long look at Jircniv on the throne and, seeing that the emperor was unharmed, sighed in relief.


    Jircniv looked up to see Justin, the Empire''s State Minister. He was one of the few senior ministers in the cabinet and had been Jircniv''s tutor when he was still a prince, so they had a deep bond.


    Justin bowed to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, it has been confirmed that the madwoman who attacked us last night is the same one who burned down a noble''s residence and killed a marquis in the southwest district of the capital. The Empire had already issued a citywide manhunt for her last night. Fortunately, she hasn''t completely lost her senses and did not harm Your Majesty¡­"


    Jircniv looked at the trembling old man with his white beard and waved his hand with a smile, saying, "Justin, when I was young, you told me many stories of heroes slaying dragons, much like the legend of the Thirteen Heroes. A powerful hero, with the help of a king, battles tirelessly to slay dragons, rescue princesses, or defeat demon lords to save the world.


    "I always wanted to be a hero, to have my brave and fearless legend passed down through the ages. But now, I haven''t become a hero¡ªI''ve become a king."


    "Your Majesty, leading the people and soldiers of the Empire is your inherent duty. Being a hero is just a bedtime story for children," Justin said, a bit apprehensively. He couldn''t quite grasp what the emperor meant. Was Jircniv suddenly wanting to become a hero? Then his guilt would be great.


    Jircniv smiled. "If there are demon lords, then there must be heroes. She is the hope of the Empire. As king, I should be providing weapons and magical items to this hero, but with her strength, she probably wouldn''t even look at anything in my treasury.


    "Send out my orders to cancel the manhunt for this outlaw. Also, call the Minister of Justice. I need to convene a meeting of the court as soon as possible!"

 Chapter 25: Ainzs Plan

    "Orichalcum-level adventurer. ''The Last Defender of the Way'' team leader."


    "Is that all the information?" Ainz''s skeletal eyes glowed brighter as he looked at the message scroll made from Roble Holy Kingdom''s sheepskin.


    His long, bony fingers lightly tapped the emerald armrest of his golden chair as he pondered deeply. He was certain that this girl, whose strength was unknown, was far beyond orichalcum-level in combat capability.


    This was the first time Ainz had encountered such a situation in the world. Until now, the Great Tomb of Nazarick had progressed smoothly. Even when dealing with native powerhouses like the "Eight Fingers" or the "Frost Dragon," after a tense and vigorous effort, he would find that it was just a matter of outwitting thin air. The subsequent logical deductions confirmed that while the process was relatively smooth, everything made sense.


    But now, things were different. Despite being just an ordinary human, this girl could see through Ainz''s 8th Tier invisibility magic with the naked eye, indicating her extraordinary strength. Even Ainz himself would need anti-invisibility magic and corresponding magical items to break through High-tier concealment spells.


    For humans, mastering 5th Tier magic is the gateway to the legendary realm of "heroes." If there were a Magic Caster among humans who could directly see through 8th Tier magic, she would be world-renowned, revered and worshiped like the chief court magician of the Baharuth Empire, and certainly not just an ordinary adventurer, let alone merely orichalcum-level.


    When Ainz first arrived in this world, he also started off disguised as an adventurer, and after some hasty maneuvering, he became a top-tier "adamantite-level" adventurer.


    Of course, it''s also possible that this girl possesses an innate talent that allows her to ignore concealment magic. After finishing his tasks in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz teleported to the capital palace of the Baharuth Empire, but he couldn''t find her.


    He didn''t know whether she was friend or foe. Reflecting back, it was strange that she had the audacity to snatch the notebook from his hands. To be honest, it had been a long time since anyone dared to treat him with such an attitude of equals, or even of subordinates.


    Most of those who had the nerve to show off in front of Ainz were now dead, while a few others had become sycophants, bowing and worshiping him. It would be interesting to see how this girl would treat him once she learned of his true strength.


    Ainz thought to himself and sternly instructed the guardians bowing at his sides, "I want all the information on this girl within five days! Test her strength first, and if she''s not powerful, bring her back to the Great Tomb of Nazarick. If it''s an innate talent to see through disguise magic, that could be very interesting."


    "Yes, Lord Ainz!" Sebas Tian, leading his subordinate combat maid squad, departed.


    "Albedo, you''re frequently dealing with the royal nobles of the Re-Estize Kingdom and are more familiar with human affairs, so keep an eye out for any information in this area," Ainz said, turning his head toward Albedo who was standing by to serve. He noticed that Albedo''s expression was unusually stiff.


    "Yes, Lord Ainz," Albedo nodded in agreement, then quickly walked outside. What Ainz didn''t see was the jealous fire blazing in Albedo''s eyes as she turned away from him.


    "The nerve of that third party to capture Lord Ainz''s attention like this! If you dare come between our relationship, I''ll obliterate you!" Clenching her dainty hands sheathed in white silk gloves, Albedo''s black wings trembled slightly as she walked deeper into the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


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    ...


    Unaware that someone was plotting against her, EeDeChi was in good spirits after giving the emperor of the empire a lesson. She moved lightly across the rooftops of the Baharuth Empire''s capital, searching for her fellow members of "The Last Defender of the Way" adventurer squad. They had agreed to meet on the outskirts after passing through the city''s west exit.


    After leaving the palace, she headed straight to the agreed-upon location, but found no one there. So she turned back into the city and began searching.


    She had been searching for almost the entire morning, and the girl was a bit frustrated. She realized she should have bought some short-range communication magic tools and distributed them to her team members, which would have ensured better coordination.


    EeDeChi climbed to the top of a high spire of a temple and looked around. Her eyesight was excellent, and from afar she saw a group of guards in well-equipped plate armor and helmets surrounding a burly man at the southern city exit.


    The burly man was Barrett.


    "Lady, the arrest warrant has been canceled," Barrett said, licking his lips while holding a longsword. At his feet lay five guards moaning and clutching their arms. Opposite him stood a noblewoman surrounded by several guards, her expression somewhat hysterical.


    This noblewoman, dressed in a lacy corset, was none other than the wife of Marquis Felix Luffman.


    Marquis Felix had indulged his dark desires in Forbidden Paradise and, unfortunately, encountered EeDeChi. As a result, the once prestigious lady became a widow, and Barrett and his group became wanted criminals.


    "Damn it! It''s EeDeChi''s fault, so why am I stuck with this?" Barrett held his longsword tightly, the fire of gripe burning in his heart.


    After parting ways with EeDeChi, he had escaped the city alone, while Sean and Stella had taken the twin girls out of the capital from another direction.


    Barrett had done a quick disguise and managed to evade several checkpoints. To his surprise, he saw that the sheriff''s deputies were tearing down the wanted posters from the walls! Their crimes had been revoked!


    Although he didn''t know why, Barrett was still very pleased that his arrest warrant had been removed. He kept walking outward until he encountered a noblewoman using her family''s guard to search for him.


    This wealthy family had called upon mages to use area-wide magic that could see through low-level disguise spells, and they quickly spotted the relaxed Barrett.


    When enemies meet, there''s no time for pleasantries¡ªswords are drawn and the fight begins. Barrett, now alone, was soon surrounded. But using his skilled martial arts, he took down five guards in quick succession. The remaining guards were too intimidated to attack and could only temporarily contain Barrett.


    In truth, even this group of well-equipped guards might struggle to defeat Barrett if they all charged at once. As a seasoned mithril-level adventurer, Barrett''s combat prowess was not to be underestimated. Any monster he had hunted over nearly twenty years of adventuring would likely scare these guards out of their wits.


    He didn''t want to cause a death in the capital, otherwise, he would have already fought his way out of the encirclement.


    "Lady," Barrett spoke earnestly, "I deeply sympathize with your husband''s plight. Unfortunately, he met someone he shouldn''t have while doing something he shouldn''t have.


    "But I have no connection to this matter. I''m not even a witness. And look, the arrest warrant has been canceled! This proves our innocence!"


    "Stop pretending!" the marquis''s wife screamed, her once orderly curled hair now disheveled and her carefully applied makeup distorted.


    "Don''t think I don''t know. You''re an accomplice! You lowly adventurers! Whatever dirty dealings you''ve been involved in must have been so severe that the legal department had to drop the charges. But my family and I won''t let you go! Guards! Get him! Capture him and interrogate him for that female thief''s whereabouts!"


    The guards with swords stepped forward, tightening the encirclement, but no one dared to be the first to engage Barrett. As Barrett took a step in one direction, the guards in that direction retreated.


    Suddenly, a guard in heavy armor was thrown backward out of the circle, followed by another guard. It was as if an elephant with its trunk was tossing the guards one by one. The encirclement now had a gap.


    But there was no elephant, only a stern-looking girl with black hair stepping through the gap in the encirclement.


    EeDeChi glanced at the marquis''s wife and said, "I''m right here. No need to interrogate him."


    Barrett sighed at the words. With the arrival of this hot-headed team leader, things were about to get even more troublesome.

 Chapter 26 The Emperors Gift

    "You¡­ you''re that female bandit!" The Marquis''s wife pointed at EeDeChi, roaring with spittle flying from her mouth. "You lowly adventurer! I''ll see you hanged!"


    A young guard lunged forward with his sword, aiming straight at EeDeChi''s chest. EeDeChi sidestepped slightly, grabbed the guard''s armored arm with one hand, and tossed him aside effortlessly.


    The guard hit the ground with an "ouch," and the remaining guards took two steps back, their encirclement loosening. Instead, they crowded around the noblewoman even tighter. A Magic Caster, who had been waiting for an opportunity, wisely chose to quietly slip away upon witnessing the scene.


    "I won''t let you and your family go unpunished. Soon, you''ll know the consequences of crossing the Luffman family of the Empire!" The Marquis''s wife raised her voice, but her left foot involuntarily took a step back.


    After witnessing EeDeChi''s display of strength by effortlessly tossing the guard, the noblewoman''s bravado had turned into mere bluster.


    EeDeChi snorted coldly and lifted the giant sword on her back with one hand. Barrett quickly grabbed her arm. "Captain, let''s just drop it. We don''t need to waste our time with these people."


    He knew very well that if they killed another noble in the Imperial capital, they would be in serious trouble.


    EeDeChi sheathed her sword and turned to Barrett, said,  "Barrett, there''s an old saying: difficulties are like springs. The weaker you are, the stronger they become; the stronger you are, the weaker they get. You need to be tougher so you''re not bullied by your opponents, understand?"


    "Yeah, yeah, you''re right." Barrett guided the girl, who was full of strange sayings, out of the encirclement. The surrounding guards instinctively made way.


    The two ignored the furious noblewoman behind them and walked past the guards and onlookers, heading towards the exit.


    Not long after, a well-dressed, knightly figure blocked their path as they were about to leave the city.


    "Is it Lord EeDeChi the Hero?" The knight removed his sword from his waist and asked respectfully. Barrett took a closer look at the gold insignia on the knight''s chest and realized he was a royal knight.


    "Yes, I am EeDeChi, but I''m no Hero," EeDeChi replied with her arms crossed. Barrett quietly informed her that this was a High-tier royal knight, which made her more wary of Emperor Jircniv.


    The knight bowed deeply. "His Majesty instructed us to wait at the major city gates in the capital. If we encounter the great Hero, we are to present some gifts."


    He signaled to two attendants behind him, who brought up a large mahogany chest. The chest looked quite heavy, bending the attendants'' waists.


    "This is just a small gift from His Majesty. Please accept it," the knight said respectfully.


    The royal knight then produced a small, exquisite silver box adorned with intricate imperial designs. He faced EeDeChi, bowing and presenting it with both hands.


    EeDeChi took the box and opened it to find a delicate, golden ring nestled on a red silk cushion.


    "Are you proposing to me?" EeDeChi stared at the box in surprise.


    The royal knight looked up, equally puzzled, clearly not expecting the great Hero''s response to be so.


    "This is a spatial ring!" Barrett exclaimed, laughing and showing envy. "And it''s of the highest quality!"


    "Oh," EeDeChi shrugged and pocketed the elegant spatial ring.


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    She already wore a spatial ring, one given to her by the local lord when she eradicated a bandit gang in Montell City.


    EeDeChi hefted the heavy mahogany chest and stored it in her spatial ring. Then the two bid farewell to the respectful royal knight and exited the city.


    As they exited the city, they saw Sean and Stella anxiously waiting. Each was holding a little girl and scanning the crowd nervously. When they saw EeDeChi and Barrett emerge unharmed, they ran over excitedly.


    The twins, Ureirika and Kuuderika, whom EeDeChi had rescued, had calmed down significantly under Stella''s professional care. However, their origins were somewhat unclear, and dealing with the sheriff''s inquiries had been quite a hassle. Fortunately, Sean''s quick thinking allowed him and Stella to slip past the scrutiny.


    The four of them chatted and laughed as they walked out, with EeDeChi giving instructions while the others listened. They hired a carriage and, with the twins, headed to an inn outside the city to rest and plan their next move.


    ¡­


    "Captain, what''s in this chest? Did the Emperor really give this to you?" EeDeChi took the heavy mahogany chest out of her spatial ring and set it on the table. Sean and Stella gathered around it, curious. Even Barrett, who was usually not very curious, stood by.


    The chest was bound with adamantite strips at the corners, decorated with intricate silver designs on the lid, and secured with a steel padlock, which piqued everyone''s curiosity.


    "Let''s see what the Emperor has given us," EeDeChi said, rubbing her hands together.


    To be honest, she wasn''t particularly interested in the contents of the chest. The Empire''s elite resources had produced the renowned "Imperial Four Knights," who were no match for her, so Emperor Jircniv wouldn''t have anything of significant value for her.


    Stella''s brown eyes sparkled as she asked, "But how do we open the chest? Didn''t they give us a key?"


    "I used to know a bit about thieving skills. How about I give it a try?" Sean pulled out a wire from somewhere, eager to try his hand.


    EeDeChi reached for the sturdy steel padlock and twisted it. It came apart as easily as twisting a lump of soft slime.


    "Wow¡­" Barrett, Sean, and Stella stared wide-eyed at the steel lock in the captain''s hand, which looked as malleable as clay.


    Stella was especially stunned because she could sense that the lock had a magical "indestructible" property. Was this really the strength of a human hand? Even a troll couldn''t do this, could they?


    EeDeChi casually brushed her hands off, removed the steel lock with the fingerprints still on it, and opened the mahogany chest.


    Under the bright chandelier, dazzling golden light spilled out, blinding everyone''s eyes. Gold coins! A chest full of gold coins! A chest neatly stacked with Baharuth Empire gold coins!


    "Jircniv has a knack for this," EeDeChi said with satisfaction, seeing the chest of coins. This was exactly what she needed. No matter where you are or what world you''re in, money is always a scarce resource.


    "A whole chest of gold coins¡­ There must be at least three or four thousand of them," Sean swallowed and guessed the amount.


    EeDeChi slapped the chest of coins, causing a few coins to clatter on the floor. Barrett quickly bent down to pick them up.


    The adventurer captain, thrilled with the sudden windfall, declared, "We''ll distribute the money as salaries. Each of you gets 80 gold coins."


    "Thank you, Captain!" Sean exclaimed, amazed by EeDeChi''s generosity. Stella''s face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes nearly turning into crescent moons, and she excitedly hugged EeDeChi tightly.


    EeDeChi inhaled the faint scent from the cleric girl''s chestnut-colored hair, the subtle fragrance of camellia lingering in her nose. She pushed Stella away with one hand. "Alright, don''t act like a lesbian."


    "Oh, Barrett," EeDeChi called out, taking a bag of coins from her spatial ring and then tossing the spatial ring itself to Barrett.


    Barrett caught the spatial ring with both hands, looking a bit puzzled. This ring held the main supplies and equipment for the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team, and EeDeChi had never been without it.


    EeDeChi tapped the table, signaling for everyone''s attention. "I officially nominate Barrett Monde as the vice-captain of the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team. He will also serve as the map navigation specialist, logistics manager, warehouse custodian, and procurement officer. Any objections? Raise your hand to vote."


    Sean and Stella, still excited about their 80 gold coins, looked at their captain.


    EeDeChi gave them a stern look, and they quickly raised their hands.


    "Very well." EeDeChi clapped her hands. "No objections, the vote passes unanimously. Barrett, you are now the vice-captain. Take this spatial ring and handle the procurement, storage, and distribution of team supplies. I will use the new ring the Emperor gave me."


    Did they really need to set up all these positions for a team of only four people? It wasn''t like they were a knight order. Barrett grumbled inwardly. Besides, he was usually the one handling purchases anyway. And even if he had all these titles, would he get separate salaries for each?


    Of course, he didn''t argue with the stubborn captain. Having a spatial ring was something he had always dreamed of.


    Watching the three of them happily counting their share of the gold coin, EeDeChi raised her arm, clenched her fist, and shouted, "Our next goal is to find the Great Tomb of Nazarick, defeat the demon king Ainz Ooal Gown, and rescue the twins'' sister, Arche!"

 Chapter 27: Stellas Teacher

    Under EeDeChi''s lead, the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team spent a fortune to use a teleportation circle and arrived in a city on the border of the Baharuth Empire. On the other side of the border was their bitter rival¡ªthe Re-Estize Kingdom.


    They temporarily settled in an expensive inn where a night''s stay for the six of them cost a gold coin. But since EeDeChi had money now, they naturally chose to stay somewhere nicer.


    The innkeeper cast a suspicious glance at the loli twin girls they brought along. It was indeed unusual to see adventurers with such young girls. If the girls hadn''t been so friendly to EeDeChi and the others, the innkeeper would have surely suspected them of being child traffickers and reported them to the sheriff.


    That evening, in the inn''s lobby, the Last Defender of the Way was preparing to head to the city''s Adventurer''s Guild. An elderly man in a long robe with a graying beard walked into the inn. His eyes scanned the four adventurers one by one, finally landing on Stella in her cleric uniform. He exclaimed, "Stella Famillion, is that you? My dear student!"


    Stella stopped in her tracks at the sound, looking at the old man with surprise. "Master, what are you doing here?"


    "It''s been a long time! You''ve grown into such a beautiful young woman," the old man said with a warm smile, embracing the excited Stella. The two of them sat together on a soft chair in the lobby and chatted for a long while.


    It turns out this old man''s name is James Simon. He was once Stella''s teacher and is a high-tier mage proficient in 4th Tier magic, with dual talents in Arcane Magic and Divine Magic.


    Not only is he highly accomplished in magic, holding a prestigious position in the empire, but he also served as a teacher in the Gaia Temple, where he taught Stella for quite some time.


    Though Stella wasn''t the most accomplished or gifted student he had, her sweet appearance, lively personality, and diligent learning made her a favorite among the teachers.


    Unfortunately, due to family circumstances, Stella had to leave the temple and become an adventurer to support her family. James was deeply regretful and had supported her for a considerable time, but he couldn''t bring her back to the temple.


    He glanced at the slightly worn dark-gold magic staff Stella held, took a bag of coins from the lining of his green robe, and handed it to her. "Go get yourself some better equipment. Consider it a gift from your teacher. Better gear means you can earn more rewards."


    Stella pushed the bag back to James. "Thank you, Master, but I have enough money now. I''ll buy new equipment tomorrow. Our team leader is really kind; she just gave me 80 gold coins!"


    She then took out a linen bag, untied the string, and showed it to the old man. Inside the gray bag were piles of shining gold coins.


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    James gasped in surprise, put away his own bag of coins, and started chatting with Stella about recent events.


    Though the old man''s beard was gray, he was still very lively. He struck up a conversation with Barrett. The old man was quite talkative and got along well with Barrett, a seasoned adventurer. When discussing the habits and characteristics of magical creatures, he would laugh heartily, his gray beard quivering and revealing a few bright golden teeth.


    After chatting with Barrett, he moved on to chat with Sean. Finally, he approached EeDeChi and mysteriously asked her to step outside the inn to discuss something.


    The sky had darkened, and the fiery red clouds reflected the golden edges of the setting sun. A few women with clay pots on their heads hurried along the street. EeDeChi glanced at James and casually asked, "Old man, what''s up?"


    James raised an eyebrow, somewhat put off by her lack of respect. Despite his mastery in magic, his age was sixty or seventy years more than EeDeChi''s. However, his good manners soon made him put aside his annoyance. He spoke with a hint of curiosity, "Adventurer leader, what kind of tasks do your team usually undertake? Stella''s magical talent isn''t particularly outstanding among her peers, and she had to stop her magical studies due to family issues¡­"


    Slowly, EeDeChi picked up on the subtext in James''s words. The implication was that Stella''s magical ability was not extraordinary, yet she had received 80 gold coins, which seemed far beyond her capability. Was this because EeDeChi had money to burn, or had her team engaged in some shady, dangerous work?


    The adventurer leader rolled her eyes. "How I spend my money is none of your business. Those gold coins are¡­"


    She had initially wanted to say it was a gift from the emperor, but recalling Barrett''s advice to stay low-key, she changed her story and used Barrett''s suggested phrasing: "It was a noble from the City Alliance who gave it to me. I found a dragon''s treasure hoard for him."


    If an adventurer dares to mess with a dragon, they must be pretty skilled. James had his doubts but could tell from EeDeChi''s demeanor and appearance that she was an exceptionally upright and righteous person, so he didn''t press the issue further.


    He changed the subject and asked, "What do you think of Sean? Has he been inappropriate with Stella in any way?"


    It was obvious to anyone that Sean had a crush¡ªno, a full-blown affection¡ªfor Stella and was very attentive to her. He hadn''t confessed his feelings yet, and Stella hadn''t shown any indication of accepting them.


    James was naturally concerned that Sean, a platinum-level adventurer, might be harassing his excellent student.


    EeDeChi nodded and said, "Sean is a bit impulsive. His vision isn''t very ambitious, and he lacks inner strength, which can lead to setbacks in this materialistic world. He often acts on emotions rather than intelligence. However, he is honest and well-intentioned, with a Justice Value of 224, which is quite rare.


    "As for their romantic issues, in free love, as long as both parties consent, the organization won''t interfere. But if they want to marry, they''ll need to submit a marriage application after turning 18. It''s a formality that must be followed."


    What? Marriage¡­ application? Organization? James stroked his silver goatee. Even with his vast knowledge, he didn''t quite understand what EeDeChi was talking about. It seemed a bit embarrassing to ask someone sixty or seventy years younger for clarification.


    He gave EeDeChi a few more instructions, mainly to take good care of Stella since she was frail and from a poor family.


    EeDeChi nodded perfunctorily, responding with "uh-huh." James then gave each of them a magical accessory, said he was heading to a gathering with some old friends, and left the inn.


    Later, James had promised to return to the inn to tutor Stella in magic. Stella waited for days in vain, but the old man never showed up again.

 Chapter 28: The Old Gentleman

    Everything was calm as usual. EeDeChi was preparing to head to the Adventurer''s Guild to take on a new quest. However, Ureirika, one of the twin sisters, suddenly came down with a high fever and fell into a coma. Their weak constitutions had not yet recovered from the adverse effects of teleportation.


    Kind-hearted Stella was frantic, and Sean was also anxiously pacing around. Eventually, they had to call in a professional healer from the city. The illness was finally brought under control.


    This delay lasted several days. Once Ureirika''s fever subsided, EeDeChi decided it was time to dive back into the adventuring life. Barrett led her to the local Adventurer''s Guild hall.


    Whether in the open or behind the scenes, they were an adventurer team. Although money was not an issue at the moment, every adventurer had to be registered with the local Adventurer''s Guild to access its full range of services.


    ¡­


    In the Adventurer''s Guild hall.


    "Captain, I''m telling you, you should try not to keep talking about how you took down the Sorcerer Kingdom''s king. It''s too dangerous."


    "What''s dangerous about that?" EeDeChi replied casually, glancing at the various quest notices on the bulletin board.


    Barrett stood in front of the task board in the Adventurer''s Hall, his voice low as he urged his reckless captain, his tone serious:


    "I''ve confirmed the rumors. That Magic Caster King named Ainz Ooal Gown really did unleash an unprecedentedly powerful spell! He wiped out over a hundred thousand soldiers of the Re-Estize Kingdom in one go! It sounds so unbelievable it might as well be a fairy tale, but it''s true! We can''t mess with such a terrifying undead being!"


    "You can''t mess with him, but I can!" EeDeChi said with her hands on her hips, chest out, and a defiant look.


    "You¡­" Barrett was momentarily at a loss for words.


    It was late autumn, and the weather had turned chilly. Early in the morning, the Adventurer''s Hall was nearly empty. A few adventurers without a place to stay were wrapped in blankets, still sleeping on the benches. A receptionist in a black vest stood behind the counter, looking exhausted and yawning occasionally.


    Barrett stared at the scrawled black handwriting on a quest notice, carefully considering his words before saying, "Even if you''re going to challenge him, you should be cautious. Don''t go around shouting that you''re going to take him down. Think about it¡ªhe''s a king, and he surely has spies. If they catch wind of your plans, they''ll be ready for you before you even get close."


    EeDeChi rested her chin on her hand, thinking for a moment before nodding. "You make a good point. We''re in the shadows while they''re in the open. They don''t know about me, but I know about them. That does make things easier. I''ll follow your advice and wait until I have more information before making a move."


    The door to the guild hall suddenly swung open, letting in a gust of chilly autumn air that made the lightly dressed receptionist shiver. She was about to scold the adventurer for leaving the door open when she fell silent, for a dashing old gentleman had entered.


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    The old gentleman had a full head of white hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His face was almost wrinkle-free, with a high, straight nose, sharp eyebrows, and striking eyes¡ªremarkably handsome for his age.


    He was tall and upright, about the same height as Barrett, and wore a perfectly tailored black tailcoat that was both classic and dignified. Time had not marked him with signs of aging but had instead deepened his masculine charm.


    He walked into the Adventurer''s Guild hall with a measured stride, politely closing the door behind him. His eyes, sharp as an eagle''s beneath his gray brows, scanned the few adventurers in the hall before settling briefly on EeDeChi. He then strode purposefully toward the receptionist.


    Despite knowing that this gentleman was old enough to be her father, the receptionist''s heart raced like a frightened deer. She lifted her slightly blushing face and asked softly, "Sir, how can I help you?"


    "Hello, miss. I''d like to post a quest that requires at least one orichalcum-level adventurer, and they cannot be local¡­" The tall, dignified gentleman bent slightly toward the receptionist.


    "You can select from this list¡­" The receptionist, flustered, pulled out a book. "These are the adventurer teams in the area recently."


    The old gentleman opened the parchment-bound roster and began to peruse it carefully¡­


    "That old gentleman seems impressive," EeDeChi remarked, observing the elegant figure in the tailcoat at the counter. "His Justice Value is a solid 300, which means he''s extremely virtuous."


    "He must be a high-ranking noble¡ªrefined and cultured," Barrett said with envy.


    Even though the old man was a bit past his prime, the grace and masculine charm he exuded with every movement could still captivate countless young women.


    Barrett was now a somewhat sleazy middle-aged adventurer. By the time he reached the old gentleman''s age, he would probably just be an old man sunning himself against a wall.


    The old gentleman spoke briefly to the receptionist before leaving the Adventurer''s Guild hall.


    For some reason, EeDeChi felt that he had looked at her specifically. However, she paid it no mind, as she was always unguarded around those with high Justice Values.


    Everyone''s eyes followed the old gentleman out of the Adventurer''s Guild hall before returning to their own tasks. The receptionist continued flipping through her book, and adventurers trickled in one by one.


    EeDeChi pointed to an old yellowed parchment at the top of the task board. "How about this quest? The reward is quite high."


    The somewhat outdated task notice read: Clear out the umber hulks in the Summers Town mining area, approximately 3; Reward: 80 gold coins; Requirement: mithril-level.


    Barrett glanced at the notice and shook his head. "The iron mines in Summers Town are about the same size as those in Mistwood. Finding an umber hulk in those tunnels would take at least two or three months. Umber hulks all look similar, and humans can''t really tell them apart. If it says three, there''s probably more. The timestamp shows it''s been four months; no one wants to take this job."


    "What about the task next to it?" EeDeChi pointed to another parchment.


    The notice read: In Emerald Forest, destroy the out-of-control iron golem, quantity: one, large Construct. Reward: 50 gold coins; Requirement: mithril-level or higher.


    "Out-of-control Construct¡­ Probably another mage messed up," Barrett said, crossing his arms.


    "This might look like a decent job, but Emerald Forest is very far from here. Travel, lodging, and equipment costs would add up to about ten gold coins. The employer is casting a wide net, posting the same job in every city''s guild. A stingy employer won''t cover travel expenses; this kind of task is meant for adventurers passing through."


    "I see¡­" EeDeChi nodded, thoughtful. She patted Barrett on the shoulder and said with appreciation, "You know quite a lot. Promoting you to deputy captain was indeed a wise choice. My judgment of people is really quite good."


    Is she praising me? Barrett wondered to himself.


    At that moment, the receptionist approached them. Her demeanor was somewhat hesitant. She looked repeatedly at a magical image in her roster and compared it with EeDeChi''s face several times before cautiously asking, "Are you the leader of the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team?"


    "Yes, that''s me," EeDeChi said, shifting her attention from the task board to the receptionist, who was dressed in a black vest and white shirt.


    "There''s a client who specifically requested your team for a task and has offered a very high reward. I hope you won''t refuse," the receptionist said.

 Chapter 29: A Commission

    "Explore the Peyton Manor on the outskirts of this city and eliminate the undead and evil creatures within. Reward: 150 gold coins; Requirements: at least one orichalcum-level adventurer, one mithril-level adventurer, one female cleric, no more than five people, and the team must be from out of town."


    Barrett furrowed his brow. The conditions¡ªan orichalcum-level, a mithril-level, and a female cleric, all from outside and not exceeding five members¡ªseemed tailor-made for them. With EeDeChi''s formidable combat ability, completing this task should be a breeze, and the reward was extremely generous.


    Typically, adventurer teams and clients would haggle over rewards and hidden conditions, but with such an ideal opportunity landing in their lap, Barrett felt a flicker of unease.


    "The client who posted the task saw your team''s information on the list and is very impressed with you. They specifically requested the the Last Defender of the Way team for this job. The client mentioned that if the reward isn''t sufficient, they can offer more," the receptionist said sincerely.


    "I''d like to meet the client¡­" Barrett started to speak, but¡ª


    "We''ll take it," EeDeChi said, handing the parchment back to the receptionist with a decisive wave of her hand.


    Although they were not short of money at the moment, EeDeChi maintained her commitment to helping the weak and punishing the strong along the way. Moreover, as an adventurer, she needed to use her role to disguise her true identity and investigate the whereabouts and details of the Dark Lord Ainz Ooal Gown.


    Meanwhile, outside the Adventurer''s Guild, in a three-story building across the street, a tall old gentleman stood by the window, his long, gray eyebrows furrowed as he gazed intently at the direction of the guild.


    If EeDeChi were to see this old gentleman, she would recognize him as the exceptionally refined and distinguished man who had recently entered the Adventurer''s Guild.


    In front of the old gentleman was an old-fashioned magical device resembling a phonograph, with a large, trumpet-shaped horn pointed towards the Adventurer''s Guild. However, instead of playing pleasant music, the phonograph emitted only static noise.


    "Has EeDeChi accepted the commission?" the old gentleman asked without turning his head.


    Behind him stood a beautiful young woman with golden hair, probably in her twenties. Her slightly curled, lustrous gold hair fell gracefully over her shoulders, and her well-tailored maid''s outfit perfectly accentuated her voluptuous figure.


    If others knew that such a delicate and beautiful woman was merely a maid, the nobles of the Baharuth Empire would likely go to great lengths to have her in their service.


    The beautiful blonde maid unfolded a parchment scroll in her hands, marked with the Adventurer''s Guild emblem. A magical seal on the scroll had changed from gray to emerald green. This was a message scroll sent to the client by the Adventurer''s Guild.


    "Report to Lord Tian, they have accepted the task," the blonde maid responded.


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    Sebas Tian, the old gentleman, nodded. "Let''s prepare for the next steps. Also, inform Lord Ainz that this magical device has failed and still cannot eavesdrop on EeDeChi''s conversations."


    He frowned at the phonograph-like magical device in front of the window. This was a high-tier artifact from the Great Tomb of Nazarick, capable of breaking most anti-detection magic of the tenth level. Yet now, the device only emitted a monotonous static noise as if it were broken.


    "As you command," the blonde maid said, putting the magical device into a pocket in her maid outfit. With a flash of white light, their figures vanished from the window.


    EeDeChi walked out of the Adventurer''s Guild. She had a fleeting sense that something like a gust of wind had brushed past her, but after looking around and seeing nothing unusual, she paid it no more mind.


    According to the task information, the client would meet them tomorrow morning to discuss the details and some intelligence about the exploration mission. For now, they needed to head to the outskirts to prepare for their adventure.


    The next day, the Last Defender of the Way adventuring team, consisting of four members, arrived at Peyton Manor by carriage. This was their first serious task since forming the team.


    The seasoned adventurer Barrett had everything in order, with all supplies and equipment prepared. The cleric Stella, clad in chainmail and holding a gold and white staff, appeared nervous. The archer Sean had spent the night enchanting his arrows with simple holy magic to boost their effectiveness against undead creatures.


    EeDeChi, as usual, carried only a giant sword and brought nothing else, looking relaxed and at ease.


    A four-wheeled carriage came to a slow stop in front of them, and a tall figure in a black tailcoat stepped out. Barrett''s eyes lit up; the client was the distinguished old gentleman from the adventurer guild hall the day before. After stepping out of the carriage, the old gentleman did not immediately approach them but instead opened the carriage door and helped a blonde woman down.


    The adventuring team was surprised. It turned out that the distinguished gentleman was merely a steward-like figure. The client had quite a noble background.


    The blonde woman wore a vest-style dress, her full figure and striking beauty rivaling even Stella in her cleric uniform.


    She cast a haughty glance over the four adventurers, lingering on EeDeChi for a moment, before slightly turning her head and speaking to the old gentleman steward beside her.


    EeDeChi patted Barrett on the back, signaling the deputy leader to handle the negotiations. She wasn''t familiar with adventurer-related matters and didn''t want to risk getting scammed.


    Barrett reluctantly tore his gaze away from the blonde noblewoman''s ample cleavage, shook his head, and walked over to speak with them.


    After some discussion, the four of them understood that this large estate was owned by a noble. Recently, the manor seemed to have been tainted by corruption, possibly infested with necromancers and undead creatures. They hoped the adventurer team could clear out these evil beings. With the establishment of the Sorcerer Kingdom in the distance, the number of undead creatures in the world seemed to be increasing.


    They didn''t receive crucial information like the number or types of undead, but EeDeChi didn''t mind. She led her fully armed and vigilant teammates towards the gates of Peyton Manor.


    As the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team disappeared through the rusted iron gates of the manor, the steward turned to the blonde noble girl, his voice laced with significant displeasure. "Solution, what''s going on with this manor? I specifically mentioned buying a run-down house near the city."


    "This was Lady Shalltear''s decision." The blonde woman, Solution Epsilon, lost the earlier aristocratic arrogance in her gaze. She returned to her role as a Pleiades maid of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. "Lady Shalltear said to simply clear out the people in the manor, without wasting money."


    Sebas frowned. He knew what "clearing out the people in the manor" meant for the True Vampire Shalltear.


    "And what were these people in the manor doing?" Sebas asked. At this point, he had little room to object.


    "They were a group of human mages holding a gathering, supposedly focused on ''exploring the ultimate secrets of 6th Tier magic.''" Solution''s refined face displayed a hint of disdainful smile. "What secrets of 6th Tier magic are there to explore? Narberal was right¡ªthey''re just a bunch of insignificant bugs."

 Chapter 30: The Battle at the Manor

    Peyton Manor was vast, but it felt eerily deserted.


    Passing through the rusted gates of the estate, they came upon a small castle built of marble. Behind the castle was a birch forest with leaves nearly all fallen. Among the bare branches, a few uniquely styled wooden cabins were scattered.


    It was late autumn, and the dry, chilly wind howled through the area. All the castle''s windows were tightly shut, and the wide balcony was empty. Only a few black birds perched on the red-tiled roof of the castle, occasionally screeching, adding to the desolate atmosphere.


    The castle, with its four stories, was the most prominent structure in the manor. Clearly, it was no longer used for defending against invaders but rather as a residence for the empire''s nobility.


    The evil creatures they were tasked with eliminating were undoubtedly most likely hidden within this castle.


    EeDeChi led the way, followed closely by Barrett, who carried a small round shield. Stella, holding a staff, was in the middle, and Sean brought up the rear. The four of them carefully pushed open a slightly ajar oak door and entered the castle.


    Behind the door was a long corridor lined with ornately decorated iron doors leading to various rooms. At the end of the corridor was a spiral stone staircase. The entire place was eerily quiet, as if no one had ever lived there.


    Stella murmured a spell under her breath. Her magical short staff shimmered with a blend of blue and gold light. A faint magical aura of "Blessing of the Saints," a 2nd Tier Divine Magic, enveloped them. This aura from the blessing magic reduced the mental fear humans felt when facing undead creatures and increased their damage against such beings.


    Following EeDeChi''s command, she was clad in a suit of chainmail, wearing a great helmet, her soft chestnut hair braided into two neat plaits.


    Despite this, the silver orchid hairpin pinned at the end of her hair under the helmet showed her determined effort to maintain her sense of beauty.


    Sean held a short sword in one hand and a hard-wood crossbow in the other, scanning the surroundings with vigilance, ready for any sudden events. At the same time, he stood close to Stella, seemingly determined to protect her at all costs.


    Barrett, with a shield in his left hand, gently pushed open a door with his right hand while using his small steel shield to cover himself. He peered cautiously into the room.


    His usual medium-sized tower shield and giant sword were stored in his spatial ring. Every experienced adventurer chooses different weapons and equipment based on the situation.


    In such a confined space, short-range weapons were clearly more suitable for dealing with unknown threats.


    "BANG!"


    A loud bang startled the three of them. They turned to see their captain, EeDeChi, who had kicked open another door and boldly walked inside.


    Barrett sighed, realizing that his efforts to avoid alarming any potential threats had been in vain. He led Sean and Stella into the room to investigate.


    The room was dimly lit and empty, except for a half-meter-tall cabinet. The closed door of the cabinet had a few drops of dark red blood on it.


    Barrett sniffed the air, detecting a faint smell of blood and an unsettling hint of decay. He had intended to open the cabinet to check for valuable items left by the noble, but ultimately restrained himself.


    Barrett stepped back out of the room and said to the others, "It doesn''t look like there''s much of a problem here¡­"


    Before he could finish his sentence, the situation took a sudden turn!


    With a sharp "crack," the cabinet door burst open, splintering wood everywhere. A withered hand reached out, and a blue-faced, fanged figure lunged forward!


    A vampire! Barrett crouched down, his left-hand shield slamming against the vampire''s outstretched hand. The vampire''s sharp claws screeched against the steel surface of the shield, sparking a shower of sparks.


    He swung his short sword down at an angle, severing the vampire''s right leg. The clumsy bloodsucker collapsed to the ground, and Barrett followed up with a heavy strike, driving his sword through its head and putting its feeble soul to rest.


    Behind him, zombies and skeletons with tattered spears and iron swords poured out from the depths of the corridor and behind several iron doors. They were a horde of low-level undead, all converging on the four adventurers.


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    The low-level undead, with their withered, frightening faces, grinned with empty eye sockets glowing with a red light, reflecting their hunger for the flesh of the living.


    The clash of blades and the chanting of spells filled the air as the battle commenced.


    ¡­


    "What''s going on?"


    At this moment, in the hall of the tenth floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz Ooal Gown paced restlessly on the deep crimson velvet carpet, his tone tinged with frustration. "What''s happening? All the detection and monitoring magic and magical devices are failing!"


    In front of him, floating in midair, were several magic screens. Most of them displayed images of rooms, hallways, the castle, and the white birch forest¡ªindeed, scenes from Peyton Manor. Notably, a few of the screens were pitch black, showing no light at all, as if the magical devices had malfunctioned.


    Indeed, this so-called commission was a trap set by Ainz, designed to test the combat abilities of EeDeChi, an adventurer with an unclear identity and unknown strength.


    Earlier, Sebas had discovered that all surveillance and listening magic, as well as magical devices, failed when targeting EeDeChi.


    Initially, Ainz had been dismissive of this anomaly, but he still had Shalltear set up numerous monitoring magical devices in Peyton Manor, including several high-tier, artifact-level items.


    As EeDeChi fought fiercely in the manor, Ainz could leisurely watch the live feed and assess her combat abilities, which he found quite enjoyable. However, the current situation was completely beyond his expectations.


    The detection magic devices aimed at EeDeChi were of the highest tier, comparable to level ten magic, which could only be suppressed by other level ten or Super-Tier Magic. According to Sebas''s report, no magical fluctuations were detected on EeDeChi, nor had she been seen casting any spells.


    "Lord Ainz, perhaps she possesses a World Item that can counter detection," suggested a tall, white-clad woman with black wings.


    Ainz looked at the overseer of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, contemplating for a moment. "Could she be another player from another world? But I don''t recall any World Item being primarily used for counter-detection."


    World Items were renowned for their powerful and game-changing abilities, such as destruction, creation, and resurrection. It was unheard of for a World Item to be used for detection evasion.


    He unfurled a message scroll and issued a command: "Sebas, this girl might possess a World Item, so proceed with caution! Send in the low-level monsters first, and only send in the maid squad when the situation becomes clearer."


    ¡­


    In Peyton Manor, EeDeChi wielded her giant sword with great skill, cutting through the undead and several vampires like straw. Bones and limbs piled up, and the sturdy marble walls were sliced open in several places.


    Meanwhile, Barrett, holding a tower shield nearly as tall as he was, defended against the onslaught of the undead. Behind him, a cleric girl chanted softly, her staff pointing forward. "Blessing of the Holy Light!" The divine magic caused many of the undead to retreat.


    At a crucial moment when the skeleton soldiers were retreating, a vampire in tattered robes lunged at Stella. However, a magically enchanted long arrow shot into its eye socket, halting its actions and ending its life.


    Sean lowered his longbow and rubbed his shoulders. He had already fired nearly forty arrows, feeling the strain, but a glance at the cleric Stella beside him renewed his resolve. He encouraged himself, thinking that if he couldn''t handle these monsters, how could he ever protect the girl he loved?


    They had already repelled several waves of attacks. The undead came in relentless, crashing waves, retreating only to surge back again.


    Creating low-level undead might not be considered high-tier magic, but it''s not something you just waste. It was puzzling why their master would squander so many undead when they could easily form an army to assault the city''s defending knights.


    Barrett took a deep breath to steady himself. During a brief lull, he pulled out a vitality potion, bit off the wooden cork, and chugged down the orange-yellow liquid.


    Adventurers were skilled at completing tasks when they could overpower their enemies or retreat when they couldn''t. Prolonged battles were to be avoided if possible, especially for adventurers with limited strength. In fact, if EeDeChi hadn''t taken on a significant amount of the burden, they would have been overwhelmed by the undead long ago.


    Finding the mastermind behind these undead creatures was urgent. Sean thought about this as Stella cast a 2nd Tier blessing spell on him, restoring his mental and physical stamina.


    Martial Art¡¤Full Sensory.


    Under Barrett''s defense, Sean activated his Martial Art as an archer and scout, scanning the area. Soon, he spotted an undead mage in noble attire deep in the corridor, directing the undead with a staff.


    A necromancer!


    Excitedly, Sean shouted to EeDeChi, "Captain, I found the one orchestrating all this, that Magic Caster is over there!" He pointed in the direction he had seen.


    EeDeChi''s expression darkened. "Charge!" She commanded, swinging her giant sword, cutting through the undead like autumn leaves, and charged toward the necromancer.


    "Hey! Wait up!" Barrett called out, watching as his captain ran ahead. He helplessly raised his tower shield, leading Sean and Stella to follow EeDeChi.

 Chapter 31: The Deceased Acquaintance

    The necromancer, draped in tattered robes, floated above the ground, swiftly drifting deeper into the castle, with EeDeChi hot on his heels.


    The necromancer occasionally turned to cast spells in an attempt to hinder EeDeChi, but it was all in vain.


    The fierce necromantic magic only scattered a few clouds of gray mist around EeDeChi, and his attempts to cast spells only bought him a little time, bringing EeDeChi even closer.


    Soon, the adventurer captain, moving with incredible speed, leaped and closed in on the fleeing mage at a pace unimaginable to ordinary people. Her giant sword swung with a force that smacked the floating necromancer, producing the clear, sharp sound of bones snapping.


    The necromancer, hit with such a lethal blow, was sent crashing into the ceiling, creating a large dent, and then fell to the ground like a rag, motionless.


    It wasn''t long before Barrett, Sean, and Stella, out of breath, arrived at the scene.


    "Did you take care of him?" Barrett glanced at the necromancer''s corpse on the ground, unsurprised by the outcome.


    Bending over, he rested his hands on his knees, gasping for air. Carrying a large steel shield, he had strained himself to barely keep up with EeDeChi. If he had been any slower, the three of them would have been left behind in this eerie castle.


    This physically impressive orichalcum-level adventurer moved at such a pace that she completely ignored her three struggling teammates trailing behind.


    The necromancer was now nothing more than a dead corpse. As rumored, perhaps due to studying magic not meant for the living, his limbs and hands were shriveled, lacking any flesh color, and his head was just skin stretched over bones, completely bald.


    He lay face down on the cold floor, his dirty mage robes wrapped around his body, with his palms and ankles exposed, creating a rather tragic sight.


    Barrett examined the necromancer on the ground carefully. To his surprise, the necromancer''s robes, though tattered and stained with blood, were not the dark, dreary kind but rather a richly decorated and elegant robe.


    Barrett decided that once he had a moment, he would search the mage''s body to see if he could find anything valuable.


    Nearby, Stella stood up and cast a restorative Divine Magic spell to recover Barrett and Sean''s stamina.


    During the last stretch of the chase after EeDeChi, Sean had carried Stella on his back to ensure she kept up with the group, which meant her stamina was the least depleted of the three.


    After Stella finished her spell, she carefully approached the necromancer''s body, crouched down, and gently turned the mage''s head with the tip of her staff.


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    Seeing someone else getting to the loot first, Barrett frowned slightly. It seemed this beautiful cleric girl had also learned to look for treasure on dead bodies, indicating she was making progress on the adventurer''s path.


    Stella, with a look of panic, knelt down and examined the necromancer''s face closely. Suddenly, she leaned on her staff, dropped to her knees, and tears welled up in her eyes. "Master Simon! How is it you?"


    Breathing heavily, Sean quickly moved over, and EeDeChi also approached. They realized that the necromancer''s gaunt face bore a striking resemblance to James Simon.


    The magical emblem Stella found in his robe lining confirmed beyond a doubt that the necromancer EeDeChi had just killed with a single blow was indeed the old mage James Simon, whom they had briefly met at the inn earlier.


    "No, this can''t be! Master wouldn''t practice necromancy!" Stella clutched the gold emblem of her mentor, kneeling on the ground with James''s head resting on her lap, tears streaming down her face.


    Master James had been immensely helpful when he taught her magic and had always been very kind. Although she had to leave the path of magic due to family issues, Stella had always remembered her teacher''s kindness.


    Moreover, they had seen each other just a few days ago. The kind old man she had met then now lay before her as a withered corpse, leaving her heartbroken and in deep sorrow.


    "Ahem," EeDeChi cleared her throat, her expression indifferent. "If he chose the path of darkness himself, I can''t be blamed for being merciless."


    Barrett was also surprised. He had seen many hypocrites in his time, but with his knowledge of magic, it was hard to believe that a kind old man who had looked robust just days ago could have transformed into a gaunt necromancer in such a short time.


    But regardless, with the castle''s master dead, everything in the castle was now up for grabs, waiting for someone to claim it.


    Thinking this, Barrett rubbed his hands and looked around. As they chased after the suddenly changed Master James, they had unknowingly entered what seemed to be a living room within the castle.


    The living room was lined with extremely tall mahogany bookshelves against the walls, stacked high with books. From a distance, most of them appeared to be beautifully bound magical tomes.


    To Barrett, who was unfamiliar with magic, these books were of little value. Even if he tried to sell them, there was a risk that a mage might recognize the original owner of the books, which could lead to trouble.


    "How could this happen?" Suddenly, Stella, kneeling on the ground, gasped in shock. Her staff shimmered with magical light, and amidst the shifting shadows, a black soul mark on James''s remains flickered ominously.


    Seeing the skull-like magical mark, Barrett''s expression darkened. This black magic soul mark indicated that the necromancer was not acting with its own will but was a High-tier undead controlled by someone. While it could cast spells and had some intelligence, it was essentially no different from the Low-level undead they had previously fought.


    This meant someone had killed James and then used dark magic to turn him into an undead.


    Barrett felt a chill run down his spine, and his heart raced in his chest. He wasn''t angry about James''s death but terrified of the person who had killed him.


    He remembered that James was a High-tier mage, possessing dual talents in Arcane Magic and Divine Magic, and capable of casting 4th Tier spells.


    To kill such a powerful mage and then convert him into an obedient undead servant, the killer''s magical power must be immense. Was it 5th Tier magic? Or 6th, or even 7th Tier?


    Humanity''s entry into the legendary "hero" realm requires mastering 5th Tier magic! And the guardian of the Baharuth Empire, Fluder Paradyne, the empire''s most powerful mage who had lived for over two hundred years, only commanded 6th Tier magic!


    Could such a fearsome and ruthless mage be lurking in this very mansion, watching them?


    Sean also grasped the gravity of the situation. He stood up straight next to Stella, gripping his short sword tightly, and scanned the surroundings with a serious expression. Stella, still kneeling, gently held James''s head and sobbed quietly.


    At least we have EeDeChi. I wonder if she can handle this, Barrett thought, casting a glance at the only person in the room who seemed to be calm and collected.

 Chapter 32: Appraisal of the Magical Artifact

    EeDeChi, with a giant sword in hand, wandered through the living room, seemingly oblivious to the lurking dangers within the castle. She appeared completely at ease, as if she were at home, casually inspecting the room.


    On the ground lay a toppled iron mobile ladder cart, with several blood-stained books scattered nearby. It seemed someone had been standing on the cart to retrieve a book when they were suddenly attacked, falling to the ground along with the cart. The books they had been holding were now scattered, pages soaked with blood that had spurted from their chest and abdomen.


    A row of wooden shelves lined the wall, holding several glass retort bottles filled with mysterious potions that glowed faintly. One of the glass bottles had been broken, with brownish-yellow liquid spilled and dried, leaving streaks on the wall.


    The floor was littered with torn parchment, and a conspicuous pool of dark red blood. It seemed this was the residence of a mage, which had been attacked by someone evidently more powerful than the homeowner.


    To the side of the living room was a fireplace, with several glistening red magical crystals embedded in its recess. In the center of the room stood a round oak table, surrounded by five soft chairs covered with goat¡¯s wool. One chair was pulled out, facing the side of the round table.


    Looking at the scene before her, reminiscent of a crime scene, EeDeChi could imagine a night in late autumn, where several mages gathered here, excitedly discussing something.


    The magical flames in the fireplace danced, casting a warm glow. When one of the mages got excited, he pushed over the ladder cart to retrieve a book from the shelf.


    As he stood on the ladder cart, face close to the shelf, and reached out to pull a few books, an unknown assailant rushed in. The mages in the living room were caught off guard and had their lives taken instantly.


    EeDeChi rubbed her chin, lost in thought. She approached the round table and picked up a thick book with an open cover lying on it. The book felt solid and heavy, with a cover made of hard cowhide, embossed with gold letters: "The Mystery of Magic."


    She opened the title page, finding the book''s name and a long list of names printed in elegant script, seemingly the authors, followed by a small note: "Under revision."


    Flipping through a few pages, she found that the book recorded numerous high-tier magic spells, casting techniques, magical effects, and various esoteric magical theories.


    Since crossing into this world, EeDeChi had known she possessed an extraordinary talent for Arcane Magic, able to grasp any spell almost at a glance. Moreover, she had an outrageous skill known as "The Magic Repeater."


    By the way, the number of repeats for "The Magic Repeater" is calculated as 11 minus the tier of the magic. For instance, for a tier 5 magic, the number of repeats would be 11 - 5 = 6.


    However, the highest level of magic she had been exposed to was only 3rd Tier, and without a master mage to teach her, she couldn¡¯t systematically learn high-tier magic skills.


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    EeDeChi opened the book and began to read intently, treating this place as a library rather than a castle filled with lurking dangers.


    Soon, she learned a relatively simple 5th Tier spell: High-tier Artifact Appraisal.


    The adventurer captain held the thick book in her hands and, demonstrating a newfound skill, cast the spell:


    5th Tier Magic: High-tier Artifact Appraisal!


    Lines of characters appeared before her eyes:


    ¡¾Item Name: "The Mystery of Magic"¡¿


    ¡¾Type: Book¡¿


    ¡¾Author: Written on the book, go check it yourself¡¿


    ¡¾Enchantment: 4th Tier Constant Durability, Waterproof Aura, Cleanliness Aura, Pest Repellent Aura, 3rd Tier Ink Resistance, Heat Resistance¡¿


    ¡¾Remarks: Due to the enchantments, normal ink cannot be used to write on it, but you can learn many 4th and 5th Tier spells from it, as well as directions for exploring even higher-tier magic.


    In the early days of the Empire, mages (also known as Magic Casters) attempted to compile a book encompassing all mysteries of magic. The draft was passed down through generations, finally being compiled into its original version thirty years ago, and ultimately revised into this book.


    Arrogant mages, finding a diamond outside a magic mine, believed they possessed all the world¡¯s treasures.¡¿


    This spell is interesting! EeDeChi blinked as the characters faded from her eyes. She then picked up a white feather quill from the table and cast the spell again:


    5th Tier Magic: High-tier Artifact Appraisal!


    The characters reappeared in her vision:


    ¡¾Item Name: Feather Quill¡¿


    ¡¾Type: Pen¡¿


    ¡¾Quality: Swan Feather¡¿


    ¡¾Enchantment: None¡¿


    ¡¾Remarks:


    This is just an ordinary pen, plain as plain can be;


    I know what¡¯s on your mind, even wizards use a pen that¡¯s ordinary.


    People care if the pen works well, ignoring the feather¡¯s lament;


    That graceful white swan, with its proud neck so elegantly bent.


    Swimming through the clear lake, feasting on shrimp and fish,


    Spreading wings to soar the clouds, fulfilling every wish.


    But once it¡¯s caught, it meets its end, no more to glide or flee,


    Its white feathers stripped away, steamed goose it comes to be.


    ¡°Hahahaha! Hahahaha! This is so funny!¡± EeDeChi laughed unrestrainedly.


    However, her laughter was ill-timed, and her three nervous teammates looked at her bewildered, worried that their captain had lost her mind in this eerie castle.


    Nearby, Stella was kneeling on the ground, hands resting on her teacher¡¯s withered corpse, tears still visible at the corners of her eyes. She looked at EeDeChi, full of confusion.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Have you lost your mind?¡± Barrett asked in surprise.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s lost your mind! Ahem, sorry, everyone, I got a bit carried away.¡± EeDeChi waved her hand, indicating she was fine, then put the heavy "The Mystery of Magic" into her spatial ring.


    Suddenly, she felt a stirring within her and pulled out a copper seal from her chest. The bronze-colored seal floated in her palm, spinning rapidly.


    EeDeChi blinked and cast the spell:


    5th Tier Magic: High-tier Artifact Appraisal!


    Unlike before, a line of bold red text appeared at the top of her vision, stating:


    ¡¾The magical artifact¡¯s level is too high to obtain complete information¡¿.


    Despite this, incomplete lines of text began to appear in EeDeChi¡¯s view:


    ¡¾Item Name: Ban¡¿


    ¡¾Type: Magical Seal¡¿


    ¡¾¡­Range Magic: Comprehensive Ban¡­¡¿


    ¡¾Remarks: ¡­Indiscriminate¡­¡¿


    ¡¾Non-Targeted Magic: The Great Banishment¡¿


    ¡¾Remarks: Use with caution¡­ Within ten days¡­ Maximum of three uses¡­ Otherwise¡­¡¿


    ¡¾Unique Passive: Magic Aura One: Affection¡­ Lost¡­¡¿


    ¡¾Remarks: ¡­Betrayal by all¡­¡¿


    ¡¾Unique Passive: Sealed Space¡­¡¿


    ¡¾Remarks: ¡­¡¿


    ¡­


    If Ainz could see these words, he would surely exclaim, ¡°This magic aura is way too overpowered!¡±


    ¡¾Unique Passive: Magic Aura Three: Suppresses all eavesdropping, surveillance, and detection magic.¡¿


    ¡¾Remarks: So, does public opinion still want to monitor me?¡¿

 Chapter 33: The One Wearing Wolf Tooth Gloves

    The room''s windows had been sealed off by someone, leaving it in total darkness and eerie silence. The only sound that broke the oppressive quiet was EeDeChi''s arrogant laughter, piercing through the dead silence of the room.


    Her laughter was unrestrained, bold, and more striking than pleasant, creating a jarring contrast. However, it slightly eased the fear in the hearts of Barrett, Stella, and Sean.


    After all, the captain''s formidable combat skills were well-known; even a 4th Tier necromancer had been dispatched with a single strike. It seemed there was little to worry about.


    It was widely understood that those who wielded magical power, whether humans, elves, or other races, belonged to the wealthy elite. Their extraordinary abilities allowed them to amass immense wealth.


    Barrett was well aware of this fact, so after calming down a bit, he started rummaging through the house as an adventurer. He searched through drawers, ripped down curtains from the windowsill, and knocked over wooden tables and cabinets. His efforts soon bore fruit.


    He found an ivory snuff bottle with gold inlay, a ruby ring with some kind of unclear magic attached, four gold coins discovered in the crevices of a soft chair, along with six silver coins and two copper coins.


    Barrett continued to rummage through the cabinets; Sean stood guard with his sword by Stella''s side. Stella was kneeling next to the body of Mage James, trying to find a way to get her teacher''s body out of the room. EeDeChi, meanwhile, sat on a chair, engrossed in reading the Mystery of Magic.


    In that dark and gloomy living room, a peculiar calm settled over the scene. If the castle''s original owner were to see this, they would probably be outraged, wondering if they were there to complete an adventure or just to vacation.


    EeDeChi turned a page in her book, engrossed in her reading; Barrett placed the two newly found shards of magic crystal into his spatial ring; Sean arranged the limbs of Mage James''s body; Stella was drawing a magic circle around the body, trying to create a temporary storage space to contain her teacher''s remains.


    Each person was focused on their own task, working harmoniously without disturbing one another.


    Until¡­


    "Knock~ knock~ knock~, knock, knock, knock." The sound of knocking echoed through the room.


    EeDeChi looked up from her book, Barrett stopped what he was doing, Stella put down her wand, and Sean grabbed his crossbow. The four of them turned their attention to the door in the living room.


    The door was made of red sandalwood, adorned with dark golden decorations. The knocking came from there.


    "Knock, knock, knock."


    The knocking continued, neither rushed nor slow, as if the person knocking was very polite.


    "Excuse me, may I come in?" After the knocking stopped, a clear, pleasant female voice came from behind the door.


    The four in the living room exchanged confused looks, unsure of how to respond to the situation. Even EeDeChi, usually the least concerned, looked a bit puzzled.


    "Come in?" Barrett said tentatively.


    As soon as he spoke, he wished he could slap himself. After all, he was a seasoned adventurer; how could he have agreed so rashly? In such a bizarre situation, they should have been preparing for a fight!


    In a mansion overrun by undead and vampires, with even the mansion''s owner dead, the visitor was unlikely to be a friendly maid delivering coffee.


    Creeeak~ The not-so-heavy wooden door slowly opened, and a figure stood in the doorway. Barrett, holding his sword, peered out and saw, indeed, a maid!


    A young woman stood outside the door, dressed in a black-and-white maid''s uniform with a light gray waist belt. Her dress had white embroidery on the collar and sleeves, and her smooth black hair was styled into an elegant bun. She wore narrow-framed glasses perched on her high, straight nose.


    Her appearance was poised and graceful, the epitome of an ideal maid for any noble family. The only unusual thing was the three-finger-wide diamond-studded iron collar tightly fitted around her pale, slender neck, as if it were meant to keep something from falling off.


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    In such a perilous environment, the four adventurers were momentarily taken aback by the sight of this elegant maid.


    But they quickly noticed that the maid wore heavy, sturdy iron gauntlets on both hands. The gauntlets were as large as a grown man''s head, with steel spikes the size of fingers welded onto them, their cold gleam reflecting in the light.


    Such massive wolf tooth gloves! Barrett swallowed hard. A maid armed with such dangerous weapons was definitely not just there to serve tea or clean rooms.


    EeDeChi waved her hand, signaling everyone to stay calm. "Don''t worry, her Justice Value is 150, which is ''good''. She''s a good pers¡­"


    Before she could finish her sentence, the maid moved swiftly, striding into the living room with her enormous iron gauntlets raised, aiming a powerful strike directly at EeDeChi.


    If EeDeChi hadn''t seen it with her own eyes, she would hardly believe that such a dignified maid could make such a precise offensive move in an instant.


    As the wolf tooth gloves rushed towards her face with the sound of whistling wind, EeDeChi did not retreat. Instead, she drew her giant sword from behind her and met the gauntlets with a resounding clash!


    The maid blocked EeDeChi''s sword with one hand while quickly pulling back the other. She then aimed a punch at the gap in EeDeChi''s midsection. EeDeChi, gripping her sword with both hands, deflected the maid''s iron gauntlets.


    Unfazed by the missed attack, the maid remained expressionless. She pulled her fists back to protect her front, stamped her feet rapidly, and stepped forward to close the distance. She then swung her right fist toward the adventurer captain''s head.


    With the advantage of her longer weapon, EeDeChi found herself momentarily at a disadvantage. She had to step back, sidestep the punch, and then swung her giant sword again, clashing once more with the maid''s wolf tooth gloves.


    The two continued to exchange blows, countering each other''s moves. Despite her floor-length maid outfit, the maid''s speed was unaffected. She moved with the agility of a top-notch boxer, repeatedly closing in on EeDeChi and delivering fierce punches.


    Our adventurer captain was no slouch, though. Her giant sword sliced through the maid''s attacks with force.


    The living room was not an ideal place for a battle; the cramped space restricted movement, but it didn''t limit EeDeChi''s long weapon.


    Wherever her sword struck, things shattered. The round table was cut in half, the crystal chandelier was smashed into glass powder, the bookcase was split in two, books scattered like fluttering butterflies, and even the walls were marked with deep sword scars.


    Sean wanted to provide archery support, but the swift movements of EeDeChi and the maid made it impossible to aim, so he had to hold off. Stella, dragging her teacher''s body, and Barrett huddled in the corner, trying to stay out of the chaotic sword swings that could hit friend or foe alike.


    At that moment, while the castle was in the midst of a heated battle, outside the castle, the client of the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team, the old gentleman Sebas Tian, stood at the entrance of the estate.


    He gazed solemnly at the castle within the estate and asked the blonde woman beside him, "What''s the situation now?"


    The blonde woman was Solution Epsilon, a member of the Great Tomb of Nazarick''s Star of the Ecliptic combat maid squad. Level: 57, Justice Value: -400; Race: Shapeless Slime.


    Ainz had assigned her the task of assisting Sebas Tian in gathering intelligence for the Great Tomb of Nazarick while traveling. Typically, she played the role of a noblewoman, while Sebas took on the role of an old butler. However, in terms of rank and status, Sebas was her direct superior.


    Solution waved her delicate hand and unfurled a scroll, saying, "Lord Shalltear has exhausted all the undead and vampires created from the living beings in the castle. Yuri has already gone inside. We don''t know what the situation is like now."


    As she spoke, Solution''s usually proud face showed signs of anxiety.


    Yuri Alpha, the composed iron fist maid, was in the same combat maid squad as Solution from the Great Tomb of Nazarick. As Yuri was the senior member of the Pleiades combat maid squad, Solution couldn''t help but worry about the outcome of Yuri''s clash with the unknown adventurer.


    With a loud "bang," a massive hole burst open in the castle''s second-floor wall. Marble chunks and brick dust scattered as a black-and-white figure leaped out of the breach. It was Yuri Alpha, dressed in her maid uniform.


    Seeing her companion in such a predicament, Solution was about to rush to her aid when Sebas placed a hand on her shoulder, saying, "Wait a moment. The wall was broken by Yuri herself. She''s heading outside to fight. We need to observe a bit longer."


    Sebas, who commanded the combat maid squad, was also concerned as his subordinate seemed to be at a disadvantage.


    However, Ainz had tasked him with observing and recording. With the current monitoring magic and devices malfunctioning, he needed to detail EeDeChi''s battle process, so he couldn''t act impulsively.


    Finally, EeDeChi appeared, jumping out of the wall after the maid. Both of them continued their fierce battle in the birch forest outside the castle. The giant sword and iron fist clashed repeatedly.


    The adventurer captain wielded her giant sword with powerful, sweeping motions, forcing Yuri to retreat continuously. Overall, EeDeChi seemed to hold the upper hand, though she hadn''t yet completely defeated Yuri.


    Sebas watched their battle from a distance. As one of the four greatest martial fighters of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, he calmly assessed EeDeChi''s combat abilities.


    "Yuri''s racial and occupational levels combined total 51. Given the current situation, EeDeChi is likely around level 56. She wields a two-handed sword and specializes in close-quarters combat, never using High-tier magic. Hmm, that seems about right."


    The blonde maid, Solution, beside him, swiftly scribbled with her black quill, meticulously recording Sebas''s observations on a parchment scroll.


    Seeing that it was nearly time, Sebas nodded and said, "Let Entoma take over. She should coordinate with Yuri and capture EeDeChi to bring her back to the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Let''s hope Lord Ainz doesn''t harm her."

 Chapter 34: Fierce Battle

    From the hole in the castle''s second floor, a rope was thrown out and dangled down to the ground.


    Then Stella appeared. Clad in heavy chainmail, she clung to the rope as she slid down, her legs flailing. Just before reaching the ground, she released the rope and landed with a thud.


    Next came Sean, carrying a longbow on his back and a hardwood crossbow in his right hand. After firing a few arrows into the hole, he wrapped his left hand and legs around the rope, swiftly sliding down to the ground.


    Sean helped Stella up and quickly led her away from the castle, heading toward the birch forest behind it.


    The last to emerge was the burly Barrett. He stowed a large shield into his spatial ring, then grabbed a black, can-shaped object and threw it into the castle. He then seized the rope and, with agile movements, slid down to the ground in a second.


    Barrett pulled out a throwing axe and severed the rope from the second floor before running off toward the birch forest without looking back.


    A loud "bang!" erupted from the wall hole, as if the castle had sneezed. A cloud of gray dust burst from the hole, suggesting that the object Barrett had thrown into the castle had exploded.


    Soon after, several long tentacles emerged from the hole, followed by a massive pair of pincers. Giant cockroach-like creatures crawled out, and behind them, mantises the size of adults pushed through the hole. Their razor-sharp forelimbs swung as their compound eyes scanned around, with powerful hind legs propelling them toward the direction the three humans had fled. Iron beetles wriggled out of the castle and headed toward the birch forest.


    Following them, a swarm of countless insects surrounded a short, maid-like figure, slowly emerging from the hole...


    Entoma Vasilissa Zeta stood on the back of an iron beetle, rapidly advancing toward the birch forest. Her mask-insect face showed no expression.


    She was also a member of the Great Tomb of Nazarick''s combat maid squad, of the Arachnoid race, skilled in commanding insects.


    Barrett sprinted desperately ahead. In front of him, Sean was running at full speed, carrying Stella on his back. To their dismay, the cleric girl was terrified of insects. As the massive bugs swarmed from all directions, her legs went weak, forcing Sean to carry her.


    They headed toward EeDeChi''s location, intending to warn the battling adventurer captain that another terrifying foe had arrived. They hoped EeDeChi would quickly flee and avoid further entanglements with the iron fist maid.


    "What''s the situation over there?" EeDeChi asked Barrett and the others while pushing back the iron fist maid with a swing of her sword. She had also noticed the swarm of insects and the sounds of numerous creatures crawling on the ground.


    "Captain, another maid has shown up, and she controls insects! There are too many bugs for us to handle! Fuck! I''ve been an adventurer for twenty years, and I''ve never seen anything like this!" Barrett gasped, cursing for once.


    The sound of the crawling insects grew closer. EeDeChi looked up and saw a bizarre girl in a maid outfit standing among the black swarm of wings and antennae, rapidly approaching.


    "The Justice Value is -100, close to ''evil''," EeDeChi observed the Insect maid''s Justice Value above her head. She swung her sword to deflect a heavy iron fist punch coming from behind, then nodded and said, "Let''s take out this insect controller first, and then we''ll deal with the one with the gauntlets."


    She twisted her body, quickly turning around. Her left foot scraped a large trench into the ground as she ignored the menacing iron fist maid beside her and charged toward the Insect maid with her sword raised.


    The swarm of insects quickly closed in, with several bugs wrapping around Barrett, Sean, and Stella. Fortunately, the bugs were numerous but not very strong, so they could handle them for now.


    Insect maid Entoma looked at the adventurer captain with a sweet voice, "So, you''re EeDeChi?" With that, she flicked her maid robe sleeve, and a long, thick centipede emerged, its hundred legs writhing as its black pincers opened wide to bite EeDeChi.


    EeDeChi shook her head. "Less talking." She braced herself, twisting her waist and powering her arms. Her giant sword sliced through the air, cutting the centipede in half with one swing.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Entoma took a step back and raised her insect-like arms. A yellow paper talisman flew out:


    "Thunderbird Talisman!"


    The paper transformed into a blue thunderbird, which darted toward EeDeChi and exploded in a crackling burst of electricity.


    EeDeChi brushed off her clothes, looking slightly puzzled. "Hmm? A talisman?"


    Seeing her attack was ineffective, Entoma produced three yellow talismans with red designs from her robe and sweetly said:


    "Chidori Talisman! Sharp Slash Talisman!"


    Bright blades of light surged from all directions. EeDeChi spun her giant sword to shield herself, blocking the attacks.


    Frowning deeply, she shouted, "Playing with talismans? You''re not from this world! Prepare to die!"


    Outside the manor, Sebas, watching EeDeChi''s battle, narrowed his eyes in alarm. "This is bad! That adventurer girl held back when attacking Yuri. We need to pull Entoma out immediately!"


    But his warning came too late. EeDeChi leaped into the air, her giant sword swinging down with force.


    Insect maid Entoma clearly sensed the danger. She lifted her head, her mask falling away, revealing a set of sharp jaws and rapidly contracting compound eyes, exposing her true form.


    From her back, four long, segmented legs shot out, piercing through her maid outfit and crossing in front of her like shields.


    The sword''s energy slashed out, severing all four of Entoma''s segmented legs.


    Seeing that defeat was imminent, a black beetle carried her away, quickly fleeing in the opposite direction from EeDeChi.


    During the earlier battle, EeDeChi had noticed that the iron fist maid had a Justice Value of 150, and since she feared that the iron fist maid might also be under control, she had only used about a third of her strength against her to avoid causing harm.


    But now, with the Insect maid''s Justice Value at -100 and using powers clearly not from this world, EeDeChi decided to stop holding back.


    As she saw the Insect maid trying to escape, EeDeChi was about to give chase when Barrett''s shout came from behind her: "Captain, save Stella!"


    It turned out that the iron fist maid, whom EeDeChi had abandoned in the fight, was now charging at the stationary Stella with her massive steel wolf-fang gauntlets. Barrett and Sean were entangled with several red-footed worms and couldn''t help.


    "Is this a diversion tactic?" EeDeChi shook her head. "Eliminating evil should be the priority! We can''t miss this chance. We must capture and interrogate this talisman-wielding bug master thoroughly."


    Without another thought, she gripped her sword and leaped towards the Insect maid.


    Seeing the iron fist maid getting closer to Stella, the young cleric was in imminent danger. After Sean shot through the head of a green-scaled bug, he gritted his teeth, abandoned his bow, and drew his short sword. Using Martial Art, he fought his way through the swarm and positioned himself in front of Stella, barely managing to activate his defensive Martial Art: Solid Fortress.


    For Sean, who excelled with a bow, close combat was not his strength. His short sword collided with the maid''s fists, the blade snapping and the hilt flying away.


    The iron fist maid knocked Sean''s sword away with her left hand and struck his shoulder with her right. Sean spat blood, crashing to the ground. His shoulder was pierced by several of the spiked gauntlets, bleeding profusely. It was clear his arm was useless.


    Seeing Sean, covered in blood, lying in front of her, Stella finally came to her senses. She rushed to Sean, who was writhing in pain on the ground. Terrified, she shakily cast a healing spell, ignoring the iron fist maid who was right beside her.


    "Damn it! The bastard! How can she just leave her teammates to die?" Barrett fumed as he watched EeDeChi run off.


    He knew that without help, both Sean and Stella would die under the maid''s crushing blows. Barrett raised his long sword and impaled a cockroach-sized bug on the ground. He crushed a vial of insect repellent powder in his hand, releasing a grayish-white smoke that made the surrounding bugs scatter temporarily.


    Taking advantage of the brief respite, he pulled a throwing axe from his spatial ring and hurled it at the iron fist maid with all his might. The maid deflected the axe with a swift move, but Barrett quickly threw two more axes, enchanted with flying magic. The axes spun with a cold, sharp gleam, slicing towards the maid from different angles.


    The iron fist maid had no choice but to temporarily spare Stella and Sean on the ground. Her fists clashed together, smashing Barrett''s axe to pieces.


    Barrett rolled over and quickly pulled out a long spear from his spatial ring, thrusting it upward at the maid. The maid abandoned her target on Stella and easily sliced through the spearhead, turning her attention to Barrett.


    As the maid''s massive spiked gauntlet came smashing toward him, Barrett felt a pang of bitterness. He knew he was no match for the iron fist maid and that he wouldn''t last against her. Still, he charged forward, hoping to buy some time.


    With the gauntlets coming at him like a storm, Barrett''s years of experience as an elite adventurer kicked in. He swiftly pulled a kite shield from his spatial ring and planted it on the ground. He activated two high-defense Martial Arts in quick succession:


    Martial Art ¡¤ Unyielding Fortress!


    Martial Art ¡¤ Steadfast Shield!


    It was as if a battering ram had crashed into the kite shield; the shield vibrated and hummed, and Barrett''s arms went numb from the impact.


    But a seasoned adventurer doesn''t just cower and take a beating. Barrett rose slightly behind the Adamantite kite shield and lunged out with a swift strike of his long sword.


    A rare smile flickered across the iron fist maid''s composed face, adorned with narrow glasses. She smoothly sidestepped the attack and appeared instantly on Barrett''s left side¡­


    Meanwhile, EeDeChi was pursuing the Insect maid. The Insect maid tried to counterattack several times but was consistently repelled.


    Soon, EeDeChi cornered the Insect maid against the castle wall. With the Insect maid''s Justice Value at -100, escape was impossible. The adventurer captain sneered, raising her giant sword high, ready to deliver a fatal blow.


    Suddenly, a sharp voice cried out from above: "Stop!"


    EeDeChi looked up to see a blood-red spear descending from the sky!

 Chapter 35: The Arrival of the Gothic Lolita

    Twenty minutes earlier, in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, on the tenth underground floor, in the Throne Hall.


    A petite girl in a black dress was kneeling slightly before Ainz, her tone sweet: "Lord Ainz, may I use the magical contact lenses to share my vision and go capture EeDeChi? This way, you''ll be able to see that unidentified adventurer directly."


    Standing next to Ainz was a beautiful woman in a white dress. She frowned and chided, "Shalltear, Lord Ainz doesn''t want to see that adventurer woman; he just wants to know her combat strength."


    The girl in the black dress looked up, her chest, which was out of proportion with her petite frame, heaving with her discontent. "Big-mouth gorilla, I''m talking to Lord Ainz, so keep your mouth shut. Don''t worry, Lord Ainz definitely won''t be interested in that woman."


    The woman in the white dress was about to retort, but Ainz raised his hand, stopping their argument. "Alright, alright, enough. I''m just curious about the strength of that girl named EeDeChi. All the surveillance magic is malfunctioning, and Sebas hasn''t sent much news. Shalltear, let''s go with your suggestion."


    Shalltear shot a triumphant glance at the white-dressed beauty, Albedo, as if she had won this inexplicable contest for attention. She then bowed and teleported away from the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    Albedo folded her arms, pouting in annoyance, while Ainz helplessly pressed his bony fingers to his skull.


    He, a middle-aged virgin before crossing over, wasn''t quite equipped to handle such a situation where two women were vying for his attention. Fortunately, Shalltear and Albedo were only in the playful stage and hadn''t had any excessive quarrels due to jealousy.


    They were both extremely loyal to Ainz and understood that the overall benefit of the Great Tomb of Nazarick outweighed their personal desires.


    Soon, Shalltear sent a message, which Ainz accepted. A large magical screen appeared in front of his throne, displaying Shalltear''s personal first-person view.


    ¡ª


    "It seems you''re the one in charge?" EeDeChi looked at the petite girl in the black dress before her, feeling a sense of satisfaction as the main character finally appeared. A smile crept across her lips.


    Earlier, the sudden appearance of a long spear from the sky had forced her to sheath her sword and defend herself, leading to the current standoff with this girl wielding the massive spear.


    In the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz watched the magical screen before him. The girl in black on the screen gazed back at him with a calm demeanor, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on her lips.


    She gave Ainz the impression of Boogiepop from the anime "Boogiepop And Others." Like Boogiepop in "Boogiepop and Others," this adventurer was also dressed in a black robe with black hair, but no hats.


    This adventurer seemed to exude a more righteous and steadfast aura. Her piercing, upright gaze seemed to pierce through the screen directly at Ainz.


    Ainz''s eyes glowed with a red light as he began to browse through a dossier on the local inhabitants, eager to uncover more about her.


    EeDeChi assessed the black-dressed, silver-haired girl before her, frowning slightly as if appraising her in her mind.


    The girl facing her was Shalltear, dressed in her usual black outfit. Her skirt, adorned with dark red rose patterns, was held open by a petticoat, and the hem was embroidered with white lace ribbons.


    Her pale face was accentuated with dark eyeliner, and her bright red eyes were fixed on EeDeChi. Her white hair was styled in a neat bun, decorated with a large black and red bow.


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    Particularly striking was her chest, which seemed disproportionately large for her petite frame. She resembled an exquisitely crafted porcelain doll, delicate yet devoid of much vitality.


    EeDeChi gave Shalltear''s outfit a thorough once-over and nodded, "Oh, a Gothic Lolita, huh?"


    Gothic Lolita. Ainz''s heart skipped a beat as he realized that Shalltear, created by one of the Supreme Beings¡ªPeroroncino, the butter enthusiast¡ªwas designed in a classic Gothic Lolita style.


    But this is an isekai! How could someone from another world know what "Gothic" means? That implies she''s also a player who crossed over! And, even more surprising, she''s a female player!


    Ainz pondered this privately, continuing to watch EeDeChi''s live feed on the screen.


    EeDeChi swung her giant sword, performing a flourish, and casually said, "Little Lolita, it''s dangerous to carry such a weapon. Hand it over, and I''ll adjust your Justice Value, turning you into a good little girl!"


    She stood with her sword in one hand, legs apart, her previous cold and elegant demeanor completely gone.


    Hmm, Ainz thought, it doesn''t seem like she''s a female player, but she is definitely a woman.


    Could it be¡­ Ainz speculated¡­ a man cross-dressing as a woman?


    Of course, besides a cross-dressing man, it''s also possible that this person chose a female character during character creation and then ended up crossing over as a female.


    Ainz remembered that many basement-dwelling gamers selected female characters, flaunted feminine IDs, and deceived other players to get special treatment. Could this person have inadvertently ended up becoming a real woman in this isekai? If so, their situation might be even more pitiful than his own.


    Ainz himself had chosen an undead character, and despite crossing over into the isekai, he found himself in a skeletal body that couldn''t eat or sleep with a girl.


    Ainz couldn''t help but think maliciously, but honestly, who would expect to suddenly cross over while gaming?


    "I gotta ask," EeDeChi stared at Shalltear''s excessively full chest, "Are those real? There''s no way someone so young could develop like this."


    In front of the screen, Albedo, who was watching the first-person live feed with Ainz, burst into a wide grin, showing her perfectly white teeth as she laughed, "Lord Ainz, even a blind person can see that Shalltear''s chest is padded!"


    It was the truth. Shalltear had always been unhappy with her figure and would stuff cotton or similar materials to make her otherwise flat chest appear more prominent.


    "HOW DARE YOU!!" Shalltear was stung by the remark, her pale face flushing bright red. "It''s not fake! I developed early, so what!"


    Her face was filled with anger as she raised her giant spear and lunged at EeDeChi in a swift step. EeDeChi blocked the thrust with her sword. The two then engaged in a back-and-forth exchange, their weapons clashing as they tested each other''s skills.


    After stepping back and sheathing her sword, EeDeChi''s expression grew serious. From the recent exchange, she could sense that this Gothic Lolita, Shalltear, had perfect strength and speed, making her the strongest opponent EeDeChi had faced since crossing into this isekai!


    Neither side had used their full strength, and no special skills were employed; they had only engaged in a basic weapon clash. The outcome of a full-force battle remained unknown.


    Despite the Gothic Lolita''s Justice Value being -450, which greatly irritated EeDeChi, she hesitated to use her full power to defeat Shalltear.


    Among the enemies faced today at the mansion, the first was an iron fist maid with peak strength among ordinary humans, followed by an Insect maid who was equally formidable. Now, there was this suddenly appearing Gothic Lolita with a spear.


    EeDeChi wasn''t sure what other formidable enemies might appear after this black-dressed girl, so she proceeded with caution, testing her attacks.


    Unbeknownst to the adventurer team leader, Shalltear was equally stunned.


    She hadn''t encountered such a powerful enemy in a long time. Among the native residents of this world, this adventurer named EeDeChi was at peak strength. And it was clear that EeDeChi was handling their battle with ease, not using all of her power.


    Of course, Shalltear hadn''t gone all out either. She had come out with only a Spuit Lance, while the divine artifact crafted specifically for her by the Supreme Beings was still in the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    If they were to fight with their full capabilities, the outcome was still uncertain.


    The two circled each other, their weapons poised, each searching for an opening in the other''s defense.


    Outside the mansion, Sebas saw that Shalltear had rescued the Insect maid Entoma and had begun fighting EeDeChi. He quickly sent a message: "Yuri, don''t get involved. Retreat immediately; this battle is beyond your scope!"


    ¡­


    Barrett''s Adamantitekite shield was now battered and dented, with a broken long sword stuck in the ground beside him. He gripped a one-handed broad sword in his hand.


    He had expected to die here but was surprised to have withstood the iron fist maid''s furious assault. Still, he didn''t dare let his guard down and continued to adjust his breathing, preparing for the maid''s next attack.


    The iron fist maid''s face remained composed, though a few strands of hair fell over her forehead from the intense battle, adding an unexpected allure to her elegant demeanor.


    She smiled gently at Barrett, who was sweating heavily, lifted her tattered maid dress slightly, and took a step back, suddenly disappearing from in front of Barrett.


    The surrounding swarm of insects also retreated, and the once chaotic mansion returned to calm. Barrett gripped his sword tightly, nervously glancing around, wondering if it was really over.


    In the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz pondered for a moment, tapping his skeletal index finger on the table as he gave orders: "Return, Shalltear. EeDeChi is likely a player and might possess unknown high-tier items. We don''t need to defeat her right now.


    "We still don''t know if her attitude toward us is hostile or friendly, or if there are other forces behind her. We need to gather more information before making further plans."


    "Understood, Lord Ainz." Shalltear received the message and, under EeDeChi''s watchful gaze, did a flip and leaped into the air. Her voluminous black dress billowed like waves as she jumped, a brief flash of white light, and then she disappeared before EeDeChi.


    "Another high-tier teleportation spell?" EeDeChi watched the direction the Gothic Lolita had left, deep in thought.

 Chapter 36: Do You Feel Guilty?

    Because Stella acted promptly, the blood holes in Sean''s shoulder were sealed, and his shattered shoulder blade was saved.


    After the Iron Fist Maid and Insect Maid had retreated, Barrett and Stella hired an urgent carriage to take Sean to the best hospital in town.


    If Sean''s arm were ruined, his life as an archer would be meaningless. Fortunately, with skilled doctors and Divine Magic at his disposal, his condition shouldn''t be severe, and his arm likely won''t suffer lasting damage.


    In the Adventurer''s Hall, EeDeChi stood alone at the counter, here to collect the remaining half of her reward for completing the task.


    Normally, Barrett would never leave her side during money transactions to prevent her from being deceived by unfamiliar people. But today, Barrett chose to visit Sean at the local medical clinic and seemed unwilling to deal with her.


    Perhaps due to it being close to noon, the Adventurer''s Hall was almost empty, and the receptionist was not at the counter, likely out for lunch.


    EeDeChi paced back and forth in the hall, feeling somewhat restless. She drummed her fingers on the oak counter, unsure whether her impatience was due to the receptionist''s absence or something else.


    "Dear lady, why so impatient? You''re about to break the counter with all that drumming," a calm and gentle voice said from behind, soothing her irritation.


    EeDeChi turned around and saw that the speaker was none other than the client of this mission¡ªthe elegantly dressed old gentleman. He was still in his formal black tailcoat, walking gracefully towards EeDeChi, his face full of humility as he extended his arm for a handshake.


    EeDeChi shook his hand and responded tersely, "The task you gave us was a lot more troublesome than we expected!"


    She glared at the number representing Justice Value above the old gentleman''s head¡ª300¡ªand with a hint of annoyance in her voice asked, "Did you know something that you didn''t tell us?"


    The old gentleman, Sebas Tian, made an apologetic gesture and said in a gentle tone, "I didn''t anticipate that this task would turn into such a grueling battle. Your fight with the monsters nearly destroyed the entire estate; the enemies you faced must have been exceptionally powerful. By the way, how is that adventurer with the bow? He didn''t look too well."


    EeDeChi looked into the old gentleman''s kind eyes and saw a genuine concern there. She nodded and said, "Our cleric treated him in time. He... should be okay now, I think." Her tone held a touch of uncertainty.


    "Good to hear that. I really don''t like seeing anyone get hurt because of us," the old gentleman said, then pulled out a silver pendant with embedded diamonds from the outer pocket of his coat.


    The pendant lay in the old gentleman''s broad hand, the beautiful scattered diamonds sparkling, with intricate and elaborate engravings glowing brightly.


    "What''s this for?" EeDeChi asked, puzzled.


    The old gentleman handed the silver pendant to EeDeChi.


    "I could have avoided coming here, since the payment for the mission was already given to the Adventurer''s Guild, who would distribute it. But as you said, the difficulty of this task far exceeded our expectations.


    "So, I want to give you this pendant as a token of our gratitude. It is a precious heirloom of our family, imbued with a constant High-tier magic by a great mage. It can protect the wearer and bring good fortune."


    EeDeChi initially wanted to refuse, knowing that, apart from her own strength, nothing could truly protect her.


    However, thinking in Barrett''s way, she realized that adventurers never let any wealth slip through their fingers, even if it were a coin dropped in the mud and run over by a cart. So, she accepted the silver pendant and thanked the old gentleman.


    The old gentleman assured her that it was the least he could do. He gave a slight bow and said, "Well then, lady, if there''s nothing else, I will take my leave."


    EeDeChi nodded, "Goodbye."


    The old gentleman responded warmly, "Yes, I''m sure we will have the chance to meet again." He turned and walked out of the hall, disappearing into the bustling street.


    EeDeChi tossed the silver pendant in her hand, watching expressionlessly as the old gentleman left.


    ---


    As the sun set, the dark red remnants of daylight clung stubbornly between the mountains. The evening glow bathed the land, turning the clouds on the horizon a reddish hue and casting a faint golden light over everything.


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    EeDeChi walked sullenly by the riverbank. She had just visited the hospital in the southern part of the city and learned that Sean had already been discharged and had left with Stella and Barrett. The three of them had left without a trace and had not informed the doctors where they were going.


    Now, EeDeChi was heading to the inn where the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team was staying, on the other side of the city, wondering if Barrett and the others were still there.


    Time passed slowly. The sun had dipped halfway below the horizon, and the twilight deepened. On a sycamore tree by the river, whose leaves had mostly fallen, a black crow perched on a branch, cawing hoarsely.


    EeDeChi felt a surge of irritation for no apparent reason. "Shut up already!" she shouted at the crow, drawing the attention of several passersby on the sidewalk.


    But the crow was unmoved by the irritated adventurer and continued its loud "Caw! Caw!" It even flapped its wings, making its calls louder.


    EeDeChi''s frustration flared up. She grabbed a nearby hard object and threw it at the crow.


    The crow''s cries abruptly stopped. The black bird tumbled from the branch and fell into the river with a splash.


    Satisfied, EeDeChi clapped her hands and continued on her way. She reached into her pocket and realized that the object she used to hit the crow was the silver pendant the old gentleman had given her in the Adventurer''s Guild earlier that day. The exquisite pendant seemed to be a family heirloom of the old gentleman.


    Regardless, EeDeChi felt a lot better and her steps grew lighter. She quickened her pace, heading towards the inn where she was staying in the city¡­


    The night was deep, and a crescent moon hung high in the sky.


    After knocking on the door of the tenth house to ask for directions, EeDeChi finally found the way to the inn.


    On the three-story inn, only Sean''s room had an orange light still glowing from the window. EeDeChi tiptoed up the stairs, and without hesitation, pushed open the door and walked in.


    The room was filled with a faint herbal scent. Barrett was lounging in a soft chair, while Sean, shirtless, sat upright on the bed. Stella, dressed in her cleric uniform, was gently changing his bandages. The twin blond loli sisters, Ureirika and Kuuderika, were sprawled on the bed, huddled together playing with their stuffed dolls.


    "Hey, you''re back. I thought you might have gotten lost. I almost went out to look for you," Barrett said, straightening up from the chair as he greeted EeDeChi.


    "I''m not directionally challenged," EeDeChi said with a stiff expression, though her mood quickly softened. She looked at Sean sitting on the edge of the bed and asked in an unusually gentle tone, "How are you now? Are you alright?"


    Sean flashed a grin, his freckles dancing on his face. "Don''t worry, Captain! Thanks to Stella''s healing magic, I''m completely fine now. I''m sure I''ll be back to drawing my bow in no time!"


    As he spoke, he slapped his strong chest with his uninjured hand, the sound echoing with a thud. But the movement immediately aggravated his other shoulder''s wound, and he grimaced in pain.


    "Hey, stop squirming. It wasn''t me who healed your arm; it was the High-tier healer in the city. Besides, if it weren''t for me, you wouldn''t have gotten hurt in the first place¡­" Stella said gently, wrapping a clean white bandage around his shoulder.


    "I just acted on instinct back then, trying to protect you. Don''t worry about it. Look at me, I took a heavy punch from those wolf tooth gloves, and I''m still fine," Sean said nonchalantly, his expression relaxed.


    "Oh, don''t get too cocky. Besides practicing archery, you need to work on your close-combat Martial Arts too. If that iron-fisted maid had landed a punch on your head, you''d be dead! When I fought her, her punches were always aimed straight at my vital points!" Barrett said with a smirk.


    Barrett squinted his eyes, recalling the dangerous battle with the iron fist maid in the manor yesterday.


    To be honest, this battle was the most perilous he had faced in nearly twenty years as an adventurer. Even the encounters he had bragged about with a Frost Dragon paled in comparison to the intensity and danger of this fight. He had suspected he might not make it when he raised his shield against the maid.


    The iron fist maid''s strength, speed, and combat skills were nothing short of perfect. He hadn''t expected that, after destroying two Adamantite shields, three long swords, and a spear, he barely managed to fight her to a standstill.


    However, it''s going to be tough bragging about this battle to other adventurers. Who would believe that the pinnacle of one''s fighting career would be a draw against a maid?


    Reflecting on the battle, Barrett realized that what stood out most wasn''t the iron fist maid''s impeccable fighting techniques or her terrifyingly powerful punches. Instead, it was her composed demeanor, the narrow black glasses on her high nose, the strands of hair that fell onto her forehead after the fight, and the graceful, gentle smile she flashed when she lifted her maid''s skirt before leaving¡­


    Barrett shook his head, trying to push the image of the maid out of his mind and stop dwelling on such meaningless thoughts.


    He turned to EeDeChi, hoping to see some hint of guilt or something else in the captain''s black eyes.


    The adventurer captain glanced at Barrett and waved her hand dismissively. "Since everyone is fine and in good shape, we''ll leave tomorrow and head for the Re-Estize Kingdom."


    "Captain, I''m not trying to blame you," Barrett said firmly, deciding to clarify things, "but you shouldn''t have left us to chase another enemy during the battle."


    "Why? If I hadn''t gone after her, she would have escaped," EeDeChi said, folding her arms. "And with you around, I trust the problem was manageable. You''re reliable."


    Barrett gave a wry smile. "You have too much faith in me. I was no match for that maid. We nearly got killed."


    "She wouldn''t have killed you," EeDeChi said confidently.


    "Why not?" Barrett asked, thoroughly confused.


    "I can see her Justice Value. It''s 150, so she''s a good person."


    "Impossible. I clearly sensed her murderous intent," Barrett shook his head. "Let me be clear¡ªshe wanted to kill all three of us! She''s a maid, so she must follow her master''s orders, not some so-called Justice Value."


    "I don''t believe it. Are you implying you''re smarter than me?" EeDeChi lifted her chin proudly.


    "Alright," Barrett said, pressing his forehead in frustration. "I dare say you''ll eventually regret trusting someone''s Justice Value blindly. Anyway, as a team, you''re the captain, and you have a duty and responsibility to protect your teammates."


    "Alright, alright, I get it," EeDeChi waved her hand dismissively.

 Chapter 37 – The Stubborn Old Man

    In late autumn, everything is desolate. The withered yellow leaves fall in a flurry, drifting alongside the hasty steps of the four travelers, leaving only the bare branches of trees pointing towards the sky.


    They are in a small border town of the Baharuth Empire, with the territory of the Re-Estize Kingdom just beyond the town.


    Although the two nations are sworn enemies, most of the fighting takes place in the northern plains, so life here remains relatively peaceful. Especially in the past three years, the Empire''s high command has shifted from its usual aggressive stance to a more restrained one, strictly forbidding conflicts with the Re-Estize and recalling the stationed knights to the capital, leading to even laxer defenses here.


    The Last Defender of the Way adventurer team only needed to register symbolically at a small border outpost to get permission to cross the border.


    They are now buying long-lasting dried food, camping supplies, and gathering clean well water for their long journey ahead.


    There''s no point in hoping for a teleportation array or even a carriage; this place definitely doesn''t have smooth roads leading straight to the cities of the Re-Estize.


    Although the war has long since ended, the two nations are still officially hostile, and border transportation routes are scarce. Only profit-driven traveling merchants still brave the muddy paths with their mule-drawn carts, occasionally stopping in this small town.


    For the wandering adventurers, the only option to reach the other side of the border is to trek on foot.


    For Barrett, well water cannot substitute for drinking water, but there''s no way a border town like this would have magically distilled water, so he resigned himself to it. He quickly drew a bucket of water from the well and filled his leather water sack.


    Sean''s shoulder will soon be fully healed, so as the injured one, he didn''t have to work and spent his time strolling through the short market in town with Stella.


    Perhaps due to the town''s sporadic trade with the Re-Estize, some of the items for sale feature the unique style of the southern part of the Kingdom. Sean and Stella, both born and raised in the Baharuth, were intrigued by these items and lingered at several vendors'' stalls.


    Barrett took it upon himself to handle the procurement of supplies, not allowing EeDeChi to get involved. EeDeChi was happy to have some free time and went off on her own to find stores selling lycium chinense and dried red dates. According to her, she was running low on ingredients for her "health preservation" potions.


    Stella still couldn''t understand how EeDeChi, with no knowledge of alchemy, could be so sure that steeping these ordinary ingredients in boiling water would produce a potion that could extend life. But, given that the orichalcum-level leader must have her reasons, Stella decided she might as well try making it herself in the future.


    The cleric girl in her white cotton robe held Ureirika''s hand with her left, while Sean held Kuuderika''s hand with his right, strolling together through the market. They soon spotted Barrett, who was engaged in a heated argument with a thin old man squatting on the ground.


    "Why is this borago officinalis so expensive? A tiny bundle for 1 gold coin? Let me tell you, two months ago in Trellami City, a bundle of borago officinalis only cost 10 copper coins and was twice the size of this tiny one you''re selling!" Barrett, with his sword strapped to his waist, glared down at the old man from above, his tone harsh and accusatory.


    The old man had laid out a tattered yellow cloth in front of him, on which were displayed several strips of dried lamb, a large bundle of dried nettles, several bags of unknown herbs, and a few bunches of borago officinalis.


    Borago officinalis, known as the "herb of courage," is said to dull pain and calm the mind.


    Adventurers with a basic knowledge of herbs always like to dry and grind borago officinalis into powder and keep a box in their backpacks. Barrett was particularly determined to get some.


    The old man selling the borago officinalis was quite aged, with nearly all his hair gone, leaving only a few wisps of white hair fluttering in the wind like thin threads stuck to his head.


    He looked up defiantly at Barrett, his cloudy yellow eyes glaring. The significant difference in height and stance did nothing to diminish his presence. "Ha! Two months ago? Let me tell you, the last borago officinalis on Mount Furl withered last month. The season is over, understand? These are the last few plants I grew myself. Take it or leave it!"


    "You think you''re the only one selling these scraps of grass? I can find others selling it just as well!" Barrett retorted harshly, though his tone betrayed a lack of confidence.


    "Ah, go on then, hurry off and buy somewhere else. Don''t block my sunlight," the old man said, waving his hand dismissively as if shooing a fly.


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    "You greedy old man... why don''t you just go rob someone? You must have been quite the bandit in your youth!" Barrett said, his voice fierce but with a hint of nervousness.


    After searching the short market of the town, it turned out this stubborn old man was indeed the only one selling borago officinalis, which was why Barrett had been arguing with him for so long.


    "What''s all this noise?" Around the corner, EeDeChi came strolling up, holding a magic insulated cup in one hand and the other hand behind her back, her posture upright. She sipped her lycium chinense tea and spoke calmly, "Barrett, let''s speak nicely, no need to bully the elderly. When people are in trouble, we should communicate more."


    "Captain, come take a look. This tiny bit of borago officinalis is selling for 1 gold coin per bundle. Does that make any sense?"


    "Is it really that expensive?" EeDeChi blinked, "I just bought 6 miras of red dates for only 2 gold coins. The shopkeeper told me they were premium dates from the western part of the Empire, and even brewed some tea for me."


    Barrett facepalmed, feeling that his earlier haggling had been completely pointless.


    The captain had been ripped off again by an unscrupulous merchant. How could this backwater town possibly have premium dates from the western part of the Empire? Even if they were, they should cost no more than 2 silver coins per mira.


    The shopkeeper was clearly taking advantage of her, making sure she was well-served while being overcharged! So eagerly making tea for her!


    Holding her insulated cup, EeDeChi crouched down to look at the old man and said kindly, "Old man, if you''re having any difficulties, let me know. Our young friend here can be a bit blunt. Please don''t take it personally."


    The old man glared at EeDeChi. "What''s with all this false politeness? What''s the difference between you adventurers and bandits? Are you buying or not?"


    After being rebuffed by the crowd, EeDeChi stood up dejectedly. Barrett shook his head, took out 4 gold coins from his pouch, and threw them down in front of the old man. He then picked up the four small bundles of borago officinalis from the stall and turned to leave.


    Before he left, he made a parting remark: "If I were still a bandit, I''d definitely target stingy old coots like you!"


    The old man, not to be outdone, gathered up the remaining herbs on his stall and spat angrily on the ground.


    This small incident quickly faded, like warmth swept away by the autumn wind. Barrett didn''t dwell on the rude old herb seller and continued to gather the remaining supplies.


    By the next morning, all the necessary gear and supplies for the journey were packed and ready: food, water, medicines, magical potions, vitality elixirs, and more¡ªall stored in Barrett''s spatial ring.


    The Last Defender of the Way adventurer team exchanged tired greetings with the sleepy sentinel at the town''s checkpoint and set off on their new journey.


    The crisp morning breeze, carrying the chill of autumn, swept in through sleeves and collars, prompting everyone to tighten their coats around them. Stella''s soft chestnut hair was tousled by the wind, forcing her to stop and gather her loose strands. Sean''s shoulder was almost fully healed, and he helped Stella tie her hair into a bun.


    Barrett, walking ahead, noticed a blue butterfly hair clip on the cleric girl''s head that differed from the usual imperial style and asked curiously, "Is that new hair clip from the town? I see its design is not typical of the Empire."


    Stella nodded, "Yes, a traveling merchant sold it to me. He even mentioned it''s the same style worn by the Golden Princess of the Re-Estize." A blush spread across her face as she spoke.


    Barrett thought to himself, "You''re as easy to fool as the captain," though he kept this comment to himself.


    EeDeChi slapped her forehead, "Right, I had a silver pendant that I could have given you, a family heirloom from that old gentleman who commissioned us last time. Unfortunately, I used it to throw at a bird and it ended up in the river. Such a pity."


    "Um... throwing at birds..." Stella blinked, not quite understanding what the captain meant. She and Sean were used to EeDeChi occasionally spouting odd phrases that made no sense and knew better than to press her for explanations since EeDeChi seldom cared to clarify.


    The breath of autumn wafted through the wide expanse of the fields, the clarity like water spreading across slopes and embankments, with the dry yellow trees and crops beginning to sway in the breeze.


    The travelers stepped over the dried wild grass on the road, continuing their journey forward.


    ¡­


    "What''s going on?" In the fifth floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz frowned at a glowing dot on the magic screen in front of him.


    Theoretically, this dot marked EeDeChi''s current location, but it hadn''t moved since the day before yesterday. Ainz watched it remain motionless yesterday and, upon checking again after waking up today, found it still in the same place!


    Does this mean EeDeChi has been standing in one place for days, without moving an inch?


    "Could the tracker''s magic have failed? That''s impossible; it''s a legendary item."


    "Perhaps Sebas didn''t manage to trick EeDeChi into wearing the tracking pendant," said a tall demon in a pinstripe suit with small round glasses standing in front of Ainz.


    Ainz shook his head at the demon, "Demiurge, I trust Sebas''s abilities. If he said he got EeDeChi to accept the silver pendant tracker, then she definitely accepted it."


    Demiurge bowed slightly, "Esteemed Ainz-sama, I also believe Sebas succeeded, and the high-tier tracking magic on the pendant is difficult to detect. However, I''ve sent a servant to investigate the exact situation at the dot''s location. It should return soon."


    Before long, a red demon with bat wings approached them, kneeling before Ainz and raising its arms to its forehead. "Honored Supreme One, this is what I found at the bottom of a river where the dot was located. There are no humans at the riverbed or in the water."


    In the red demon''s outstretched hand was a delicate silver pendant, glinting with a few spots of mud and water droplets, clearly just pulled from the river.


    Ainz glanced at the magic screen. The dot had moved to the Great Tomb of Nazarick, meaning the tracking magic hadn''t failed.


    "Demiurge, what''s your take?" Ainz''s tone was somber, as he was secretly alarmed by EeDeChi''s counter-detection skills.


    The silver pendant was an item he had drawn from a gacha before his traversal, with magical effects comparable to Super-Tier Magic¡ª"Eye of Invisibility."


    Ainz had given it to an allied player to track others, but now EeDeChi had easily seen through it. She was truly remarkable.


    Demiurge picked up the silver pendant from the red demon, his expression serious. "Ainz-sama, I believe EeDeChi is a very tricky character. She sensed our intentions but deliberately didn''t show hostility, indicating she has deep schemes.


    "We need to approach her with more caution. If we haven''t found any force behind her, we might consider making contact and offering some goodwill."

 Chapter 38: Lodging

    The Last Defender of the Way adventurers trudged along a winding, muddy path, crossed rolling hills, and navigated through the wilderness using their map and compass.


    EeDeChi and Barrett were the type who could walk for miles without breaking a sweat. Platinum-level adventurer Sean had impressive stamina as well, but Stella, the delicate cleric, was struggling. Her physical condition wasn''t the best, and her basic low-level flying magic lacked the mana for extended use.


    She had to rest many times along the way. Additionally, Barrett and Sean carrying Ureirika and Kuuderika had slowed them down considerably.


    To Barrett, rescuing Ureirika and Kuuderika was already a huge act of kindness. His plan was either to return them to their parents or take them to an orphanage, not to heed the pleas of these two kids who insisted on finding their missing older sister, who was in an uncertain state of life or death. As a result, they now had to carry these two extra burdens through the wilderness.


    But EeDeChi was determined to find the twins'' sister, the mage adventurer named Arche. She was convinced that Arche was still alive, but had been captured by Ainz and was being held in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, unable to leave.


    Barrett looked at Stella, who was casting a blessing spell on herself while sitting on a rock, and shook his head, turning his attention back to the parchment map in his hands.


    The map was incomplete and the terrain poorly drawn; otherwise, they would have chosen to travel by horse.


    The travel route and method were planned by the experienced adventurer Barrett, who hadn''t considered that someone might struggle with the journey. As a mithril-level adventurer, he hadn''t teamed up with a silver-level adventurer like Stella for quite some time.


    EeDeChi, who had set the travel destination, seemed indifferent. She stood on top of a small hill, still carrying her giant sword. The autumn wind gently lifted her black short hair as she gazed into the distance where the mountains met the gray sky, lost in thought.


    In this season, the southern border where the Empire meets the Re-Estize saw darkness fall very early. As soon as the sun dipped below the mountains, night quickly followed.


    It was already late afternoon, with the dim sun hanging low in the sky. After a brief discussion with Sean, Barrett, with EeDeChi''s agreement, decided to head to the nearest village on the map¡ªSheep Horn Village¡ªto rest and stay the night. Sean also seemed to want to buy a horse in Sheep Horn for Stella to use. Whether they could find a horse there would only be known once they arrived.


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    Traveling at night was not a good idea. The risk of getting lost was higher, and camping in the wilderness could expose them to unknown dangers. Although EeDeChi claimed not to be afraid of any danger, Barrett knew that this orichalcum-level adventurer preferred to get a good night''s sleep.


    The group adjusted their direction and headed to the other side of the hill. They soon arrived at a valley where "Sheep Horn Village," marked on their parchment map, lay nestled.


    From a distance, red-tiled, gray-walled cottages were scattered across the land. A narrow path wove between them, with fields of light green and dark yellow crops cutting the ground into rectangular patches. Occasionally, farmers could be seen bending over in the fields, harvesting their crops. Far off on the low hills, small flocks of sheep moved like drifting white clouds.


    The four adventurers, carrying the twin sisters, walked briskly along the muddy roads of Sheep Horn, curiously looking around.


    This was already the borderland of the Re-Estize, but the village''s scenery was much like that of the Baharuth Empire. Fields of corn, barley, and oats awaited harvest. Some farmers stopped their work along the way to watch them, their expressions marked not just by curiosity but by a deeper sense of caution.


    "Does anyone else find something odd? Why are there hardly any young men working in the fields?" Sean, who was keenly observant, noticed something was off.


    As he suspected, most of the people in the fields wielding hoes and sickles, as well as those tending to the cattle and sheep, were women, children, and elderly with wrinkled faces. There were very few able-bodied men.


    "Maybe they''ve gone to the city for work. I wonder what the farming policies are like in the Re-Estize. Do they have any farmer-friendly measures?" EeDeChi said, leading the way and talking to herself.


    "What?" The other three looked puzzled at their leader''s remark.


    "Could they have all gone off to fight? I heard the Re-Estize has this compulsory military service system," Sean speculated, a hint of arrogance in his voice.


    The Baharuth Empire values quality over quantity in its military, focusing on training professional cavalry. In contrast, the Re-Estize relies on compulsory service every year to maintain a large army to counter the Baharuth Empire. Naturally, Sean, being from the Empire, looked down on this system.


    Barrett glanced around, catching the eyes of a few unfriendly-looking farmers. He lowered his head and said, "It''s indeed unusual. From what I know, during busy farming seasons, the Re-Estize''s conscripted soldiers are usually sent back home to complete their farm work and are only called back in the spring. But there aren''t many young men around now."


    Barrett then joked, "Could it be that there''s an epidemic here that targets grown men? Ha, if so, we must have walked into a village of widows."


    EeDeChi shot him a stern look, "Mind your words. Our team doesn''t accept morally depraved individuals!"


    Barrett fell silent. In the past, when he''d teamed up with more carefree adventurers, such comments would have been met with hearty laughter. But now, cleric Stella would certainly not be laughing, and Sean, who was trying hard to maintain his image in front of Stella, wouldn''t join in on the joke either.


    Sean attempted to lighten the mood, "Let''s hope that''s not the case. Otherwise, Uncle, you and I might catch it too, and we''re grown men ourselves." He winked at Barrett.


    The sun continued to sink behind the mountains, the sunset fading from gold to a dimmer glow. Darkness was approaching.


    After a day of travel, the four adventurers were exhausted, their legs aching, and their stomachs growling. They were in desperate need of a place to rest, a bowl of warm meat soup, and a dry, flat bed.

 Chapter 39 - The Village Chief

    On the dirt road of the village, a farmwoman hurried along, carrying a heavy wooden bucket. She glanced suspiciously at the four adventurers and turned down a side path.


    A few more farmwomen and elderly people came by, and they all gave the adventurers wary looks before steering clear of them, completely avoiding any chance for the adventurers to speak.


    The sky was dark, with a crescent moon slowly appearing on the horizon. The Last Defender of the Way squad arrived at the front of a relatively large house. Through the windows, the flickering glow of a yellow stove could be seen, and the aroma of fried pork lard was faintly noticeable.


    Barrett approached the oak door and gently knocked with his broad knuckles, producing a "thud-thud" sound. They hoped to find a place to stay for the night.


    The door was slightly ajar, and an elderly woman with a face full of wrinkles stood behind the crack, with warm yellow light spilling out from behind her. She looked at Barrett with a mixture of confusion and suspicion.


    Barrett bent down, lowering his tall frame so as not to intimidate the small, elderly woman. After composing his words, he said, "Hello, we''re travelers from the north of the kingdom. May we stay at your home for the night?"


    The old woman scrutinized Barrett''s attire, and then it seemed to dawn on her. "Oh, you''re adventurers."


    Barrett tried to smile warmly. "Yes, we''re mithril-level adventurers. We will pay you¡­"


    "Clang!" The door slammed shut, cutting off Barrett''s words and blocking the warm light from inside.


    The sound of metal clanging against a lock was heard from behind the door. It was clear that the old woman regarded adventurers like she would a pestilential bird, fearing that they would bring disease into her home.


    Seeing that the seasoned adventurer Barrett had failed, EeDeChi shook his head. "Young man, it seems you lack experience with grassroots work. Let me handle it next time and give you a lesson."


    Barrett was used to EeDeChi, who was over a decade younger than him, calling him "young man" or "kid." He stepped back helplessly. The four of them walked a bit further down the country path and arrived at a larger house that seemed to have enough room to accommodate them for the night.


    EeDeChi stepped up and knocked on the door. Shortly after, an elderly man opened it.


    The adventurer leader cleared his throat, coughed, and let a small smile creep onto his face. "Good evening, sir. We are a disciplined, professional team and won''t take a single stitch from the people¡­"


    "BANG!" The door slammed shut, leaving EeDeChi''s smile frozen on his face.


    Barrett had expected that EeDeChi might have some trick up his sleeve. He barely stifled his laughter and said to EeDeChi, "Captain, why do you even bother saying that? The villagers are too wary of us. Only gold will sway them!"


    Barrett had been an adventurer for nearly twenty years, and he was quite used to being turned away like this.


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    In these remote, semi-isolated villages, any stranger who knew magic, carried swords, and was skilled in combat would naturally make people nervous and defensive.


    What was unusual, though, was how excessively cautious these villagers were.


    Farmers generally didn''t dislike adventurers, as a righteous adventurer could help the village by hunting beasts that stole crops or caused harm, and would willingly pay gold for the farmers'' produce while bringing news from other towns.


    In the kingdom, if a village was a realm, adventurers were its heroes, messengers, and traveling merchants.


    Unless some adventurers had committed crimes in Sheep Horn before¡­ many ill-tempered adventurers can switch seamlessly between being adventurers and bandits. Ten years ago, when Barrett wasn''t getting missions, he would occasionally work as a bandit. Of course, he always considered himself more of a rogue.


    With this thought, and considering the rarity of middle-aged men in Sheep Horn, Barrett couldn''t help but feel a bit concerned.


    They arrived at a small farmstead made of brick and wood on the south side of the village. By now, the sky had turned completely dark, with a deep blue nightfall covering everything. A young woman, carrying a small copper lantern, was driving a few goats into the farmhouse.


    This time, Stella volunteered. She lit up her staff, and the soft white magical light at its tip began to shine. At the same time, she held a few gold coins in her left hand and approached the shepherdess.


    The shepherdess was about the same height as Stella. Under the gentle magical light, her hair was a fiery red, and her face had a few freckles.


    Her envious gaze shifted from the staff in Stella''s hand to the golden coins in Stella''s palm, then to EeDeChi, who was standing nearby with a stern, righteous expression, and finally to Barrett and Sean, the two sturdy men behind Stella. A hint of wariness appeared on her face.


    After Stella explained their purpose, the shepherdess finally nodded and agreed, "I need to report to the village chief. Please follow me."


    The four of them, carrying the less lively twin sisters Ureirika and Kuuderika, followed the shepherdess along the winding path.


    Barrett said to EeDeChi, "See? I told you, as long as you show gold, you can find a place to stay. There''s nothing in this world that gold can''t solve. If there is, just use double gold!"


    EeDeChi shook his head dismissively. "The reason we can stay here isn''t just because of money, but because of sincerity and goodwill. It''s Stella''s higher Justice Value that makes her more convincing. Don''t think that your life experience means you can define the world. I''m telling you, there are still many honest and kind people out there."


    It seemed both of them assumed the village chief would agree to let them stay in Sheep Horn for the night. The shepherdess reassured them that although the chief had a stubborn temper, he was sharp-minded and would surely agree to this mutually beneficial arrangement.


    They arrived at what seemed to be the village center. The village chief''s home was a low, wooden house. The shepherdess knocked on the door and entered the house to discuss matters with the chief.


    Soon, the door of the wooden house opened again. The shepherdess emerged, and behind her, a thin old man followed.


    The old man was quite elderly, with a face full of wrinkles. His hair was nearly gone, with only a few white strands left swaying in the autumn breeze, like a few white threads stuck to his head.


    Barrett and the old man locked eyes, and at that moment, Barrett wanted nothing more than to cover his face and quickly put his hand over EeDeChi''s face as well.


    They never expected that the village chief would turn out to be the stubborn old man who had sold herbs at the town market the day before.


    At that time, Barrett had a heated argument with him over the price of borago officinalis, and left with a parting shot about robbing such a greedy old man if he ever went back to banditry.


    Barrett still had the small bundle of borago officinalis in his spatial ring, which he had taken after tossing four gold coins in front of the old man''s stall.


    EeDeChi also felt embarrassed, but as the leader of the adventurer team, he prepared to say something. "Sir, our young comrade might have been a bit harsh with you before. We hope¡­"


    "Get them out of here! Sheep Horn does not welcome these adventurers!"

 Chapter 40: Awakening from the Dream

    The crescent moon, like a curved hook, gradually climbed into the sky. A thin, transparent gray cloud veiled the moonlight, creating a misty veil over the fields. After the evening clouds drifted away, the smoke cleared from the fields, and the water-like, clear light bathed the gentle autumn night.


    The cool, mountain breeze swept away the white mist, drifting down the mountainside, while the shadows of the peaks quickly fell over the village. The darkness grew deeper, blending with the night, but soon was illuminated silver-gray by the moon.


    After being expelled from Sheep Horn by the angry old village chief, the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team chose to set up camp in the wilderness outside the village. They pitched simple tents and set up a stove, cooking and making soup.


    The warm flames licked the blackened soup pot, where chunks of lamb and sliced potatoes and turnips simmered, bubbling and rolling. Barrett chopped some scallions and added them to the pot, releasing an even more enticing aroma that teased the taste buds of the hungry diners around.


    A wooden ladle scooped up some of the boiling soup, which Stella blew on before tasting. The flavor was rich, smooth, and delicious. Stella had to admit that Barrett, this mithril-level adventurer in his thirties, was not only more skilled in combat and richer in adventure experience than she was, but also a better cook.


    Meanwhile, EeDeChi grabbed a black ceramic bowl, snatched the wooden ladle from Stella''s hand, and filled the bowl with large scoops of the still-boiling lamb soup and meat chunks.


    She then took a big bite of oat bread and slurped the steaming hot soup from the bowl, chewing enthusiastically and praising, "Delicious! So good!"


    Sean and Stella, standing by the campfire, were stunned. Barrett, the cook of the lamb soup, stood by holding a bundle of scallions, equally surprised.


    The fragrant lamb soup was just freshly cooked, and the temperature was still close to boiling. They would need to adjust the small fire and wait for the soup to cool to a temperature that was safe to eat before slowly enjoying their meal.


    Most people would have burned their mouths if they ate like EeDeChi.


    Barrett glanced cautiously at EeDeChi, who was eagerly slurping the boiling hot soup from her ceramic bowl. Once he confirmed she was okay, he let out a sigh of relief and waved at Stella, who was preparing to cast a healing spell. "Don''t worry, it looks like the captain''s flame resistance is as high as a magma monster''s."


    Sean adjusted the small fire with a piece of pinewood, then handed out four ceramic bowls to Stella, Barrett, and the twin sisters, who were the "dead weight" in Barrett''s eyes.


    Each of the five scooped up a bowl of meat soup, with chunks of meat and slices of potatoes, and enjoyed it with thick slices of bread smeared with butter.


    As the soup pot neared empty, Stella grilled eight skewers of beef slices over the fire, brushed them with a dark sauce, and sprinkled spices on them. The group savored their meal and finally felt full.


    After cleaning up the dishes and cooking gear, they gathered around the warm campfire. Sean and Barrett chatted and boasted while Stella, holding the sweet-natured twin sisters on either side, quietly listened to their stories and occasionally added a comment.


    The conversation moved from the magical powers of adult black dragons to the ancient legends of the Eight Greed Kings, and finally returned to Sheep Horn near their campsite.


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    "Are people from the Re-Estize always so unfriendly? Or have they detected our Baharuth accent?" Sean looked toward the distant village lights on the other side of the hills with curiosity.


    "I think the girl who was herding sheep was quite friendly," Stella poked the glowing embers in the fire with a stick. "It''s just that the village chief really dislikes us."


    Sean nodded, "Yes, every place has its good and bad people. I didn''t expect the village chief to be out selling things at the market; otherwise, we wouldn''t have run into that uncle."


    Barrett wasn''t too happy about being called "uncle" by Sean. He thought with displeasure, "I''m only 35, just 12 years older than Sean. I''m still quite young!


    Of course, he disliked being called a "young man" or "kid" by EeDeChi, who was even younger than Sean. Compared to that, he could somewhat accept being called "uncle."


    "Uncle" added another piece of pinewood to the fire and said, "Actually, the issue isn''t just the village chief''s attitude towards us. The problem is that Sheep Horn has too few young men, not even enough to organize a capable militia. If we wanted to, we could easily overpower the village with just the women and old men. Their heavy-handed vigilance is really just about fearing they might invite trouble."


    "I see, Uncle, you have experience," Sean said. "But where have all their young men gone?"


    EeDeChi didn''t join in their casual chat. She sat cross-legged, flipping through a book thicker than the Empire''s chronicles, titled *The Mystery of Magic*.


    This was a magical book she obtained from Peyton Manor, written by a group of self-proclaimed high-tier human mages. It contained a lot of 4th and 5th Tier magic, the origins of magic, and directions for exploring even higher-tier magic.


    EeDeChi had recommended the book to Stella, hoping she could learn from it, but the cleric girl, who barely managed 2nd Tier magic, couldn''t understand the spells in the book and had to give up.


    A heavy drowsiness began to settle in, and the four of them prepared for bed. Sean extinguished the campfire, and Stella cast a simple protective spell around the campsite.


    Since they were camping on the edge of the village, there was no need for a night watch. Everyone crawled into their respective tents. The autumn night in the wilderness was cold, and the thin linen tents did little to keep out the chill. Each person wrapped tightly in their blankets and fell into a deep sleep.


    The starry sky stretched across the night, with a crescent moon hanging high, and unknown night insects chirped away.


    Barrett slowly drifted into sleep¡­


    His dream was a hazy pink. A girl in a white dress stood among black thorns.


    Her wine-red hair fell loosely over her shoulders, with bangs perfectly grazing her eyelids. Her long eyelashes fluttered, and her watery eyes seemed to speak. Her petite nose was perfectly proportioned, and her pink face, with its moist lips, made one want to take a bite.


    "Raye..." Barrett murmured in his sleep. In his dream, he found himself walking toward the girl, but was blocked by the thorny darkness of the night.


    "Damn it..." Barrett reached for his waist to draw his sword and clear the thorns, but found nothing. However, the thicket gradually withered, the thorny branches turning into dry sticks that fell to the ground.


    As Barrett pushed through the thorns and approached the girl, her face began to change. Her slightly pointed chin softened into a beautiful oval face.


    She wore narrow-rimmed glasses on her fair nose, her wine-red hair now black and styled into a bun. Her white dress had turned black, transforming into a maid''s uniform. Her large, expressive eyes seemed to ripple with water.


    She smiled gently at Barrett, her elegant and intellectual beauty captivating. It was the iron fist maid he had battled at Peyton Manor. Barrett swallowed hard. But now, the maid''s hands were bare, with no dangerous wolf tooth gloves, only delicate hands beneath white lace cuffs.


    She gracefully adjusted her glasses, elegantly lifted her maid''s skirt, and walked through the thorns towards Barrett.


    Barrett felt his heart pounding loudly, its beat clear and loud, like the sound of hooves thudding on the earth.


    Thud, thud, growing louder. Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud¡­


    No, that wasn''t his heart! Barrett woke up with a start, fully alert. He rolled over, grabbed the longsword under his oak pillow, and cautiously peeked out of the tent.


    From the direction of Sheep Horn came the distant flicker of firelight, the sounds of horses neighing, running, cursing, and shouting, piercing the night''s silence.


    Barrett woke the other three from their tents, and the four of them grabbed their weapons and checked on the sleeping twin sisters.


    EeDeChi let out a long yawn. They left the campsite, moving stealthily through the pitch-black night towards the flickering firelight of the village.

 Chapter 41: Night Weeping

    As they stealthily approached the village, the four of them finally understood the situation. A gang of over ten bandits had attacked Sheep Horn. They had smashed open the doors of the villagers'' homes with hammers, looting each house one by one.


    Although the bandits were few in number, they were well-trained and highly skilled. Sheep Horn had very few young men and could not organize an effective defense. The village was brightly lit with torches, and cries of despair echoed through the air.


    "Should we discuss a battle plan?" Sean suggested to the other three, hidden in the shadow of a thatched sheep pen. Before he could finish, EeDeChi drew her sword from her back and leaped out with the agility of a nightsaber.


    "BANG!"


    However, she was too hasty and miscalculated the height, causing her forehead to hit the roof beam of the sheep pen, breaking it with a force. The pen wobbled, and the thatch fell onto Barrett, Sean, and Stella. They quickly brushed off the thatch and followed their leader out.


    ...


    About fifteen minutes later, the battle was over.


    The battle was unremarkable, the dullest Barrett had experienced so far. Even the most talented and poetic minstrels, who could turn battles against lizardmen into epic tales, would struggle to describe the excitement of this rescue mission.


    The battle could be summarized as follows: EeDeChi swung her sword as if she were wielding a shuttlecock, knocking the fearless and determined bandits, along with their weapons, flying. Barrett, Sean, and Stella followed closely behind, tying up the bandits who had survived the initial blows with ropes.


    In total, fourteen bandits, including the leader, were dead, and the remaining nine were injured to varying degrees, bound with coarse ropes and left scattered on a cleared patch of ground in the village center.


    Barrett interrogated a few of the still-conscious bandits and discovered that among this unlucky group were six adventurers who had joined temporarily. He couldn''t help but feel a bit relieved, thankful that he hadn''t encountered someone as terrifying as EeDeChi during his stint as a part-time bandit years ago.


    Sean picked up a torch and built a campfire in the center of the village with some pine logs, lighting up the surroundings. Some villagers peered out from their homes, cautiously watching the bandits bound like mummies on the ground and the four adventurers by the fire.


    Barrett walked among the bandits, occasionally reaching into their pockets. He noticed one bandit had pointed ears and leaned in to discover a young half-elf adventurer.


    Half-elves are the offspring of proud elves and humans. This half-elf had the usual pointed ears and, due to his elven heritage, a high, prominent nose and a handsome face. Barrett wondered how someone like him ended up as a bandit.


    With a quick thought, Barrett bound the half-elf''s hands behind his back and untied the ropes from his upper body. The half-elf, still conscious, looked at Barrett with fear and asked, "What are you going to do?"


    Barrett crouched down, grinning savagely. He grabbed the half-elf''s coat collar with his rough, heavy hands and tore it open with a loud rip.


    The half-elf''s bare, muscular chest was exposed, and his handsome face showed terror. His legs, tightly bound with coarse ropes, thrashed as he cried out, "What... what are you going to do?"


    Barrett chuckled, his gaze dark and wicked. "Oh, you know, just doing what we adventurers love to do the most."


    EeDeChi turned her head, frowning in displeasure. "Barrett, watch your manners. I don''t mind homosexuality, but this is a public place¡ªlet''s not do anything inappropriate!"


    "Captain, where are your thoughts going?" Barrett said helplessly. He reached into the half-elf''s cotton lining, skillfully searching around. He quickly found a small spatial leather bag and a half-sized statue of an elven druid.


    Barrett also had a spatial leather bag. When EeDeChi hadn''t given him a spatial ring, he had used the spatial leather bag for personal storage.


    "I knew it. Anything related to elves is usually worth a lot," Barrett said, pulling valuable items from the spatial leather bag and putting them into his spatial ring.


    After emptying the spatial leather bag, Barrett examined the druid statue. Carved from sandalwood about three fingers thick, it depicted a detailed treant druid. Barrett, who had adventured with genuine elves, knew the statue was enchanted with high-level magic.


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    "You bandit..." the half-elf gritted his teeth, his handsome face twisted with pain. "That was a gift from my mother. You can take everything else, but please leave that."


    Barrett patted the half-elf''s shoulder. "Does your mother know you became a bandit? She''d be so disappointed to know her son is involved in such activities." With that, Barrett tossed the druid statue up and placed it into his spatial ring.


    An old man, supported by a peasant woman, limped toward the four adventurers by the campfire. His head was bald on top, with a few strands of white hair fluttering in the wind. He was the village chief. At this moment, the chief''s head was lowered, and his once-defiant demeanor from the evening when he had chased them out of Sheep Horn was gone.


    The old village chief approached Barrett and, facing the four adventurers, bowed deeply along with the peasant woman who supported him. With tears in his voice, he apologized, "I''m so sorry. I didn''t realize you were such great heroes and treated you poorly before. Yet, you didn''t hold it against us and even saved us from these vicious bandits. I''m truly sorry..."


    Seeing the once-arrogant, greedy old man now apologizing with tears, Barrett felt a flicker of satisfaction. However, seeing the old man''s pitiable state, especially his limping due to the injury, made Barrett feel a bit sympathetic.


    EeDeChi advanced and took the chief''s hands in hers, stating with utmost sincerity, "Respected elder, please do not be distressed. This is our obligation. Should you encounter any further difficulties, please communicate them to us. We, the Last Defender of the Way adventuring team, are committed to serving the community. It is imperative to uphold a positive, optimistic, and determined approach to life and to reinforce our resolve to surmount challenges. We are confident that, with the support and assistance of my team, Sheep Horn will successfully navigate its current difficulties and emerge from its trials."


    The village chief''s yellowed eyes were streaked with tears, and his look of gratitude was tinged with confusion. He seemed a bit dazed by EeDeChi''s words, but he nodded along, replying with hesitant agreement.


    Subsequently, EeDeChi offered a formal greeting to the village chief and the villagers, delivering a speech that was both inspiring and motivational. The families of Sheep Horn, having received aid and comfort, were profoundly moved. They expressed deep appreciation for EeDeChi''s warmth and support, reaffirmed their confidence in their future endeavors, and committed to overcoming challenges with renewed determination, extending their heartfelt thanks for her concern and assistance.


    Once the captain''s generous speech finally came to an end, Barrett stopped the old village chief and seized the opportunity to ask a lingering question, "Your village is quite large, so why are there so few strong young men?"


    The old village chief''s tear-streaked eyes welled up again. Sitting on a wooden stump, he wiped his eyes and sighed, "Sheep Horn is near a military fortress to the north. Every spring, the lord comes to recruit volunteers for the army. Serving in the army offsets taxes, and those who qualify for exemption face higher taxes. Usually, by autumn, the young men are sent back. It''s been like this every year; most come back, though some return missing limbs. But a few years ago..."


    The old man choked up again, tears streaming uncontrollably down his wrinkled, withered face, flowing over deep-set lines.


    "A few years ago, the young men were recruited again, but they never came back. A year, two years have passed, and not a single one has returned! The nobles say they were all killed by a magician named ''Ainz Ooal Gown.'' Not just the young men from our village, but tens of thousands were killed! My son was among them.


    "The lord gave each household two silver coins as compensation. I don''t know if what the nobles say is true or if such a magician really exists. I don''t know. All I know is that our village''s young men never came back, and our sons and husbands are gone forever..."


    The old man''s frail body trembled, his dirty sleeve wiping his eyes as he sobbed, with the peasant woman beside him holding his shoulder, also sorrowful.


    EeDeChi''s warm, reassuring smile faded, replaced by a somber and serious expression. Barrett finally understood why the village chief would personally come to a neighboring town''s market to sell herbs at such high prices. Only with enough money could the village, lacking young labor, avoid falling into ruin.


    Remembering the terrifying news about Ainz Ooal Gown¡ªwho had allegedly wiped out over a hundred thousand soldiers with an unprecedented Super-Tier spell¡ªEeDeChi realized how surreal and absurd the news had sounded. It wasn''t until she arrived in Re-Estize that she confirmed the horrific truth. Over a hundred thousand was not just a number; it represented sons, loved ones, and husbands from thousands of families. Behind such overwhelming magic, countless households were shattered. The Sorcerer Kingdom''s solid rule was built on the blood of so many people.


    Barrett clenched his fists and looked at EeDeChi. He could see the anger, heaviness, and revulsion in her eyes, as if frozen in cold, tangible ice.


    After a long silence, the old village chief''s tearful eyes finally dried up. He spoke to EeDeChi with a humble tone, "I have a small request. I hope the heroes can grant it."


    "Of course, go ahead," EeDeChi replied.


    "There''s a group of goblins on the mountain south of Sheep Horn. They frequently raid the village at night, destroy crops, and even kidnap women and children. We don''t have enough people to deal with them.


    "We posted a quest at the Adventurer''s Guild in the nearby city, but the reward we could offer was too low to hire High-tier adventurers, so the task was never properly completed. We hope the heroes can eliminate some of these goblins, and if you can find the kidnapped people, that would be even better."


    The old man bowed deeply and knelt on the ground. EeDeChi quickly helped him up, saying, "No need for that. We don''t operate like that. We''ll take care of the goblins you mentioned."


    The villagers, grateful for the adventurers'' promise, thanked them profusely. They prepared four large rooms in the wealthiest house in the village, setting up four big beds.


    Stella brought the twin sisters from the tent outside the village back to the village, and the Last Defender of the Way settled in for the rest of the night, sleeping soundly on soft wool pillows under warm blankets.

 Chapter 42 Goblin Extermination

    On the morning of the next day, the four adventurers enjoyed a hearty breakfast of boiled eggs, oatmeal, goat cheese, goat''s milk, and pickled lamb ribs. After preparing their weapons and gear, they set out with the simple map drawn by the village chief, heading towards the mountain range where the goblin tribe was located.


    Goblins are humanoid creatures, similar in height to dwarves. They typically have long, pointed ears and protruding, sharp noses, with dark green skin. They are small, ugly, red-eyed beings. Goblins are mostly greedy and despicable, leaning towards evil, cunning, and deceitful behaviors.


    They primarily live underground and deep within forests, operating under a unique order and system. Though their cultural development is not advanced, they have a distinctive understanding of mining and constructing underground structures.


    While goblins are weak in combat, their reproduction rate is second only to that of rats. Consequently, their numbers are large, and they often make up for their lack of combat prowess by acting in large groups.


    These green-skinned creatures prefer meat and are highly interested in shiny objects, particularly valuing rare and precious items like gold coins, silver coins, and diamonds. They occasionally pick wild fruits but do not actively cultivate crops, relying mainly on hunting and plundering for food.


    A goblin tribe in a forest is usually well-behaved when its numbers are small. They tame wild wolves, craft simple weapons, and hunt rabbits and deer in groups. They can even engage in friendly exchanges with passing adventurers and travelers, trading food for shiny metal coins.


    However, once the goblin population reaches a certain level, their audacity grows in tandem with their numbers. Led by their chieftain, hordes of goblins become bold enough to attack villages, plunder crops, ambush adventurers, and even kidnap isolated individuals.


    Most of those captured by goblins are women, and unless adventurers or knights from nearby castles come to the rescue, few manage to return alive.


    Of course, goblins are indeed weak in combat. A seasoned adventurer can easily handle three or four goblins at once, and for someone like Barrett, killing goblins is as easy as killing rats.


    However, due to the goblins'' cunning nature and some level of organizational discipline, many inexperienced adventurers have met their end in these encounters.


    Typically, when new adventurers take on goblin missions, the Adventurer''s Guild recommends a mithril-level adventurer as the leader.


    After slogging through rugged and muddy mountain paths for a while, the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team finally arrived at the cave marked on the crude map. This cave was highly likely to be the entrance to the goblin tribe''s lair.


    With one orichalcum-level, one mithril-level, and one platinum-level adventurer, the team was exceptionally well-equipped for this goblin hunt.


    The only silver-level cleric, Stella, also followed EeDeChi''s orders by removing her pretty cleric uniform, piling up her armor, donning a great helm, and wrapping herself tightly in chainmail. If not for her silver-white staff in hand, anyone might mistake her for a heavily armored warrior.


    Luckily, Stella had previously enchanted her chainmail with a lightweight spell, or else she would have suffered terribly on this mountain climb.


    Barrett, armed with a short sword and clad in Gorgon leather armor, lit a tallow torch and led the way into the cave. EeDeChi followed closely behind, with Stella''s staff casting a bright magical glow. Sean, carrying a crossbow and another torch, brought up the rear.


    "I heard goblins are creations of the gods. Is that true?" EeDeChi asked curiously, peering around with the torchlight.


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    "Hmph, that''s just nonsense. If goblins were creations of the gods, then squerriks must be the gods'' chosen ones!" Barrett shook his head. He didn''t understand why the captain had such peculiar ideas.


    When they came to a fork in the path, the seasoned adventurer crouched down and sniffed at the cave walls, carefully searching for any signs of goblins. He then waved the other three to follow and proceeded down one of the paths.


    In dark, damp cave entrances, there are often devious traps¡ªbamboo spikes smeared with filth, stones hanging from the ceiling, bone spikes covered with rubble, and more.


    Barrett easily detected and disarmed these traps. Although goblins are crafty, their intelligence is so limited that their traps are child''s play for Barrett, a mithril-level adventurer.


    After traveling a bit further, they stepped down a rough stone staircase covered in gravel and saw a bone decoration made from a goat skull and wooden crosspieces on the cave wall.


    Barrett''s expression grew serious. He fastened a luminous crystal headband to his forehead, signaling the others to be on high alert and prepare for battle.


    Turning down a winding path, they detected a strong stench of blood, faint cries of humans, the sound of torn fabric, and the distinctive harsh laughter of goblins.


    The four adventurers gripped their weapons tightly and advanced in formation toward the source of the noise. Suddenly, from the depths of the dark cave, a shower of stones, stone spears, and meteor hammers came crashing down on them.


    Barrett pulled out a small oak shield and used his short sword to deflect the incoming stone weapons with a flurry of swift strikes.


    The crystal on his headband flared to life, illuminating the path ahead like a miner''s headlamp. Under the bright light, a swarm of goblins armed with stone spears, short knives, and obsidian axes rushed toward them.


    Stella''s staff emitted a soft glow as she waved it, and Barrett''s short sword ignited with red flames.


    Barrett raised his small shield in front of him and swung his enchanted burning short sword, executing a Martial Art move. He cut through the goblin horde with fluid motions, severing their arteries and chests, instantly taking down three goblins.


    EeDeChi leaped forward, her giant sword carving deep gashes into the cave walls despite the narrow space. He swiftly struck down six goblins with powerful blows.


    Sean nocked an arrow on his longbow and released it, each steel arrow hitting its mark. The goblins wielding meteor hammers fell one by one.


    Stella chanted a spell under her breath, and a large orb of holy light emerged from her staff, floating at the top of the cave and dispelling the darkness. She also cast several 1st Tier fireballs, smashing down a few more goblins.


    In the shadow behind her, a goblin with a short sword crept up quietly. The cleric girl was so focused on casting spells that she didn''t notice the goblin preparing a sneak attack. With its battle experience, the goblin leaped suddenly and thrust its short sword toward the girl''s waist. Sean, who was drawing his bow, noticed the goblin just in time but was already too late to intervene.


    The short sword barely penetrated the thick chainmail, causing Stella to stumble slightly. The goblin that attempted the sneak attack didn''t understand why the cleric girl''s armor was so tough before Sean''s enraged arrow pierced its skull, pinning it to the ground.


    The wave of goblins was quickly dispatched, leaving only a few remaining who screamed in terror and fled deeper into the cave.


    The cave floor was littered with goblin limbs, blood dripping steadily and flowing along the stone crevices. Most of the dismembered limbs were the result of Barrett''s work, while EeDeChi had merely knocked goblins away, leaving their corpses intact.


    The adventurer captain scowled in disgust and said to Barrett, "Be a bit more careful. You don''t need to be so brutally violent. Just knock them out like I do; there''s no need to chop them to pieces. Got it?"


    "Yeah..." Barrett agreed on the surface but inwardly grumbled. What a strange request. I don''t have your innate strength to just knock them dead and still leave intact bodies. Besides, you''ve probably killed twice as many goblins as I have.


    The four adventurers continued through the cave and arrived in a stone chamber where they heard the sobbing of a human woman. Before they could locate the source of the cries, a massive green mound of flesh appeared on one side of the chamber. The mound trembled and roared angrily as it charged toward them.


    "What is that thing? Do goblins get that big?" EeDeChi exclaimed in surprise.


    "It''s a goblin giant, a mutated relic of its ancestors," Barrett said just as EeDeChi leaped forward and struck the goblin giant on the head with his sword.


    The imposing mound of flesh staggered a few steps before crashing to the ground, lifeless.


    "Damn humans! Damn adventurers! Aaaaah! I''m going to kill you! I''m going to wipe you all out!" A furious, raspy voice erupted from behind the fallen giant.


    Illuminated by Stella''s magical light orb, an old goblin with a feathered crown and iron rings in its nose and ears emerged. It wielded a green bone staff, slamming it onto the ground, its face twisted into a hideous, frenzied expression.

 Chapter 43: Goblin Slayer

    "Who''s this guy now?" After knocking down the green mound of flesh, EeDeChi jumped back to her teammates, asking curiously.


    The old, irritable goblin roared and cursed from a distance. Barrett patiently explained to EeDeChi, "That''s a goblin shaman, quite rare. It''s a type of high-level goblin with some magical abilities. If I''m not mistaken, it''s the leader of this goblin settlement."


    "Interesting," EeDeChi said, stroking her smooth chin as if she had a beard, nodding thoughtfully.


    "Humans! Adventurers, DIE!" The goblin shaman''s shriveled throat roared, its long pointed ears adorned with jingling iron rings.


    It muttered indistinct incantations, slamming its staff down. A green whirlpool of light appeared at the staff''s tip and quickly condensed into a glowing sphere. Red runes encircled the green sphere, which spun rapidly, growing larger and larger.


    Barrett shook his head. This was one of the signs of a goblin''s small brain capacity. So what if it could use magic? A human mage would have sensed the danger and fled by now instead of acting like a fool and rushing to their own death.


    The glowing sphere had expanded to the size of a Griffin''s head and shot from the staff with a "thud," heading straight for the four adventurers.


    EeDeChi leaped forward and took the hit head-on. Green smoke billowed out, and EeDeChi brushed off her clothes, looking at the goblin shaman with an expressionless face.


    "You... you... you..." The goblin shaman''s eyes, once filled with fury, were now wide with terror.


    "Since you''re using magic, I''ll use the new magic I''ve learned to deal with you," EeDeChi said, extending her right hand with his palm facing outward and fingers together.


    Magic rings of light surrounded his palm, with intricate runes slowly rotating as magical energy flowed. Blue, green, and red hues illuminated the small stone chamber.


    EeDeChi pronounced the name of the spell:


    "5th Tier Magic: Landslide..."


    Barrett lunged forward, grabbing EeDeChi''s extended right hand and interrupting her spellcasting. Shaking her urgently, he said, "Captain, you can''t! You can''t! We''re in a cave. If you cast a 5th Tier spell, the whole cave will collapse. None of us will escape except you!"


    "Oh! That seems to be the case," EeDeChi said, retracting her hand and tilting her head as she recalled, "I think ''The Mystery of Magic'' suggests casting this spell in open outdoor spaces."


    With a clang, the goblin shaman''s bone staff fell to the ground. It snapped back to reality, its eyes shifting from terror to dread.


    Since the magic aura had appeared around EeDeChi''s hand, its legs had begun to tremble. It finally understood the kind of terrifying opponent it was facing. The goblin shaman, dragging its ancient body, stumbled toward a cave entrance in the chamber.


    A magically enchanted steel arrow whizzed through its neck, ending the goblin shaman''s life.


    Sean lowered his longbow with a sigh of relief. With the goblin shaman dead, the captain wouldn''t cast any magic that could bury them alive with the dead.


    Had the goblin shaman attempted to retaliate, this ordinary enchanted arrow wouldn''t have been enough to kill it. But it was so frightened that it only focused on fleeing, leading to its death at the hands of platinum-level adventurer Sean.


    With the goblin leader down, the battle seemed to be over.


    Following the earlier sound of crying women, the Last Defender of the Way adventuring party began searching the area. Soon, they found three girls and a mangled, unrecognizable male corpse in the chamber.


    From the clothing, it appeared the corpse had once been an adventurer. The three girls were adventurers as well: one was a cleric like Stella, another a female martial artist, and the third a female mage.


    Barrett picked up their badges and saw that there were two silver-level and one copper-level members. This was a rather weak team, and it seemed they had suffered due to underestimating the goblins.


    Among the three girls, only the cleric seemed to be in a better condition. The female martial artist had a broken kneecap, her combat suit torn, exposing her slender, pale legs and rounded backside to the air. It was clear that the goblins were preparing to assault her.


    The female mage had a severe abdominal wound, with blood flowing freely. Her mage''s robe had been pulled open, revealing her bare chest, and her long hair was splayed out from beneath her black pointed hat. The goblins weren''t sparing even the injured women.


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    The blonde cleric huddled in a corner, shivering. Her staff had fallen to the ground, and her pristine white cleric uniform was covered in dust from the cave. Her eyes were vacant, filled with tears, clearly traumatized by the horrific sight of her companions'' deaths.


    Stella, Barrett, and Sean understood that their captain was most disturbed by such scenes of female nudity. They quickly retrieved spare clothes from their spatial rings and covered the female mage and martial artist.


    The martial artist''s leg was broken, and her right hand seemed to be fractured as well. The mage''s abdominal wound was deep and still bleeding, with blood also trickling from the corner of her mouth. Stella performed emergency first aid to stop the bleeding.


    Due to casting too many spells during the previous battle, Stella''s magic and mental energy were completely depleted. Despite her pale face and weakened state, she held her staff tightly and insisted on casting a healing spell.


    "Take a break; let me handle it. I haven''t used healing magic in a while," the adventurer captain said, pushing Stella aside and standing firmly by the female martial artist and mage.


    EeDeChi raised her giant sword with one hand, chanting¡ªor rather, intoning: "Great Gaia, lend me your power. If Gods Deny Salvation''s Hand, With Sacred Blade I''ll Reprimand!"


    As her words fell, the entire stone chamber was instantly bathed in golden light, with a warm current flowing all around. This was a high-tier area healing spell that Stella had once "taught" EeDeChi.


    The female martial artist''s pained expression eased immediately. Her twisted arm realigned, and the mage''s abdominal wound rapidly healed, the horrific bloodstain from the wound disappearing to reveal her snowy white skin once more.


    Even though Barrett, Sean, and Stella were seeing EeDeChi perform this healing spell for the second time, they were still awed by their captain''s immense magical power. They reveled in the warm, soothing current flowing through their bodies, feeling exceptionally comfortable.


    A rustling noise came from behind the four adventurers. They turned to see the fallen goblin giant slowly rising to its feet, its massive bulk quivering.


    The goblin shaman next to the giant also sat up, still with the steel arrow from Sean lodged in its neck.


    They had been revived.


    "Huh?" EeDeChi touched her head, puzzled.


    "Captain, your area healing spell is actually a 5th-tier resurrection spell! And it''s indiscriminate! It''s a true area spell!" Barrett, stunned, could only comment.


    Sean reacted first. He nocked another arrow and shot it into the goblin shaman''s head, sending the unfortunate resurrected goblin back to hell.


    EeDeChi shook her head helplessly, walked up to the confused goblin giant that had just revived, and gave it a smack on the head with her sword. The green-skinned giant collapsed once more.


    However, the bloodied and mutilated human corpse in the chamber did not revive. The four discussed this anomaly and concluded that EeDeChi''s healing/resurrection spell could only repair damaged organs and infuse life force.


    The revived goblin giant likely had its head turned to mush by EeDeChi''s earlier blow, and the healing spell restored it to its original state, allowing it to come back to life. In contrast, the human corpse had been beaten to a pulp, lacking even a complete form, making resurrection impossible.


    Under the effects of the healing magic, the golden-haired cleric, who had been in the best shape, finally recovered. She cried as she thanked the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team. Stella, being another cleric, gently comforted her.


    The two clerics, though similar in age, were strikingly different.


    Stella had chestnut-colored hair, wore a great helm, and was encased in heavy chain mail. The crying cleric had golden hair and was dressed in a beautiful white and gold cleric uniform with a short skirt, paired with white leather knee-high boots.


    EeDeChi patted Stella''s back proudly and said, "Look at my cleric''s gear, so proper and hardcore."


    She then glanced at the golden-haired cleric''s uniform, as well as the mage''s and martial artist''s form-fitting attire, and frowned, "And look at you guys, exposing your arms and legs. Dressed like that, are you going to a battle or a compensated dating?"


    Stella, who had been set as a model for the battlefield, held her staff and smiled awkwardly as EeDeChi''s hand slapped her back forcefully, making her sway.


    With the battle full of mishaps finally over, Barrett and Sean began the adventurers'' favorite task¡ªlooting the spoils.


    The stone chamber seemed to be the main gathering place for the goblin tribe. There were many items, but most were tattered. Only a few items taken from humans had any real value.


    Barrett approached the goblin shaman''s body, which had two arrows sticking out of it, and rummaged around, hoping to find something worth a good price. Since Sean had killed the goblin shaman twice, he would get half of the loot found.


    EeDeChi curiously looked around the cave chamber, while Stella sat on a rock, meditating to restore her magic and spirit.


    Suddenly, strange noises came from the cave behind the four adventurers...


    "Clang¡ªClang¡ªClang¡ª" The sound of firm footsteps echoed, accompanied by the clanging of iron armor reverberating through the cave.


    A torch flared up, casting a bright light in the darkness, igniting a fiery hope.


    But even brighter than the torch was the sharp red gaze beneath a full-face helmet. This intense blood-red glare seemed to pierce through all the darkness obstructing him.


    The four adventurers turned in unison, looking toward the source of the torchlight in the pitch-black cave.


    EeDeChi said in surprise, "Who''s making an entrance with such impressive presence?"


    A tall, armored figure emerged in the cave.


    The warrior was clad in iron armor, wearing a closed helmet, with soft padding around the neck. He held a small round steel shield with a cross-shaped dent on his left arm and a short sword in his right hand. His stance was vigorous and full of power, clearly an elite warrior.


    EeDeChi frowned and asked, "Who are you?"


    "Goblin Slayer."


    The warrior answered with a deep and magnetic voice.


    EeDeChi leaned toward Barrett and whispered, "What''s a ''Goblin Slayer''?"


    "Probably a title for an adventurer who specializes in killing goblins," Barrett guessed.


    The elite warrior glanced around the cave, observing the bodies of the goblin giant and goblin shaman. "Have all these goblins... been killed? Do you need my help?"


    "Yeah, they''ve all been dealt with. You don''t need to worry about it."


    "Oh, okay." The armored warrior rubbed his hands, looking a bit uneasy and embarrassed, "If there''s nothing else for me to do, I''ll be on my way."


    With that, the warrior turned and started walking back the way he came.


    "Hey, hey, kid, wait." EeDeChi called out to him, "Come over here."


    EeDeChi pointed to the golden-haired cleric, the martial artist, and the mage sitting by the wall. "Take these three adventurers down the mountain. We still need to search for any villagers who might have been kidnapped, so we don''t have time to take care of them."


    "Oh, okay." The warrior responded, his tone a bit downcast, but his expression remained hidden under his helmet.


    He strapped his short sword and shield to his waist, helped the mage and the martial artist up, and led the golden-haired cleric who followed behind. The four of them slowly made their way out of the cave.

 Chapter 44 Speech

    After sending off the adventurer who called himself the "Goblin Slayer," the four members of the Last Defender of the Way began to search through the goblin lair.


    Occasionally, some remaining goblins hiding in crevices and caves would leap out to ambush them, but they were easily dealt with. Soon, they found the kidnapped villagers in a stone cavern.


    Most of the kidnapped villagers were women, around ten in number. Their arms and ankles were tightly bound with rough, makeshift ropes made from wild grass. They were scantily clad, with their lower bodies completely exposed, their eyes swollen and red. It was clear they had suffered physical and mental abuse at the hands of the goblins.


    There were also several human skulls on the ground, a grim testament to the goblins'' brutality. It was a miracle that these women were still alive.


    The villagers huddled in a tight, terrified group, their eyes glazed over. It wasn''t until the adventurers cut through the ropes binding them and draped some clothing over their bodies that they realized they had been rescued. Tears began to flow as they sobbed in relief.


    Since there wasn''t enough clothing, Barrett had to cut up the oilcloth tent from his spatial ring into square pieces to cover the villagers and hide their nakedness.


    Barrett was reluctant to cut up his high-quality tent, which he had bought for 60 silver coins from the City Alliance. However, EeDeChi insisted on doing so and even dismantled his own tent as well.


    Barrett was puzzled as to why EeDeChi reacted so strongly to seeing naked women, as if sand had gotten into her eyes. No, it was more like she had meteors in her eyes¡ªshe seemed uncontrollably agitated. Could she really have come from a monastery?


    Thinking this over, Barrett couldn''t help but feel a bit of sympathy for Stella. Under EeDeChi''s strict requirements to dress plainly and avoid heavy makeup, she seemed to be heading towards becoming a nun.


    The four adventurers carried the surviving villagers out of the goblin lair and into the open air outside the cave.


    Afterward, EeDeChi cast a wide-area healing spell that did not distinguish between allies and enemies. The villagers, each with their own physical wounds, were instantly healed, leaving no trace of injury. Fortunately, there were no complete goblin corpses left here, so no goblins were revived.


    The people who had been confined in the dark cave for so long finally saw the light of day. Although they were a bit disoriented by the sunlight, they squinted their eyes and cheered with joy.


    Some young girls even leaped for joy, their oilcloth wraps falling loose and revealing their pale skin. This caused EeDeChi''s forehead veins to throb with frustration.


    Once the rescued villagers had regained their composure, the adventurers took them to Sheep Horn. Villagers from Sheep Horn came to claim their daughters and wives, and among the survivors were a few from other towns.


    The Last Defender of the Way adventurers were hailed as brave and fearless knight heroes by the village chief and the families of the survivors, who showered them with thanks and tears of gratitude.


    Many young girls cast admiring glances at Barrett and Sean, with some bold young women even inviting them to their homes.


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    Barrett, with his vast experience, remained indifferent, while Sean, stirred by the village girls, blushed and felt awkward, occasionally stealing glances at Stella. Upon noticing a slight displeasure on the cleric girl''s face, he felt strangely relieved and declined the girls'' invitations.


    "You are true heroes! Like the legendary Thirteen Heroes come to life! Thank you for saving me!"


    An old farmer shed tears as he spoke, facing EeDeChi and kneeling down.


    When robbers had attacked his home, EeDeChi had seemed like a godsend, slamming the robbers against the wall and demolishing half of his cottage with a single strike.


    They then set out to wipe out the remaining goblins and rescued his daughter, who had gone missing while shepherding. Since his wife passed away and his son was drafted into the army and never returned, his daughter was his only source of support.


    When his daughter had been taken by goblins after straying too far while tending the sheep, he was devastated and had lost all hope. Now that she had been returned to him, how could he not be eternally grateful to EeDeChi?


    "Hero! Thank you, hero!" The old farmer knelt on the ground, and EeDeChi quickly helped him up.


    Facing the grateful villagers around her, the adventurer team leader''s expression turned serious. Clearing her throat, she began her speech:


    "I''m no hero," EeDeChi paused and continued, "and certainly not a Yordle with a hammer."


    "This terrible world is a blood-red whirlpool, and everyone must learn to save themselves. Because the ultimate truth in this world is that the might is right.


    "I shouldn''t even be involved in this matter because I came to this world with my own mission! I can''t let these trivial matters waste my time and affect my mission! But I still choose to help the weak as much as possible."


    The emotional villagers fell silent, their nearly a hundred earnest and devout eyes fixed on EeDeChi in the center of the crowd.


    "Because I despise the truth of ''might is right,'' a true strong person, even if only performing superficial gestures, should help the weak, not bully them!


    "Do those who believe in might is right not know? There are always mountains beyond mountains, skies beyond skies, and people beyond people. If you think you''re the strongest and act arrogantly, one day you may encounter someone even stronger, and you''ll face the same fate of being consumed!


    "Of course, these words might seem like empty talk to you! Because you are truly too weak, and the human race is too weak!"


    "You need to start multiplying and uniting quickly! Strengthen your bodies, practice your skills, clean your weapons, and organize your defenses. Only then can you survive in this world where alien races roam. You need to reform your system, develop technology, and advance magic! Embrace both science and magic!


    "Of course, you might think, ''What does this have to do with me? I''m just a humble farmer or a simple shepherd girl. These grand issues of human survival are for lords, nobles, and emperors¡ªthose high and mighty figures to worry about. I just need to take care of my own small plot of land.''


    "So when goblins attack, you have no means to resist and watch your wives and children be taken away; when bandits come to kill and burn, you can only kneel and beg.


    "From now on, each of you needs to train your bodies, learn martial arts, and forge weapons! Contribute to human survival! Arm yourself and your family!


    "Even a bee, when trapped, will fight to the death to sting. How much more should humans? Even a small stone should sharpen its edges to make those who dare to tread on it regret it!


    "Humanity must resist! Humanity must fight! Humanity will never yield! Defend the justice in your hearts and never bow to evil!"


    The scene fell into a heavy silence, with the villagers'' sincere eyes showing a hint of dazedness. EeDeChi''s words seemed too advanced for them.


    So, only a deathly quiet remained. The villagers stared at EeDeChi with wide eyes, unmoving, like wooden carvings, as if waiting for her to wave her hand and say, "Meeting adjourned."


    EeDeChi took a deep breath, calming her chest that had been rising with her passionate speech. She thought with a wry smile, "What''s the point of saying this to them? All roads, in the end, are mine to walk alone."


    Leaning against a tree, Barrett curled his lips, unimpressed by EeDeChi''s speech but still clapped his hands together.


    Seeing Barrett clapping, Sean and Stella exchanged a glance and also began to clap.


    People have a tendency to follow the crowd. With these three leading, more villagers hesitantly started clapping, and gradually, the applause grew louder.


    The scattered and uneven clapping surrounded EeDeChi. Her previously tense face slowly began to show a hint of a smile.

 Chapter 45: The Young Boys Vengeful Heart

    The next morning, at dawn, the Last Defender of the Way adventurers stood at the village entrance, with four horses tethered to a locust tree. They were checking their supplies and getting ready to set off.


    From the village entrance, a muddy path snaked through the barren gray earth, winding across rolling hills, stretching far into the distance. In the far-off horizon, layered mountains rose and fell, shrouded in wispy clouds.


    The bandits who had plundered the village a few days earlier had been tightly bound by the villagers and sent off to a nearby fort where the knights would deal with them.


    The bandits had left behind ten fine horses when they raided the village. EeDeChi and the others chose four of the best ones as mounts to save their own strength and speed up their journey.


    The village chief and the villagers came to bid them farewell, bringing various farm products like goat''s milk, cheese, soybeans, oats, sheep pelts, salted lamb, and eggs, and earnestly requested the four adventurers to accept their parting gifts.


    Barrett intended to take everything, but upon seeing EeDeChi''s expression, he only accepted three rolls of sheepskin with wool, along with a few bags of goat''s milk and cheese. Stella took a box of goat milk honey candy for the twins, and Sean symbolically took a few items.


    EeDeChi, however, only took a bag of dried jasmine flowers and goji berries, and a small box of tea leaves grown by the villagers themselves.


    Seeing the earnest villagers holding various farm products, the adventurer leader was about to say some parting words when a skinny young boy suddenly emerged from the crowd and dropped to his knees in front of EeDeChi with a thud.


    EeDeChi was a bit surprised. The boy, kneeling there, wore a tattered gray cloth outfit, and his red hair was a mess, looking like a bird''s nest.


    The boy, with a tearful tone, pleaded, "Hero, please teach me your skills and let me join you on your adventures. I can endure hardships!"


    "Don''t bother the hero!" The village chief limped over and tried to pull the boy away.


    With an apologetic look, the village chief said, "I''m terribly sorry, hero. This child''s father and brother were conscripted as volunteers and never returned. His mother also died from grief, leaving him an orphan. After seeing your brave deeds, he became very excited."


    EeDeChi stopped the chief from dragging the boy away and asked, "What''s your name?"


    The red-haired boy remained on his knees, "William Scott."


    EeDeChi nodded, "That''s a good name. Why do you want to learn my skills?"


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    "I want to avenge my father! I want to avenge my brother! The lord said that my father and brother were killed by a powerful mage, just like the others in the village.


    "You once said that even if it''s just a small stone, you should sharpen its edges to make those who dare to trample on you regret it! Whether it''s the imperial army or a powerful mage who killed my father and brother, I must avenge them!"


    "Do you have any abilities? Do you have any talent for magic?"


    "I... don''t have any," the red-haired boy''s voice grew faint, "but I will practice martial arts and learn Martial Art. I can endure hardships! And I have Innate Talent."


    "What kind of Innate Talent?" EeDeChi''s interest was piqued.


    "It''s... the ability to use magical items, any kind of magical item," the boy''s originally firm tone grew more uncertain.


    A faint laugh spread among the villagers.


    Indeed, using magical items wasn''t considered a powerful Innate Talent. Many magical items created by mages were designed for ordinary people who couldn''t use magic to utilize.


    Moreover, magical items were extremely expensive. How could a poor village boy ever have the chance to use high-tier magical items? Besides, if mages created powerful magical items, they would keep them for themselves, not give them away.


    EeDeChi frowned, noncommittal.


    She suddenly remembered the rumor that Ainz Ooal Gown was an undead with a skeletal body, perhaps his bony feet weren''t bothered by sharp little stones.


    "Please let me follow you and teach me your skills. I''m willing to do anything!" The boy''s messy red hair drooped even lower.


    EeDeChi shook her head, her expression serious. "I''m truly sorry, but my skills weren''t learned in this world and I can''t pass them on to you. Moreover, the path of revenge is too dangerous for you. My own path is even more perilous, and I can''t bring you along. It would only put you in grave danger."


    "I''m not afraid of death! Please... Hero..." The red-haired boy looked up, tears welling up in his bright brown eyes.


    EeDeChi was silent for a moment, then took out nearly a hundred gold coins from her spatial ring. She put them into a cloth bag and handed it to the red-haired boy. "If the burning desire for revenge drives you forward, take this money and go to a good school in the city. Find a good teacher who can teach you knowledge and skills."


    "Please let me follow you."


    The red-haired boy didn''t take the bulging coin pouch from EeDeChi''s hand. Kneeling on the ground, his head bowed even lower.


    Barrett initially thought of offering to teach the boy some practical combat skills, but then remembered that the team already had the twin sisters as a burden. They couldn''t take on another, so he remained silent.


    The life of an adventurer is romantic, but this small romance can''t hide the harsh reality of the adventurer''s profession, which has one of the highest fatality rates.


    "Alright, alright, don''t keep the hero from her journey. Do you think you''re the only one who''s lost family?" The village chief sighed, taking the money pouch from the boy and thanking EeDeChi.


    Then, two strong farm women came forward and dragged the stubborn boy up. His hands clung tightly to the ground, leaving two deep claw marks in the soil. Even as he was dragged back into the crowd, he never lifted his head.


    EeDeChi let out a barely perceptible sigh and signaled the other three adventurers to set off.


    "We might come back in the future." Barrett said to the villagers as he turned on horseback.


    Will they come back? It''s highly unlikely.


    Barrett said this to prevent the villagers from taking the gold coins EeDeChi gave to William.


    Sean and Barrett each carried Kuuderika and Ureirika, the twin sisters, on their backs.


    With four horses carrying six people, the sound of hoofbeats echoed as they journeyed into the distance, embarking on a hazy adventure ahead.

 Chapter 46: The Princess and the Guards

    Tepno, part of Re-Estize and located on the border between Re-Estize and Baharuth, is one of the cities closest to Sheep Horn.


    Due to its location on the frontier of a hostile nation, it is constantly on high alert, imposes heavy taxes, and suffers from poor economic development. Similarly, the rewards for adventurer tasks in Tepno are lower compared to other towns.


    EeDeChi''s plan is to head north to Yellan, a territory of the Sorcerer Kingdom. They plan to stay here for a day, see if there are any suitable adventure tasks to take, and then continue on their journey.


    The Last Defender of the Way adventurer party, consisting of four members, is leading four highland brown horses with the twin sisters Kuuderika and Ureirika. After paying a hefty entrance tax, they entered Tepno.


    At the city gate, due to the presence of the twin sisters, the local constables mistook them for human traffickers and conducted a thorough inspection. After all, it''s quite rare to see an adventurer party with two young girls.


    EeDeChi, believing she stood on the side of justice, was prepared to give a lengthy explanation about how she had rescued the two blonde little girls from a brothel in Baharuth''s capital, and then journeyed through rough terrain and crossed the border to reach Re-Estize.


    Meanwhile, Barrett knew exactly what the constables were really after. He simply pulled out 2 gold coins and handed them over, and they were immediately allowed to pass.


    For the adorable twin sisters Kuuderika and Ureirika, Barrett''s usual advice is to either send them straight back to their parents or to the temple or orphanage.


    However, the little brats didn''t want to look for their parents. They wanted to find their sister Arche. It was a ridiculously childish idea, but Captain EeDeChi insisted on following their wishes and heading to the Great Tomb of Nazarick to rescue their sister, who was missing and presumed in danger.


    Barrett couldn''t quite understand the kind of mental drive that motivated EeDeChi to undertake such a grand quest. Barrett had hoped to follow EeDeChi''s example by summarizing meetings afterward, but his lack of literary flair made it hard for him to find the right words to describe this kind of spirit.


    What was strange, though, was that EeDeChi hardly took care of the twin sisters herself. Instead, it was Stella who was always responsible for looking after them. Stella, with her saintly heart, was completely charmed by the blonde twins'' cuteness and treated them almost like her own little sisters. She took meticulous care of them, unable to stand even the slightest inconvenience for them.


    After settling into a small inn, Stella took Kuuderika and Ureirika to a local church to pray. Sean, worried about a Baharuthian being mistreated in Re-Estize, volunteered to accompany her.


    EeDeChi was about to point out that Sean was also from Baharuth and would likely face the same discrimination and hostility, making it unnecessary for him to join Stella at the church. However, Barrett quickly stopped her from speaking.


    EeDeChi and Barrett were walking down the street, heading towards the Adventurer''s Guild to see if there were any suitable tasks available.


    As they passed through a narrow alley flooded with sewage, they turned around to see a crowd of ragged people gathered in front of a dilapidated street.


    In the center of the crowd was a fat man who looked like a noble, whipping a bundle of tattered rags on the ground.


    With each swing of the whip, the sound of the noble''s commands, the crack of the whip, and the victim''s screams were painfully clear.


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    As they got closer, they realized that the bundle of rags being whipped was actually a scrawny beggar.


    It was winter and the weather was cold. The poor, frail beggar had scavenged a pile of filthy clothes and burlap from somewhere and wrapped himself in layers, making him look like a dirty bundle of rags from a distance.


    With each strike of the leather whip, the beggar curled up, emitting cries of agony. The filthy, greasy clothes he had collected provided no protection against the whip. The noble''s sturdy leather whip tore through the ragged clothes and left bloody marks on the beggar''s dark, dirty skin.


    "Are you begging in front of me? How dare you grab at my pants! My luck''s gone to hell because of you! I''ll beat you to death!" the short, plump noble shouted, swinging the whip and cursing.


    Seeing this, EeDeChi''s face was twisted with anger. She rolled up her sleeves and took a step forward, ready to jump into the crowd.


    Barrett grabbed her arm.


    EeDeChi''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you trying to stop me?"


    Barrett shivered under EeDeChi''s fierce gaze but insisted, "Captain, doing the right thing is great and all, but go easy on him. We don''t want to be hunted down for killing someone."


    EeDeChi brushed him off. "Don''t worry, young man, I know my limits."


    Just as the adventurer captain pushed through the crowd and the fat noble''s whip came down harshly on the beggar, a sweet yet anger-laden voice echoed from the other side of the street. "Count Kurar, you''re really rough on those beneath you."


    Bashir Kurar, the noble, paused mid-swing. His fat neck twisted around to see the speaker, a young girl in a pink, cinched gown with a wide-brimmed white hat.


    The large brim of her hat cast a shadow over her face, obscuring her features.


    Kurar, used to throwing his weight around, was about to retort when his eyes fell upon the blonde, blue-eyed bodyguard in silver-white armor standing next to the girl.


    His pupils contracted. The word "bitch" that had been on the tip of his tongue was swallowed back down. He dropped the whip, lifted the hem of his luxurious robe, and half-knelt on the ground, bowing his head with his hand over his chest. "Princess Renner¡­ I apologize for not coming to greet you. It''s my negligence!"


    The girl, referred to as "Princess Renner," slightly lifted the brim of her hat. Underneath was a cascade of golden hair and an even more delicate and charming face.


    She smiled slightly, her smile enchanting.


    "Count Kurar, you''re so busy with the paperwork; how could you have time to welcome me? I understand, you needn''t blame yourself."


    To Kurar, her angelic tone felt more like a devil whispering in his ear.


    Does she know everything? I''m just a minor count who merely gave a small gift to the second prince to show some goodwill. Surely the princess won''t come after me, right? Was her comment about "being cruel to those of lower status" a hint at something? Could she have discovered the embezzlement of relief funds and taxes? And other issues¡­


    Sweat dripped from Count Kurar''s forehead as he knelt on one knee. He recalled the fate of the small nobles who had openly aligned with the second prince, thought about Princess Renner''s political maneuvers, and the rumored cunning behind her beautiful face. He nearly lost his balance.


    In the chilly early winter, beads of cold sweat soaked through his luxurious silk robe.


    I can''t let our family''s centuries-old foundation in this city be destroyed. Maybe there''s still time to destroy the evidence if I act quickly. Gritting his teeth, Count Kurar forced himself to look up at Princess Renner and said, "Your Highness, I''ve just realized I have an urgent matter that needs my immediate attention¡­"


    Princess Renner''s smile remained gentle. She nodded slightly. "If it''s more important than beating a beggar, then go handle it quickly."


    Count Kurar stood up, his fat body stumbling as he turned and ran, followed hastily by his two kneeling attendants.


    Princess Renner watched the rotund Kurar sprint away faster than a mouse, her gentle smile unwavering.


    She knew exactly what Kurar was trying to do, but it was already too late for him. All the evidence of his violations of the kingdom''s laws had been collected, and the noble officials who had conflicts with Kurar were already united.


    Soon, within a few days, Count Kurar would lose his lands and title, and this city would be taken over by nobles loyal to her.


    As she thought of this, Princess Renner''s smile grew even more enchanting. She turned her gaze to her ever-present blonde, blue-eyed bodyguard, who stood tall in his silver armor, looking at her with admiration and respect.


    Yet behind the sapphire-clear eyes of the young guard lay a deep, hidden affection beyond mere loyalty.


    Princess Renner smiled inwardly, thinking, Ah, my dear Climb, you must believe I''ve performed another heroic act of aiding the weak. The most loyal man to me is so pure; I''m truly blessed.

 Chapter 47: The Suicide assassin

    The emaciated beggar, his body covered in bloodstains, continued to groan on the cold, unforgiving street. Oblivious to the presence of the kingdom''s most esteemed princess, the whipping had ceased, yet he remained trembling.


    Princess Reneer knelt beside him, taking a bottle of crimson magic potion from her exclusive guard, Climb, who had golden hair and blue eyes. She unscrewed the copper cap and poured the potion gently into the beggar''s parched lips.


    Several drops of the costly magic elixir trickled down the beggar''s lips, but the princess paid no mind, emptying the entire bottle into his mouth.


    Barrett, who was watching nearby, exclaimed in astonishment. EeDeChi glanced at him, asking sharply, "What are you shouting about?"


    Barrett whispered to his adventurer captain, "That''s an extremely high-tier magic healing potion, incredibly expensive! Even if he begged for a hundred years, he couldn''t afford that potion! The Golden Princess''s kindness and wisdom are truly genuine!"


    "She''s the Golden Princess?" EeDeChi was surprised.


    Long before in the Baharuth Empire, she had often heard about the beauty and intelligence of the Golden Princess. Now, seeing her in person, Princess Reneer left an excellent impression. Not only did she have a high Justice Value, but she was also kind-hearted and cared for her people like her own children, far better than the emperor of the Baharuth Empire.


    Thinking back to encountering the undead with a Justice Value of -500 in the imperial palace, who claimed responsibility for recording the emperor''s actions and words, EeDeChi felt a surge of anger. Nevertheless, that brat of an emperor later somewhat mended his ways by gifting her a chest of gold coins, significantly improving the economic status of the "The Last Defender of the Way" adventurer team.


    However, Reneer''s Justice Value fluctuated greatly, which left EeDeChi somewhat perplexed.


    Just now, when facing Kurar, Princess Reneer''s Justice Value dropped from 167 to -92, but now, while treating the beggar, her Justice Value has risen back to 240.


    EeDeChi possessed the innate ability to see others'' Justice Value, which represented a person''s moral alignment. According to her experience, Justice Values typically fluctuated within a range of -10 to +10 and did not usually undergo significant changes in a short period.


    However, Princess Reneer''s ability to swing from positive to negative and back again was unprecedented to EeDeChi, challenging her worldview.


    Fortunately, Princess Reneer''s Justice Value mostly remained at a very high positive state, which reassured EeDeChi.


    The wounds on the beggar''s body, inflicted by the whip, healed visibly quickly. Seeing a beautifully dressed girl kneeling beside him, he knew she had saved him. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he whispered tearfully, "An angel has descended..."


    Princess Reneer handed a few silver coins to the beggar, not minding his hands covered in mud and grime. The people around looked at her with reverence and admiration. Many believers silently prayed with folded hands.


    Some ragged individuals surged forward, facing the princess, half-crawling and kneeling on the ground, stretching out their hands as if Princess Reneer were their sun. Touching her highness meant relief from all worldly poverty and disease.


    This area was akin to a slum-like street, surrounded by a few beggars in tattered robes emerging from the alleys, pushing into the crowd. Their unkempt hands grabbed at the princess''s pink gown, eager to beg for coins.


    Princess Reneer''s heart was kind, but they were perhaps too impatient. Despite their improper behavior, Princess Reneer remained unruffled, her gentle smile akin to that of an angel, distributing silver coins to them.


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    Sudden changes occurred!


    The beggar in the brown tattered robe, half-kneeling closest to Princess Reneer, stretched out his trembling left hand for alms, while suddenly thrusting his hidden right hand from under the ragged robe, wielding a black dagger aimed at the princess''s abdomen!


    The clearly poisoned black dagger pierced through Princess Reneer''s pink dress but met resistance from a layer of silver-white metal.


    The beggar assassin''s pupils constricted. He hadn''t expected Princess Reneer to wear an adamantite armor beneath her attire.


    With a sudden burst of strength, the beggar from under the robe staggered upright, poised to slash at the princess''s neck with the dagger. Before he could rise, Climb, the exclusive guard stationed beside the princess, delivered a swift punch to his temple.


    The beggar in the robe swayed and collapsed, still attempting to swing the dagger towards the princess. Climb knocked the dagger from his hand, drew his gleaming sword, and pierced the beggar''s heart. Blood gushed from the sword''s groove like a small fountain.


    Behind Princess Reneer, visibly alarmed, another beggar in rags rose up, brandishing a short sword towards her neck!


    Climb grabbed Princess Reneer''s arm, pulling her aside just as the long sword grazed her arm and impaled the second assailant''s chest.


    The crowd and beggars scattered in terror. Two more assassins emerged, advancing swiftly with their slender blades aimed directly at the pair.


    Princess Reneer spun around, her pink skirt swaying, half-bent as Climb shielded her behind him. Her white wide-brimmed hat fell from her head, revealing bright golden hair flowing like waves.


    Facing the two swords, Climb stood firm, not retreating an inch, swiftly employing multiple martial arts techniques, deflecting with his long sword.


    Amidst the flurry of blades, he severed half of one assassin''s arm, blood spraying onto Climb''s silver-white armor and the princess''s golden hair. With a bloodied sword, he swiftly slashed open the throat of the disarmed assassin.


    Only one assassin remained. Climb stepped forward, slightly distancing himself from the princess. Dodging the glaring blades, he found an opening, thrusting his sword forward and impaling the last assassin''s chest.


    Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, a sudden rush of wind cut through the air. A black feathered arrow, tipped with adamantite, shot straight towards the princess''s face!


    Climb barely had time to swing his sword to block when he instinctively leaped towards the princess, shielding her.


    The steel arrow, crackling with thunderous momentum, was about to pierce Climb''s neck when Princess Reneer behind him exclaimed in horror, "No! Climb..."


    A steady hand reached out and firmly caught the deadly feathered arrow.


    The Adamantite tip trembled fiercely in the fair palm, runes shimmering faintly on the black feathers, indicating high-level flight magic embedded within the arrow.


    EeDeChi, holding the arrow, grinned broadly at the princess and Climb.


    Meanwhile, Barrett rolled over and chased after the archer, who was armed with a short crossbow at the street corner. The assassin, fearing retaliation, fled desperately without returning fire.


    Normally, Barrett wouldn''t bother with such matters, but with the captain involved and the target being the kingdom''s Golden Princess, there was bound to be a generous bounty for catching the assassin.


    To Barrett, the fleeing crossbow assassin was just a pile of gold coins on the run!


    Bending down, Barrett casually picked up a broken brick from the street. With his expert skill in throwing axes, he swung his arm and hit the assassin''s right calf with the brick fragment. The assassin cried out and fell, the crossbow flying far from his grasp.


    Before Barrett could approach the fallen assassin, the man tilted his head back, drank from a bottle, and collapsed motionless. Barrett cautiously approached, turning him over with his sword.


    The assassin''s eyes were wide open, brownish-red eyeballs protruding, froth oozing from his lips, not a breath to be heard. Clearly, he was dead.


    Rolling near his hand was a small glass vial on the ground, its dark liquid residue making Barrett furrow his brow.


    This was a suicide assassin!


    Suicide assassin were professional killers nurtured by major noble families, skilled in combat and unwaveringly loyal, specialized in carrying out covert missions for their masters. In the event of failure, a suicide assassin would take their own life to avoid capture and interrogation, protecting their master''s secrets.


    Those capable of training suicide assassin were invariably powerful nobles or wealthy merchants who could rival nations.


    Now, with Golden Princess Reneer targeted by a suicide assassin, it was evident that she had become entangled with powerful forces.


    Barrett wasn''t familiar with the internal affairs of the Re-Estize Kingdom, but he knew enough as a freedom-loving adventurer not to get involved.


    As Barrett turned to alert his captain, he saw EeDeChi standing with arms crossed, stepping on a broken black feathered steel arrow, engaged in conversation with Princess Reneer.

 Chapter 48: Spar

    In the expansive estate of Tepno, beneath the luxurious glow of thirty-two magic crystal chandeliers, a modest banquet was underway.


    Chicken breasts, beef fillets, salmon, and fresh lake prawns adorned porcelain plates. Buttered bread, cheese, and lemon cakes were piled high. There were sausages, vegetable stew, and various delicacies filling the air with savory aromas.


    Sean and Stella quietly slurped their soup, trying to cover their mouths with food to avoid making any noise.


    What did it feel like for an adventurer of the Baharuth Empire to suddenly find himself seated next to the esteemed Golden Princess of the Re-Estize Kingdom? Sean and Stella chose not to answer this potentially life-threatening question.


    Though Baharuth Empire and Re-Estize Kingdom had avoided war in recent years, a century-old feud lingered, maintaining an uneasy facade of hostility between the two nations.


    EeDeChi had insisted Sean and Stella join the banquet. Initially, they thought it was merely a noble''s customary dinner invitation, an effort to foster goodwill between adventurers and their employer. Little did they expect the hostess to be none other than Princess Reneer herself.


    Now, they sat, quietly devouring their meal, afraid to utter a word, lest their Baharuth origins be revealed by their accents.


    Kuuderika and Ureirika, the twin sisters, sat beside Stella. Stella couldn''t bear to leave them alone at the inn, so she brought them along. Her face flushed with anxiety, occasionally leaned forward to pick at some delicate desserts from the plates and share them with the twin sisters, urging them to be quieter and more well-behaved.


    If Princess Reneer were to notice the twins and inquire about their background, it would undoubtedly lead to a lengthy and troublesome tale.


    The banquet was sparsely attended, featuring only Princess Reneer, Climb, and the six-member "The Last Defender of the Way" adventurer team. Princess Reneer sat at the head of the long table, with Climb on her left and EeDeChi on her right, while the others were seated around them.


    Fortunately, Sean and Stella don''t have to worry about Princess Reneer asking them questions, as there''s a brazen character at the banquet now who is the center of attention.


    EeDeChi patted Princess Reneer''s shoulder and poured wine into her tall glass until it overflowed. She raised her own glass, her face lit with an encouraging smile. "Young lady, I have high hopes for you! Here''s to you!"


    Princess Reneer smiled reluctantly, delicately lifting her glass to lightly clink with EeDeChi''s, taking a small sip. EeDeChi downed her drink in one go and then served Princess Reneer a fresh prawn, urging, "Eat more, grow stronger, stay healthy to handle state affairs better."


    Barrett, with a white silk napkin draped across his lap, stared in astonishment. He watched EeDeChi''s actions, forgetting to chew on the sausage on his fork.


    This wasn''t the respectful attitude of an orichalcum-level adventurer towards a kingdom''s princess¡ªit was more like a middle-aged lady coaxing her relative''s young girl to drink! EeDeChi showed no hint of respect towards royalty or the princess, as relaxed as if she were among her own adventurer team.


    Climb, seated at Princess Reneer''s left, furrowed his golden brows, his face flushed with anger. If Princess Reneer had shown any displeasure, he would have promptly asked this rude adventurer to leave the banquet. Whether EeDeChi had saved his life or not, if she upset Princess Reneer, she became his enemy.


    As the toasts and conversations continued, several dishes were served. After the serving maids withdrew, with a creak, the side door next to the dining hall opened, revealing a tall, blue-haired swordsman.


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    Adorning the swordsman''s waist was a uniquely styled long blade, slender and concealed in its sheath. Unlike straight longswords, this blade curved slightly, its design reminiscent of the curved blades of nomadic tribes in the southern plains, yet less pronounced.


    Upon seeing the swordsman, Princess Reneer visibly relaxed. She stood and introduced the swordsman to everyone, explaining why she had invited these adventurers to dinner.


    After hearing Princess Reneer''s brief introduction, Barrett was somewhat surprised. He hadn''t expected this competent blue-haired swordsman to be the renowned Brain Unglaus.


    Brain Unglaus, a genius swordsman on par with the former Kingdom''s Warrior Captain Gazef, possessed exceptional martial skills and mastery of the sword. He had fought Gazef to a draw in the Kingdom''s royal martial arts tournament and later sought thrills and the feeling of life-and-death combat by working as an adventurer and even joining mercenary groups.


    Brain nodded politely to everyone and cast a curious glance at EeDeChi, who Princess Reneer mentioned had "single-handedly caught an enchanted arrow to save Climb."


    He mentioned he hadn''t eaten dinner yet and, upon Princess Reneer''s consent, pulled out a chair beside Barrett and sat down. A servant promptly set utensils before him.


    Barrett shifted aside to make room for Brain, who thanked him quietly. Barrett was somewhat astonished; this talented swordsman''s demeanor was unexpectedly friendly, far from the arrogant and haughty description in rumors.


    With another person added to the table, the banquet continued.


    EeDeChi''s behavior remained unchanged; she completely disregarded Princess Reneer''s "princess" status. She drank and ate heartily, chatting with Reneer about how Count Kurar, with his fat pig physique, bullied the poor and beggars. Upon seeing Princess Reneer, he acted panicked and fled in a hurry.


    Speaking of joy, she even went so far as to slap Princess Renner''s back with the force one might use with a pair of good buddies. Princess Reneer''s slender body shook slightly under the impact, causing her wine glass to tremble.


    Barrett signaled heavily to his captain, indicating she should rein it in a bit, but EeDeChi just looked at Barrett, blinked in confusion, and completely failed to grasp his meaning.


    "My goodness, what a fool, why does the captain always manage to stir up so much trouble," sighed Barrett inwardly.


    The newly seated Brain looked displeased. He couldn''t stand EeDeChi''s brazen and disrespectful demeanor towards the princess. Though he also worked under the princess, he was more akin to a guest invited by her, similar in status to the other adventurers invited to the feast.


    After glaring at EeDeChi to no effect, Brain stood up abruptly, facing her with a stern tone:


    "Ms. orichalcum-level adventurer, show some respect to the princess. If you''re unaware of royal banquet etiquette, I suggest you return to the Adventurer''s Guild tavern, consult with the receptionist, and then consider returning to this table."


    "Oh?" EeDeChi set down her wine glass. "So, should I speak politely and perform some three-kneel-nine-kowtow ceremony?"


    Princess Reneer, who had been smiling, fell silent. She cut a slice of cake with a silver knife and chewed slowly. As the host of the banquet, she showed no intention of intervening in the argument.


    Brain shook his head. "You''re too arrogant. Despite being orichalcum-level, I''ve encountered the three adamantite-level adventurers of our kingdom, none of whom are as self-important as you."


    "Hmph." EeDeChi snorted dismissively.


    Barrett, Sean, and Stella, as well as the usually lively Kuuderika and Ureirika, all stopped chewing. They sensed the tension simmering beneath the surface, akin to a powder keg ready to ignite.


    Brain locked eyes with EeDeChi. "I''ve met three top-tier experts who I truly admire, possessing outstanding strength yet far more humility than you, an orichalcum-level adventurer."


    "Is that so? Perhaps you''ve encountered too few true experts," EeDeChi shook his head.


    "Heh, you know what? Back in my hometown, there''s an old saying: ''A pig-man thinks his own face skin is the thickest armor in the world until he''s pierced by a spear!''" Brain also shook his head and smiled, mimicking EeDeChi.


    EeDeChi stood up, her gaze dark and intense. The atmosphere at the banquet became tense in an instant.


    "What, you want to spar?" she challenged.


    "Are you suggesting a duel?" Brain smiled faintly. "That suits me just fine. While I may not be considered a true strongman, showing you the threshold of strength will be quite satisfying."


    EeDeChi said no more. Both participants pushed back their chairs, each grabbing their weapons, and moved to the open space beside the long table in the dining hall.

 Chapter 49: The captain was hit

    The restaurant was spacious, with ample room around the tables. EeDeChi and Brain faced each other coldly, standing at opposite ends of the open space, preparing for a showdown.


    EeDeChi remained expressionless, her gait lazy as she stood casually, seemingly dismissing Brain entirely.


    On the other side, Brain appeared serious, left hand gripping the scabbard, right hand on the hilt of his sword, feet positioned for attack.


    With a slight arc, Brain drew his sword halfway out of its sheath. EeDeChi''s languid eyes suddenly gleamed, fixed on the blade in Brain''s hand.


    The adventurer captain furrowed her brow slightly, just as her hand reached for the giant sword behind her, Brain struck.


    He leaped forward, sword slashing out of its sheath, his strong arm flashing with cold light as the blade swung down towards EeDeChi''s head!


    However, he intentionally used the back of the blade, so when it struck EeDeChi''s head, it only made a dull "thud" sound.


    Victory in hand! Brain was satisfied, sheathing his sword with a smirk. "You were boasting just now, thought you were tough. Turns out, not so much."


    When he made his attacked, EeDeChi''s expression was blank, caught completely off guard. Without hesitation, he swung the back of his blade at the head of this naive adventurer girl, teaching her a harsh lesson she wouldn''t soon forget.


    Brain had expected a serious reaction from the solemn girl after a hit on her head. It would have been amusing to see her cry out or hold her head, but EeDeChi remained expressionless, leaving Brain uninterested.


    "Obviously, your skills can''t support your arrogance. Go practice more," Brain shook his head, preparing to return to his seat at the banquet.


    "Wait, let''s go again," EeDeChi adjusted her hair messed up by the back of the sword and called after him.


    Brain waved his hand, "The game''s over, no need."


    "If you''re too scared to fight, then show me your sword," EeDeChi''s tone remained impolite, with a hint of command.


    Looks like this guy hasn''t learned her lesson yet, Brain thought.


    "Fine, let''s have another round then."


    Brain returned to the open space, and the two faced off again. Brain swiftly drew his sword, the cold light gleaming. The fierce blade swept through the air, casting a silver web that enveloped EeDeChi like a torrential storm.


    But this time was different. EeDeChi shifted her stance slightly, dodging and weaving through Brain''s intricate sword strikes like a black streak darting through a net of blades.


    Taking a step back, Brain sheathed his sword, his expression turning stern. He could feel that his opponent''s movements had suddenly accelerated, unusually so.


    EeDeChi looked at Brain and finally drew the giant sword behind her, offering a sincere suggestion, "Perhaps you could use Martial Art."


    A twitch played on Brain''s lips. He had underestimated her, it seemed. Time to get serious. Though using Martial Art could be deadly, a lesson was in order.


    Pressing his left thumb against the round guard of the sword, he pushed the blade out of the sheath by an inch with his right hand firmly gripping the hilt, his gaze intensely focused.


    In an instant, his pupils widened.


    Martial Art ¡¤ Field, activate!


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    Martial Art ¡¤ God Flash, activate!


    Combining the two, Martial Art ¡¤ Tiger''s Throat Bite!


    Brain leaped forward like a tiger pouncing on its prey, the sharp, cold light like thunderous force bursting from the sheath, slashing toward EeDeChi''s arm!


    The long sword hesitated, its sharp edge sinking into the ground like a mountain cleaving through a crack, the raging power disappearing without a trace.


    Brain''s face showed utter shock as he stared blankly at his sword, while EeDeChi calmly held onto the blade. She gripped the long, sharp blade as if it were an ordinary iron rod.


    "Did you really use Martial Art?" Through the glaring blade, EeDeChi asked sincerely, without a hint of mockery in her tone.


    "You..." Instinctively, Brain tried to retract the sword, but it seemed fused with EeDeChi as if cast in stone. No matter how much force he exerted to pull it out, the blade remained unmoved.


    EeDeChi gripped the blade and gave it a sharp tug, transmitting a powerful force to the hilt. Brain staggered forward, nearly falling as he let go of the sword in retreat.


    Brain looked at EeDeChi, his eyes filled with fear. Suddenly, he recalled that fateful night when he first seriously doubted his own martial skills¡ªthe night of the silver-haired loli in a black dress. Just like now, she effortlessly seized his sword in the face of his deadliest move, then defeated him with the nail of her pinky finger.


    EeDeChi was less stirred by Brain''s reaction. She examined the sword she had wrested away, its slender blade shimmering under the white light of the magic crystal chandelier, its unique slight curve catching the glint.


    Still holding the blade, EeDeChi murmured to herself, "Look at these patterns, the blade''s shape, and the stingray skin on the handle¡ªit''s definitely a Japanese katana."


    The captain of the adventurers examined the long sword in her hand and activated a spell:


    5th Tier Magic ¡¤ High-tier Item Appraisal!


    Lines of text appeared before her eyes.


    [Item Name: Japanese Katana]


    [Type: Sword]


    [Source: Item generated by the YGGDRASIL system]


    [Quality: Decent]


    [Enchantments: Sharp edge, rust-free, lotus leaf surface]


    [Note: This was a weapon once used by the subordinate of one of the Eight Greed Kings'' favorite underlings¡ªGray Night Samurai.]


    [¹Å´ú¤Î‘éˆö(Ancient battlefield)


    ÍÁµØ¤òÒý¤­³ö¤¹¥Ê¥¤¥Õ(A blade that draws out the land)


    Ѫ¤ÎÒô(The sound of blood)]


    EeDeChi''s gaze lingered on the perplexing Japanese text at the end for a moment, frowning in thought. "Is this... Japanese haiku written by Google Translate?"


    Barrett, watching from the sidelines, shook his head inwardly. Such an outcome didn''t surprise him, given his full awareness of the captain''s abilities.


    However, he couldn''t help but think to himself that EeDeChi went too far in trying to appear strong before the princess. Taking a hit on the head just to put on a show seemed overly dramatic and unnecessary.


    Barrett had misjudged her.


    In fact, from the beginning of the duel, EeDeChi had noticed the uniquely styled blade when Brain drew his sword. Judging from its shape, she deduced that it was highly likely a Japanese katana.


    But this is the world of swords and magic, why is there a katana? So, EeDeChi, who was originally indifferent, was stunned for a moment and took a hit from Brain on her head. Of course, even if Brain used the blade to strike her, he wouldn''t have been able to harm her at all.


    Gathering her thoughts, EeDeChi looked at Brain with a serious expression and asked, "Where did you get this sword?"


    Brain didn''t answer her question. His face was filled with sorrow, "Are you... going to kill me?"


    He still remembered the night facing Shalltear, the silver-haired little girl in a black dress, when he realized he could never catch up to the enemy''s strength no matter how hard he tried. There was no escape, no retreat, and his heart was filled with despair and fear. Now, encountering this adventurer with equally terrifying strength, he thought she was of the same kind as Shalltear.


    "Why would I kill you?" EeDeChi frowned. "What''s wrong with you, not being able to handle even a bit of failure? Your complexion doesn''t look right. Eat first, and I''ll ask you questions after dinner."


    EeDeChi understood clearly the significance of the information carried by this sword¡ªYGGDRASIL, the Eight Greed Kings, Gray Night Samurai¡ªthey were all extremely important. Just like Ainz Ooal Gown, they probably didn''t originally belong to this world.


    Princess Reneer, who had been sitting quietly at the banquet, approached, inviting the disoriented Brain back to his seat to continue enjoying the dinner. Brain was currently under her wing and had done some tasks for her.


    Princess Reneer had originally hoped to win over EeDeChi, so she organized a simple banquet and personally invited the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team to attend. But she hadn''t expected EeDeChi to be someone who disregarded the royal family entirely, behaving crudely and causing Reneer deep trouble. Yet, she couldn''t bring herself to ask EeDeChi to leave.


    Just then, Brain walked in, and an argument ensued with EeDeChi, leading to a brawl.


    As the host of the banquet, she should have stopped this duel, but she wanted to use Brain, the genius swordsman, to dampen EeDeChi''s spirit, so she refrained from intervening. However, she never expected EeDeChi to effortlessly defeat Brain, who was highly skilled and on par with the former Royal Warrior Captain Gazef, raising EeDeChi''s status significantly in her eyes.


    As the banquet ended, everyone was full and content, except for Brain, Sean, and Stella.


    Setting down her wine glass, Princess Reneer turned to face EeDeChi with sincerity, "I have a task I''d like to entrust to you. Could we speak privately?"

 Chapter 50: The Legend of the Eight Greed Kings

    In the bustling central market of Tepno, carts trundled by, voices clamored, and dust from the grimy ground dispersed into the air. Old farmers carried their loads through the streets, while vendors of all kinds shouted at the top of their lungs to hawk their wares. Stalls lined the streets from end to end, displaying a dazzling array of colorful goods.


    A peculiar adventurer group weaved through the market, stopping now and then at stalls to browse merchandise. Leading the way was a solemn-faced girl in black with short hair, incongruously carrying a giant sword on her back.


    Beside her walked a tall, muscular middle-aged man with a longsword at his waist, his sharp eyes and steady gait marking him as an elite adventurer. Following behind was a young man with a bow and arrow, his cheerful demeanor occasionally punctuated by witty remarks as he glanced at the cleric girl beside him.


    The cleric girl, with her beautiful features and dressed in a lovely white cleric uniform, held the hands of two adorable blonde girls. The twins were so alike in appearance they could have been carved from the same mold.


    "Did the princess issue some kind of secret task?" Barrett turned his head towards EeDeChi and asked.


    "Someone might be planning to assassinate her, so she hopes to hire us for protection," EeDeChi replied nonchalantly, strolling through the market.


    "And you agreed to this?" Barrett exclaimed.


    "Of course I did."


    "Good grief, couldn''t you have consulted us first?" Barrett sighed, "Not to mention Sean and Stella, the two from the Baharuth Empire."


    "It''s not a bad thing," EeDeChi glanced at Barrett, "Besides, if someone''s out to harm Princess Renner, I can''t just stand idly by!"


    A carriage temporarily blocked their path. Barrett halted and shook his head. "Princess Renner may be kind-hearted, but she clearly wants to win you over and make you work for her.


    "I was drinking at the Adventurer''s Guild tavern yesterday, and word has it that the old king''s health is failing, worsened by the tragic death of the eldest prince on the battlefield a few years ago. After a serious illness, his health has deteriorated greatly. It wouldn''t be surprising if he kicks the bucket in a couple of years.


    "Although the second prince is the designated heir to the throne, Princess Renner''s influence is deeply rooted and she holds significant sway in the people''s eyes. This greatly affects the second prince''s power and status. Don''t forget, just two days ago a suicide assassin attempted to kill Princess Renner. In my opinion, we shouldn''t wade into this murky water."


    The bustling market was crowded with people coming and going. EeDeChi glanced around and asked, puzzled, "You openly criticize the Kingdom and comment on current political affairs, yet no knights have arrested you?"


    "What do you mean?" Barrett scratched his head. "Adventurers should try to stay out of mainstream disputes, especially power struggles among the elite. It''s a consensus among all adventurers. This could spell trouble, and once you''re involved, it''s hard to get out. We should steer clear of this mission."


    "I''ve already sorted things out with Princess Renner," EeDeChi waved a hand, signaling an end to the discussion.


    "But," Barrett persisted, "we''re adventurers who battle monsters, not..."


    "She''s paying each of us three gold coins per day."


    "Well, actually, this mission isn''t too bad. We''ll work for a hundred days and then leave, how about that? Just three months," Barrett looked at EeDeChi with a hopeful expression.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    EeDeChi glared at the money-loving guy who''d do anything for a buck, then turned away, ignoring him. She strode forward a few steps and stopped at an apple stall, beginning to pick out the bright red apples on display.


    Barrett caught up with her in a few strides, changing the subject. "What did you talk about with that genius swordsman named Brain? When you both came out of the room, he looked completely hollow-eyed, his face as if he had narrowly escaped severe torture."


    After the last banquet, Brain was eager to leave, but EeDeChi stopped him and spoke with him privately for a while.


    Shaking her head lightly, EeDeChi said, "Brain is not a bad boy, just a bit arrogant. He couldn''t handle a little criticism from me. He actually thought I was going to kill him, couldn''t even stand steady on his legs. Maybe he already had some shadows in his mind. I just asked him where he got that sword in his hand."


    The adventurer captain weighed an apple in her hand, her expression unusually serious. In this world, there circulated a semi-legendary tale known as the "Eight Greed Kings."


    Through the oral traditions of wandering poets and tavern patrons, the Eight Greed Kings were depicted as eight immensely evil demons who suddenly appeared in the world, wielding unrivaled supernatural powers. They began their conquest with fire and blood, subjugating all corners and establishing a mighty empire that spanned the entire continent.


    They were vicious and ruthless, indulging in their personal desires and implementing brutal, terrifying reigns. All races on the continent trembled under their feet. Countless heroes and brave souls rose up to resist the tyranny of the Eight Greed Kings, sacrificing themselves in a series of tragic battles.


    The Eight Greed Kings were invincible, with no rivals in the entire world. Legend has it that they eventually turned on each other in a deadly internal conflict, leading to the downfall of their empire and the demise of each king.


    Under the final horrific magic unleashed by the Eight Greed Kings, the vast forest in the southern part of the continent overnight turned into a desolate desert. It''s rumored that their last city was located here, where they buried their amassed wealth and the power they wielded over the world.


    However, the ruins of the city of the Eight Greed Kings were extremely harsh, with strange magic twisting and restless, few dared to set foot in this desert.


    Brain told EeDeChi that this treasured sword in his hand was obtained in his youth during travels and martial training, on the edge of a desert that resembled an ancient battlefield from the Eight Greed Kings.


    Apart from this sword, there were many strange items of all shapes and sizes scattered on the ground at that time, but most of them were damaged. He only found this indestructible sharp katana, which he has been using ever since.


    This sword undoubtedly did not belong to this world.


    Combining those vague and real legends and histories, EeDeChi could deduce that the Eight Greed Kings were by no means natives of this world. Just like Ainz Ooal Gown and his rule over the Great Tomb of Nazarick, they were players who crossed over from a game.


    At this thought, EeDeChi''s originally solemn face became even more serious. She picked up the apple in her hand, took a big bite, and as her upper and lower sparkling white teeth touched, the sweet flesh with its fresh juice swirled and flowed between her lips and teeth.


    "Hey! You haven''t paid yet!"  The stubbled apple seller glared at the adventurer who had picked up an apple from his fruit stall and started munching on it.


    "Oh." EeDeChi chewed on the flesh, glancing at Barrett.


    Beside her, Barrett shook his head helplessly, took out four copper coins from his pocket, and handed them to the vendor.


    .........


    In the distant northern border, the clouds were thick and heavy, and the massive dragon wings spread out, obscuring the sky. A deep and majestic voice echoed through the sky: "Dark elf, how dare you enslave my people!"


    Beneath the black dragon wings, a slender figure stood at the peak of the mountain, looking up at the colossal presence in the sky, One pupil is red, the other is blue, both shining brightly: "It''s my good companion. I haven''t enslaved it. Would you like to join my ranks too? Supreme Overlord Ainz-sama would surely appreciate meeting a true wild dragon!"


    The dark elf''s tone was lively and cheerful, without any fear.


    Behind her, a massive and gentle figure crouched on the boulders of the mountain peak.


    "Ridiculous! The dignity of the dragon race cannot be profaned!" The black figure in the sky roared, opening its huge mouth, and the dragon exhaled. The green body on the mountaintop spread its wings and stood tall, its crimson vertical pupils shining brightly like lamps, releasing a wild dragon roar into the sky.


    Flames covered the sky, the sea of fire spread, the lingering sound of destruction, the whisper of annihilation tore the earth apart...

 Chapter 51: Ainz and Albedo

    In the luxurious and spacious hall, the Demon Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown sat upright in a chair adorned with gold and onyx, carefully reading a long scroll in his hand. On the adamantite table before him lay several scrolls of parchment, makeshift bound books, and gilded magic scrolls.


    These were all diligently collected by his loyal subordinates from around the world, containing every piece of information about the members of "The Last Defender of the Way" adventurer team.


    Among them, the information on the archer Sean and cleric Stella was the most comprehensive. Two thick volumes detailed their life trajectories since birth. As for the adventurer named Barrett, who seemed to wander around a lot, the information was not as extensive, but it was clear he was a typical adventurer in this world.


    Only the peculiar girl named EeDeChi had no information available about her birth and upbringing. It was as if she had suddenly appeared on the border between the City Alliance and the Baharuth Empire, then walked into the Adventurer''s Guild, registering as an adventurer. Soon after, she rose to fame, swiftly advancing from the lowest "copper-level" to the second High-tier "orichalcum-level."


    Ainz looked up at the stack of various reports before him, reminiscent of his own experiences. When he and the people of the Great Tomb of Nazarick first arrived, they also chose to operate as adventurers. However, he quickly made a name for himself, rapidly rising to become the highest-tier "adamantite-level."


    Adamantite-level is a truly rare existence! In the entire Re-Estize Kingdom, including Ainz disguised as "Darkness," there are only three "adamantite-ranked" adventurer teams, with the other two being "Blue Roses" and "Red Drop."


    Ainz couldn''t quite understand why EeDeChi''s adventurer rank was still stuck at orichalcum-level. Given her abilities, she should have long since ascended to adamantite.


    Perhaps she was hiding her true strength, Ainz pondered. After all, becoming the highest-tier "adamantite-level" adventurer meant shouldering more responsibilities, often at the expense of the adventurous thrills that others envy.


    Reflecting on this, Ainz realized it had been a long time since he had actively engaged in this world as an adventurer.


    He had always strived to present himself as the supreme being of decisive action and unparalleled wisdom and ability before his subordinates. After wearing this mask for so long, it was difficult to take it off and adapt to another mask of an adventurer.


    The red light flickered in the sockets of Ainz''s skeletal eye sockets as he decided to set aside these troubling thoughts, picking up the next scroll. His subordinates had submitted numerous reports, but collectively, they only confirmed one thing: this rigid girl named EeDeChi had also crossed over from Ainz''s world. She was alone, without any backing.


    As for whether she was a player who had crossed over from the game YGGDRASIL, there wasn''t enough evidence yet to confirm or deny this.


    If she had indeed come from the game world and her strength was weak, Ainz was somewhat inclined to capture her, kill her, and then conduct a "player resurrection" experiment.


    But the fact that she could exchange blows with Shalltear without showing any signs of defeat indicated that her strength was likely already at level one hundred.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Now, this is getting a bit tricky. Someone with a combat power of level one hundred likely possesses a World Item, possibly even one of the top twenty world-class items.


    However, she poses no threat to the Great Tomb of Nazarick because it boasts several level one hundred guardians and World Items, with Ainz himself being a high-tier undead at level one hundred.


    Facing this unexpected level one hundred traveler in the world, the Great Tomb of Nazarick could choose to go all out to eliminate her, but that wouldn''t benefit them much.


    A level one hundred player whose strength is not clear, holding a World Item and fighting desperately, could still cause significant trouble.


    Moreover, EeDeChi has not shown any hostility towards the Great Tomb of Nazarick for now; she seems to just play the role of a normal adventurer, enjoying adventures in this isekai world.


    As suggested by Demiurge, the wisest of the guardians, dealing with this lone adventurer should involve demonstrating the Great Tomb of Nazarick''s formidable strength while showing some goodwill, combining both mercy and authority.


    Now, the path of conquering the world for the Great Tomb of Nazarick is not yet complete, and there are still many unknowns along the way. It''s prudent to proceed cautiously.


    The legendary yet fading dragon race, and the unique Wild Magic wielded by dragons, have posed some challenges to the conquering army. Before all the dust settles, Ainz doesn''t want to make too many enemies.


    Ainz picked up the last scroll on the table, which detailed EeDeChi''s recent activities. As he read through it carefully, he was somewhat surprised: "She''s actually been hired by Princess Renner of the Re-Estize Kingdom and even used a teleportation array to go to the capital of the kingdom. She''s quite adept at building relationships with royalty."


    Setting down this final report, Ainz lifted his head from the magic scroll. The towering, unconfined curves of a white body-hugging evening gown trembled before his eyes, their deep, fair crevices profound and mesmerizing. If any man were to see this sight, his mind would almost certainly be captivated by these ample bosoms.


    Ainz didn''t need to look up to know the owner of the deep cleavage was Albedo.


    "My lord Ainz~" Albedo''s eyes were silky, her flawless face flushed with shyness. Golden pupils swirled seductively, captivating. "Do you like my new dress? I sewed it myself."


    Her tone ended with a teasing rise, adding a tremor to her voice. Simultaneously, her slender hand in white silk gloves caressed Ainz''s sternum.


    Any functioning man, faced with such teasing, would struggle to suppress the turmoil in his heart and desire to tear open this beauty''s pure white dress and fuck her hard.


    But Ainz... he was undead, a skeleton. In his heart, there was only the distress of a righteous superior sexually harassed by a lewd subordinate.


    On one hand, it was because he lacked sexual capability; on the other, his desire for carnal pleasures had faded since becoming undead.


    Nevertheless, Ainz admitted, when faced with such ample bosoms before him, he felt an urge to squeeze them. Yet he resisted, for he was an upright boss, not someone whose mind was filled with lewd thoughts like his female subordinate.


    It was his fault for tampering with Albedo''s settings before crossing over, causing her current admiration to reach incomprehensible, even perverse levels, without any satisfaction.


    Now every chance she gets, she sexually harasses him, causing Ainz was deeply troubled.


    "How is the investigation into the legend of the Eight Greed Kings'' grand expedition going?" Ainz turned his head away from Albedo.


    "It''s still ongoing. Those are events from five hundred years ago. Cherishing the present romantic moments is what matters most, don''t you think?" Albedo''s body drew closer.


    He needed a way to distract her. Ainz pondered briefly and asked, "Your evening gown is beautiful. Are you attending some event?"


    Albedo leaned in, her dreamlike beautiful eyes gazing deeply into Ainz''s skeletal eye sockets.


    "My lord Ainz, have you forgotten? I am your appointed envoy to the Sorcerer Kingdom. Soon, I''ll be attending a ball hosted by the royal family of the Re-Estize Kingdom, mingling with a bunch of lower beings. Perhaps..." Her black wings behind her trembled softly. "...you fancy uniforms. Should I make a special envoy uniform?"


    "No... there''s no need. You look fine as you are now," Ainz replied, tilting his body slightly backward to evade Albedo''s gaze filled with longing.


    "I have a task for you. Since you''re familiar with Princess Renner, that person EeDeChi is now with her. Represent the Great Tomb of Nazarick and make contact with her..."

 Chapter 52: The Second Prince

    In a spacious courtyard, the afternoon sun shone brightly, casting shadows of eaves and leaves onto the ground. It was deep autumn, and the warm sunlight made people lazy, even the slightly cool autumn breeze felt comfortable.


    (¡ü Reference appearance of EeDeChi)


    Seated on a wooden bench in the grove, EeDeChi lounged, idly chewing on a large apple. In the open space before her, Barrett, still dressed as an adventurer, was instructing Climb, with his blonde hair and blue eyes, in martial arts.


    Barrett wielded a broad wooden sword, clashing blades with Climb, who also held a wooden sword. The "clang, clang" of wood meeting wood echoed around them, while the gentle sunlight danced on their intertwined shadows.


    "The Last Defender of the Way" adventurer team had already arrived at the capital of the kingdom via Princess Renner''s teleportation circle and were temporarily residing near the princess''s sleeping quarters.


    In the distance, the high spires of the palace and the white marble castle walls could be seen. It was said that the King and the Second Prince resided within.


    The seasoned elite adventurer quickly determined the outcome of their bout against the princess''s exclusive guards.


    Barrett took a light step forward, his large wooden sword twisting at a peculiar angle to parry Climb''s longsword and knock it to the ground. He brought the sword back to his shoulder and thrust forward smoothly, sending Climb tumbling down, sitting helpless on the ground.


    "Young people these days, they''re really not what they used to be," observed EeDeChi as she watched Barrett effortlessly defeat Climb, shaking her head slowly,  her tone carrying a mix of regret and frustration at Climb''s lack of improvement.


    "Don''t be discouraged, Climb. You''ve made progress," Barrett ignored EeDeChi''s cold remark, extending his large palm to help Climb up from the ground. He advised, "Besides attacking, you need to learn to retreat, adjust your steps, and neutralize the force on your opponent''s weapon."


    "But behind me are the princess and the common folk. I can''t retreat," Climb stood up resolutely.


    "Sometimes retreating is advancing; take a step back to expose the enemy''s weaknesses, then advance two steps," Barrett, despite being challenged, remained unperturbed, gently guiding Climb.


    Unlike the noble-born knights within the palace, Climb was an orphan. Princess Renner of the kingdom found him on the brink of death in his childhood, making him her personal guard.


    Although his swordsmanship talent was not exceptional, his diligence and hard work in training placed him among the top warriors of his age.


    He was cheerful and determined, and his dedication to martial arts was relentless. Barrett liked him very much and imparted numerous combat skills to him.


    Compared to the rigid and orthodox palace swordsmanship of the kingdom, Barrett''s techniques and experience gleaned from years of adventurous battles sometimes proved to be more effective.


    "Let''s take a break for a while," Barrett said gently, pulling out a can of magic distilled water from his spatial ring and handing it to Climb.


    Climb took the can, wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead, unscrewed the oak stopper, and gulped it down. The cool water trickled down his throat, quenching the heat from his training.


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    "Captain, um," Climb set down the can, turning to EeDeChi who lounged half-reclined on a wooden chair in the shade of the trees, his eyes eager. "You must know Martial Arts, right? Could you teach me some?"


    "Martial Arts? I know a few. But your basics are too weak; I can''t teach you," EeDeChi replied bluntly, taking a bite of her apple.


    In this world, extraordinary powers are broadly divided into three types: Martial Arts, Magic, and Innate Talent.


    Magic, which includes Arcane Magic, Divine Magic, and Divine Magic, needs no elaboration.


    Innate Talent refers to abilities one is born with. In this world, roughly one in every two hundred people possesses Innate Talent. Most have simple abilities like sensing tomorrow''s weather, while a few possess powerful and rare skills. For example, EeDeChi''s Innate Talent allows her to see the Justice Value of others.


    Martial Arts are skills practiced by warriors who lack magical talent. With sufficient innate ability and diligent practice, they can unleash unique extraordinary powers through mental focus and maintaining specific physical postures.


    EeDeChi possesses an Innate Talent to see Justice Value, can learn and cast magic. She has also dabbled in a few Martial Arts in her leisure time, though she rarely finds use for them.


    Reflecting on her encounters, besides the gothic Lolita in black, none of her enemies thus far have warranted the use of Martial Arts.


    Climb took the rejection in stride. He picked up his wooden sword from the ground, squared off face-to-face with Barrett, and prepared to resume training.


    On the courtyard walls, ivy swayed in the wind, casting shadows under the sun. The wooden side door suddenly swung open, and a young man of luxurious attire and slightly plump figure stepped over the threshold, striding in with his stubby legs.


    His eyes were arrogant as he glanced around, speaking bluntly, "Hey, Climb, where''s Renner?"


    Climb sheathed his wooden sword, straightened up, and replied, "Princess Renner is not in the palace; she''s preparing for tonight''s banquet."


    "Take me to her; I have something to discuss with her." The elegantly dressed young man raised his leg to leave, his eyes catching Barrett standing with his sword in the sunlight. Round-faced and full of disdain, he remarked, "Who are these two?"


    "Inform His Highness, they are guests invited by Princess Renner," Climb replied calmly.


    "Adventurers, I suppose. Renner always enjoys mingling with the lowly, using filthy soil to contrast her own nobility, thinking it shows her kindness and closeness to the people. Hmph." With this final remark, the slightly plump man walked out of the courtyard.


    Climb''s determined face was filled with deep anger, yet he still nodded apologetically to EeDeChi and Barrett before following the man out.


    "Who''s this fatso asking for a beating?" Climb barely stepped out the threshold when EeDeChi asked Barrett.


    "Keep it down! We''re in the palace right now. He''s the second prince of the kingdom! His name''s Zanac, and I hear he''s just an average guy. His full name is Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself. Ever since the eldest prince died in battle a few years ago, he''s been the kingdom''s designated heir to the throne."


    EeDeChi frowned. "I can''t stand this boy. His Justice Value is really low, even lower than the emperor of the Baharuth Empire."


    Barrett couldn''t help but laugh. "Is that Justice Value you''re obsessed with really that useful? If it is, why do you always end up buying fake stuff from the shopkeepers?"


    "Of course it''s useful! It definitely is!"  EeDeChi''s face reddened, but she remained stubborn.


    "Then why do you keep buying fakes?"


    "Well, that''s because... because... because I feel sorry for the poor shopkeepers and want to support them." EeDeChi hastily made up an excuse.


    "Haha..."


    "Stop laughing!" EeDeChi glared fiercely at Barrett.


    Barrett pressed his lips together, muscles twitching in his cheeks, forcing the laughter down. He wiped his eyes and curiously asked, "You''re always nitpicking about other people''s Justice Values. What''s yours then?"


    "Mine''s 250!" EeDeChi proudly placed her hands on her hips.


    "Well, that''s indeed quite high." Barrett remembered his own Justice Value was 146.


    (Author''s note: In the author''s country, 250 has a slang meaning similar to "Dimwit", so there''s an implied layer here: EeDeChi proudly claims she''s a Dimwit.)


    "Why couldn''t Princess Renner become the heir to the throne after the death of the eldest prince?" EeDeChi asked.


    She tossed away the apple core in her hand, shattering a thick branch of a pine tree in the woods. Several furry squirrels clung to pine cones, hopping around on the branches.


    Barrett gave EeDeChi a strange look and said, "Captain, don''t you know? Women don''t have inheritance rights, not just in the royal family but among the nobles too. Throughout history in Re-Estize and Baharuth, there has never been a female ruler. Where exactly are you from? I always feel like you''re clueless about some common sense."

 Chapter 53: The Knights Tale

    Facing Barrett''s question, EeDeChi didn''t answer where her hometown was, but instead snorted, "Common sense? Common sense is made to be broken! Who says women are inferior to men? Have you heard of Joan of Arc? I have high hopes for Princess Renner! She''s kind-hearted, strong-willed, probably ten times better than that chubby boy named Zanac."


    Barrett shook her head, "I haven''t heard of Joan of Arc. Besides, what good does it do to support someone? Whether by law or tradition, the second prince will definitely inherit the throne."


    Glancing around to ensure no one else was in the courtyard, he continued in a low voice, "But you never know. Princess Renner holds a high place among commoners and some newly rich. I''ve heard she''s implemented many progressive reforms that greatly benefit the people, strengthening the country. Moreover, she has considerable influence among the nobility and military.


    "I go to the Adventurer''s Guild''s tavern in the capital city, and when the royal family is mentioned, nine out of ten people praise Princess Renner''s beauty and wisdom. Some foolhardy ones even, when drunk, blabber about assassinating the second prince Zanac to let Princess Renner take over the country. They think they''d be heroes and could marry her."


    EeDeChi chuckled, "Marry Princess Renner? These people sure dare to dream big, without considering their own worth. But I think Climb, that lad, isn''t bad. Both he and the princess with their blonde hair, they''d make a good match."


    These two were discussing marriage affairs of princes and princesses so brazenly in the kingdom''s palace¡ªit''s probably the epitome of the adventurer''s wild and unrestrained spirit.


    Barrett agreed, "I heard rumors long ago that the kingdom''s princess has a thing for her personal guard, sticking to her like glue. Now that I''ve actually met them, it seems there''s truth to it.


    "When Princess Renner looks at Climb, her eyes are so tender, they could drip water. And Climb, when he looks into her eyes, there''s a light! It''s a deeper affection beyond loyalty and admiration!"


    Barrett sighed again, wiping a steel sword in her hand, "It''s a shame they can never be together."


    "Why!?" EeDeChi asked urgently.


    "Isn''t it obvious? One is the kingdom''s princess, the other an orphaned guard, worlds apart in status. Climb has nothing but his sword skills and a few medals. So they restrain their feelings, knowing each other''s hearts, silently watching from afar in crowds.


    "Someday the princess will marry, maybe to some noble, or for alliance, even to a prince from another country. Who knows, the young emperor of Baharuth might even propose.


    "Like the old story goes, a knight risks life and limb to rescue the princess from a dragon''s claws, only for her to marry a noble prince in the end.


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    "The knight watches as the splendid golden wedding carriage slowly rolls away to another country, breaks his sword, sheds his armor, silently returns to his humble beginnings, marries a decent girl, and lives out his days.


    EeDeChi clenched her fist, expressionless, "If that Baharuth Empire emperor brat dares marry Renner, I''ll smash his head!"


    "Remind me before you smash his head, I need to quit the adventurer team in advance."


    "Tsk, coward."


    Barrett tilted her head in thought, "I''ve heard other adventurers tell different versions of this story. They say an adventurer rescued a princess who sneaked out of the palace, and they fell in love, sparks flying, and ended up getting it on in a tent.


    "Turns out the princess got pregnant, and the king had to marry her off to the adventurer, rewarding him with a fortune in gold and silver, making him a marquis, and giving him a large tract of land..."


    Barrett wrapped the cleaned steel sword in a coarse cloth and stowed it in the spatial ring. He still remembered that night sitting around the campfire vividly, with a bald adventurer wearing a lecherous grin, relishing telling this tale.


    EeDeChi muttered something about "feudal society," "dark medieval times," "favoring sons over daughters," and "backward ignorance."


    Barrett half-understood but had long grown accustomed to the captain''s inexplicable soliloquies and didn''t bother to respond, starting to organize the next piece of equipment in his spatial ring.


    ...


    "We''re back!"


    A pleasant voice of a young girl echoed from behind the door. A cleric girl with chestnut-colored long hair pushed open the courtyard gate, peering inside. Through the crack she opened, two small figures with golden hair and dresses squeezed through eagerly like mischievous cats.


    These two adorable girls in pink skirts looked nearly identical, as if molded from the same mold. They looked up with their little faces and ran towards Barrett and EeDeChi.


    "Uncle!"


    "Captain!"


    "You''ve learned to call me Captain too?" EeDeChi exclaimed in surprise. She scooped up a little girl who ran to her side, ruffling her soft golden hair and pinching her cheek, "You''re looking much better now."


    Stella swung open the gate, carrying two bulging bags. Her face lit up with a radiant smile, unusually happy. "Today, I took them to the Gaia Cathedral in the capital. We unexpectedly met an adamantite-level adventurer from the ''Blue Roses'' team, Captain Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra. She''s a Divine Magic caster capable of using 5th Tier spells! She''s incredibly kind too, not only not rejecting us as Baharuth natives but also helping Kuuderika and Ureirika heal from their emotional wounds."


    Behind Stella, Sean carried various bundles of cloth, garments, spices, and other items into the courtyard. He stretched his back with a sigh of relief, "Uncle, we got everything you needed."


    "Great, thank you both," Barrett replied. He sent Sean and Stella out shopping, and they returned with plenty of spices and ingredients, ready to make the savory meat soup unique to Re-Estize. With their stable high wages of 3 gold coins per person per day, their standard of living naturally improved.


    EeDeChi gently placed the little girl from her arms onto the ground. Truth be told, she couldn''t quite tell if she was holding Kuuderika or Ureirika; they looked so alike. But Stella can tell them apart somehow, though it''s unclear how she manages to do it.


    The twin girls bounced over to Stella, holding her hand and shaking it excitedly, "We want candy!"


    "Alright, I''ll get the candy for you right away." The cleric girl''s face softened with a tender smile. Together with Sean, they carried the bags into the house beside the courtyard, and the twin girls followed them inside.

 Chapter 54 Invitation

    "Hmm... What are your plans for these two little girls? Are you really going to find their sister at the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the adventurer named Arche?" Barrett asked.


    "Of course I''m sure," EeDeChi''s tone was unquestionable. "Arche was definitely taken by Ainz for his harem!"


    Barrett thought of Ainz Ooal Gown, who had once used an unprecedentedly powerful magic to annihilate over a hundred thousand troops of the kingdom, and felt a chill down his spine. He said, "But that undead called Ainz Ooal Gown is very strong. We may not be able to defeat him."


    "What are you afraid of!" EeDeChi''s voice was resolute, her eyes firm. "Evil will never triumph over justice!"


    "I don''t know if evil can triumph over justice, but I am absolutely certain that Ainz can easily triumph over me, Sean, and Stella. After twenty years as an adventurer, barely surviving until now, I fear I might fall victim to justice triumphing over evil."


    "If you''re afraid, you can leave my adventurer team right away. I don''t accept those without steadfast revolutionary will!" EeDeChi waved her hand dismissively.


    Barrett opened his mouth, about to say, If I leave, who will organize the team''s equipment? You''d get swindled even buying dates!


    But he thought better of it and swallowed his words, instead advising, "If you''re going against the Demon King, just be cautious. I heard there are envoys from the Sorcerer Kingdom in the capital. There might be spies here, so be extremely careful in your actions."


    "Got it, got it, stop being so naggy," EeDeChi impatiently replied. "The enemy is in the light, and we are in the shadow! Ainz knows nothing about us, but I can keep gathering information on them. To deal with them, we should lay low for now and take it slow."


    Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, the afternoon had passed. EeDeChi had dinner cooked by Barrett and Stella together, adhering to the principle of "take a hundred steps after dinner and live to ninety-nine," and was getting ready to take a stroll on the streets.


    A palace servant entered their courtyard, delivering a message: Princess Renner invited EeDeChi to attend a banquet at the southern estate in the capital, where many nobles and important figures would be present.


    Facing an invitation from their employer, especially one from the seemingly kind-hearted Princess Renner, EeDeChi didn''t refuse.


    She muttered phrases like "roaming the wine world for decades" and "I drink baijiu like it''s water," leaving Barrett and the others utterly perplexed. Climbing onto the farewell carriage, she set off for the banquet.


    (Note: baijiu is a liquor typically ranging between 35% and 60% alcohol by volume (ABV))


    The adventurer captain got off the carriage and arrived at the spacious southern estate, where a servant in black and white sleeves guided them into a luxurious hall on the second floor.


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    The magnificent hall was bustling with people. Under the elegant "Everlight" crystal chandeliers, nobles and officials in splendid attire and graceful demeanor held wine glasses, nodding and exchanging pleasantries. Beautiful maids, holding delicate wine glasses, smiled gracefully and fluttered around the participants like butterflies.


    EeDeChi activated her Innate Talent and inspected the Justice Value hovering above the heads of these well-mannered and neatly dressed nobles. With a disdainful smirk, she strode into the hall.


    She wore simple, loose black attire, starkly contrasting with the lavish, gold-and-silver-clad nobles around her, making her look like an ugly duckling among beautiful peacocks. People occasionally cast disdainful glances at her, discussing how she managed to enter.


    EeDeChi paid no heed, or perhaps didn''t care at all. She casually picked up a glass of expensive red wine, downed it in one gulp, and began scanning the crowd for Princess Renner''s presence.


    Ahead, two tall young nobles stood between two wine tables, holding glasses and engrossed in conversation, blocking EeDeChi''s path.


    EeDeChi reached out and lightly tapped one of the nobles on the shoulder, expressionless. "Excuse me, make way."


    The two nobles glanced disdainfully at EeDeChi, ignored her, and continued their discussion. EeDeChi frowned at their arrogant demeanor and walked straight through the gap between them.


    "Clang!" The two nobles were knocked over onto the white floor, their glasses shattered, spilling pale red wine everywhere.


    "Damn..." The young noble''s shoulder smarted from the impact, feeling like his shoulder blade might shatter. Nonetheless, he gritted his teeth, stood up, and rebuked, "Are you blind when you walk?"


    EeDeChi glanced at their Justice Values above their heads, about to retort, when a melodious and elegant female voice sounded behind the young nobles.


    "Could you two lower beings rolling in the mud kindly move aside? Please don''t block my way, alright?"


    The tone of the woman''s voice was graceful and enchanting, yet her words were haughty and cold.


    The two nobles clutched their shoulders, turned around, and hastily apologized, bowing. "We''re terribly sorry, Your Excellency Ambassador. We''ll leave immediately." With that, they practically sprinted away.


    EeDeChi followed the direction of the woman''s voice and saw a stunning beauty in a pure white evening gown standing by the wine table. Her glossy black hair, contrasting with the dress''s color, flowed down to her waist, and her golden eyes were fixed on EeDeChi, with a faint smile on her face.


    EeDeChi glanced at the number representing Justice Value above her head, and instantly, her eyebrows furrowed deeply along.


    Princess Renner had approached EeDeChi without her noticing, extending her hand to introduce them. "EeDeChi, this is Lady Albedo, the envoy from the Sorcerer Kingdom. You two..."


    The beauty in the evening gown gracefully approached EeDeChi, who strode purposefully towards her, leaving Princess Renner aside. When their eyes met, sparks seemed almost ready to fly between them.


    "Hello," Albedo faced EeDeChi and extended her delicate hand adorned with white silk gloves.


    "Hello," EeDeChi smiled and shook her hand. "Do you know? You''re the second person I''ve met with a Justice Value of -500, the lowest in the room. I find you quite displeasing."


    Albedo grinned, her smile captivating. "You are the second woman to receive such attention from Lord Ainz, so I find you equally displeasing."


    EeDeChi''s pupils contracted sharply. "Attention from Ainz? What does that mean?"


    Albedo snorted unceremoniously. "It means, Lord Ainz has been watching you for quite some time."


    "In any case," Albedo withdrew her right hand from EeDeChi''s grasp, supremely proud. "I am here to extend this invitation on behalf of the supreme and great Ainz Ooal Gown, and all members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick."


    As she finished speaking, a blue light shimmered in her palm, conjuring a meticulously crafted crimson and gold invitation card, which she handed to EeDeChi.


    Veins bulging on EeDeChi''s forehead, she accepted the invitation letter.

 Chapter 55 : Late Night Meeting

    The night was deep, and all around was quiet. In a secluded courtyard within the palace, a small house''s light still glowed.


    Suddenly, the window of the small house was pushed open, and a dark figure cautiously poked its head out, scanning the surroundings like a black cat. With a swift movement, it leaped out of the window, prowling stealthily through the courtyard, overgrown with weeds and trees.


    After a thorough search, the shadow leaped onto the roof, carefully peering around the tiled eaves, its movements stealthy and furtive. To an unknowing observer, it might seem like a thief had infiltrated the palace.


    Confirming there were no threatening individuals nearby or in the distance, the stealthy figure, EeDeChi, jumped down from the roof and swiftly entered the house.


    Inside, Barrett, Sean, and Stella sat around a square table made of oak, their gazes fixed on an invitation card with crimson and gold trimmings. Beside the invitation, an antique bronze oil lamp flickered dimly.


    "It''s confirmed. There''s no one monitoring us outside. Let''s proceed with the meeting now. Stella, can you set up a magic alert?" EeDeChi locked the window behind her and asked quietly.


    "I... I only know a 1st-tier magic rope alert spell," Stella replied nervously, rubbing her hands together anxiously.


    "In that case, never mind."


    EeDeChi pulled out the last wooden chair beside the table and sat down. She was well aware that Ainz Ooal Gown had once used an unprecedentedly powerful magic to slaughter several tens of thousands of soldiers, rendering 1st-tier magic akin to a child''s toy bow and arrow in his presence.


    On the table lay an intricately crafted invitation card, detailing every task EeDeChi had undertaken at the Adventurer''s Guild: mission descriptions, rewards, employer names¡ªall meticulously listed without omission.


    In an era where information exchange was not straightforward, organizations like the Adventurer''s Guild couldn''t possibly centralize information on adventurers from all corners. The invitation, with such detailed information, almost explicitly stated, "I have the capability and the means to know everything about you."


    "Captain, didn''t you say ''the enemy is in the light, and we are in the shadow''? But that demon lord seems to know almost everything about us," Barrett frowned.


    "..."


    EeDeChi, unusually not countering Barrett''s words. She picked up the crimson invitation from the table, furrowing her brows as she read through its contents once more, before letting out a long exhale.


    "Why fear? Even if it''s the Red Wedding, I dare to attend!"


    "What it''s that?" Sean asked curiously. Facing the sudden invitation from the Demon Lord, the young archer was terribly afraid, but to maintain his composure in front of Stella, he forced himself to stay calm.


    "Captain, are you seriously considering attending this banquet? In my opinion, we should skedaddle," Barrett suggested.


    "Why back down? Once you start hesitating, you''ve lost the mental game. As long as we stay resolute, solutions will outnumber difficulties!" EeDeChi slammed her hand on the table with a loud "bang," startling the already nervous Stella.


    "The invitation says tomorrow at noon, right? We''ll wait at the gates of the palace castle, and someone will come to escort us. Are you going? Does anyone want to come with me?" EeDeChi scanned the three adventurers at the table with a stern tone.


    "I just remembered, Uncle asked me to buy spices today, and I forgot the purple nutmeg! Stella also needs her twin sister, so I must go out to the street tomorrow and buy them all!" Sean clapped his hands together, glancing over EeDeChi''s head as if struck by sudden realization.


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    "You don''t even know what purple nutmeg looks like! Besides, you''re from the Baharuth; those shady merchants will definitely rip you off! I''m going with you tomorrow," Barrett declared firmly, locking eyes with Sean.


    "I..." Stella hesitated for a moment, opened her mouth to say something, but seemed to struggle to find the right words, fiddling nervously with her Gaia pendant and lowering her head.


    Seeing her teammates'' reactions, EeDeChi felt her anger rising. She cleared her throat loudly, lips parting as she began to lecture loudly:


    "At this moment, some adventurers encounter difficulties and choose to take detours, fearing mishaps and shirking responsibility. How can they do their job well? Our adventurers, in times of difficulty, must see the light, uphold justice, and enhance our courage.


    "The people of this world are suffering, and we have a responsibility to rescue them. We must strive and fight hard! Having a strong sense of mission and responsibility is the prerequisite for fulfilling any role or task. Comrades who engage in combat with monsters face complex tasks, harsh conditions, and poor treatment, thus requiring an even stronger sense of mission and responsibility!


    "A strong sense of mission propels entrepreneurial drive. Only with a strong sense of mission can one overcome various difficulties and relentlessly pursue defined goals. Responsibility is the minimum requirement for adventurers; occupying a position necessitates strategizing for the employer who has paid in coins.


    "To establish a strong sense of mission and responsibility, we must overcome and correct tendencies such as some adventurers'' fear of battling the Demon King. They avoid becoming heroes and try every means to evade and escape. This ''gilded consciousness'' is evident in their temporary viewpoints.


    "The more difficult the situation, the more it tests the strength of heroes and the crucial moments of adventurers'' courage. There is a psychological term called ''ostrich mentality,'' a behavior of escaping reality, shifting blame, and deceiving oneself, which is also avoiding facing difficulties and solving problems. Like an ostrich burying its head in the sand, it blinds itself to feel safe.


    "In our adventurer team, there are also some ''ostrich-style'' adventurers: some abandon tasks when faced with sudden problems, saying ''it''s not my responsibility,'' attempting to draw clear boundaries and evade responsibility; some comrades treat the Demon King as a ''ferocious beast,'' afraid to accept combat demands, fearing injury, and even deliberately concealing their adventurer identity.


    "Difficulties are like springs; they weaken if you are strong and strengthen if you are weak. The Demon King is not frightening; what is frightening is the ''ostrich mentality'' when facing the Demon King.


    "The existence of ''ostrich adventurers'' is partly due to selfishness¡ªignoring matters that do not concern them, closing their eyes to crises, deceiving themselves, pretending not to see; and partly due to insufficient abilities¡ªlacking the capability to handle sudden events, resulting in being at a loss and behaving like a ''head-buried ostrich.'' Whether due to selfishness or lack of ability, these are manifestations of adventurers'' reluctance to face difficulties, unwillingness to take responsibility!


    "Combatting the Demon King is certainly not smooth sailing; we will inevitably encounter hardships. However, for the benefit of the people, for the liberation of the human race, we must not fear difficulties.


    ¡°In times of difficulty we must not lose sight of our achievements, must see the bright future and must pluck up our courage.


    ¡°All men must die, but death can vary in its significance. ¡®Though death befalls all men alike, it may be weightier than Mount Tai or lighter than a feather.¡¯ To die for the people is weightier than Mount Tai, but to work for the Demon King and die for the exploiters and oppressors is lighter than a feather.


    ¡° The people are suffering; it is our duty to save them and we must exert ourselves in struggle. Wherever there is struggle there is sacrifice, and death is a common occurrence. But we have the interests of the people and the sufferings of the great majority at heart, and when we die for the people it is a worthy death.


    ¡°All the Demon Kings are paper tigers! I believe in one thing only, the power of human will£¡¡±


    Barrett, Sean, and Stella looked at each other in astonishment. EeDeChi''s rapid-fire words had left their ears ringing.


    "Hmm..." Barrett wanted to say something, to show either support or objection.


    With a loud slap on the table, EeDeChi left a handprint on the oak surface. Pointing at Barrett''s nose, she declared, "The organization has decided: this prestigious task falls to you. Tomorrow, you and I will visit the Great Tomb of Nazarick and meet Ainz Ooal Gown!"


    "WHAT THE FUCK! WHY ME?!" Barrett protested, waving his hands frantically.


    "You''ve always represented me in dealings with our employer. Now it''s time for you to shoulder this responsibility," EeDeChi said, picking up the crimson invitation letter from the table and waving it broadly.


    "Meeting adjourned!"


    ...


    EeDeChi extinguished the oil lamp and lay down, eyes closed, on the bed. Barrett felt utterly dejected, and Sean and Stella were equally conflicted. Each lost in their own thoughts, they returned to their rooms and settled into bed.


    Little did they know, their confident captain spent the night tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Only as the sky began to lighten did she finally manage to close her eyes.

 Chapter 56 Entering the Nazarick

    In the morning, the sunlight was unusually bright. The northern clock tower had already struck ten times, its resonant chimes echoing through the royal palace. The appointed invitation time was drawing near.


    Barrett, with his sturdy build, raised his head with a face full of sorrow. He looked like an eggplant hit by frost for the first time, wearing a deeply troubled expression as he asked, "Captain, even though we know this invitation might be a trap, are we still going?"


    "Of course we''re going!" EeDeChi declared loudly. "No risk, no reward! I''m going to rescue Arche, the elder sister of the twin girl, out of Great Tomb of Nazarick. Now that Ainz has actively handed me this opportunity, how could I possibly refuse?"


    "He handed it to you? Are you sure it''s not us handing ourselves to him?" Barrett pursed his lips, looking at EeDeChi, beginning to suspect that there might be something wrong with the brain of this dark-haired girl.


    Sean and Stella stood nearby as well. However, they weren''t loyal enough to accompany Barrett into the den of the Demon King; they had only come to bid farewell.


    EeDeChi''s expression turned serious. Stella cautiously approached the captain, her eyes filled with unease.


    She whispered softly, "Captain, if Arche is already... I mean, if she''s gone, can I take care of the twin sisters from now on? After all, it''s been so long since she disappeared, Arche might... not have had good luck."


    It was clear that the kind-hearted cleric girl truly cared for the twin sisters. Throughout the journey from Baharuth to the capital of the kingdom, Stella had meticulously cared for Ureirika and Kuuderika, treating the twin sisters as if they were her own siblings.


    The twin sisters also adored their cleric sister very much. Since their emotional trauma had been healed, their bond with her had grown even stronger.


    "Don''t worry, even if Arche has fallen into hell, I will drag her out and reunite Ureirika and Kuuderika with their elder sister!" EeDeChi gazed at Stella with unwavering determination.


    "Uh-huh..." Stella nodded obediently, "That would be best."


    EeDeChi tightened the giant sword on her back and led the disheartened Barrett towards the designated location in the invitation.


    "Captain, be careful on the way!" Sean shouted from behind her. It was the only thing he could do for the captain.


    Seeing her teammates'' morale a bit low, EeDeChi tried to say something encouraging. "Don''t worry about me and Barrett. When we come back from the Great Tomb of Nazarick, we''ll go together to ''Konot'' Tavern south of the capital. Princess Renner said they have grilled hippogriff meat there, and the wild mushroom tender beefsteak with foie gras sauce is to die for!"


    "Captain! You can''t say such things!" Barrett, following behind EeDeChi, looked alarmed. "Like ''I''ll get married after this battle'' or ''I''ll quit being an adventurer after this mission''... Adventurers hate that kind of talk!"


    "Tsk!" EeDeChi scoffed at this. "Superstition."


    Barrett shook his head, sighing constantly as the two of them walked towards the place agreed upon with Ainz.


    The designated location in the invitation was at the gate of the royal palace castle. Surprisingly, they encountered no one along the way. This was the royal palace of the kingdom''s capital, usually bustling with nobles and officials, and fully armed royal guards stationed everywhere.


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    EeDeChi and Barrett turned around the main gate and finally felt a wave of deathly aura coming. They finally understood why there were so few people in the palace.


    Under the white marble castle of the palace, two teams of gigantic skeletal knights clad in black iron armor stood face to face, each wielding steel giant swords. They left enough space between them for four people to walk side by side, covered by a long deep red velvet carpet.


    At the end of the luxurious deep red carpet was a golden door larger than the skeletal knights. The door stood without walls around it, suspended in mid-air. Within the door glowed a magical light of sky blue and blood red swirling together, casting mysterious and grand shadows, as if the door led to another world.


    At the forefront of the towering skeletal knight formation, atop the deep red velvet carpet, stood an exquisitely beautiful woman in a pure white gown, her golden eyes holding a gentle smile.


    EeDeChi and Barrett walked towards the woman in white. As they stepped onto the short stretch of red carpet, under the clear blue sky, a sudden thunderclap echoed, startling Barrett who was following cautiously behind EeDeChi.


    Dark clouds rolled in, turbulent like waves, with a chilling gust of wind that seemed ready to unleash a torrential downpour. But in an instant, the clouds dispersed, the cold wind subsided, and brilliant sunlight once again bathed the land.


    Barrett, accustomed to strange phenomena, was fearful of the sudden weather change. EeDeChi, unaffected, chuckled, "Quite the show." With determined steps, she walked up the deep red carpet and shook hands once again with the woman in white¡ªAlbedo.


    "Welcome, EeDeChi," Albedo greeted with pride, her demeanor reserved. "Follow me. You are about to enter the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Show some respect."


    The three walked on the red velvet carpet, with skeletal knights standing tall on either side, each as tall as two Barretts. Barrett stole a glance at their burning soulfire-filled eyes, confirming these motionless undead knights were no mere decoration. His worry intensified, his hand instinctively resting on his sword hilt.


    Albedo noticed Barrett''s gesture, her gaze disdainful. She then strode into the golden door at the end of the carpet, her tall, pure white figure disappearing into the swirling magical light of sky blue and blood red.


    "What is this thing?" Barrett looked up at the gate, which seemed to lead both to heaven and hell, wavering in his resolve.


    "From what I sense, it''s just a teleportation gate. The other side of the door should lead straight into the Great Tomb of Nazarick," EeDeChi said casually, stepping through the gate.


    Barrett glanced back at the skeletal knights on either side of the deep red velvet carpet, gritting his teeth. He drew his sword an inch, ready for combat at any moment, and plunged into the swirling magical light of the gate.


    ...


    Albedo led them through the teleportation gate into a grand hall, then through a tall, deep corridor, continuing forward.


    At some point, two black wings sprouted from her back, and two white horns with slight twists grew from her forehead. Although her face remained exquisitely beautiful, captivating, she now resembled a fallen angel from hell or a seductive succubus.


    At the end of the corridor was another magnificent hall. To EeDeChi and Barrett''s surprise, a familiar figure stood within.


    It was a handsome old gentleman with perfectly groomed white hair and a meticulously neat appearance. His face bore few wrinkles, his high nose sharp, and his lion-like eyes sharp and profound. Tall and elegant in a well-fitted black tailcoat, he exuded a refined and suave demeanor, a truly exceptional handsome elder.


    He was the task commissionaire of "The Last Defender of the Way" adventurer team!


    EeDeChi remembered vividly. In a city on the Baharuth Empire''s border, this old gentleman had contacted them and issued the mission at Peyton Manor. It was during this mission that EeDeChi encountered the first formidable enemy in the isekai¡ªa memorable gothic lolita in a black dress.


    "Respected Lady EeDeChi, as I once said, we would meet again," the old gentleman''s magnetic voice was steady and gentle, devoid of Albedo''s arrogance.


    He reached out to shake hands with EeDeChi, his manner polite and courteous.


    "SO... IT¡¯S YOU," EeDeChi, who had been composed since entering the Great Tomb of Nazarick, for the first time showed an expression of disbelief in her eyes. She recalled everything that happened at Peyton Manor, her eyes widening.


    "YOU''RE AINZ OOAL GOWN!" she exclaimed.


    "Uh..." The old gentleman''s outstretched hand froze in mid-air.


    "My name is Sebas Tian, not the great Lord Ainz Ooal Gown. I am just the steward of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. If you''re eager to meet Lord Ainz, please come with me."

 Chapter 57: Meeting Again

    EeDeChi had once infiltrated the Imperial Palace of the Baharuth Empire and had been invited to the palaces of the Re-Estize Kingdom. She considered herself familiar with the most luxurious aspects of noble life in this world. Yet, upon arriving at the Great Tomb of Nazarick, she had to admit that even the combined grandeur of the Empire''s palace and the Kingdom''s royal palace paled in comparison to the splendor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    The Great Tomb of Nazarick, with its unknown number of levels, descended layer by layer. The diverse architectural decorations became increasingly magnificent. Everywhere she looked, she saw resplendent gold and brilliance. The towering dome almost made it unimaginable that this was an underground structure.


    Finally, they arrived at a magnificent hall, where they sat on silver fox fur chairs arranged for guests.


    In front of them, seated on a luxurious throne, was a powerful undead skeleton emitting a strong aura of dignity and solemnity.


    He was Ainz Ooal Gown, the demon lord whom EeDeChi had sworn to confront with determination.


    Surrounded by the undead, a diverse group of subordinates of various races stood scattered on either side. A team of exquisitely beautiful maids encircled them, their appearances strikingly different.


    With a quick glance, EeDeChi recognized many faces she had encountered before at Peyton Manor¡ªthe insect maid, iron fist maid, and the gothic lolita in black dress were all present.


    They formed a formation around Ainz, like wings spread wide, totaling over a dozen individuals. Each was either a pinnacle powerhouse level 100 or a formidable figure above level 50.


    Their gazes, proud and imposing, were firmly fixed on EeDeChi and Barrett, resembling the intensified glare of the midday sun through a magnifying glass.


    Barrett lowered his head, avoiding the intense scrutiny of these dozen people, his forehead and back sweating coldly. He struggled to calm himself, preventing his legs from trembling.


    Meanwhile, EeDeChi appeared completely indifferent, locking eyes with Ainz without a hint of fear.


    No one spoke a word; not even the sound of breathing could be heard. The scene was as silent as a graveyard, tense and oppressive.


    EeDeChi stared at Ainz, feeling like she had seen this transcendent undead somewhere before.


    She thought for a moment, then slapped her thigh in realization, "Ah, I remember now! I saw you at the Imperial Palace of Baharuth before! You were carrying a little notebook, seemed like you were recording the Emperor''s words and actions."


    "Oh? No, no, no, no, no, I was just monitoring Emperor Jircniv''s loyalty to the Sorcerer Kingdom. I suspected he wasn''t sincere, so I went to observe," Ainz quickly refuted EeDeChi''s words.


    During that time, because he had nothing else to do, he often sneaked into the Baharuth Empire''s palace to peek¡ªno, observe and study Emperor Jircniv''s speech and behavior, trying to imitate and practice to enhance his demeanor as a superior.


    This was something he did secretly without his subordinates knowing, a part of his own dark history. He hadn''t expected EeDeChi to reveal it as soon as they met. He originally intended to show his authority to her, but now he finds himself losing the upper hand instead.


    "I remember you didn''t say that at the time, you said..." EeDeChi believed in her memory, not letting go of the matter.


    Albedo stood at Ainz''s right side, clearly displeased with EeDeChi''s unrestrained demeanor. As her loyalty to her master flared, she snapped, "Impudence! Do you dare to speculate on the unmatched wisdom of Lord Ainz? Before the supreme and paramount Lord, shouldn''t you kneel and pay your respects?"


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    "No need, Albedo, she''s our invited guest after all," Ainz graciously waved his hand, indicating he wasn''t bothered, while also glad that Albedo could shut down EeDeChi''s unfiltered mouth.


    EeDeChi shrugged, too lazy to argue over this trivial matter.


    Actually, she felt a bit embarrassed herself. Ainz was the big demon lord she had been obsessing about defeating. Yet, when she first met the demon lord, not only did she fail to recognize him, but she also ended up chatting with him amiably. She felt like a disgrace to the world of heroes.


    Afterward, the two began to chat, and the atmosphere surprisingly became quite harmonious. Ainz subtly inquired about EeDeChi''s origins, and finally, EeDeChi, showing a bit of intelligence expected of a level hundred powerhouse, spoke vaguely, beating around the bush in her speech.


    Barrett listened attentively to the conversation between these two powerhouses for a while. He noticed that his captain was finally showing some elite adventurer qualities, no longer causing the conversation to stall after just a few words, nor revealing her own details recklessly.


    He breathed a sigh of relief and began to survey the exquisite decorations on the walls of the luxurious hall. A tall figure in black and white approached with a silver tray in hand, gliding like a breeze. Barrett was stunned to find it was the iron fist maid he had encountered and battled at Peyton Manor.


    During that battle at Peyton Manor, Barrett had engaged in a fierce exchange with this maid wearing iron tooth gloves. They fought dozens of moves with no clear winner. Later, an Insect maid appeared, prompting Barrett to abandon the iron fist maid and pursue the Insect maid instead. In retaliation, the iron fist maid turned to attack Stella and Sean, fracturing Sean''s shoulder blades.


    At the critical moment when EeDeChi abandoned her teammates, Barrett, despite knowing he was outmatched, bravely confronted the iron fist maid to save Stella and Sean from certain doom. It was the most perilous battle in Barrett''s twenty-year adventurer career, akin to fighting a dragon on the edge of a blade. He barely withstood the ferocious assault of the iron fist maid, leaving a deep impression of her soft physique and deadly martial skills.


    The silver tray extended before him interrupted Barrett''s thoughts, the red tea in the white porcelain cup on it rippling slightly. As he looked up, his gaze met a pair of gentle black eyes. Instinctively, Barrett straightened his posture, his mind in a tumult of unfamiliar noble etiquette, unsure how to comport himself before the elegant woman.


    The iron fist maid no longer wore her sharp tooth steel gloves. She was still dressed in a black and white maid''s dress with a light gray waistband. White patterns adorned the collar and sleeves, her smooth black hair pulled into a bun behind her head. Her high nose supported narrow-rimmed glasses, giving her an air of dignity and grace.


    However, unlike the other beautiful maids, she wore around her fair, slender neck a black steel collar about three fingers wide, adorned with a string of sparkling diamonds. The purpose of this restraining collar, which constricted her neck and hindered her breathing, remained unknown.


    The maid smiled at Barrett, causing his adventurer''s heart, which had been calm for nearly a decade, to suddenly surge with waves. His face reddened slightly as he reached out to pick up a small white porcelain cup from the silver tray, trying his best to behave politely. He thanked the iron fist maid and took a deep sip of tea while discreetly stealing glances at her.


    The iron fist maid then offered the tray to EeDeChi, who took a cup of tea without even looking, continuing her casual chat with Ainz Ooal Gown on the throne. She seemed completely oblivious to her former sparring partner now serving her tea.


    Taking back the tray, the iron fist maid gracefully left the hall with light footsteps. As she departed, she intentionally or unintentionally glanced sideways at Barrett, causing his heart to skip a few more beats.


    Turning around the corner of the hall, heading towards the corridor leading to the kitchen, a girl with twisted braids of reddish-brown hair and a bright, hearty smile suddenly jumped out.


    This braided girl, also in maid attire, had a light brown complexion unlike the fair skin of the iron fist maid, paired with her sunny, cheerful eyes, exuding a wild and free beauty.


    Snatching the silver tray from the iron fist maid''s hands, the braided girl teased, "No wonder our big sister Yuri volunteered to serve tea. You''ve been staring at that human adventurer. Are you falling for him?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous!" Yuri Alpha pretended to be angry. "I just admire him more. He fought with me knowing he might die, just to protect his teammates. He''s much stronger than that EeDeChi who''s all bark and no bite."


    Poking Yuri''s elbow, the braided maid teased, "Really? I don''t believe you."


    Yuri sighed, "Stop with the pointless talk and go check the pantry for suitable human ingredients. You''re too laid-back, which is why Ainz keeps sending you to Carne Village."


    "Why don''t you ask Shalltear about it then," the braided maid pouted unhappily. "Besides protecting those villagers, I''ve done a lot! I killed the kingdom''s crown prince, and it was brutal!"


    "Okay, okay," Yuri nudged the braided maid forward. "You don''t need to vividly recount it again. Solution is tired of hearing about it."


    "Sigh, if only Lord Ainz would let me have my way with the villagers, my life wouldn''t be so boring..."


    The braided maid sighed, then playfully pushed Yuri back, and the two laughed as they headed towards the pantry.

 Chapter 58: The Clash with the Demon King

    EeDeChi tipped her head back and drained the last of her tea before setting the white porcelain cup on the table.


    Now she understood that making a sudden move to deal with the Demon King Ainz Ooal Gown in this place would be quite difficult. It was better to bide her time and first locate Arche.


    The adventurer captain''s gaze fell as she began to ponder her strategy.


    Arche was an adventurer who had ventured into the Great Tomb of Nazarick years ago and disappeared without a trace. Her twin sisters also ended up in a brothel for some unknown reason.


    Later, EeDeChi stumbled upon the brothel, set it on fire, hacked a few people, and effortlessly rescued the twin sisters. Since then, her goal had been to reach the Great Tomb of Nazarick and save Arche, whose fate remained unknown.


    A blonde maid approached her and started to clear the tea set. EeDeChi looked up and her eyes lit up.


    The maid''s golden hair was almost identical in color to that of the twin sisters Ureirika and Kuuderika. More importantly, EeDeChi had a vague sense that while the maid was attractive, she was not perfect.


    You see, among the women EeDeChi had encountered in the Great Tomb of Nazarick¡ªsuch as the Iron Fist Maid, Albedo, Shalltear, and other maids¡ªthey all had distinct qualities, ranging from mature and queenly to loli, tsundere, airheaded, spoiled, energetic, and more.


    Yet, they all shared one common feature: their beauty and figures were flawless, as if crafted by a divine creator rather than being naturally born.


    But the blonde maid before her was far from perfect. Her features, though refined, had a wider space between her eyebrows and larger lips, lacking the flawlessness she was used to.


    She resembled an ordinary beautiful woman from the mortal world, possessing a mundane quality that seemed out of place in the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    EeDeChi realized with a start that good fortune had come to her doorstep. She sprang from her seat, grabbed the maid''s small hand, and pulled her into an embrace.


    The adventurer captain gazed deeply at the maid, who was at a loss in her arms, and a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Little girl, you''ve had me searching for a while now. Come home with me now."


    The blonde maid, suddenly caught in this situation, exclaimed, "Guest, what are you going to do?" Her eyes widened with panic as she twisted her body, trying to escape EeDeChi''s grasp.


    "Hey, don''t run away, miss." EeDeChi said without thinking. She shook her head vigorously, cleared her throat, and stated seriously, "Ahem, Arche, cooperate a little. I''m here to save you."


    "I... I''m not Arche. I''m Tuareninya. You''ve got the wrong person," the maid said in distress, her delicate hand feeling like it was trapped in an iron vice and she couldn''t break free.


    The adventurer captain claimed she was there to rescue the maid, but her actions were more like a horrible eagle protecting a chick.


    "Hmph, they''ve brainwashed you too." EeDeChi''s face darkened as she shouted, "Wake up! Arche, your twin sisters are waiting for you outside!"


    The maid, Tuareninya, struggled fiercely. "You''ve got the wrong person. I''m really not Arche. I don''t have twin sisters; I only had a sister named Nia¡­"


    "Oh?" EeDeChi frowned and studied Tuareninya''s face closely. She noticed that, apart from the golden hair, the maid''s face seemed somewhat different from the twins'' features¡­


    A hand in a black suit sleeve grabbed EeDeChi''s arm, making it hard for her to apply force. Looking up, she saw the tall and dignified gentleman Sebas. This usually kind and handsome old man was showing anger for the first time.


    "Ms. EeDeChi, what are you doing to my subordinate?" Sebas''s tone was extremely unfriendly.


    Barrett, noticing his captain causing trouble, also approached. Unlike EeDeChi, Barrett wasn''t an impulsive fool who can''t distinguish people and could clearly see that the maid didn''t resemble the twins aside from her golden hair.


    "Captain, you''ve really got the wrong person. She is definitely not Arche." Barrett asserted.


    "Are you sure?" EeDeChi asked, her expression serious.


    "I swear on my eyes, she looks completely different from the twins," Barrett said helplessly.


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    EeDeChi released Tuareninya''s elbow, and the struggling maid suddenly lost the strong grip holding her, causing her to lose her balance and nearly fall to the ground.


    Sebas leaned forward, his steps steady, and wrapped his arms around Tuareninya''s waist, helping her up.


    Tuareninya wobbled on her feet, her hand pressing against Sebas''s chest as she leaned into his embrace, her cheeks flushed with a delicate pink. Sebas gently stroked her head, soothing her with a tender gaze filled with affection.


    "Wow," EeDeChi''s eyes widened. Even a fool could see that the relationship between Sebas and Tuareninya was not simple. She chuckled and said, "Old bull eating young grass, huh."


    At this comment, Sebas''s previously calm face was once again overtaken by deep anger. Barrett quickly grabbed EeDeChi, pulling the foot-in-mouth troublemaker back to their guest seat.


    The commotion had drawn considerable attention, and Ainz, who had witnessed most of the incident, cast a questioning look at EeDeChi, waiting for an explanation.


    At this point, EeDeChi decided to be straightforward about her intentions. She asked, "Where is Arche?"


    "Arche?" Ainz paused, confused. "Is that a person''s name?"


    "Arche Eebile Fort," EeDeChi said with solemnity, reciting Arche''s full name from memory.


    "Her name is Arche Eeb Rile Furt," Barrett whispered from the side.


    "It''s hard to remember such long foreign names. Anyway, it''s Arche," EeDeChi said, somewhat exasperated.


    Ainz, still sitting on his throne, looked puzzled. "I don''t quite understand who this Arche is. It sounds like a girl''s name."


    "Do you know who Arche is?" Ainz asked his subordinates, and the guardians began to whisper among themselves.


    Soon, their discussion reached a conclusion.


    Albedo leaned forward and said, "Report to Lord Ainz, among the adventurers who invaded the Great Tomb a few years ago, there was a girl named Arche."


    "Adventurers who invaded the Great Tomb..." Ainz pondered for a moment before recalling a bit of past history. "Oh, that incident. Hasn''t that been a long time ago? Back then, the Baharuth Empire hadn''t even submitted to us yet."


    He looked at EeDeChi with a strange expression, unable to understand why she would bring up a nearly forgotten old event.


    Many major events had since transpired¡ªnations had fallen, and the world had been thrown into chaos. Compared to these, a few ants invading one''s territory seemed insignificant, hardly worth remembering.


    "Remember now?" EeDeChi asked sharply, "How is Arche doing?"


    "She is fine."


    "That''s good. Hand her over to me." EeDeChi sighed in relief.


    "Her soft vocal cords went to Entoma, her head to the demon. Her arms went to the undead, her skin to Demiurge, and the remaining parts were used for food storage. Her body has been thoroughly utilized with no waste."


    "What are you saying?!" EeDeChi''s eyes widened with fury, her hair almost standing on end.


    "She''s dead beyond redemption. How am I supposed to give her to you?" Ainz''s voice was calm and detached, as if narrating a mundane, unrelated story.


    "You¡­ you tortured her so much that you don''t even remember her name?" EeDeChi''s voice trembled with suppressed rage.


    "If I had to remember the names of every person I''ve killed, my brain capacity wouldn''t be enough,"  the Demon King Ainz remarked indifferently from his throne.


    "Moreover," Ainz continued, "They entered the Great Tomb of Nazarick without my permission, so naturally, they had to face the consequences."


    "To be a strong person and brutally kill the weak¡ªsuch lofty reasons!" EeDeChi stood up, gripping her giant sword, her black eyes blazing with uncontainable fury.


    The Demon King Ainz remained seated, unmoving, but the Floor Guardians around him began to act.


    Albedo, Shalltear, the towering Cocytus, and Sebas slowly surrounded EeDeChi, while several maid-like figures blocked the doors of the grand hall.


    "Captain, calm down and assess the situation. This is their stronghold!" Barrett anxiously tugged at EeDeChi''s arm, trying to advise caution.


    EeDeChi looked around and, for once, heeded Barrett''s advice. With a cold smile, she released her grip on the giant sword and sat back down in her seat.


    Unexpectedly, this level 100 adventurer turned out to be a righteous friend. Ainz sighed inwardly, feeling somewhat disappointed.


    He had originally considered persuading EeDeChi to join the Great Tomb of Nazarick, but now that thought was almost gone.


    "No need to be so serious," Ainz smiled, "You want Arche? If I can send her to hell, I can also bring her back."


    "Really?" EeDeChi said coldly, "You talk big."


    "Don''t believe me?" Ainz chuckled, calling over a black-haired maid from afar, "Go to the 5th Tier ¡®Frost Prison'' and bring a human here."


    The black-haired maid complied and soon returned with a ragged, disheveled woman.


    The woman was trembling with fear, crawling on the ground, not daring to utter a word.


    "What is your name? What did you eat this morning?" Ainz asked the woman in front of the throne. His voice carried an undeniable authority that the poor woman couldn''t withstand.


    The woman looked up and said, "My name is Gunivelle Virella. I ate... soup with teeth... and rye bread this morning." For some reason, she shuddered violently when she mentioned "teeth."


    Ainz nodded, "Good." Before his words finished, a red flame erupted from his skeletal hand and engulfed the woman''s body. She didn''t even have time to scream before being reduced to ashes.


    As the flames subsided, a faint dust of ash lingered in the air.


    Seeing Ainz kill at will in front of her, EeDeChi was furious, "What does this mean?"


    "Don''t rush," Ainz said, conjuring a small, golden-rimmed copper can out of thin air.


    EeDeChi''s eyes were fixed on the ancient-patterned copper can, "What''s this can for?"


    "You don''t recognize it?" Ainz was surprised, "This is a magic item from YGGDRASIL, obtainable only with real money. It can resurrect any Low-level character from your memory."


    Ainz used magic to twist the can, causing it to radiate a golden glow. The light then floated away from Ainz''s hand, forming a glowing orb on the ground. The golden orb twisted and took the shape of a human figure. The light quickly faded, revealing the body of the woman who had just been burned!


    The woman fell to the ground, kowtowing repeatedly, "Please, sir, don''t burn me, please! I will do anything you want!"


    "I ask you," Ainz''s tone remained authoritative, "What is your name? What did you eat this morning?"


    "My name is Gunivelle Virella. I ate... soup and rye bread this morning." The woman''s answers were exactly the same as before she was turned to ash.


    "See? This resurrection item is quite useful, but it''s only a one-time use. I believe you don''t have this item, do you?" Ainz looked at EeDeChi.


    EeDeChi bit her lip and remained silent.


    "However, I have many of these magic items," Ainz continued, producing another ancient-patterned gilded copper can from his hand.


    "As long as you''re willing to spar with my subordinates twice, I will use it to resurrect Arche."

 Chapter 59: Hand-to-Hand Combat

    In the lower levels of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, in an arena resembling ancient Rome, Ainz Ooal Gown stood on the observation balcony at the very bottom. Flanking him were the tall and elegant Albedo and the petite, loli-like Shalltear.


    Not far away, a group of beautiful women dressed in maid outfits huddled together on the stone-tiered seats, peeking anxiously toward the center of the arena. Their nervous gazes were all fixed on the center of the arena.


    In the vast, open arena, with its floor paved with heavy square stone slabs, a man and a girl faced each other from a distance.


    The man was Sebas Tian, a level 100 Dragonman warrior and the butler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    The girl was undeniably EeDeChi, an orichalcum-level adventurer and the leader of the Last Defender of the Way adventurer party.


    Sebas still wore his tailored black tailcoat, but his face was no longer kind and gentle. Instead, he scrutinized his opponent with sharp, piercing eyes.


    EeDeChi had lost her usual nonchalance. She twisted her neck, flexed her wrists, occasionally taking a few steps and hopping on the ground as if she were warming up before a swim.


    The choice to "spar" here wasn''t because Ainz wanted to watch a fight or enjoyed seeing his subordinates battle like gladiators for his amusement. It was simply because this spacious area was perfect for a duel between two level 100 powerhouses. If they fought elsewhere, they would surely destroy the entire room.


    The red light in Ainz Ooal Gown''s skeletal eyes flickered like torches as he looked up at the large, black curtain at the top of the arena. A hint of unease settled in his heart. The curtain was supposed to project images of the arena using magic, but now it was pitch black.


    Not only that, but as soon as EeDeChi stepped into the Great Tomb of Nazarick, all the surveillance and listening magic surrounding her became ineffective. She seemed like a bottomless black hole, capable of swallowing all magic aimed at monitoring her.


    Ainz suspected she possessed a World Item that counteracts magic, or had developed a skill that grants immunity to magic. As a Magic Caster himself, he dared not engage EeDeChi directly and decided to let Sebas test her first.


    Sebas, as the butler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, was responsible for managing the daily affairs of the ninth and tenth underground floors. He commanded the battle maid squad, "Pleiades," as the last line of defense guarding the throne room.


    Among the four guardians of the Great Tomb of Nazarick who were best at hand-to-hand combat, his unarmed combat skills were superior to those of Cocytus and Albedo, making his overall combat power potentially higher than the other two.


    Regarding EeDeChi''s combat capabilities, Ainz had not gathered enough information to assess her. Only through actual combat could the true extent of her skills be revealed.


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    In previous interactions, this newly emerged level 100 powerful individual did not align with their values. However, Ainz did not dare to completely sever ties with her. One reason was that several level 100 guardians of the Great Tomb of Nazarick were currently deployed on missions around the world, leaving them not in the best condition in terms of numbers and overall combat strength.


    Another reason was Aizen''s uncertainty about EeDeChi''s trump cards and which World Items she possessed. If things came to a desperate struggle, it would be troublesome if EeDeChi was cornered and fought back fiercely, but if she was a tiger jumping over the wall, it could lead to a major disaster.


    As a prudent Demon Lord, Ainz was cautious. He valued the lives of his subordinates and preferred to proceed with caution.


    According to Ainz, this was just a simple sparring session, a standard match between warriors.


    However, Ainz had already instructed Sebas that if EeDeChi appeared weak or if her skills were countered, it would be best to incapacitate or even kill her during the "sparring" to eliminate a potential threat.


    EeDeChi at one end of the arena was unaware of Ainz''s sinister intentions. She clapped her hands on her knees, stretched her muscles, and seemed to have finished her last warm-up routine before a swim.


    Sebas, showing great patience, noticed that EeDeChi had stopped her strange movements and asked in a deep voice, "May we begin?"


    EeDeChi clasped her fists together and asked, "May I inquire which school or sect you studied under?"


    Sebas frowned at EeDeChi and replied, "I practice Mixed Martial Arts, so I don''t belong to any particular school. If I must name some, I specialize in Boxing, Muay Thai, Jujutsu, Wrestling, Sambo, Karate, Taekwondo, Aikido, Bajiquan, Krav Maga, and Jeet Kune Do."


    "Ah," EeDeChi said, somewhat surprised, "I know all of those as well. Besides, I also practice Tai Chi, Sanda, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Wing Chun, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Drunken Boxing."


    She paused for a moment and continued, "In terms of swordsmanship, I specialize in the German school of fencing, especially the Deutsche Zweihandschwert, as well as the Italian school of swordsmanship, Rapier, and Wudang Sword Techniques."


    "¡­¡­"


    Sebas remained silent, unsure of the intent behind EeDeChi''s words.


    "What I mean is, since you''re unarmed, I can''t take advantage of you with weapons," EeDeChi said as she unsheathed the giant sword on her back and drove it into the ground. The heavy stone floor was pierced half a meter(1.64 feet) deep by the blade.


    Sebas''s mustache twitched slightly at the corners of his mouth. "Thanks, Go ahead."


    He then removed his black tailcoat and tossed it aside, leaving only a fitted white shirt and dress pants. His muscular chest was barely concealed by the shirt. He unfastened the top two buttons of his shirt, loosened the collar slightly, and took a step forward, clearly ready to engage.


    Dressed entirely in black, EeDeChi gave a thumbs up. "Old man, you¡¯ve got a good build." She then took her stance, preparing for battle.


    Both crouched low and sprang into action simultaneously!


    BOOM!


    The air was suddenly ripped apart. The stone floor beneath their feet exploded! Cracks spread across the ground like a spider''s web, dust flying everywhere as their powerful charge left imprints on the surface.


    Except for Ainz, Albedo, Shalltear, and Cocytus, no one else in the arena could see how Sebas and EeDeChi were fighting. They only saw a blur of white and black clash violently and then entangle with each other.


    In the center of the arena, dust and sand swirled. Their footprints crossed each other like lightning, and the stone tiles were ground into dust. The white and black shadows intertwined in the arena, indistinguishable from each other.


    The sounds of fierce wind, clashing fists, knees, elbows, and feet echoed like thunder!


    Barrett, sitting in the corner of the first-tier audience seats, watched with a dry throat. His proud life-and-death battle with the iron fist maid seemed like a childish scuffle compared to the fight before him!


    "Is this even human?" he muttered to himself. Though he couldn''t clearly see their movements, he couldn''t tear his eyes away.


    With a thunderous crash, Sebas and EeDeChi''s fists collided directly.


    The surrounding air rippled with the impact, and the ground trembled. Both fighters were pushed back two steps, and the black and white shadows temporarily ceased their entanglement.

 Chapter 60: Clash of the Hundred-Level Powers

    "Master Tian, are you alright?" Tuareninya shouted anxiously from the stands.


    Tuareninya was originally an ordinary human, but after a series of unfortunate events, she was saved from death by Sebas. Since then, she had voluntarily stayed in the Great Tomb of Nazarick. As an ordinary person, she had never witnessed such a fierce battle and was deeply worried.


    Sebas''s meticulously groomed silver hair was now somewhat disheveled, and his white shirt was torn in several places. His once pristine black leather shoes and suit pants were covered in dust. He waved at Tuareninya to signal that he was fine.


    Meanwhile, EeDeChi was slowly regulating her breathing, stabilizing her breath. She exhaled two long streams from her nostrils, blowing up stone from the floor.


    Barrett ran up to EeDeChi, checking on her condition. He looked somewhat anxious. "Captain, can you still fight? If not, it''s okay to concede."


    EeDeChi turned her head and glanced at him, taking a deep breath. "Young man, there''s no need to worry about me. This is just a warm-up. I haven''t faced such a strong opponent in a long time. It feels great. My mind is buzzing with the tune of ''Megalobox.''"


    "What?" Barrett was taken aback.


    "''Megalobox''?" Sebas, not far off, heard their conversation. "The supreme creator of me, Touch Me, particularly likes that anime."


    He looked up at Ainz in the stands. "Ainz, could you play a track from ''Megalobox'' using the arena''s sound system?"


    "Sure." Ainz nodded and summoned a green control console, adjusting the sound system''s settings. He understood that Sebas was about to give his all in the fight.


    "Let''s end the match when this song finishes," Ainz ordered.


    Since EeDeChi now demonstrated equal strength to Sebas, Ainz wasn''t aiming to defeat her this time. With time on their side, the priority was to prevent Sebas from getting injured.


    The thrilling drumbeats of the music filled the arena. Sebas''s form suddenly expanded, his muscles bulging, growing to twice his original height.


    His arms swelled, muscles bulging, and his white shirt tore into strips like fluttering white butterflies. Dragon-like scales covered his body, and his golden vertical eyes burned like the sun. A thick, scaled dragon tail emerged from behind him, slamming against the ground, causing bricks to shatter and dust to fly.


    "Whoa!" EeDeChi stepped back in surprise. "Horns on the head, a tail at the back. Old man, you can even transform into a little dragon!"


    The dragon-kin Sebas charged at EeDeChi like a wall. He raised his hand high, his fingers transforming from slender digits into the steel claws of a dragon. The claws slashed down towards EeDeChi.


    Spatial Slash!


    Five sharp, clear sword lights sliced through the air, cutting through wind and dust.


    EeDeChi''s pupils narrowed. She pushed off the ground, activating her Martial Art¡ª"Flow Acceleration" for the first time!


    Her body became a narrow black shadow, darting through the fierce blade light. The place she had been standing was cleaved into five deep gashes, and a section of the stands was shattered and collapsed.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "I really don''t want to fight someone with a Justice Value of 300!" EeDeChi steadied herself, forced a bitter smile.


    But in an instant, Sebas was at her side, his dragon claw sweeping through the air and striking down again!


    EeDeChi sidestepped, the blade light flashing before her eyes, and a few strands of hair were severed cleanly.


    Barehanded, she couldn''t take Sebas''s attack head-on. She stomped backward with force, her body turning into a streak of light as she quickly retreated, the situation rapidly turning against her.


    She sprinted swiftly on the walls of the arena, as if running on ground. Sebas pursued relentlessly, his powerful hind legs leaving deep craters in the ground, his dragon claws shredding walls.


    Dragon Breath!


    Scarlet flames roared from Sebas''s mouth, instantly enveloping EeDeChi and raising the temperature of the entire arena by six or seven degrees. The sand and stone on the walls melted into glassy liquid under the extreme heat.


    In a dire situation, EeDeChi landed and rolled eighteen times on the spot, crushing the stone bricks beneath her and narrowly avoiding the searing flames.


    Using the cover of the Dragon Breath, Sebas leapt in front of her, his steel claws slashing through the air. EeDeChi bent low, barely evading the strike. Seeing the attack miss, Sebas immediately twisted his body, his thick dragon tail whipping towards EeDeChi like a steel whip.


    The dragon tail whipped past her face, covered in razor-sharp black scales. This was the only place EeDeChi could act. She crouched low, ducked under the tail, and with her hands moving like a swimming dragon, used a technique to grapple the dragon tail with minimal effort.


    Martial Art ¡¤ Move Mountain!


    EeDeChi''s legs pushed off the ground as she solidly planted her stance, twisting her waist. Her feet spun on the stone floor, raising wisps of white smoke. With a powerful motion, her arms and torso worked in unison, gripping the dragon tail with alternating force, and flung Sebas away!


    The dragon-shaped Sebas tumbled through the air but landed steadily. His claws dug into the ground, carving a deep trench into the marble floor, absorbing the impact from being thrown.


    The arena was a mess, resembling a bombed-out Roman-style building, with hardly a patch of intact floor or wall.


    Dust filled the air, and beneath the haze, EeDeChi''s face was cold and stern. Sebas also stood up, shaking the debris from his claws. His gaze was as cold as iron, showing neither joy nor sorrow, only endless battle intent.


    Anger flashed in EeDeChi''s eyes, a surge of fury coursing through her heart.


    She couldn''t understand it¡ªthis was just a sparring match, and she had been very restrained. Why did he persist so relentlessly? Don''t push your luck. Do you really think that because your Justice Value is 300, I won''t be able to take you down?


    "COME ON!"


    EeDeChi roared fiercely. Without more words, they both turned into blurs and charged at each other again!


    The adventurer captain unleashed her Martial Art¡ª"Unyielding Fortress"!


    She used this defensive Martial Art as an offensive move, her body enveloped in swirling air like a cannonball crashing forward! Sebas''s dragon claws, sharp as five long blades, came crashing down upon her.


    The agile dragon-kin and the black-clad adventurer were about to collide mid-air when the music abruptly stopped¡ªthe song had reached its end.


    The claws and iron fists retracted simultaneously as they passed each other in mid-air, creating a shower of sparks. Both landed at the same time, shaking the ground and kicking up a layer of gray dust.


    The fight was over; the first round of their "sparring" was complete.


    "Master Tian!" A golden-haired maid emerged from the rubble of the stands, stumbling through the pitted arena in her maid''s dress, running straight to Sebas. Upon confirming that Sebas was unharmed, she threw herself into his arms, still in dragon form.


    "I''m so glad you''re okay!" Tuareninya choked up, tears streaming down her face. It was her first time seeing Sebas in his dragon form, but she wasn''t afraid of his solid scales and sharp claws at all.


    Sebas looked gently at the golden-haired girl in his arms, the battle intent in his golden vertical eyes diminishing considerably. He was covered in armor and weapons, afraid to move even slightly, to avoid hurting Tuareninya, allowing her to rest in his embrace.


    Ainz, floating in mid-air using magic, breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at the black-clad adventurer in the arena, who appeared both lonely and proud, and declared loudly:


    "Since the first round of hand-to-hand combat has ended, let''s begin the next round with weapons."

 Chapter 61: Weapon Battle

    Barrett dashed through the smoke-filled arena towards EeDeChi in the center. "Captain, how are you holding up?"


    Barrett could see that this "friendly spar" was nothing but ruthless fighting. The members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick harbored intense hostility. If EeDeChi fails in the next "friendly spar," not only will the captain be unable to escape, but he will also meet his end here.


    EeDeChi had carried her giant sword behind her. After a fierce battle, she lowered her eyelids and slowly regulated her breathing without raising her head, asking in return, "Where''s the vitality potion in your spatial ring?"


    It was the first time EeDeChi had asked for a magical potion. Hearing this, Barrett quickly pulled out three orange-glass vials from his spatial ring and handed them over.


    These three vials contained the highest quality vitality potions that Barrett had bought at a high price. Just half a vial was enough to revive a dying old man and get him up to fight an ancient dragon with a two-handed sword.


    The alchemist who sold Barrett the potions had boasted, "Take five drops with a dropper, and I guarantee you can have sex with ten mature women all night without stopping."


    Although the potion''s effects were miraculous, Barrett had never tried them. Such precious items were meant for life-saving moments and definitely not to be wasted on sex. Besides, Barrett couldn''t find ten mature women anyway.


    The orange vitality potions were housed in exquisite glass vials, with not just ordinary cork stoppers but magical glass caps designed to preserve the potion.


    EeDeChi took one vial, bit through the glass stopper, and shattered the vial''s mouth along with the stopper, sending shards of glass everywhere. She tilted her head back and drank the entire contents of the vial, then proceeded to do the same with the remaining two vials.


    Barrett watched in horror at EeDeChi''s ferocious actions. Only when he confirmed that her mucous membranes and skin were impervious to damage did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    EeDeChi spat out some glass shards and wiped the orange liquid from the corners of her lips, complaining, "It doesn''t taste like anything. It''s not fake, is it?"


    "I''m not you. How could I possibly buy counterfeit goods?" Barrett replied helplessly.


    This was just a standard potion brewed by an ordinary mage. No matter how expensive or impressive it seemed, for someone as powerful as EeDeChi, its effects would be like a drop in the ocean.


    "I¡­ I was just giving you the chance to get the supplies. If the superior has done everything, then what can the subordinate do¡­" EeDeChi was about to retort Barrett when the ground of the arena trembled, as if a giant in heavy armor was stomping around, interrupting her.


    Following the heavy footsteps, a towering silver figure appeared at one end of the arena. The figure stood about 8.2 feet(2.5 meters) tall, with a silver, armored head, four arms, and a long tail covered in spiked armor.


    He looked like a giant insect warrior, except instead of fragile chitinous armor, he was covered in gleaming, thick plates of metal.


    Cocytus, Ruler of the Frozen Rivers, guardian of the fifth level of Great Tomb of Nazarick, level 100. He wielded twenty-one weapons and had the strongest attack power among Nazarick''s four most skilled melee fighters.


    "The match is about to start. You should step back," EeDeChi said with great poise, but received no response.


    She turned to see that Barrett had already slipped behind the ruins of the spectator stands.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    From behind the broken walls, Barrett poked his head out and gave EeDeChi a thumbs-up from a distance. "Good luck!"


    For the first time, EeDeChi experienced the speechless feeling Barrett had encountered many times before. She shook her head, drew her giant sword from her back, and faced the towering silver figure, standing firm.


    On the other side, Cocytus held a giant three-meter-long(9.84 feet) katana, lowering his waist and assuming the stance for a iai strike.


    EeDeChi''s expression was serious as she pointed the toe of her left foot forward, rotated her right foot forty-five degrees outward, taking a T-stance, and held the sword with both hands in a fool''s guard position.


    ( fool''s guard ¡ü)


    The music in the arena started again, but this time it was not the frenzied "Megalobox" but "Sword of the Stranger - Rasatsu No En."


    Ainz floated in midair and declared with authority, "As before, the match will end when the music stops."


    He could see that EeDeChi wasn''t showing much fatigue. The attrition tactics probably wouldn''t work on her, so he didn''t make many demands on Cocytus.


    EeDeChi and Cocytus each held their weapons, slowly circling each other in a standoff.


    At the beat of the drum, both charged forward. The giant sword and the giant tachi katana clashed with a resounding impact. A shockwave surged from their collision point, making EeDeChi''s loose black robe flutter wildly and rustle loudly.


    EeDeChi gripped the giant sword tightly and thrust it upwards. Cocytus, using his height advantage, pressed down with his giant tachi katana like a towering wall. The two seemed like two furious bulls, locked in a contest of strength!


    The adventurer captain, standing at less than 1.7 meters (5.58 feet), appeared somewhat slightly compared to Cocytus''s 3 meters (8 feet) tall frame.


    But she didn''t retreat an inch, her feet firmly planted on the ground, cracking the already shattered surface with radiating fissures.


    Just when it seemed like they would remain locked in this struggle, something unexpected happened!


    Cocytus, who had four arms, used two to press down on EeDeChi with the giant tachi katana , while the other two arms suddenly produced a massive halberd and a two-meter-long katana. With a swift motion, he swung these two weapons straight at EeDeChi''s waist!


    Seeing that EeDeChi was about to be split in half, she roared, her dark eyes blazing like fire, veins bulging in her arms.


    Martial Art: Hegemon Lifts the Cauldron!


    The adventurer captain lifted her giant sword and actually managed to overturn the towering Cocytus.


    Cocytus''s silver form tumbled and landed in a crouch. He transferred the katana to his right hand and pulled out a naginata with his left. Now, all four of his arms were holding weapons.


    The massive insect warrior stepped forward. The katana, naginata, halberd, and giant tachi katana all swung simultaneously, creating a chilling storm of blades that swept in all directions like a metal tempest, closing in on EeDeChi.


    EeDeChi faced the unrelenting storm of blades and sparks with a serious expression.


    Her giant sword moved like lightning as she slashed, thrust, and blocked, her strikes meeting the storm of metal with precision. She fought and retreated, her movements swift like a black streak of light weaving through the silver tempest from all directions.


    To the spectators, this duel seemed fraught with danger. EeDeChi appeared on the verge of being overwhelmed by the silver storm of blades, while Cocytus seemed close to being breached by the fierce giant sword.


    As the final, distant note of the flute faded away and the music ceased, Cocytus and EeDeChi finished their last clash, standing face to face.


    "Your skills are impressive," Cocytus said as he sheathed his katana, his voice deep and resonant. "Perhaps we can spar again another time."


    "You weren''t too shabby yourself. All those blades were pretty terrifying," EeDeChi replied calmly, though her tone showed no sign of fear.


    ---


    In the deepest underground layer of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Albedo, who should have been by Ainz''s side, stood facing an iron window with a look of vigilance in her golden eyes, which were usually so proud.


    Behind the iron window was a large bedroom where a tall, striking woman with fiery red hair was¡­ rolling around on the floor.


    The red-haired woman rolled around, pleading in a whiny voice, "Oh, Albedo, my dear sister, please let me join in! Sebas and Cocytus are having such fun, and I''ve been stuck here in the Great Tomb while you all get to run around. It''s so boring!"


    Albedo, witnessing this comical scene, maintained a stern expression without a trace of amusement. "Rubedo, Lord Ainz instructed that you must not be allowed to move about freely, and definitely not sent out. You should stay here."


    The red-haired woman''s rolling slowly came to a stop. She lay on the ground, her body slumped as if she had deflated. Then, with a sudden "ugh," she sprang up like a coiled spring and lunged at the iron window, startling Albedo, who took a step back.


    Grasping the iron bars with her hands, she bent one of the thick bars with ease. Leaning out of the window, she faced the furious Albedo and licked her crimson lips.


    "I have a feeling that you''ll need me. One day, I''ll get out."


    -


    -


    -

 Chapter 62 Resurrection

    Having completed the two agreed-upon duels, EeDeChi and Barrett returned to the main hall.


    Ainz was indeed a ruler of promise-keeping. After exchanging false compliments, Ainz produced a simple copper can adorned with golden patterns.


    Under the surge of magic, the copper can began to twist slowly like a pillar of water, overflowing with a golden radiance. The radiance expanded gradually, forming a ball of light that engulfed the contorted can.


    Soon after, the ball of light descended and unfolded into a human form. As the light dimmed, the limbs and head of a person became discernible. Finally, the body of a golden-haired girl lay curled on the cold ground.


    This was Arche, whom EeDeChi had vowed to rescue¡ªa girl who had been killed by Shalltear but now resurrected.


    Arche had been quite famous in the adventurer circles of the Baharuth Empire, and Barrett had heard of her as well.


    She possessed an Innate Talent: the ability to discern the highest rank of magic her opponent could cast. Moreover, she could wield magic of the 3rd Tier, making her a formidable mage among humans.


    Judging solely by her appearance, Arche was undoubtedly the elder sister of a pair of twin sisters, Kuuderika and Ureirika. Her face was almost identical to theirs, and she appeared as an enlarged version.


    Upon seeing the girl she had exerted great effort to rescue now resurrected before her eyes, EeDeChi''s face showed not joy but rather veins bulging on her forehead. Her gaze turned more ferocious, as if she had encountered the revival of a demon lord.


    Because of her resurrection, Arche was completely naked, with skin as tender and fair as a newborn''s, her voluptuous curves exposed without a shred of cover, fully visible to everyone.


    Barrett knew the captain''s temperament well¡ªshe couldn''t stand seeing a woman exposed. Quickly, he retrieved a robe from his spatial ring and draped it over the naked body of Arche, temporarily shielding his view of admiring the beautiful woman.


    Ainz rubbed his bone chin thoughtfully and nodded lightly, feeling that his past act of killing Arche was indeed a regrettable mistake.


    Suddenly, he noticed Albedo gathering magical energy in the palm of her hand. Glancing over, he saw Albedo staring at Arche with eyes filled with extreme jealousy.


    "Is she that sensitive?" Ainz startled. He cleared his throat and redirected his gaze from Arche to Barrett.


    Albedo, realizing her loss of composure, blushed and dispersed the energy in her hand.


    Under the robe, Arche''s eyelashes fluttered lightly. She slowly opened her weary eyes, her body seeming to thaw from ice, gradually awakening from an ancient and profound slumber.


    She sat up, her gaze confused and weary, blinking as she looked around.


    Soon, she scanted the undead before her¡ªAinz Ooal Gown¡ªand the silver-haired girl in black dress, Shalltear.


    Horror, fear, futility, and despair flooded her mind. She had watched her companions die tragically before her eyes, and in the end, she died too, unwillingly. The memories of bloodshed surged into Arche''s mind like a torrent, filling the void left by her recent resurrection.


    "Monster! Monster!" Arche hoarsely screamed, her voice distorted due to her recent revival. Her once lifeless eyes widened, her legs kicking wildly on the ground. Her naked body recoiled in terror, her expression filled with fear and dread.


    She had died in a nightmare, and yet she awoke to find herself still trapped within it. Her killer was still within arm''s reach. She desperately tried to rise and escape backward, as if fleeing from the terrifying reaper right before her eyes.


    A strong and steady hand pressed on Arche''s shoulder, firm and warm, imparting courage and strength to her.


    Arche turned her head, looking up at EeDeChi holding her shoulder. EeDeChi grinned, showing a gentle and loving smile.


    "Ah!" Arche''s pupils widened, but just one glance at EeDeChi caused her stomach to spasm. She vomited yellow liquid, her eyes rolled back, and she passed out.


    "What''s going on?" EeDeChi''s smiling face turned dark.


    "Uh..." Barrett was at a loss for words.


    After a moment of thought, he explained, "I heard before that Arche has an Innate Talent, able to perceive the highest tier of magic an opponent can use.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "It''s a blessing from above for the lucky ones, but also a curse. Like a water mage facing a tsunami, she must have seen your magic ability with her Innate Talent and suffered a severe mental shock, causing her to faint."


    "I see." EeDeChi listened to the explanation, her face still dark like a summer storm cloud about to unleash a downpour.


    Barrett, unfazed, took out several strips of cloth, wrapped the unconscious Arche like a mummy under her robe, and intentionally or unintentionally took a few liberties. Then he held her in his arms.


    EeDeChi and Barrett bid farewell to the Great Tomb of Nazarick group, exchanged polite words about visiting again when they had time and how good the tea was. Ainz opened a teleportation gate leading to the capital city of the kingdom. EeDeChi, carrying Arche, left with Barrett.


    Watching the two adventurers and the resurrected Arche disappear into the magical curtain of the teleportation gate, Ainz pondered.


    He called a meeting and had Demiurge, who was carrying out a mission far away, join remotely in the form of a projection.


    After some discussion and analyzing EeDeChi''s battles, Ainz turned to Sebas and Cocytus beside him and asked, "What do you think of EeDeChi''s strength?"


    Sebas, who had engaged with EeDeChi in a serious battle, now restored to human form and dressed in a dignified, slim-fit black tailcoat, bowed his head. "I believe EeDeChi''s combat prowess is comparable to mine, or perhaps even superior. If she hadn''t chosen to abandon her sword against me, I might have been at a disadvantage."


    Ainz recalled how Sebas had pursued EeDeChi in dragonoid form in the arena, and his heart sank at Sebas''s words.


    "And you, Cocytus? What is your opinion?" Ainz turned to the tall, silver figure on the other side.


    Cocytus, holding a large katana and inspecting it closely, with an imperceptible nick on the blade, remained silent for a moment. Setting aside the sword, he responded, "My lord Ainz, I believe the giant sword in EeDeChi''s hands rivals that of a World Item in quality."


    "It seems this adventurer is quite troublesome," Ainz remarked.


    "My lord Ainz, I don''t think EeDeChi is malicious, but she seems to lack intelligence. Perhaps that is her weakness," Sebas interjected.


    "No, Sebas, you are wrong," retorted Demiurge in the projection. "This is just EeDeChi''s disguise. She dared to bring an ordinary human into our headquarters, indicating she must have some reliance. But to conceal her true strength, she pretends to be foolish to lull us into complacency! My lord Ainz, we must not underestimate her! EeDeChi is a cunning person!"


    Sebas was not convinced and said, "Demiurge, perhaps you''re overthinking it. I feel EeDeChi is just a simple girl."


    "Heh heh, do you remember last time? EeDeChi clearly realized that the gift you gave her was a tracking device, but she didn''t accuse you or show hostility toward our probing. She just discarded the gift. She''s very calculating; don''t be deceived by her surface actions," Demiurge sneered.


    The subordinates started arguing, and Ainz felt quite troubled.


    To make matters worse, Cocytus interjected, "Enough arguing. Let the most wise Lord Ainz make the judgment."


    Both Demiurge and Sebas fell silent, respectfully lowering their heads, awaiting Ainz''s decision.


    In truth, Ainz also felt that EeDeChi didn''t seem very intelligent, but Demiurge''s analysis sounded more intricate and reasonable. Ainz knew his own intellect wasn''t as sharp as Demiurge''s; Demiurge was the smartest among them.


    "I lean towards Demiurge''s analysis. Being cautious is not a bad thing, regardless. Never underestimate any enemy," Ainz said.


    "My thoughts have finally caught up to Lord Ainz''s pace!" Demiurge''s eyes were moist, glistening with tears.


    "EeDeChi hasn''t shown much hostility towards the Great Tomb of Nazarick for now, so there''s no need to rush to deal with her," Ainz shifted the topic.


    He continued, "The ancient Dragon Race has slowly started to emerge, the race that once ruled the world in ancient times. They are likely our biggest threat. We should be concerned about the Wild Magic they have. For now, we shouldn''t make too many enemies. Let''s continue monitoring EeDeChi."


    A red light flickered in Ainz''s eye sockets as he temporarily set the tone for the future actions of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    Ainz was just about to announce the end of the meeting to the guardians and tell them to go about their own business when a soft, sultry female voice lingered in his ear.


    "My Lord Ainz~," Albedo wiggled closer, rubbing up against him.


    "When you looked at Arche''s naked body earlier, your gaze was a bit unusual. So, you really do prefer it when they''re completely undressed!"


    Albedo wrapped one arm, soft as silk, around Ainz''s shoulder, while the other hand started to pull down the front of her pure white gown, her full, enticing breasts about to spill out.


    "Hey, hey! Watch the situation! There are others here!" Ainz grabbed Albedo''s arm, mentally groaning in distress.


    He had indeed felt a stir when he saw Arche''s voluptuous body earlier, but it was only a fleeting moment. How did Albedo notice that?


    Sebas and Cocytus, upon hearing this, immediately turned and walked away with an almost "unspoken" understanding. The other maids quickly left as well. Only the petite, loli-like Shalltear remained, furiously tugging at Albedo''s dress, trying to pull her away from Ainz.


    Albedo ignored Ainz''s words, already starting to pull down her corset straps. Her golden eyes were filled with endless affection, her expression both flirtatious and eager. Shalltear''s tugging only accelerated the removal of her clothes.


    "Hurry, pull Albedo away," Ainz ordered Shalltear, who was the only one with a functioning brain.


    But seeing that Albedo was already succeeding, Shalltear also began to remove her own clothes, like an octopus, throwing herself at Ainz.


    Amidst the warm, soft embrace, Ainz fell to the ground, stretching out his skeletal hand, and cried, "Help¡­"


    ¡­


    Under the warm winter sun, EeDeChi and Barrett walked on the withered yellow grass. Having finally left the massive underground lair of the Demon King and returned to the surface, they breathed in the fresh air, feeling both mentally and physically lighter.


    Barrett still held the Arche in his arms. He squinted up at the sun in the sky and remarked, "Ainz, that great demon king, truly lives in luxury. The maids around him, and those girls, are the cr¨¨me de la cr¨¨me.  They must be even more extraordinary than the legendary Eight Greed Kings."


    EeDeChi sneered and said:


    "It''s a pity the cock can''t crow."

 Chapter 63: Farewell

    There''s an old saying that rings true: the more you give, the more you''ll cherish.


    Sean had a neighbor in his hometown in the Baharuth Empire¡ªa middle-aged man who had retired to the countryside after years of fighting on the battlefield. His personality was eccentric and reclusive. When Sean was young, he was just as unruly as any other child his age, which made him detestable to the neighbor.


    One day, when Sean''s parents were away and a gnoll tribe from the nearby forest attacked the village, Sean found himself unable to lock the doors in time. He was seized by the gnolls right at his doorstep and dragged into the forest.


    In that critical moment, the neighbor, who had never shown Sean any kindness, took up a long sword that had been gathering dust in his wardrobe, used a round table as a makeshift shield, and single-handedly charged into the gnoll''s spear formation to rescue Sean.


    From then on, the neighbor, who had risked his life to save Sean, treated him like his own son.


    When Sean turned twenty, he decided to leave the longbow unit and become an adventurer with an uncertain future.


    His biological parents had no strong opinions about this, but the neighbor was furious. After all, he had risked his life to save Sean, and now Sean was seemingly squandering that sacrifice.


    Thinking back to that eccentric old man who could no longer wield a sword or shield, Sean felt a pang of warmth. But he had no choice but to become an adventurer.


    His father had failed in business, and the family''s farm and dairy cows were mortgaged to the mill owner. With just a meager salary given by the commander of the knight order, they might have to mortgage even their old house.


    Fortunately, Sean had a talent for archery. Without years of daily practice, he had already reached the level of never missing a shot.


    His companions joked that he must have elven blood, but he knew he was just the son of a failed farmer. After earning his first bounty and barely managing to save the old house, he set out on the path of an adventurer.


    With his exceptional archery skills, he eventually rose to become a platinum-level adventurer, placing him at a solid middle tier among the vast adventurer community. The years of rain and wind, and the harsh life of an adventurer, had transformed him from a youth into a hardened young man, his heart tempered by the fires of the mundane world.


    Sean thought he would continue wandering endlessly, just like the senior adventurer Barrett he admired, becoming a calm and reserved high-tier veteran adventurer.


    Then he met Stella, a gentle and pure silver-level cleric. Sean couldn''t quite pinpoint what drew him to Stella¡ªwas it the hint of sadness in her light brown eyes or the serious expression she wore while casting her healing magic?


    Sean didn''t know. He just quietly followed her, got closer, and went to great lengths to join her adventurer team.


    The young archer dared not confess his feelings. He knew that Stella came from a fallen noble family, with a gambling-addicted brother, and carried a debt even heavier than his own.


    He couldn''t offer Stella a stable future yet, so he meticulously groomed himself, abandoned his smoking habit, and strove to present himself as a reliable and upright man.


    He quietly saved money, secretly planned their possible future together, and worried that Stella might accept another''s declaration of love.


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    After some trials, he and Stella joined the current adventurer team known as "The Last Defender of the Way."


    The team had a truly steady and reliable senior adventurer, Barrett, and a captain named EeDeChi, who always had a stern face, an odd personality, and was difficult to get along with. Though the captain was only orichalcum-level, Sean believed her fearsome strength had already reached the highest tier, adamantite-level.


    Despite her formidable power, the captain was fixated on one dangerous goal: to defeat the Sorcerer Kingdom''s king¡ªAinz Ooal Gown.


    But Ainz was no one to trifle with. A few years ago, when Re-Estize was about to go to war with the Sorcerer Kingdom, Ainz Ooal Gown unleashed an unprecedented Super-Tier spell, effortlessly annihilating the Re-Estize''s hundreds of thousands of troops.


    Other adventurers spoke of how Ainz Ooal Gown''s subordinates had slaughtered tens of thousands of Quagoa in the north, leaving their population devastated. The Baharuth Empire, Re-Estize Kingdom, and the Dwarven Kingdom had all submitted to Ainz Ooal Gown.


    With a captain holding such an unrealistic goal, Sean''s past adventuring experience told him he should leave quickly to avoid being dragged into a pit of despair by a deluded leader.


    However, the captain was also generous and never hesitated to spend gold. She always managed to land high-paying orichalcum-level missions.


    The money Sean had earned recently amounted to what he''d made in the past year. With a few more tasks, he could save a substantial amount to return home, redeem the farm and land, and even open a water mill in town.


    Most importantly, Stella had no plans to leave. She seemed to share Sean''s goal of earning more to pay off her family''s debts.


    Sean glanced at Stella, who was staring blankly at three fading figures on the cobblestone road.


    On the road, a blonde adventurer girl was walking with a twin sister on each side. The twins occasionally waved at Stella, but their steps never faltered. Gradually, the trio of figures¡ªone large and two small¡ªdisappeared into the distance.


    These figures were undoubtedly Arche and her twin sisters. Years ago, Arche had been killed by Ainz, and her two younger sisters were left in a brothel due to their irresponsible parents. Later, EeDeChi had set the brothel on fire and rescued the twins, and had been determined to find Arche ever since.


    Unfortunately, EeDeChi only knew how to rescue people, not care for them. They had traveled from the capital of Baharuth to the capital of Re-Estize, enduring hardship and rough conditions along the way. It was Stella who had painstakingly cared for and treated the twin sisters throughout their journey.


    The twins, who had been abused and were physically and mentally exhausted, were rejuvenated under Stella''s careful care. The kind-hearted young cleric poured all her tender maternal love into Kuuderika and Ureirika, treating them as if they were her own sisters.


    Now that the twins'' real older sister, Arche, had appeared, she took the twins away, along with a warm piece of affection from Stella''s heart.


    Stella continued to gaze into the distance until the well-behaved, golden-haired twins were no longer visible. She crouched down, hugging her shoulders, with a look of deep disappointment in her eyes. Sean understood Stella''s feelings but didn''t know how to comfort her. Though not tongue-tied, Sean couldn''t find the right words of solace at such a farewell, unlike a bard with his poetic expressions.


    The young archer could only sit beside Stella, trying to share her sorrow.


    As for Barrett, a member of the same adventurer team, he had long wanted to be rid of the burden of the twins. Though he said nothing, he was quite pleased internally at their departure.


    EeDeChi, who had gone to great lengths to rescue Arche, sighed in relief as if completing a mission. The adventurer captain gave Arche three hundred gold coins and told her to quickly leave with the twins.


    ...


    The young cleric buried her chin in her arm and stared at a withered clump of foxtail grass on the ground when a black figure approached her and gently patted her shoulder in encouragement. Stella and Sean looked up to find their captain, EeDeChi.


    EeDeChi crossed her arms, glanced in the direction where Arche had left, and said with a warm smile, "Still thinking about Kuuderika and Ureirika? They are indeed quite adorable."


    Stella, caught off guard by the perceptive comment, stood up, her head down, unable to speak. Sean also quickly stood up.


    EeDeChi patted the cleric''s shoulder again, but her eyes were on Sean: "When you get married, just have a pair of twins. After all, now it is encouraged to have two children these days, haha."


    "Captain... don''t joke around¡­" Stella''s face turned bright red, looking extremely cute. Sean quickly averted his gaze, looking somewhat flustered.


    EeDeChi stroked her chin and added, "But you''ll need to submit a marriage application to me first. It''ll need my approval..."

 Chapter 64: Old Friends at the Tavern

    The midday sun was blazing and bright, warming the air on this chilly, windswept early winter day.


    Barrett pushed open the pinewood door of the Adventurer''s Guild and stepped onto the street. He had just checked in the Last Defender of the Way adventuring team at the guild and had briefly browsed the task board for any interesting quests.


    Barrett strolled leisurely down the main street, not worried about getting lost. As a seasoned adventurer accustomed to wandering, he had visited the capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom many times over the past five years.


    Clearly, the kingdom''s treasury had no extra funds for renovating buildings, so most of the roads remained as they were, even showing more signs of wear. Only the mansions of the nobility remained grand and luxurious, constantly being expanded.


    Barrett casually turned into a small tavern by the roadside. The tavern was sparsely furnished and had few patrons.


    He pulled out a chair and sat down, calling out to a middle-aged woman at the counter wearing a light purple headscarf, "One mug of malt beer, please."


    Before long, a large oak mug was set down on the table with a thud, and a few drops of deep red liquid spilled out. Barrett was surprised¡ªit wasn''t the malt beer he had ordered, but an expensive red wine. The hand holding the mug was thick and powerful, with a patch of unruly black body hair on the arm.


    Barrett looked up and met the eyes of a semi-bald, burly man. The man wore a thin cotton silk coat, his beer belly stretching the coat''s buttons. He pulled out the chair across from Barrett and plopped down, holding another glass of red wine, clearly intending to drink with Barrett.


    The man seemed vaguely familiar... Barrett thought. In a flash, he remembered the man''s name and pushed back his chair, standing up to leave.


    "Hey! Barrett, old buddy, why are you leaving right after seeing me?" The burly man called out Barrett''s name and grabbed his arm. Barrett smiled wryly and sat back down.


    "It''s really been a while!" The man with the thinning hair sat back down, leaning forward and pushing a large oak mug of red wine toward Barrett. "Let me think, it''s been at least four years, right?"


    Actually, it had been five years. Barrett looked at the warm-faced man across the table, memories surfacing in his mind. He replied, "Long time no see, Hank."


    The man drinking the wine was Hank Lawrence, a former mithril-level adventurer who had worked with Barrett for many years. They had been part of an adventurer team called "Magical Gorgon," working well together and completing many dangerous missions, forming a bond of life and death. Unfortunately, they had to part ways later due to some unfortunate circumstances.


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    "Let me think, the last time we parted, you left a note," Hank said, taking a sip of the red wine and savoring the taste of memories. "What did the note say again? Oh, ''Wait for me, let''s meet in two days!''"


    Hank set down his wine oak mug, his face losing its jovial expression. "Do you know how long we waited? Seven months! And we never met you!"


    His heavy, solid hand slapped the table with a bang. "Then the captain heard you were spotted in the Kaya Forest south of the Holy Kingdom. My Gaia, I don''t even know how you made it over there. In the end, the captain disbanded the team, and we all went our separate ways."


    Barrett gave an awkward smile, unsure of how to explain.


    That was indeed an awkward chapter in Barrett''s life. At that time, the "Magical Gorgon" adventurer team was in a small town in the Re-Estize Kingdom, having taken on a secret mission from a group of wizards to collect shapechanger blood from the Wildwood Forest.


    After overcoming numerous hardships, they completed the task, and Barrett went to collect the payment on behalf of the team. The greedy wizards claimed the blood quality was poor and demanded a reduction in the reward, while the greedy adventurer argued that their efforts far exceeded expectations and deserved a higher payment.


    Barrett argued with several wizards and ultimately got the payment he wanted, but the cunning wizards tricked him into a small teleportation circle and sent him straight to a primitive forest in the south of the Slane Theocracy.


    Barrett eventually made his way out of the vast forest, but the substantial reward had been largely spent on food, water, and maps from a local elven tribe, leaving him with very little.


    Naturally, Barrett didn''t dare to return to find his old teammates. He was left to continue his solitary journey as an adventurer.


    Looking back on his days with the "Magical Gorgon" team, Barrett felt a sense of nostalgia. It had been a truly elite adventurer group, with every member being a solid, rugged fighter. Even the only cleric in the team was a fierce man who wielded a staff for casting spells from a distance and a short sword for close combat.


    What Barrett remembered most vividly was their captain, an orichalcum-level adventurer. Not only was he highly skilled, but he also had a humorous, amiable personality and an extraordinary ability to unite the unruly members of their team. In terms of leadership, he was miles ahead of Barrett''s current captain, EeDeChi.


    Their adventurer team had a rather odd name, "Magical Gorgon," because the captain owned a Gorgon-hide armor. Though worn and tattered, the armor had saved the captain from several fatal injuries. The captain initially wanted to name the team "Magical and Impervious Gorgon Hide Armor" to bring good luck, but after strong objections from the team members, the name was shortened to "Magical Gorgon."


    Lost in nostalgia, Barrett couldn''t help but smile. He took a sip from his wine glass and recounted how he had argued with the wizards, been tricked into the teleportation circle, and escaped from the primal forest.


    Hank listened attentively, nodding occasionally with a look of concern. When Barrett finished his story, Hank generously said that the past was behind them. Everyone has their moments of misfortune, and the fact that old friends could meet again was a blessing from Gaia.


    "So, are you no longer an adventurer?" Barrett asked, noting Hank''s outfit, which was far from adventurer attire. His once fierce face had grown a bit chubby, and his linen cotton coat now revealed a burgeoning belly.


    "After you left, we took on a few more jobs, and lost two or three people. Everyone got a bit disheartened, you know, the adventurer life never lasts. Eventually, the captain divided all the money evenly, and the team disbanded. I stopped being an adventurer, took my share of the money, and came to the capital to open this tavern."


    Hank leaned back in his chair, gesturing toward the bar behind him, his tone suddenly turning a bit somber.


    Barrett was surprised to learn that Hank owned the tavern. Hank had once been a heavy drinker and prided himself on his knowledge of wines. It seemed fitting for him to end up running a tavern.


    The now-pudgy former adventurer placed his oak mug on the table with a sigh. "As the saying goes, only retired adventurers live to a good end. Those who keep fighting end up either crippled or dead."

 Chapter 65: The Captain and the Cheaters

    Barrett wanted to steer the conversation away from unpleasant memories, so he casually inquired about the current status of the Magical Gorgon squad''s captain, curious if he was still adventuring.


    "How''s the captain doing? I assume he''s not adventuring anymore?"


    "The captain¡­" Hank straightened up and took a deep sip of red wine. "The captain indeed stopped being an adventurer. He joined the kingdom''s army and became a cavalry lieutenant. Later, during that war against the Sorcerer Kingdom, he was killed in action. You must have heard of it¡ªthe Sorcerer Kingdom''s king slaughtered over a hundred thousand soldiers from Re-Estize in that massacre."


    A heavy weight settled in Barrett''s heart, and he clenched the handle of his oak mug tightly. With no relatives in the world and only a vague awareness of Ainz Ooal Gown''s atrocities, he had always been indifferent. He felt that even if the Demon King ruled the world, it had nothing to do with him. But now, it seemed otherwise.


    "The captain took off his gorgon-hide armor and donned the kingdom''s standard issue armor. Naturally, luck ran out. The king of the Sorcerer Kingdom summoned several giant black monsters, and the soldiers were trampled into mush. Blood, flesh, broken bones, and dirt mixed together, making it impossible to distinguish anything. My old friend and I tried to collect the captain''s remains, but we couldn''t even manage that."


    Hank looked up at a brass candelabrum on the ceiling, reminiscing about the hellish scene on the battlefield, seemingly losing his appetite for more drinking.


    Barrett raised his oak mug high, tilted his head back, and downed the wine in one go.


    Hank glanced at Barrett''s nearly empty mug and waved his hand. "Let''s not talk about these depressing things. It''s rare for us to meet; this is my tavern, and it''s on me!"


    He turned to the counter and called out, "Honey, an old friend of mine is here. Do me a favor and bring a bottle of wine."


    A middle-aged woman''s voice complained from the counter, "Drinking, drinking¡ªalways hanging out with these lowlife friends for drinks. Black rye beer is good enough; now you want wine too?"


    Despite the complaints that grew louder as they approached, a bottle of pale red wine suddenly appeared in front of Barrett and Hank.


    Hank smiled with a face full of gruffness at the middle-aged woman who brought the wine. "Thanks, dear!"


    After the woman had left, Hank leaned in and whispered to Barrett, "Ah, women, they don''t understand much. If it weren''t for me frequently buying drinks for those wheat merchants and building good relationships, how could we have managed to acquire such cheap malt for brewing?"


    He removed the bottle cap and poured the wine into Barrett''s large oak mug, then glanced at Barrett''s equipment and sword, asking, "You''re still adventuring, right?"


    Barrett nodded and recounted his adventures over the years. He talked about his exploration in Mistwood, his first encounter with EeDeChi, and his current employment by Princess Renner of the kingdom, where he was tasked with her protection. Naturally, Barrett omitted many details, leaving some things unsaid.


    "You''re working under the Golden Princess?" Hank was surprised.


    "What''s wrong? The pay isn''t bad. She gives three gold coins a day," Barrett noticed Hank''s furrowed brow and sudden serious expression. This was unusual for the typically easygoing "wine connoisseur."


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    "If I''m not mistaken, Princess Renner must be interested in your captain. If your story is true and not exaggerated, then your current captain must be quite a formidable person!"


    Barrett nodded in agreement. EeDeChi was indeed formidable, even more so than everyone from the Magical Gorgon adventuring team combined, but that didn''t mean this eccentric girl could smoothly navigate the world.


    Hank poured some wine into his own mug, and the remaining wine in the oak mug mingled with the red wine, creating a blend that looked like diluted blood.


    "I must warn you to be careful with Princess Renner. Make sure to tell your current captain to stay wary of Her Highness," Hank set down the whiskey bottle, his expression unusually serious.


    "Why do you say that?" Barrett asked in surprise. "Isn''t Princess Renner known as the ''Golden Princess''? Everyone says she is kind, beautiful, and wise."


    Hank shook his head slightly. "I''ve been running this tavern for three or four years. I have a wide network and hear a lot of things. Don''t be fooled by her good reputation. In reality, she has many dark tactics up her sleeve. Think about it¡ªif she were truly a pure snowdrop, how could she still stand strong after all this time fighting against the Second Prince?"


    Precious jewels can be assessed, but a friend''s advice is invaluable. Barrett fell silent. He had a good impression of Princess Renner, and his captain EeDeChi held her in even higher regard.


    But as his old friend said, how could a royal girl at a disadvantage both traditionally and legally manage to hold her own against her brother in the power struggle?


    Relying solely on virtuous beauty? That''s laughable. As a saying goes, only newborn babies among the nobility have clean hands.


    ...


    With a bottle of dry red wine in hand, Barrett walked back to the residence arranged for them by Princess Renner in the kingdom''s capital. He entered the courtyard, pushed open the door, and stepped inside.


    The room was sparsely furnished, with only a few wooden cabinets, a square table, and some ornate leather chairs. The floor was covered with a thick gray wool carpet. Though the furnishings were simple, there was an underlying sense of regal luxury.


    Sean and Stella were out somewhere, leaving EeDeChi alone in the room, pacing back and forth with visible agitation.


    Barrett, not wanting to disturb the seemingly contemplative captain, placed the bottle of red wine on the table and then sat down in one of the leather chairs. EeDeChi glanced at him as he entered but didn''t acknowledge him, continuing to pace with a furrowed brow and an anxious expression.


    Barrett watched as the captain paced back and forth in front of him, back and forth, back and forth, making his eyes ache from the constant motion.


    After a few minutes, Barrett couldn''t hold back any longer and said, "Captain, stop pacing. If you have a problem, let''s discuss it. You won''t become a great thinker just by wearing out the carpet."


    EeDeChi finally stopped her restless movement and plopped down into the leather chair in front of Barrett, sighing. "Barrett, our adventure might not be as straightforward as we expected."


    Isn''t that obvious? The life of an adventurer has always been a treacherous path. It''s never been easy. Barrett grumbled internally but asked in a serious tone, "What''s the problem?"


    "I''ve been thinking for a long time and realized that dealing with Ainz Ooal Gown is harder than I imagined."


    Hearing the confident captain admit this for the first time, Barrett was surprised. He asked, "Aren''t you very strong¡­?"


    "Let me put it this way so you can understand better," EeDeChi sighed. "Imagine I''m a cheater in a video game."


    "Cheater in a video game?" Barrett scratched his head, confused. This analogy didn''t clear things up; it only made him more puzzled.


    EeDeChi didn''t explain further and continued, "I''m a cheater, and Ainz Ooal Gown is also a cheater. I''m about on par with him. If I put in the effort, I could still defeat him. But since going to the Great Tomb of Nazarick, I''ve found out that Ainz isn''t just a cheater; he has several cheater subordinates!


    "Sebas, Shalltear, Cocytus, and possibly others who haven''t shown themselves, they''re all cheaters," EeDeChi added, making sure Barrett understood, but Barrett still didn''t grasp the full meaning.


    "This is a problem. My own strength alone isn''t enough. It seems I''ll need to rely on others to deal with Ainz Ooal Gown. Let me think¡ªperhaps there are other cheaters in this world¡­"


    As Barrett pondered EeDeChi''s words, he was about to say something when a series of calm, rhythmic knocks on the door interrupted his thoughts.

 Chapter 66: The Captain and the Pure White Tulips

    Barrett peered cautiously out the window, and to his surprise, the visitor was the handsome, blue-haired renowned swordsman¡ªBrain Unglaus.


    The swordsman wasn''t empty-handed; he carried a light yellow flat box in his left hand and a large bouquet of pure white tulips in his right. With a face full of humble smiles, he stood straight and waited quietly outside the door.


    Brain Unglaus was quite famous in the Re-Estize Kingdom, known as a genius swordsman on par with the former Warrior Captain, Gazef. He had once fought Gazef to a standstill at a royal martial arts tournament and had developed several unique Martial Arts techniques.


    He had also worked as an adventurer for a while and had earned an orichalcum-level rating. If he hadn''t been so obsessed with swordsmanship and had instead focused on honing his monster-hunting skills and gaining adventure experience, it wouldn''t have been difficult for him to achieve the highest-tier adamantite-level rating.


    With such a renowned swordsman visiting suddenly and presenting himself with gifts, it seemed he meant no harm. Normally, Barrett would have hurried to open the door and show the proper hospitality of an adventurer. But Barrett felt a bit hesitant and uneasy.


    The first time the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team encountered Brain, he had tried to teach the arrogant EeDeChi a lesson on behalf of Princess Renner. Instead, EeDeChi had easily defeated him, taking his sword with a single hand and leaving him humiliated.


    Brain looked utterly dejected, as if EeDeChi''s strength had stirred up some dark psychological shadow within him.


    Afterward, EeDeChi had stopped Brain, who was trying to leave, and had a lengthy talk with him. When the conversation ended, Brain seemed as if he had been granted a pardon, like someone taken down from the gallows after an interrogation.


    Barrett remembered clearly seeing the captain walking calmly behind Brain while Brain appeared disheveled, covered in cold sweat, and with a look of someone who had narrowly escaped disaster.


    Now, with Brain taking the initiative to visit, holding a gift box and a bouquet of tulips, and without his sword at his waist, smiling with an air of humility, Barrett couldn''t shake the feeling that there might be a hidden threat behind that smile.


    "Hey? Barrett, does it really take this long to open the door?" EeDeChi''s dissatisfied voice came from behind the house.


    Barrett shook his head and decided not to dwell on it. He walked to the door, unlocked it, and let Brain inside.


    "Make yourself comfortable. What brings you here?" EeDeChi lounged in a leather chair, not displaying any arrogance towards her defeated opponent, but still maintaining a casual demeanor.


    Brain sat on the edge of the chair with a cautious expression. He spoke earnestly, "Princess Renner has a favor to ask. She hopes you could visit her at Sandelin Castle."


    EeDeChi nodded. "Princess Renner''s being too formal. She already hired me, so helping her out is only natural. No problem, I''ll go see her later."


    It was normal for Brain, who now worked under Princess Renner, to deliver such messages. However, it seemed unnecessary for a renowned swordsman to act as a messenger for such a routine request when a mere servant could have done the job.


    After hesitating for a moment, Brain made another request. "I have a personal favor to ask. I''m currently participating in the national martial arts competition for the position of the Kingdom''s Warrior Captain. I was wondering if Miss EeDeChi might have some time to offer me guidance on my swordsmanship."


    EeDeChi turned her gaze towards Brain and frowned. It seemed to be the first time someone had called her "Miss."


    The Warrior Captain, directly appointed by the king, was responsible for protecting the royal family and commanded an elite knightly order. Since the kingdom''s main forces were destroyed by the Great Demon King Ainz a few years ago, the knightly order had become the kingdom''s most elite fighting force.


    Since the previous Warrior Captain, Gazef, died in battle, the position had been vacant for years. Now, the old king had decided to begin the selection process again. Many nobles had sent representatives to the martial arts competition, eager to win the position that commanded the kingdom''s elite forces.


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    "I can''t help with that. I''m too busy," EeDeChi''s response was as blunt as ever. She glanced at the gift box and the large bouquet of tulips on the table. The tulips were snow-white, with petals layered like falling snowflakes and a few dewdrops clinging to the buds, looking as if they were just about to bloom.


    "Are these flowers from Princess Renner?" EeDeChi asked casually.


    "No... They are from me," Brain replied.


    Tulips from you? White ones? Barrett, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow and cast a subtle glance at Brain. The famed swordsman sat straight in the chair, hands neatly placed on his lap, eyes fixed intently on EeDeChi, looking like a well-behaved apprentice in a tailor''s shop.


    EeDeChi grabbed the bouquet of tulips, buried her nose in the petals, took a deep breath, and then lifted her head, wrinkling her nose before nodding. "Hmm, not bad, it''s quite fragrant. You two continue your conversation. I''ll go find Princess Renner."


    With a loud bang, the door slammed shut, and the sound of her footsteps gradually faded away. The room was left with just the seasoned adventurer and the renowned swordsman.


    Brain let out a sigh of relief and looked at Barrett, somewhat uneasy. "May I ask if your captain likes chocolate?"


    Barrett noticed the beautiful gift box on the green-painted table. The box was made of boxwood, exceptionally refined, with a blue satin ribbon tied into a bow and an elegant floral inscription on the lid: "Gillian''s Chocolate."


    Chocolate? And white tulips? Barrett''s eyes widened as he stared at the swordsman, unsure of what expression to show.


    He had traveled and adventured around the world for years and had a slight understanding of various customs and traditions. He had once gathered singing flowers in the forest for a noble young master and had chatted extensively with that charming young lord about romance and poetry. He had vaguely heard about the meaning of white tulips in the Re-Estize Kingdom.


    At first, Barrett didn''t think much of the white tulips, but seeing the box of chocolates¡­


    Oh! Man¡­ your taste is a bit over the top. Although the captain isn''t unattractive, her martial demeanor is more striking than delicate beauty! And her personality always comes off as rather stern and unapproachable. She seems to have nothing like the word "miss"! No, not just unlike a "miss," she seems nothing like a "woman" at all!


    The seasoned adventurer, who had weathered countless trials and seen the coldness of the world, sat upright, lips motionless, but his mind was a storm of confusion, as if a thousand goats and camels were dancing across the prairie of his thoughts.


    Brain, however, looked genuinely earnest, leaning slightly forward, waiting for Barrett''s response. His sincere eyes never blinked as he stared at the adventurer, making the well-traveled Barrett certain he wasn''t joking.


    "Let me think," Barrett looked away, "I''ve never heard the captain mention whether she likes chocolate, but she might." Hmm, most ordinary girls would probably like it.


    "Then¡­ why did you give her tulips?" Barrett suddenly felt a twinge of curiosity.


    In the customs of the Re-Estize Kingdom, white tulips symbolize a secret admiration. The color white itself represents purity and innocence. If a boy has feelings for a girl, giving her white tulips is a way to show that his emotions are as pure as the flowers.


    The blue-haired swordsman looked somewhat awkward and uneasy. "I''ve spent over twenty years honing my swordsmanship, and this is the first time I''ve met someone as unique as Miss EeDeChi."


    Hmm, this is the first time in my life that I''ve met such a unique guy. Barrett agreed with Brain''s words in his mind.


    "She is powerful and fearless, with a straightforward and candid personality, yet she is approachable and elegant." Brain spoke with a reverent tone, his eyes sparkling as if there were light within. "I know you might not agree with what I''m saying." He looked at Barrett.


    No, no, no. I agree with everything you said except for "approachable and elegant," Barrett thought, staring at the ceiling, unsure how to respond to this lovesick kid.


    "I once met a vampire girl as powerful as her. That silver-haired vampire wore a black dress and was only as tall as my waist.


    "But she viewed me as an ant, defeating the swordsmanship I had honed for twenty years with just her pinky nail. At that moment, I experienced despair and the fear of death for the first time.


    "Later, I encountered an incredibly powerful Magic Caster. Both my dear friend Gazef and I believed he was a good person, but he killed Gazef on the battlefield and slaughtered tens of thousands of my countrymen, leaving corpses everywhere¡­"


    Brain continued his story, as if recalling and pouring out his heart. As he spoke, two figures slowly surfaced in Barrett''s mind: Shalltear from the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and the Great Demon King Ainz Ooal Gown.


    "But Miss EeDeChi is so unique. She is willing to converse on equal terms with ordinary people like us, even traveling, adventuring, laughing, and singing together. Barrett, I really envy you."


    Faced with Brain''s sincere gaze, Barrett pondered deeply.


    ¡­


    The conversation between the two men soon ended. Barrett, being a seasoned elite adventurer, and Brain, a long-famous swordsman, needed little more discussion between two mature adults.


    Barrett saw Brain to the door.


    Just before they parted ways, Barrett suddenly asked, "What do you think of Princess Renner?"


    Having joined Princess Renner''s service, Brain likely knew many things Barrett did not.


    "Princess Renner truly lives up to the title ''Golden Princess.'' She is the greatest ruler I''ve ever seen. Both the people and the nobles need and support her. All who wish to protect the people in these troubled times rally around her."


    Brain smiled slightly at Barrett. "Of course, we won''t be blindly trusting her like Climb does. I don''t think you would either, after all, you''re a smart person."

 Chapter 67: The Captain and the Adventurer Meeting

    Around noon, EeDeChi, who had been invited by Princess Renner to the palace for a discussion, finally returned. As soon as she walked in, Barrett eagerly asked, "What did Princess Renner want to talk about?"


    "She''s leaving the capital in two days to help the poor, and some nobles might try to undermine her secretly. She wants me to go with her. Get ready; in two days, our ''The Last Defender of the Way'' team will head out." EeDeChi replied absently, as if it were just another casual outing.


    "Go make some soup; I haven''t had lunch yet." EeDeChi ordered. "Make a pot of parsnip soup, like last time. Dice the onions, slice the meat thinner, and add half a bottle of goat milk."


    Barrett shook his head helplessly and headed to the kitchen. Ever since EeDeChi tasted his soup, she couldn''t get enough of it, so he ended up taking care of most of the cooking on their adventures.


    Barrett pointed to a wooden gift box on the table and suggested, "You might want to try a few of the chocolates on the table. They''re from Brain."


    EeDeChi went to the table, tore off the blue satin ribbon tied into a bow, opened the wooden box, grabbed a few chocolates, and started munching on them. She tossed a chocolate ball to Barrett, saying, "They''re pretty good; you should try one too."


    Barrett caught the incoming "missile" with skill. Although he managed to catch the chocolate ball without letting it hit his face, his palm still stung from the impact. He examined the black chocolate ball in his hand and popped it into his mouth.


    Soon, Sean and Stella returned as well. Stella, wearing a cute heart-shaped agate hairpin, noticed the pure white tulip large bouquet on the table as soon as she walked in.


    "Who sent these tulips?" the young cleric asked curiously. "I remember that in Baharuth, white tulips represent¡­"


    "Brain sent these. You take them," EeDeChi said as she tossed the large bouquet of tulips to Stella, who was caught off guard and ended up with flowers all over her face. Sean quickly pulled the large bouquet off her head, leaving the young cleric with a few white petals still stuck to her confused expression.


    "It''s not really right for me to get these," Stella said, holding the disheveled tulips awkwardly.


    "What''s wrong with it? Don''t girls like flowers?" EeDeChi responded generously.


    She then grabbed a box of chocolates from the table and called out to them, "Come on, try the chocolates Brain sent. These are black chocolates with a unique Re-Estize flavor, filled with hazelnuts and toffee."


    Sean and Stella sat down as instructed and began tasting the gift carefully selected by a famous swordsman for EeDeChi.


    After swallowing a chocolate, Sean spoke up, "Captain, we passed by the Adventurer''s Guild and saw a new notice posted on the guild door. It says that tomorrow night, the Adventurer''s Guildmaster will hold a high-tier adventurer meeting at the ''Golden Harbor'' tavern. There''s something very important to discuss, and all adventurers of Mithril-level and above in the capital are invited to attend. You and the uncle can go."


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    The uncle, wearing a fabric apron, emerged from the kitchen with thick cotton gloves on his hands, carrying a pot of steaming, creamy soup. The warm aroma filled the room.


    "High-tier adventurer meeting?" Barrett looked puzzled. "That''s a big deal."


    ...


    In various countries, adventurer levels are categorized from lowest to highest as follows: Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mithril, Orichalcum, Adamantite.


    Mithril-level is where most of the highly skilled and experienced senior adventurers are found. Orichalcum-level usually consists of elite adventurer teams that have achieved a high level of coordination over many years and are rare as hen''s teeth.


    The highest tier, adamantite-level, is even rarer than gold in the slums. In the entire Re-Estize Kingdom, there are only three adamantite-level adventurer teams, and in the vast Baharuth Empire, there are just two adamantite-level adventurer squads.


    From Barrett''s memory, he had attended three high-tier adventurer meetings.


    The first was because an adult red dragon attacked a knight''s fortress. The second was to deal with an illithid tribe, and the third was when the local Adventurer''s Guild guildmaster got drunk and wanted to test his own authority...


    The Adventurer''s Guild is essentially a loose organization, or rather a loose system that acts as a bridge between employers and adventurers, taking a small fee for the service.


    Every large town has an Adventurer''s Guild, and each guild has a guildmaster, so a guildmaster doesn''t actually hold much power. As long as there are free-roaming dangerous monsters, no one can fully control the inherently free-spirited adventurers.


    Of course, Adventurer''s Guilds in major cities have more responsibilities. For example, the Adventurer''s Guild in the capital city of the Re-Estize Kingdom serves as a central hub, coordinating with other guilds across the kingdom and handling more complex affairs. Consequently, the guildmaster''s authority is somewhat greater.


    The setting sun, like a shy maiden, had already dipped below the horizon. The sky had darkened, and the night crept in like flowing ink. EeDeChi and Barrett traveled in a four-wheeled carriage along the street, approaching the "Golden Harbor" tavern. The three-story tavern was brightly lit, with colorful magical lights reflecting on the windows.


    From its charming name, "Golden Harbor," it was clear that this tavern was not run by the Adventurer''s Guild but was a high-end establishment in the capital of the kingdom.


    Most taverns catering to adventurers have names that lack any poetic flair. After all, poetic names don''t appeal to adventurers as much as blunt, catchy names like "Get Rich" or "Luck Be Yours" do.


    If an adventurer tavern were named something elegant like "Marina" or "Maggie Ivy," you''d find out that it''s likely a nickname for a local beauty who sells her body.


    Most adventurers wouldn''t frequent the "Golden Harbor" tavern. On one hand, they lack the gold, and on the other, the tavern''s refined atmosphere doesn''t suit their rough demeanor. It''s a place favored by nobles and wealthy merchants.


    However, tonight the "Golden Harbor" had been booked by the guildmaster exclusively for the high-tier adventurer meeting, which showed the guildmaster''s sincerity.


    The carriage came to a slow stop, and EeDeChi and Barrett disembarked. A polite white-clad steward stood in front of the tavern, flanked by two burly men with long swords and fierce expressions.


    EeDeChi and Barrett presented their Orichalcum and Mithril adventurer badges to the steward, who inspected them carefully. After confirming their authenticity, the steward bowed slightly and led them into the tavern.


    Once an elegant tavern for the upper class, it is now a scene of chaos. Adventurers in various outfits moved about, drinking, chatting loudly, sparring, and even brawling, creating a din louder than a busy marketplace.


    As Barrett walked a few steps ahead, a figure wielding a magic staff suddenly popped out from a corner.


    "Hey! Barrett, my old buddy! What are you doing here? Long time no see!" The wizard with a goatee greeted, his staff poking Barrett''s chest, a grin spread across his face.

 Chapter 68: The Captain and the Metal Plaque

    The goatee mage was named Tony Ulea, about 60 years old, and nicknamed "Old Tony."


    His hair was streaked with gray, and he had a peculiar burn scar on his left cheek¡ªshaped oddly like a twisted centipede sprawled across his face. It was clearly a mark left by magic.


    He wore a light blue mage''s robe with no magical insignia on the chest but had an orichalcum-level metal plaque instead. Barrett had adventured with him several times and had even saved his life.


    Although time and magic had left their marks on Old Tony, he always wore a cheerful smile, his optimistic demeanor making him quite likable. Barrett grinned back, opening his arms to give his old companion a hug, followed by a handshake and some friendly words.


    "Who is this lady?" Old Tony asked, turning his head toward EeDeChi, who was standing beside Barrett. His gaze lingered on the orichalcum-level metal plaque on her chest.


    "Hello, I''m EeDeChi, Barrett''s captain," EeDeChi introduced herself, extending her hand before Barrett could speak.


    Old Tony shook her hand and said with a grin, "You''ve become an orichalcum-level adventurer at such a young age! Your future is boundless. It looks like Barrett''s found a great partner." He winked at Barrett as he spoke.


    EeDeChi, dressed in simple black attire, replied coldly, "Young? No, I''m much more mature than you all."


    "You definitely have an air of maturity about you," Old Tony agreed. But Barrett knew that Old Tony was likely thinking, "Mature? More like rigid and quirky. She seems like she''s come straight from a convent."


    Old Tony turned to Barrett and said, "Barrett, I heard you had some bad luck near Mistwood in the Baharuth Empire. They say you lost your¡­ well, your manhood to a crocodile?"


    He glanced down at Barrett''s lower half with a mix of mockery and sympathy.


    "NO¡­ that''s not true! Where did you hear such a rumor?" Barrett shook his head vigorously.


    Of course, it wasn''t a rumor. While trekking beside the River Fra near Mistwood, Barrett had been ambushed by a green-scaled alligator. Though he managed to save his life with his excellent martial arts skills, the part of him that concerned his cock was injured.


    It was an embarrassing accident. Barrett was ridiculed by other adventurers as the "Empire''s Chief Eunuch." Fortunately, during a later adventure, EeDeChi''s indiscriminate healing spell accidentally cured the wound, and his cock grew back thanks to the powerful magic.


    If Barrett had only been injured on his hands, feet, or even head, he could brag about his survival skills against the green-scaled alligator. But since it was this particular part of his body, Barrett wanted to forget it entirely, as it was deeply humiliating for a man.


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    "I''m sure it''s not a rumor. It was the traveling merchant Klenf who told me. You know, he''s an honest man; he never lies except about business." Old Tony chuckled, his wrinkles crinkling up.


    "Klenf, that ingrate! I even saved him from a forest troll''s mouth, twice!" Barrett groaned, finally understanding how Old Tony, all the way in the capital of the kingdom, knew about this embarrassing incident.


    Barrett grabbed Old Tony by the mage''s robe and dragged him to a corner. "Come on, let me show you something big!"


    His injury had long since healed, and now he needed to clear up the "rumor."


    Old Tony and Barrett moved to a corner of the tavern, facing the wall. Barrett pulled down his pants a bit to show him. Old Tony gasped and then nodded.


    "Your ''little bro'' is indeed still there, much better than this old guy''s, but calling it ''big'' might be stretching it. Maybe ''medium-sized''? You should drink more water and hold it before showing me again," Old Tony joked with a lecherous grin. It seemed that despite his age, he hadn''t lost his old adventurer habits.


    "Ha, if that''s the case, then only a donkey''s cock would be considered ''big''," Barrett scoffed, unwilling to dwell on the topic.


    Old Tony''s gaze shifted to the shiny silver metal plaque on Barrett''s chest. "With your accomplishments, you should have been able to apply for Orichalcum rank long ago. Why are you still at ''Mithril''?"


    "It''s fine as it is. The higher the rank, the more trouble there is. For instance, if only ''Orichalcum-level'' or higher adventurers are invited to the High-tier Adventurer meetings, I wouldn''t have to attend," Barrett answered casually.


    What he didn''t say was that as long as EeDeChi, with her fierce combat power, was still at Orichalcum level, he felt embarrassed to be promoted to Orichalcum.


    "With greater power comes greater responsibility and more gold. You need to understand that, or you''ll end up just a regular adventurer all your life. When you''re old and can''t swing a sword anymore, you''ll regret it. Who can be an adventurer for their whole life?" Old Tony assumed a rare elder''s tone and gave him a solemn lecture.


    He seemed to sense the seriousness in his tone and changed the subject. "What''s the deal with your nun captain? Where did you pick her up from? With your credentials and experience, you should be the captain. Don''t let her push you around. You should rank up to Orichalcum soon. From my thirty years of marriage, I can tell you, a strong woman and a weak man are never comfortable."


    Old Tony poked Barrett''s side with his elbow, looking serious.


    "Shh~ don''t say that," Barrett glanced nervously toward EeDeChi''s direction, who was curiously surveying the tavern and eyeing the various adventurers in odd outfits, not noticing them.


    Barrett sighed in relief. "If she hears you, watch out¡ªshe might yank off your goatee!"


    "Ha, is she really that bad-tempered?" Old Tony''s goatee wobbled as he shook his head and laughed. "Ah, those adventurous days of youth were something to remember. But enough about that¡ªlet''s drink more later. Tonight, it''s on me. We''re not leaving until we''re drunk."


    "You''re buying?" Barrett sneered. "Tonight, the guildmaster is hosting a meeting, and drinks are free. I could say I''m buying too."


    "Hmm, just wait and see. I''ll have you dropping your jaw!"


    At the entrance of the tavern, a girl who looked like a waitress seemed to be calling for Old Tony. Old Tony bade farewell to Barrett, squeezing through the crowd of adventurers and heading toward the waitress.


    Barrett returned to EeDeChi''s side. The serious-faced girl was moving around other adventurers, rudely staring at their metal plaques on their chests as if searching for something.


    A few adventurers, each holding an oak cup, were gathered together drinking and sharing jokes. Suddenly, a black-haired head squeezed in, followed by the rest of the body.


    EeDeChi pushed her way into the group of adventurers engrossed in their conversation, gave each of their metal plaques a quick look, shook her head, and then expressionlessly squeezed her way out.

 Chapter 69: The Captain and the Medical Fund

    Faced with such an odd girl, the faces of the adventurers had darkened. If they hadn''t seen that EeDeChi''s metal badge was of rare orichalcum level, while they were merely mithril level, they would have lost their tempers long ago.


    EeDeChi was examining others with an intensity that was exactly like a middle-aged woman meticulously selecting ingredients at a market. Before she could annoy even more people, Barrett quickly grabbed her and asked, "What are you looking for?"


    "Aren''t we at a High-tier adventurer meeting? Why isn''t there a single adamantite-level adventurer here? It''s all mithril-level and orichalcum-level ones," EeDeChi replied, looking dejected. It seemed she really hadn''t found the right "ingredients."


    "Adamantite-level adventurers are like chosen ones; it''s not easy to meet them. They wouldn''t bother with such meetings," Barrett explained. "In the entire Re-Estize Kingdom, there are only three adamantite-level adventurer teams! Besides, the Adventurer''s Guild has no authority to enforce attendance; even some mithril-level and orichalcum-level ones haven''t shown up."


    EeDeChi shook her head repeatedly. "These adventurers are so disorganized, undisciplined, and laid-back. What a mess! You say there are three adamantite-level adventurer teams. What are their names? And which one is the strongest?"


    "The three adamantite-level teams are named ''Red Drop,'' ''Blue Roses,'' and ''Darkness,''" Barrett pondered for a moment before answering. "The strongest among them should be ''Darkness.''


    "As far as I know, the ''Darkness'' team consists of only two people, a man and a woman, while the other teams have several members. The fewer members a team has, the stronger each member''s combat ability is.


    "And ''Darkness'' is a newly risen adventurer team in recent years. They''ve gone from being unknown to getting an Adamantite badge just as quickly as you rose to Orichalcum," Barrett noted.


    Barrett had secretly inquired about EeDeChi''s background and knew that she had suddenly appeared in the adventurers'' field of view and quickly leveled up to Orichalcum, rising faster than a goat with its butt on fire.


    EeDeChi nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting. A two-person adamantite-level team like ''Darkness'' must have a strong sense of justice. Maybe we can recruit them to fight against Ainz Ooal Gown. I should find a chance to talk to them."


    "Stop obsessing over that big demon lord. Isn''t living a good life enough?" Barrett said as he pulled out a chair and they both sat down in a corner of the tavern.


    "You wouldn''t understand. This is my mission." EeDeChi gazed out of the tavern window, the glow from the magical candelabrum casting a faint golden hue on her face.


    They chatted idly for a while, while the adventurers in the ''Golden Harbor'' tavern continued their noisy revelry. Along one side of the tavern, there was a wooden stage that usually featured a band playing elegant music.


    However, at the moment, all the instruments, including the cello and timpani, had been removed, leaving only the empty wooden platform. It seemed the guildmaster  was about to make an appearance.


    Soon, a boy about fourteen or fifteen years old, with a few freckles on his face, ran up to the stage. From his golden-embroidered black robe, it was clear he was a mage apprentice.


    Standing on the stage, the boy used a magically amplified voice to shout at the adventurers below, "Quiet! Quiet! The Adventurer''s guildmaster  is about to appear!"


    But the adventurers continued their conversations, drinking, and boasting, completely ignoring him. The noise in the tavern did not diminish.


    The boy, feeling quite frustrated, pulled out his wand and cast a sonic boom spell. A white sphere of light exploded at the tip of his wand with a thunderous crash, nearly shaking the crystal chandelier off the ceiling.


    The adventurers were stunned for half a second by the sudden loud noise, and then they all turned their attention to the mage apprentice on the stage.


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    After the brief silence, the noise in the tavern grew even louder, directed at the boy on the stage.


    "Looking for trouble, huh¡­", "Little brat!" "Ungrateful little punk!" "What''s a mage apprentice making a fuss at an adventurer''s meeting?" "Little mage, get down here! I''ll give your head a red magical aura with this bottle of tequila¡­"


    The adventurers'' voices were full of curses, but among them were also several attractive and mature female adventurers who threw flirtatious glances at the boy on the stage. "Come over here and play with big sister~"


    The boy had successfully drawn everyone''s attention, but he had never faced such a situation before. He hurriedly shouted, "Please be quiet, the Adventurer''s guildmaster  is about to take the stage." With a blushing face, he ran down from the platform.


    After the apprentice left, a figure in a light blue mage robe stepped up to the stage. He had a bushy, trembling goatee and a gleaming Orichalcum badge on his chest.


    Barrett and EeDeChi looked closely and were both taken aback to see that the guildmaster  was old Tony. Barrett finally understood the meaning behind old Tony''s comment, "The drinks are on me."


    Since the guildmaster  rarely made public appearances, not many people knew Tony was the guildmaster , and many adventurers were as surprised as Barrett and EeDeChi.


    Some adventurers who knew Tony well started to tease him, "Old Tony, did you poison the previous guildmaster  with magic potions so you could take over? Hahaha!"


    An adventurer in studded leather armor stood up and shouted, "If you can be the guildmaster , then my pet goose can become a lord!"


    "Hahaha!" Laughter erupted, and the tavern was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, sweeping away any lingering discomfort from the mage apprentice''s sonic boom spell.


    Old Tony feigned anger. "Stop making jokes. I have something to say. Please be quiet and listen carefully."


    The adventurers in the tavern quieted down, their noise fading away.


    Even though they had been joking around, Tony''s authority was respected. As a mage, an elder, and a well-known orichalcum-level high-tier elite adventurer, few questioned his position as the Adventurer''s Guild guildmaster.


    Old Tony scanned the room, standing straight with a dignified posture and a serious expression.


    Clearing his throat, he began, "As you all know, we adventurers are like a sharp sword that promotes good and punishes evil, always hiding a passionate heart beneath a stern exterior, walking a unique path.


    "Adventurers risk their lives, fighting dangerous monsters and beasts, defending the human world from their sharp claws and fangs, protecting the lives and property of ordinary people..."


    "BULL SHIT! Save that crap for outsiders. We all know we do this for the gold, don''t we?"


    "Cut the fluff! Just get to the point already!"


    The adventurers started to stir again, and Tony coughed, having to get straight to the matter. "The ''Golden Princess'' Renner recently contacted me, seeking to unite several major and minor nobles within the kingdom to provide a medical fund for adventurers in the Re-Estize Kingdom with the money she has."


    The mention of the highly regarded Princess Renner got all the adventurers'' attention. They fell silent, watching old Tony intently, waiting for him to continue.


    Old Tony went on, "As you all know, adventurers have high incomes but also high risks. One careless moment could lead to severe injuries¡ªlosing arms or legs, or even having one''s... well, let''s just say, manhood bitten off!"


    Barrett shrank in his seat, certain that old Tony had glanced his way when he mentioned the latter.


    "Whose... cock got bitten off?" an adventurer below asked impatiently.


    Old Tony smiled. "It''s a long story, and we can discuss it another time. For now, let''s get back to Princess Renner''s proposal.


    "Sometimes, when we get seriously injured during an adventure, the cost of magic potions is astronomical. Our meager rewards can''t possibly cover the medical expenses. Are we just supposed to become cripples or worse for the rest of our lives? Wouldn''t it be great if someone was willing to lend a hand?


    "I''m sure you''ve all seen many capable adventurers who had to leave us forever because of a single mistake. The Golden Princess Renner, true to her name, has understood our plight. She has voluntarily offered to unite with several major and minor nobles to provide a medical fund.


    "As long as an adventurer maintains their registration with the Adventurer''s Guild, they can receive free medical assistance and a nearly interest-free loan to help them through tough times¡­"


    Tony''s words were persuasive, and the adventurers below began to murmur among themselves. It was undeniable that Princess Renner''s proposal was appealing. If they could get financial aid with minimal interest in a crisis, they wouldn''t have to deal with unscrupulous loan sharks.


    "What''s the catch? Does Princess Renner have any demands?" a composed adventurer stood up and asked Tony.


    Adventurers knew that nothing came without a price. There was no such thing as free food or free gold. You pay, I slay the monsters. Equivalent Exchange was the fundamental rule of this world.


    Princess Renner was known for her wisdom, but she wasn''t a royal with money to burn. Now that Princess Renner had offered compensation, what monsters would she want them to hunt?


    "There''s no catch! Princess Renner has made no demands!" Old Tony clapped his hands.


    The questioning adventurer snorted. "That''s impossible!"


    Tony nodded with a smile, his goatee quivering slightly. "Princess Renner isn''t a fool, and neither are we."


    "We all know there''s a natural law¡ªEquivalent Exchange. I understand what she truly wants, and we adventurers can contribute to that. That''s also why I called everyone here. Tonight''s high-tier adventurer meeting is about to get to the real point."

 Chapter 70: The Captain and the Princesss Scheme

    "Money, power, and military strength¡ªeach is indispensable if one wishes to rise to the political stage of the kingdom.


    "It''s well known that during the terrifying war a few years ago, King Ainz Ooal Gown of the Sorcerer Kingdom wiped out the kingdom''s main forces. Even now, the army hasn''t recovered, and local militias are still not fully recruited. Currently, the only force with elite combat power is the royal guard directly under the old king.


    "To lead the royal guard, one must be the Warrior Captain. In other words, whoever can push their own candidate to become the Warrior Captain will control the military power of the royal guard."


    Sitting quietly in her leather chair, EeDeChi nodded silently: "Indeed, political power grows out of the barrel of a gun."


    "The most revered Warrior Captain ever, Gazef Stronoff, died on the battlefield a few years ago during the horrific war with the Sorcerer Kingdom. The royal guard is now leaderless and directly overseen by the king."


    "Unable to find a warrior as excellent and reliable as Gazef, the position of Warrior Captain has remained vacant for years. But this year, the king has issued announcements nationwide to begin the selection of a new Warrior Captain."


    "The second prince and many of the major nobles have started to prepare their candidates, sending their own warriors to compete in the selection. As I understand it, the most promising candidate under Princess Renner is Brain Unglaus. I''m sure you''ve all heard of this genius swordsman. He''s like half of our kind, having once achieved ''orichalcum-level'' rating purely through Martial Art¡­"


    At the table, EeDeChi chuckled: "Ha! This boy is called a genius swordsman? I think there''s a misunderstanding about what ''genius'' really means."


    In the entire tavern, only Tony spoke from the high platform, while the adventurers below listened intently. Therefore, EeDeChi''s laughter, though deliberately subdued, seemed unusually out of place.


    Tony''s displeased gaze shifted towards her, and the surrounding adventurers frowned, looking at EeDeChi.


    Barrett quickly put on an apologetic smile and made a universally understood gesture among adventurers, indicating that his companion was just a fool and asking everyone to disregard it.


    Seeing Barrett''s gesture, the displeasure on the others'' faces faded, and they resumed listening to Tony''s speech.


    EeDeChi tilted her head in curiosity and asked Barrett, "What did that gesture mean?"


    "I meant that you''re a very smart person, and they should be listening to your advice," Barrett said. He could lie effortlessly when charming women, without even thinking about it.


    "I see," EeDeChi said, understanding, and nodded in satisfaction.


    Old Tony continued with his plans: "But the current situation is rife with undercurrents, and there''s plenty of backdoor dealing in the Warrior Captain selection competition. From what I know, some nobles have sent dozens of warriors to compete.


    "They use a rotating strategy to defeat other contestants and then deliberately lose to their own people. This way, with dozens of people''s help, they can easily push a highly-ranked warrior forward.


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    "Princess Renner''s side doesn''t have many warriors or mages, so they can''t do this to control the competition. Brain will have to rely solely on his own skills against the nobles'' organized forces, and he might get sabotaged.


    "But our Adventurer''s Guild is never short of skilled warriors and mages," old Tony said, looking around at the various adventurers below. "Princess Renner hopes that we adventurers will participate in the tournament and stir up the already murky waters even further."


    "Try to eliminate as many of your own opponents as you can, and when facing off against Brain, deliberately lose to him, to help Brain Unglaus become the next Warrior Captain."


    "The employer offers a reward, and adventurers complete the task. However, this time, Princess Renner has offered a reward to all the adventurers in the kingdom, hoping that we''ll take on her task. The generous medical fund provided by the princess and her supporting nobles will be our substantial reward."


    "When the Warrior Captain selection tournament reaches its climax, various casinos will undoubtedly set up betting pools, wagering on who will be the next Warrior Captain. At that time, if we bet all our money on Brain, we could make a huge profit¡­"


    ¡­


    The night was deep, but the Golden Harbor tavern was brightly lit. The speech by old Tony, the president of the Adventurer''s Guild, had ended, and the adventurers below were in heated discussion.


    Most adventurers had no objections to old Tony''s proposal. Only a few felt that it was too closely tied to the nobles and the royal family, which clashed with the adventurers'' value of freedom.


    The small number of opposing voices was quickly drowned out by the loud applause. Old Tony then proceeded to a non-anonymous vote. The results showed that the vast majority of adventurers agreed to take on the "mission" issued by Princess Renner.


    With the contract in place, a large, loosely organized machine was about to start operating. The elite adventurers who had come to the meeting would be dispatched nationwide to participate in the tournament.


    The Adventurer''s Guilds in various regions would also receive communication from the capital''s Adventurer''s Guild, issuing announcements and encouraging adventurers to join the Warrior Captain selection and support Brain Unglaus.


    "This kind of match-fixing is clearly the sort of thing only a deep state could pull off in secret. Yet here you are, discussing it openly in a rented tavern like it''s some grand, legitimate scheme. Do you really think the Second Prince and his supporting nobles are deaf?" EeDeChi lay back in her chair with a look of disdain.


    Seeing her attitude, Barrett couldn''t understand why a naive girl, who would be easily scammed even buying dates from a merchant, had the nerve to act like she had vast political experience. And what was with this "deep state" nonsense?


    "This is an open conspiracy, so there''s no need to hold secret meetings like some dark sorcerers. We adventurers aren''t involved in anything that can''t be seen in the light of day. The employers who came before have already offered rewards and signed contracts, so adventurers will naturally agree to serve them," said a figure in a blue mage''s robe. The two turned to see old Tony standing behind them.


    EeDeChi glanced at him, said, "I told you, Tony, putting your bet on Brain is a bad idea. The boy''s swordsmanship is average, and his mental fortitude is lacking. After I beat him once, he looked like he was about to crack. His character isn''t brave enough!"


    As EeDeChi spoke, she wiggled a finger for emphasis.


    No, no, no, Brain is the bravest person I''ve ever met. My God, he even dared to have a crush on you. Barrett thought about the blue-haired swordsman''s sincere eyes, feeling a swirl of emotions. Of course, he didn''t dare to say this out loud.


    "You''ve defeated Brain?" old Tony asked, his eyes wide with surprise.


    "Of course, I defeated him quite easily," EeDeChi said casually, as if she were talking about the taste of the soup she had for lunch, not trying to show off.


    This was actually an exaggeration. While Brain had been defeated by her, his swordsmanship and Martial Art skills were indeed at an exceptional level among ordinary people in this world.


    Old Tony stroked his goatee and looked at Barrett. "Is what your companion says true?"


    "Absolutely," Barrett nodded in agreement. He had seen the captain fight several times and had never doubted her combat abilities.


    "Hehe, no wonder it''s strong women and weak men, strong women and weak men," old Tony kept nodding, staring at Barrett, and repeating the term "strong women and weak men" several times.


    Barrett shot him a glare, wondering if he should yank this guy''s goatee off before EeDeChi got the chance.

 Chapter 71: The Captain and the Realm of Silence

    "Tony," EeDeChi tapped the table, signaling the blabbermouth Adventurer''s Guild guildmaster to look over, "How about I enter the Warrior Captain selection instead? I guarantee I can easily become the Warrior Captain."


    Old Tony shook his head. "We''re participating in the martial arts selection tournament just to clear the obstacles in Brain''s way. Any elite adventurer who can stand toe-to-toe with Brain on the arena wouldn''t be eyeing the Warrior Captain position. The Warrior Captain requires absolute loyalty to the royal family and a lifetime dedicated to protecting the king and the royal family. That''s not the kind of task we adventurers prefer."


    "And," Old Tony continued, "you should know, women aren''t allowed to participate in the Warrior Captain selection. It''s a rule."


    Old Tony''s words were clearly meant to dissuade EeDeChi from making trouble, but EeDeChi exploded with anger.


    "What! What kind of bullshit rule is that! It''s discrimination against women!!!"


    Old Tony was taken aback and quickly waved his hands, "No¡­ no, that''s not what I meant. It''s a tradition. Since the kingdom was founded, there''s never been a female Warrior Captain."


    EeDeChi was enraged. She stood up and shouted, "What outdated tradition? I''m going to break that tradition today! Princess Renner hires you guys to manipulate these rigged contests and says she''s stirring up the already murky waters even further? I''m going to filter, settle, and distill this murky water and give the world a clear and pure one!"


    Barrett poked EeDeChi in the side and whispered, "Captain, Princess Renner is also our employer. She hires us for twelve gold coins every day."


    "Oh," EeDeChi''s words faltered, and she sat back down. "I guess that''s the case."


    Old Tony saw that EeDeChi''s arrogance had toned down a bit and quickly tried to persuade her. "Even if you defeat all the contestants, including Brain, and come in first, the old king still won''t let you become the Warrior Captain. The final decision on the Warrior Captain is still in the old king''s hands."


    "That makes sense," EeDeChi nodded, unusually agreeing with someone else''s opinion. "The ultimate root of the issue lies with the ruler."


    "In fact, if you want to become a general, you could head to the Roble Holy Kingdom in the east of the continent," Old Tony suggested. "I''ve heard there are many female generals there, and the Holy Queen, heh heh, they''re all stunning beauties with slim waists, long legs, and fair skin¡­"


    EeDeChi glared at him.


    "Oh, no, I meant they''re all strong, muscular, and highly skilled women," Old Tony quickly corrected himself.


    The three of them continued their discussion for a while. Other adventurers who were familiar with Barrett joined in, and they all gathered around a table, drinking malt beer and chatting about various topics.


    As the night deepened, every gathering must eventually end. The meeting had long finished, and after the feast, adventurers in the tavern began to trickle out. Some adventurers, heavily drunk, stumbled and swayed while carrying their inebriated companions on their shoulders, weaving their way to their lodgings.


    Others, unable to move due to their drunkenness, simply pushed a few chairs together and crashed on them to sleep, spending the night in the tavern.


    EeDeChi and Barrett, having battled several drunken adventurers, remained completely sober. Barrett had a great tolerance for alcohol, but his face was flushed red, like a ripe apple in late autumn.


    EeDeChi''s mouth seemed like a bottomless pit. She had downed drinks from five adventurers who were trying to coax her into drinking more, but she remained unfazed, as if she had only drunk a dozen bottles of plain water, not even needing to visit the restroom once!


    Navigating through the wreckage of tables, chairs, and bottles in the tavern, Old Tony escorted them outside.


    The dim light seeped through the tavern''s door, casting shadowy figures outside as the sounds of revelry gradually faded away.


    Standing at the tavern''s entrance, Old Tony suddenly grew serious. He advised, "No one can stay out of the kingdom''s power struggles. The Adventurer''s Guild has declared its support for Princess Renner, and the undercurrents are already stirring.


    "Tonight is destined to be an sleepless night for many. Some will start targeting us. You''re close to Princess Renner, so you need to be especially cautious."


    It was now deep into the night, with the gloomy crescent moon hidden behind thick clouds, revealing only a faint yellowish crescent. A biting early winter wind cut through like a knife, piercing through the gaps in their clothing and chilling them to the bone. Barrett shivered, his drunkenness fading significantly.


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    He nodded, "Thank you for your concern. We''ll be careful."


    EeDeChi and Barrett bid farewell to Old Tony and left the "Golden Harbor" tavern.


    The two walked slowly down the street, treating it as a leisurely stroll. At this hour, the streets were empty; all the shops had closed and the lights were off. Occasionally, a carriage would pass by, its wheels making a "clop-clop" sound mixed with the jingle of bells, carrying passengers toward the warmth of home.


    EeDeChi watched as a carriage disappeared into the distance, stretched out a big yawn, and muttered, "Let''s head back soon. I''m getting a bit tired. Didn''t we come to the tavern by carriage? Are we supposed to walk back now?"


    Barrett thought for a moment, recalled a nearby carriage stand, and nodded, "Let''s catch a carriage."


    As he led EeDeChi around a corner, before they reached the spot he remembered, an old four-wheeled open carriage approached them. The coachman pulled on the reins, and the black wooden wheels came to a halt as the carriage slowly stopped beside them.


    "Do you need a ride?" the coachman called out eagerly.


    "Yes, yes," EeDeChi answered impatiently. Although the coachman seemed to lack a bit of Justice Value, she couldn''t care less. It was like getting a pillow when she was about to doze off.


    Barrett, however, frowned and asked in a low voice, "Why do I have a strange feeling that you don''t quite look like a carriage coachman?"


    He had once worked with a former carriage coachman who had transitioned to being an adventurer, so he had some understanding of the traits of a carriage coachman.


    The coachman in front of him, though, seemed off. Despite wearing a tattered straw hat and appearing to be diligently managing the reins with his left hand and the whip with his right, Barrett had an unsettling feeling that this man wasn''t a genuine carriage coachman.


    "Ah, you have a sharp eye, sir! I was a farmer just two weeks ago," the coachman admitted with a grin. "You must be an elite adventurer!" He flashed a sycophantic smile.


    "The season has changed and the harvest was poor, so I sold all my cows and bought this second-hand carriage to make some money in the city. But don''t worry, I''m top-notch when it comes to driving!"


    Barrett remained noncommittal. He could hear the distant sounds of horses whinnying and wheels turning, with more carriages waiting for passengers not far away. He was about to pull EeDeChi away.


    "Hey, wait, please." The coachman''s obsequious smile turned to one of desperation. "Have pity on me. I need to earn enough to send my daughter to the Craftsman Guild to learn tailoring. I''m just a few gold coins short of the tuition!"


    The coachman''s face was a picture of misery. EeDeChi''s heart softened immediately. "Don''t leave. Even though this coachman''s Justice Value is -276, let''s take this carriage."


    Barrett reluctantly followed the captain into the open carriage. His desire to leave wasn''t due to the coachman''s lack of professionalism but because of an inexplicable feeling he couldn''t shake.


    Experienced adventurers might not always be able to pinpoint why such feelings arise, but it was best to follow them. However, since the captain was determined to take the carriage, he had no choice but to comply.


    The coachman thanked them and, after confirming their destination near the royal palace on Lamb Street, set off.


    The night was dark, and there were few pedestrians. The streets were silent except for the monotonous clop-clop of the hooves echoing through the street.


    The old open carriage had only two seats. EeDeChi and Barrett sat on either side. The carriage''s suspension was poor, causing a bit of jostling along the way.


    After yawning twice, EeDeChi seemed to be feeling the effects of the dozens beers, champagne, and whiskey from the tavern. Her head lolled against the back of the carriage seat, swaying back and forth, and she soon fell asleep.


    Barrett wasn''t feeling sleepy. The cold, biting wind of late autumn made him more alert. After the carriage had traveled a bit, he noticed that the coachman wasn''t taking the same route they had come.


    "Hey, coachman, you''re not lost, are you?" Barrett asked, puzzled. "We''re supposed to go to Lamb Street."


    "Don''t worry, I''m taking a shortcut," the coachman replied without turning around. "You must want to get home quickly. I''ll cut through the slums and we''ll be there in no time."


    The coachman flicked the whip and hummed a soft, unfamiliar tune. His raspy voice drifted through the night wind, like a lonely spirit singing in the breeze.


    Barrett closed his eyes and leaned back against the seat, trying not to think too much. The carriage continued to jostle along, and before long, the lights of the buildings on the street dwindled, and the surroundings grew eerily silent.


    Gradually, the carriage''s motion subsided and slowed. Barrett opened his eyes to find the carriage moving through an endless night. The nearby scenery was blurred and indistinct. He was sure this wasn''t the slums; it looked more like an abandoned outskirts.


    The reason for the carriage''s slowing down was that the coachman had unfastened the reins from the horse''s back. The horses, now free of restraint, trotted aimlessly into the darkness ahead, their figures vanishing.


    With the carriage losing its momentum, it slowed further until the axles ceased their creaking. The carriage came to a halt.


    Looking around, Barrett saw only dim, shadowy outlines all around. The road beneath the wheels was a blur. The lonely carriage seemed to float on a dark ink lake, suspended in the dead silence of the night.


    "You''re going the wrong way!" Barrett felt something was off. He tried to get up to warn the coachman but found himself unable to rise. He struggled in vain, discovering that wherever his body touched the seat, it felt as though it had been welded in place, immovable.


    "Damn it! What''s going on!" Barrett tried to muster the strength to stand up, but it had no effect. EeDeChi remained seated beside him, her head resting against the back of the seat, deeply asleep.


    Barrett looked up and saw the coachman, who had unfastened the horses, now standing directly in front of them on the coachman''s seat. He had spread his arms wide, his robes fluttering as if by an invisible wind, resembling a gaunt scarecrow or a crucifix.


    The coachman''s lips moved, and his aged skin seemed to peel away in chunks, like paint coming off a wall, revealing a younger, more sinister face beneath.


    His head tilted to one side, and he grinned, showing a set of eerie white teeth.


    "Welcome, adventurers, to my domain, the Territory of Despair."

 Chapter 72: The Captain and the Lord of Despair

    Around the carriage, five black figures emerged from the darkness, their outlines gradually becoming clearer as if black statues were rising from ink. Barrett recognized them as five assassins draped in black cloaks, wielding blood-red curved blades.


    The coachman jumped down from the carriage, now without horses. His disguise had completely fallen away, revealing a long sword in his hand. He began to circle the carriage, pacing slowly.


    Though Barrett was confined to the carriage, he managed to catch a glimpse of the coachman''s face by turning his head. It was a handsome yet sinister face, with cold, cruel eyes.


    Barrett was startled. He had seen this face before on a wanted poster in the Baharuth Empire.


    "You''re Lord of Despair¡ªClovis Daguerre!"


    The coachman, or rather "Lord of Despair," Clovis Daguerre, nodded slightly and smiled, "I didn''t expect anyone here would know my name."


    Barrett had heard about Clovis Daguerre from other adventurers and on the wanted posters. He was an assassin who killed without a second thought, living only for gold. Countless souls had fallen under his blade, and he possessed an extremely terrifying Innate Talent¡ªDespair Domain.


    Through some method, he had expanded the range and intensity of the Despair Domain to unimaginable levels. Within this domain, he controlled everything, knew everything, with infinite power and speed, while his opponents'' mental and physical strength were severely diminished.


    Anyone entering his domain, no matter how elite, became nothing more than livestock in a slaughterhouse.


    He also had a similarly ruthless brother¡ªSlam Daguerre. His brother possessed a different, yet equally terrifying Innate Talent, but unlike Clovis, Slam was usually employed by the nobility of the Baharuth Empire and rarely made appearances.


    These two brothers should be in the Baharuth Empire. Barrett couldn''t understand why he was encountering Clovis Daguerre in the capital of the Kingdom, and trapped in his domain at that. Judging by the situation, there was no doubt he was here to kill him.


    Barrett tried again to stand up from the carriage seat, but it was still futile. Sweat poured down his forehead as he glanced at EeDeChi, who was still blissfully asleep in her seat despite the imminent danger. Barrett couldn''t tell if EeDeChi was under a sleeping spell or if she was just drunk from dozens of bottles of wine.


    "Ah," Clovis sighed with a hint of disdain. "I didn''t expect that a orichalcum-level adventurer, favored by the princess of the Kingdom, would be so disappointing. What a letdown."


    He stared at Barrett. "Are you already unable to move? This is just a binding spell. Don''t adventurers have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves? Show them to me. Don''t make me so bored."


    "Are you both really going to be killed so easily by a single stroke of my sword?" Clovis raised his longsword and pointed it at Barrett''s chest. "That would be a waste of my time, considering how long I''ve been driving the carriage for you."


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    Indeed, a killer sent by Princess Renner''s rivals. Barrett swallowed hard, recalling how he had warned EeDeChi about the murky waters of noble power struggles in the Kingdom, advising her not to get involved. EeDeChi didn''t listen, and now trouble had arrived.


    In this pitch-black "Territory of Despair," aside from the domain''s master, Lord of Despair¡ªClovis Daguerre¡ªthere were also five silent assassins surrounding the carriage.


    "What a beautiful night, wasted on two adventurers." Clovis looked up at the sky. In the Despair Domain, the sky was devoid of any light, dark and oppressive, like a black bowl covering the earth. The carriage was trapped within this black bowl.


    Lord of Despair took a step forward, his sword only a few centimeters(2 inch)  from Barrett''s chest. With a slight thrust, the blade could pierce Barrett''s skin and drive straight through his heart.


    "Yawn~" A long yawn came from the carriage. EeDeChi finally woke up, stretching her mouth open. The adventurer captain, bleary-eyed, blinked and asked, "Why did the carriage stop? Are we home already? Hmm, why is it so dark here?"


    Can''t you see what''s happening? Barrett stared at the sharp tip of the sword pressed against his chest, inwardly cursing.


    EeDeChi looked around, slowly understanding the situation. She frowned and was about to say something, but Barrett gave her a glance signal. She seemed to understand, slumping back down on the carriage seat.


    "I don''t know who I''ve pissed off, but can you at least tell us why we''re about to die?" Barrett grit his teeth, sweat pouring down his forehead.


    Clovis sheathed his sword, looking relaxed. His tone was indifferent. "Alright, I''ll tell you. It''ll help you die with fewer regrets. Maybe that''ll make two fewer ghosts clinging to me, haha.


    "Odys Malcon Waverly hired me. That old man''s useless, but he''s got plenty of money. I wanted to kill him and take all his money, but my brother wouldn''t allow it. So, I took his commission to kill you instead."


    Odys Malcon Waverly. Barrett silently repeated the name, memorizing it. He didn''t know this person, but he had heard of the Waverly family.


    The Waverly family is the leading noble house in the northern part of the Kingdom, controlling several major gold mines and overseeing the Kingdom''s gold coin production. With their wealth derived from these lucrative mines, the Waverly family is incredibly rich.


    There are rumors that their blood runs with gold, which is obviously an exaggeration, but it still hints at the family''s immense wealth.


    Such a long-established, prosperous noble family, which has been thriving for centuries, would undoubtedly align with the second prince in the Kingdom''s power struggles, opposing Princess Renner. Barrett and EeDeChi finally understood why they were ambushed and surrounded.


    "Do you have any last words?" Clovis said with a cold smile. "If you don''t speak now, you''ll never get another chance. Time''s running out for you."


    "I want to know how your Innate Talent¡ªDespair Domain¡ªcan be expanded to such an extent," Barrett asked, forcing himself to stay calm. "It doesn''t make sense."


    There are three major supernatural powers in the world: magic, martial arts, and Innate Talent. Of these, Innate Talent is a natural ability that one is born with and cannot be significantly enhanced through training, often serving as a supplementary skill.


    "I don''t mind telling you, since you won''t be able to share it anyway," Clovis said, sheathing his sword for the moment. He rolled up his sleeve to reveal a silver-gray bracer on his arm. The bracer was engraved with blood-red waves, and red light flickered on and off, like flowing blood. Even through the air, a sense of murderous intent could be felt.


    "This was an artifact obtained by an adventurer in the Eight Greed Kings Desert. My brother killed the adventurer and gave me the bracer. With it on, both my domain and my will, all my powers, are amplified. It''s as if¡­" Clovis looked at the bracer on his arm, clenched his fist tightly, "I can control the world!"


    EeDeChi looked around at the pitch-black surroundings, her expression filled with sorrow. "This is bad. We''re in big trouble."

 Chapter 73: The Captain and the Sword Show

    "What? You said we''re in trouble?! Big trouble?!" Barrett''s face twitched as he heard EeDeChi beside him say this.


    My captain! Aren''t you supposed to be strong? Are you at a loss too? Barrett was genuinely anxious now. This wasn''t just an act anymore; he started to panic, his heart racing uncontrollably. He quietly pressed his fingers against a pocket on his pants, forcing himself to stay calm.


    As the Lord of Despair Clovis had said, experienced adventurers have many tricks up their sleeves. Barrett had a small magical artifact in his pants, which he had scavenged from the residence of a deceased mage. This artifact could dispel most binding magic, including "Petrification".


    Back then, he had used this magical artifact to withstand three "Petrification Gazes" and had slain Medusa, rescuing a merchant caravan.


    The longsword was right behind the seat, within easy reach. First, he needed to focus his will, activate the magical artifact, then come up with a topic to chat about, lure Clovis in close, and when he was within arm''s length, swiftly draw his sword and launch a surprise attack¡­


    Barrett''s face was filled with fear, but his mind was racing, rapidly devising a strategy.


    But the problem was, even the usually invincible EeDeChi was saying, "We''re in big trouble"! Could he really defeat the the Lord of Despair Clovis? Barrett felt his nerves tightening, with no confidence at all.


    "This is really a big trouble now," EeDeChi said, her eyes drooping as she sighed. "I''m so tired, and it''s already deep into the night. We''re out here in the middle of nowhere, the horses ran away, and we''re two outsiders who don''t know the area. How are we supposed to get home? Are we going to have to spend the night in the carriage?"


    Barrett twitched at the corners of his mouth; this trouble was indeed big.


    Clovis slowly walked up to EeDeChi. He smiled and said, "It seems this unlikable lady hasn''t yet realized her predicament."


    With that, he held his longsword up, using the tip to lift EeDeChi''s chin slightly, and with a smirk, he added, "Lady, please look up and see the last handsome man in your life."


    EeDeChi, probably due to her exhaustion, kept her head down and ignored him.


    In terms of appearance, the Lord of Despair Clovis was indeed very handsome. With a devilish smile, he held the sword tip under EeDeChi''s chin, applying force to lift her head. He wanted this defiant woman to see his handsome face clearly, so she would remember the man who killed her.


    He gently lifted, but EeDeChi''s head didn''t budge.


    He put in a bit more effort, and EeDeChi''s head still didn''t move.


    He tried again, lifting harder, but EeDeChi''s head remained immovable.


    Was her chin made of iron? Why was it so heavy? the Lord of Despair Clovis felt a surge of anger, veins bulging on his arm as he strained with all his might to lift the sword.


    But EeDeChi was like a statue, her head not moving at all.


    Clovis stopped trying to lift the sword. His subordinates were watching, and this was becoming embarrassing. He gritted his teeth and thrust the sword forward, aiming to kill the girl directly!


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    The sword tip, which had been resting on EeDeChi''s chin, now jabbed straight into her throat!


    But Clovis didn''t feel the sword pierce the girl''s throat or the satisfaction of blood splattering. Instead, he was horrified to find that the blade pressed against EeDeChi''s throat felt like it was against an Adamantite-enchanted shield¡ªhe couldn''t push it in even a fraction!


    the Lord of Despair Clovis stepped forward, gripping the hilt tightly and forcing the sword, but it still wouldn''t penetrate the seemingly soft throat.


    The sword tip met an impenetrable, seemingly delicate throat, while behind it was Clovis''s powerful, domain-enhanced push. It was like trying to ram a steel rod into an iron plate¡ªthe entire sword was bending!


    EeDeChi stared at the bent sword against her throat and frowned. "I don''t have time for your little sword-to-throat show. Last chance¡ªare you pulling this carriage or not?"


    Clovis jumped back three steps, creating distance and adopting a defensive stance. His face was now icy and devoid of any previous ease. The five black-clad assassins around also stepped back, clearly shocked by EeDeChi''s unexpected display of strength.


    "Interesting! Finally, some fun!" Clovis licked his lips, his voice tinged with excitement. "As expected from someone Princess Renner values. Your defense is as tough as dragon scales. Is this Martial Art? Or is it your Innate Talent?"


    EeDeChi''s face was expressionless. She stood up from the carriage seat and then stepped down. Seeing her dismount effortlessly, Barrett thought the binding magic had faded and tried to straighten up, but he was still immobilized, his body seeming to be glued to the seat like it was coated with alchemical adhesive.


    "Fascinating! Fascinating! To break a 3rd Tier binding magic without any effort, your magical resistance is also extraordinary. But!" Clovis smiled maliciously, his eyes glowing red and his face growing more ferocious and excited, like a beast in an arena finally catching the scent of blood, its iron claws scraping the ground, ready to pounce.


    "In my domain, no one can defeat me!"


    Martial Art ¡¤ Sharp Blade!


    Martial Art ¡¤ Phantom Dance Steps!


    Martial Art ¡¤ Surge of Energy!


    Despair Domain! Fully activated!


    In the pitch-black domain, a tidal wave of aura erupted from where Clovis stood. A fierce wind surged, battering their faces, whipping EeDeChi''s short hair around and making her loose robes flutter and snap.


    In an instant, Clovis vanished from sight, like a drop of ink dissolving into a pot of black dye. Looking around, all that could be seen was an expanse of darkness. This boundless, profound domain was Clovis''s ultimate shield.


    A thin silver thread sliced through the black sky like a narrow blade, heading straight for EeDeChi.


    "Smack!"


    A heavy, dull thud rang out in the night sky. It was not a crisp sound, but mixed with the crunch of shattered bones and the burst of liquid.


    Clovis''s face contorted as if struck by a millstone. His lips, nostrils, and eyes twisted grotesquely, and a few teeth flew out with saliva. His longsword was flung from his hand.


    The Lord of Despair was sent flying with his teeth, spinning in the air three times before crashing to the ground with a thud, unmoving.


    The scene fell into stunned silence. Barrett snapped out of his daze quickly. He activated the magic artifact in his pants pocket with his mental power to dispel the binding magic, drew his longsword, and jumped from the carriage, skewering the nearest assassin''s chest with the tip of his sword.


    The other four assassins stood stunned, their curved blades still lowered. They seemed unable to accept that their leader, once so formidable, now lay dead on the ground. Even the sight of their teammate being killed failed to snap them out of their shock.


    Seizing the moment, Barrett sprinted rapidly, slashing one assassin''s throat and then piercing another''s heart.


    With the sound of three more bodies hitting the ground, the remaining two assassins finally came to their senses. But they were utterly demoralized, trembling, and dropped their curved blades, fleeing in terror.


    Barrett retrieved two flying axes from his spatial ring, spinning them in his strong arms. The enchanted silver axes flew out, taking down the last two assassins.


    "Is it over?" EeDeChi clapped her hands and wiped a streak of blood from them.


    Watching Barrett eliminate the five assassins with blood splattering everywhere, she frowned. "It''s so bloody."


    Barrett shrugged, too lazy to respond. When others are coming to take your life, worrying about the brutality of the scene seems like a mindset only a powerful person would have.


    Despite all the enemies lying dead on the ground in various positions, the area around the carriage remained pitch black, with no visible surroundings. They seemed to be standing in thick ink. The effects of the "Despair Domain" still persisted, with the black bowl of darkness still covering their heads.

 Chapter 74: The Captain and the Expedition Bracers

    "Why is it still pitch black?" EeDeChi turned around, looking around in confusion.


    "The domain created by Innate Talent hasn''t disappeared, which means its owner is still alive," Barrett said quietly. He and EeDeChi approached Clovis, the ''Lord of Despair,'' and flipped over the assassin who had received a slap from EeDeChi, examining him closely.


    Clovis''s face was badly disfigured from EeDeChi''s slap, twisted and crooked, with half of his teeth scattered on the ground and one eye shattered beyond recognition. Even his own mother wouldn''t recognize him now.


    But he was still alive; his breathing was faint, suggesting he was merely unconscious.


    Barrett intended to wake up the notorious assassin with a stream of urine. However, as he was unfastening his belt, he suddenly remembered there was a girl nearby, so he quickly re-fastened his belt.


    EeDeChi glanced at Barrett with contempt, then took a bottle of water from her spatial ring and poured it all over Clovis''s face.


    Soon, Clovis groggily regained consciousness. He looked at EeDeChi and Barrett with his only intact eye, his lips parting slightly with a loss of teeth, "Who... are you?"


    "To make sure you understand, I am¡ª" EeDeChi began, crossing her arms, ready to explain.


    Barrett tugged at her, "Captain, skip the ''to make sure you understand'' nonsense. It''s better to just finish him off quickly; the longer we wait, the more trouble we might have."


    EeDeChi nodded, "That makes sense. Go ahead and do it. I only took half of his life; the rest is up to you."


    Are you really afraid of dirtying your hands? Barrett shook his head in resignation and raised his sword, preparing to stab it into Clovis''s chest.


    "No! You can''t kill me!" Clovis, with his mouth and eyes twisted, trembled as he stared at the gleaming sword. For the first time, his eyes showed an intense desire for life and an overwhelming fear of death.


    Barrett wondered if his victims had the same expression when he killed them?


    "You can''t kill me! If I die, my... brother... Slam Daguerre, and my employer... Odys Malcon Waverly... won''t let you get away with this!" Clovis rasped, naming the two people in a desperate plea for survival.


    "Good. I''ll remember those two little bastards'' names," EeDeChi said, clenching her fists. It seemed that being ambushed on her way home had really angered her.


    Barrett drove the sword down, piercing through ''Lord of Despair'' Clovis''s heart, taking the rest of his life.


    As ''Lord of Despair'' died, his Innate Talent, the "Domain of Despair," vanished into thin air.


    The night sky changed from deep black to deep blue, as if a deep blue velvet blanket had covered the sky, dotted with star-like golden specks, and a golden crescent moon peeking through the clouds. Starlight and moonlight bathed the ground, revealing the trees and road around the carriage.


    The enemy was dead, so it was time to clean up the battlefield. For adventurers, that meant it was time to loot the spoils.


    EeDeChi was particularly interested in the bracers on Clovis''s arms. Clovis had boasted that these bracers, excavated from the Eight Greed Kings'' desert, were treasures that could seemingly give one control over the world. Yet, the assassin who thought he could control the world couldn''t even control his own life.


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    EeDeChi removed the silver bracers and examined them closely. The bracers were a dark silver color, adorned with ancient, wavy patterns and inlaid with arc-shaped red crystals that emitted a faint red glow.


    She cast a spell on the bracers:


    5th Tier Magic: High-tier Artifact Appraisal!!


    Lines of text appeared before her eyes.


    [Item Name: Bracers of the Expedition Master]


    [Category: Armor]


    [Quality: Divine Artifact]


    [Equipment Effect: Increases 33% in mental power, constitution, strength, agility, armor, magic resistance, endurance, health regeneration, mana regeneration, and so on, greatly enhancing various physical attributes.


    [For example, if you are a level 100 warrior, wearing the Bracers of the Expedition Master would be equivalent to increasing your level to 133...]


    What a treasure! EeDeChi was ecstatic. She vaguely remembered that she was level 100 herself, and reaching level 133 would mean she could easily defeat the great demon Ainz Ooal Gown!


    Hahaha! EeDeChi''s lips were stretched into a wide grin. She could almost picture herself walking back into the Great Tomb of Nazarick, dragging Ainz Ooal Gown off his throne, and then giving him a good pounding!


    A few lines of text still floated in her view. EeDeChi managed to calm her excitement and continued reading.


    [Note: This bracer is only suitable for warriors below level 70 and above level 20.]


    What the fuck kind of example is that!


    EeDeChi tossed the bracer to Barrett. "This piece of junk is yours."


    [Note Two: At the start of the Great Imperial Expedition, one of the eight emperors, who took the Heavenly Punishment Flame and the Silver from the earth, spent four days and three nights forging these bracers. They were given to the general of the expedition army, with a vow to break the chains that bound them.


    The wind knows no bounds, my head rests on my spear.


    Iron horses shatter dreams, swords cover white frost.


    The return is uncertain, separated by a thousand miles.


    The blood moon dims, and longing grows even harder.]


    Barrett caught the thrown bracer, looking somewhat puzzled. He didn''t understand why the captain, who had been so excited as if she had found a treasure in a junk pile, now treated the bracer as if it were worthless, with a look of disdain. Girls'' thoughts were indeed unfathomable, and the thoughts of this peculiar girl were even more inscrutable.


    Still, he happily accepted the silver bracer. After all, it was the prized possession of ''Lord of Despair'' Clovis, and it had to be valuable.


    Barrett put the bracer on his wrist. His arms were a bit thicker than Clovis''s, but the red glow from the bracer''s crystal flickered, and the bracer adjusted itself, enlarging slightly to fit perfectly on his wrist, without any gap.


    After sorting out the bracers, the two of them stripped Clovis down to his bare skin, finding several odd pieces of equipment and a spatial ring.


    However, they couldn''t break the soul mark on the spatial ring at the moment, so they couldn''t see what valuable items it might contain. They decided to pocket the ring for now. It''s a rare piece of common sense in the bizarre world of the mystery of magic that spatial rings can''t store other spatial rings.


    Barrett then searched the five other assassins'' corpses thoroughly, even checking their underwear, and collected several bags of gold coins.


    The night''s events had been thrilling, and the haul was substantial, but EeDeChi clearly didn''t care about these material possessions.


    They were in the outskirts now, with the cold night wind howling, and the dark tree shadows dancing in the chill. There was no sign of human activity around.


    She tightened her black coat and sighed, "I really don''t want to spend the night on an open carriage with a big guy like you."


    "Do you think I want to spend the night with you?" Barrett muttered quietly, but EeDeChi heard him.


    The captain shouted, "If you don''t want to spend the night here, then come up with a solution!"


    She jumped onto the carriage, closed her eyes, and lay down on the seat. "Why don''t you pull the carriage?"


    "I''m not a horse, and I don''t pull carriages!" Barrett quickly retorted.


    He looked around and spotted a vague silhouette in the darkness. Based on his experience, he approached it and found that it was indeed Clovis''s released horse.


    Since it was late at night, this horse didn''t have night vision like a nightmare steed. After running a short distance, it couldn''t see the road clearly and simply stood still, sleeping. Barrett woke the horse up and led it over to hitch it to the carriage.


    The carriage regained its power, but it still needed someone to drive it. Barrett glanced at the captain, who was resting with her head tilted on the seat, and took on the role of the carriage driver himself.


    He set the carriage in motion, following his memory to the capital''s main roads, and drove towards the lodging arranged for them by Princess Renner near the palace under the cold moonlight...

 Chapter 75: Novel

    In the capital palace of the Re-Estize Kingdom, in a secluded banquet hall.


    The kingdom''s most esteemed third princess, Princess Renner, known for her title "Golden Princess," stood silently by the wall. The lighting in the hall was poor, and slanted sunlight fell on her upper body. Princess Renner appeared somewhat reserved, her hands clasped in front of her, as if she were a maid waiting for her master''s call.


    The person who could make her adopt such a stance was neither King Lambos III nor Prince Zanac, but rather an entity from the shadows of this banquet hall, beyond the reach of human beings.


    A stunningly beautiful woman stood where sunlight could not reach. Her figure was slender and graceful, dressed in a pure white, form-fitting gown. Her flawless beauty made her appear as if an angel had descended to the human world. Behind her were two black wings, and on her forehead grew two horns with strange, twisted curves, reminiscent of a demon from hell.


    Angel and demon, these contrasting characteristics were perfectly blended in her, without the slightest hint of incongruity. It was as if the great creator had brought her into the world to prove that even demons could possess the beauty of angels.


    Albedo, the Guardian Overseer of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and an envoy of the Sorcerer Kingdom, stood in the banquet hall, her golden eyes focused and leisurely reading a small red book with a gilded cover.


    Princess Renner stood to the side, waiting quietly for her to speak.


    After turning the final page of the red book, Albedo closed it and looked at Princess Renner, as if just noticing the presence of this esteemed third princess of the kingdom. "Sorry to have kept you waiting."


    "May I ask, esteemed envoy, what is it that you need from me?" Princess Renner asked, neither servile nor arrogant, though her gaze was lowered.


    "Rumor has it that you''ve been getting close to an adventurer named ''EeDeChi.'' Is that true?"


    "Yes, I''ve hired her and her adventurer team." Princess Renner''s mind was in turmoil, but her expression remained composed and cautious.


    The Sorcerer Kingdom knowing about her was not surprising to Renner, as she viewed them as almost omnipotent.


    However, why would a high-ranking figure like Albedo inquire about EeDeChi? Although EeDeChi had easily defeated the strongest swordsman, Brain, she hadn''t reached a level that would attract the attention of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, had she?


    "Hmm, you hired her?" Albedo sneered disdainfully. To her, this was as ridiculous as if Princess Renner had hired Sebas Tian, the butler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


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    As someone who had fought both Sebas and Cocytus without showing signs of defeat, EeDeChi was recognized by all members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick for her combat prowess.


    Since Ainz was unaware of EeDeChi''s stance and she had not shown strong hostility towards the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the Overlord Ainz still harbored thoughts of recruiting her.


    In response to Albedo''s mocking laughter, Princess Renner remained silent. She stood quietly, her pretty face still showing tension and confusion, but her mind was racing.


    "Since you''ve hired EeDeChi, you should interact with her more often. If she says anything about the Great Tomb of Nazarick, especially concerning the Supreme One, Lord Ainz, make sure to report it all to me!"


    For the first time, a serious expression appeared on Albedo''s proud face, and she emphasized "concerning the Supreme One, Lord Ainz."


    "I will relay her words to you faithfully." Princess Renner nodded in agreement, though she still felt puzzled. "If I may ask, why does the Great Tomb of Nazarick place such importance on EeDeChi, this ''orichalcum-level'' adventurer?"


    "Your curiosity is excessive. This is an internal matter of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and it''s not something you need to pry into." Albedo flashed a faint, sinister smile, her lips parting like those of a succubus from the abyss, whispering:


    "Beware of meddling in the Master''s world, or you might lose your life."


    Princess Renner shuddered, a cold sensation traveling from her tailbone up her spine. A terrifying thought crossed her mind: could it be that the adventurer, who was a stickler and only cost 3 gold coins per day, was of the same level as Albedo and her team? But that adventurer had never shown any intent to kill. Could Albedo be threatening her?


    Seeing Renner''s fearful expression, Albedo''s face softened into a gentle smile, momentarily warm. "Don''t be afraid. In this world, you are the only human I hold in high regard. As long as you remain loyal to the Sorcerer Kingdom, we will always support you."


    Saying this, she opened her palm, and a faint blue light swirled as a ring with a simple design appeared in her hand. The ring was entirely gold, like Albedo''s pupil.


    "Here, take it. This is your reward."


    Princess Renner took a deep breath, her heartbeat steadying, and stepped forward to take the ring. "May I ask what this ring is?"


    "It''s just a ring, naturally," Albedo answered lazily. "But it''s made by the Great Tomb of Nazarick. If you have Brain wear it, it can increase his power by 10 levels. This should improve your chances of having your subordinate win the Warrior Captain position."


    "Thank you for the Supreme One''s grace." Princess Renner bowed respectfully.


    She then asked cautiously, "I''ve heard that my royal brother seems to have also received an item from a high-ranking individual in the Sorcerer Kingdom."


    Princess Renner had established her own independent intelligence department, and some of the information she gathered suggested that nobles close to the second prince had also made deals with someone from the Sorcerer Kingdom.


    "Is that so? Maybe someone like me, who is bored, enjoys watching lower life forms tear each other apart," Albedo shrugged, unconcerned. "Goodbye."


    In a flash of white light, Albedo''s graceful figure vanished from the shadows, leaving.


    Princess Renner stood holding the ring, dazed, her eyes somewhat stunned.


    At the moment Albedo left, the magical light illuminated the small book in Albedo''s hand. It was the book she had been focused on reading in the dim light before talking with Princess Renner.


    By the magical light, Princess Renner barely made out the title on the cover. The red leather cover displayed a line of gilded calligraphy: "The Extraordinary Demon Lord''s Exclusive Love for the Proud Princess."


    Princess Renner had secretly read this book as a child, having begged a young maid to give it to her. The story mainly revolved around a young girl breaking free from societal constraints to fall in love with a terrifying demon with a skeleton body.


    This... seems to be a romance novel... Princess Renner looked at the golden ring in her hand, feeling somewhat confused.

 Chapter 76: The Captain and the Anti-Porn Campaign

    The bustling market was crowded with people coming and going, with vendors shouting loudly to promote their goods. This was indeed the heart of the capital city of the Re-Estize, and even at noon, the vendors and pedestrians were still bustling about, filled with vibrant energy.


    EeDeChi and Barrett made their way through the market, ignoring the loud voices of vendors who seemed eager to shout directly into their customers'' ears.


    This was a rare large market; buying just ordinary food and drink seemed too mundane. Barrett wanted to find something special, but he hadn''t decided what yet.


    After squeezing through a crowd gathered around a fish fry and barbecue stand, Barrett arrived in the area of traveling merchants.


    In this world where transportation is difficult, traveling merchants weave delicate threads between countries, tribes, and towns, allowing gold coins and goods to flow slowly along these threads like tiny droplets of water, connecting one closed world to another.


    Compared to the noisy small vendors nearby, the traveling merchants were quieter, perhaps due to the hardships of their journeys sapping their strength to shout, or maybe the trials of their worldly travels had given them an air of quiet pride.


    Interestingly, traveling merchants and adventurers had some similarities. Both lived for gold, wandered without a fixed home, and considered the world their playground. However, traveling merchants battled with goods and long, arduous journeys, while adventurers fought with swords, magic, and monsters.


    In the lively market, EeDeChi craned her neck, looking around, seemingly searching for something.


    Barrett occasionally shared tips on shopping and identifying counterfeit items, but she merely responded with noncommittal "mm-hmm"s, leading Barrett to suspect she wasn''t really paying attention.


    "What are you looking for?" Barrett couldn''t help but ask.


    "Do you know where there''s a brothel?" EeDeChi''s question stunned Barrett.


    "What do you want with a brothel?" Barrett asked, amused and baffled. Suddenly, he realized, "Wait a minute, you want to go¡­ go crackdown on prostitution again!"


    Bad memories from his time in the Baharuth suddenly surged to the forefront of his mind. EeDeChi had stormed into a brothel, swinging her giant sword and attacking everyone in sight. She had beaten the guards, killed the nobles, and chased the naked prostitutes and clients out into the cold, making them line up shivering. In the end, she set the place on fire, burning it to the ground, which landed both her and Barrett on a wanted list.


    That wasn''t the end of it. She had also rescued two twin girls from the brothel, which added two extra burdens to their adventurer party. It wasn''t until recently that they had finally managed to get rid of the girls.


    "Do you know where there''s a brothel? You''re so well-traveled; you must know!" EeDeChi''s eyes widened with a pleading look, as if she was a little girl wanting her father to buy her ice cream.


    Barrett''s heart skipped a beat, nearly softening, but he quickly shook his head. "I don''t know! I don''t know anything! I''ve never been to such a place in the capital of the Re-Estize."


    "Really?" EeDeChi''s gaze turned skeptical, her eyes narrowing.


    "Of course it''s true," Barrett said, crossing his arms and avoiding eye contact.


    Of course, it was a lie. Barrett was quite familiar with the local sex industry. When gold jingled in his pockets, he patronized a high-class brothel with aristocratic background and fucked a 19-year-old beauty while being licked ass by a 25-year-old woman.


    When he had only a few silver coins, he''d end up in dark alleys, picking out heavily made-up middle-aged women, flipping the hourglass on the table, and having sex on a straw-filled mattress. Often, he was asked for extra money because he hadn''t cum before the sand ran out.


    "Hey, are you two looking for a place to have some fun? I know quite a few good spots," a cheeky yet enthusiastic voice interrupted.


    Barrett glanced sideways to see a man with a long leaf sticking out of his mouth, grinning as he approached them.


    He immediately recognized the man as a pimp, someone who specialized in bringing clients to brothels.


    From the accents of him and EeDeChi, it was clear they were outsiders, and his outfit was a typical adventurer''s gear.


    Due to his recent spike in income, he looked well-groomed, with new clothes and equipment, and his weathered face indicated he was an experienced player in this shady area. He was clearly a prime target for high-spending clients with a strong desire and ability to spend.


    Adventurers lived dangerous lives, fighting monsters and gambling with death. When they made big money, they were eager to indulge. There''s that saying, "The worst thing in life is to die with money left unspent!"


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    And EeDeChi? For starters, she wasn''t a man, and anyone with eyes could see from her attire that she definitely wasn''t a brothel client.


    The pimp gave Barrett a knowing look and said, "Come on, friend, I''ll lead the way. I guarantee top quality, prettier than elves! And the price is fair, cheaper than indulgences!"


    "What do you take me for? I never go to brothels!" Barrett said, his face stern and righteous.


    EeDeChi grabbed Barrett''s wrist and shook his arm, saying, "Come on, Barrett, let''s go to the brothel!"


    "NO WAY! I''ve turned over a new leaf! I''ve reformed!" Barrett tried to free himself from EeDeChi''s grasp.


    "Wow, what a sight," the pimp marveled. "Your female companion is urging you to go to a brothel, and you refuse?!"


    He squinted, as if having a sudden realization. "Oh, I get it, you must be¡­ having issues down there, right? I''ve heard some adventurers lose that ability after getting poisoned or bitten by monsters."


    He bent over and peered at Barrett''s crotch with a regretful look. "It wouldn''t be true, would it?"


    "Hmph, you can''t provoke me that way. My sexual skill is top-notch, guaranteed to make your mother feel over the moon," Barrett snorted, unfazed.


    "Don''t insult other people''s mothers!" EeDeChi shot him a stern look.


    The pimp wasn''t offended at all and continued to smile. "Well, you''re a bit late. If you''d come five years ago, my mom would have still been working."


    "Hey, Barrett!" Another voice rang out amid the bustling market.


    Uh-oh! Barrett recognized the voice immediately¡ªit was old Tony.


    Old Tony quickly used a simple teleportation spell and appeared beside Barrett and EeDeChi.


    "What are you two looking to buy? I know some local shops that offer extra discounts if you mention my name," old Tony said cheerfully.


    "I want Barrett to take me to a brothel," EeDeChi said.


    "Wow~~~" old Tony''s mouth formed an O shape as he elongated his tone in a drawn-out gasp. "Barrett, you really hit the jackpot! What a considerate companion you have! Such an understanding partner!"


    He pounded his thigh in frustration. "If only my wife were half as good as your team leader, I''d at least live another ten years! Why can''t I have such luck?!"


    I really wish I could give you that "luck"¡­ Barrett sighed, covering his face.


    "But this gentleman doesn''t want to go to a brothel," the troublemaker pimp interjected.


    "Huh?" old Tony looked Barrett up and down, frowning. "The ''something big'' you showed me last time, is it just for show and not actually useful?"


    Barrett was alarmed. While he didn''t mind rejecting the pimp''s advances, he was worried that if old Tony got the wrong idea, rumors about his "dysfunction" would soon spread in the adventurer circles and become a well-known topic in the taverns.


    He had just managed to shake off the nicknames of "Empire''s Chief Eunuch" and "Strong Eunuch," only to have them stick to him like dog poop all over again.


    "This is what you pushed me to!" Barrett said. "I just thought the brothel he recommended was too low-class for me, so I didn''t plan to go."


    "Hey! I haven''t even told you which brothel it is! We have half-elves at our place!" the pimp protested.


    "Never mind, I''ve changed my mind," Barrett clenched his fists and glared at the pimp. "Take me to a brothel."


    "Now that''s the spirit," the pimp grinned, signaling a passing open carriage.


    "If you don''t use a spear for a while, it rusts. Enjoy yourself in the capital," old Tony winked at Barrett before leaving.


    The three of them got into the carriage and traveled along the cobblestone streets to a place called "Dream of True Love."


    Along the way, the pimp boasted about the perks of visiting brothels:


    "I have a friend, a knight''s squire, who dreams of becoming a knight one day. He always binds himself with some code, never visiting brothels, never drinking, never gambling. He was infatuated with a merchant''s daughter, pursuing her madly, only to be played like a fool by that nasty bitch.


    "Later, I took him to a brothel, and he realized that the money he spent on gifts for that bitch could get him fuck two women more beautiful than her at the same time. After that, he stopped wasting money on her. Understand? It''s all about disillusioning him about women!


    "Slane Theocracy used to ban prostitution too. Do you know the real reason behind it? The root cause was that the Church wanted to monopolize sexual resources so that it was easier to rule by keeping all the men in the family. Those bishops seem so serious, teaching everyone not to indulge in vice, but secretly they rape little boys and even female elves.


    "Do you know why those bishops and priests, who aren''t even gay, like to rape little boys? It''s because they''re so sexually repressed. If they could have normal sexual relationships with women, they wouldn''t prey on innocent little boys."


    Barrett stayed silent throughout, while EeDeChi sat with her arms crossed, eyes closed in contemplation. They were finally approaching the "Dream of True Love" brothel, located on the outskirts of the city in a rather remote area.


    "Just ahead," the pimp said, pointing to a courtyard with a colorful sign. "Driver, park by that sycamore tree over there."


    EeDeChi, who had been pretending to doze off, suddenly opened her eyes wide, her gaze blazing with excitement.


    Without hesitation, she jumped from the moving carriage and stormed toward the brothel, her excitement palpable like a cat catching the scent of fish, laughing wildly, said,


    "HAHAHAHAHA! A BROTHEL! HERE I COME!"


    The pimp, still in the carriage, looked on in shock. "Does she like women?"


    "No!" Barrett covered his face. "She just likes to crackdown on prostitution."


    Next, they heard the sounds of metal clashing, shouting, door kicking, screaming, scolding, and roaring, all one after another.


    A heavily armored guard flew from the ground and landed on the third-floor balcony, hanging from the railing.


    A naked, overweight man flew out of the second-floor window, shattering the glass and crashing down to the first floor with a loud thud.


    One after another, naked men and women fled in terror from their rooms, running down the hallway like headless chickens.


    "Face the wall, cover your heads, and squat down! Line up! Don''t move! Anyone who moves gets beaten!" EeDeChi''s shouting could be heard clearly outside the brothel.


    The pimp and the driver were stunned.


    "THIS IS A DAMN ROBBERY! I need to report this to the sheriff right away!" The pimp tried to jump out of the carriage.


    Barrett grabbed his arm, pulled him back, and covered his mouth to muffle his screams, then dragged him out of the carriage.


    Barrett tossed ten or twelve gold coins onto the carriage, looked at the still-shocked driver, and said, "This has nothing to do with you. You didn''t see anything, got it?!"


    The driver, now coming to his senses and seeing the glittering gold coins, grinned and said, "Yes, sir, I didn''t see anything!" He then drove off.


    Barrett dragged the pimp to a nearby grassy area, tied him up with rope, and stuffed a rag into his mouth.


    Given the situation, he had no choice but to play the part of a robber. Barrett took off his multiple-pocketed adventurer''s coat, pulled a black cloth from his space ring to cover the lower half of his face, then drew his longsword and charged toward the brothel''s front door.


    "Don''t move! Pay up or die!"

 Chapter 77: The Avenger

    In the grand hall, the flickering red candlelight illuminated a towering figure like a mountain.


    Standing on the marble floor, his rugged adamantite armor did nothing to conceal his bulging, powerful muscles. From just his back, one could feel the crushing pressure of a mountain collapsing. If one were to move to his front, they would be completely overwhelmed by his fierce, brutal expression.


    He was a pure warrior, a brutal fighter. And now, his eyes, frozen with anger, seemed ready to burst into flames, his enormous fists clenched tightly, knuckles cracking as if he were about to crush something to bits.


    In front of him lay a cold, twisted corpse, its hair disheveled, sprawled on the equally cold stone floor.


    The corpse''s face looked as if it had been struck by a titan''s paw, with a crooked mouth and eyes, a shattered nose, and lips slightly parted, revealing an eyeball protruding unnaturally, evoking the image of a head smashed like a piece of rubber clay.


    The grotesque injuries on the corpse''s face overshadowed the gaping sword wound in its chest. The wound pierced from the front, through the heart, and out the back, with blood coagulated and staining the shirt and leather armor a deep red.


    Facing this corpse, the mountain-like warrior suddenly knelt, the weight of his body and Adamantite armor crashing down onto the floor. As he knelt, his knees shattered the stone surface, sending dust flying and revealing two shallow pits.


    He gazed at the twisted face of the corpse, and his anger turned into endless sorrow. He extended his calloused hand, as massive as a battle axe, and gently stroked the corpse''s face, murmuring, "Brother¡­"


    After a long while, he stood up, his grief entirely transformed into a raging fury. His eyes, red and bloodshot, seemed to flow with molten lava. They were no longer purely human eyes but resembled those of a vengeful tiger or a hungry wild wolf.


    A few armored soldiers with swords in the hall averted their eyes, each one unwilling to meet his gaze.


    A short, balding man in a black tuxedo carefully approached him, trembling as he said, "Lord Slam, please calm down. We all understand your pain, but¡­"


    Before the balding man could finish, Slam, the warrior, ignored him entirely and threw a punch sideways. The man in the black tuxedo was sent flying into the corner of the fireplace, his face a bloody mess, and he fell silent.


    Slam, a towering figure like a mountain, stepped over the corpse on the floor and drew a massive giant sword from its place on the wall. The cold blade was etched with a blood-red pine needle pattern, resembling a glacier soaked in blood.


    As he drew the sword, he roared, his voice like a thunderclap!


    "EEDECHI! I''M GOING TO KILL YOU!"


    Slam gripped the blood-marked giant sword with one hand and strode out of the hall. He smashed the wooden threshold with a single step, and none of the surrounding guards dared to stop him.


    A frail, aging voice called out from behind him, "Slam, stop. Don''t make things worse. That adventurer could die at any moment, but before that, we have more important matters to attend to."


    The voice was weak, like that of a bedridden old man, devoid of any emotional fluctuation or magical power.


    But Slam Daguerre hesitated. He stopped just outside the hall, breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling as if trying to calm the raging storm inside him.


    After a long moment, he replied softly, "Yes, General Odys." He then turned and walked back into the hall.


    ¡­


    "Let''s go, we''re heading out! Sean, Stella, you two hurry up."


    On a broad avenue, EeDeChi called to her three teammates trailing behind her.


    Walking beside her was Barrett, clad in Gorgon leather armor, while a few steps behind were Sean and Stella, moving with small, anxious steps and looking a bit fearful.


    In front of their adventuring party was a squad of mounted knights, fully armored and riding high horses, surrounding an exquisitely crafted royal carriage. Inside the carriage sat none other than the kingdom''s third princess¡ªthe Golden Princess, Princess Renner¡ªand her ever-present personal guard, Klein.


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    "Hurry up, hurry up! Why are you dragging your feet? Didn''t you have enough to eat this morning?" EeDeChi cast an impatient glance at Sean and Stella, who were trailing behind her.


    The adventuring party had been hired by Princess Renner of the kingdom, and they were currently on a mission to protect her. Princess Renner was heading to a city near the capital to provide aid to the poor, so the adventuring party of four was accompanying her.


    Sean and Stella were feeling frustrated but could say nothing. They were adventurers from Baharuth, and somehow, under the bizarre leadership of their captain, they had ended up as bodyguards for the Re-Estize princess.


    It was important to remember that Baharuth and Re-Estize had been at war for nearly a century, bitter enemies with an enmity that seemed impossible to bridge. Recently, the large-scale wars had ceased under the supreme deterrence of the Sorcerer Kingdom''s King, Ainz Ooal Gown, but the animosity between the peoples and governments of the two countries remained as deep as ever.


    While adventuring was a cross-border profession not bound by the regulations of any one nation, it was still wise to keep one''s head down and avoid unnecessary trouble in such circumstances.


    Now, here were two adventurers from Baharuth, inexplicably employed as bodyguards for Re-Estize''s third princess¡­


    Given that the squad of elite knights surrounding the princess''s carriage was on high alert, the moment they discovered Sean and Stella''s nationality, they would undoubtedly charge over, shouting, "ASSASSINS! PROTECT THE PRINCESS!" and then slice them into minced meat with their gleaming swords and long spears.


    Seeing EeDeChi urging them to hurry up again, Sean and Stella had no choice but to quicken their pace slightly and barely keep up at the end of the line. They sighed inwardly, lamenting that following a scatterbrained adventurer captain was a perilous endeavor where their lives felt constantly at risk.


    Since the last time EeDeChi caused a commotion at the brothel in the capital, Barrett had been on edge, always ready to end up on the wanted list with EeDeChi and make a quick escape.


    But strangely, days had passed, and nothing happened as if they had never been to the brothel. Yet the pile of gold coins Barrett had taken from the patrons reminded him that the farce was no joke.


    Later, Barrett, having disguised himself, went out to gather information. In a tavern, he overheard that Princess Renner had received a tip-off about a high-end brothel where a dark sorcerer was researching dark magic. After a covert investigation, she found the evidence to be irrefutable, so she sent hired adventurers to destroy the brothel.


    Now Barrett understood¡ªit was Princess Renner who had shielded them.


    However, Princess Renner''s methods were truly cunning. Barrett had been to that brothel twice before and had never sensed any trace of dark magic, but Princess Renner had still pinned the blame of dark magic on it.


    After trekking for half a day along the dusty road, the princess and her entourage arrived at a small town and stopped to rest.


    The local nobles and lords, having heard of their arrival, had already gathered from nearby cities to welcome Princess Renner and offer their hospitality. The princess and her party were lodged in the town mayor''s home, while the mayor''s family was kindly relocated to an inn by the "warm-hearted" nobles.


    It was already noon. After taking a few steps in the courtyard, Princess Renner dismissed the surrounding nobles and knights, saying she needed to speak with the captain of the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team about some matters.


    "Your Highness, I think it would be better if you minimized contact with those adventurers. They... seem suspicious," said Grand Knight Wade Bolton, the leader of the royal knight squad, blocking the princess''s path.


    The princess looked at the loyal knight in front of her and smiled, "Don''t worry, I believe they are not bad people."


    The princess''s personal guard, Climb, also stood tall and resolute, adding, "Rest assured, Grand Knight, I will protect Her Highness with my life."


    Wade patted Climb''s silver-plated armor, trying to keep his tone relaxed. "I believe you''ll protect Her Highness, but some enemies are beyond even the reach of life itself. Please, be extremely careful!"


    Princess Renner nodded at him and, along with Climb, headed to a side room to find EeDeChi.


    Grand Knight Wade watched the backs of Renner and Climb as they walked side by side, a wave of concern washing over him. Although Princess Renner treated everyone with kindness and did not look down on common folk due to her noble status¡ªa rare and commendable trait¡ªher interactions with adventurers were fraught with danger.


    Adventurers had no strong nationalistic sentiments. They always carried weapons like swords, bows, and magic wands, and their bags were filled with all sorts of peculiar gear. With just Climb alone, the princess''s safety might not be adequately guaranteed. But since Princess Renner was determined to go, he couldn''t go against her wishes.


    By noon, the local noble''s cooks had started preparing meals. Plates of dishes, fruit wines, and loaves of bread were brought to the dining table.


    Because Princess Renner maintained a down-to-earth style, her entourage had also shed class distinctions. Knights, the three adventurers, clerks, attendants, and servants all sat together in the same dining hall around various tables.


    EeDeChi was still talking with the princess and hadn''t come over. In the dining hall, Barrett sat alone, nibbling on a large piece of bread and savoring it with hot lamb stew. No one around him seemed interested in talking, and he couldn''t care less about anyone else.


    Sean and Stella huddled in a corner of the dining room, sitting face to face at a small wooden table, eating carefully. Even when the waiter brought the dishes, they kept heads down, afraid someone might notice them and reveal their Baharuth origins.


    Suddenly, a plate of bread, a serving of roast beef, and a set of silver cutlery were placed on the empty space next to their table, and then a tall figure sat down.


    Sean and Stella turned their heads in surprise and were stunned to see that it was Grand Knight Wade Bolton!


    The rough-faced Grand Knight gave a faint smile, his expression filled with inscrutable mystery. "This seat isn''t taken, is it?"


    It''s true that the more you fear something, the more it seems to come your way!

 Chapter 78 - Sudden Change

    Knights uphold loyalty, honor, and justice. The knightly spirit is a belief centered on personal glory, embodying certain positive aspects of the warrior spirit in humanity.


    The so-called eight virtues of knighthood are Humility, Honor, Sacrifice, Valor, Compassion, Honesty, Justice, and Spirituality. If one were to ask what the opposite of a knight is, there would be no doubt that it is the freewheeling adventurer.


    Grand Knight Wade Bolton has always maintained that the most unruly individuals in the kingdom are adventurers. Princess Renner hiring the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team to protect her safety is truly a last-resort measure.


    In his view, EeDeChi, despite appearing righteous and solemn, always wears a "blank expression," dons somber black clothing, and carries a peculiar giant sword, which makes her look like the leader of some suspicious heretical sect.


    Barrett, on the other hand, is the type of person he despises most. This seasoned adventurer, who has been in the industry for twenty years, is like the popular deep-fried treat churros¡ªfully immersed in the boiling oil of adventurer life, soaked with all the "virtues" of the adventurer, including laziness, unreliability, breaking rules, contempt for authority, and greed.


    But when real monsters attack, it''s these adventurers that are indispensable. Knights are suited for fighting on the battlefield to protect the kingdom and the princess. When faced with unknown monsters and beasts, the kingdom''s army is completely powerless, only able to charge forward and sacrifice their lives. At such times, experienced professionals¡ªseasoned adventurers¡ªmust be called upon. That''s why he particularly despises people like Barrett!


    Of course, in the grand knight''s eyes, this adventuring team isn''t without merit. Apart from EeDeChi and Barrett, the two people Wade likes are Sean and Stella, the young man and woman.


    They both seem like good kids who stumbled into adventuring out of necessity and haven''t yet been tainted by the industry''s grime.


    Wade also noticed that during their morning journey, Sean and Stella always kept their distance from the rest of the team, seemingly unwilling to get close to EeDeChi. It seems they also recognize the captain as a dubious character.


    Wade sees a reflection of his younger self in Sean. As a young man, he was just a trainee knight. With exceptional talent in martial arts, he was recommended by his lord to the capital, where he roamed alone, honing his skills, and eventually joined the prestigious Royal Guard.


    But since Sean and Stella remained quiet and reserved, Wade decided to make the first move and try to understand the true nature of the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team. Perhaps he could guide them as a mentor and correct their path, steering them away from becoming seasoned, cynical adventurers.


    "Where is your hometown?" Wade asked, his face adorned with a warm smile.


    Opening with a question about their hometown was a good way to build rapport and avoid coming off as intrusive. Wade was quite proud of his emotional intelligence and eloquence.


    Sean and Stella''s faces turned pale immediately. They shrank into their chairs, looking terrified and speechless.


    The mysterious smile of the grand knight suggested he might have sensed something off, and he had come specifically to ask. Although most countries and tribes on the continent spoke a "common language," accents varied significantly from region to region.


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    If they spoke up and revealed a hint of their origin, the grand knight might notice and react severely, possibly pulling out a spear from his spatial ring and skewering them.


    It seemed this young pair was feeling quite anxious. Wade, understanding their nerves, patiently waited. It was natural for ordinary young people from Kingdoms to feel nervous meeting the esteemed grand knight, and it showed they hadn''t yet become the kind of adventurers who disdain royalty.


    Wade gave a kind smile and patiently awaited their response.


    Sweat broke out on Sean''s forehead as he stammered for a while before croaking out three words: "Sheep Horn Village."


    "Don''t be nervous, young man," Wade nodded. "And what about you, Miss Cleric? Where is your hometown?"


    Stella kept her head down, unable to look at him. She focused intently on a bowl of cold soup on the table, gripping a silver spoon so tightly that the handle was nearly bent.


    "She... um, she... is also from Sheep Horn," Sean croaked out a few more words.


    "So, you''re from the same place!" Wade said, a bit surprised. Stella''s demeanor didn''t seem like that of a village girl, and a small village wouldn''t likely produce a female cleric. He began to doubt Sean''s answer.


    "Sheep Horn, with a name like that, it sounds like a place with plenty of cattle and sheep. Which town is it near? I might have been there," Wade continued.


    Sean reviewed his memories of the journey and finally recalled a place name.


    "Te... Tepno," he said, forgetting to keep his voice hoarse, revealing his original accent.


    "Tepno!" Wade clapped his hands. "I was stationed there for five months when I was still a low-level knight. That city has a border fortress near Baharuth. I thought your accent sounded a bit like someone from the south of Baharuth."


    Wade reminisced, "I remember back then, in just two months, the idiots from Baharuth organized five or six raids, but we beat them so badly they couldn''t sit straight.


    "Later, they wised up and didn''t dare invade our borders, even when Sorcerer Kingdom went to war with us. Only by becoming a knight or soldier can you ensure the safety of your homeland. Isn''t that right?"


    "Yes, yes, yes, yes," Sean and Stella nodded like chickens pecking at the ground.


    Barrett wiped the last drop of gravy from the edge of the plate with the final piece of white bread and then popped the bread into his mouth. The chef who was qualified to serve the princess certainly had skills; he was completely satisfied with this meal.


    He stood up and looked around, only to realize that in the corner of the dining hall, Sean and Stella were huddled together like two frightened little rabbits, while a tall knight sat next to them, sitting upright and stern, as if interrogating prisoners.


    Barrett felt a chill run down his spine. He knew that Sean and Stella''s nationalities couldn''t be revealed, but from the looks of it, had they been discovered?


    He approached the knight and cleared his throat. "If you have something to say, just tell me. I''m their¡­" Mentor? Too old; Uncle? Too old; Senior? Even older.


    Barrett paused, then suddenly recalled the list of titles EeDeChi had given him, and continued, "I''m their deputy leader. If you have anything to discuss, just speak to me."


    To his surprise, Wade didn''t even glance at Barrett. He pulled out his chair, picked up his plate, and walked away with a confident stride. As he left, he coldly said, "It''s a great honor to be chosen by the princess. Please do your best. I suggest you read the knight''s code."


    Barrett frowned, watching Wade''s retreating figure with a smirk. Another knight with a screw loose. Just four moves, no, three moves, and I could take you down, showing you that my fists are more useful than the knight''s code.


    Suddenly, the tall knight''s figure hunched over. The silverware he had been holding clattered to the ground, and he collapsed, writhing on the floor, his back arched like a lobster, twitching uncontrollably.


    Barrett was stunned. He had only thought about taking down the arrogant knight in his mind but hadn''t done anything. Could it be that he had accidentally mastered the skill of "mind-punching"?


    PAIN!


    SO MUCH PAIN!


    Before Barrett could recover, a deep, bone-crushing pain stabbed through his abdomen. It came out of nowhere, as if someone had punched his stomach hard and then twisted his intestines into a knot.


    Cold sweat broke out on Barrett''s forehead. Holding his aching stomach with one hand and clutching the edge of the table with the other, he grit his teeth and half-squatted.


    He looked around, and everyone in the dining hall was clutching their stomachs, curling up, writhing, rolling, and twisting on the floor, like shrimp about to be steamed alive¡­

 Chapter 79: Princess Renners Thoughts

    "I went to Meyall this time to handle the compensation for the fallen soldiers. According to the Kingdom''s laws, when a soldier dies, a certain amount of compensation is given to the soldier''s family based on their achievements in battle. Since the compensation isn''t very high, this policy has been effectively in place for nearly a hundred years."


    EeDeChi nodded. "That''s a good system for the benefit of the country and its people."


    The person she was speaking with was none other than the kingdom''s third princess¡ªPrincess Renner. They were in a room on the second floor of a small building, with shutters on all four walls. The bright sunlight streamed through the windows, casting striped patterns on the wooden floor and illuminating Princess Renner''s earnest eyes.


    Princess Renner paused for a moment, then continued, "However, in the war with the Sorcerer Kingdom years ago, Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown slaughtered over a hundred thousand of our soldiers in just one day.


    "Fortunately, the Sorcerer Kingdom did not continue its offensive against us, but with the current control that Sorcerer Kingdom has over us, it''s almost as if we are already under their rule."


    EeDeChi responded, "It''s a helpless situation. Humanity is too weak in this world."


    Princess Renner let out a bitter smile and said, "The most immediate impact of this war is that the compensation funds are running out. If we were to distribute all the compensation for the fallen soldiers at once, the treasury would be completely drained.


    "So, some of the compensation has to be delayed. I often wonder how much better it would have been if the supreme Ainz Ooal Gown hadn''t cast that dreadful spell."


    In reality, these weren''t Princess Renner''s true feelings. Though the war with the Sorcerer Kingdom was terrifying and nearly led to the kingdom''s destruction, without it, the crown prince wouldn''t have died, the second prince would still be the center of the nobles'' attention, and the power of the great nobles would still be deeply entrenched.


    She would receive a remote fief and, upon reaching a certain age, marry a refined, handsome, and esteemed man amidst the blessings of everyone in the kingdom. Then she would live out a happy and fulfilling life just like the dozens of former princesses recorded in the kingdom''s history.


    This was not what she wanted.


    Fortunately, the Sorcerer Kingdom, also known as the Great Tomb of Nazarick, emerged and changed everything with its unmatched power.


    The traditional noble''s military and political power was nearly annihilated, the king''s sanity was on the brink of collapse, the crown prince was dead, and for the first time, there was a shift in the succession of the throne. With a power vacuum, new nobles and merchants became active.


    The new forces introduced their representative, the third princess Renner. Princess Renner, with strategies, intelligence, and skills surpassing her brothers, along with her beauty and wisdom, consolidated and firmly held this newfound power in her hands.


    Power was like a fine wine; just a sip was enough to get lost in its exquisite taste, unable to pull away. For her own happiness and to continue savoring the taste of power, she was willing to give up everything except her own and Climb''s lives.


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    The Great Tomb of Nazarick, with its supreme power, had recently shown great interest in her hired adventurer, EeDeChi. Princess Renner didn''t understand why. To her, EeDeChi was just an adventurer with strong defensive capabilities. Moreover, being only at orichalcum-level, she was far from reaching the highest-level Adamantite.


    She was on good terms with the kingdom''s adamantite-level adventurer team, the Blue Roses, and she knew very well the capabilities of orichalcum-level adventurers. However, the Great Tomb of Nazarick seemed to place significant importance on EeDeChi, and there must be some hidden reason behind it.


    Princess Renner glanced at EeDeChi and said, "If Ainz Ooal Gown hadn''t invaded our kingdom, I imagine the common people''s living conditions might have been somewhat better."


    "Yeah," EeDeChi agreed, "Ainz Ooal Gown is indeed a troublesome figure. He''ll do anything to show off. Actually, I''m also looking for some powerful allies to see if we can counter¡ª"


    Before the adventurer captain could finish, a series of urgent knocks interrupted her. As soon as the knocking stopped, the door was pushed open to reveal a golden-haired figure in silver full-body armor.


    The only person allowed to enter Princess Renner''s room without her permission was her personal guard, Climb.


    Climb had already drawn his adamantite sword and looked thoroughly alarmed. "It''s an emergency! Princess Renner, someone poisoned the lunch today, and all the accompanying knights are poisoned!"


    Princess Renner''s expression turned serious. She asked, "Where is Lakyus now..."


    A sharp, adamantite arrow suddenly shot through the sunlight filtering through the shutters, shattered a white porcelain vase on the table, and lodged into the floor.


    Immediately, all four shutters in the room shattered in an instant, and the once-bright sunlight was replaced by a barrage of tightly packed arrows like a swarm of locusts!


    Amidst the arrow rain, a golden pendant on Princess Renner''s chest began to glow, and magical energy surged, forming an oval shield around her. Climb swung his longsword, pushing through the dense arrows and reaching the princess. Countless sharp arrowheads struck his full-body armor with a clattering sound.


    Princess Renner grabbed Climb''s wrist and pulled him into the magical shield, their eyes wide with fear.


    A tornado was dancing around them.


    In the room, more intense than the hail of arrows was the sword wind whipped up by EeDeChi''s giant sword. The arrows were swept away by the heavy blade, not a single one coming close to EeDeChi.


    The sword shadows were densely woven and bright. Amid them, a colorful magical aura appeared. Runes swirled around EeDeChi''s outstretched left hand, slowly rotating as a circular magical seal unfolded before the adventurer captain''s palm.


    Princess Renner and Climb were completely stunned. Not only was this guy wielding the giant sword with such precision that no one could break through, but she was also casting magic with her other hand!


    5th Tier Magic: Earthquake!


    Blinding white light erupted from the sword-wielding tornado, like a thunderclap tearing through everything in its path.


    After the intense light and scorching wind, Princess Renner forced her eyes open. The clear noon sunlight poured over the three of them without obstruction, as half the small building and its entire roof had been blown away¡­


    There was one last undamaged shutter behind them when a red figure floated in. Taking advantage of Princess Renner''s shock, the figure brandished a long blade and thrust it toward her.


    ¡­


    In the dining hall, Barrett frowned deeply, slowly crouching down as a tearing pain in his abdomen made sweat the size of beans bead all over his body, soaking his hair and eyebrows. He trembled as he reached into his spatial ring with his left hand, pulling out a vial of antidote said to cure all poisons. He bit open the vial and poured the black pill into his mouth.


    In the center of the dining hall, a pure white holy light surged like a tide, spreading out in all directions. The immaculate light engulfed Barrett, the intense pain in his abdomen suddenly easing a lot. His twisted intestines felt like they had been untied and relaxed.


    Someone had cast a blessing magic field in the dining hall!


    Fortunately, the seasoned alchemist didn''t boast at this critical moment, and the antidote was working. Barrett''s stomach gurgled as if liquid was rolling through, cleansing his digestive system and soothing his cramping intestines.


    With the combined effects of the blessing magic and the antidote, the terrifying abdominal pain gradually diminished. Barrett took deep breaths, pulled out his longsword from his spatial ring, and braced himself with one hand on the hilt.


    He stood up and looked at the person casting the blessing magic field in the center of the dining hall.

 Chapter 80: The Scrolls Fiery Dance

    A slender girl with light blonde long hair crouched on the ground, a massive black giant sword firmly planted before her. The blade gleamed with an eerie blue light, resembling a long, deep crystal. Her adamantite armor, interwoven with gold and crimson, was both costly and luxurious.


    The girl maintained a standard casting posture, with pure white light radiating from her as the epicenter. It formed an arc that enveloped those poisoned, preserving their vital signs.


    Barrett, seeing the distinctive black magic sword in her hand, instantly recognized her as an Adamantite-level adventurer¡ªLakyus Alvein Dale Aindra.


    The kingdom had only three Adamantite-level adventurer teams, and Lakyus was the leader of one of them, the Blue Roses. She was a rare noble lady adventurer and a descendant of the legendary Thirteen Heroes. Mastering Divine Magic, she could wield fifth-tier resurrection spells. She was an elite warrior who had stepped into the realm of "heroes"!


    Barrett thought about greeting her. After all, the highest-ranking Adamantite-level adventurers were notoriously elusive, and it was a rare chance to meet one.


    Suddenly, a shadow in a red robe dashed into the hall, brandishing a crimson dagger that gleamed with bloodlust. The figure in the red robe glanced around the hall briefly before charging directly at Lakyus, who was surrounded by the sacred light.


    It seems this red-robed figure is an assassin, Barrett thought. But since there''s an Adamantite-level adventurer present, it''s no longer my concern. He turned to check on Sean and Stella''s condition, planning to get them out of there quickly.


    "You''re an adventurer too, right? HELP ME!" Lakyus, still crouched with her sword, called out anxiously.


    Only then did Barrett notice that the red-robed assassin, moving like lightning, had already struck Lakyus with several blows. However, the sword strikes merely collided with a transparent magical shield, failing to harm Lakyus.


    "I must maintain the blessing magic field, or everyone here will be poisoned to death! I can''t free a hand to fight back. With the magic blade attacking, the Saint''s Shield won''t hold for long! Help me!" Lakyus pleaded again.


    Under the delicate magical shield, the beautiful and strong girl looked at Barrett with a desperate, pleading gaze.


    Understanding the urgency, Barrett gripped his long sword and prepared to charge at the red-robed assassin. But just as he took a step, a strong body suddenly enveloped him. Barrett almost lost his balance and had to use his sword to brace himself.


    It was Wade, who had been writhing on the ground, clutching his stomach earlier! Sweat, the size of beans, covered his forehead as he tightly embraced Barrett and shouted, "Miss Lakyus, don''t trust him! He''s the only one not poisoned! He must be the assassin sent to kill the princess!"


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    Idiot! I have an antidote! Barrett cursed inwardly.


    In the dining hall, only Lakyus, Barrett, and the red-robed assassin were moving freely. No wonder the grand knight would suspect him as the assassin.


    Unable to tolerate it any longer, Barrett landed an elbow strike to Wade''s chin. The dense-headed grand knight, overwhelmed by the dual pain in his jaw and stomach, released Barrett.


    Freed from Wade''s grip, Barrett swung his broad-bladed sword and charged forward, simultaneously hurling a throwing axe.


    As the red-robed assassin barely managed to block the throwing axe, Barrett''s heavy sword came crashing down. The assassin barely managed to parry with his sword, activating a defensive Martial Art, but was still blasted away by Barrett''s charge and the powerful strike of the sword. He crashed into an oak tavern table, shattering it.


    Barrett was amazed by his own strength. Ever since he put on the wristband from "Lord of Despair" Clovis, he felt his entire body had gained immense power, as if an inexhaustible energy was flowing through him.


    But Barrett''s surprise was brief. He quickly charged forward again, relentlessly attacking the fallen foe. The red-robed assassin, sprawled among the oak splinters, tried to dodge a few strikes, but was ultimately pierced through by Barrett''s sword.


    Two more figures in red rolled in through the doorway. One of them moved like lightning, apparently using a Martial Art to boost his speed. He became a blur, instantly appearing behind Barrett.


    Barrett reacted with a backhanded diagonal slash, meeting the blade that was coming for his neck with a solid clash. The red-robed assassin, skilled in backstabbing, missed his attack, quickly leaping backward and then moving at high speed again, searching for another chance to strike.


    The other, a larger assassin, leaped in with a powerful jump. Instead of a sword, he wielded a short-handled battle axe, swinging it menacingly at Barrett.


    Barrett pressed forward instead of retreating. He stepped ahead, positioning the hard adamantite-plated part of his armor to absorb the battle axe''s blow while angling his body to deflect the force. Holding his long sword firmly with one hand, he collided with the massive assassin, piercing through the back with a bloodied blade.


    He kicked the corpse off his sword and rolled away, narrowly avoiding a sharp blade that came at him from behind.


    "This is like dealing with a damn fly!" A seasoned adventurer frowned, finding the agile assassin darting through the dining hall quite bothersome.


    However, since putting on the Bracers of the Expedition Master, Barrett''s vision and perception had significantly improved. Narrowing his eyes into slits, he quickly tracked the "fly" assassin''s movements.


    Barrett swung his arm, launching a throwing axe that he pulled from his spatial ring. The axe spun through the air at terrifying speed, cutting through it but missing its target and instead heading straight for Lakyus in the center of the dining hall. Fortunately, Lakyus was still shielded by a magical barrier, and the sharp axe ricocheted off the shield.


    "Ha!" Barrett heard the mocking laugh of the "fly" assassin behind him.


    But the assassin''s derisive laughter abruptly stopped. The axe, deflected by the shield, traced an unusual arc and struck the speeding "fly" assassin, breaking one of his arms. The assassin staggered and fell, his backstabbing short sword flying from his hand.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Barrett charged forward, swinging his long sword towards the assassin''s neck.


    With nowhere left to run, the assassin, sitting on the ground, pulled out a magical scroll and threw it at Barrett. Without a second glance, Barrett sliced through the scroll and the assassin''s neck in one swift motion. Blood sprayed high, staining the walls and ceiling red.


    Exhaling deeply, the seasoned adventurer finally dealt with the annoying foe. Before he could even catch his breath, a blazing stream of gold and red fire exploded in front of him!


    The scroll he had just cut open was filled with fire elements! The scroll ignited into a fireball, and the violent flames spread out, turning everything they touched¡ªchairs, utensils, and even the fallen bodies¡ªinto flames. The entire dining hall was instantly engulfed in a raging inferno!

 Chapter 81: Dialogue with Adamantite-Level

    Flames rushed toward him like a magma beast tearing at his very soul. Just before he could be engulfed, Barrett reacted quickly, pulling a large square shield from his spatial ring and placing it in front of him. Still, the furious heat thrust him into the inferno.


    As he fell into the fire, one thought raced through Barrett''s mind: what a crazy spell scroll¡­ the burning effect is insane! I definitely need to get one of these!


    Fortunately, Barrett was skilled. He plunged his sword into the wooden floor, using it for support to steady himself. While he narrowly avoided being burned alive, a nauseating whiff of roasting flesh began to creep into his nostrils.


    The poisoned individuals were in a near-death state, twitching on the ground like shrimp about to be steamed alive. But now, with flames roaring in the dining hall, the "steamed shrimp" were becoming "roasted shrimp." Several fiery figures writhed on the floor like burning bugs, their agonizing screams echoing throughout.


    A complex and melodious chant rang out behind Barrett, followed by a strong, commanding voice:


    "Frostbound Barrier!"


    With a sizzling sound, like rain hitting red-hot iron, a wave of cold air slammed into Barrett''s back, pushing the searing flames away. The flammable hardwood floor was soon covered with a solid layer of frost.


    Lakyus, truly an adamantite-level adventurer, maintained the blessing magic while casting a 3rd Tier ice spell. One moment, Barrett felt like he was in a furnace, and the next, it was as if he were standing on frozen ground.


    But he knew deep down that this spell wouldn''t last long. Lakyus was a Divine Magic user, and Arcane Magic wasn''t her specialty. Before long, the alchemical fire elementals, cornered against the walls and ceiling, would come roaring back, turning this place into a hellish inferno once again.


    Golden holy light surged forth as Lakyus cast a healing spell again, the warm magic spreading across the frosty white floor, temporarily saving those who were poisoned.


    A motionless body floated up into the air, gliding past Barrett as it moved toward the dining hall exit.


    He turned his head to see that the cleric girl, Stella, had somehow gotten back on her feet. She was using a 2nd Tier spell, "Mage Hand," struggling to move the still-raw "shrimp" outside. Barrett almost forgot that, despite being only silver-level, she was also a Divine Magic user.


    Sean also stood up, his hair and eyebrows singed and curled from the flames. He was supporting two weak knights, slowly moving them outside, one of whom was Wade, the knight who had been "chatting pleasantly" with them earlier.


    Seeing this, Barrett rushed over to help; he was much stronger than Sean. With both knights tucked under his arms, he dashed forward. Lakyus, the adamantite-level adventurer, shot them a grateful look, knowing she couldn''t possibly save all the survivors in the dining hall on her own.


    Lakyus was close friends with Princess Renner, and this time she had secretly joined the knight squad at the princess''s invitation to protect her. Sure enough, before they even reached their destination, a group of assassins sprang an ambush.


    The assassins were cunning and ruthless. First, they secretly poisoned the food served at noon, and then they unleashed an alchemical fire elemental scroll that rivaled a 4th Tier spell. If Lakyus hadn''t quickly cast her blessing magic field, all the knights escorting the princess would likely have met their end here.


    At that moment, Lakyus realized her duty was to protect the princess, and throughout this attack, she had been focused on healing the knights, while Princess Renner¡­


    Cold sweat broke out on Lakyus''s forehead. Princess Renner was not only her employer but also a close friend. If something happened to her, Lakyus would never forgive herself!


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    Just as she was about to draw her magic sword and rush outside, she spotted a figure in a pink dress and silver armor stepping through the doorway, still smoldering from the last flames. It was Princess Renner and her personal guard, Climb, whose sword dripped with blood.


    A third person leaped into the dining hall¡ªa black-haired girl wielding a giant sword. Lakyus recalled that she was the new orichalcum-level adventurer hired by Princess Renner.


    "Your Highness, you need to get out of here! It''s too dangerous!" Lakyus shouted anxiously. Given the situation, Princess Renner was actually trying to enter the fire-infested area, where ice magic was barely keeping the flames at bay, to help rescue the incapacitated poisoned victims.


    "This attack was aimed at me, and it has put you all at risk. Now, I should do my part to help!" Princess Renner said apologetically. She grabbed hold of an unconscious knight and began to drag him outside, completely unafraid of the occasional falling flames from the ceiling, nor did she care about the knight''s soot-covered body staining her dress.


    Lakyus sighed. She had heard a bit about Princess Renner''s covert dealings, but as a royal princess of immense stature, she always thought of the common people, even if it was just for show. This was part of why Lakyus had maintained a long friendship with the princess.


    The group worked together to carry out the remaining survivors from the dining hall. Just as Barrett carried out the last pale-faced clerk, the ice magic field behind them could no longer hold, and the alchemical fire elementals rampaged back through the hall. Flames tore through the wooden windows, and the stone walls turned scorching hot.


    Lakyus cast another freezing spell, barely managing to suppress the raging flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.


    Watching the flames ravage the dining hall, she felt helpless. As a Divine Magic user, this was all she could do. If only her party''s Arcane Magic user were here, he could have handled this in no time.


    Meanwhile, a nearby two-story brick building, half-destroyed by an unknown explosion, collapsed with a thunderous crash, turning into a pile of rubble amidst the swirling dust.


    ¡­¡­


    Some of the escorting knights and staff had been treated, while others remained unconscious. About ten people had perished in the flames, and they would have to wait for the fires to die down before retrieving their charred bodies from the ruins.


    Lakyus mixed a vitality potion into a jar of fruit wine and carefully shook it before taking a small sip. She had cast too many healing and blessing spells earlier and felt a bit drained.


    "Are you the adamantite-level adventurer?"


    A sudden voice questioned from behind her. Lakyus turned around to find a black-haired girl wielding a giant sword.


    Lakyus had previously heard about the black-haired girl from Princess Renner and knew that her name was EeDeChi. She was an orichalcum-level adventurer with a natural strength.


    "That''s right, I''m Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra, the leader of the Blue Roses adventurer team."


    Lakyus smiled and nodded, taking a sip of her fruit wine. To be honest, she wasn''t keen on dealing with adventurers below her level.


    Adamantite-level adventurers represent the elite in the adventuring world, with only three adamantite-level teams in the entire kingdom. Because they are so rare, many bored individuals often try to pry into their lives. Nobles and commoners alike idolize them as heroes, adding undeserved glory and responsibility that can be quite burdensome.


    However, Lakyus never let this go to her head. She understood that there are always stronger individuals¡ªwhether it''s the fellow adamantite-level adventurer Momon, the demon Ainz Ooal Gown who had slaughtered hundreds of thousands in her homeland, or the demon king Jaldabaoth who destroyed the Roble Holy Kingdom¡ªall were formidable existences she couldn''t contend with.


    "Can we go somewhere a bit more private to talk?" The black-haired girl blinked her eyes excitedly, a mysterious smile lighting up her face as if she was eagerly anticipating something.


    "Sure." Lakyus replied vaguely after sipping her fruit wine.


    She couldn''t help but wonder what those alchemists were thinking, always brewing vitality potions that reeked so badly, as if no bitter taste meant the potion wouldn''t work. Even mixing it with sweet mountain pear wine couldn''t hide that awful, mothball-like flavor.


    Distracted, she followed EeDeChi into a secluded grove surrounded by lush trees, where no one else was in sight.


    Lakyus looked at the black-haired girl, wine in her mouth, and thought helplessly that this was probably just another boring topic from a fan.


    "Can I get your autograph?" "Is your magic sword really the weapon of the legendary Thirteen Heroes?" "Please, I want to join your team," "Do you want to fight alongside me?" ¡­ These kinds of questions were endlessly annoying!


    EeDeChi affectionately placed a hand on Lakyus''s shoulder, her expression serious and sincere as she said, "Do you want to fight alongside me? Let''s take down Ainz Ooal Gown!"


    "Pfft!" Lakyus spat out the fruit wine she had in her mouth, splattering EeDeChi with it. "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"

 Chapter 82: Thirteen Heroes, The Last One

    In front of the charred ruins of the fire site, ten long strips of white cloth lay on the ground, each covering a body blackened like coal. The recovered victims'' remains were neatly arranged on the dry, cold earth.


    Well-dressed knights stood in formation at the front of the crowd, one hand pressed against their chests, their expressions somber. At the forefront of the assembly was the kingdom''s third princess, Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself, along with the grand knight Wade Bolton and the adamantite-level Divine Magic mage, Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra.


    The farewell procession included several elegantly dressed nobles, along with a perspiring mayor. After the heinous incident of the princess being attacked in his territory, it was hard for them to escape blame, even if they hadn''t been directly involved in the assault.


    Led by Princess Renner and the Divine Magic mage Lakyus, everyone joined together in a final prayer for the innocent souls lost.


    A local band had been invited to play the knights'' funeral march, the musicians clad in black and gray robes stood to one side, as flutes and oboes began to softly lament, the tones grave and mournful.


    The atmosphere was solemn and respectful, if one ignored the four individuals whispering at the back of the crowd.


    "Captain, why is your hair wet?" Sean quietly asked, tilting his head.


    EeDeChi brushed a few damp strands of hair from her forehead, expressionless, "Lakyus squirted at me."


    "She squirted at you?" Barrett sniffed, "What''s that strange smell like a dead moth soaked in horse urine for three days? Is she spraying you with some top-tier vitality potion?"


    "Maybe." EeDeChi replied irritably, "Your rhetoric skills are pretty good, huh?"


    Barrett looked up at Lakyus''s back at the front of the line. "She''s still alive? You didn''t slap her?"


    Just thinking about how EeDeChi once knocked "Lord of Despair" Clovis half out of commission made Barrett feel uneasy.


    EeDeChi shot him a glare. "I don''t just hit people for no reason, especially since Lakyus is a nice girl. Her Justice Value is 284, which is 138 points higher than yours!"


    "Oh," Barrett shrugged, noncommittal.


    "Captain, can you revive those who were burned to death?" Stella asked quietly from behind. "You know, with your healing magic."


    "Right," Barrett remembered. "Didn''t you just have to shout, ''If Gods Deny Salvation''s Hand, With Sacred Blade I''ll Reprimand,'' to cast a powerful healing revival field?"


    EeDeChi shook her head. "They''re burnt to a crisp; I can only revive those with intact bodies."


    "What did you talk about with Lakyus? Why did she want to spray you with vitality potion?" Barrett asked curiously.


    "We talked about a lot of things. Basically, she thinks Ainz Ooal Gown is an invincible demon god, and that the Blue Roses adamantite-level team can''t fight him alongside me." After saying this, EeDeChi let out a deep sigh.


    She knew that on her own, she was too weak to take on Ainz Ooal Gown. So, she had been searching for an adamantite-level team within the kingdom. Now that she finally encountered an adamantite-level adventurer, she received such a weak and powerless response.


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    An adamantite-level adventurer represented the pinnacle of human combat strength. If even an adamantite-level adventurer didn''t want to confront Ainz Ooal Gown, where could she possibly find help?


    What was even worse was that Lakyus claimed to only have mastered 5th Tier magic. Just knowing 5th Tier magic already made her one of the best among humans, while Ainz Ooal Gown likely wielded the highest-tier magic, which should be 11th Tier¡ªSuper-Tier Magic, far beyond 6th Tier!


    This meant that very few individuals in this world could even stand a chance against Ainz, and there might even be¡­ none at all. Even if there were, for EeDeChi to find them in this isekai filled with dozens of countries, hundreds of tribes, and thousands of races would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.


    Moreover, Ainz Ooal Gown was not just a powerful demon lord; he had several equally powerful subordinates. EeDeChi had previously faced off against some of those subordinates¡ªSebas, Cocytus, and Shalltear. Although it wasn''t a life-or-death battle and she didn''t go all out, it still felt incredibly challenging.


    The mournful melodies of the fallen knights'' prayer service echoed in her ears, and for the first time, EeDeChi felt how rugged and difficult the path to confronting the demon lord truly was. She couldn''t help but chuckle bitterly; it seemed that nothing in this world was ever easy.


    However, this time, the heartfelt conversation with Lakyus, the leader of the Blue Roses adventurer team, was not entirely fruitless.


    Lakyus expressed deep apologies for having sprayed EeDeChi with her saliva and was surprised by EeDeChi''s ambitious goal of taking down Ainz. After using a cleaning spell to wipe EeDeChi''s face, she willingly shared many unknown secrets.


    EeDeChi opened her palm and stared at a dark golden ring resting in her hand. The spiral patterns on the ring were nearly worn smooth, showing the traces of time.


    Engraved on the inner band were a series of elegant alien letters, strong and bold, like a young dragon about to leap out of the ring. Lakyus explained that this represented "Thirteen" in dragon script.


    Lakyus gifted the ring to EeDeChi, telling her that it could serve as proof to find the recluse Rigrit Bers Caurau in the capital of the kingdom.


    Rigrit was a founding member of the Blue Roses team, now retired. At over 200 years old, she had once been a member of the legendary group known as the "Thirteen Heroes," specifically the Controller of the Dead among them.


    EeDeChi pondered silently, realizing that there was still one last legendary figure alive from the "Thirteen Heroes." It seemed her only option was to dig deep into the ancient secrets of this world and have a chat with these old-timers. She clenched her fist, storing the dark golden ring in her spatial ring.


    The crowd of mourners had somehow dispersed, and the bodies of the victims had already been laid to rest. Princess Renner was speaking with several nobles, seemingly investigating the mastermind behind her attack.


    Princess Renner smiled warmly, her voice soft and gentle as she spoke, seemingly untroubled by the deadly assassination attempt. In contrast, the much taller nobles around her bowed their heads, their expressions fraught with fear, barely daring to breathe.


    EeDeChi activated her Innate Talent, curious to know the Justice Values of these nobles to see who had the lowest¡ªperhaps it would help in solving the case.


    "This..." EeDeChi''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    To her astonishment, the one with the lowest Justice Value was not one of the slick, powdered nobles but Princess Renner herself, with a Justice Value of -261! EeDeChi distinctly remembered that this morning, Princess Renner''s Justice Value had been 185.


    "Is something the matter? Is my lipstick smudged?" Princess Renner noticed EeDeChi''s shocked gaze and turned to ask, her bright smile unfaltering.


    "It''s nothing, you''re as beautiful as ever¡­" EeDeChi swallowed hard and motioned for her three teammates to leave.


    ...


    Lakyus stepped over rubble and ruins, wielding her magical ring "Trace Revelation" to survey the area.


    Princess Renner ran up to her, asking, "Any clues yet?"


    "Not yet, but I can confirm the arrow shot at you was stored in a magic circle, not shot by hundreds of archers simultaneously," Lakyus replied without pausing her spellcasting.


    Being a longtime friend of the princess and an adamantite-level adventurer, Lakyus didn''t need to adhere to royal etiquette.


    Princess Renner glanced at the ruins, casually asking, "I saw you and EeDeChi talking in the woods for a long time, what were you discussing? EeDeChi often mentions the supreme Lord Ainz to me, has she talked to you about him?"


    Lakyus extinguished the magic aura and gave Princess Renner a deep look.


    "Um¡­ no, we just chatted about typical adventurer stuff, like the hunting habits of chimeras, how much air element an invisible stalker contains¡­"

 Chapter 83 - Martial Arts Competition

    After the recent attack, Princess Renner''s journey had to be cut short, and her entourage returned home. The escort mission of the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team also came to an end.


    It was around 4 PM, with the sun hanging low in the sky. At the capital''s city gates, two groups parted ways. The royal knights surrounded the princess as she made her way to the palace, while four adventurers at the back of the procession took a different path.


    The adventurers didn''t expect that, just as they were about to part, a knight in magical steel armor and a curved-top helmet rode out from the group to block their way. Dismounting, he took off his helmet and cradled it in his arms; it turned out to be Grand Knight Wade. He approached Sean and Stella with a warm smile.


    Sean and Stella instinctively took a step back.


    Wade moved his right hand, removed his iron gauntlet, and stored it in his spatial ring. He extended his broad palm toward Sean. After a brief pause, Sean reached out to shake his hand.


    Wade looked at the young man and woman before him, and while shaking hands, he remarked, "Thanks to you, I would have been lost in the flames. In that critical moment, you didn''t just think about saving yourselves; you risked your lives, going back and forth in the fire to help others.


    "You already possess the noble qualities of a knight! Seeing such excellence in young people, I know the future of our Re-Estize Kingdom is surely bright!"


    "Absolutely!" Sean and Stella nodded vigorously.


    Wade then stepped in front of Barrett, his expression full of regret. "I used to have some biases against adventurers. When the assassin attacked, I not only misunderstood you but also affected your fight.


    "After this incident, I''ve come to realize that there are many honorable adventurers; we can''t judge them all the same. But honestly, your elbow strike was pretty powerful! My jaw still hurts," Wade said, chuckling as he rubbed his chin.


    Barrett generously replied that it was nothing, smiling as he shook Wade''s hand. The knights closest to the royal family often had rigid mindsets, filled with ideas of honor, justice, and fairness. Yet, they could recognize their mistakes and stand tall even after taking a hit.


    It was unexpected for Barrett that this esteemed Grand Knight would come forward to apologize. In the past, when he encountered other knights who knew they were in the wrong, they often sent a squire to convey their apologies with small gifts.


    In truth, Barrett thought that since Wade felt guilty, it would be more straightforward for him to just give a few gold coins.


    The Grand Knight waved goodbye to the four adventurers and told Sean that if he ever wanted to join the kingdom''s longbow unit, he could come to him for a recommendation. He stepped into the stirrup and mounted his horse, kicking up dust as he galloped off to rejoin the cavalry escorting the princess''s carriage.


    As they watched Princess Renner''s royal carriage depart, the four adventurers found themselves at a loss for what to do. At Barrett''s suggestion, they decided to wander around the capital together.


    Arriving in the western district, they passed through the old, weathered high walls and were greeted by a vast circular outdoor structure. The three-story stone building had yellow-brown walls, resembling a giant, round cardboard cutout standing on the ground. It appeared to be something like an arena.


    Inside the circular structure, the sounds of bustling voices, shouting, and cheering spilled out through the walls, reaching the ears of pedestrians outside. Small doors opened frequently, with groups of people coming in and out, clearly indicating the lively atmosphere within.


    The four adventurers spent twenty silver coins on a ticket and curiously entered. The building turned out to be an arena, currently hosting the "Warrior Captain Selection Tournament."


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    A few years ago, Princess Renner pushed through a martial law that banned brutal duels between humans and demi-humans in the kingdom, leaving this blood-soaked arena quiet for many years.


    However, months ago, the king personally issued a command to select a Warrior Captain nationwide, reviving the arena that was on the verge of becoming a campsite for the poor and homeless.


    Along with this revival came nobles eyeing the title of Warrior Captain, opportunistic merchants, proud warriors, and desperate gamblers. The undercurrents of money, power, and strength surged, already soaked in blood.


    EeDeChi, Barrett, Sean, and Stella found their seats and sat in a row amidst the sea of spectators in the arena, feeling excited about the nationwide Warrior Captain Selection Tournament.


    During this time, three of them had been busy protecting Princess Renner, while one was focused on finding ways to counter Ainz Ooal Gown. Before they knew it, the Warrior Captain Selection Tournament had entered its final stages, with each administrative district, city, and county having selected their strongest fighters for the ultimate showdown in the capital.


    The arena was packed to capacity, with four large magical screens hovering above, arranged in a square so that spectators from all directions could see the displayed content.


    At that moment, the screens clearly showed the opponents for the next match. One was "Wind Blade" Yaso Abel, a lean figure with a long scar across his nose, while the other was "Iron Blood Hand" Deus Lefia, a hulking mass of muscle.


    The realistic oil painting style vividly portrayed the fierce expressions of the two. Against the bloody backdrop of the magical screens, they appeared not as competitors for the title of Warrior Captain, but as fated enemies destined to fight to the death.


    "Who do you think will win?" EeDeChi asked. "These weight classes are totally not even."


    "It''s definitely going to be ''Wind Blade'' Yaso Abel," Barrett replied confidently. "Don''t be fooled by his slim figure; he''s an orichalcum-level adventurer and an old acquaintance of mine. I teamed up with him for a year, and his move ''Gale Slash'' can take down a ''Nightmare Armor'' Constructs with just three strikes."


    Having been in the adventurer business for nearly twenty years, Barrett had a vast network of contacts. Yaso Abel, nicknamed ''Wind Blade,'' was one of his former adventure companions.


    Typically, free-spirited adventurers wouldn''t be interested in the position of Warrior Captain, but old Tony, the guildmaster of the Adventurer''s Guild in the capital, had struck a deal with Princess Renner to rally the adventurers of the kingdom to support Brain.


    Traditional nobles clustered around the second prince, and with their immense power, they could easily find a thousand ways to sabotage Brain in the Warrior Captain Tournament. However, with the Adventurer''s Guild backing him, the outcome would surely be different.


    This orichalcum-level adventurer Yaso might just be part of old Tony''s plan.


    Barrett looked at his three teammates beside him. "What do you think? Want to place a bet? Trust me, bet on Yaso to win, and you''ll rake in the cash!"


    Barrett was known for being steady and reliable, never making reckless suggestions. As soon as he said that, Sean jumped up from his seat, and Stella looked eager to join in.


    EeDeChi frowned, saying, "Gambling in groups is strictly prohibited."


    Sean and Stella immediately sat back down obediently, but Barrett ignored her and dashed down the stands to the betting area, where he placed a wager on his former teammate¡ª"Wind Blade" Yaso Abel.


    He ran back to his seat, grinning, while EeDeChi still wore a stern expression. "Go write a self-reflection."


    Soon, the duel was about to begin.


    A hoarse voice, magically amplified, shouted in the arena, "The moment everyone has been waiting for is here! Let''s welcome the first champion to emerge from the Fridrensa ¡ª''Wind Blade'' Yaso Abel!"


    In the center of the arena, a tall, lean young man with long black hair tied in a high bun and a long knife at his side stepped forward. He waved to the audience with a warm smile, but the long scar on his nose made his expression look more menacing.


    The crowd erupted into cheers, waves of sound rising higher and higher. "Yaso! Go! Beat him down! You''re our pride from Fridrensa!"


    Among the shouting crowd were not only locals from the Fridrensa Administrative District but also bettors who had placed their stakes on Yaso. Barrett wanted to cheer for his old teammate but glanced at EeDeChi and kept his mouth shut.


    "The other contender is no pushover! He''s the strongest warrior from Welsh¡ª''Iron Blood Hand'' Deus Lefia!" The host continued to shout hoarsely, fully igniting the crowd''s enthusiasm.


    A burly warrior wielding a long-handled double-edged battle axe ducked through a small door and stepped into the arena. Another section of the audience began to cheer, "Go! Go! Take down that skinny monkey! Welsh supports you forever!"


    Regardless, the Warrior Captain''s selection tournament was increasingly resembling a battle for survival, with a bloody storm brewing beneath the calm.


    In this life-and-death struggle, some bettors laid down gold coins as stakes, while others wagered power and even their lives.

 Chapter 84 Yaso

    The central arena was covered in a thick layer of yellow sand, where two competitors faced off, their footsteps creating a counterclockwise spiral in the sand.


    "Wind Blade" Yaso drew his long sword and launched the first attack, moving gracefully and swiftly. He stepped forward, aiming his strike at "Iron Blood Hand" Deus.


    Deus swung his double-bladed axe to block, his powerful arms driving the weapon down towards Yaso with an intimidating force. But Yaso had already evaded, the axe slicing through empty air.


    True to his name, Yaso moved like the wind, his blade circling around Deus, slashing from all directions.


    The burly Deus struggled to keep up, his heavy swings wide and powerful, but he never managed to land a hit on Yaso. Thankfully, his sturdy armor protected him, the steel encasing vital areas, preventing Yaso from dealing a fatal blow.


    "I told you, once Yaso toys with this big guy a bit longer and wears him out, it''ll be game over," Barrett said, looking relaxed. He had noticed Yaso''s higher odds when he placed his bets, and most gamblers were putting their money on "Wind Blade" to win.


    The host''s hoarse voice, amplified by magic, soared with excitement as he narrated the duel, his voice echoing off the arena walls, barely drowning out the crowd''s noise.


    "As most seasoned viewers predicted, Yaso''s martial arts are as nimble as a slippery eel, and Deus simply can''t keep up with his pace!"


    "The connections in Deus''s chest armor have already been shredded! Wow! Yaso''s swordplay is not only fast but incredibly sharp! I''ve heard his glimmering blade was a treasure found in the Eight Greed Kings Desert!"


    "Yaso is launching a forward slash! Has he found an opening? He''s about to unleash his signature move¡ª''Raging Wind Decapitation''!"


    "Oh my god! Yaso missed the strike completely! Deus dodged his furious sword wind!"


    "Beautiful counterattack! ''Iron Blood Hand'' Deus finally has a chance to unleash his martial arts, hooking Yaso with his axe!"


    "OH NO! Yaso''s leg was scraped by the axe! Blood is splattering! Is ''Wind Blade'' unable to move?"


    "One strike! Two strikes! Three strikes! A smooth combo! The tide has turned! Deus is using his strongest martial art! His body is enveloped in a bloody glow, executing a fierce jump slash!"


    "Wow! Yaso''s sword has been chopped in half; he''s down on the ground, surrendering! How will our Iron Blood Hand treat this pleading loser?"


    The audience erupted in boos, many standing and shaking their fists, thumbs pointed down.


    Deus menacingly swung his axe a couple of times, then slung it over his shoulder and turned to leave. Yaso crawled a few steps to pick up his broken sword, stumbling away in embarrassment.


    "Well¡­" The host''s voice had a hint of regret, like a broken drum, "They''re not gladiators fighting for their lives; they''re just competitors for the next rank of the Warrior Captain."


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    "Then I announce! The winner is¡ªDeus Lefia!"


    Cheers roared from one side of the audience like a tidal wave, while the other side erupted in curses, spitting, and insults, a cacophony of foul language.


    "Hmph!" EeDeChi glanced at Barrett, smugly saying, "Don''t ignore the wisdom of the elders; you''ll pay for it! Gambling¡ªharmful to both others and yourself."


    Barrett buried his face in his hands, his heart bleeding. He had bet 40 gold coins, and now it felt like they had vanished in an instant. He sensed something about the duel felt off but couldn''t pinpoint what it was; all he knew was that his money had evaporated for real.


    "After a brief break, the next duel features the talented swordsman under the Golden Princess¡ªBrain Unglaus! He will face the elite warrior from Verol County, Carlo Weyting! Let''s see what happens!"


    The host''s laughter grated like sandpaper on gravel. "Hurry up with your bets! But I believe most people will wager on Brain, haha!"


    ¡­


    "Boom!" In the center of the arena, a muscular warrior collapsed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of yellow sand. His war hammer shattered into two pieces, while a blue-haired swordsman slowly breathed in and out, sheathing his sword.


    "Beautiful! As always, Brain has won the match again! Truly the top favorite; the only one who could really compete with him is probably the other super favorite, Schroeve," the host shouted hoarsely.


    In the audience, EeDeChi crossed his legs, commenting, "Brain has gotten a lot stronger in such a short time. I wonder how he did it."


    Barrett still wore a pained expression, speculating, "He might be motivated to catch up to you, pushing himself hard in training."


    "Catch up to me?" EeDeChi replied, puzzled. "What does he want to catch up to me for? I can tell his physical condition hasn''t improved much; he''s probably wearing some rare high-tier equipment, which has significantly boosted his combat power."


    Barrett watched the blue-haired swordsman''s proud silhouette and shook his head with a sigh.


    After a few more matches concluded, the rankings for tomorrow''s advancement were determined. As the sun set, the arena was about to close, and four adventurers joined the bustling crowd exiting the arena.


    "Hey, Uncle, you took quite a hit today. How much did you lose?" Sean quietly asked Barrett.


    "40 gold coins." Barrett still looked gloomy. He wasn''t a gambler, but this was the first time he misjudged a situation. He never expected his former strong ally, "Wind Blade" Yaso Abel, would let him down at a critical moment.


    "Stop moping; money is only valuable when spent," Sean comforted him. "As an old saying goes, a miser''s treasure trove is no different from a pile of dirt. Let''s go grab a drink and drown our sorrows."


    "Still want to drink?" EeDeChi, walking in front, replied coldly. "He brought this on himself!"


    Seizing the rare chance to mock the seasoned adventurer Barrett, EeDeChi didn''t hold back.


    "Come on, Captain, don''t be so harsh. The uncle''s had a rough day," Stella chimed in. The young cleric, probably due to her years in the temple, had a much softer heart than EeDeChi.


    The group crossed several streets until they spotted a quieter tavern, where they turned in. As they pushed open the oak door, Barrett collided with a young man wearing a leather cap.


    The young man lifted the brim slightly, revealing a long scar across his nose, his eyes bright and sharp.


    "Barrett!"


    Recognizing Barrett''s face, the young man gasped.


    "Yaso!"


    Barrett also recognized the face beneath the cap¡ªthe same one he had seen from a distance in the arena, it was "Wind Blade" Yaso Abel.


    "Old buddy!" The two adventurers, excited by their reunion, called out and embraced tightly in the tavern.


    Then Barrett grabbed Yaso by the neck and lifted him off the ground.


    "Hey, hey, hey!" Yaso, his feet off the ground, pressed his cap down tightly, covering his face. "Is this how you greet someone? I don''t remember this being a team tradition."


    "You little brat," Barrett set him down and leaned in close, growling in his ear, "Have you fed your martial arts to the pigs? Where''s your Gale Slash? Your Wind Barrier? I believed in you today and bet 40 gold coins on you, and now it''s all gone!"


    "Okay, okay, buddy, that''s on me. Let me explain inside," Yaso chuckled awkwardly, pointing to a private room in the tavern. The four adventurers exchanged doubtful looks and followed him inside.

 Chapter 85: Behind the Shadows

    Inside the tavern, a small private room was enclosed by red-painted pine boards. The space was cramped and dimly lit. In the center stood an oak square table, with a few wooden chairs pushed against the walls. A single oil lamp flickered ominously, casting weak light that made the place feel suspicious.


    The flickering light illuminated a few other items on the table: two bottles of malt beer, a bottle of wine, and two wide-mouthed glasses frothing with white foam.


    There was also a small conical crystal ornament, which pulsed with a faint blue glow, even dimmer than the lamp''s flame.


    Stella glanced around and recognized it as a soundproofing magical artifact. When activated, it could create a soundproof barrier, ensuring that no noise could escape into the outside air. By twisting the brass knob on the crystal, one could freely adjust the barrier''s range¡ªan excellent tool for home use, travel, or secret discussions.


    The suspicious private room was not empty. In the corner, a burly man sat with his head lowered on a wooden chair, a brown newsboy cap pulled low over his forehead, obscuring his features.


    Upon seeing Yaso enter with four strangers, the man hunched down even lower.


    "They''re all friends," Yaso said to the big man, then gestured for Barrett and the others to join him. "We were just having a drink together."


    The four adventurers cautiously took their seats. At that moment, the hulking man lifted his head, revealing a gentle smile. The adventurers suddenly recognized his face¡ªit was "Iron Blood Hand," Deus Lefia!


    Just that afternoon, they had been fighting fiercely in the gladiatorial arena, fighting to the death, and now they were sitting together for drinks?


    The four adventurers were stunned, especially Barrett, who felt as if he had just eaten ten pounds of dung beetle. After a moment of thought, he pieced together the events and helplessly asked, "Was this all arranged by Old Tony?"


    "Exactly!" Yaso grinned widely. "You''ve heard of the High-tier Adventurer Conference in the capital, right? The Adventurer''s Guild sent me a message, I gave it a shot, and accidentally secured a promotion spot for Fridrensa, which brought me to the capital.


    "Then he got the promotion spot for Welsh. According to the event rules, I was supposed to face him, so we figured since one of us had to lose, and the bettors thought I had the better odds, I might as well throw the match.


    "I bet on myself to lose, and Deus bet on himself to win. We both made 120 gold coins." Yaso chuckled proudly, slapping a bulging cloth bag on the table. The delightful sound of clinking metal was unmistakable¡ªit was full of gold coins.


    While the casino had rules against players betting on themselves, a seasoned adventurer could easily find clever ways around the regulations with disguises, fake names, and other tricks.


    Barrett sighed deeply, burying his face in his hands again. EeDeChi often babbled about strange philosophies, but one thing she was right about: gambling truly ruins lives; the stakes were just too high!


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    "Don''t be down, my friend. Let me make it up to you." Yaso counted out about twenty gold coins from the bag, stacking them on the table and pushing them toward Barrett.


    "Forget it." Barrett pushed the coins back to him. "This is money you earned through your own cunning. I can''t take it."


    Yaso shrugged and pocketed the gold coins. He pointed at the burly man sitting beside him. "Let me introduce you to my teammate, Deus Lefia. He''s a mithril-level adventurer, an all-around warrior, nicknamed Iron Blood Hand."


    He glanced at the three people next to Barrett and laughed, "You''re captain again? Luckily, there''s no Mistwood here, or you''d have no chance to ''feed'' them to the wolves."


    Just as Barrett was about to explain, EeDeChi straightened her face, adopting a serious demeanor. "I''m the captain, EeDeChi, orichalcum-level adventurer."


    "Oh," Yaso''s eyes darted, glancing at Barrett as he extended his hand to shake EeDeChi''s.


    "Sean Tachya, platinum-level, archer and ranger."


    "Stella Famillion, silver-level, professional cleric."


    Sean and Stella introduced themselves as well. This was a customary practice among adventurers¡ªstating their ranks and specialties helped in efficiently assigning roles and coordinating during tense exploration and combat situations.


    They no longer concealed their Baharuth accents, feeling a sense of relief. Given Yaso and Deus''s shameless demeanor, they were undoubtedly seasoned adventurers. In this line of work, as long as you hadn''t committed any serious taboos or legal offenses, most people wouldn''t care about your nationality.


    Yaso discreetly glanced at Stella. "It seems your team''s configuration isn''t particularly balanced."


    "Famillion, isn''t that a noble surname from Baharuth?" Deus, who had been silent, spoke up, his accent slightly rolled and quite different from that of the Re-Estize people.


    "Just a bankrupt, fallen noble family," Stella replied, surprised. "Are you from Kotel Province in Baharuth? I remember your profile from the arena; you were a warrior from Welsh of the Re-Estize."


    Deus nodded, switching to a more neutral accent. "Yes, but I haven''t been home in ten years. Learning the accents of different regions is one of the skills required to become an elite adventurer."


    Barrett was taken aback to learn he was from Baharuth. Remembering the audience that had come all the way from Welsh to cheer for their "hometown" fighter, celebrating Deus''s victories, he felt a mix of irony and anger. How easily could ordinary people''s national pride be manipulated?


    Deus continued, "Tomorrow, I''ll be facing Brain. I''ll only use half my strength, deliberately losing to advance him. You can bet on me losing." He chuckled heartily. "But most people will likely bet against me, so you probably won''t win much."


    "Everything''s so shady," EeDeChi scoffed. "Old Tony has arranged the matches so clearly; Brain becoming the Warrior Captain is practically a done deal."


    Yaso noticed EeDeChi''s dissatisfaction with the Adventurer''s Guild''s shady dealings and waved his hand. "It''s not quite like that. In fact, the nobles use methods that are pretty similar to ours. They have money and power, sending their own enforcers and mercenaries to take part in the tournaments, easily securing spots for high-ranking fighters.


    "After the chaos, Schroeve Dahlsen from the Waverly family emerged. He ranks just below Brain and is a formidable opponent! We can''t stop him at all. Three orichalcum-level adventurers who fought him were seriously injured, and one was killed. I suspect his strength has already reached adamantite-level, or even surpassed it!"


    "Schroeve?" Barrett asked, puzzled. "Where did this guy come from? I''ve never heard of him before."


    "He''s actually the alias of the Baharuth warrior known as the ''Lord of Death''¡ªSlam Daguerre," Yaso said, his expression serious. "When you were in Baharuth, you should have seen his brother''s face on the wanted posters¡ªthe ''Lord of Despair,'' Clovis Daguerre."


    Barrett and EeDeChi exchanged a knowing glance. They hadn''t just seen Clovis''s picture; they had encountered him in person.


    On that dark, stormy night, ''Lord of Despair'' Clovis Daguerre had led a group of assassins to attack them, but afterward¡­ EeDeChi had taken half of Clovis''s life with a single blow, while Barrett had claimed the other half.


    Now, Barrett wore Clovis''s "Bracers of the Expedition Master" on his wrist. After days of getting used to them, he had adapted to the weight and the power they provided.


    He had thought the incident would fade away with Clovis''s death, but when Yaso mentioned Clovis''s name, Barrett felt the weight of the silver bracers on his arm again, stirring a sense of unease within him.

 Chapter 86 - The bloody dogfighting ring

    Six friends shared a few beers in a private room, but EeDeChi disliked the dim atmosphere, prompting the Last Defender of the Way adventuring team to wave goodbye to Yaso and Deus and leave the tavern.


    As dusk fell, a half-hidden sun dipped behind the low, dilapidated buildings, casting a pale red glow over the wispy clouds in the sky. At the mouth of an alley, EeDeChi suddenly stopped, puzzled, and said, "I hear a dog barking."


    Pausing, she added, "I hear many dogs barking."


    As an orichalcum-level adventurer, EeDeChi''s senses were sharper than the others. Barrett was no longer surprised by this. He looked around at the surrounding streets and recalled a memory, "Yes, we''re not far from the arena. I remember there''s a dogfighting ring around here."


    "A dogfighting ring? Let''s check it out." EeDeChi spoke and, without waiting for the agreement of her three teammates, headed toward the sound down the alley, with the others reluctantly following.


    Turning several corners, they came upon a spacious tent. The ferocious barking of dogs emanated from within. A skinny man holding an iron bar stood lazily at the entrance. He glanced at the adventurers'' outfits, collected sixteen copper coins for the entrance fee, and let them in.


    The tent was noisy with the sharp barking of dogs, shouts, and curses, creating a raucous atmosphere tinged with the smell of blood, reminiscent of the afternoon visit to the arena.


    Like the arena, the center of the tent was separated by iron bars, but instead of human fighters, it contained two blood-soaked, ferocious dogs locked in combat.


    The crowd gathered outside the iron bars to watch the vicious dogs tear at each other. Many of them were ragged and filthy, mostly laborers who, after a long day of hard work, rushed to the dogfighting ring without time to change clothes. Watching dog fights was one of the few forms of entertainment they had.


    Inside the iron enclosure, two similarly sized dogs were driven purely by their primal instincts, fighting fiercely, blood mixing with fur and kicking up dust. The scene was bloody and brutal, yet it heightened the tension among the spectators, who cheered and clapped, encouraging the dogs they had bet on.


    Sean pointed at one of the mottled dogs, exclaiming, "That dog has some wild ice wolf in it." He had once had his leg bitten off by a wild ice wolf, so he remembered the traits of these vicious winter wolves clearly.


    However, the dog with wolf blood was at a disadvantage because its opponent was a pit bull with iron jaws and copper teeth. This pit bull was the very definition of "iron jaws and copper teeth."


    It wore a thin layer of iron armor on its head, and its teeth were fitted with long, sharp copper spikes by its owner. Each time it opened its mouth to bite, its teeth sank into its opponent''s flesh, tearing away chunks of blood and fur.


    Barrett pointed to a pile of mangled meat on the ground. "Both dogs were fed a low-quality alchemical energy potion mixed with bull''s blood."


    EeDeChi asked, "Like giving them doping?"


    "doping?" Barrett skipped over the strange word. "It brings out the bloodthirsty nature in beasts."


    The two savage dogs clawed and bit at each other, but in the end, the advantage of equipment overpowered the advantage of bloodline. The pit bull''s sharp copper teeth latched onto the other dog''s head and wouldn''t let go. Seconds later, its opponent''s body went limp, no longer moving.


    The victorious dog didn''t fare much better; one of its eyes was a bloody mess, its fur matted and dirty, and its exposed skin was covered in scars.


    But the victorious dog was completely unaware of its injuries. After lowly growling at the corpse of its opponent, it suddenly lunged at an iron bar, using its still-dripping copper teeth to gnaw at the railing, trying to break free and bite the spectators outside.


    The onlookers were startled, a crowd of people pushing back in panic. Once they realized the vicious dog''s sharp teeth couldn''t penetrate the thick iron bars, they began to laugh.


    "You scared the life out of me!"


    "This beast..."


    "Looks like it''s full of that potion; it''s not done biting yet... still wants to attack, haha."


    Inside the dogfighting ring''s tent, the walls were lined with tall, square iron cages, each containing dogs of varying appearances and sizes. Some of these dogs were agitated by the bloody scent of their kind, crouching low and barking wildly. The gruesome fate of the two fighting dogs was clearly sealed.


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    "How cruel!" EeDeChi''s face flushed with anger, her fist clenched tightly.


    Barrett glanced at her, knowing the captain well; he understood that a brawl was about to erupt. But that was fine¡ªafter all, they were just a bunch of weaklings, easily dealt with using just fists, no fatalities to worry about.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream erupted from the crowd watching the fight, as if someone had been bitten by a wild animal.


    "Dog!" "Why is there a dog?!" "Who let the dog out¡­?"


    Outside the iron enclosure, panic spread among the spectators as they shoved and scrambled to escape. One of the cages nearby had been opened, the door swinging back and forth, but there were no dogs inside.


    Clearly, the dogfighting venue had dealt with such situations before; a few enforcers rushed in with iron rods, raising the heavy sticks high before bringing them down with a thud, the dull sound of metal striking skulls echoing. Some dogs whined in pain, and the chaos among the crowd began to settle.


    "Who let the dog out?" growled a burly man holding an iron rod, his eyes scanning the crowd fiercely.


    EeDeChi, Barrett, Sean, and Stella exchanged glances, uncertain. The chaos of the dogfight was happening on the other side of the iron bars, and the crowd was packed tightly, making it hard for them to see what was going on.


    "It''s him! That kid!"


    "I saw him sneaking around..." The people who had nearly been bitten were furious, and their anger quickly focused on a suspicious boy.


    The boy, shrouded in a dirty robe and hiding his face with black cloth, blended into the crowd, appearing quite young for his height.


    He gripped a short wooden stick, and with a loud bang, the tip of the stick exploded, shocking everyone for a moment. Seizing the opportunity, the boy attempted to flee, but the crowd reacted swiftly, with countless strong arms reaching out to grab him.


    "He''s just an apprentice mage! Don''t be afraid!"


    "Catch him!..."


    The boy, clearly outmatched, was quickly subdued. His wand was kicked aside, and a burly man twisted his arm behind his back, pinning him face down on the ground, immobilizing him.


    No one noticed that a side door made of thin wood in the dogfighting tent was quietly opening. A masked old man in a light blue robe entered, holding a slender black stick, similar to a conductor guiding an orchestra. Facing the restless crowd, he waved the stick in the air and gently pointed it:


    "Everyone, sleep!"


    A blinding white light erupted from the ceiling above the dogfighting ring, resembling a small sun. Under the brilliance of the light, the sounds of bodies hitting the ground echoed repeatedly as everyone in the tent¡ªspectators and guards alike¡ªfell, unconscious.


    Stella''s body went limp, and she collapsed to the ground. Barrett quickly grabbed her shoulders to prevent her head from hitting the floor. Sean staggered back a step, kneeling, but gritted his teeth and managed to stand again, supporting the unconscious Stella.


    At that moment, the only ones still standing in the dogfighting ring were the masked blue-robed mage, EeDeChi, and Barrett.


    Barrett pulled a giant sword from his spatial ring, gripping the hilt firmly, his expression serious. He didn''t know who this mage, hiding behind black cloth, was, but the fact that he could cast a powerful area stun spell with just a flick of his wrist marked him as a dangerous person.


    The mage removed his veil, revealing a face lined with wrinkles and speckled with brown age spots, beneath which was a distinctive gray-white goatee. He smiled and said, "Barrett, don''t make any sudden moves; I can''t take you on. Sorry for accidentally knocking out your friend, but don''t worry, she''ll wake up in half an hour."


    "Old Tony?" Barrett and EeDeChi were stunned to see it was Tony Ulea, the guildmaster of the Adventurer''s Guild from the capital. What was he doing here?


    The boy, who had been pinned under the burly man, struggled to crawl out from beneath the unconscious mass, picking up his wand and running over to old Tony.


    Old Tony patted the boy''s head and explained, "This is my nephew, also an apprentice mage. I was giving him a practical magic lesson."


    What a great teacher you are. Barrett glanced at the sprawled-out crowd on the ground, silently scoffing.


    Old Tony waved his wand again, muttering a spell under his breath. With a gentle tap of his wand, a powerful surge of magic erupted, and the sound of grinding metal echoed around the dogfighting ring. The doors of the iron cages stacked against the walls swung open, and fierce dogs burst out, trampling over the unconscious bodies as they rushed for freedom.


    One of the dogs, still fierce, opened its mouth to bite into a nearby person''s body. To the dog, the sprawled, unconscious bodies looked like a feast. Old Tony raised a hand, and a bolt of lightning shot from the tip of his wand, instantly killing the vicious dog.


    Fortunately, most of the dogs were focused solely on escaping the tent. EeDeChi and Barrett stepped aside, watching one dog after another rush out the door.


    "Is this really meaningful?" Barrett asked. "They leave here, and they''ll just become stray dogs."


    "But it''s better than dying fighting each other," old Tony shrugged. He patted the boy on the shoulder and commanded, "The first test has failed. The second test begins now: you have forty seconds to set up a teleportation array for two. I don''t need to repeat the coordinates, do I?"


    The boy immediately rummaged through a spatial leather bag hanging around his neck, pulling out magic crystals, potions, and other items. He quickly knelt on the ground and started sketching the teleportation array. His hand trembled slightly as he held the ink bottle; this "practical lesson" filled him with both excitement and anxiety.


    "Oh no! I drew it wrong!" Old Tony slapped his forehead. "Second test failed! The more urgent the situation, the calmer you must stay. You''ve stolen the dragon''s treasure¡ªhurry up! By the time you redraw that teleportation array, we''ll be roasted by dragon breath!"


    He snatched the ink bottle from the boy and, in less than ten seconds, drew a complex magic pattern, placing the magic crystals within it. The blue crystals faded to clear, colorless stones, with magic flowing along the runes, glowing a ghostly blue.


    He led the boy onto the teleportation array, and a surge of magic erupted, as if someone underground were shining a powerful spotlight through the array.


    In the brilliant white light, old Tony waved goodbye to Barrett. "See you later." Then, with a blinding flash, their figures vanished, leaving behind only the remnants of a small teleportation array.


    "Is magic really this interesting?" EeDeChi''s eyes widened at the sight.


    She had little interaction with serious Arcane Magic mages and only knew a few destructive spells like explosions and fire. At that moment, she realized she should probably delve deeper into understanding the workings of extraordinary powers in this world.


    "Sean, take the unconscious Stella back first," EeDeChi ordered in the dogfighting ring. "Barrett, you''ll take me to Tony''s place. I have questions for him."

 Chapter 87: Conversation with old Tony

    "Magic is elusive, spells are immeasurable, and the mysteries of magic are endless."


    Around 8 PM, in a semi-circular living room, EeDeChi and Barrett leaned back in soft chairs. Across from them, old Tony sank comfortably into a woolen armchair, striking a relaxed pose as he spoke passionately.


    "Magic can be amplified several times when released through quality conductors, such as a unicorn''s horn, a wyvern''s tail feathers, radiant crystals, or even the reproductive organs of fire lizards... Humans don''t have a high affinity for magic, so we''ve created wands, staffs, and holy icons, among other things..."


    Barrett had visited old Tony''s place before and knew the way well. He guided EeDeChi to old Tony''s home, knocked on the door, and explained their purpose: EeDeChi wanted to ask some basic questions about magic.


    As the leader of an adventurer team capable of casting several 5th Tier attack spells, she had already stepped into what the humans of this world considered the realm of "heroes."


    But she knew deep down that she could master much higher-tier spells, and she had to. Compared to Ainz Ooal Gown''s 11th Tier¡ªSuper-Tier Magic, 5th Tier spells felt like trying to pierce a knight''s adamantine armor with a goblin''s crude bow and arrows.


    To fight against a demon king, one must possess power that rivals the demon king''s. EeDeChi had exceptional talent in magic, but if that talent couldn''t be transformed into power, it was just empty talk.


    "Snap!" Old Tony clicked his fingers, and suddenly flames erupted in the empty fireplace on one side of the living room. The dancing flames licked the cold stone walls, radiating warmth and light that filled the entire room.


    "Save the candles," Old Tony waved his finger, and several white candles on the brass candlestick flickered out, wisps of white smoke curling from the charred wicks.


    He then shook his right index finger, and a round oak table began to slide across the room as if pushed by an invisible hand, perfectly stopping between the three of them.


    Old Tony snapped his fingers again, and three porcelain cups with matching saucers materialized out of thin air, making a delightful "ding" as they settled on the table.


    EeDeChi and Barrett watched with keen interest as old Tony cast his spells. The old mage hadn''t moved an inch from his woolen chair, yet everything around him seemed to obey his command.


    "Tea time!" Old Tony clapped his hands lightly, saying with a relaxed tone, "On a cold winter''s night, even without snow outside, a sip of red tea from the Bogat Highlands is simply delightful."


    Barrett and EeDeChi''s eyes widened as they stared at the three empty white teacups on the table, their faces filled with anticipation.


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    A hurried voice approached, "Coming, coming!" It was a boy''s voice. The boy ran in, carrying a heavy green-and-gold teapot, and filled their cups with a light red brew.


    EeDeChi and Barrett looked up at old Tony, their expressions blank.


    Old Tony stroked his goatee, a bit sheepish as he chuckled, "Food can''t be created out of thin air with magic, just as living things can''t be stored in a spatial ring. It''s one of the few dull rules in the mysterious realm of magic.


    "Let me introduce you. This is my nephew, Eddie Hill. You''ve met him at the dog-fighting arena. He chose the location for the practical magic course himself; I certainly didn''t rescue any puppies out of kindness," old Tony said, patting Eddie on the shoulder.


    The boy was around fourteen or fifteen, with light brown hair and a few freckles on his face. He felt a bit awkward facing the unfamiliar EeDeChi and Barrett. Barrett remembered using a sonic blast spell to warm up the stage for old Tony during the High-tier adventurer meeting.


    Old Tony said to Eddie, "Use your summoning magic to grab a cup. If you can bring one out, you can have some red tea."


    Eddie pouted and shook his head. "I already had some when I was brewing it. It was awful¡ªbitter as hell!"


    "How many times have I told you not to snack, especially on guests'' tea?" Old Tony puffed out his cheeks and glared, pretending to get angry, though his backside didn''t budge an inch from the soft chair.


    With the big teapot in hand, Eddie took off running, disappearing in a flash.


    "Kids these days are really hard to manage," Old Tony sighed while stroking his beard. "Now, let me explain the basic patterns of magic circles. By the way, what''s the highest tier of magic you''ve used?" he asked EeDeChi.


    "5th Tier magic," EeDeChi replied coolly.


    "5TH TIER? DON''T JOKE AROUND!" Old Tony''s eyes widened in surprise. "Do you know that Baharuth''s strongest court magician, Fluder Paradyne, who''s lived for over 200 years, only mastered 6th Tier magic?"


    "Don''t believe me?" EeDeChi stretched out her palm, magic rippling outward, colorful rings spinning around her wrist. A red and green magical disk blossomed in front of her hand.


    "5th Tier Magic: Landslide¡­" EeDeChi was about to recite the full name of the spell.


    Barrett and old Tony lunged from their woolen chairs, grabbing her arm and shaking her hard, interrupting her incantation.


    "I believe you! I believe you! No need to prove it!" Old Tony nodded eagerly. "If you show me here, my house would be in ruins!"


    As a seasoned magician and an elite adventurer, he could tell from the magical aura and the twisting of energy that EeDeChi was indeed capable of casting a 5th Tier spell.


    Old Tony sighed and settled back into his chair. "You''re already in the ''hero'' realm. What do you need with an old guy like me who only knows 4th Tier magic?"


    "I want to understand the basic rules of magical flow," EeDeChi lowered her voice, "to learn 10th Tier, or even 11th Tier magic."


    "10TH TIER? 11TH TIER?" Old Tony looked astonished. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Where did you learn your 5th Tier magic?"


    EeDeChi pulled out a thick, custom-bound book titled *The Mystery of Magic* from her spatial ring and tossed it onto the table. "I learned it from this book, but there are parts I don''t understand."


    Old Tony picked up *The Mystery of Magic*, flipped through a few pages, and exclaimed, "This is an unpublished secret book." He traced the author''s name on the title page with his fingertip, murmuring, "The authors are renowned High-tier mages from Baharuth, legendary figures in our magical community."


    He asked EeDeChi, "I''ve long admired them. Can you introduce me?"


    "They''re all dead."


    EeDeChi took a sip of red tea from her cup and fell silent. *The Mystery of Magic* was a book she found while on an adventure in Baharuth, in a luxurious manor.


    That adventure had been a trap set specifically for her by the Great Tomb of Nazarick. From what she gathered about the manor, the mages had been discussing revisions to *The Mystery of Magic* when they were all killed by Ainz Ooal Gown''s subordinates.

 Chapter 88: Mourning the Past

    "Who could kill them?" Old Tony''s hands trembled slightly as he held *The Mystery of Magic*.


    "It was Ainz Ooal Gown''s people," Barrett answered for EeDeChi.


    "The king of the Sorcerer Kingdom, that demon god?" Old Tony seemed to realize something. "No wonder you believe in the existence of 10th and 11th Tier magic. Even bards spinning myths only dare to go up to 9th Tier magic."


    He placed *The Mystery of Magic* on the oak table, the heavy, ancient book causing ripples in the red tea-filled porcelain cups. For the top-tier human mages, whose combined wisdom produced this book, in the shadow of Ainz Ooal Gown, it felt as insignificant as toilet paper.


    "Give it up; you can''t learn 10th Tier magic," Old Tony said softly. "That''s the realm of gods, untouchable by mortals."


    Many mages had approached the ruins of the war between the kingdom and the Sorcerer Kingdom with skepticism, investigating the blurred lines of legend and reality. After confirming the terrifying magic Ainz Ooal Gown unleashed was indeed real, he had transformed in their minds into a god of magic, a cruel and merciless deity.


    "On what grounds do you say I''m not a god?" EeDeChi leaned back in the wool chair, asking.


    "Don''t kid around; you a god? You''re just a bit more talented," Old Tony mocked. "Would a god sit in a soft chair with us? Roast by the fireplace? Drink red tea? And not even notice the tea has been expired for a month?"


    EeDeChi paused, while Barrett quickly spat the tea he had just sipped back into the porcelain cup.


    "Why''d you spit it out?" Old Tony complained. "I put freshness magic on the tea. Barrett, do you believe your teammate is a god?"


    "Me?" Barrett glanced at EeDeChi. To him, this quirky and unlikable leader displayed power that far exceeded the realm of "human." While EeDeChi looked and acted like any other human, Barrett leaned towards believing she was an ancient dragon transformed into human form.


    Dragons masquerading as humans in human towns, though rare, are not just a figment of imagination. Barrett once teamed up with a half-dragon for an adventure.


    The half-dragon''s backstory was quite tragic. His father was a juvenile black dragon who transformed into human form. Out of curiosity, he traveled to human cities, and during his journey, he forcefully raped a tavern maid. Fifteen months later, the maid gave birth to the half-dragon but died during childbirth.


    In the adventurer community, there''s a half-true, half-fake story about a group of orichalcum-level adventurers who went dragon hunting and found a cute little girl in a valley near a dragon''s lair. The girl claimed she was kidnapped from a nearby village by the dragon and had escaped while it slept, so the adventurers let her guide them.


    However, under the full moon that night, the girl spread her wings and transformed into a dragon. With a fierce breath of fire, she burned the sleeping adventurers alive, leaving only one who had wandered off to relieve himself to escape, creating a chilling tale that circulated among adventurers.


    After spending time with EeDeChi, Barrett didn''t believe she was a brutal dragon. While she exhibited many dragon traits¡ªlike impatience, decisiveness, arrogance, and self-importance¡ªshe wasn''t at the level of breathing fire just yet, which gave Barrett some peace of mind.


    After a moment of thought, Barrett said to old Tony, "I believe she has talents that far surpass ordinary people. She might be an ancient dragon."


    "I''m a genuine human, not a dragon," EeDeChi frowned.


    Old Tony stroked his goatee and replied, "The magic we use is classified by its rules and power into tiers: 1st Tier, 2nd Tier, 3rd Tier, and so on, which is why we call it Tier Magic. But before Tier Magic, the world was ruled by the Wild Magic of the dragons."


    His voice suddenly took on a long, echoing quality, tinged with a sense of nostalgia. "When I was young, I was once captivated by ancient legends, longing to find lost magical incantations, even venturing into the ruins of the Eight Greed Kings desert. The secrets buried in those old parchment scrolls consumed me.


    "Legend has it that over five hundred years ago, eight emperors descended upon the world and, with their unmatched power, altered the rules of magic. From then on, Tier Magic flourished while Wild Magic faded away, leaving only the Dragon Lord able to wield the real Wild Magic.


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    "Unlike Tier Magic, which is driven by magical and mental energy, Wild Magic is directly powered by the dragon''s soul. The Wild Magic refers to mastering the essence of the world. It''s said that the stronger the user''s soul, the more powerful the magic, even surpassing Tier Magic."


    He looked at EeDeChi and said, "If you want to learn 10th-tier magic, besides Ainz Ooal Gown, there''s probably no one who can teach you. You might as well study Wild Magic. It''s cheaper to learn and yields faster results, ha ha."


    Old Tony chuckled, clearly skeptical about EeDeChi''s talent for studying 10th-tier magic.


    He said, "Can I borrow this book, *The Mystery of Magic*, for a few days? I can write some annotations on key points in it for you and throw in a few maps from my youth exploring the Eight Greed Kings desert. You might find them useful."


    "Sure," EeDeChi agreed, sinking deeper into the plush wool chair, bowing her head in silence as she began to contemplate old Tony''s words.


    The flames in the fireplace danced silently, casting a golden glow on the faces of the three. The living room fell into a comfortable silence.


    Barrett couldn''t stand the stillness. With a few people lounging comfortably in chairs, warmed by the fire and sipping sweetened red tea (even if it was stale), the adventurer spirit called for chatter¡ªdiscussing everything from ancient history to wild stories, and maybe even sharing a bottle of good wine.


    He tried to break the silence, saying, "Old Tony, why are you so close to Princess Renner? What''s with that medical fund contract and your promise to help Brain win the Warrior Captain position? Don''t you remember? One of the adventurer''s codes is not to meddle in the power struggles of the elite. We are adventurers, not mercenaries."


    Old Tony''s gaze shifted from the open *The Mystery of Magic* as he looked around the living room, ensuring that it was just the three of them. He lowered his voice and asked, "Do you think Eddie is my real nephew?"


    Barrett and EeDeChi exchanged puzzled glances. Old Tony was over sixty, while Eddie was around fourteen or fifteen; by age alone, it didn''t match the usual uncle-nephew relationship.


    They wondered what the connection was between old Tony''s medical fund contract with Princess Renner and Eddie. Could Eddie have royal blood? Was he an illegitimate child of some noblewoman?


    What if Eddie was a prince abandoned in his childhood due to palace intrigue, only to be taken in and raised by old Tony?


    The reason old Tony only recognizes Eddie as his nephew and not as his son is to remind Eddie that he carries the blood of kings and that one day he must reclaim his rightful power and position! Was this plotline a bit too dramatic?


    EeDeChi and Barrett looked up at old Tony in unison. EeDeChi rubbed her hands together and said, "If there''s any secret, you have to share it with us. We promise we won''t tell anyone. Is this a story of a prince''s revenge? I can''t wait!"


    Barrett added earnestly, "old Tony, remember, when you''re rich and famous, don''t forget your old friends. If you become the next king''s mentor, or even the royal court''s chief magician, don''t forget about me, your old buddy who used to fight you for oats in the stable. When the food pouch got lost, I let you have more oats since you were older."


    "What are you two even thinking?" Old Tony covered his face. "Eddie is the son of my brother¡ªnot my blood brother, but a close friend from my hometown. He''s like family to me. Just like you, my brother''s an adventurer."


    His tone turned heavy, and the smile faded from his face, replaced by sadness: "Eight years ago, I was traveling outside the kingdom when I suddenly received word from another mage that my brother''s adventurer party had been ambushed by a gnoll tribe while crossing the Wild Rainforest. Only three of them were left, gravely wounded and barely alive."


    "They barely escaped to a small town, desperately needing help. All the adventurers there, whether they knew each other or not, pooled their money to buy a vial of mandrake root revitalizer from a traveling merchant. If they had that revitalizer, they could save my brother''s life.


    "But they were just three gold coins short. The merchant refused to sell the potion, leading to a heated argument between the adventurers and the merchant''s guards." Old Tony sighed deeply. "During the scuffle, the vial was accidentally shattered¡ª the only one they had. As a result, my brother didn''t survive.


    "When I reached the town, my brother had already passed away from his illness, and his wife had been killed by a gnoll in the forest. I only saw a little boy kneeling by the grave, just six years old¡ªmy brother''s only son, Eddie Hill. I took Eddie home and raised him as his uncle.


    "Just three gold coins, just three gold coins," Old Tony murmured, "I would''ve sold my soul to the devil for those three coins, but¡­ there was no chance.


    "Since then, I''ve been thinking: we adventurers can''t keep lingering on the fringes of society. I eventually became the guildmaster of the Adventurer''s Guild in the capital. As the nobles and royalty began their power struggles, I saw an opportunity, and Princess Renner reached out to me.


    "The Golden Princess needs us, and we need her. I hope to use Princess Renner''s influence to establish a medical fund in the kingdom, so adventurers will never be three gold coins short again¡­"


    Barrett and EeDeChi exchanged serious looks. They had wondered why old Tony was so close to Princess Renner, but they hadn''t expected such a heartbreaking story behind it.


    Suddenly, old Tony''s voice dropped, then fell silent, as if something had cut off his words like a river dammed.


    Barrett and EeDeChi followed old Tony''s gaze and saw one of the protagonists of the sad story¡ªEddie standing by the living room door, leaning against the frame, staring blankly at them.


    "Eddie." Old Tony sighed, straightening up in his woolen chair and opening his arms.


    The boy with light brown hair ran over, on the verge of tears, and collapsed into his embrace. Old Tony hugged him tightly, pulling him into his warm arms.


    EeDeChi and Barrett felt a pang in their hearts; the bond between uncle and nephew was undeniably touching and bittersweet.


    Then they watched as Old Tony sat Eddie on his lap and started spanking him, "For sneaking sips of the red tea! How dare you eat something expired! What if you get a stomachache¡­"

 Chapter 89 - A Deal with the Demon God

    Re-Estize, in the outskirts of the capital, within a grand mansion''s parlor.


    At one side of a mahogany table, a tall blue-haired swordsman sat upright, his right hand resting on the hilt of his sword at his waist, an expression of vigilance on his face.


    The cause of his wariness was an old man, his face gaunt and weathered. His white hair was neatly combed, and deep wrinkles criss crossed his face, as if time had mercilessly etched its marks into his skin.


    His drooping eyelids concealed sharp and sinister eyes, and his long, hooked nose made him resemble an ancient vulture. Despite his frail frame, as if the flickering flame of life could be snuffed out by the slightest breeze, anyone meeting his gaze would worry that this aging vulture might suddenly strike and tear away a piece of flesh.


    "Duke Odys Malcon Waverly, haven''t you already retired? What brings you to the capital and calls for my presence?" The blue-haired swordsman, Brain Unglaus, asked in a low voice.


    The white-haired old man before him was the head of the Waverly family from the north, who had served as the commander of the Re-Estize''s mage legion a decade ago. His combat style was cunning and ruthless, treating subordinates and peers with cold indifference, earning him the nickname "Vulture General."


    His family''s influence was deeply intertwined with the kingdom''s military, though that was several years ago now.


    "I prefer you to call me General; after all, all the young ones are gone, leaving an old man like me to step up," Odys said, tugging at the corners of his withered mouth, attempting what resembled a smile.


    Brain knew all too well that in the terrifying war against the Sorcerer Kingdom a few years back, the kingdom''s main forces were nearly annihilated. Odys''s son and grandson held significant positions in the army, and naturally, they had perished as well.


    Ironically, at the beginning of that great war, many nobles thought it would be a golden opportunity to earn military merit against the Sorcerer Kingdom, desperately leveraging connections to send their relatives and descendants into the army, only to find they had sent them on a one-way trip to the underworld.


    "General Odys, what do you need from me?" Brain asked again. It was clear that Odys represented the side of the Second Prince, while Brain was under Princess Renner. There was no basis for negotiation between them.


    Odys lifted his eyelids and countered, "I want to know why you''re running for the Warrior Captain position. Is it to carry on the legacy of the former Warrior Captain, Gazef?"


    "Gazef was my dear friend. I must take up the power he held to protect the kingdom''s people," Brain replied.


    He understood that there was nothing more to discuss. The tournament for selecting the Warrior Captain was nearing its end, with only two top candidates remaining. He was one of them, and the other was Schroeve Dahlsen, a subordinate of Odys.


    But there could only be one Warrior Captain.


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    "I''ve heard that you are both rivals who respect each other and close friends. If¡­ Gazef could be revived, would you still run for the Warrior Captain position and compete for your friend''s title?"


    Brain was taken aback, then coldly glared at Odys. "I was present when Gazef fought and fell to Ainz Ooal Gown. Our kingdom''s top Divine Magic users, using 5th Tier spells, couldn''t bring Gazef back. Are you trying to interfere with my competition?"


    Odys smiled slightly. "If I mention it, I have the means to make it happen. Because I have borrowed the power of the gods from the supreme Ainz Ooal Gown!"


    He placed a magnificent golden emblem on the table and pushed it toward Brain. The intricate floral patterns on the emblem marked it as the symbol of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    The emblem marked him as genuine. A year or two ago, some artisans and mages had engraved the Sorcerer Kingdom''s crest on their works to pass them off as products from the Sorcerer.


    All of them had met a gruesome fate at the hands of an unknown assailant; their deaths were horrific, and even their families, relatives, and friends perished. Since then, no one dared to impersonate Sorcerer Kingdom products.


    "You actually made a deal with Ainz Ooal Gown," Brain said, his brow furrowing. "Trading with the Grim Reaper only leads to death. Don''t forget how your son and grandson died!"


    Brain''s words were sharp, but Odys brushed them off.


    "My children had eyes but couldn''t see the glory of the gods; they deserved to die! They paid with their lives to prove that the demon lord''s birth wasn''t without meaning. If the gods are to rule this world, we must accept it calmly. And don''t judge me; isn''t the ring on your right hand and the belt at your waist a gift from Albedo, the envoy of the Sorcerer Kingdom?"


    "That was a gift from Princess Renner," Brain''s voice dropped, lacking confidence.


    "Everyone knows that Princess Renner is closest to Albedo. You can trade with the Sorcerer Kingdom; why can''t we?" Odys bluntly took a stance, with "you" clearly referring to Princess Renner and the rising nobles, while "we" indicated Prince Zanac and the traditional aristocracy.


    "However," Odys shifted his tone, "you''re not just a swordsman under Princess Renner. If I were to revive Gazef Stronoff, he would undoubtedly be the best candidate for the Warrior Captain. And he is loyal to the king, so he wouldn''t undermine Princess Renner''s power."


    The Warrior Captain could command the Royal Knights, a military power desperately needed by Princess Renner. If neither Princess Renner nor the Second Prince could gain control over the Royal Knights, the Second Prince, supported by traditional military and political forces, would hold the advantage, while Princess Renner would remain at a perpetual disadvantage.


    Odys finally revealed his true intention: "If you agree to step down from the Warrior Captain tournament, I promise to use the great divine power of the supreme Ainz Ooal Gown to revive Gazef Stronoff!"


    Brain coldly replied, "Can you really do that? Promises shouldn''t be made for things that can''t be done." He knew Odys was as cunning as a fox and couldn''t trust this empty promise.


    Odys waved his hand, and a corpse lying on a wooden slab floated over, stopping beside them.


    Brain frowned. From the corpse''s decay, it was clear the person had been dead for several days, preserved only by some form of magic.


    The body was terrifyingly disfigured, with half of the face twisted to one side, a crooked mouth, shattered nasal bones, and dark purple lips slightly parted. One eyeball bulged out of its socket, as if a titan had slapped it across the face.


    Brain stared at the deformed face and recognized, "He¡­ looks like Clovis Daguerre, a killer from Baharuth who calls himself the ''Lord of Despair.''"


    As a renowned swordsman, Brain had fought many from Baharuth, so he was somewhat familiar with their warriors'' reputations.


    Odys nodded, "I will revive him to prove it to you."


    "Then please cast your spell quickly," Brain replied with a cold smile. "I''m looking forward to it."


    "It will take some time. I''m just showing you the body; he is indeed dead."


    "Once you can actually do it, come find me. Otherwise, you''re just wasting both our time." Brain placed a hand on his sword, stood up, and left without looking back.

 Chapter 90 - Finding Thirteen Heroes

    As winter approached, the air turned dry and cold. The sky was heavy with thick clouds, dull and lifeless, casting a gloomy, leaden hue over everything. Beneath the clouds lay rows of low buildings in shades of dusty yellow and gray, their dilapidated exteriors resembling faded, weathered blocks stacked haphazardly.


    In a bid to save space, some of the brick-and-wood structures stood two or three stories tall, but even the three-story buildings barely matched the height of a two-story noble estate. This was the home of the poor in the kingdom''s capital, with a slum nearby, where those even poorer than the destitute lived.


    "Ludus Street, Corner Lane, Apartment 43," EeDeChi murmured the address Lakyus had given her. "It''s hard to believe that the last of the legendary Thirteen Heroes lives in a place like this!"


    The adamantite-level adventurer Lakyus had given her a ring, recommending she seek out Rigrit Bers Caurau, a recluse residing here. Rigrit was a founding member of the "Blue Roses" adventuring team and had since retired. Now over 200 years old, she was once the death-bringer for the legendary team "Thirteen Heroes," known from over two centuries ago.


    EeDeChi believed that contacting such a living relic would help her find a way to counter Ainz Ooal Gown. But she couldn''t locate her.


    The address had to be correct; Lakyus had no reason to deceive her. Yet the local citizens often built unauthorized extensions to their homes, making the already spiderweb-like paths even more tangled, resembling a ball of yarn. The bronze or iron nameplates were either rusted and falling apart from the elements or stolen and sold for scrap.


    People living here didn''t need addresses; they had no packages to receive or send. Even the postman couldn''t find his way here. If there was a letter to be sent, it was simply a matter of heading to the nearby postal carriage station.


    The Last Defender of the Way adventuring team had fully mobilized to search for Rigrit''s hidden address in this place. Most residents had left for work, leaving only a few playful children chasing each other on the streets, and there weren''t many people around to ask for directions.


    EeDeChi rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. Nothing in this world ever went smoothly; unexpected situations always arose. She had been wandering through this rundown neighborhood for nearly two hours and had found nothing.


    "Captain, I see the address plate for 41 Corner Lane!" Sean''s shout came from across a narrow alley. Finally, some good new. EeDeChi quickly rushed over.


    Pointing, Sean showed her a rusted copper plate that indeed bore the faded letters of "41 Corner Lane." The words were almost obscured by green rust, blending into the moss-covered stone wall. If it weren''t for Sean''s keen eyes as an archer, it would have been tough for anyone else to spot it. The careless EeDeChi would have likely walked right past it.


    "If this is number 41," Barrett surveyed the nearby buildings, as he and Stella arrived here, "then the low building next door must be number 43."


    "Which of these rundown houses isn''t a low building?" EeDeChi complained, leading his teammates forward.


    In front of the low building was a drainage ditch reeking of decay. Black sludge slowly flowed, mixed with disgusting household waste: chunks of fish bones, fruit cores, and even strips of feces. It was clear that the residents were dumping their daily trash into this gutter.


    The adventurers couldn''t help but feel relieved it was winter. If summer arrived here, the sewage would surely stink like the moats filled with dark sorcerer potions and corpses from tales of war.


    A stone slab spanned the drainage ditch, serving as a bridge. The four adventurers stepped over it and entered the low building. They climbed the creaky wooden stairs, and just before reaching the second floor, EeDeChi, who was leading the way, suddenly froze.


    "Captain, what''s wrong?" Stella whispered from behind her.


    "There''s another small space on the second floor," EeDeChi said as she stepped onto the last few stairs, arriving at the metal door.


    "Another space?" Barrett and the others looked puzzled.


    To their eyes, the cramped second floor only had a rusty, thin metal door. The yellowed walls were peeling, revealing red bricks that matched the color of expired pork, looking no different from other residences¡ªmaybe even older.


    But EeDeChi could see beyond the wall, where there was a murky space, as if a jelly was overlapping with the room. Inside the "jelly" lay deep shadows, and she couldn''t make out what was there.


    The thin metal door was secured with a heavy copper lock, covered in a thick layer of dust. EeDeChi brushed her fingers over the lock, leaving clear fingerprints. The keyhole was also corroded with uneven copper rust, making her doubt whether a key could even fit in to turn the mechanism.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    It felt as if time had sealed this place away in obscurity, untouched by anyone. Clearly, the owner wasn''t home¡ªperhaps hadn''t been for decades.


    The hallway was narrow, and Barrett squeezed next to EeDeChi. He pressed against the thin metal door, sensing for a moment before saying, "There are no seals or traps; it''s just an ordinary door. Should we break it down?"


    EeDeChi shook her head. "Going in would only lead to an ordinary room. The overlapping small space is locked away; we can''t enter without the owner''s permission. Besides, we''re here to find someone, not rummage around for documents."


    Actually, I could break through the "wall" of that small space and maybe get inside, EeDeChi thought to herself. But whether the small space would still exist after I break through is a big question mark.


    A slow shuffling sound came from around the corner of the stairs. The four adventurers turned to look, and they couldn''t help but feel disappointed; the footsteps belonged to an elderly woman.


    The old woman hunched over like a lobster, her back curved. Beneath a gray-striped headscarf, her white, curly hair peeked out. She moved slowly, carrying a small wooden bucket, carefully making her way down the wooden steps.


    Due to the narrow staircase, the adventurers had to press against the walls to give the old woman room to pass.


    As she walked by, they caught a glimpse of the contents of her bucket: a murky mix of various filthy liquids, along with some yellowed cloth and even strips resembling sanitary napkins.


    A foul odor wafted from the bucket, causing the beauty-conscious Stella to immediately cover her nose. The old woman seemed to be headed down to the drainage ditch to dump this waste produced by human activity.


    "Barrett, don''t you know to respect the elderly and care for the young?" EeDeChi spoke up from her position against the wall. "Seeing an old lady carrying something so heavy and you don''t even offer to help? Where''s your sense of community?"


    "Huh?" Barrett, also pressed against the wall, couldn''t help but grumble internally. But seeing the old woman struggling with the bucket, he felt a pang of sympathy. He took the stinky bucket from her hands and hurried down the stairs, dumping the waste into the ditch in just a few quick steps.


    The old woman''s face was a maze of wrinkles, her eye bags swollen, and her drooping eyelids squished her eyes into tiny slits.


    She accepted the empty bucket back from Barrett and turned to EeDeChi, saying, "Thank you, Miss Nun. You''re such a kind-hearted person."


    Old woman, are you blind? Can''t you see who just helped you with that? Barrett thought, feeling utterly speechless.


    "No need to thank; it''s what Barrett should do," EeDeChi said confidently. "Also, I''m not a nun; I''m an adventurer."


    She pulled out an orichalcum-level metal badge from her spatial ring and pinned it to her chest, then asked, "Old lady, do you know if anyone lives in the rooms on the second floor?"


    "Well¡­ I''m not sure. I moved in a few years ago. After my son was killed in battle and my husband passed away, I''ve been living here alone," the elderly woman replied, her lips trembling as she spoke, revealing a toothless grin. "Since I moved in, I haven''t seen the door on the second floor open. Miss Nun, could you stay and chat with me for a bit?"


    "Sorry, old lady, but I''m busy saving the world," EeDeChi replied without a hint of shame. "If I get the chance, I''ll come back to check on you."


    "Well¡­ okay then," the old woman said, her back hunched as she slowly climbed the stairs, her figure forlorn. Living alone in this place must be a lonely struggle.


    The four adventurers left the low building and returned to the street.


    "What do we do if we can''t find anyone?" Barrett asked, curiosity about the last of the "Thirteen Heroes" lingering in his mind.


    EeDeChi paced anxiously for a few steps. "I need to ask Lakyus for more details or have her take me there herself."


    "But finding an adamantite-level adventurer is even harder."


    "Then I''ll go look for Princess Renner first," EeDeChi said without hesitation. "I''ve heard she''s quite familiar with the Blue Roses adventuring team."


    "Captain, it''s probably best to keep a bit of distance from Princess Renner in the future," Barrett suggested.


    "Why''s that?" EeDeChi asked, confused.


    "From what I''ve gathered, Princess Renner may seem really nice, but she''s got a lot of tricks up her sleeve," Barrett began. "To put it simply, she''s two-faced. I''m worried you might be too¡­"


    Barrett had initially wanted to say "too naive," but after a moment, he switched to, "too innocent. You might easily be misled and taken advantage of by her."


    "What are you talking about?" EeDeChi frowned. "Princess Renner is a great person! When we chatted yesterday, she knew I wanted to crack down on prostitution and even gave me the addresses of three local brothels."


    HOLY SHIT! Barrett couldn''t help but gasp, realizing that''s where EeDeChi had disappeared to yesterday. Poor three brothels¡ªhe couldn''t help but feel sorry for the women and their clients.


    "However, I spent all day looking and couldn''t find those brothels," EeDeChi admitted, scratching her head, a bit embarrassed.


    "Huh?" Barrett was surprised. "Didn''t I give you a map and a compass?"


    He had worried that EeDeChi would get lost in the city, so he bought her a map and a compass and taught her how to read them.


    "It must be your map that''s out of date! That''s why I couldn''t find them!" EeDeChi said, hands on her hips, pointing a finger at Barrett as she looked up at him defiantly. "Next time, you take me to those three brothels!"


    What a mess I''ve gotten myself into! Barrett felt a headache coming on. He quickly thought of an excuse and said, "Just tell me the addresses of those three brothels."


    EeDeChi pulled out a piece of paper with the addresses written on it and handed it to him.


    Barrett read the paper and then pulled out the map, pretending to study it intently. With a look of realization, he said, "I see! These three brothels have all shut down. The information Renner gave you is outdated, which is why you couldn''t find them."


    "How could that be?" EeDeChi''s bright eyes widened.


    "Princess Renner doesn''t usually go to brothels, right? It''s only normal for her info to be outdated," Barrett forced an explanation.


    "Oh, I see," EeDeChi nodded thoughtfully, accepting his reasoning.


    Barrett breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have dodged that bullet.


    he had finally managed to dodge the issue


    Princess Renner is full of tricks. He looked over the addresses of the three brothels again and, combined with the gossip circulating in the streets, he discovered that these three brothels, along with the one that EeDeChi had destroyed earlier, were all owned by nobles who opposed Princess Renner''s influence.

 Chapter 91 - A Secret Talk with the Princess

    In the shadows of a dim room, a man knelt respectfully, raising his hands as he presented a brown paper bag to a blonde girl.


    "Your Highness," the man said, "this is the intelligence gathered by the Merchant Guild. Please take a look. With your wisdom, I''m sure you can deduce which forces are behind the attack on you."


    Princess Renner took the paper bag, her eyes as cold as ice¡ªdark and devoid of emotion.


    She pulled out the papers inside and glanced over them. "I''ve already suspected the culprits; this information confirms my guess. I will report to my father and have them all sent to the gallows."


    "Assassinating a princess should be punished as treason," the man suggested, his voice laced with flattery.


    "I know that; there''s no need for your concern. You can leave through the secret door to the south, bypass the music hall, and make sure Climb doesn''t see you."


    "Yes, Your Highness." The man stepped back, disappearing into the darkness.


    From behind the door, a maid''s voice came, "Your Highness, sorry to interrupt, but the adventurer EeDeChi is here to see you."


    "She came on her own? I was just about to find her," Princess Renner murmured. She took out a silver mirror and adjusted her expression, the icy resolve in her eyes melting into a spring of warmth, her smile blooming like a daisy.


    In one moment, she was the cold-hearted goddess of revenge; in the next, she played the role of an innocent, cheerful girl next door. If the actors from the Royal Theatre could see her performance, they''d feel shame standing in her presence.


    ¡­


    "Princess is still getting ready and needs a bit more time. Please have a seat," Climb said. He stood straight in his formal court attire, his light blonde hair neatly trimmed, exuding a sense of competence.


    EeDeChi sat on the silk velvet sofa, nodding. "It''s understandable; she''s a girl."


    The passing maids couldn''t help but murmur among themselves, wondering about this adventurer who had the audacity to act so confidently in front of Climb, who was the princess''s favorite. To them, Climb, though not wed to Princess Renner, was already seen as her chosen lover.


    Climb, oblivious to the surrounding glances, gazed at her with eager admiration. "When the princess was attacked before, we were lucky you were there; without you, I wouldn''t have been able to protect her on my own. I didn''t realize you were such a powerful figure in the realm of ''heroes.''"


    During that last attack, arrows had rained from outside, and a red-cloaked assassin had been inside. EeDeChi had simultaneously defended against the arrows and unleashed a 5th Tier spell, blowing the roof sky-high and effectively halting the assassins'' plans.


    "It was just a simple task; protecting you all is what I do," EeDeChi said, turning her head to see Princess Renner approaching her.


    The adventurer captain glanced at the Justice Value hovering above Renner''s head¡ª194¡ªand let out a sigh of relief. She remembered the last time she saw the princess''s Justice Value was -261, straddling between malevolent and extremely evil, which had shocked her.


    "Let''s talk inside," Princess Renner said with a warm smile, her expression gentle. "Climb, please guard the door and don''t let anyone in."


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    EeDeChi followed her into a secluded room, with thick walls engraved with soundproofing runes, clearly a perfect spot for a confidential discussion.


    The two sat facing each other, and EeDeChi casually asked, "Did you find out who was behind the assassination attempt a few days ago?"


    "I''ve already found out," Princess Renner nodded. "My father has helped me identify the mastermind, and they will be punished severely."


    EeDeChi smiled. "I almost forgot¡ªyour dad is the king. He''ll definitely have your back."


    Princess Renner looked at the adventurer. "What do you need to talk to me about?"


    "I heard you have a good relationship with the Blue Roses team. Can you give me their captain''s contact information?"


    "I don''t usually see them..." Princess Renner hesitated. "They''ve gone to the Eastern Reiner Mountains. The Sorcerer Kingdom, whether intentionally or not, released some undead creatures that killed quite a few civilians. The Blue Roses are heading there to eliminate them."


    "That Ainz Ooal Gown again," EeDeChi sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "Can''t he just chill for a bit?"


    Princess Renner sighed in return. "With a godlike being like him, how could he care about our lives? They''re not Gaia; they''re ruthless and heartless grim reapers."


    After a moment of silence, EeDeChi asked, "After the war between Re-Estize and the Sorcerer Kingdom, did they demand any land or reparations from you?"


    Princess Renner nodded. "The fortress city of E-Rantel, along with the nearby towns and lands, has already been ceded to the Sorcerer Kingdom. Our country must pay a certain percentage of our taxes to them each year."


    She smiled wryly. "These are minor issues; it''s a stroke of luck that they haven''t continued their slaughter. Although we haven''t openly submitted like Baharuth, we''re pretty much in the same situation.


    "Someone like Ainz Ooal Gown should only exist in the legends of the Eight Greed Kings, only in the songs of wandering bards. Sometimes I wonder, is there really no one who can hold them back?"


    EeDeChi glanced up at Renner''s Justice Value and said, "Actually... I''m working on a way to deal with Ainz Ooal Gown."


    At those words, Renner''s eyelids flickered, her heart jolting for a moment before she quickly composed herself. She cautiously asked, "You mean... you want to kill him?"


    "I can''t kill him, but I will definitely deal with him," EeDeChi replied seriously. "However, I can''t do it alone; I''m looking for a way. Hmm? You seem a bit nervous."


    Princess Renner''s body trembled slightly. She took a deep breath, pressing her palm tightly against her knee, and asked, "Can you... defeat Ainz Ooal Gown?"


    "Maybe I can defeat him, or perhaps it would end in a draw. I believe we''re at a similar level of power, but I can''t take on the entire Great Tomb of Nazarick. I''ve heard Ainz has many high-level magical items, which is a significant disadvantage for me," EeDeChi calmly analyzed, showing a keen self-awareness regarding their strength comparison.


    "Are your teammates just like you?" Princess Renner''s tone suddenly became respectful.


    "Not at all," EeDeChi replied solemnly. "They... are just ordinary people."


    "If you''re going to confront Ainz," Renner said, choosing her words carefully, "perhaps I... could lend you a hand."


    "You''re just a princess; you can''t help me," EeDeChi shook her head. "You''d be better off finding a way to contact Lakyus."


    "If I could become the queen, I could mobilize the whole kingdom to help you," Princess Renner''s blue eyes grew brighter, revealing unmasked fervor and desire.


    EeDeChi was taken aback and gave her a thumbs up. "Ambitious! But... I''ve heard that according to the kingdom''s laws and traditions, it must be your brother who inherits the throne."


    Renner paused for a moment, then tentatively suggested, "If someone could eliminate the second prince, just as you mentioned... dealing with Ainz Ooal Gown, my chances of becoming queen would greatly increase, and Re-Estize''s territory would become your solid backing!"


    "You mean..." EeDeChi frowned. "Kill the second prince?"


    Renner didn''t answer directly, lowering her voice. "You descended into this world just like Ainz, as if a god walking among us. For a god, there''s nothing impossible."


    "I am not a god," EeDeChi said with distaste. "I''m just an adventurer, and besides, the second prince is your BROTHER!"


    "My brother wouldn''t hesitate to get rid of me. If you hadn''t been there during my last assassination attempt, he would''ve smiled at my funeral."


    "You two are like two foxes fighting over a piece of meat, unaware that the entire forest is already under the hunter''s dominion." EeDeChi''s voice was cold and indifferent.


    "If it weren''t for this piece of meat, she wouldn''t survive the winter night before the hunter shot the foxes. If the mother fox makes it through the harsh winter, well-fed and warm, she might just have the courage to lead all the foxes of the forest to attack the hunter''s throat."


    "Let''s discuss this later."


    "Okay."

 Chapter 92: Mountains and Sky

    In the arena, a towering warrior swung his giant sword, cleaving his opponent and their weapon in half.


    The warrior plunged the giant sword into the defeated''s corpse, and a strange scene unfolded: the defeated''s blood seeped along the pine needle patterns on the giant sword, drop by drop, while the body gradually withered and shrank, like a sapling drained of juice by aphids.


    "Schroeve Dahlsen has won his fifteenth consecutive victory! He''s charging forward on the road to the title of Warrior Captain! The number of enemies he has slain has risen to eleven! If his opponents in the previous matches hadn''t chosen to forfeit, the death toll would surely have increased even more!"


    The announcer''s hoarse voice shouted the results, echoing against the arena''s walls, but there were no cheers from the crowd, no thunderous applause for the victor.


    The audience seats surrounding the arena were empty, with only two slender figures at the very top¡ªthe only spectators. They had rented the entire arena but stood alone at the highest point, looking down like solitary eagles surveying ants below.


    Without any audience response, the passionate announcer seemed to lose interest. In a monotonous tone, he announced the next match:


    "Next up is Schroeve against the orichalcum-level adventurer Anderson Rupert. Um¡­ ah, breaking news, Mr. Rupert has forfeited, giving up the duel. What a shame. So, let''s congratulate Schroeve Dahlsen in advance on his sixteenth consecutive victory!"


    "It turns out adventurers can be afraid of death too," one of the two spectators muttered to himself from the highest seat. He was slightly plump but dressed lavishly, exuding a royal air. The gruesome scene of the dismembered body in the arena made his round face look a bit uneasy.


    "Prince, everything that lives fears death, even a lowly adventurer like dirt," Odys Malcon Waverly said, standing beside the second prince Zanac with a calm tone.


    They were at the highest point of the arena, looking down like clouds over the lives of the world.


    In the distance, a few elegantly dressed corpses dangled from the bell tower in the western district. Their hair was disheveled, and the nooses were tightly fastened around their necks, swaying like puppets with strings in the wind.


    These were nobles hanged in recent days, accused of murdering the princess, treason, conspiracy, and corruption. After the executioner took their bodies down from the gallows, they were hung from the bell tower by the king''s order to warn the nobles lurking in the dark.


    "The princess''s actions are quicker than we expected," Zanac said, gazing at the swaying bodies with a hint of worry in his voice.


    "The culprits captured by Princess Renner are just a few pawns we tossed out," Odys replied, his eyes as calm as a still pond. "She is indeed more cunning than her peers, but she is still not enough to stand against us old-timers."


    "Indeed, General Odys," Zanac said humbly. "Thanks to your support, the royal power remains stable. Sigh, I never imagined things would develop to this point. I remember when I was young, my sister and I were as close as¡­ as friends. Ever since my brother died in battle, everything has changed."


    "Do not show mercy; be wary that your sister might take everything from you¡ªpower, wealth, even your life," Odys cautioned. "Now, take your gaze away from the bell tower and look down at the arena."


    At his words, Zanac immediately turned his head, looking down at the scene in the arena. In the center of the sandy ground, a warrior wielding a giant scythe had opened his opponent''s abdomen, intestines spilling out onto the ground, creating a tragic sight.


    "I brought you here to teach you a lesson. We stand on high; the fierce battles of lowly ants, the blood and carnage, are irrelevant to us. We need only glance down to see the situation clearly. You are destined to rise higher than anyone, so you must cultivate a sense of the bigger picture."


    "Understood, General! I will remember your teachings!" Zanac replied. "But some ants, if ignored, could cause trouble. I''ve received intel that the Adventurer''s Guild is meddling in the selection for the Warrior Captain, creating significant obstacles for us."


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "You''re right. Some ants are indeed oblivious to danger, trying to snatch scraps while two giants clash. I''m already prepared to eliminate this meddlesome ant as a warning to others."


    "Thank you for your efforts, General," Zanac said. "My sister has also hired an orichalcum-level adventurer named EeDeChi. She seems to play the role of guarding the princess and is quite a troublesome individual."


    Odys replied coolly, "Your Highness, you need to understand this: someone on the mountain peak can shatter the skull of a rebel at the foot with just a thrown stone. When the tide turns, we can crush worms beneath our fingers, and your only concern will be that their bodies might dirty your hands."


    "Wise words, General," Zanac nodded.


    "When you stand atop the mountain, there''s just one thing to remember," Odys said, his tone suddenly respectful. He raised a finger to the sky. "Higher than the mountain is the sky."


    "The sky?" Prince Zanac looked up, gazing at the heavy, gray clouds that covered the heavens, blocking out the sunlight, creating a stifling atmosphere.


    "You mean," Zanac''s eyes widened, the clouds reflecting vivid colors in his pupils, "the Sorcerer Kingdom is the ''sky''!"


    "Exactly," Odys smiled. "No matter how high the peak, the sky will always be above the mountain. We must respect and praise the sky to gain its blessings."


    ¡­


    EeDeChi lounged in a chair, idly flipping through an old parchment scroll. She had picked it up from the black market, claiming it contained myths from five hundred years ago, written in Dragon Script, Elvish, and Common.


    The merchant had insisted it was the notes of a legendary mage and charged her ten gold coins, but after Barrett took a look, he said it was worth only five silver coins. EeDeChi had a nagging feeling she''d been swindled by the shopkeeper with a Justice Value of 45, but since she had already bought it, she might as well read it.


    Barrett was nearby, polishing his flying axe and checking the handle for stability and whether the enchantment had worn off. Sean was disassembling a crossbow, using cotton balls to apply tung oil for maintenance. Stella was reading a prayer related to Gaia''s faith, the light filtering through the window casting a gentle glow on her white robe, calm and serene.


    With the captain not stirring up trouble, this was a rare moment of leisure.


    "Knock, knock, knock." Someone tapped lightly at the door. Barrett went to open it, revealing Adventurer''s Guild guildmaster Tony Ulea and his nephew, Eddie Hill.


    "I''m here to return a book," old Tony said, hanging his suede hat and gray coat on the rack. "Just brought my nephew along to see a bit."


    He handed EeDeChi the hefty volume titled *The Mystery of Magic* and a small booklet, which contained several dark yellow papyrus maps, saying, "These are annotations written by my professional mage friend, along with some maps of the Eight Greed Kings desert. Consider them a gift."


    Barrett raised an eyebrow. "What''s your nephew here to see?"


    "Let him see the gap by encountering someone with exceptional magical talent," old Tony said, motioning for his nephew Eddie to come closer, then addressing EeDeChi, "Adventurer captain, may I take up some of your time?"


    The boy with light brown hair looked on with curiosity. EeDeChi stepped forward and asked, "What kind of encounter? Do you want me to show a 5th Tier spell?"


    "No, no. I have a better way than blowing the roof off. Can you stretch out your left hand? Fingers spread wide."


    EeDeChi followed his instructions and held out her hand in front of old Tony. He gently took her palm and suddenly recited a spell.


    "Snap!"


    A bright electric snake shot out from the top of EeDeChi''s head, shattering the darkness like thunder. The electric snake darted toward the ceiling, blasting through it.


    Wood chips and brick dust floated in the air as a large hole opened up in the roof, letting a shaft of sunlight in. Everyone could smell the sharp, electric scent of the air being sliced through.


    "See that?" old Tony said to his nephew. "What I just cast was only a 1st Tier ''Shock Spell,'' but with her body''s amplification, its power is equivalent to a 3rd Tier ''Thunderstrike.'' Her affinity for magic is even higher than that of a dragon''s heartstring! With such talent, and she''s only an orichalcum-level adventurer? If you don''t put in the effort, how will you ever become a High-tier mage?"


    EeDeChi suddenly realized that old Tony was using her like a magic wand!


    Just as she was about to say something, she noticed Barrett and Sean covering their mouths, trying hard not to laugh. Eddie, who was being scolded by old Tony, looked at her with a dodgy gaze, the corners of his mouth curling up.


    Stella bit her lip and handed over a mirror.


    EeDeChi glanced in the mirror and saw her reflection: every strand of her black hair was standing on end, repelling each other, giving her a wild, frizzy look, like a black porcupine with spikes all over. This was the static effect from the electricity.


    Anger surged within her as she raised her fist, pretending to swing at old Tony, caught in a mental battle between not wanting to hit an old man and wanting to teach the prankster a lesson.


    Old Tony was startled by her fierce expression and quickly waved his hands. "Don''t be mad, don''t be mad. My old bones can''t take a few punches from you. Don''t worry, your hair will be back to normal in a bit."


    He hurriedly shifted the topic, moving a few steps toward Barrett. "Barrett, I actually came here to discuss something else with you."

 Chapter 93: Advice

    "What do you want to discuss?" Barrett''s senses heightened. From his past experience, whenever old Tony showed up unannounced, it was never with money¡ªonly with trouble, often bringing danger to his life.


    Old Tony paused for a moment, then got straight to the point. "The Warrior Captain tournament is reaching its climax, and they''re about to select the finalists. There''s a powerful contestant from the second prince''s faction named Schroeve Dahlsen. His strength has been unnaturally boosted, and we couldn''t stop him. I''m worried that Brain won''t be able to defeat him."


    "You need to have faith in Brain. Isn''t he the strongest swordsman in the Re-Estize?" Barrett said, puzzled. "Besides, what does this have to do with me? I''m not even participating in the Warrior Captain selection, so don''t drag me into this."


    Old Tony pulled out a piece of parchment from his pocket and unfolded it. "I''m not trying to drag you in. I just want to ask you to replace an adventurer and face Schroeve Dahlsen in a duel."


    "Don''t joke around." Barrett flatly refused. "I saw Schroeve''s winning streak at the casino¡ªhe''s a killer who''s won dozens of matches. Anyone who duels him either ends up dead or crippled, and you say you don''t want to drag me into this?"


    Old Tony chuckled awkwardly. "Didn''t you once take down an ancient frost dragon? Since you can do what ordinary folks can''t, I thought I''d come to you."


    "That dragon was a moron; its brain had been smashed long ago," Barrett snapped. "I just got lucky and took advantage of it.


    "And I''ve never participated in the Warrior Captain selection. My rank is zero¡ªhow could I possibly face Schroeve? Don''t tell me about impersonation or anything like that; as the tournament progresses, the rules get stricter. The Re-Estize''s bureaucrats might be foolish, but they''re not blind¡ªthey''ll definitely catch on."


    Old Tony was confident. "As long as you''re willing to fight, there''s a way. There''s a rule in the tournament called the ''challenge system.'' Anyone can challenge a contestant, and that contestant has the right to accept or refuse. If they accept, they can duel. If the challenger wins, they take the contestant''s rank and spot."


    Barrett understood Old Tony''s scheme. They could arrange for an adventurer to pretend to duel him and deliberately lose, allowing Barrett to step onto the arena and face Schroeve.


    "I''m not getting into this mess. Schroeve Dahlsen''s real name is Slam Daguerre, right? A mercenary known as the ''Lord of Death.''" Barrett asked; he had heard of Schroeve''s reputation from Wind Blade Yaso.


    "Exactly. He''s been hired by the Re-Estize''s nobles to compete," Old Tony nodded. "You might have heard about his notorious assassin brother in Baharuth, but I heard he was recently killed by someone."


    Barrett thought to himself that he had a hand in that brother''s death too. Better to avoid trouble; he had no intention of provoking someone like Schroeve.


    "Are you really going to refuse?" Old Tony looked a bit disappointed. "For the medical fund, our companions have sacrificed too much. Five adventurers died in the qualifying duels, and several others were injured or disabled.


    "If we can defeat Slam, Brain will definitely be elected the Warrior Captain, and the Adventurer''s Guild''s contract with Princess Renner will come into effect. Don''t you want official support from the Re-Estize when you get injured in the future?"


    "Old Tony," Barrett said, turning the tables and staring him down, "you''ve gotten in too deep. Have you forgotten the adventurer''s code? Adventurers aren''t mercenaries. Mercenaries kill people; adventurers slay monsters. The power struggles of nobles and royals are not our concern."


    Old Tony sighed softly. "I''m getting old. The injuries I suffered in my youth often act up at night. While mages don''t fight with their bodies and martial arts, my physical condition no longer allows me to roam around. Maybe I''ll retire from this line of work soon, but I want to do a bit more, even if it means fighting."


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    "Then you''d better be careful. Since Princess Renner hired us," Barrett calculated in his mind, "we''ve already faced two assassination attempts. The first was against me and the captain, and the second was aimed at Princess Renner. Each time, it nearly cost us our lives. This is a whirlpool of blood and blades¡ªdon''t get sucked into it. You don''t need to persuade me further; I absolutely will not participate in the Warrior Captain selection."


    Old Tony nodded silently. He wasn''t oblivious; seeing Barrett''s firm stance, he stopped trying to convince him and grabbed the gray wool coat from the rack, preparing to leave.


    EeDeChi called out to him and handed over a book made of parchment. "I found this book in an old shop. Can you see how much of it is real?"


    Old Tony took the book and quickly skimmed through it. Soon, he gave his verdict: "Is this a bedtime story for kids? Eighty percent of this is pure nonsense."


    "How much is this book worth?" EeDeChi''s face flushed as she asked.


    "Considering the expert craftsmanship in aging it, and its high quality as toilet paper, it''s worth one silver coin. How much did you pay for it?"


    "I¡­" EeDeChi hesitated, unusually at a loss for words.


    She had spent ten gold coins! Barrett thought to himself as he answered for the captain in his mind.


    "Is there really no authentic tale in this book?" EeDeChi asked stubbornly.


    "Hmm¡­" Old Tony flipped through a few pages, pointing to a jumbled illustration. "This part is accurate. The legend of the Eight Greed Kings'' great expedition, in the year 1339 of the Imperial Calendar, when eight kings summoned the full power of their nations for a grand campaign. I once found a fragment of a calcite slab while traveling in the Eight Greed Kings Desert, and the dates and events match perfectly with what''s in this book."


    He handed the book back to EeDeChi, put on his coat, adjusted his fur-lined hat, and called over Eddie, who was discussing archery techniques with Sean. The old man and the young boy pushed open the door and stepped into the biting cold wind, leaving.


    ¡­


    Winter had arrived, and the cold wind howled as groups of noblewomen draped in wool cloaks and fur coats strolled through the palace.


    In the reception room, the flames in the fireplace flickered silently. The flames were just decorative magic; the real source of light and heat came from the red magic crystals embedded in the fireplace''s inner wall.


    Unlike traditional fireplaces that burn coal or wood, this magic fireplace didn''t produce smoke or ash and didn''t require a chimney for ventilation.


    This high-end fireplace could only be enjoyed by nobles, royalty, and high-tier mages, since the consumption of magic crystals was beyond the means of ordinary people.


    Renner Princess gazed into the hypocritical flames of the fireplace, recalling the fairy tales she had heard from the maid when she was young.


    In those tales, every time the God''s birthday arrived, a messenger clad in a red cotton robe would ride in on a heavenly steed from the far North, slipping down the chimney into the fireplace to deliver precious gifts to blessed children.


    As a child, she had never understood what a "chimney" was or how the messenger could "squeeze" down into the fireplace from outside. Did the messenger have an army of wall-digging soldiers?


    When she was educated by the court teachers, she had played war games and learned about siege tactics that involved digging tunnels.


    She was filled with doubt about the existence of messengers delivering gifts to children. Yet, every winter on that special day, she would find gifts by the fireplace, leading her to believe for a time that she was a little angel blessed by the gods, and it brought her great joy.


    As she grew older, she found out that the gifts had actually been secretly placed by the eldest prince, who eventually got tired of teasing his sister. After that, the younger second prince took on this sweet responsibility, ensuring their sister remained happy for several more years before she uncovered the truth.


    At this thought, Princess Renner couldn''t help but smile bitterly. Indeed, royal children shouldn''t listen to fairy tales. First, drink the honey water, then swallow the dark chocolate, and the bitterness becomes even more pronounced.


    She pulled her gaze away from the flickering flames, noticing that a stunning woman in a white gown had taken a seat in the once-empty ornate armchair.


    The envoy from the Sorcerer Kingdom, Albedo, had arrived as scheduled.


    Princess Renner lowered her head and asked, "Did you summon me for something, my lady?"


    "You haven''t reported in a while," Albedo said, leaning back in the armchair, her alluring curves accentuated.


    On this cold winter day, while the water outside began to freeze and the indoor warmth had faded, she still wore a gown as thin as a cicada''s wing.


    Wearing her otter fur coat, Princess Renner thought that the demon gods were truly beyond the constraints of nature. She recalled that during her last meeting with EeDeChi, that adventurer had also worn nothing but a thin black linen outfit.


    "What would you like to know, esteemed envoy?" Princess Renner replied politely.


    "I''m asking you," Albedo said, pointing her chin at Renner with her usual arrogance, "Has EeDeChi mentioned anything about the Great Tomb of Nazarick?"

 Chapter 94: The Choice of the Fighting Dog

    Princess Renner paused for a moment, her face an inscrutable mask, showing no sign of emotion.


    "No," she replied.


    "Really?" Albedo asked casually. She seemed a bit skeptical but didn''t seem to care much about Renner''s answer.


    Stretching her mature and graceful figure, she smoothly changed the subject. "Can the Brain you have win the position of Warrior Captain? If he loses, I''ll lose a bet with someone else too."


    Who would be qualified to bet against you? Princess Renner felt a twinge of nervousness but answered truthfully: "A strong competitor has emerged, named Schroeve Dahlsen. He''s hired by the Waverly family and works under Odys Malcon Waverly. They¡­ seem to have received help from a big shot in the Sorcerer Kingdom."


    What puzzled Renner was why Albedo, the representative of the Sorcerer Kingdom who stood by her side, would still allow the Sorcerer Kingdom to make a deal with her opponent.


    "My colleague is just bored, and that Waverly family is offering quite a convincing price," Albedo shrugged. "If you can offer a high enough price, you could exchange for anything you want from us."


    She continued, "But the Sorcerer Kingdom lacks for nothing. You might as well keep your wealth and power for yourself. Don''t worry; you''re someone I believe in."


    Saying this, she handed Princess Renner a small onyx vial, the liquid inside glowing a deep crimson.


    "This potion can temporarily enhance Brain''s abilities, so he just needs to take it right before the final match. There might be some side effects for you humans, but just hang in there; it''ll pass."


    "Thank you for the gift from the Sorcerer Kingdom," Princess Renner said as she accepted the onyx vial.


    In Re-Estize, she had the closest relationship with Albedo, or rather, the arrogant Albedo only held her in regard.


    Albedo had given her many potions and equipment from the Great Tomb of Nazarick. When presented to the court''s alchemists and blacksmiths for appraisal, they declared these to be rare treasures that even dwarves and elves could not produce.


    All these items were given to Brain to help him win the position of Warrior Captain.


    "Let me think," Albedo''s golden eyes lingered on Princess Renner for a moment. "That''s all; you may leave."


    "Understood." Princess Renner said, holding the potion tightly as she exited.


    Once Renner left, Albedo remained half-reclined in her armchair.


    She extended her fair fingers and lightly tapped, causing the flames in the magical fireplace to suddenly extinguish, and the glowing magic crystals dimmed. A powerful command siphoned their magic away.


    The light in the parlor dimmed slightly, and a tall, slender figure emerged from the darkness. He had been standing there all along, unseen by Princess Renner.


    This new figure, like Albedo, exuded an otherworldly aura. He was tall and slim, dressed in a sharply pressed reddish-brown striped suit, with hair slicked back so dark it was nearly black. The tips of his ears, sharper than an elf''s, were adorned with two small gold hoops.


    A pair of round-frame glasses rested on his nose, giving him a competent gentlemanly appearance. Yet, even in such attire, an air of malice lingered about him. Behind him was a tail wrapped in silver metal plates, tipped with six sharp spikes, surrounded by flickering dark flames.


    Demiurge, the highest-tier demon, Justice Value -500, epitome of evil.


    The demon adjusted his glasses and spoke in a low voice, "I feel that Renner wasn''t being truthful."


    "She''s a clever one, and knows when to speak the truth," Albedo said, glancing at Demiurge. "Is it fun for you to trip up the people I trust?"


    Her words felt like an accusation, but her tone was calm, lacking any hint of blame.


    "A suspenseful game is what makes it interesting, isn''t it?" Demiurge smirked. "From my observations, there''s a human pastime called ''dog fighting.''


    "The game involves making many dogs fight each other, and the winner is the dog that kills all its opponents. The winner gets a big chunk of meat from its owner for dinner. Don''t you think we''re watching a dog fight ourselves?"


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    "Now that you mention it, it does seem that way," Albedo remarked, impressed by his clever metaphor.


    "Humans make dog fights more entertaining by fitting dogs with metal teeth or feeding them stimulants. The Waverly family wags their tails, pouring their entire fortune to please us, and in the name of the supreme Ainz, I''ll give their dog sharper teeth."


    "It seems my gifting Princess with equipment and potions is fundamentally no different from your actions," Albedo laughed. "How much wealth did the Waverly family offer us?"


    "Fifty tons of gold," Demiurge replied casually.


    "So much!" Albedo exclaimed. "But what do we even need gold for? There''s nothing in this world we want to buy."


    "We could use the gold to build a mansion for Ainz," Demiurge smiled.


    "Wow!" Albedo''s eyes sparkled. "It could be our love nest when I marry Ainz!" She blushed, twisting her body, her usual proud demeanor completely vanishing.


    "Ahem," Demiurge redirected the conversation. "Watching humans strain themselves over the benefits we could easily claim is truly amusing. There''s also a betting system among them on which dog will win in the end. I bet on the Waverly family."


    "Like I said before," Albedo replied, "I bet on Princess Renner."


    "I''m heading to the sheepfold in the Roble Holy Kingdom now. There are a few wild goats that need to be taught a lesson; otherwise, they''ll impact the parchment yield." Demiurge turned to leave. "Let me know who wins the position of Warrior Captain."


    ¡­


    In a courtyard on the outskirts of Re-Estize, few knew that the Waverly family, which dominated the northern part of the kingdom, owned property near this impoverished area.


    Brain, unaware that he was seen as a fighting dog, sat in a leather chair, facing another fighter, Odys Malcon Waverly. Between them was a simple wooden table adorned with a cold, extinguished candlestick.


    Odys fiddled with a finely crafted short sword in his hand and said, "As a swordsman under Princess Renner, you''ve come to meet with me for the second time. Does Princess Renner know about your actions?"


    "It was you who invited me," Brain replied, eyeing the older man warily. His right hand rested on the hilt of his sword, and his legs were positioned for a quick rise, like a taut bow ready to unleash its arrow.


    "But you could have chosen not to accept the invitation," Odys remarked lightly. "As a trusted aide, it''s taboo to privately meet with your master''s sworn enemy. Yet here you are because I''ve given you hope¡ªthe hope of bringing Gazef Stronoff back to life."


    "Hmph." Brain scoffed. "You''re overthinking it. I''m just not used to declining invitations."


    Odys lifted his gaze, his vulture-like eyes locking onto Brain''s. He smiled, "That''s a pretty poor excuse."


    Brain remained defiant, but the slight tremble in his hand beneath the table betrayed his true feelings. He knew deep down that when it came to reading human intentions, he was no match for this old vulture.


    A few days ago, Odys had invited him to meet, promising that if Brain withdrew from the Warrior Captain selection, he would use the power of the Great Tomb of Nazarick to revive Gazef Stronoff.


    At that time, Odys had sworn that he could accomplish what the royal palace''s Divine Magic mages could not. He even presented the corpse of "Lord of Despair" Clovis to demonstrate his resurrection magic.


    Brain had to admit that his reason for meeting Odys again today was fueled by that faint glimmer of hope¡ªthat his fallen friend could be brought back to life.


    This hope was indeed given by Odys, and the old vulture had captured his heart.


    Silently, Brain waited for Odys to speak, not wanting to appear too eager and risk losing the upper hand in the negotiation.


    "You are the strongest swordsman in the kingdom. I''ve heard your sword comes from the Desert of the Eight Greed Kings. Is that true?" Odys threw out an off-topic question.


    "Yes." Brain studied Odys, suspecting that the old vulture was circling around in the negotiation.


    "Supreme Ainz granted me an unmatched sword," Odys said, admiring a beautifully decorated short sword in his hand.


    The hilt was adorned with intricate gold patterns, and the sheath was inlaid with precious ivory and diamonds, forming the emblem of the Sorcerer Kingdom.


    He slowly drew the short sword, its cold gleam pouring out like a stream of water, instantly lowering the temperature of the room.


    Odys lightly swung the short sword, its edge slicing through the brass candlestick on the table. The candlestick was cut cleanly in half, the surface as smooth as a mirror.


    Odys sheathed the short sword with satisfaction and said, "May I borrow your sword for a moment? Let''s see if Supreme Ainz''s sword is sharper, or if the weapons from the Desert of the Eight Greed Kings are truly indestructible."


    Brain glanced at the broken brass candlestick on the table and shook his head. "I''m sorry, but I can''t lend it to you. A swordsman should cherish his sword and not engage in pointless contests. Besides, you''re not a swordsman. How about we discuss something more serious?"


    Odys''s wrinkled face broke into a smile, as if he were certain of his victory. "No rush; let''s have some tea first."


    He shook a small silver bell in his hand. "Tea service."


    A servant quickly approached and set a tea set in front of Brain.


    When Brain looked up and accidentally caught sight of the servant''s face, he froze in shock.


    The servant was none other than Clovis, the "Lord of Despair," who had been a cold corpse just days ago!


    Clovis''s once-twisted face appeared as if someone had forcibly straightened it; his bulging eyes and crooked nose were now aligned. If one looked closely, there were still signs of abnormality, but overall, he seemed just like anyone else.


    Notably, there was a round emblem of the Sorcerer Kingdom on his forehead, resembling a dark golden tattoo.


    After placing the tea set down, Clovis smiled gently at Brain. It seemed that Brain''s intense gaze made him feel slightly offended.


    Brain kicked the chair behind him away and suddenly stood up.


    He grasped the hilt of his sword at his waist and slashed at Clovis with two swift strikes. Clovis moved smoothly, dodging the sudden attack with ease.


    "Do you suspect that Clovis is a necromantic puppet made from a corpse?" Odys chuckled. "Young people are more suspicious than old folks."


    Clovis gave a slight bow to Brain and stepped back behind Odys.


    Brain returned to his seat, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty. He indeed suspected that the Clovis before him was a necromantic puppet created by dark magic.


    Necromantic puppets follow their master''s commands, lacking will and advanced intelligence, moving clumsily like marionettes. But never had he seen a puppet move so fluidly, easily avoiding his surprise attacks.


    Could it be that Clovis had truly come back to life from being a corpse?


    "I''ll give you a few more days to think it over. For the sake of your dear friend, and for the Re-Estize, I hope you make a choice you won''t regret for the rest of your life."


    With that, Odys stood up, leading Clovis away.

 Chapter 95: A Cold Winter Night

    Winter had set in for a while, and the gray clouds had hung heavily in the sky for days, finally bursting forth one night in a storm.


    It was as if the sky''s reservoir had opened its gates, and torrential rain poured down like a waterfall. The fierce wind whipped the rain, creating a chilling night. In the thick, inky darkness, you couldn''t see your hand in front of your face, only the sound of countless raindrops hitting the ground, rooftops, and puddles.


    The moon and stars hid behind the heavy clouds, unwilling to gaze upon the rainy, dark world below.


    Occasionally, flashes of lightning flickered within the clouds, briefly dispelling the darkness for a second or two. The lightning brought booming thunder, merging with the monotonous sound of rain to create a deep symphony.


    The drainage system on the streets wasn''t great, and the continuous downpour turned the ground into small streams.


    Two pairs of footsteps splashed through the rain that flowed wildly across the street, making their way through the pitch-black curtain of rain.


    Amid the noisy rain, two voices could be faintly heard, their words shattered by the downpour. From their tones, one was old and the other young.


    "Why did the teacher keep you after class again? Did you argue with him?" the older man asked.


    "Mr. Laberge said the 3rd Tier spell ''Shadow Stealth'' can avoid detection in the unicorn''s celestial domain," the boy replied, his voice muffled and stubborn. "You once told me that only the Divine Magic spell ''Holy Shadow'' that resonates with the celestial domain can sneak up beside a unicorn."


    "Yes, your teacher was indeed wrong. But you can''t blame them; many of them have spent nearly their whole lives in the wizard tower. How could they have a chance to hunt wild unicorns? They can only guess based on imagination,


    "But you must not argue with your teachers; they are your elders and the ones imparting knowledge to you. You need to respect them; otherwise¡­ you''ll be kept after class, and I''ll have to come pick you up myself." The older man first agreed with the boy, then scolded him.


    "The practical magic and beast taming teachers just talk nonsense and have bad tempers," the boy complained. "If only you taught at the wizard academy, all the apprentices would flock to hear your lectures, and no one would pay attention to Mr. Laberge."


    The older man shook his head and laughed, "Forget it. I''m already exhausted from teaching you in my spare time. I can''t handle a whole bunch of mischievous kids like you."


    "Besides the boys, there are many girls too. Tisana from the neighboring potion class is quite pretty, and there''s Phoebe, she seems to be the daughter of a Marquis..." The boy spoke candidly, holding a black umbrella while the old man beside him held another.


    Side by side, they walked as the sky poured down endless raindrops that pattered against their umbrellas. Rain streamed off the edges, creating a curtain of water.


    "Professor Korm likes to sing while mixing potions, and he sings worse than a crow. So, we''ve nicknamed him ''Stinky Mouth Crow''. Today, Benjamin muttered the nickname under his breath, and ''Stinky Mouth Crow'' heard it. He ended up being punished with the Levitation spell to stand upside down for an entire afternoon..." The boy cheerfully shared the day''s amusing incidents from the wizard academy, his youthful voice carrying far along the deserted, rain-drenched streets.


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    "Uncle?" The boy stopped and turned back.


    The old man had suddenly stopped walking. Holding the umbrella with one hand, he stood quietly in the pouring rain, seemingly deep in thought. The boy noticed that in his other hand, the old man gripped his wand.


    "Uncle, what''s wrong?" the boy asked again, puzzled.


    "Eddie, come to my side, throw away your umbrella, and watch out for the dragons in the sky," old Tony said, then tossed his umbrella aside. The black umbrella was quickly swept away by the wind to the other side of the street.


    Old Tony raised his wand, and the swirling black umbrella in the darkness suddenly burst into flames.


    Eddie was startled, the light from the burning umbrella briefly illuminating the darkness. In the relentless rain, a figure in a long robe stood like a drenched flag on the ground.


    Eddie, anxious, dropped his black umbrella and ran to old Tony''s side, also pulling out his own wand from his space bag.


    The fire was extinguished by the torrential rain, and the robed figure once again disappeared into the dark, deep gloom.


    Old Tony placed his palm on Eddie''s shoulder, shook his wand, and magic repelled the rain around them. The raindrops paused in the air momentarily but then continued to fall to the ground, splashing everywhere.


    The short-distance teleportation spell failed.


    Old Tony tightened his grip on the wand and pointed ahead where the robed figure had vanished, saying loudly, "They''ve even set up a spatial blockade; it looks like they prepared well for this ambush."


    No one answered him, and old Tony didn''t expect a response.


    He leaned closer to Eddie and said, "The real magic combat lesson starts now. Cast all the defensive spells you know on yourself!"


    Eddie trembled slightly, gripping his wand tightly like old Tony. He whispered the incantations:


    "1st Tier Blade Defense."


    "Low-level Shield."


    "Magic Deflection Halo¡­"


    In his panic, he mispronounced several syllables and had to start over.


    Old Tony traced circles above Eddie''s head with the tip of his wand. High-tier Magic Immunity, Mirror Shield, Advanced Blade Defense¡­ one by one, high-tier defensive spells enveloped him.


    Old Tony didn''t forget to teach: "Combat Tip One: Always stay calm."


    Several high and low-tier magical halos spun around Eddie, wrapping him in a sphere of colorful magic.


    Eddie anxiously looked at old Tony. "Uncle, I can protect myself. You should cast your defensive spells first."


    They stood in the pouring rain, the cold wind howling past their ears. Without the shelter of their umbrellas, the winter rain quickly soaked through their clothes, chilling them to the bone.


    Eddie shivered and waved his wand, trying to cast a "Water Repelling Shield" for both himself and his uncle.


    Old Tony stopped him. "A Water Shield would create a curtain of rain that blocks your vision. Remember, Combat Tip Two: Life is always more important than temporary comfort."


    A glimmer of yellow light appeared ahead, revealing the previously vanished robed figure in the downpour. He also wasn''t using any rain-avoidance spells, allowing the heavy rain to drench him.


    In his hand, he held a dark blue wand, and a yellow orb of light began to shine from its tip. He moved forward, weaving through the rain, getting closer to old Tony and Eddie, almost within the effective attack range of most spells.


    "I don''t understand," old Tony said while preparing his defensive spells, "Why are you looking for trouble with me when we''re both wizards?"


    He didn''t really care about the answer; it wouldn''t change the outcome anyway. He was just using the conversation to draw his opponent''s attention and buy some time.


    "You''re too close to adventurers and too far from wizards. The Wizarding Alliance in the kingdom has long had its eye on you," the robed figure in the rain replied in a deep voice.


    "So you became a noble''s lapdog to bite me?" old Tony scoffed. He had a good reputation in the wizard community and wasn''t about to believe this robed man.


    The robed man had moved into the effective attack range of most spells. The yellow orb of light at the tip of his wand suddenly brightened, but it still didn''t illuminate his face beneath the hood.


    His raspy voice cut through the rain, carried by the wind: "Some people find you too troublesome and want your life. If you''re smart, perhaps we won''t have to duel on this terrible stormy day¡­"


    While old Tony was trying to attract his attention with conversation, the robed man was doing the same.


    "Crack!" A sharp, bright lightning bolt shattered the darkness, piercing through the rain curtain and lunging toward old Tony from behind!


    Old Tony, originally facing the robed man, seemed to have eyes in the back of his head. He spun around quickly, casting a 4th Tier spell, Electric Field Deflection, to block the lightning.


    "Ha, just a little trick," old Tony sneered. He had anticipated an ambush from behind.


    He was a High-tier wizard skilled in 4th Tier magic. To successfully assassinate him, the robed man could only be another High-tier wizard. Those who could wield 5th Tier magic held themselves in high regard and wouldn''t stoop to the petty business of late-night ambushes.


    Just one High-tier wizard wasn''t enough; there must be another one lying in wait to strike. And given the heavy rain, the effectiveness of the fireball spells wizards typically used would be greatly diminished, forcing the attackers to rely on lightning-based magic.


    "Your ability to respond is quite impressive," a weathered voice came from behind.


    An elderly man leaning on a staff stood across the street, the magic crystal embedded in his wand illuminating his aged face. It was he who had just cast the 4th Tier spell, Thunder Spear.

 Chapter 96: The Night of Sorrowful Rain

    "Hey," old Tony chuckled when he recognized the face before him. "Isn''t this Jonathan Griffin from the North? You must be really honored to come all the way to the capital for me at your age."


    "You''re not getting any younger yourself," the old man said, his staff glowing as he leaned on it. "I want to see just how capable the guildmaster of the Adventurer''s Guild really is."


    "So," old Tony barked, "you three are teaming up to ambush me?"


    He raised his wand sharply, unleashing a bolt of lightning from its tip, shooting upwards like a thunderclap from the ground to the sky.


    The electric serpent struck something in the sky, and a muffled cough echoed through the air. The smell of burning lingered for a moment before being washed away by the rain. Clearly, someone up there had taken a hit.


    Eddie looked up in terror and noticed a wizard hovering above them, using "Levitation." No wonder his uncle told him to ditch the umbrella¡ª"Watch out for the dragons in the sky."


    The hovering wizard had been well hidden, blending in with the storm clouds, but now had to light up a defensive spell around himself.


    "Kid, if you want to ambush someone, you should act faster," old Tony laughed. He glanced at the defensive spell in the sky and assessed that this flying wizard was a Mid-tier wizard capable of using 3rd Tier magic.


    Despite old Tony''s effort to appear relaxed, he knew the situation was dire. The enemy had two high-level  wizards and a flying Mid-tier wizard, while they had only one high-level  wizard and a mage apprentice.


    "Eddie, step aside," old Tony commanded. "They''re here for me."


    "No... Uncle, I want to fight alongside you..."


    Before Eddie could finish, the robed men and the old man on either side of the street unleashed their spells, with swarming electric serpents on one side and dense ice spears on the other. Attack spells from high-level wizards closed in on them from both directions.


    Lightning and ice spears collided with the protective magic barrier, resulting in a violent explosion that knocked Eddie back, sending him crashing into the rain-soaked ground.


    Eddie scrambled to his feet and released two "Ice Spikes" towards the old man, but the slender ice spikes were shattered into powder before they could even come within five steps of him.


    At that moment, he realized he was truly useless in this fight, only a burden to his uncle. He suddenly resented his own laziness. If he had been more diligent before, his uncle wouldn''t be left to face this alone now.


    Old Tony stood straight amidst the ice shards, raising his hand to launch an ice spear at the robed man. He also pulled a scroll from his spatial ring and tossed it behind him, releasing the encapsulated magic to create a sturdy "Crystal Barrier" separating him from the old man.


    He ran towards the robed man, calling out to Eddie, "Run, follow me to break through!"


    Countless metal spikes constructed from magic erupted from the robed man''s feet, wriggling towards them like a spiky caterpillar.


    Old Tony had to stop and use "Disintegrate" to destroy the dense, sharp metal spikes at his feet. Behind him, the solid crystal barrier began to crack and pop, sounding like a glacier melting. The old man clearly had a plan for this.


    A low, murmuring chant drifted down from above, and old Tony perked up, recognizing a few syllables. The hovering wizard was trying to cast a lengthy "Spatial Confinement."


    If he completed that spell, it would be a big problem. Old Tony raised his wand, casting "Silence" to interrupt the chant, then followed it up with a 2nd Tier spell, "Scorpion''s Touch," hitting the target perfectly.


    A piercing scream echoed from the sky, followed by wails of agony. If the hovering wizard hadn''t quickly dropped onto a flying carpet, he likely would have fallen by now.


    Stronger spells often require longer incantations, and young wizards tend to chase after high-powered High-tier magic. Little do they realize, while constructing their spell circuits, that without teammates to provide protection, a few Low-level combo spells could end their lives.


    If it weren''t for the other two involved, old Tony would have already shot down this suspended live target.


    The two robed men and the old man on either side of the street unleashed their spells again, their magical energies roaring towards him. Old Tony sidestepped to counterattack, the defensive magic barrier surrounding him absorbing most of the damage.


    Spells flew back and forth, both sides engaging skillfully, with explosions and flames lighting up the dark street.


    Although old Tony was being pressured, his robust defensive magic shield held strong, resulting in a stalemate.


    The old man on one side said in a deep voice, "Your self-created resistance spell is quite powerful."


    "Thanks for the compliment," old Tony chuckled bitterly. "My teammates when I venture out are a bunch of brutes who don''t know how to protect a wizard, so I''ve had to put in extra work on my defensive magic."


    His voice held a hint of weakness. Maintaining the defensive spell while countering the two seasoned high-level  wizards drained a lot of his magical energy, yet he still held on without showing signs of fatigue.


    This was the capital of the kingdom; no matter how powerful those wanting him dead were, they couldn''t act without consequence. The sound of high-level  wizards clashing could be heard for miles, and the knightly order must be rushing through the rain; he just needed to hold out until then.


    Thunder rumbled ominously in the sky, lightning split the night, illuminating the situation of a few people in the street. Soaked to the bone in the torrential downpour, they looked like drowned rats, except for the old man, whose clothes were magically waterproof.


    Still, they gripped their wands and staffs tightly, nerves taut, not letting their guard down for a moment.


    The robed men and the old man knew they couldn''t drag this out forever. They stepped closer, suddenly intensifying their assault.


    Countless incantations whirled around, colorful magic scattering everywhere. The street erupted, becoming uneven, and cobblestone dust mixed with rainwater, flowing into a murky stream.


    Old Tony gasped for breath, the rapid loss of magical energy and the cold rain sapping his body warmth made him feel utterly exhausted. He was no longer the young, strong man he once was.


    The relentless bombardment of magic on either side left him no time to drink the vitality potion from his spatial ring. He had already poured most of his magic into defense; if he could just hold on a little longer, both he and his nephew Eddie would be safe!


    Damn it! Where were the knightly order? Had the taxes they paid all gone to waste? His mind began to blur.


    "Uncle! I''ll help you!" Eddie shouted, standing in the rain and waving his wand, unleashing several 1st Tier attack spells. Although his spells were nullified by the opponent''s protective barrier, he continued to chant. His pale face showed he was trying to lighten the load for his uncle with his meager magic.


    The boy''s youthful cries thundered in old Tony''s ears, and old Tony pinched his thigh hard to sharpen his focus. He couldn''t go down yet! He had promised at his brother''s grave that he would raise Eddie!


    The robed man and the old man closed in through the storm. The old man threw an ice-blue magic scroll, which was ripped apart by the wind, forming countless ice spikes from the rainwater that spiraled down like a vortex.


    Old Tony swung his wand, creating a shield of flames to hold them off. In the torrential rain, the cold ice spikes turned into scalding steam, drifting like clouds in the air before being immediately scattered by the storm.


    The old man threw a second dark scroll, which rolled away as if sinking into the dark clouds. Old Tony focused on the direction it vanished, suddenly sensing a malevolent aura.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    In the darkness, the scroll unleashed its binding, and a surging null magic field rapidly expanded, sweeping over the entire street like a tidal wave.


    In the torrential rain, old Tony, Eddie, the wizard in the sky, the old man, and the robed man¡ªall their defensive magic shields suddenly extinguished, as if their flames had been drowned by an unseen flood.


    Old Tony''s eyes widened in shock; he hadn''t expected this seemingly frail opponent to possess such a mad tactic.


    The null magic field could drain all magic within its range, leaving only the magic contained in a wizard''s body and rendering all spells and magical items useless.


    This was a tactic used by non-magic warriors against wizards; for a wizard to use it was akin to a suicidal attack.


    But now, in a two-on-one situation and without any protection, it was obvious who was in greater danger.


    The null magic field only lasted for a brief moment; the opportunity was slipping away!


    "Bang!"


    Three guaranteed spells erupted simultaneously, slicing through the night sky like lasers.


    Old Tony''s body went limp, and he collapsed to the ground, blood pooling from his abdomen and dripping into the rainwater.


    In that fleeting moment, he first cast an attack spell, shattering the robed man''s arm, then used a low-level immunity spell to barely deflect the deadly curse aimed at him. However, the old man''s needle spell from the other side pierced through his abdomen.


    In pursuit of maximum casting speed, all three were using low-level magic. Old Tony wouldn''t die immediately from the curse, but the tide had turned against him.


    His magic and warmth seeped out with the blood from his abdomen, dissipating in the cold rain. The pouring rain battered his back, and from the pain, he curled up on the ground.


    On either side of the street, the one-armed robed man and the old man stepped through the puddles, advancing closer.


    "Don''t hurt my uncle!" Eddie rushed in front of old Tony, shielding him. He gripped his wand tightly, like a warrior holding a sword with one hand.


    "Don''t you dare hurt my uncle!" Eddie shouted again, like a soaked little cat, teeth bared and fur bristling.


    "Eddie, get away from me." Behind him, old Tony lay in the flowing filth, weakly ordering him.


    Eddie wouldn''t budge an inch; he stood tall, his soaked pant legs trembling slightly.


    "Eddie, don''t be disobedient; you''ve always¡­ been too mischievous." Old Tony coughed up blood.


    The robed man and the old man ignored Eddie''s cries, wading through the shallow puddles, drawing closer to the uncle and nephew.


    "Uncle, I''ll be a troublemaker just this last time! From now on, I''ll do whatever you say!"


    Branching lightning flickered in the clouds, illuminating Eddie''s frail and youthful face, which was filled with fear. Tears welled up in his eyes, flowing down his cheeks alongside the rain.


    The one-armed robed man stopped in his tracks; he had never treated his severed arm, as if it wasn''t even his own.


    His hooded eyes locked onto the stubborn Eddie, his voice hoarse, "Little apprentice, don''t stand in my way, or you''ll die."


    In the sky, the wizard lying on the flying carpet said, "The employer said there can be no survivors." His tone was venomous and cold, filled with resentment because he had been wounded by old Tony.


    "Then let''s kill them all. What a pity about the boy; he reminds me of my grandson," the old man replied casually. "Be careful of Tony Ulea''s dying counterattack; a dying snake bites harder, especially a cunning adventurer."


    The three reached a silent agreement. The robed man and the old man on either side of the street, along with the wizard in the sky, raised their wands and staffs. A golden light ignited, connecting their magical circuits, the golden beams linking them together.


    The three formed a triangular magical formation, with old Tony lying on the ground and Eddie standing tall in the center.


    Once the formation took shape, the destructive magic would obliterate them into ash in an instant, leaving no trace under the rain¡ªan undeniably merciful death.


    Eddie gazed up at the brilliant golden light in the sky, his small face filled with despair, yet he refused to take a single step back.


    "Cough cough." Old Tony lay on the ground like a lump of mud, coughing up blood again.


    His voice was thick with blood, muffled and unclear, "I always thought I''d die in the jaws of some monster, but here I am, falling at the hands of human. For an adventurer, this is a truly humiliating way to die. I once read ''The Mystery of Magic'' and learned some interesting things¡­"


    "The Mystery of Magic?" The old man with the golden staff looked down at him. "You''ve read that book? The legendary wizard Baharuth who authored it is dead, and the only copy has been lost."


    "A friend lent it to me," old Tony said, his palm open; he could no longer grip his wand tightly. "From reading that book, I learned some interesting knowledge. We''ve always thought that high-tier magic, after crossing a certain threshold, would have its chanting time greatly reduced¡­"


    "Is ''The Mystery of Magic'' with you?" the old man interrupted old Tony.


    "It''s not here; I returned the book to a friend."


    "Is that so?" The old man sneered. "Once you''re dead, I''ll search your spatial ring to see if you''re telling the truth."


    Even so, he slightly reduced the flow of magic he was channeling into the golden magic array. "What interesting knowledge did you gain?"


    Curiosity is a trait inherent in every magician, and the old man was no exception. He was indeed interested in what this High-level magician''s last words would be, so he gave old Tony a bit more time to speak.


    "I realized something interesting. Cough!" old Tony lay on the ground, coughing up blood again. "We always thought that with higher-tier magic, once you broke through a certain barrier, the incantation time would significantly shorten. But in reality, the incantation time is still proportional to the magic''s power. For those with poor talent, it takes even longer."


    "Oh." The old man stared coldly at him. "Is that your dying wish?"


    "However, higher-tier magic," old Tony continued, "is similar to the silent spells of the elves. 5th Tier magic can also be cast silently in one''s mind!"


    With that, he sprang up like a coiled serpent! Pressing Eddie to the ground, his previously limp arm now pointed skyward. In the midst of the howling storm, a small white light flared at the tip of his wand like a flame.


    "OH NO!" The old man''s pupils dilated in panic. He dropped his staff, trying to retrieve something from his spatial ring, but it was too late.


    5th Tier Magic: Binding Thunder Prison!


    Countless bolts of lightning, as thick as fingers, shot forth from the tip of the wand, weaving an impenetrable net of electricity. Thunder filled the entire space, electrifying the street.


    The torrential raindrops became excellent conductors of electricity, making the night as bright as day.


    As the dazzling lightning slowly faded, old Tony collapsed, his wand emitting white smoke. During the days he borrowed the Mystery of Magic from EeDeChi, he had devoted all his talent and wisdom to mastering this one 5th Tier spell. And that was enough.


    "Splash."


    "Splash."


    "Splash!"


    On either side of the street, two charred bodies fell into the rainwater, and from the sky, another blackened corpse dropped, shattering into pieces upon impact. The air was thick with the smell of burnt flesh, and no amount of pouring rain could wash it away.


    Eddie crawled out from under old Tony, who had pressed him down to keep him safe from the onslaught of electricity. He hugged old Tony tightly, and old Tony wrapped his arms around him. In the downpour, a sense of relief filled their hearts, grateful to be alive.


    Old Tony retrieved a bottle of vitality potion and a bottle of energy potion from his spatial ring. Mixing them together, he drank them down with the rainwater.


    His magic and spirit began to recover slowly. He cast a *Healing Spell* on his abdominal wound, and the muscle and skin began to grow back, while the damaged organs healed themselves. For the moment, he was out of danger.


    "Let''s go home," old Tony said, ruffling Eddie''s hair.


    Suddenly, the ground shook for a moment, then again, like a giant was approaching them from the other end of the street.


    Old Tony gazed into the dark curtain of rain, struggling to stand. "Could there be a troll in the capital?"


    The footsteps, heavy like a giant elephant, grew louder. Old Tony raised his hand and cast a *Light Spell*, sending a glowing orb darting through the street. It collided with a "mountain" and was extinguished by a massive hand. Before the light vanished, old Tony caught a glimpse of the "mountain."


    It was a towering warrior, wearing an iron mask and carrying a blood-red giant sword on his shoulder. The sword was covered in menacing black patterns, like tightly woven pine needles.


    The "mountain" burst through the rain curtain and charged toward them, resembling a rampaging rhinoceros.


    Old Tony''s expression turned grave. He pulled five iron spears from his spatial ring and threw them onto the ground. Raising his wand, he began to chant a spell. A warrior charging straight at a wizard was like a live target.


    After a slightly longer incantation, the five iron spears on the ground began to roll and gather in the air. Fiery heat shimmered and was soon washed away by the rain, quickly forging a sharp spear.


    Enhanced by magical power, the spear whirled, buzzing, and launched with a "boom!" It shot through the rain at a supersonic speed, piercing towards "the Mountain."


    4th Tier Magic - Godslayer Spear! Its power rivaled that of a giant siege crossbow firing an army-breaking bolt, capable of skewering a squad of knights clad in Adamantite armor. It was a pure physical attack, impervious to any anti-magic or magic-immune devices.


    "The Mountain" held up a blood-veined giant sword in defense, and the Godslayer Spear shattered against the broad blade of the sword!


    "How can this be!" exclaimed old Tony, but the warrior was already charging at him. He raised his blood-stained giant sword, swinging it like a mountain wielding a blood-covered glacier.


    "Force field deflection!" As old Tony cast the spell, he awkwardly rolled to narrowly dodge the strike. A wizard forced into drastic physical evasions was indeed in a dire plight.


    "Uncle, let''s fight him together!" Eddie ran to old Tony''s side, gripping his magic wand tightly.


    "No, you need to leave now. I have something important to tell you," old Tony stood up and whispered into Eddie''s ear.


    "I won''t go!" In the rain, Eddie shook his head vigorously.


    "Haven''t you promised me before that you would behave and not be naughty anymore? Now you need to obey! Complete the task I''ve given you!" old Tony fiercely ruffled Eddie''s drenched hair and shouted:


    "RUN!"


    As the mountainous warrior charged again, old Tony used a "Force Ripple" to push Eddie several meters away. His thin arms, veins bulging, desperately held off the cleaving giant sword with a force field deflection, his slender ebony wand bending into an arc.


    Old Tony stood up straight, his frail and aged body now roaring like a lion as he recited his spell.


    Electricity summoned icy light, he exhausted all his magical power, spiraling into combat with the warrior.


    In the boundless curtain of rain, Eddie wanted to run back, but old Tony roared again: "RUN! KEEP RUNNING! DON''T LOOK BACK!"


    Suddenly, Eddie realized his uncle was at his limit. But uncle persisted, intending to use his life to hold off the fierce killer, to carve out a chance for his nephew.


    old Tony was slammed hard against the wall, mud mixed with blood trickling down. He collapsed to the ground, casting a forlorn glance at Eddie, clearly saying: "Why aren''t you running?!"


    Eddie turned, tears streaming down his face. He clenched his teeth and moved his frail, rain-soaked legs, crashing into the dark, vast curtain of rain, running, running, never looking back...

 Chapter 97: Old Tonys Request

    "Grandpa! Grandpa! I want Grandpa..." The girl''s tender voice was hoarse as she called out, her small hands reaching helplessly forward.


    A long sword pressed against the old man''s neck, as the solemn royal guards led him away. A woman, clad in a luxurious corset, held the girl tightly, preventing her from chasing after the old man. Tears flowed ceaselessly down the woman''s face, dripping onto the girl''s neck.


    Bodies hung from the bell tower, swaying in the wind...


    "Ah!" Stella Famillion suddenly sat up in bed. In the middle of the night, a bolt of lightning split the stormy sky outside, casting cold light upon the windowpane and illuminating her pale face.


    She had once told her teammates in the Last Defender of the Way adventurer squad that she was born into a declining noble family. The decline of the family itself wasn''t frightening, but what was terrifying was experiencing the process of that decline.


    Two years of tense adventuring life had driven those painful memories from her mind.


    But the day before yesterday, seeing the bodies of the executed hanging under the bell tower once again, even though she knew this place was thousands of miles away from her hometown in Re-Estize, the dark memories surged back like a tide.


    In her sleep, she drowned in those memories. She stretched her arms forward, her eyes wide open, memories flooding into her throat, leaving her unable to speak...


    Her sleep had been of poor quality these past few days, and not even soundproof spells worked; the noise of thunder was enough to wake her. Stella rubbed her temples and used magic to light the copper candlestick on her bedside table, then groped her way out of bed.


    Winter had come, and the thunderstorm late at night made it bitterly cold. She wrapped herself in a cotton robe, picked up the candlestick, and walked out of her room, intending to get a cup of hot water from the kitchen.


    Stella tiptoed, making as little noise as possible. The captain, Barrett, and Sean were still deep asleep in their rooms, and she did not wish to wake them.


    "Hoo... hoo..." A faint snoring sound came through a door, the unmistakable sound of Barrett snoring.


    Fortunately, Sean doesn''t snore at night; otherwise, I wouldn''t be able to stand it. Wait, why am I even thinking like this?


    Stella paused, startled by her sudden thought. In the dim light of the candlestick, a blush crept onto her pale cheeks.


    "Bang¡­ bang¡­ bang¡­" Aside from Barrett''s snoring and the sound of the storm muffled by the walls, there seemed to be a knocking sound coming from the dark.


    Her experiences as an adventurer had made Stella braver. She stood still and listened carefully for a moment, realizing that the disjointed knocking came from outside the front door.


    In this cold, rainy, stormy night, someone was knocking?


    Stella quietly approached the front door. Amidst the rain hitting the oak door, the knocking sound became clearer, its rhythm growing weaker, as if the person outside was becoming more feeble.


    The young cleric lit the candles and oil lamps inside, gripping her staff tightly. After preparing two spells, she cautiously whispered, "Who is it?"


    "It''s me¡­"


    To Stella''s surprise, it was the weak voice of a boy. She felt like she had heard that voice somewhere before... After a moment of thought, Stella quickly retrieved the key from the bottom of the flowerpot by the wall, inserted it into the lock, and opened the door.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    As the door swung open, a drenched figure collapsed at her feet.


    It was Eddie! Old Tony''s nephew! He was soaked to the bone, his wet robe clinging to his skin as if he had jumped into the river and been pulled out after ten minutes underwater.


    Stella hurriedly dragged Eddie back inside, laying him flat on the sofa. She cast a simple water-dispelling spell to remove some of the water from him. At that moment, Eddie was in a dazed state, his eyes tightly shut, and his mouth slightly open as if he were mumbling something.


    As Stella dragged Eddie, she felt he was icy all over. She reached up to touch the boy''s forehead, and it felt like fire!


    There was no doubt that he had a high fever. In this cold, rainy winter night, she couldn''t imagine how long he had been outside in the rain. It was no surprise he had developed such a high temperature.


    Stella didn''t have time to think about why Eddie was soaked to the bone and knocking on the door in the middle of the night. Gripping her staff, she quietly chanted a blessing spell, enveloping the feverish boy in warm light.


    After evaporating all the rainwater from Eddie''s body and temporarily alleviating his fever, she woke the other three in the room one by one.


    "What''s Eddie doing here?" Barrett and the others were equally shocked.


    EeDeChi rubbed her tired eyes, groggily staring at the unconscious boy, as if her drowsiness was even more intense than a high fever.


    Sean fixed his gaze on Eddie, who was resting his head on Stella''s lap, Sean''s eyes unreadable¡ªcaught between sympathy and jealousy.


    "What''s wrong with old Tony? He can''t even take care of his own nephew?" Barrett grabbed a canvas cloak from the coat rack and instructed, "You all help him change into some dry clothes. I''m going to check on old Tony."


    With that, he threw on the cloak and dashed out into the howling wind and rain...


    Old Tony lived in the eastern district of the capital, quite a distance from where Barrett and the others resided. Barrett could hardly imagine how Eddie had made it through the stormy path to reach them.


    At that moment, the rain had lessened significantly, but the road was still full of potholes. Barrett stepped through the waterlogged puddles, gripping a glowing stone lantern as he ran toward old Tony''s address in the darkness.


    He was in great shape and soon ran to the vicinity of old Tony''s house, where he saw a crowd blocking the road.


    Among the crowd were mounted guards in shining armor, militia with long swords and round shields, and several figures cloaked in enchanted black robes, looking like wizards.


    Barrett hurried forward and grabbed a wizard wearing a tall pointed hat, asking, "What happened?"


    Raindrops pelted the wizard''s black hat, rolling off the brim. He looked at Barrett with endless sorrow in his eyes.


    "Old Tony was attacked by enemies and... was killed!"


    Barrett felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He stumbled back two steps, staring in disbelief at the wizard in the pointed hat. He had suspected something unusual would happen, but he never imagined it would end like this!


    "No way!" Barrett croaked, "That''s impossible! I know him too well¡ªthis old turtle who studies defensive spells wouldn''t die even if all his teammates fell!"


    "It''s true." Two murky tears rolled down the wizard''s cheek as he trembled and wiped his eyes.


    Barrett glanced around at the guards surrounding old Tony''s house, the militia and officers standing ready, and the several silent High-tier mages. He understood that this news was real.


    "Is there any way to bring him back? Can we find a mage who uses 5th Tier Divine Magic to revive him?" Barrett stepped forward, clutching onto a sliver of hope.


    "It''s too late. His body was destroyed... all that''s left is a head¡­" The wizard sniffled, tears streaming down his face. "Even his High-level mage badge and Orichalcum adventurer plate are missing."


    Barrett stood in the rain, his expression numb, oblivious to the raindrops falling on his face. The sorrow in his heart felt like a boulder lodged in his throat, threatening to overflow from his chest.


    "How could this happen¡­" He pressed his hands against his temples, slowly crouching on the rain-soaked ground, overwhelmed by pain.


    ¡­


    "What? You''re saying Tony Ulea is dead?!" Upon hearing Barrett''s news, EeDeChi and the others were equally stunned. Barrett collapsed onto the sofa, having run back from old Tony''s place, still struggling to process it all.


    He remembered his last meeting with old Tony, when they had argued for a long time over differing opinions and parted on bad terms. If he had known that this would be their final farewell, he would have gladly agreed to whatever request old Tony had made at the time.


    Every goodbye in life should be treated as a parting for eternity, to avoid leaving regrets behind.


    "Let''s go check on Eddie," Sean suggested. "Maybe he knows something."


    "Right!" Barrett sprang up from the sofa. "Old Tony must have sent him here."


    The four of them entered Stella''s bedroom, where Eddie lay on the bed in new clothes.


    All the water had been wiped off him, and a thick comforter covered him. Thanks to Stella''s treatment, his fever had mostly subsided, but he looked completely drained, as if trapped in a nightmarish quagmire, struggling to awaken.


    His lips were still pale and blue, slightly moving as if he were mumbling something.


    The four adventurers listened carefully for a moment and could clearly hear Eddie''s intermittent whispers: "Uncle said... must have Barrett..."


    Barrett sat on the edge of the bed, holding Eddie''s cool little hands in his large ones, softly saying, "I''m here, right beside you."


    "Uncle said¡­" Eddie''s small hand was enveloped in Barrett''s warm palm, seeming to regain some vitality. His eyelids fluttered open slightly, looking at Barrett.


    "Uncle said... must have Barrett''s team captain participate in the Warrior Captain competition"


    "Me?" EeDeChi raised an eyebrow, bewildered.

 Chapter 98: The Little Nun Challenger

    Through Eddie''s fragmented story, the four adventurers roughly understood that Tony Ulea had asked Eddie to pass on a message, hoping that EeDeChi would participate in the Warrior Captain competition.


    "I don''t get it," EeDeChi scratched her head. "This must be old Tony''s... last wish, right? He doesn''t say who the killer is, and why does he want me to join the Warrior Captain selection competition?"


    Barrett rubbed the stubble on his chin, thinking for a moment. "Old Tony was always a cautious and sharp-minded person. He must have had his reasons for doing this. The killer might be someone he couldn''t handle, and they could pose a threat to Eddie''s safety."


    "According to the sheriff''s report, there were three other charred bodies at the scene," Sean also joined the discussion. "From the clothing left behind, it''s clear that three mages were killed during the battle with old Tony."


    "Someone capable of sending three mages to attack Tony Ulea¡ªcould it be a mage group from within the kingdom?"


    "No, the ones who attacked him are probably nobles from the Second Prince''s faction," Stella speculated. "I know how these nobles operate. For power and influence, they''ll stop at nothing, using all kinds of despicable methods¡ªassassinations, framing people, setting up false charges..."


    The other three thought for a moment and reluctantly agreed with Stella''s guess. Tony Ulea had always been a gentle optimist, rarely getting into arguments during his adventurous career.


    Recently, in the Warrior Captain selection competition, he had been working hard for Princess Renner, naturally blocking the interests of another faction of nobles.


    "Why don''t I just go to the palace and drag that little Second Prince Zanac out, make him spill the beans?" EeDeChi suggested a solution she thought was simple and efficient.


    "No, not yet. We don''t have solid evidence," Barrett quickly advised his impulsive captain. "Think about it¡ªwhy would old Tony want the captain to join the Warrior Captain competition? What''s the real purpose behind this move?"


    "Where is the Warrior Captain selection competition right now?" EeDeChi asked. They had been cooped up at home these past few days, not keeping track of the shifting tides outside.


    "Four days ago, I saw on the arena bulletin board that there were still 16 candidates. Based on the rules of the competition..." Sean said, "Tomorrow is the quarterfinals!"


    "Quarterfinals... semifinals..." Barrett grabbed EeDeChi''s arm and pulled her toward the door. "Hurry up, we don''t have much time!"


    ---


    The rain had stopped, but the sky remained thick with gray clouds, blocking out the sunlight.


    The storm had just washed the earth clean, but the air was still damp and cold. Puddles had formed thin layers of ice, and as one stepped on them, the ice would crack and the dirty water would churn.


    In the courtyard of a manor hous, a hulking man stood bare-chested, wielding a two-meter(6.56 feet)-long greatsword with ease.


    His muscles were thick and well-defined, his iron-like arms swung the sword down, cleaving a half-meter(1.64 feet) tall granite stone in two with a spray of sparks and stone dust. He withdrew the sword and, firmly planted on his feet, he raised it before thrusting forward. The rough blade seemed to cut through the very air itself.


    "Good, keep that energy," said a tall, thin man standing off to the side, dressed in a cotton coat embroidered with patterns, his ears covered by a bear fur hat. He was jotting something down with a quill on a scroll of paper. "Believe in yourself, tomorrow''s duel with Schroeve will surely end with him as your defeated opponent."


    "I''m confident," the muscular man said, burying his greatsword into the soft ground beneath his feet. "Schroeve is just a Baharuth mongrel known for picking on rookies. Tomorrow, I''ll split his skull with one strike!"


    Just as the thin man in the fur hat was about to speak, a monotone female voice interrupted, "Are you Duncan Dalton?"The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The burly man turned around, only to find a well-built male who stood as tall as he did. He looked down and saw a black-haired girl standing before him, dressed in a loose black cotton robe, her expression neutral.


    "I''m Duncan Dalton. What do you want, little nun?"


    The man spoke, but his eyes were locked on the muscular figure standing behind the girl. From the silver metal badge on his chest, he could tell that the man was a mithril-level adventurer.


    The black-haired girl handed him a parchment. "This is a challenge agreement. Please sign it."


    Duncan took the parchment and glanced over it. It was a formal, official document. The main content stated that, under the challenge rules of the Warrior Captain competition, EeDeChi was challenging Duncan Dalton.


    The Warrior Captain competition had a special challenge rule: any participant could challenge another contestant.


    The contestant had the right to refuse, but once the challenge was accepted, a duel would take place. If the challenger won, they would take the contestant''s ranking and points, replacing that contestant''s position in the competition.


    Barrett reviewed the competition rankings and schedule and realized that the much-talked-about Warrior Captain tournament was nearing its end.


    After dozens of bloody, brutal one-on-one duels, only four contestants remained, with two matches still to be fought: Brain Unglaus versus Rhodes Rupert, and Schroeve Dahlsen versus Duncan Dalton.


    It was clear that they couldn''t have EeDeChi replace Brain, but Schroeve was nowhere to be found. After gathering some information, they tracked down Duncan, a third-place fighter known for his ferocity¡ªa former mercenary who had killed seven and crippled five in the duels.


    "EeDeChi?" Duncan looked at Barrett, crossing his arms. "What a sissy name."


    "Actually," the black-haired girl pointed to herself, "I''m EeDeChi."


    "Oh?"


    Duncan glanced at the girl, then at the challenge agreement in his hand. After confirming that his eyes weren''t playing tricks on him, he burst into loud laughter. "Hahahaha! Little nun, you''re challenging me? Since when did the church start sending nuns to fight for their faith? Hahahaha!"


    The thin, tall man in the fur hat walked over and gave them a cold, dismissive look. "Get lost, you outsiders. Don''t interrupt us while we prepare for tomorrow''s Warrior Captain elimination match."


    Barrett walked up to EeDeChi, casually remarking, "You''re just afraid. No matter how loud you laugh, you can''t hide it."


    Duncan stopped laughing and grabbed the quill that EeDeChi had handed him. He signed his name with a few swift strokes. "Alright, I accept the challenge."


    "Duncan, Count Kura has ordered us to focus on preparing for tomorrow. The quarterfinals are a crucial match!" The thin man''s tone grew stern.


    "Don''t worry, old buddy," Duncan shrugged. "Why not take on an easy punching bag when it''s offered to you? Just think of it as a warm-up."


    The four of them left the manor and flagged down an open-topped three-horse carriage. After turning down several streets, they arrived at the notary office responsible for the Warrior Captain competition.


    The officials at the notary office listened to their request and turned the parchment over and over, checking it thoroughly. After confirming that everything was in order, they looked uneasy.


    "The agreement is fine, but..." one official hesitated. "No woman has ever participated in the Warrior Captain competition. Although there are no gender restrictions in the rules, it''s always been a tradition..."


    "Traditions are made to be broken." EeDeChi stepped forward, standing tall and proud.


    Duncan slammed his thick, solid hands down on the official''s desk. "Help us out. I''m just going to teach this little girl a lesson. I won''t kill her."


    The official hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed to the challenge. A fat official followed them out of the notary office. He would act as the witness for the duel between EeDeChi and Duncan.


    As they walked out onto the street, Duncan gave EeDeChi a sideways glance. "Little nun, pick a spot. Wanna fight at the convent? But don''t expect the gods to save you."


    "I''m an atheist." EeDeChi''s face showed a hint of displeasure. "Let''s fight here."


    The thin man in the fur hat looked at Duncan. "Quick and decisive, we need to get back to training."


    "Fast," Duncan replied with a cold smile. "One punch. No time to waste."


    He reached into his spatial ring and pulled out a pair of steel knuckle-dusters, sliding them onto his strong, muscular hands. The spikes on the knuckle-dusters looked like the teeth of a beast. He clenched his fist tightly, and his hammer-like punch seemed reinforced with iron nails.


    EeDeChi stood firm, facing him, and raised her hands into a boxing stance.


    "Little nun, here we go," Duncan said, taking a deep breath. His massive arm muscles tensed and bulged, and after a brief moment of building up strength, he swung his fist.


    A dull "THUD!" rang out as the brutal punch landed squarely on EeDeChi''s face!


    Barrett jumped at the sound, but when he saw that EeDeChi was still standing straight, he let out a sigh of relief.


    Duncan withdrew his fist, looking at it in disbelief. He was stunned. How could this girl still be standing? Why hadn''t she collapsed? Why hadn''t her cheekbone shattered?


    The warrior''s willpower overwhelmed his initial shock and confusion. Duncan''s killing intent surged, and with lightning speed, he began throwing punches again¡ªthis time, a fury of blows!


    Jabs! Hooks! Uppercuts! Crosses! Overhand punches! Thrusts¡­ A barrage of punches rained down on EeDeChi''s upper body. The force exploded with each strike, and even the wooden buttons on her cotton robe shattered into dust.


    Duncan paused, looking at his hands, his confusion deepening.


    The black-haired girl was still standing. If it weren''t for the real impact he felt with every punch, if the steel spikes on his knuckle-dusters hadn''t dulled from the repeated blows, he might have started to believe he was punching thin air¡ªfighting a phantom!


    "My turn," EeDeChi said, before calmly extending a simple, unadorned fist.


    Duncan coughed up a mouthful of bright red blood, and before he could react, he was sent flying backward, crashing into a nearby idle cart. The wheel axles splintered, and wooden boards flew in all directions. He landed in a heap of wood chips, his eyes rolled back in his head, unconscious.


    Both the fat notary official and the thin man in the fur hat stood frozen, jaws hanging wide in shock, their mouths forming an "O" shape. It looked like they could fit two eggs in there. Their chins were on the verge of dislocating.


    "Mmm, one punch, no time to waste." EeDeChi said, turning to the fat official. "Did I succeed in the challenge?"


    The fat official struggled to close his mouth, his head bobbing up and down. "Y-yes... you... you did..."


    Shaking, he took out the quill, scratched off Duncan Dalton''s name from the roster, and wrote down EeDeChi''s name instead.

 Chapter 99: The Promotion Tournament

    The next day, the sky was cold and overcast, with the north wind howling fiercely. EeDeChi stepped into the arena once again.


    Last time, she had been in the audience; today, however, she was to step into the ring as a competitor.


    She gazed around at the arena walls. The seats were packed as usual, but unlike the usual bustling noise, today there was no cheering or shouting. The air felt strangely quiet.


    EeDeChi frowned in confusion. She looked over at her "support squad" behind her¡ªBarrett, Sean, and Stella¡ªand asked, "Why is it so quiet? There''s barely anyone cursing."


    Barrett explained, "This is the semi-final Warrior Captain Promotion Tournament. It''s almost as important as the final showdown, and it''s the ultimate battle between Re-Estize''s strongest warriors.


    "Only the rich and noble are eligible to watch. The tickets for this event have skyrocketed in price, so most of the people here are well-educated nobles or royalty. See, Princess Renner is over in the VIP section."


    EeDeChi followed Barrett''s finger to the direction he pointed. Their employer, Princess Renner, the third princess of the kingdom, was looking directly at them. After noticing that Barrett and the others had seen her, she gave them a sweet smile.


    Beside her stood her ever-present bodyguard, Climb, along with a few elderly men who looked like wealthy merchants. Far off, about ten seats away, a group of well-dressed nobles surrounded a slightly plump man with golden short hair¡ªPrince Zanac, the second prince.


    EeDeChi activated her Innate Talent and scanned the Justice Value of the nobles in the audience. She muttered, "I''d rather have the air here filled with trash talk than perform for these hypocritical bastards."


    In the center of the arena, spaced every few dozen meters, stood several mages, each maintaining a transparent magical shield that covered the center of the arena, preventing the fierce combat between the elite warriors from spilling over into the spectator stands.


    Not long ago, a horrific incident had occurred. A warrior''s heavy hammer had accidentally flown into the audience, causing the deaths of several people and injuring dozens more. The scene, with blood splattering everywhere, was even more gruesome than the battle in the arena itself.


    Learning from the previous disaster, though the common spectators still had no protection, today, with a large number of nobles in attendance, the event organizers quickly dispatched a dozen or so mid-tier mages, standing ready to ensure the safety of the audience.


    The previous loud-mouthed announcer had been replaced. Now, a deep, resonant male voice, rich with magnetism, echoed through the arena:


    "The highly anticipated Warrior Captain Promotion Tournament is about to begin! From the bloodied battlefields, the brave warrior, Schroeve Dahlsen! Facing him, the new challenger, EeDeChi..."


    On the other side of the arena, a towering warrior stared at EeDeChi in the center of the ring. His thick adamantite armor couldn''t hide his powerful, muscular frame. A blood-red giant sword stood beside him, its blade covered in tightly woven black pine needle patterns.


    Odys Malcon Waverly raised his hand and pointed at EeDeChi, his voice cold and sinister.


    "Slam, do you see her? That''s the one who killed your brother. Although I''ve resurrected him, his mental state is unstable, and his body doesn''t match. All of this is thanks to EeDeChi. Haven''t you wanted to kill her for a long time? Go ahead, I can feel it¡ªyour thirst for revenge is burning inside you!"A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "General Odys, I will kill her," Slam said, his fist tightening, knuckles cracking. He drew the giant sword from the ground and began to march toward EeDeChi.


    ...


    In the center of the arena, on the sandy ground, EeDeChi looked up at her opponent and commented, "This guy is really tall, but his Justice Value is a bit low¡ªonly -41."


    Slam was at least five or six heads taller than EeDeChi. His waist was broad, his shoulders wide, and he stood like a mountain¡ªsolid and imposing. His head and neck were as thick as tree trunks, and he was clad in a sharp-edged Adamantite full-body armor. Compared to him, EeDeChi, dressed in simple black cotton, looked like a sapling standing next to a towering tree.


    Slam looked down at EeDeChi from his towering height, his golden pupils flickering with a burning, almost tangible rage. Without a word, he raised his glacier-like blood-veined giant sword and charged at her.


    EeDeChi was empty-handed, unable to dodge in time. Slam''s giant sword slammed into her with full force, sending her flying like a ragdoll, crashing into the sandy ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.


    A chorus of boos erupted from the crowd. The duel between the kingdom''s strongest warriors had been decided in an instant. EeDeChi didn''t even stand a chance.


    Slowly, EeDeChi pushed herself up from the sand, shaking her head and brushing the dirt off her hair. "You little brat, I don''t mind playing with you," she muttered.


    A faint red mist enveloped EeDeChi, and her feet seemed to sink into the ground, trapped by Slam''s Innate Talent, the "Death Domain."


    Slam charged again, his momentum like a stampede of rhinos. His giant sword, even wider and longer than EeDeChi''s body, came crashing down on her head. The adventurer captain was smashed into the sand by the blow.


    As EeDeChi''s half-buried body lay in the sand, Slam''s smile twisted into something even more grotesque. The thrill of revenge surged through him, and he raised his glacier-like heavy sword high, roaring:


    "Brother! I''ve avenged you!"


    One swing! Two swings! Three swings! Four swings! ¡­ Slam relentlessly hacked at EeDeChi''s body, each blow falling like the hammer of a water-powered forge pounding on a piece of metal.


    The arena was filled with flying sand, and the crowd gasped in shock. Everyone was stunned by Slam''s brutality, as if they could see the splattering blood in the dust-filled air.


    At the lowest level of the spectator stands, Stella gripped the statue of the Gaia tightly, her heart in her throat. Sean''s forehead was covered in cold sweat, and Barrett looked equally grim. He had never seen EeDeChi take such a heavy blow before.


    Only Odys remained calm. He picked up a white porcelain teacup from the servant''s silver tray, watching the scene unfold in the arena with a smile as he leisurely sipped his tea.


    "Clang!" The harsh sound of steel colliding rang through the arena, as EeDeChi, holding the giant sword she had just pulled from her spatial ring, blocked Slam''s brutal strike.


    She then swung the sword, forcing Slam to stagger back two steps. EeDeChi shook off the sand from her body, crawling out of the pit, and sighed, "Your brother came after me first. If he''s dead, it''s not my fault."


    Slam was momentarily stunned, but his surging rage quickly drowned out any reason. He raised his giant sword again, the blood-vein pine needle patterns on its blade glowing a blinding red, and swung it down toward her once more.


    EeDeChi raised her giant sword with one hand, meeting his blow head-on. The two passed each other, and Slam''s sword cracked open, the blade splitting along the pine needle patterns into countless shards of metal, which clattered onto the sand.


    Slam stared at the broken pieces in his hands, his eyes wide. EeDeChi walked toward him, and he didn''t even react.


    With a casual flick of her giant sword, EeDeChi sent Slam flying like a baseball, his large body hurtling through the air with a sickening crack as his bones shattered. He crashed through the mage''s magical barrier at the edge of the arena and slammed into the stone wall beneath the spectator stands.


    Slam fell from the stone wall, bloodied, like a ragged mass of flesh crawling on the ground.


    EeDeChi walked over, contemplating whether to finish him off. Just then, the entire arena erupted in a deafening wave of cheers, and the announcer''s deep, resonant voice rang out triumphantly:


    "The winner is decided! EeDeChi, victory!"


    "How... How could this happen?" From the VIP section, Odys trembled in rage. His withered hand clenched so hard that the porcelain teacup shattered with a sharp "crack," the jagged shards slicing into his palm, blood and tea dripping onto the ground.


    The second prince Zanac turned to Odys, his voice cold and questioning:


    "General, please explain. We spared no expense in creating this elite warrior specifically to deal with Brain. How is it that he was defeated by some adventurer who appeared out of nowhere?"


    Odys slowly began to crush the porcelain shards in his hand, his vulture-like eyes fixed on the black-haired girl in the center of the arena. His voice was icy and venomous:


    "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of her."

 Chapter 100: Black Disruptor

    EeDeChi walked off the combat platform in the center of the gladiatorial arena, her entire body caked in dirt, as though she had just swum through a desert. Stella rushed over and hugged her.


    "Captain, we were all freaking out!" she exclaimed.


    EeDeChi ruffled her hair and pushed her away with one hand. "Have some faith in me. Who am I fighting next?"


    "Today''s the two matches to decide who makes it to the final match," Sean explained. "This afternoon, it''s Brain Unglaus versus Rhodes Rupert. The winner will face you in the final battle the day after tomorrow."


    Barrett looked at EeDeChi and asked in a low voice, "Have you really thought this through? Do you really want to become the Warrior Captain? It''s an honor, but also a chain. The Warrior Captain must swear to protect the king and the royal family for life, with no freedom whatsoever."


    Stella and Sean quickly realized that even if Brain Unglaus and Rhodes Rupert teamed up, they would still be no match for the Captain. That meant, purely by strength, EeDeChi becoming the Warrior Captain was practically a done deal.


    EeDeChi paused, then said, "I... didn''t really think about that... I''ll figure it out when I get home. But first, I need a bath to wash off all this dirt."


    Barrett sighed softly. "An adventurer... has no home."


    ---


    The national spotlight was on the Warrior Captain selection finals, and EeDeChi''s feats had already sent shockwaves through the entire capital.


    Whether on street corners, in taverns, or even in the casual chatter of ordinary couples after sex, people were talking about EeDeChi, the dark horse who had emerged from nowhere.


    Schroeve (Slam) and Brain were the top contenders for the Warrior Captain title, the heavy favorites. Everyone was eagerly anticipating their fated showdown, but no one expected an unknown Orichalcum adventurer to suddenly step forward and defeat Slam.


    People were buzzing about how EeDeChi had been completely overwhelmed at first, brutally hacked by Slam, and pushed to the brink of death. Then, in a desperate moment, she pulled out a giant sword and made a stunning comeback, defeating Slam with two powerful strikes.


    Several weapon merchants and blacksmiths had already tracked down EeDeChi''s address, eager to see her giant sword for themselves, but they were politely turned away by Barrett, who handled the visitors with tact.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Turning the tide from defeat to victory, along with the unexpected twist in the fight, was the stuff of legend, an ageless conversation starter. Bards in taverns had already given EeDeChi the nickname "Black Disruptor."


    The tales of the "Black Disruptor," whether based on rumor or wild speculation, were spreading like wildfire through the bards'' mouths, growing more exaggerated with each retelling.


    <figure>?</figure>


    Following the classic tropes of every heroic warrior story, people started saying there must be a tender, reliable partner behind "Black Disruptor."


    Some said, "Black Disruptor" had three teammates, and she was especially close with a middle-aged male adventurer.


    Others said, "Black Disruptor" was too strong to be interested in some old guy. She must have a thing for the young archer in her team.


    Still, others claimed, "Black Disruptor"  was so domineering, how could she be pinned down by a man? She definitely had a soft spot for the young cleric in her group. When "Black Disruptor" left the arena, hundreds of eyes saw the beautiful female cleric rush forward to embrace her.


    Rumors and gossip eventually spread into an absurd version of events. "Black Disruptor" was said to be into both men and women, and her entire team was rumored to be her harem...


    ---


    "Knock knock knock! Knock knock knock! "


    The sound of someone pounding on the door was relentless. A voice shouted from outside:


    "Honorable Black Disruptor, I''m not here to buy your sword! I just want to catch a glimpse of your great sword! I''ll pay any amount..."


    Inside, Barrett, EeDeChi, Sean, and Stella were sitting around, having a meeting. EeDeChi scowled and said:


    "Why does everyone think I won because of my sword? Don''t they know the most important thing in battle isn''t the equipment, but the person''s own skill? And what the hell is this ''Black Disruptor'' nonsense?"


    "You got beaten up before you even pulled your sword out. The contrast is just too strong," Barrett replied.


    Sean looked at EeDeChi. "Captain, do you really want to become the Warrior Captain?"


    Although the final match was still two hours away, his tone was certain, as if it had already been decided.


    The day before yesterday, in another semi-final, Brain Unglaus had predictably won. That meant the final showdown would be between EeDeChi and Brain.


    The three adventurers had all witnessed it: EeDeChi vs. Brain, it was like an adult beating a 5-year-old child. It was a total stomp.


    EeDeChi held her head in both hands and sighed. "Of course, I don''t want to be some stupid Warrior Captain. I have my own mission to complete. What should I do?"


    "What do you mean, ''what should you do''?" Barrett couldn''t help but feel anxious about EeDeChi''s intelligence. "Just throw the match!"


    "Hey!" EeDeChi slapped the table, her face lighting up with excitement. "That''s a great idea! Why didn''t I think of that? I can just lose to Brain on purpose!"


    Sean and Stella fell silent. Playing tricks like that was the most basic skill for an adventurer. Needless to say, their captain was not a competent adventurer.

 Chapter 101: The Final Match

    The arena was unusually solemn and quiet. Its walls were draped with golden and red intertwined silk fringes, and the ancient coliseum had been redecorated, now exuding an air of lavish splendor.


    Nearly four hundred fully armed royal and guard knights stood at attention, with dozens of court mages wielding various colored staffs encircling the spectator stands, their expressions vigilant, ready for what was to come.<figure></figure>


    If it weren''t for the howling cold winds of winter and the swirling, blood-tinged scent of death in the sandy ground, one might mistake this not as a battlefield for a warriors'' life-or-death duel, but as the royal wedding of a kingdom''s princess.


    However, given the high-profile attendees in the VIP section of the arena, today''s final match was no less significant than a royal wedding.


    Seated within several layers of a transparent magical barrier was the supreme ruler of Re-Estize¡ªKing Ramposa III.


    To the left of the king was the second prince, Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself, and to his right, the third princess, Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself.


    Below them, numerous high-ranking dukes, marquises, and ministers sat with rigid propriety.


    The presence of so many dignitaries from the kingdom underscored the significance of this ultimate battle.


    The kingdom-wide Warrior Captain selection tournament culminated today with this final grand duel¡ªan event combining the finale and the honor of competing in front of the royal knights.


    Two of the kingdom''s elite warriors, who had fought their way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, were now vying for the supreme title of the Warrior Captain and command over the elite cavalry of the royal knights.


    In a gesture of populism, the King had opened up seats not only to the royal family and nobles but also to commoners in the vast arena, allowing the lower classes to partake in this unparalleled grand event.


    ... ...


    "Hey! Barrett!"


    Someone called out Barrett''s name. Turning, Barrett saw his old friend¡ª"Wind Blade" Yaso Abel, with "Iron Blood Hand" Deus Lefia by his side.


    Yaso approached quietly, lowering his voice and asking mysteriously, "Hey buddy, got any ''inside scoop''?"


    "What inside scoop?" Barrett was clueless.


    "It''s the final match, your captain ''Black Disruptor'' versus Brain. I''m heading to the betting parlor. Just wondering, what''s your captain planning?"


    Yaso looked eager, and Deus leaned in closer to listen.


    Barrett got it¡ªaside from the king and the nobles, bettors were also keenly interested in who would become the Warrior Captain. EeDeChi and Brain''s names were definitely already up on the betting boards, and these two were about to place their bets.


    Although Barrett was usually unlucky with gambling, this time he actually had an inside scoop.


    Barrett whispered, "Bet on Brain to win. The captain talked it over with us, she doesn''t want to be the Warrior Captain at all. She''s only in the competition because old Tony asked her to. When the fight starts, she''s going to lose on purpose."Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Is that true?" The excitement was evident on Yaso and Deus''s faces.


    Barrett affirmed confidently, "Cross my heart!"


    "Thanks, bro!" Yaso slapped Barrett''s shoulder. "Our fortune depends on you this time!" After that, he and Deus walked out of the arena laughing.


    ...


    The copper bell of the clock tower struck nine times, and the announcer''s resonant voice filled the arena:


    "Ladies and gentlemen, the highly anticipated final selection for the Warrior Captain begins now!"


    Brain and EeDeChi entered the arena from opposite gates, stepping onto the dry, cold yellow sand. They drew their swords, the bright blades glinting as they faced each other.


    EeDeChi gripped her sword, hesitating and pondering how she should throw the match. First, she couldn''t strike too hard, or she''d send Brain flying with one blow. Secondly, her movements couldn''t be too fast, allowing Brain a chance to strike her.


    Or maybe just surrender by throwing down her sword, but that would be too fake. At least her acting had to show some sincerity. EeDeChi pondered, her mind a bit scattered.


    "Clang!"


    The sound of the metal sword hitting the sand was crisp. EeDeChi looked up to see Brain throwing his sword to the ground.


    "I concede," said Brain.


    He bowed gracefully to EeDeChi, picked up his sword, and walked away. In the brief moment EeDeChi was stunned, he had already left the arena.


    The arena fell silent until, seconds later, the announcer''s voice boomed, "Unbelievable! Beyond everyone''s expectations! Brain Unglaus concedes! The victor is EeDeChi!"


    "I object! I object! I object!" EeDeChi finally snapped out of it.


    She jumped up and down in the arena, shouting as she threw her sword down, "I CONCEDE  TOO!"


    The arena fell silent once more, with only the whistling northern wind passing through, leaving the announcer speechless.


    After a few seconds of silence, the stands erupted in an uproar!


    The much-anticipated royal duel concluded in such a manner? The two strongest warriors of the kingdom conceding one after another?


    In the VIP section, the three most distinguished spectators¡ªthe King Ramposa III, Prince Zanac, and Princess Renner¡ªwhispered among themselves, shocked by this unprecedented twist.


    Actually, Brain''s reasoning was simple; he knew he was no match for EeDeChi. Moreover, he thought that EeDeChi wanted to be the Warrior Captain.


    Rather than being crushed by EeDeChi again, he chose to gracefully accept defeat. Giving the chance to the girl he loved was also a gentleman''s act.


    EeDeChi, in the middle of the arena, jumped three feet high in anger, protesting that she should have lost the match.


    After some discussion among the king and nobles, they instructed the announcer to speak:


    "EeDeChi is dissatisfied with Brain''s style of conceding without a fight, and thus expressed her dissent in her unique way. The king''s verdict is impartial!"


    "Although EeDeChi also conceded, Brain conceded first, so the winner is still EeDeChi!"


    EeDeChi''s eyes flickered, and she quickly thought of a "brilliant" reason:


    "NO! Even though I conceded after Brain, I had already decided in my mind to concede earlier, so I should be declared the loser!"


    "What kind of lame excuse is that!" The elderly king with white hair seemed furious in the VIP section.


    EeDeChi, oblivious to the king''s anger, bounced around the center of the arena, shouting righteously, "I thought of conceding first! So, I lose!"


    From the stands around the arena, the crowd murmured:


    "Holy shit, I didn''t expect our strongest to act like this..."


    "Is an adventurer supposed to be this childish when playing dumb..."


    "Does she think being the Warrior Captain means you can win or lose whenever you want?..."


    In the first row of the spectator stands, Stella propped her chin with her hands, a glimmer of admiration in her eyes, "I think the captain is kind of cute."


    "Cute?!" Barrett covered his face and sighed, "Someone get her down from there, she''s embarrassing herself!"


    "Barrett!"


    Someone called his name from behind, the voice filled with undisguised anger.


    Barrett turned around and saw Yaso and Deus approaching him.


    Trouble! Barrett felt a bad premonition.


    "I lost 100 gold coins," Yaso''s eyes were bloodshot as he asked Deus, "How much did you lose?"


    "I lost 120 gold coins," Deus clenched his teeth in anger.


    The two exchanged glances.


    "LET''S BEAT HIM UP!"


    ...


    In the middle of the arena, EeDeChi was in turmoil, wondering how things had gotten to this point, and thinking Brain was too cowardly. She looked up at the stands toward her teammates, hoping to get some advice from Barrett, but instead saw three men brawling together.


    A few minutes later, a messenger hurried over to her, conveying the king''s decree after a lengthy preamble:


    "What do you think the Warrior Captain is? Something you can join or leave whenever you like? This is a supreme honor! After careful consideration, the king and his ministers have decided¡ªyou will take on the role of the Warrior Captain!"

 Chapter 102: A Passionate Speech

    In the center of the arena, a tall lectern made of teak wood stood proudly. Atop the lectern, EeDeChi was as reluctant as a groom forced to marry Medusa herself.


    Dangling from her chest were several shiny medals, honors personally bestowed by the old king. She faced the crowd, poised to deliver her inaugural speech as the Warrior Captain.


    Below, among the audience, Brain looked up at EeDeChi with hope and admiration, while she returned his gaze with a look sharp enough to kill. Brain, intimidated, hung his head, puzzled by what he might have done wrong.


    EeDeChi surveyed the crowd, standing ramrod straight, and cleared her throat before beginning:


    "People, they don''t know that they can''t predict themselves. A person''s fate, of course, relies on their own efforts, but historical currents must also be considered. I had no idea how, as an orichalcum-level adventurer, I got chosen as the Warrior Captain.


    "So when Princess Renner spoke to me, saying ''The king has decided¡ªyou are to be the Warrior Captain,'' I suggested she find someone more suitable. It wasn''t false modesty; what was an adventurer like me doing in a royal palace?


    "But then, Princess Renner said ''It''s been decided by everyone.'' Later, I recited the lines: ''Should there be a chance to benefit my country, I would do it with my life and death; how could I choose to embrace or avoid such a duty just because of my personal weal and woe?'' And so, I arrived.


    "In the capital, I''ve only done a little in these six months, roughly three things:


    "One, I defeated the assassin known as ''Lord of Despair''; second, I protected Princess Renner from an assassination attempt; third, I competed in the Warrior Captain''s tournament and became the Warrior Captain.


    "If there''s anything else I achieved, it was clearing out goblins in Sheep Horn. But these are minor; the main things are the three I just mentioned.


    "I''m embarrassed to say, I''ve only done a little bit of work. Thank you, everyone."


    After finishing her speech, EeDeChi gave a slight bow. A wave of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience, the resonant and prolonged clapping shook the entire arena, refusing to subside.


    Tears welled up in Princess Renner''s eyes: "She has changed Re-Estize!"


    ¡­ ¡­


    In a dimly lit room, the red candle light flickered. Albedo knocked on a gilded floor-length mirror before her.


    The mirror''s surface rippled like water, the waves erasing Albedo''s reflection and revealing a devil wearing round glasses and a red-brown striped suit.<figure></figure>


    "What brings you to contact me so suddenly?" asked Demiurge from the mirror. He was speaking through this magical communication device with Albedo.


    "Lord Ainz has approved¡ªyou can stamp the parchment produced in the Roble Holy Kingdom with the mark of the Sorcerer Kingdom," Albedo said, a gleam passing through her languid eyes. "Also, I have some interesting news to tell you."


    "Interesting news?" Demiurge adjusted his glasses. "Is it about the results of selecting the Warrior Captain?"


    "How did you know I was going to mention that?" Albedo was surprised by Demiurge''s astuteness.


    Demiurge smiled. "Based on the timing, today is the final battle for the Warrior Captain. And the ultimate winner is Brain Unglaus. You would only rush to inform me if Brain won, proving that you won the bet. Am I right?"


    "No," Albedo shook her head with a smile, "we both lost the bet. The winner is EeDeChi."


    "Her? The level one hundred adventurer?" Demiurge was taken aback, frowning as he pondered. "What exactly is her intention by doing this?"


    Albedo pursed her lips. "We watch the dogfight; she jumps in and brawls with the dogs. She is not one of us; I suggest Lord Ainz strengthens the surveillance on her."


    "No, it''s not as simple as you think!" Demiurge said seriously. "You gave some items to Princess Renner, who then passed them on to Brain to boost his strength for the final match. EeDeChi, being in contact with Princess Renner, surely knew about this, so she stepped in and snatched the Warrior Captain title from Brain. By doing this, she was indirectly engaging with us, while also showing off her power by the way!"Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "You make sense," Albedo nodded. "But why didn''t she just support a regular person to enter the contest like we did? Could it be that she''s too isolated and had to enter the fray herself?"


    "I think that''s highly likely... wait!" Demiurge suddenly stopped, his glasses flashing. "Ah! I''ve got it! That was close! I almost fell into EeDeChi''s trap! She was deceiving us by stepping into the arena herself, making us believe she was alone. That would lead us to underestimate her, while ignoring the movements of her unknown allies in the shadows!"


    Albedo was startled, her mouth agape, unable to find the right words for a moment.


    Dimiugos spoke in a low, serious tone. "From now on, we need to play along, act like we believe EeDeChi is alone, and make her think we''ve fallen for her trick."


    He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, adjusted his glasses, and a chilling smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. He muttered to himself, "EeDeChi, you''re clever, but unfortunately, I''m cleverer. I''ve seen through your true intentions. In this round of wits, I''m the winner."


    Albedo wanted to say "Aren''t you overthinking this?" but she remembered how Ainz had once criticized her as "busty and brainless" and had praised Demiurge as one of the few subordinates who could keep up with his thinking. She decided to embrace Demiurge''s viewpoint.


    "Never let your guard down around an unknown, especially a level hundred potential enemy like EeDeChi," Demiurge said gravely.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll keep a close watch on EeDeChi," Albedo nodded earnestly.


    In the mirror, Demiurge was framed by a distorted and bizarre scene where tiny devil-like creatures jumped around, tugging at the grotesque beings in the picture, their chaotic screams eerily piercing, as the scent of evil and corruption seemed almost to leap from the mirror itself.


    Albedo, glancing at the scene in the mirror, pointed at a creature with six human arms, six human legs, and three human heads, asking, "What is that thing?"


    Demiurge glanced back and explained, "I''m conducting an experiment, fusing three two-legged sheep together with magic. This will allow me to harvest a larger area of intact skin and flesh, although I''m still encountering some issues with the merging of their consciousnesses."


    In the capital of Re-Estize, within the royal palace and Princess Renner''s bedroom, the magic-powered fireplace in the corner radiated light and heat, making the room warmer than spring itself.<figure></figure>


    Princess Renner wore a thin, powder-pink dress made of gauze, under which white lace stockings could be seen. The golden glow from the fireplace highlighted her, the gauze barely covering her delicate, snow-like skin, her well-developed breasts supported by a silk bandeau, with her pale cleavage clearly visible. The fragrance of youth about her was like a bud about to bloom.


    She poured a glass of red wine and handed it to EeDeChi, who was dressed all in black. Her smile was bright and charming. "Congratulations on winning the title of Kingdom''s Warrior Captain."


    EeDeChi accepted the wine and drank it in one gulp, then gave a wry smile, "I didn''t expect to win myself; it''s quite the hassle, really."


    Princess Renner''s eyes sparkled curiously as she blushed slightly and leaned in close to EeDeChi, whispering like a lover, "I''ve heard rumors around town that you... swing both ways... is that true?"


    "Why would you ask that all of a sudden?" EeDeChi blinked in surprise, "That''s all rumors! If I catch anyone spreading them, I''ll rip their tongue out!"


    She patted Princess Renner''s bare, fair shoulder, adding, "Remember, don''t believe in rumors, don''t spread them, and don''t create them. Be a law-abiding citizen."


    "By the way," EeDeChi looked around and asked with a hint of suspicion, "why did you ask me to come to your bedroom to talk?"


    "Um¡­ it''s just the two of us here, a bit more private," Princess Renner''s blush faded as she set down her wine glass and spoke earnestly, "No one ever expected the Kingdom''s Warrior Captain to be a woman. This has never happened in the history of our tradition."


    EeDeChi replied with pride, "Traditions are meant to be broken."


    "Have you ever considered," Princess Renner mused, "why can''t our country have a female king?"


    "I think highly of you," EeDeChi encouraged, "do well, and maybe you''ll be the first female king!"


    Princess Renner nodded and said, "I''m working towards that. But there''s a huge obstacle I can''t overcome. As long as it exists, I can never become king. In a year or two, my father might grant me a remote piece of land and send me away from the capital, and we might never see each other again."


    Her voice was melancholic, and her eyes shimmered with tears, invoking pity.


    "What''s the obstacle? Is a noble trying to assassinate you?" EeDeChi asked urgently. "As the Kingdom''s Warrior Captain, I''ll take care of him for you."


    Princess Renner gently shook her head, "It''s not a noble, but Prince Zanack, the first in line to the throne by both legal and traditional right. I can''t compete with him."


    EeDeChi scratched her head, "That¡­ I can''t really help you there, just take it slow."


    "How great it would be if he would just step out of the competition for the throne." Princess Renner chose her words carefully, "I believe with your abilities, you could¡­ make him leave."


    EeDeChi furrowed her brows. Although her behavior was occasionally bizarre, thanks to some innate talent, her political instincts were sharper than a stray dog''s.


    She asked with a cold face, "Are you bringing up old stories again, wanting me to kill your brother?"


    "Not necessarily kill¡­" Princess Renner was a bit flustered.


    "I won''t agree to that." EeDeChi slammed her wine glass down on the table, turned, and strode out of the bedroom, leaving the princess''s chambers.


    Princess Renner stood silently in front of the fireplace for a long time. She picked up a mink coat from the bed and draped it over herself, covering her shapely figure. Despite the heat from the fireplace, wearing just a thin dress was still cold in the winter.


    After a while, the magical flames in the fireplace suddenly extinguished, and a stealthy girl in tight black clothing emerged from the fireplace and bowed to Princess Renner.


    "Teia, any news?" the princess asked.


    The stealthy girl replied, "Odys Malcon Waverly seems to be plotting against the new Warrior Captain. Should we warn EeDeChi?"


    "No need," Princess Renner''s gaze was profound, "Although the knife can''t be used by me, if Odys wants to throw himself upon it, why should we stop him?"

 Chapter 103: The Diviner

    The young archer and cleric girl from Baharuth walked side by side down the bustling street, occasionally stopping at roadside stalls to browse through small trinkets.


    Three days had passed since the final showdown of the Warrior Captain Tournament, but as they reflected on it, both of them still felt a lingering sense of unease.


    They hadn''t participated in the life-threatening Warrior Captain Tournament themselves; instead, their team leader, EeDeChi, had been the one to compete. After EeDeChi won the final match in an astonishingly bizarre way¡ªby forcing her opponent to surrender¡ªshe was summoned by the King of Re-Estize.


    Upon realizing that EeDeChi was an unusual and fearsome warrior, the old king took an interest in her teammates. Without any hesitation, EeDeChi dragged both of them, along with Barrett, to meet the king.


    What was it like for two Baharuth adventurers to face the King of Re-Estize? It was an experience that could very well cost them their lives!


    The two countries had a century-long history of bitter conflict, and during the most intense times of war between Baharuth and Re-Estize, Baharuth had seriously considered how to assassinate the King of Re-Estize in order to cause internal chaos and disrupt the power transfer within Re-Estize.


    However, despite their best efforts, Baharuth had never found an effective way to get an assassin close enough to the king. To their shock, the two adventurers achieved this proximity in the most unexpected manner.


    They were probably the closest Baharuth citizens to the king in history. Thanks to the king''s trust in the Warrior Captain and the unwavering guarantee from the royal Grand Knight, Wade Bolton, they were even allowed to keep their weapons on them without having to disarm.


    If Sean had drawn his bow and taken a shot at the old king sitting on the throne, he would have become an everlasting hero in Baharuth''s history.


    Luckily, Sean was a rational person. Between making a name for himself in history and keeping his life, he chose to survive and preserve his life. He and Stella played deaf and dumb, and with Barrett''s help, they barely managed to get through the situation without revealing their nationality.


    Sigh, "I think our captain can be a bit unreliable sometimes," Stella sighed.


    "Wasn''t it just the other day, during the final of the tournament, that you said the captain was ''kind of cute''?" Sean teased.


    "Yeah, the captain can be a bit... clueless," the cleric girl said, a troubled expression on her face. "But she never listens to other people''s ideas or opinions. She''s kind of... authoritarian."


    "Exactly," Sean agreed. "If she weren''t so ridiculously strong, I really don''t know how she''s managed to survive this long."


    Stella turned around, cautiously checking the street in all directions. She stuck out her tongue and whispered, "Be careful, don''t let the captain hear you. She''d definitely flip out."


    She lowered her head and walked for a moment, her deerskin boots kicking a small stone as she asked the young archer beside her, "Do you miss home?"


    "Of course I do," Sean replied without hesitation. "Even though adventurers are supposed to roam the world, I never thought I''d end up this far from home. I promised my parents I''d come back three times a year, but now it''s been almost eight months since I last went back."Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Stella looked up at Sean and asked, "So, will you keep being an adventurer? Like our senior, Barrett?"


    "I used to think that way," Sean answered, "but then I met you. Now, I plan to save up some money and go back to Baharuth to live a stable life."


    "Then what will you do if you stop being an adventurer?" Stella asked, curious.


    Sean gazed into her bright, light brown eyes, and his cheeks involuntarily flushed. "I want to build a watermill and become a mill owner."


    "Why do you want to be a mill owner?" Stella asked, curious.


    Sean seemed a little embarrassed but answered honestly.


    "When I was a kid, I used to listen to fairy tales that my parents told me. The mill owners in those stories were always rich, like ''The Miller, His Son, and the Donkey,'' ''Puss in Boots,'' ''Little Hans and the Miller,'' and stories like that. I always thought, when I grow up, I want to be a mill owner."


    "But the mill owners in those stories are usually the villains," Stella said with a playful smile, her troubled expression vanishing in an instant.


    "I''ll definitely be a good mill owner!" Sean said, thumping his chest. "I won''t oppress anyone, and I''ll use my bow to help the villagers drive away goblins and monsters."


    "Everyone will definitely be grateful to you." Stella imagined the young mill owner drawing his bow and shooting, her heart filled with a sense of longing. "Maybe wandering poets will even use you as a model to write a fairy tale where the mill owner is the good guy?"


    "Well, I''m not holding my breath for that." Sean smiled, feeling happy to see the cleric girl no longer looking so downcast.


    "Look, there''s fresh lycium chinense berries for sale." Stella pointed toward a corner of the market.


    "Didn''t the captain recently say that we''re short on lycium chinense to craft those ''health preservation'' potions? We could buy some and send them to her," Sean''s eyes lit up.


    "That''s exactly what I was thinking." Stella said happily.


    Recently, EeDeChi hadn''t been making her usual lycium chinense berry tea, and after searching all over the nearby market, they still couldn''t find any. She''d been moping around, clearly not in a good mood. lycium chinense berries weren''t grown locally and weren''t a popular spice, so there weren''t many sellers or buyers.


    Now that they had finally found someone selling lycium chinense berries, Sean and Stella quickly spent all the money they had on hand and bought as much as they could.


    They walked down the street with their packages when, out of nowhere, an old woman carrying a crystal ball jumped out from some hidden corner. She shoved the crystal ball right in front of Sean''s nose, spitting as she spoke.


    "See the past, measure the future! Reveal your luck, clear the fog! I see in both of your eyes a longing for home, and confusion about the future. The crystal knows your fate! Come, let me tell your fortune!"


    Sean and Stella exchanged a glance. The fortune teller''s wrinkled face was like a crumpled flower, and her voice was filled with sincerity.


    "This beautiful young lady is a cleric of Gaia, right? My crystal ball has been blessed by the high priest of the temple. With Gaia above, I shall guide the eye of the gods and reveal the unknown dawn!"


    Stella hesitated for a moment, then Sean looked at her and said, "Let''s get a reading."


    "Alright," Stella nodded, thinking that getting a fortune told couldn''t hurt.


    Seeing they had agreed, the old woman was ecstatic. She grabbed them both and dragged them toward a tent by the side of the road.


    Inside the tent, the light was dim. Several yellow candles flickered with an eerie blue glow, and a strange incense filled the air. Crystal balls, tarot cards, and parchment scrolls with strange symbols were scattered about, creating an atmosphere of mystery and unease.


    The old woman pulled out two porcelain cups and a teapot from who knows where, filled them with tea, and handed them over. "Tea from the elven kingdom. Take a sip, it will clear your mind."


    Neither of them wanted to refuse, so they glanced at the clear liquid in the cups and drank it down.


    The warm liquid flowed down Sean''s throat into his stomach. He set the cup down, but before he could speak, a sudden dizziness hit him. Everything around him blurred, and it felt like double vision. He turned to look at Stella, only to see her collapse to the ground.


    He tried to get up and help Stella, but his body refused to obey. His limbs went limp, his eyelids felt heavy, and the world spun around him. His throat felt like it was filled with lead, and no sound could escape.


    He collapsed onto his back. In the final moments before he closed his eyes, he saw the rough fabric of the tent ceiling, and the old woman''s sinister smile flashed briefly in his vision.

 Chapter 104: The Ceiling of the World

    The north wind howled as EeDeChi led the way with Barrett trailing behind. They walked through a dilapidated residential area.


    When they reached an intersection, EeDeChi stopped, as if deep in thought.


    Barrett asked from behind, "Are you lost?"


    "I could never forget the way." EeDeChi put on a casual expression.


    "Then tell me, what''s Rigrit''s address?"


    "Uh..." EeDeChi confidently replied, "Ludus Street, Deerhorn Lane, No. 45."


    "It''s Ludus Street, Corner Lane, No. 43, second floor," Barrett said with a sigh. "If you don''t know the way, stop pretending to lead."


    "I''m just momentarily not recalling it," EeDeChi stubbornly retorted. Barrett shook his head, passed her, and headed for the left path at the intersection. EeDeChi hurriedly followed him.


    They wandered around for a while and finally found the rumored home of the last member of the "Thirteen Heroes." The adamantite-level adventurer Lakyus had given EeDeChi a ring and recommended that she seek out the reclusive Rigrit Bers Caurau.


    A few weeks ago, they had come here once, but the door had been tightly shut, and the house was empty. They had been forced to leave in frustration. EeDeChi was not one to give up easily, and today, she had returned, hoping to uncover something.


    The two of them stepped onto the creaky pinewood staircase, making their way up to the second floor of the dilapidated building.


    It was disappointing. The iron door was as it had been before, locked tight. A thick layer of dust covered the copper lock, and EeDeChi''s fingerprints, left from her last visit, were still clearly visible on it. It seemed even thieves and burglars had no interest in this place.


    EeDeChi took out the ring Lakyus had given her and began to fumble around on the iron door, trying to find a mechanism to open the door with the ring as a key, hoping to reveal whatever secret lay behind it.


    The old door, with wooden panels embedded inside and covered in iron on the outside, could be smashed with a single palm strike by EeDeChi. But breaking it would be pointless, because she could see that behind the door was another small space.


    The small space seemed like jelly, overlapping with the room. She could enter the room, but she couldn''t access the small space.


    Slow, shuffling footsteps echoed from the other side of the hallway. Both EeDeChi and Barrett turned their heads, only to see the elderly woman they had briefly met last time. Barrett had even helped her dump out some filthy wastewater.


    The old woman hobbled toward them, her back hunched, and surprisingly, she was carrying a wooden bucket. The yellow, white, and green contents inside the bucket mixed together, releasing a disgusting stench that filled the entire hallway.


    It seemed that dumping out wastewater was her daily routine. Barrett couldn''t help but wonder if the old lady had been saving up a week''s worth of waste, waiting for it to evaporate and "mature" before she came to dump it.


    EeDeChi pinched her nose and said to Barrett, "Don''t you know how to respect the elderly and love the young? Why don''t you help the old lady dump her water?"


    Barrett crossed his arms, looking unamused. He had already shown his respect last time, so he wasn''t going to do it again: "Making someone else do it, is that what you call ''respecting the elderly and loving the young''?"


    EeDeChi shot him a sharp glare, but after a brief moment of hesitation, she seemed to feel that Barrett had a point.


    She lowered her hand from her nose, took the wooden bucket from the old lady, and rushed downstairs in quick strides, dumping the foul, murky water into the drain.


    Carrying the empty bucket, EeDeChi climbed back up and saw the old woman standing in front of the iron door. The old woman gave her a gentle smile and extended a long key from her palm, inserting it into the rusty copper lock.


    "Click." The dust swirled, and the crisp sound of the mechanism engaging echoed as the door suddenly creaked open.


    "Adventurers, please come in," the old woman said. Her previously hunchbacked posture straightened, her face, full of deep wrinkles, relaxed, and the thin slits of her eyes suddenly opened, gleaming with a sharp light.


    She stepped into the room behind the door first. EeDeChi and Barrett exchanged a surprised glance and followed her inside.


    "You''re Rigrit Bers Caurau, the last of the ''Thirteen Heroes,'' aren''t you?" EeDeChi asked.


    The old woman before her no longer looked like the frail, near-death figure from before. She pulled off her headscarf, revealing a head of bright silver hair, neatly combed, her posture now straight and lively. She radiated an aura of vitality that almost made her seem heroic.


    The old woman smiled gently. "I am Rigrit. The ''Thirteen Heroes'' are just a title. This place is small, please, make yourself comfortable."


    The room behind the door was still ordinary, the only valuable item being a wardrobe against the wall, its surface marked with chewed-out holes by rats. Apart from that, there was only an oak table, three bamboo chairs, all covered in dust.


    EeDeChi fixed her gaze on Rigrit and said, "I want permission from the owner to enter the small space."


    "The small space?" Rigrit glanced at her and nodded. "No wonder Lakyus allowed you to see me. You can see through the space magic of the Abyssal Blood-forged Box with the naked eye. You truly are an impressive hero."


    As her words fell, the world turned upside down!


    The walls spun, dust fell, the ceiling became the floor, and the floor became the ceiling. Polished ceramic tiles and velvet carpets spread across the new ground, while the sky suddenly sprouted a six-armed crystal chandelier, its light dazzling.


    The walls, once a dull yellow, were now painted in fresh, soft shades. Red sandalwood bookshelves shot up from the floor, filled with books, some ancient and others finely crafted, arranged like a carefully set-up row of dominoes.


    In mid-air appeared a round, carved wooden panel, supported by four long wooden legs, standing firmly on the ground. Three woolen armchairs appeared around a table. A bottle of rich, deep red wine, along with three delicate, transparent wine glasses, landed with a soft "thud" on the table.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    What was once a run-down, shabby house had instantly transformed into a luxurious study that could rival the residence of any noble.


    "Welcome to my secret study," Rigrit said as she pulled out a chair. "Please, have a seat."


    "So cautious." After scanning the decor around her, EeDeChi and Barrett sat down.


    "You''re not the only ones interested in the ''Thirteen Heroes.'' Being cautious isn''t necessarily a bad thing." Rigrit said as she took out a brass corkscrew and screwed it into the cork of a wine bottle. She pulled the cork out and filled three glasses.


    The rich, full-bodied aroma of the wine filled the air. EeDeChi eagerly picked up her glass and took a sip, smacking her lips in delight. "Delicious!" she exclaimed.


    Barrett took a sip as well. The taste was indeed good. With his limited experience in wine tasting, he guessed that this bottle had been aged for at least a hundred years.


    Rigrit frowned. "I hope you didn''t come just for the wine. Lakyus recommended you, but for what purpose?"


    EeDeChi got straight to the point. "The ''Thirteen Heroes'' used to have the goal of defeating the Demon King, right? I want to know how to defeat Ainz Ooal Gown."


    "Defeat Ainz Ooal Gown?" Rigrit said in surprise. "I didn''t expect what Lakyus said to be true. There really are people out there chasing after the demon god, huh."


    She paused for a moment, then said, "Whoever fights the demon gods must understand the process of how they became demon gods. Likewise, when you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes back at you."


    After these philosophical words, Rigrit''s expression suddenly grew serious. She spoke each word deliberately:


    "I''m going to tell you the world''s greatest secret, something that will completely shatter your worldview! Please, be mentally prepared!"


    Upon hearing this, EeDeChi felt a surge of excitement. She knew that her trip had not been in vain. This legendary figure, who had lived for over two hundred years, surely knew some ancient secrets that could shock the world!


    She nodded eagerly. "I''m ready."


    Rigrit crossed her arms over her chest. Her gaze, sharp and cold beneath her white silver hair, was intense. She spoke in a low voice:


    "The stars are not alone. In this world, besides us native beings, there are also people who have crossed over from other worlds!"


    "Oh."


    "The Demon God Ainz Ooal Gown, and the Great Tomb of Nazarick under his control, came from another world!"


    "Oh." EeDeChi''s expression didn''t change.


    "Besides Ainz Ooal Gown, there are the legendary World Rulers: the Eight Greed Kings, and the Six Great Gods of the Slane Theocracy. They possess unparalleled items and powers, and they all crossed over from another unique world into ours!"


    "Oh~oh." EeDeChi slightly raised her tone, took a sip of wine.


    "Hey?" Rigrit widened her eyes, staring at EeDeChi. "What''s with that attitude? Aren''t you surprised? You should be shouting, ''Wow! This is insane!'' or ''There are other worlds!'' Lakyus was so shocked she couldn''t eat for three days, she spent all her time thinking about the origin of the world."


    EeDeChi scratched her head. "Do you know any other secrets?"


    Rigrit looked EeDeChi up and down, then it hit her. "Wait a minute, are you also someone who crossed over from another world? No wonder you''re not surprised at all."


    "Pretty much." EeDeChi admitted.


    "Then I probably don''t have any secrets left to tell you." Rigrit''s expression turned a bit gloomy.


    EeDeChi wasn''t discouraged. Instead, she asked, "Do you know anyone in this world who could fight Ainz Ooal Gown?"


    Rigrit understood. EeDeChi wanted to learn about the top combatants in this world. She thought for a moment and replied:


    "In the Slane Theocracy, there''s a girl called ''Antilene Heran Fouche'', from the far west in the Dragonborn territory, there''s a Dragon Lord named ''Deep Darkness Dragon Lord.'' At the northern edge of the City Alliance, the Holy Angels sleep in the ice seas. They are all beings with supreme combat power, but normal people can''t find them."


    EeDeChi lowered her head, thinking for a moment, before asking the question that had been weighing on her mind: "For people who have crossed over, how strong can their combat power get?"


    Rigrit replied, "To measure combat power, there must be a ranking system. The leader of the Thirteen Heroes is a hero who came from another world. When we went on an adventure together, he told me about the way combat power is classified. An adamantite-level adventurer is at most level 30 to 40, but the demon gods who came from another world can reach level 100 at most!"


    "Level 100?" EeDeChi pondered, thinking about how she was "one of the strongest."


    The adventurer captain asked, "Is it just level 100? Is there anyone above level 100?"


    "No one can go beyond level 100," Rigrit said. "The leader of the Thirteen Heroes once told me, ''The highest level set by the game is 100.'' At the same time, there''s some sort of limitation in this world that prevents going beyond level 100."


    "Why can''t it go beyond level 100?" EeDeChi asked eagerly.


    "Look at that pile of books in the corner," Rigrit said, pointing to a large stack of thick ancient books piled up like a tower, reaching from the floor to the ceiling.


    Rigrit asked, "Do you think that stack of books can go higher?"


    "It can''t," EeDeChi answered. "Because it''s already reached the ceiling."


    "Exactly. It''s already hit the ceiling of the world."


    EeDeChi furrowed her brows as she stared at the stack of books, as if gazing at a towering mountain.


    She took a deep breath and suddenly swung her fist towards the sky. A powerful gust of wind shot out like a cannonball, blasting a large hole in the ceiling. Wood chips and dust fell everywhere.


    With a smile, EeDeChi said, "As long as we break through the ceiling, we can keep adding to the stack of books, right?"


    "Not a bad idea," Rigrit said, staring at the large hole in the ceiling. "But how do we do it?"


    ...


    The two continued to discuss the form of Tier Magic. As night fell, Rigrit saw them out.


    "Goodbye." EeDeChi waved at her.


    At the door, Rigrit suddenly stopped and said, "Wait, you owe me 40 gold coins."


    "Are you kidding me?" EeDeChi was shocked. "I came here to ask you questions to help fight the demon gods and protect humanity, and you''re charging me a consultation fee?"


    "Consultation fee?" Rigrit gave her a cold look. "It''s not a consultation fee."


    She pointed at the large hole in the ceiling: "You broke the ceiling of my study. Shouldn''t you be paying for that? The roof is made from six-hundred-year-old spruce wood, all coupled together as one piece."


    "Is it really that serious?" EeDeChi muttered but still counted out 40 gold coins from her spatial ring and handed them to Rigrit.


    Barrett and EeDeChi said their goodbyes to the last living member of the Thirteen Heroes and left the house. They hired a carriage to return to their residence.


    They had talked with Rigrit for so long that it was already evening. The night was deep, and a dark yellow crescent moon hung in the clouds.<figure></figure>


    EeDeChi didn''t have the key, so Barrett opened the door and pushed it inside. The house was empty and silent, the cold wind rushing in through the open windows, stirring the dry, cold air.


    Barrett felt a strange unease. Normally, Sean and Stella would be in the house, a warm fire crackling in the fireplace. The cleric girl would have a pot of lamb milk porridge boiling, baking a few slices of white bread, and keeping a bottle of cherry jam warm in the oven, waiting for them to return for dinner.


    But now the house was empty. The charcoal in the fireplace was piled up like stones. Both glass windows were wide open, and the northern wind had swept away all the warmth.


    EeDeChi frowned and said, "Where did those two young ones go?"


    Barrett ignored EeDeChi''s complaint. A sense of foreboding filled his heart. He slightly drew his sword from its sheath, lit an oil lamp by the door, and stepped carefully into the room, cautiously scanning his surroundings.


    The cold moonlight slanted across the pinewood table by the window. A dagger was stuck into the tabletop, with a crumpled piece of parchment pinned underneath. The cold wind swirled, causing the parchment to tremble, as if it were a butterfly pinned to the table, struggling in its last moments.


    Barrett approached the pinewood table. To prevent the dagger or the parchment from being poisoned, he took a pair of leather gloves from his spatial ring and put them on. He pulled out the dagger and lifted the corner of the parchment. On it, written in bold, clear letters, were the words:


    "Your companions are in my hands. If you want to save their lives, come to the Koccus Ironworks on the outskirts of the Western District tonight at 8. Don''t inform the constables, and don''t bring anyone else. Otherwise, no matter how great the resurrection magic, it won''t ease your regrets."


    Barrett''s heart tightened. He pulled out his silver pocket watch. The angle between the hour hand and the minute hand was sharp and glaring. It was 8:35!

 Chapter 105: The Main Attack and the Flanking Maneuver

    The Koccus Ironworks was located on the outskirts of the western district of the kingdom''s capital, surrounded by sparse human settlement, with the nearest horse-drawn carriage station still a two-mile walk away.


    For the past twenty years, Koccus Ironworks had been an important smelting site for pig iron, one of the few industrial centers in the capital.


    However, since the iron ore in the eastern Gode Basin had gradually been exhausted, and with the nobles controlling high trade and metal taxes, the Guild of Blacksmiths had shut down the Koccus Ironworks and moved closer to the ore mining areas.


    The fires in the furnaces had long been extinguished, the bellows no longer roaring. The Koccus Ironworks, once surrounded by black smoke, now only had a few empty, dilapidated buildings left.


    The night was thick with darkness, as dense as ink, with not a finger''s breadth of visibility. The moon and stars had hidden themselves behind the clouds, leaving not a sliver of light.


    Two shadows, as silent and stealthy as cats, approached the Koccus Ironworks, moving low to the ground, hiding beneath a thorn bush.


    Barrett poked his head out, his eyes scanning the place. The factory, which should have been deserted and pitch black, was now dimly lit, with faint flickers of light and the murmur of men''s voices carried by the wind.


    On the roof of a one-story brick building, silhouettes moved about. Mercenaries¡ªwho shouldn''t be there¡ªwere on watch, patrolling the area. Barrett could make out the shape of crossbows and magic-powered crossbows in their hands. Anyone who dared to approach would be turned into a pincushion.


    Time was pressing, and Barrett hadn''t had the chance to gather much intelligence. He had quickly slipped into an unattended archive in the capital, rummaged through drawers, and managed to find a map of the Koccus Ironworks.


    With the map in hand, he and EeDeChi had rushed to the ironworks without a moment''s delay. But even then, it was already 9 PM¡ªan hour later than the 8 PM deadline set by the kidnappers!


    All they could do now was pray that the kidnappers were patient and merciful, and wouldn''t be so angry at the delay that they would take it out on Sean and Stella.


    In his twenty years as an adventurer, Barrett had seen his fair share of life and death. His companions came and went¡ªsome were forced to retire from the adventuring life due to injuries, while others left him forever, lost to the grim hand of fate.


    When a teammate fell, Barrett never mourned for long. Tears were for the weak. He would only take up his sword to avenge them.


    Tonight''s kidnapping incident was strange, and Barrett couldn''t figure out what exactly had led his team, the Last Defenders of the Way, into the crosshairs of a group of mercenaries.


    With the resources and power to kidnap a noblewoman, it seemed far more profitable than targeting a band of adventurers, who made their living by playing on the edge of danger.


    Could it be a rival noble faction? Barrett''s mind tensed at the thought.


    A dark-haired head peeked out beside him. EeDeChi asked, "Do you have a plan?"


    It was rare for EeDeChi to ask for his opinion. Barrett could tell from the hesitation in her voice that the team leader wasn''t as confident as she let on.


    Barrett pondered his next move, having committed the rough layout of the map to memory. Skulking near the enemy and lighting a lamp to examine a non-glowing map was undoubtedly a foolish act.


    Next, they need to come up with a good strategy. After all, they are outnumbered, and the enemy has most likely set a trap, waiting for them to walk right into it.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Suddenly, a white light flared beside him, almost blinding Barrett!


    EeDeChi pulled out a glowing crystal lantern, her butt sticking up in the air as she crouched down, intensely studying the map of the Koccus ironworks.<figure></figure>


    Barrett snatched the lantern out of her hands and quickly extinguished it. Just as he was about to scold his reckless captain, an arrow "whizzed" through the thorny bushes and embedded itself in the ground next to him.


    Barrett grabbed EeDeChi, rolling them both out of the way just as several iron-tipped arrows pierced the spot they had been moments ago. The sound of the arrows crashing into the rocks and sand around them echoed in the night.


    "Well... just a small mistake..." EeDeChi finally acknowledged her fault. "What should we do now?"


    "I have a good idea," Barrett said, his eyes fixed on the Koccus Ironworks. The flickering light from the brick buildings and the rising voices of men filled the air. "You take the front gate and attack head-on, while I''ll go around and hit them from behind."


    Without waiting for EeDeChi to respond, Barrett crouched low and leaped through the thorny bushes, vanishing into the darkness like a drop of ink splashing into an ink bottle.


    ...


    Henry Ashford drew his bow, the griffon tendon of the string tightening into a straight line. The white ashwood longbow curved like a crescent moon, its surface shimmering with glowing runes, filled with destructive power.


    "Thwack!" The enchanted Adamantite arrow shot out like a meteor, trailing fire and lightning as it pierced the air. As expected, the steel-tipped arrow hit the black-clad, black-haired girl running ahead, and, as planned, bounced off without causing harm.


    Henry gave a wry smile. Sure enough, the simpler the mission details, the higher the reward, the bigger the problems.


    He belonged to the Tarrasque Mercenary Group, serving as their archer for the gold.


    Two days ago, an old nobleman from the north, Odys Malcon Waverly, contacted the mercenary group and offered an easy job: set up an ambush on the outskirts of the kingdom''s capital and take down an intruder.


    At the time, the employer had casually mentioned that they only needed to deal with a girl and a mithril-level seasoned adventurer.


    Was this really just a girl? This was more like a roaring ancient dragon!


    The employer had kept many things from them, like the fact that the girl was an orichalcum-level adventurer, and that she was the newly promoted Warrior Captain. But even if you''re the Warrior Captain, this level of power seemed freakishly over the top!!


    The black-haired girl swaggered into the Koccus Ironworks'' main gate, charging straight into the rain of arrows. She wasn''t wearing any armor, didn''t carry a shield, and had no magical barriers for defense¡ªonly a giant sword slung across her back.


    Enchanted arrows, Adamantite arrows, fire arrows, ice arrows, armor-piercing arrows... countless projectiles slammed into her, only to bounce off like straw hitting a stone statue.


    With a single kick, the black-haired girl burst through the ironworks'' grand doors, shattering not only the physical barrier but also the mental defenses of the entire Tarrasque Mercenary Group.


    She picked up arrows that had fallen to the ground and casually tossed them back, one by one, each hitting an archer and knocking them out cold.<figure></figure>


    A warrior charging in with a battle cry never even saw the girl''s movements before being sent crashing into the wall by a single strike of her sword.


    Two high-ranking mages from the mercenary group began chanting the most powerful 4th Tier spells. After enduring a barrage of multicolored spells, the girl raised her hand and unleashed a 5th Tier spell¡ªLandslide.


    Half of a building collapsed in the blast. One of the high-level mages was killed instantly, while the other ran away in panic, screaming like a child.


    "Run! Get out of here! The plan''s changed, don''t fight, just save yourselves!" The bearded captain screamed, hoarse with desperation.


    Mercenaries weren''t like the loyal family guards; facing such a one-sided battle, even without the captain''s orders, they all knew it was time to run.


    The mercenary group had already lost over half its members. If they continued fighting, the once-famous Tarrasque Mercenary Group would be wiped from history.


    Henry put his bow away, preparing to escape. The mad, black-haired girl was still dozens of meters away. He believed he could make it out in time.


    "Bang!" A heavy thud came from behind him. Henry turned around and saw "Crimson Scythe" Korran from his team, lying at his feet, eyes rolled back, unconscious.


    As Henry moved to help Korran up, he suddenly felt his feet leave the ground.


    The black-haired girl had grabbed him by the leather armor, yanking him up with ease, and asked, "Young man, do you know where the two hostages are?"


    I''m at least ten years older than you. Henry didn''t dare voice this complaint aloud; instead, he honestly replied, "Straight on from here, the house in the very center is the place."


    Then he felt himself soaring into the air, light as a bird. Moments later, his body slammed against the steel furnace, and he blacked out¡­

 Chapter 106: Negotiation Under the Molten Iron

    EeDeChi tossed aside the archer in her hand, crashing through a wall as she charged toward the center of the ironworks.


    Along the way, she attacked with unstoppable force, and the mercenaries, quick to sense the shift, scrambled to escape. No one dared to resist anymore. After the mercenary group collapsed, a few fearless assassins charged at her, but EeDeChi struck with her sword, sending one of them flying.


    The giant sword in her hand was her signature weapon¡ªmassive, heavy, and resembling a two-handed sword. But unlike a regular sword, it had no sharp edge; the blade was blunt, and swinging it felt like wielding a huge iron slab.


    The sharpness of a blade was what made it deadly, but as to why her exclusive weapon was a dull sword, even EeDeChi didn''t know.


    Barrett once asked her why she didn''t sharpen the blade, but EeDeChi didn''t want her teammates to think she didn''t understand her own weapon, so she simply deflected with the old saying, "A heavy sword has no edge; true skill lies in simplicity."


    Yet deep down, EeDeChi always had a nagging feeling. She didn''t want the sword to become sharp.


    Once the blade could cut through iron like mud, unstoppable and razor-sharp, perhaps something would happen that could never be undone.


    A few assassins wielding curved knives closed in. Two of them even attempted a suicide attack, just as Barrett had once mentioned¡ªthese were the suicide assassins, trained by noble families to complete their missions at any cost, even sacrificing their lives.


    But they were bound to be disappointed. In this world, not everything could be obtained through the price of life¡ªwhether on the side of justice or evil, it was the same.


    One of the suicide assassins, after barely getting close to EeDeChi, exploded with a loud "bang," turning into a cloud of blood mist. Countless small shards of blades and poison scattered in all directions. But EeDeChi merely took a few steps back, frowning slightly as the blood stained her clothes.


    The other suicide assassin didn''t even manage to get close before she swung her sword, sending him flying. In mid-air, he ignited into flames, becoming a blazing fireball that was even more dazzling than fireworks.


    A line of heavily armored swordfighters, each wielding a massive sword, formed an ironclad defense, advancing in a fan-shaped formation, with EeDeChi at the center. She spun, sweeping her sword, and the entire formation immediately collapsed into disarray, breaking into separate lines.


    Soon, EeDeChi charged into the heart of the ironworks, illuminated by the flickering flames of burning torches on the ground. Ahead of her stood a large factory building made of basalt bricks.


    She kicked the oak door open with a forceful strike, and several gleaming blades came slashing toward her. EeDeChi swung her giant sword in a wide arc, sending the blades, along with their wielders, flying backward.


    The factory''s interior was vast, and the copper torches embedded in the walls flickered with flames. EeDeChi looked up and saw an old man sitting in the room. His silver hair was sparse, his eyes cold and piercing, and his hooked nose long, resembling an old vulture.


    EeDeChi recognized him immediately from the arena¡ªhe was Slam''s employer, Odys Malcon Waverly. Without a second thought, she gripped her giant sword and moved to charge at him.


    "Wait!" The old man placed his hand on a nearby iron rod and hurriedly shouted.


    EeDeChi''s feet skidded to an abrupt stop. The adventurer, who had cut through mercenaries, knocked suicide assassins aside, and crushed heavily armored swordsmen, paused at the sound of his command.


    The long-dormant smelting equipment had already been restarted. The abandoned magic-powered iron smelting furnace in the factory had been refueled with magic crystal stones. Intense heat blasted through the air as scraps of iron melted into a blindingly bright pool of molten iron.<figure></figure>


    At the far end of the factory, molten iron flowing from the furnace, heated to a staggering 1500¡ãC ( 2732¡ãF ), poured into a shallow pool, boiling into a cauldron of deathly-hot iron soup. Just a meter(3.28 feet) above the seething molten metal, two figures lay flat¡ªSean and Stella.


    They were bound in iron chains like mummies, their mouths stuffed with cloth, unable to make a sound. All they could do was squirm in terror just above the searing molten iron. The intense heat scorched them, and Stella''s once-beautiful chestnut brown hair curled from the heat.


    The only thing keeping them from falling into the molten iron was a thin iron chain. One end was tied to them, while the other passed through a pulley hanging in the air, connected to a mechanical lever in Odys''s hand.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    <figure></figure>


    With the slightest movement of his lever, Odys could send Stella and Sean plummeting into the molten iron, where the scorching liquid metal would consume them, leaving nothing but ash. Surrounding Odys were a dozen or so mages and swordsmen, ready to intercept anyone who tried to approach.


    EeDeChi''s face darkened with fury. Sean and Stella were too close to the molten iron¡ªless than a meter(3.28 feet) away¡ªand Odys, that old vulture, had positioned himself deep in the factory, far from her reach.


    If Sean and Stella were just two or three meters higher, EeDeChi would have been confident in charging, taking down Odys and catching them just above the molten metal.


    The adventurer leader''s mind raced with strategy, but she knew it was a delicate situation. She remembered reading about a 4th Tier spell in The Mystery of Magic that could levitate all objects within a specified range. At the time, she''d dismissed it as harmless, and now regretted not studying it¡ªit was too late now.


    "You''re late. I''ve been waiting for you for an hour," Odys said, his voice calm as he observed EeDeChi''s angry expression. "But I''m not upset. After all, the time of the elderly is hardly as valuable as that of the young, right?"


    He wasn''t threatening her. He was proposing a negotiation.


    A servant walked in, carrying a wooden chair, and placed it in front of EeDeChi. It was still far from Odys, the designated spot for their negotiation.


    "Negotiation?" EeDeChi had no choice. Gripping her giant sword with one hand, she walked over and sat down beside the chair.


    Odys raised both hands and opened them briefly, but immediately returned his right hand to the lever.


    He smiled and said, "Negotiations require sincerity. I have no weapons in my hands, so I hope you''ll place your spatial ring and all your weapons on the ground. My servant will collect them, and you''ll get them back once the negotiations are over."


    His withered hand stroked the iron ball on the lever, his fingers lightly tapping it. The veins on EeDeChi''s temple throbbed, but she still removed the spatial ring from her finger, took out a golden pen, a copper seal, and placed her giant sword on the ground.


    A man with a sword at his waist approached, picking up EeDeChi''s spatial ring, the pen, and the seal, then dragging her giant sword away.


    EeDeChi watched the man''s movements, stunned. It was Clovis Daguerre! She clearly remembered that she and Barrett had already killed him, even smashing his face. How was he still alive?


    What was more shocking was the dark golden mark on Clovis''s forehead¡ª it was the insignia of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. EeDeChi couldn''t help but start to think about Odys''s connection to the Sorcerer Kingdom.


    But as she stared at Clovis, something suddenly popped into her mind¡ªthe term "lifelike." Yes, this Clovis before her, moving in front of her, looked so lifelike.


    "''Lord of Despair'' Clovis? Wasn''t he already dead?" EeDeChi asked.


    "Indeed, you killed him a long time ago," Odys replied with a smug smile. "What you''re seeing now is a necromantic puppet made from his corpse. I must say, the magic of the Sorcerer Kingdom is beyond comprehension. The undead puppets they create are indistinguishable from the living."


    He said, almost boasting, "You know, if a dead person is treated like a living one, the value they can provide is even greater than that of a living person!"


    "Why are you telling me this?" EeDeChi didn''t care whether Clovis was dead or alive.


    "It doesn''t matter. Our negotiation will end soon anyway," Odys replied with a smug grin.


    EeDeChi glanced at the Sorcerer Kingdom emblem on Clovis''s forehead and asked Odys, "What''s your connection to Ainz Ooal Gown?"


    "From the way you''re speaking, it seems you don''t show enough respect for the Supreme Being," Odys said coldly. "Lord Ainz has granted me his power. I am his representative in Re-Estize!"


    EeDeChi furrowed her brow. She needed to be more cautious now. If Odys was backed by Ainz Ooal Gown, things were much more complicated. Her current strength wasn''t enough to take on the situation, and she didn''t want to provoke the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    After a moment of thought, EeDeChi said, "Did you kidnap Sean and Stella because I was chosen as the Warrior Captain? To be honest, I have no interest in the title of Warrior Captain. I was pushed into it by a series of coincidences."


    "Is that so?" Odys raised an eyebrow. "That''s an unexpected answer. So, are you going to give up the Warrior Captain title?"


    "I will," EeDeChi said earnestly. "I''ll soon voluntarily resign from the Warrior Captain position and leave Re-Estize to travel to the Slane Theocracy."


    EeDeChi wasn''t lying. She hadn''t been able to recruit any adamantite-level adventurers, but she had gathered the information she needed from "Thirteen Heroes" Rigrit.


    There was no point in staying in Re-Estize anymore. If it hadn''t been for the delay caused by the Warrior Captain tournament, she would have already led her team out of the kingdom''s capital.


    "Unrestrained, free and easy!" Odys exclaimed, "Just as expected of an adventurer."


    He smiled, and for a brief moment, his expression gave off an illusion of warmth and kindness.


    Odys nodded. "It seems we don''t have any conflicting interests."


    EeDeChi silently nodded back. If a negotiation could solve the problem, then that would be the best option. She honestly wasn''t sure if she could save Sean and Stella from the molten iron.


    "Lord Ainz granted me the power to control 7th Tier magic," Odys asked, "What do you think?"


    EeDeChi didn''t understand why Odys suddenly brought this up. Was he trying to intimidate her with Ainz Ooal Gown?


    "7th Tier magic is indeed powerful," the adventurer captain replied nonchalantly, "Baharuth''s chief court mage, Fluder, only mastered 6th Tier magic."


    Odys smiled. "The 7th Tier magic circle is the domain of the gods."


    EeDeChi cautiously asked, "Since I''m leaving soon and won''t be in your way, could you release Sean and Stella?"


    Odys glanced at her and lifted his eyelids. "They''ll be released soon."


    He tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his chair. Suddenly, beneath EeDeChi''s seat, a massive magic circle unfolded! The spot Odys had designated for their negotiation was directly above the magic circle!


    A blood-red seven-pointed star pattern stretched out like vines across the ground, and an enormous surge of magic energy formed a pillar above EeDeChi''s head, pressing down on her as though the space itself had turned into solid ice. Countless black iron chains shot out from the magic circle, binding both EeDeChi and her chair tightly.


    EeDeChi howled, "What is this?!" Her voice distorted through the warped space, sounding unnaturally strange.


    "Kill her," Odys ordered to the surrounding swordsmen and mages.


    He stood up and left, casually pulling the lever.


    Sean and Stella plummeted straight toward the molten iron! Despair filled their eyes!

 Chapter 107: The Blood-Colored Duel

    Behind the Koccus Ironworks, near the low storerooms, a guard carrying a spear rounded a corner, scanning the surroundings. The sound of his leather boots clacking against the stone floor echoed alone through the night.


    As he reached a door, he stopped and pulled a pipe from his pocket, preparing to light it and take a drag. Suddenly, a large hand slithered around his neck from behind like a snake and swiftly covered his mouth.


    The pipe fell to the ground, scattering tobacco. The guard reached for the short knife at his waist, but a dagger slashed across his throat, spraying blood into the thick, ink-like darkness of the night.


    Barrett gently lowered the guard''s lifeless body to the ground. The only sound during the entire assassination was the soft clink of the pipe hitting the floor. He continued to move like a shadow, silently creeping forward. Looking up, he saw the silhouette of someone holding a crossbow standing atop a rooftop.


    Barrett took a throwing axe from his spatial ring. The curved moon-shaped grip told him it was a "Nightsaber" axe, forged by Baharuth. The blade was coated with black paint, enchanted so it wouldn''t glow.


    He tested the weight of the "Nightsaber" in his hand, then threw the axe. The black weapon merged with the black night, and the figure atop the roof plummeted to the ground.


    Barrett leaped forward in a smooth slide, catching the falling body in his arms with the grace of a ballet dancer cradling their partner. He held the corpse in a bridal carry, making no sound whatsoever.


    Suddenly, the silence of the night shattered. Cries of battle and clashing steel rang out, mingled with the chanting of spells. From the direction of the noise, it was clear that a one-on-many fight was happening at the front gate of the ironworks. Barrett understood immediately¡ªEeDeChi had indeed launched the main attack.


    The footsteps of mercenaries grew louder, accompanied by the angry shouts of commanders barking orders for them to sheath their weapons and rush to the front gate. The area behind the ironworks immediately became quiet. Barrett was pleased by this turn of events. He had no concerns about the captain handling the lesser opponents.


    He slipped around the magical defenses, moving through a narrow alley, and entered a large, empty hall. The hall was spacious, with large braziers burning brightly in each corner. Piles of scrap metal were stacked like small mountains, scattered with swords, knives, and arrowheads.


    Several bags of coarse rye bread and beer bottles were scattered haphazardly around. A pile of bricks formed a small pit, with a stew pot resting on top. The embers of a campfire smoldered beneath it, and bubbles were rising from the pot, indicating it was still cooking. It seemed the mercenaries had temporarily turned this hall into a supply base.


    Barrett inhaled gently. His keen sense of smell was sharp enough to identify that the stew pot contained dried beef from a Dire Bull. Dried beef was a favorite food of adventurers, rich in nutrients and easy to preserve, though it could be tough on the teeth if kept for too long.


    For a moment, Barrett felt distracted. He realized he hadn''t been on an adventure in a long time. He had stayed in the capital of the kingdom for too long, and this peaceful life was starting to make his bones feel rusty.


    A speck of dust fell onto his nose. Barrett brushed it off, then suddenly rolled into the ground with a swift movement!


    Right above him, the roof shattered, and a heavy sword fell, accompanied by chunks of brick and crumbling wall debris, landing exactly where he had been standing moments before.


    Barrett sprang to his feet, drawing his sword as the dust settled. He saw the man who had jumped down from the roof to attack him¡ªSlam Daguerre.


    Slam was enormous, towering like a troll. Even Barrett, who was no slouch in size, had to tilt his head back to see his face. Standing with his sword, Slam seemed like a mountain blocking the way.


    "What a shame," Slam''s voice rasped, his tone unusually hoarse, with a bandage wrapped around his forehead. "I didn''t manage to chop you down earlier. But next time, you won''t be so lucky."


    "Heh," Barrett scoffed, "weren''t you the one who got knocked out of the arena by EeDeChi''s sword? How the hell are you still standing? Looks like you didn''t learn your lesson."


    "The girl is finished," Slam''s expression darkened. "General Odys found her weak spot. Soon, your little adventurer squad will be reunited with her... down in the hell!"


    Slam''s face twisted in a grimace. His blood-marked giant sword, shattered by EeDeChi, was no longer in his hands. Instead, he now wielded an ordinary longsword.


    "Is that so?" Hearing that EeDeChi was about to be killed, Barrett couldn''t help but laugh. "Trust me, Odys will meet you in hell soon enough."


    "I''ve heard you adventurers are all pretty sentimental," Slam said, pulling an Orichalcum metal badge from his leather armor. He held it up with three fingers and continued, "Look at this. It''s the Adventurer''s Guildmaster Tony Ulea''s badge. His name is even engraved on it¡ªTo...ny U...le...a. You know why it''s in my hands?"


    Slam grinned, his smile twisted and cruel. "Because I killed Tony, and I took his head."


    The smile disappeared from Barrett''s face. His teeth clenched tightly, his eyes burning with molten fury.


    He slowly raised his right arm, rolled up his sleeve, and revealed a silver bracer on his wrist. The bracer glowed with a faint red light¡ªhis trophy from when he had been attacked by the "Lord of Despair," Clovis.


    Barrett snapped his left fingers, flicking the bracer on his right arm, and said, "Look, this is your brother Clovis Daguerre''s bracer. His begging face before he died was truly unforgettable."


    Slam''s smile vanished. His face twisted like a misshapen lump of dough, growing more cruel and menacing by the second. He tightened his grip on the massive sword, lifting it high over his shoulder, assuming the Ox Guard stance. His knuckles cracked with a chilling sound, and he sneered, "So, are we even now?"


    "Yeah, we''re even. How about we part ways here?" Barrett reached into his spatial ring and drew the two-handed sword with which he was most skilled. He exhaled slowly, trying to calm the raging fire in his chest. With both hands gripping the hilt tightly, he locked his gaze on Slam''s movements, holding the sword in a Fool''s Guard, the tip pointed to the ground.


    "DIE!" Slam charged like an enraged bull, his eyes bloodshot. He took two massive strides, raising his heavy sword to bring it down in a vicious strike.


    Barrett tilted his body and met the blow, dragging his blade across Slam''s arm. Slam swung his sword at an angle, and the two blades clashed with a loud crash, sending ice-blue sparks flying.


    Both fighters quickly adjusted, wrapping their swords around each other. Their blades spun and slid along the other''s, each one aiming for the other''s chest.


    Barrett and Slam both took a step back. Slam quickly pulled back his sword, using his height advantage to bring a sharp diagonal strike down toward Barrett''s neck. Barrett dropped low, narrowly avoiding the attack, and with both hands swung his sword in a wide slash aimed at Slam''s thigh.


    The blades clashed, struck, and sliced through the air in rapid succession, sometimes intertwining like lovers'' arms, other times slashing wildly toward lethal targets. The sword light was cold and sharp, weaving a deadly dance of death.


    Barrett took a deep breath, stepping back to reorient himself. Slam''s swordsmanship was indeed remarkable, and his skill was on par with his own. But his body seemed unnaturally strengthened, his power far beyond the norm. If they kept fighting like this, it was only a matter of time before Barrett started losing ground.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    However, in their previous exchange, Barrett noticed that Slam had repeatedly aimed for his right arm. While cutting off the hand could be considered an attack, Slam''s strikes seemed focused, as if there was an obsession behind them.


    Barrett deduced that it was because of the silver bracer on his right wrist¡ªClovis''s bracer. Slam seemed determined to sever his hand. If that was the case, then Slam''s sword trajectory became easier to predict.


    Once again, the two collided, their swords striking again and again at each other''s vital points. Barrett intentionally exposed a weakness in his right arm, and, just as he expected, Slam shifted his sword, aiming directly for his wrist.


    Barrett reversed his heavy sword, blocking the strike, and then took a quick step forward, smashing the pommel of his sword into Slam''s nose. The sound of breaking bone rang clear as Slam howled in pain, stumbling back.


    Seizing the opportunity, Barrett swung his sword in a wide arc, the sharp tip cutting through Slam''s leather armor and leaving a long, narrow gash across his abdomen.


    Two streams of blood poured from the collapsed bridge of Slam''s nose. He wiped the blood away, his fury growing even more intense. Like a mad giant, he swore to destroy everything in front of him.


    But Barrett remained as cold as ever, his eyes fixed on Slam''s every move, carefully adjusting his stance.


    "I''LL CHOP YOU INTO PIECES!" Slam snarled through gritted teeth. His eyes were bloodshot, his rage uncontrollable. Nearby, the pot of food the mercenaries had been preparing simmered away. Slam lifted the pot with his sword and hurled it toward Barrett.


    Barrett sliced the copper pot in half with a single strike. Soup, strips of meat, and cabbage stems scattered into the air. Hot liquid and food flew as Slam''s sword came crashing down after it. Barrett rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack, and quickly backed up two steps to the wall. He repeated the motion, knocking a fire pit off the wall and tossing it at Slam.


    The fire rained down, but Slam didn''t flinch. He charged through the flames, crushing the burning coals beneath his feet. However, one small spark flew into his eye. He screamed in pain, clutching his right eye and temporarily stumbling to a halt.


    In the brief moment it took for him to recover, he opened his eyes only to find that Barrett had vanished from his sight. Looking up, he saw the bright blade of a sword growing rapidly larger in his vision.


    Barrett had leaped from the wall, stepping on the fire pit frame for extra height. He swung his sword overhead with all his strength, and for the first time, his voice boomed in a battle cry:


    "THIS STRIKE IS FOR TONY ULEA!"


    The blade cut through the air like a razor-sharp fan. Slam''s neck was severed in an instant. His massive head shot upward, blood pouring from the stump like a fountain, splattering onto the ceiling and staining the air crimson.


    Slam''s severed head tumbled to the ground, rolling to a stop at Barrett''s feet. His bloodshot eyes were wide open in fury, still refusing to close in death.


    Barrett exhaled slowly, tightening his grip on the sword hilt. He stood still for a moment, silently processing. Stepping through the pool of blood at his feet, he approached Slam''s headless body. Reaching into the corpse''s leather armor, he searched briefly and found Old Tony''s Orichalcum metal badge.


    He pressed the metal badge gently against his chest, pausing for a moment of silent mourning before storing it away in his spatial ring.


    ...


    Barrett continued to move through the back of the ironworks. Of course, it could no longer be called sneaking; he was now walking boldly forward, gradually making his way deeper into the ironworks.


    Along the way, there were very few enemies. He only encountered a few panicked mercenaries. The mercenaries looked as if they had seen a ghost, utterly lacking any fighting spirit. Two mercenaries who charged at him were dealt with in three swift sword strikes, and the rest fled in terror.


    Pulling out a map of the ironworks, Barrett compared it to the surrounding buildings and realized he had reached the central area. Ahead was a spacious factory building made of bricks. He felt his way to the back door, listening closely. From inside the factory, he faintly heard the voice of an elderly man: "¡­they''ll be released soon."


    Barrett gripped his sword tightly and gently pushed the back door open, stepping lightly into the factory. The moment he entered, a wild surge of magical energy swirled violently in the center of the room.


    But this was not what shocked Barrett. Less than five meters away from him, the boiling molten iron churned, and his teammates, Sean and Stella, were falling right into it!


    In an instant, the seasoned adventurer sprang into action. He drew a throwing axe and hurled it at the pulley overhead. The axe embedded itself into the gear, jamming the mechanism, and the iron chain tightened, catching Sean and Stella just inches from the molten iron.


    But the danger wasn''t over. Before they could catch their breath, another wave of trouble hit. The young cleric, Stella, had her chestnut-brown hair set alight as it brushed against the molten metal!


    Barrett charged forward with a roar, throwing an ice-blue scroll into the air. The sealed magic activated with a hiss, and the chill spread rapidly, barely extinguishing the flames on Stella''s hair. However, most of her hair had already been burned away.


    Ahead stood an elderly man, whose appearance resembled that of a vulture, along with about ten or so others, most likely mages and swordsmen. They were all stunned, seemingly unable to comprehend where Barrett had come from.


    Barrett sensed something was wrong. He looked up over the crowd in front of him and saw what was happening at the far end of the factory. A massive, dazzling magic circle was unfolding on the ground, and at the center of it was EeDeChi, bound by thousands of black chains.


    He saw EeDeChi. EeDeChi saw him. And she also saw Sean and Stella, who had been temporarily saved and were now hanging precariously over the molten iron.


    "You ignorant pests!" EeDeChi roared, her voice a thunderous growl. She straightened up like a spear, struggling to rise, tearing at the magical chains binding her. One by one, the unbreakable black chains shattered under her strength.


    "QUICK! KILL HER!"


    "PROTECT LORD ODYS!"


    The swordsmen and mages panicked, charging toward the struggling EeDeChi, their swords and spells raining down on her.


    EeDeChi stomped her foot hard against the ground, and cracks radiated out from the point of impact. The entire ground seemed to tear apart like shredded paper, and the earth itself split open, completely crumbling.


    A force more powerful than the magic circle itself surged through the earth. The magical energy evaporated like steam under the scorching sun, instantly dissipating. The black chains that had bound her vanished in a puff of smoke. The adventurer captain was free.


    Like a tiger breaking out of its cage, EeDeChi was unstoppable!


    In the already unstable factory, dust and debris flew through the air as EeDeChi vanished from her original position, only to reappear in countless afterimages, the shadows left by her lightning-fast movements.


    The deathly symphony reached its climax! Clovis, the necromancer puppet, had his head explode like a watermelon, scattering in pieces. Two heavily armored swordsmen, swords raised high, hadn''t even brought their blades down before their chests were pierced by gaping holes. A mage''s spine, along with his staff, snapped in half...


    In less than two seconds, dozens of lives were snuffed out, and the factory was left with only five survivors: Sean, Stella, Barrett, EeDeChi, and the lone Odys Malcon Waverly.


    Odys''s legs shook as he watched EeDeChi, her hands dripping with blood, walk toward him step by step. It felt like death itself was closing in on him. He barely managed to hold onto his last shred of willpower, convincing himself not to kneel. He still had one final card to play.


    Odys took a deep breath and slid a beautifully engraved short sword from his sleeve. This was the divine artifact granted to him by the Sorcerer Kingdom¡ªunstoppable, capable of cutting through anything, as sharp as a blade of steel, able to sever steel and stone!


    He drew the sword, its cold gleam flashing as he lunged at EeDeChi with a fierce strike. He intended to use this supreme blade, gifted by Lord Ainz, to kill the grim reaper before him!


    But EeDeChi simply grabbed the sharp blade with one hand, snapping it in half like a cookie. She tossed the broken pieces aside and grabbed Odys by the throat, lifting him off the ground like a mere chick.


    "No... this can''t be happening..." Odys''s feet left the ground as he struggled helplessly. His eyes widened in disbelief. He stared at the broken sword in his hand, releasing his grip and letting the pieces fall to the floor.


    His eyes glazed over, confusion, bewilderment, and hesitation swirling in his pupils... before they gave way to realization, then despair, and finally, a bitter sorrow.


    "Turns out..." He grabbed EeDeChi''s arm, which was choking his own throat, and spoke with difficulty, "Turns out... you''re the same as Ainz Ooal Gown!"


    A blood-red swirl appeared in EeDeChi''s eyes. She neither confirmed nor denied his words.


    "Cough... cough..." Odys gasped for breath, struggling to speak. "No wonder... I calculated everything... the only mistake I made... was underestimating your strength!"


    His pupils suddenly dilated, his eyes fixed on EeDeChi, and a smile¡ªalmost unnoticeable¡ªcurled at the corners of his lips. It was the expression of a dying man savoring his last moments of madness.


    Odys said intermittently, "I see you... how pathetic, how laughable... You have the power of a god, yet you hang out with a bunch of stray cats, which led to you being forced into submission¡­ too scared to move. Haha... haha. Do you really think... those stray cats... will be grateful to you?"


    His voice cracked as he used every last bit of his strength to scream, "I CURSE YOU! I CURSE YOU! I... CURSE YOU! YOU WILL SUFFER... BECAUSE OF THOSE STRAY CATS! I CURSE¡ª"


    Before he could finish, the sharp tip of a sword suddenly protruded from his chest.


    Barrett stood behind him, gripping a long sword. With a swift motion, he thrust it into Odys''s chest, then twisted the blade 360 degrees, grinding Odys''s heart into pieces.


    Blood sprayed from the horrific wound in his chest, a drop splashing onto EeDeChi''s chin, red as falling plum blossoms.


    Odys''s lips bled as his body twitched, spasming in the final moments. Eventually, his body went limp, and he breathed his last.


    EeDeChi dropped Odys''s lifeless body, watching as the pool of blood beneath him slowly expanded.


    She wiped the blood from her chin, muttering under her breath:


    "How unlucky."

 Chapter 108: The Memorial

    The factory building, made of brick and stone, had cracked floor tiles, and the beams in the ceiling creaked and groaned. The cracks in the walls spread like a spider''s web. After enduring a 7th Tier magic circle and EeDeChi''s foot shattering the earth''s surface, the entire structure was on the verge of collapse.


    Barrett carefully untied Sean and Stella from the chains that still hung over the molten iron, unwinding the thick metal links that bound them.


    The two were still trembling from fear, just inches away from falling into the 1500-degree molten iron. The experience had been horrifying, especially for Stella Famillion. Half of her beautiful long hair had been burned away, the scorched strands curling in tight, dark spirals. But to be alive was a miracle. She and Sean clung to each other tightly, tears streaming down their faces.


    EeDeChi surveyed the ground, where more than ten bodies lay, victims of brutal violence. The corpses were beyond recognition, their bodies battered beyond belief by fatal blows. EeDeChi looked down at her own hands, the joints stained with blood, now dried and caked on. Of course, none of the blood was hers.


    For a moment, EeDeChi felt a wave of dizziness. Had she done all this? The bodies, the blood dripping from her fingertips... was she responsible for it? The reason she hadn''t killed Odys earlier, letting him die while spewing his last words, was that she realized she''d destroyed so many lives. For a moment, she couldn''t bring herself to finish the job.


    Barrett walked up to her and snapped his fingers in front of her face with a sharp "pop."


    "What''s on your mind?" he asked.


    EeDeChi jolted back to reality. She quickly asked, "A mirror! Do you have a mirror?"


    "A mirror? Why do you need one?" Barrett asked, puzzled, but still pulled a small round mirror from his spatial ring and handed it to her.


    EeDeChi activated her Innate Talent and looked into the mirror at her own face. In the reflection, the number above her head, which represented her Justice Value, was still 250, unchanged.


    EeDeChi lowered the mirror and let out a sigh of relief. "Good, I''m still 250."


    Barrett hoisted the body of Odys Malcon Waverly and tossed it into the molten iron, to prevent the Waverly family from using 5th Tier Divine Magic to resurrect him. Odys''s body burned fiercely in the molten iron, quickly reducing to nothing but ashes.


    EeDeChi searched through the dirt, retrieving her golden fountain pen, copper seal, giant sword, and spatial ring. She slipped the spatial ring on her finger and strapped the giant sword to her back. Sean helped Stella to her feet, and the four adventurers made their way out of the crumbling factory.


    Barrett glanced back at the building. He had been about to ask EeDeChi to set it on fire using magic¡ªafter all, she had burned down a brothel once¡ªbut seeing the weight of worry on the captain''s face, he decided against it. Instead, he took out a fire magic scroll, tossing it into the factory.


    The fire scroll, "Fury of the Fire God," was a high-level item he had painstakingly obtained from an alchemist after much searching. It had cost him 40 gold coins, but it was well worth the price.


    As the alchemical seal on the fire element was released, the flames erupted like a swarm of frenzied fireflies scattering in every direction. Soon, the entire factory was engulfed in roaring flames. The fire surged, and the wooden beams, the ceramic roof tiles, and the walls all collapsed in a deafening crash.


    ...


    Two days later.


    The Last Defender of the Way adventuring team arrived at an old house. Barrett stepped forward and knocked on the door. After an unsettling silence, the faint sound of footsteps echoed from behind the door.


    The door creaked open, revealing a weary face. A young woman with a tragic expression stood behind the door, gazing at them. Her eyes were puffy and red, and her disheveled brown-gray hair hung loosely over her shoulders. It was clear she had been crying frequently and suffering from sleepless nights over the past few days.


    "Ma''am, are you Belinda Ulea?" Barrett asked politely.


    "Yes, how do you know my name?" The young woman behind the door asked.


    "We''re friends of Tony Ulea. He often tells us about his daughter, Belinda Ulea, the one he''s so proud of."


    A faint, sad smile appeared on Belinda''s face. "So you''re my father''s friends. Please, come in." The four adventurers stepped into the living room, and Belinda poured them a pot of red tea.Stolen novel; please report.


    Old Tony''s spouse had passed away years ago after falling ill. He only had one daughter, Belinda Ulea.


    Belinda had inherited her father''s magical talent, and Old Tony had always hoped she would become a high-level mage. But Belinda had only been interested in potions. After falling out with her father, she had left home to study potion-making on her own. Whenever Old Tony asked her to come back, she stubbornly refused.


    When Old Tony was drunk, he would talk to the other adventurers about his only daughter, but it was never with the proud tone Barrett had mentioned. It was more often a tirade, full of complaints. For example, his daughter had sent back the clothes he''d sent her, refused to come home to visit her mother''s grave, and even started seeing some potion-making punk.


    The adventurers would laugh and joke, sipping beer while joining in to mock Old Tony''s daughter''s boyfriend.


    As Barrett recalled those past moments, he remembered how Old Tony''s goatee would twitch as he proudly lit the campfire with his wand, casting spells and teasing the other adventurers, all of them laughing heartily. A twinge of sadness rose in his chest, and his eyes grew moist.


    "How is Tony''s nephew, Eddie Hill, doing these days?" Barrett asked quietly, wiping the corner of his eye as he spoke to Belinda.


    Belinda glanced toward the back of the house, letting out a deep sigh. "Eddie... these past few days, besides going to the Mage Tower to study, he''s been locking himself in his room. I don''t know what''s going on with him. He''s been studying magic day and night, pushing himself to the limit."


    "Eddie and Old... uh... Tony were very close," Barrett hesitated, then continued, "Tony always hoped to train Eddie into a high-level mage."


    "You can call him by his nickname, it''s fine," Belinda said with a faint smile. "In the past few days, my father''s mage friends and adventurer companions have visited a lot. Only now do I realize that my father had such a friendly nickname."


    Belinda looked up at Barrett, her eyes filled with determination. "Don''t worry. Even though Eddie and my father aren''t related by blood, I see Eddie as my own brother, and I''ll take on the responsibility of raising him."


    Barrett nodded silently, then pulled out an Orichalcum metal badge from his chest. The badge had been pressed against his chest, warming it. He handed it to Belinda and said:


    "I''ve avenged Tony Ulea. I killed the bastard who killed Old Tony, and I brought back his adventurer badge."


    Belinda trembled as she took the Orichalcum badge. She ran her fingers over the back, where Tony''s name was etched, and tears began to fall freely from her eyes.


    "Thank you¡­ thank you¡­" she whispered, sobbing softly.


    "We''ve been held up by other matters these past few days and couldn''t attend Old Tony''s funeral. Would you take us to the graveyard? I''d like to pay my respects to my old friend."


    "Of course," Belinda answered quietly. She gathered her messy hair, stood up, and walked out of the living room.


    A handsome, well-dressed young man poked his head out from behind the door. He carefully sized up Barrett and the others before asking, "Belinda, are you heading out?"


    Belinda nodded. "Yeah, if any guests arrive, can you take care of them?"


    The young man gave a faint, wry smile but agreed, "Don''t worry, I''ve got it covered." He then withdrew behind the door.


    The four adventurers stepped out of the old house, and Barrett asked in confusion, "Who was that?"


    "He''s my boyfriend," Belinda explained. "Lately, we''ve had adventurers and mages visiting often, but for some reason, some of the adventurers always want to pick a fight with him as soon as they meet him. So, he ends up hiding in the back room."


    They flagged down a carriage and headed toward the cemetery on the outskirts of the city.


    The cemetery was silent, surrounded by rows of tombstones standing like dominoes. Belinda led them to Old Tony''s grave.


    The gravestone was made of rounded granite, simple and old-fashioned, engraved only with Old Tony''s birth and death dates, and a relief of an elderly man with a goatee, wearing a kind smile.


    Barrett gently touched the gravestone, gazing into the eyes of the figure in the relief. Looking at the smile on the elderly man''s face, his heart felt lighter, almost without him realizing it.


    Belinda took out a small trowel and said, "My father was always proud of his adventurer identity. I think he would have wanted to be buried with his Orichalcum badge. Please, let me bury his adventurer''s badge here."


    Barrett nodded in agreement. Together with Belinda, they dug a small, deep hole in front of the gravestone and buried the Orichalcum badge deep inside.


    Sean, Stella, and EeDeChi silently stood to the side, understanding that the best course of action at this moment was to respect the peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery and not disturb it.


    After burying the badge, the five of them stood in a row in front of the grave. The cold winter sunlight pierced through the thick, gray clouds, and the chill wind swept up fallen leaves. In the desolate cemetery, the withered yellow grass swayed gently in the breeze, like the spirits of the dead drifting in the wind.


    Stella Famillion, dressed in a pure white robe, held a Gaia statue in her hands. Her hands were crossed over her chest as she softly chanted an adventurer''s long poem, and Barrett and the others quietly joined in.


    "Oh, my dear companions, our perilous journey has come to an end."


    "The beasts'' heads lie in the box, and the ancient treasures weigh upon our shoulders."


    "We''ve trudged through mountains, rivers, swamps, and deserts, with never a pause in our steps."


    "The path leads homeward, the town is near, the clock tower''s spire appears in sight."


    "Thousands cheer, acclaiming the warriors'' return, but our blades are battered and broken."


    "The coins'' crisp clink, like birdsong in the breeze, the scent of ale sweeter than autumn''s fields."


    "Yet, oh, my aching heart!"


    "Crimson blood spills."


    "In the left hand, gold coins are held, in the right, your badge."


    "The badge, stained with blood, I can no longer tell which hand is heavier."


    "In the still earth, my companions rest in peace;"


    "In the sorrowful wind around the grave, the raven softly cries."


    "The victorious warriors return from their quest, the prize we sought now nearly within grasp."


    "But still, I play the chords of grief."


    "In faraway lands, my comrades lie in eternal rest."


    "They have fallen, their eyes closed in peace, resting at last..."

 Chapter 109: The Next Stop on the Journey

    <figure></figure>


    A large, ancient parchment map lay spread out on the table. EeDeChi was leaning over it, her upper body bent as she studied it intently.


    The map was a pale yellow, its edges torn and worn, as if chewed by rats. The surface was etched with a network of lines, showing rudimentary mountain ranges and terrain. Names of places and borders were labeled in both the common tongue and the Elvish script.


    Though magic in this world was boundless in its mysteries, reliable cartography was still a distant dream. In regions rarely touched by human civilization, the terrain on the map was often vague and unclear.


    The more detailed the map, the more inaccuracies it contained. As for what the actual landscapes looked like, that could only be discovered by the feet of travelers.


    Barrett saw her studying the map and asked, "What are you planning?"


    "It''s time to leave," EeDeChi sighed softly.


    "Where to?"


    "To the Slane Theocracy, to find a powerful person named ''Antilene.''" EeDeChi''s finger traced the inked calligraphy on the map.


    Rigrit had told them that the young woman, ''Antilene,'' was one of the most powerful humans in this world, with an innate talent so extraordinary it ranked among the top ten in the world. However, due to certain reasons, the Slane Theocracy had chosen to hide ''Antilene'' deep within the heart of the nation, keeping her existence secret from the outside world.


    The Slane Theocracy followed a strict human supremacist ideology, despising other races and undead beings. As a result, their stance was in direct opposition to that of the Sorcerer Kingdom. Though the Slane Theocracy had expressed deference to the Sorcerer Kingdom, the control they were under was minimal.


    It''s worth mentioning that unlike other human nations, which worship the four elemental gods of Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind, the Slane Theocracy follows a unique faith¡ªthe Six Great Gods.


    According to the legends of the Slane Theocracy, over six hundred years ago, humans¡ªwho were neither physically strong nor particularly gifted in magic¡ªstruggled to survive in the world, often falling prey to the other races who used them as food.


    That was until one day, the Six Great Gods descended from the heavens. With their unparalleled divine power, they cleaved the chaotic world in two, creating the Slane Theocracy as a sanctuary for humankind.


    Afterward, five of the Six Great Gods ascended to the void, leaving behind the final deity¡ªthe God of Death, Surshana¡ªto guard the Theocracy.


    During the war when the evil gods, the Eight Greed Kings, sought to conquer the world, Surshana fought alone to protect humanity. In the end, outnumbered and overwhelmed, Surshana''s soul was shattered. The Eight Greed Kings, impressed by Surshana''s bravery, promised to preserve the Slane Theocracy as a vassal state, sparing it from destruction and massacre.


    EeDeChi understood clearly in her heart that behind the "gods," both the Six Great Gods and the Eight Greed Kings were all travelers from another world. However, what was rare was that, apart from their egos and desire to rule the world, the Six Great Gods actually took it upon themselves to protect humanity¡ªmaking them one of the few genuinely good beings.


    Barrett suggested, "If you''re not going to be the Warrior Captain, you''ll need to resign from your military position and terminate the contract with Princess Renner and us. By the way, casually ask Princess Renner if the contract old Tony signed with her, regarding the adventurer medical fund, is still valid."


    EeDeChi snapped her thoughts back from the Slane Theocracy and nodded in agreement. She left the house and headed toward the royal palace in the capital.


    Winter had long since arrived, bringing with it freezing cold. Snowflakes were falling from the sky, light and scattered, coating the world in a thin layer of white.


    <figure></figure>


    EeDeChi looked up at the frosty sky, feeling the faint chill of snowflakes landing on her skin.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    She suddenly thought of a metaphor: the snowflakes were like someone scratching dandruff in the sky. EeDeChi had never felt cold before, but this time she shivered, instinctively quickening her pace.


    Their residence was not far from the palace. Along the way, several noblewomen dressed in luxurious attire curtsied to EeDeChi, addressing her as "Honorable the Warrior Captain." The royal knights and guards also bowed and bent their waists as she passed by.


    EeDeChi didn''t know any of them and was unfamiliar with royal etiquette. She could only awkwardly wave her hand, trying to remain polite, and greeted them, "Hello, comrades!"


    The guards responded in unison, "Hello, the Warrior Captain."


    "Comrades, you''ve worked hard." EeDeChi said to them.


    "Serve the royal family!" the guards replied earnestly.


    ¡ª---------


    Author''s Note: It is a foolish thing for an author to explain the joke in a novel, but I have to do it this time. This is because I noticed that some readers mistakenly think EeDeChi is a communist.


    There are too many idiots in this world, especially in China, who, despite knowing nothing about communism, think they are ultra-cool communists just because they shout a few anti-capitalist slogans. EeDeChi is clearly not one of them.


    In fact, this is a political meme. In the People''s Republic of China, during the grand National Day military parade, when the President stands on top of a convertible car passing by the rows of soldiers, the President will wave and say, "Hello, comrades!"


    The soldiers will reply, "Hello, Commander!" or "Hello, Mr. President!"


    Then the President continues, "Comrades, you''ve worked hard!"


    The soldiers will respond, "Serve the people!"


    ¡ª----------


    EeDeChi quickly arrived at the palace and announced her request to meet. Soon, Princess Renner, wearing a fur coat made of otter skin, hurried over to greet her and ushered her into a side hall.


    Princess Renner was petite and delicate, wrapped in a loose light brown otter fur coat. A snow-white cashmere hat covered her soft golden hair, making her appear even smaller and cuter.


    She smiled brightly and asked, "Our Warrior Captain, what brings you here today?"


    EeDeChi took a moment to gather her thoughts before asking, "If I resign from the position of Warrior Captain, who will take over?"


    Princess Renner was momentarily stunned, but quickly understood. She replied, "Because the national martial arts tournament is both costly and resource-intensive, traditionally, when such a situation occurs, the second-place warrior steps up. That means Brain Unglaus will take over. Are you leaving?"


    "Yes," EeDeChi said. "I need to continue searching for ways to fight against Ainz Ooal Gown. Also, the capital''s Adventurer''s Guild guildmaster, Tony Ulea, once signed a contract with you regarding the adventurer medical fund. Tony passed away a few days ago¡ªdoes the contract still stand?"


    Princess Renner nodded. "It''s still valid. Tony Ulea was my ally. Even though he''s gone, I''ll still honor my commitment to him."


    She sighed, her face filled with regret. "I know... he was murdered. I sent someone to offer my condolences at his funeral. This is all my fault. I dragged him into the whirlpool of power struggles. If I hadn''t asked him to sign that contract for the medical fund, he would probably still be alive."


    EeDeChi tried to comfort her. "Don''t blame yourself too much. It was other nobles who had him killed¡ªit has nothing to do with you. Establishing the adventurer medical fund was Tony Ulea''s lifelong dream. By fulfilling his contract, you''re keeping your word, which is something."


    She activated her Innate Talent and checked Princess Renner''s Justice Value. The number above her head was 294, indicating that she was genuinely grieving for old Tony''s death.


    Princess Renner asked, "Are you planning to leave the kingdom and embark on the path to fight the Demon God Ainz Ooal Gown?"


    She wasn''t surprised by this. EeDeChi had already told her that she intended to deal with the ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick¡ªAinz Ooal Gown.


    "Yes," EeDeChi nodded. "There''s still a long way to go."


    "Can I make a suggestion?" Princess Renner asked cautiously. "You should disband your adventurer team."


    "Why?" EeDeChi''s expression hardened.


    Princess Renner spoke sincerely, "Your three teammates are all ordinary people. You''re making an enemy of the Sorcerer Kingdom, and that''s a battle of gods. They shouldn''t be involved. It''s like the power struggles between our royal family and the nobles; it should never have involved Tony Ulea, that adventurer."


    EeDeChi frowned. "My team is my business, not yours."


    "There might be sacrifices," Princess Renner said quietly.


    "No sacrifice, no dawn!" EeDeChi often spouted grand statements, and this one slipped out without her thinking. As the words left her mouth, she suddenly realized how cold and heartless they sounded.


    "Well¡­ okay," Princess Renner turned her eyes to the side. "If you''re leaving the kingdom, our contract is terminated as well. Wait here for a moment, I''ll calculate your wages for this period."


    The Last Defender of the Way adventurer team was hired by Princess Renner to protect her during her travels. Each member earned three gold coins per day.


    Princess Renner straightened up from her seat, turned, and walked toward the door of the side hall. Her long, golden hair swirled like satin.


    EeDeChi watched Princess Renner leave. She stared at her retreating figure, and suddenly, a vein in her forehead throbbed.


    Because EeDeChi saw the number representing Princess Renner''s Justice Value, hovering above her head, plummeting at an astonishing speed. It dropped rapidly from 294, like a waterfall falling from the sky, plummeting at breakneck speed.


    245


    161


    37


    -91


    ...


    It kept dropping until it reached -334!


    EeDeChi had never seen a Justice Value change so quickly in such a short period of time! The drop was so drastic! She stood frozen for a few seconds, wanting to call out to Princess Renner, but the princess had already stepped into the snowstorm outside, her figure growing more distant ¡­

 Chapter 110: Different Choices

    The Last Defender of the Way adventuring team sat around a table, chewing slowly and savoring their breakfast.


    The table was set with a bowl of oatmeal porridge paired with mashed eggs, slices of roasted sausage stacked neatly on the plate, a glistening oyster pie filled with meat and brushed with lemon juice, and a plate of Brussels sprouts roasted in olive oil. The enticing aroma filled the air, making one''s appetite surge uncontrollably.<figure></figure>


    Yesterday, EeDeChi had brought back the bounty Renner Princess had taken from her private vault and distributed it to the three teammates. She also settled her own promised wages and handed out the salaries to the others.


    Sean immediately said that he could buy back the family estate and even build a watermill. Stella was so excited that she stayed up all night. She said she wanted to use the money wisely to help her sister open a tailoring shop in the capital of Baharuth.


    After breakfast, EeDeChi gathered the team together for a "morning meeting."


    The adventurer captain cleared her throat and spoke, "Next, we''re leaving Re-Estize and heading to the Slane Theocracy. Any objections? If not, pack your things, we leave the day after tomorrow."


    She was about to say "meeting adjourned" when she saw Sean raise his hand. Stella looked at her nervously, as if she wanted to say something but couldn''t find the right words.


    It was rare for anyone to object during the team''s "meetings." After all, they had been together for so long that everyone knew no matter how many opinions were raised, EeDeChi wouldn''t listen. It was better not to waste their breath.


    EeDeChi asked, "Young man, what''s on your mind?"


    Sean and Stella exchanged a glance, then their hands intertwined, their faces flushed and burning red, like a couple nervously meeting the parents for the first time.


    After the recent kidnapping incident, where they had danced with death on the edge of a cliff, the young archer had confessed his feelings to the cleric girl, and they quickly fell into a whirlwind romance.


    EeDeChi raised an eyebrow and said, "I don''t mind you two falling in love, but don''t let romance delay our adventures. Also, when you get married, make sure to submit a marriage application."


    "Captain, Stella and I have something we need to tell you. We hope you won''t be mad." Sean said cautiously.


    Stella tightly gripped his hand, as if the contact would transfer some sort of immense energy between them, boosting their courage to face EeDeChi.


    "What is it? Go ahead, I''m pretty open-minded. Just as long as it''s not something like getting pregnant before marriage."


    Sean hesitated for a moment, his eyes shifting away. He finally made up his mind and said firmly, "Stella Famillion and I¡­ we''re done being adventurers."


    "Done being adventurers¡­" EeDeChi''s words trailed off. It clicked in her mind. If this couple was no longer going to be adventurers, it also meant they were going to leave her adventuring team.


    "Do you mean you don''t want to be adventurers anymore, or you just don''t want to stay in my team?" EeDeChi''s gaze hardened as she looked at them.


    Stella nervously spoke up, "It''s not that we don''t want to be adventurers anymore, we just really respect you, Captain."


    Sean quickly added, "We''re just tired of the constant wandering. For the long-term, we''re thinking of settling down in Baharuth."The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    EeDeChi fell silent, not saying a word. The silence lingered, a heavy, unnerving silence.


    Stella and Sean''s palms were sweating, but they held on to each other even tighter, like two little squirrels trembling together in front of a fierce tiger. Barrett silently observed the three of them, guessing how EeDeChi would react.


    The comings and goings of teammates were nothing new in the adventuring world. After all, most people grew tired of the dangerous, unpredictable life where tomorrow could very well be their last.


    Being an adventurer was like gambling. Maybe on the next expedition, you could strike it rich, earning enough gold to fill a bathtub, but more likely, you''d lose a part of your body¡ªor even your life.


    For most adventurers, their choices were no different from Sean and Stella''s. After making enough money, they quickly left the blood-soaked, dangerous game, eager to escape while they still had their lives intact.


    Only a small fraction of adventurers, whose blood runs hot and restless, can never settle down. These adventurers grip their swords tightly, blind to any escape routes, and choose to step onto the battlefield again and again until they can no longer wield their weapons, or they leave their lives behind on the path of adventure.


    Barrett was one of those people. For adventurers like him, the thrill of the journey was life''s greatest joy, an irreplaceable part of existence. A calm, peaceful life was like water soaked in bitter herbs¡ªunbearable. Only the intoxicating mix of honey and poison, a strong drink that could burn the throat, was worth savoring in life.


    People come together for various reasons and become companions. When a companion decides to leave, adventurers never force them to stay. After all, everyone in this world has their own choices, their own reasons.


    EeDeChi remained silent. She clenched her right fist so tightly that it almost hurt. Sean and Stella flinched, terrified.


    Finally, the adventurer captain sighed and said, "Fine, I approve."


    The young archer and cleric girl both looked as if a weight had been lifted off their shoulders. They bowed deeply to EeDeChi. "Thank you, Captain!"


    EeDeChi asked, "When are you leaving?"


    "We plan to leave this afternoon," Sean said. "We don''t have much luggage, so it won''t take long to pack, and then we''ll hire a long-distance carriage."


    EeDeChi frowned slightly and said, "I need to take care of some things. I''m leaving the capital for Slane Theocracy the day after tomorrow. It''s on the way, so you might as well wait for me. We can all leave together then."


    She turned to Barrett and asked, "It''s on the way, right?"


    Barrett shook his head. "Not really. Slane Theocracy is to the east of the Re-Estize, while Baharuth is to the south. The directions are different."


    "Uh¡­" EeDeChi said, "Forget about that. We''ll travel together. We''ve been adventuring together for so long; let''s spend these last few days together."


    "Okay, okay!" Sean and Stella quickly nodded in agreement. They didn''t dare go against the captain''s will.


    "By the way," EeDeChi took out two pieces of parchment, a feather quill, and an ink box from her spatial ring, saying,


    "I''ll draft a template for you. Later, fill out the resignation form. You need to explain in detail why you''re leaving the Last Defender of the Way adventuring team, what you''ll do after leaving, and your evaluation of the captain. No copying, and don''t fill it out carelessly, or it will be void!"


    ...


    In the Tenth Floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Throne Room.


    Beneath the grand dome, Princess Renner, her golden hair cascading down, knelt on the cold, iron-gray stone floor. Her robes were disheveled, and large beads of cold sweat dripped down her forehead, her head bowed deeply.


    Behind her, a humanoid creature, wearing a top hat and covered in tentacles, extended an octopus-like appendage, drawing strange arcs near her temple.


    In front of her, seated on a majestic throne, was the ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick¡ªAinz Ooal Gown, sitting upright.<figure></figure>


    Ainz Ooal Gown held a staff, its body pure gold, looking as though two golden ribbons had intertwined to form it. The staff''s edges were jagged and fierce, and its bowl-shaped top was studded with several differently colored gemstones. An indescribable pressure emanated from the staff''s center.


    Ainz asked, "Kyouhukou, is the information provided by Renner true?"


    The creature known as "Kyouhukou" bowed and replied, "I report to the Supreme One, it is undoubtedly true!"


    "Heh, how interesting." Ainz tightened his skeletal grip on the staff, his bony hand clutching it firmly. "Renner, tell me, what do you want in exchange?"


    Princess Renner lowered her body even further, her forehead now touching the cold ground. She whispered,


    "I want to become the King of Re-Estize!"


    "From now on, you are the King of Re-Estize."


    Renner''s head lowered even more, pressing against the floor. "Thank you, Supreme One, for your grace."


    Ainz rose from his throne, the red glow in his skeletal eye sockets burning like the sun. He gripped his staff tightly and gave an order to the Great Tomb of Nazarick:


    "Immediately halt the war with the Dragon! Recall all 100-level guardians who are able to return in time!"

 Chapter 111: The Crossroads of Death

    "Old man, what happened to this house?" EeDeChi brushed the snow off her head and stopped an elderly man dressed in a linen cotton jacket to ask.


    "It caught fire last night. Luckily, it''s snowing heavily now, and the cold weather helped. Only two or three rooms got burned, and the fire was put out," the old man tugged at EeDeChi''s black coat, "Little girl, aren''t you cold dressed so thin? You should wear more clothes."


    After saying that, the old man walked off on his own, leaving EeDeChi staring at the low building in front of her.


    This was Rigrit''s secluded house. The Last Defender of the Way adventure team was supposed to leave the Re-Estize''s capital today, and EeDeChi had hoped to visit the last of the Thirteen Heroes. But she found that Rigrit''s room had already been reduced to a charred ruin. According to the sheriff, no one had died in the fire.


    The legendary Thirteen Heroes, the 200-year-old Rigrit, had once again disappeared without a trace. Perhaps she was afraid of something, forced to vanish in this way, or maybe she simply wanted to escape the fame of the Thirteen Heroes and enjoy her later years in peace.


    The low building was covered with the marks of smoke and soot. EeDeChi glanced back one last time and left with regret. She crossed through the snow-covered residential area and walked back to the street where the Last Defender of the Way adventure team''s hired carriage was waiting. Her three teammates were still waiting for her.


    To be precise, there was only one teammate left.


    Sean Tachya and Stella Famillion had already submitted their resignation letters to return to Baharuth for a peaceful life. EeDeChi had reluctantly signed her agreement to the resignation forms.


    Winter had fully settled in. Snow had been falling for three days and nights without stopping, and it showed no sign of letting up. The cold was biting, and the entire world was wrapped in silver.


    According to the weather forecast provided by the Re-Estize''s official, a person with the "weather foresight" Innate Talent, the heavy snow would last for another two days before it might clear up.


    The coachman, wrapped in a thick cotton cloak, cracked his whip, and the spiked wheels of the carriage cut through the deep snow as the journey began. They were leaving the Re-Estize''s capital today, heading toward the small town of Lepergan, just outside the capital.


    In Lepergan, they would part ways. Sean and Stella were heading east to Baharuth, while Barrett and EeDeChi would take a teleportation circle to a southern border city before crossing the border into the Slane Theocracy to continue their uncertain adventures.


    Lepergan was the location of the Re-Estize''s largest teleportation hub. Generally, a nation''s central teleportation array is built in its capital¡ªlike in Baharuth¡ªso as to maximize economic and transportation benefits.


    However, the Fifth King of Re-Estize, when constructing the teleportation array, had the foresight to build it in a small town far from the capital. This was his precaution against any potential noble rebellions. The king wisely chose this location, anticipating that any traitorous armies could use the array to teleport directly into the capital.


    Inside the slightly bumpy carriage, the four adventurers sat facing each other.


    Barrett handed EeDeChi a delicate box made of boxwood and said, "This is a farewell gift from Brain Unglaus. He asked me to give it to you. He said that if it weren''t for his duties as the Warrior Captain, he would have joined you on your adventures."


    "Oh, that coward still wants to adventure?" EeDeChi took the box, ripped off the red silk ribbon, and quickly opened it.


    Inside were spherical chocolates¡ªmilky white, green, pitch black, with flavors like goat''s milk and hazelnut, to name a few. EeDeChi picked one up, tossed it into her mouth, and then passed the box to the other three companions in the carriage. "It''s pretty good. You guys should try some."


    Barrett picked a chocolate ball and slowly chewed it. As he did, he couldn''t help but remember the sincere look on Brain''s face when he handed over the chocolates. Barrett couldn''t help but feel a bit melancholic¡ªMaybe Brain had really become a bit of a fool from all that sword practice, having been too focused on it.


    ...


    The carriage traveled through the morning, and the coachman, sitting in front, spoke up:


    "This damn weather, the snow just keeps coming, it''s freezing. Folks, we''ve reached the main intersection of Lentwei Town. I''ve been driving this carriage for seven years, and the home-brewed malt beer at the ''Pine Lake'' tavern in the town center is famous far and wide. Want to stop for a drink?"


    The three adventurers in the carriage turned their gaze to EeDeChi. She exchanged glances with them, nodded, and said, "Alright, let''s have a few drinks to warm up."Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Great! Coming right up!" The coachman cheerfully cracked his whip, and the carriage slowed to a stop.


    The four of them climbed out of the carriage, and the biting wind, mixed with snow, hit them head-on. The cold air stabbed right into their necks. Except for EeDeChi, the other three tightly wrapped themselves in their coats.


    They stood at a crossroad, a wide road covered in snow as far as the eye could see. Because of the blizzard, the streets were empty, with only the four of them and the coachman in sight. From beneath the snow-covered sign of the "Pine Lake" tavern, the sound of laughter and chatter pierced through the howling wind and snow.


    EeDeChi took a deep breath and suddenly froze. She reached into her spatial ring and pulled out her giant sword. With a sharp swing, the snow on the ground was sent flying.


    "What''s going on?" Barrett huddled his neck, looking confused. Sean and Stella also stared at her in puzzlement.


    EeDeChi didn''t respond. She turned her head and scanned her surroundings. Her black pupils suddenly widened.


    "GET OUT OF HERE!" For the first time, EeDeChi''s voice carried an emotion: fear.


    "Why are you drawing your sword, ma''am? Let''s just head to the tavern." The coachman, his hands tucked into his sleeves, approached with a confused expression.


    "No! Don''t drink! It''s too late! You need to leave, NOW!" EeDeChi swung her sword, sending a wave of snow flying. She glared at Barrett and the others, shouting, "Listen to me! RUN! SPLIT UP!"


    Barrett, Sean, and Stella exchanged glances. It was the first time they had seen their leader so panicked. There was nothing here at the intersection but snow¡ªwhat was she afraid of?


    A series of thunderclaps exploded in Barrett''s mind, and the eerie sense of "sixth sense" screamed in warning! Barrett looked around in panic. Though the crossroad was still empty, he knew that EeDeChi had sensed the presence of something terrifying¡ªsomething they couldn''t fight.


    Barrett chose a direction and ran, fast as lightning. His figure quickly disappeared into the endless snowstorm.


    Seeing Barrett flee, Sean and Stella also grabbed each other''s hands and plunged into the whirling snow, heading off in the opposite direction down the crossroad.


    "You," EeDeChi pointed at the coachman, "Go into the tavern and get everyone out. Evacuate them! Get as far as you can!"


    "It''s over," her expression suddenly turned sorrowful. "It''s too late. They''re here."


    "Are you out of your mind?" The coachman stared at Sean and Stella, who were running for their lives like scared rabbits. "I''m not dealing with this. I''m going to drink. You guys can find me at the tavern when you come back later." With that, he ignored EeDeChi and walked straight into the "Pine Lake" tavern.


    The street was eerily empty, and EeDeChi was left standing alone. She hung her head, dragging her giant sword behind her, each step heavy as if her legs were weighed down with hundreds of tons of bones, as if her back carried the sins of millions of lives.


    The snowflakes drifted down like soft white goose feathers, falling gently, swirling and fluttering from the sky, covering the earth, blanketing the rooftops. The wagon tracks on the street were quickly buried, and everything around her was draped in a layer of white frost and snow.


    The world was a blank canvas of white.


    Suddenly, the snowflakes suspended in mid-air, frozen in place. The wind stopped its howling, and silence fell. It was as if the movie of snow falling had been paused, with flakes hanging motionless in the transparent air.


    The space was locked, the sky ceased to breathe, and time itself stopped flowing.


    EeDeChi reached up and plucked a hexagonal snowflake from the air. She studied the tiny, glistening crystals on its surface before crushing it in her hand.


    Outside the "Pine Lake" tavern, a drunken patron pushed open the oak door and stumbled out. Reeking of alcohol, he staggered as he walked, and when he looked up, he saw the snowflakes suspended in mid-air. He muttered to himself, "Guess I really did drink too much."


    He staggered his way out, his face colliding with a few snowflakes in midair. Grabbing one, he stuffed it into his mouth like a cookie and chewed it for a few seconds. With a surprised shout, he exclaimed, "I''m not drunk!"


    He wobbled back into the tavern, shouting loudly, "Everyone, come out and see! It''s a miracle! The snow is frozen in mid-air, it''s not falling!"


    Hearing his ramblings, more people poured out from the tavern. Even the tavern''s waitresses ran outside, jumping into the suspended snowflakes, as if they were dancing in a swarm of white butterflies hanging mid-air. They were all laughing and hopping with excitement.


    "This must be the work of some great wizard," someone murmured, stroking a snowflake.


    Soon, they noticed a black-haired girl standing at the center of the crossroad. She wore thin black clothing, completely out of place in the freezing winter, and gripped a giant sword tightly in her hands. Her expression was one of sorrow.


    They watched her, and she stared back at them. The crowd couldn''t understand why, in the face of this rarest of spectacles, the girl wasn''t happy or excited. Why was there only endless sadness in her eyes? She looked at the joyful crowd as if they were nothing more than a group of cold corpses.


    They heard her whisper softly, "I''m sorry."


    One person was about to ask the black-haired girl why her eyes held such pain, as if there were a wounded lion hidden deep in her pupils.


    Before he could speak, his upper body crashed into the snow.


    He propped himself up with his arms, turning his head to look back. There, he saw his own abdomen, his legs still standing, and the severed chunks of his body scattered across the snow.


    They were the same people who had been cheering just moments ago¡ªnow, they were all lying in pools of blood. Fresh blood poured out, staining the once-immaculate earth crimson.


    "Unwanted bystanders have been cleared away."


    A cold, arrogant voice shattered the silence and the snowstorm. Wearing dark blue armor, black wings sprouting from her back, and twisted horns on her head, Albedo stepped through the snow, which barely reached her ankles. She walked toward EeDeChi, like a demon crawling out of the deepest pits of hell.


    It was she who had, in that brief moment, "cleared" the crowd on the street.


    Behind EeDeChi, the towering figure of Cocytus, the "Ruler of the Frozen Rivers," deactivated his invisibility magic. Clad in sharp-edged silver armor, his fearsome face mask revealed nothing, and his four arms each wielded deadly weapons. Two hands held a Naginata and the heavy halberd "Decapitation Fang," while the remaining two hands gripped the massive Tachi "God Slaying Emperor Blade."


    At the top of the clock tower at the street corner, the vampire Shalltear, dressed in deep red armor and holding the Spuit Lance, stood up. Her blood-red eyes looked down from above, coldly watching EeDeChi at the center of the crossroad.


    But this¡­ was far from over.

 Chapter 112: The Roar of the World-Ender

    Barrett ran for his life, his heart pounding and breath ragged, plowing a frantic trail through the snow. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. The snowflakes, clearly falling at an angle, seemed to hit an invisible barrier in midair, then dropped vertically to the ground.


    Barrett reached out, tentatively feeling forward. Though there appeared to be nothing but air in front of him, his hand met a solid barricade. It was as if a transparent wall had materialized before him.


    He drew a two-handed sword from his spatial ring and swung wildly at the air, but the only response was a series of dull thuds; the unseen barrier remained unbroken.


    With no way forward, Barrett turned to his left. To his dismay, he immediately struck another impenetrable transparent wall, as if a glass barricade stood before him.


    "DAMN IT!" Barrett charged to his right, running a short distance before his sword''s tip abruptly halted as though it had struck a flawless crystal shield.


    Blocked on all sides¡ªforward, left, and right¡ªwas his only option to run backward? Barrett turned around and stepped back, only to find himself face to face with... Ainz Ooal Gown!


    The supreme overlord undead, ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick and king of the Sorcerer Kingdom, Ainz Ooal Gown, stood before him.


    The neat arrangement of ribs in Ainz Ooal Gown''s chest resembled arc-shaped spears, and his skeletal eye sockets emitted a terrifying crimson glow. Magic surged like waves, his clothing a gentle flutter of black and gold.


    Barrett bitterly smiled to himself. Indeed, adventuring with the captain was akin to courting death. Facing the ultimate demon lord, the day had finally come. He gripped his sword with both hands, assuming an offensive stance.


    Now with nowhere to retreat and no one to rely on, he only wished for a death true to an adventurer''s style.


    Who wouldn''t cling to the beauty of life? But for those who embraced living as heading toward death, dying was merely the final stop on the journey, a day bound to arrive eventually.


    "Unexpected," came a sonorous voice from the skeletal teeth of Ainz Ooal Gown, "EeDeChi''s companion is merely a mortal human. Human, aren''t you afraid?"


    "If I were afraid of monsters, I would''ve quit being an adventurer long ago," Barrett laughed loudly, his voice cutting through the snowstorm, bold and tragic.


    "To think you call me a monster," Ainz sneered, "Do you even know who I am?"


    "You are the most powerful monster I''ve ever seen in my adventurer career!" Barrett, undaunted by the death that loomed before him, locked eyes with the red glow in Ainz Ooal Gown''s sockets.


    Ainz mocked, "You think you''re a brave soul facing death head-on? To me, you''re just a worm squirming in the mud, spouting nonsense you don''t even understand."


    Barrett took a deep breath and roared, "To me, you are just a pile of gold coins!"


    He leaped forward, his sword slashing towards Ainz Ooal Gown¡ªthe insurmountable demon lord!


    Ainz Ooal Gown extended his skeletal hand and gently clenched his fist.


    9th Tier Magic: Grasp Heart!


    Barrett''s chest burned, and blood trickled from the corners of his mouth, as if thunder had pierced his heart! Yet, he was not dead. A druid statue in his spatial ring turned to dust¡ªit was a "life-for-life" charm he had obtained from a half-elf. The druid statue blocked a fatal attack for him.


    His two-handed sword came down, the fierce blade slicing through snowflakes and striking Ainz Ooal Gown''s skeletal head, sparking bright yellow flames, but Ainz Ooal Gown remained unharmed.


    Barrett withdrew his sword, gathering strength for another strike, slashing thrice in succession. The blade chipped and sparks flew, but Ainz Ooal Gown stood immovable.


    "SUCH TOUGH BONES!" Barrett laughed wildly.


    "ENOUGH!" Ainz, infuriated, had never been attacked so brazenly on his face, and now a mere insect dared to insult a god! He unleashed his magic.


    9th Tier Magic: True Death!


    Barrett''s grip on the sword hilt loosened, his blue eyes dilated, and he stopped breathing.


    His broken sword plunged into the snow, and he fell backwards, sinking into the snowdrift. Snowflakes filled his lifeless eyes, but a faint smile still lingered on his lips.


    Ainz Ooal Gown looked at the faint smile on the man''s face and for the first time, he doubted whether he had truly defeated his opponent.


    ...


    Endless snowflakes hung suspended mid-air, the sky a murky grey, with a few rays of sunlight piercing through the clouds, refracting a spectrum of colors within the snow like irregular rainbows, creating a beautiful, shifting play of light and shadow.


    EeDeChi raised his giant sword high, holding it in front of him, his gaze intense as he faced off against Albedo, Shalltear, and Cocytus, all of whom were on high alert. Clearly, Albedo and the others had already prepared for an attack, but they simply stood there, not making a move yet.


    A dreadful suspicion crept into EeDeChi''s mind¡ªthey were waiting for someone else to arrive.


    Sure enough, from another direction at the crossroads, the figure of Ainz Ooal Gown, ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, gradually became clear.


    EeDeChi shifted her stance to face the new threat from Ainz Ooal Gown. Ainz raised his hand, and a body broke through the dense snowflakes, hurtling towards EeDeChi.


    "NO!" EeDeChi screamed in agony, leaping to catch the body mid-air and clutching it to her chest¡ªit was Barrett''s corpse.


    "You fight against us, aiming to save the world?" Ainz''s voice carried a cold, merciless sarcasm. "Sadly, you couldn''t even save your companion, much less yourself."


    He pointed at EeDeChi, his tone icy and ruthless:


    "You could have joined us to rule this world together, but you chose the most foolish path¡ªto oppose the Great Tomb of Nazarick. The most laughable part is, you actually believed that the rulers of the Re-Estize would stand with you."


    The adventurer team leader''s hands trembled; her last teammate was also gone. She suppressed the rage surging within her, took a deep breath, and composed herself. She attempted to store Barrett''s body in her spatial ring, but her two mental commands to activate the ring failed.


    EeDeChi suddenly remembered what Barrett had once told her: "You can''t store a spatial ring inside another spatial ring." She took off the ring from Barrett''s finger and, only then, was able to properly store his body in her spatial ring.


    The sound of footsteps approached from behind. EeDeChi propped up her giant sword. The demon Demiurge, wearing a brown pinstriped suit, stepped over the snow, walking from the other end of the crossroads. EeDeChi''s temples throbbed¡ªthe direction Sean and Stella had fled toward!


    At this point, all the level-100 combatants of the Sorcerer Kingdom who could be mobilized had gathered, except for Sebas who was holding down the fort at the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and Aura and Mare who were facing the Dragon Lord at the Argland Council State.


    Demiurge''s eyes met EeDeChi''s, and he smirked. "Looking for them, are you?"


    He raised his hand, and his palm suddenly grew larger, revealing two blood-soaked bodies. It was Sean and Stella! Their heads hung low, their bodies riddled with horrific penetrating wounds, and they were already dead.


    "What a touching love story," Demiurge sighed. "The boy sacrificed his life to protect the girl. But sadly, the boy only had one life, so he couldn''t protect the girl a second time."


    "I''M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Endless fury roared in EeDeChi''s chest. Her eyes burned with hatred as she swung her sword, cutting through the snowstorm, and charged toward Demiurge.


    Demiurge pushed his glasses up on his nose and stored the two bodies away. Cocytus and Shalltear rushed toward EeDeChi from either side, closing in at high speed.


    EeDeChi had no choice but to stop, raising her giant sword to block the massive blades of the two coming at her. The clash of metal rang out deafeningly as the shockwaves shattered the surrounding snowflakes and even shattered the windows of several nearby houses.


    The huge noise startled the residents of Lentwei Town. A few windows in the houses along the street slid open, and the residents stuck their heads out to take a look. But upon seeing the battle, they quickly shrank back inside, slamming the windows shut and locking them tight.


    "Aspect of the Devil - Archdemon''s Wrist!" Demiurge extended his hand, and his pitch-black fist swelled up, shooting forward like a ton of steel smashing down. Surrounded by the three enemies, EeDeChi dodged and retreated, once again moving back to the center of the crossroads.


    Suddenly, the door of a low building on the side of the street swung open. A little girl, around seven or eight years old, with golden hair, ran out into the snow. She stumbled and wobbled, her tiny body struggling through the knee-deep snow.


    She didn''t notice the demonic figures confronting each other on the street. Or, if she did, she probably thought they were just characters from a fairy tale.


    The little girl tilted her head, gazing at the snowflakes frozen mid-air and the colorful rainbow twisting across the horizon. Her eyes shone with delight, and in her innocent voice, she called out, "Mom, look! The snow''s hanging in the air!"


    A middle-aged woman rushed out of the house in a panic. She called out softly, "Sweetie, come back!" She ran to her daughter, scooped her up, and hurried back into the house. With a loud bang, she slammed the door shut, as if the thin oak door could protect them from any danger.


    Ainz Ooal Gown paid no attention to any of this. He spread his arms wide, and like a tsunami, almost endless magical power erupted! Countless magical halos circled around him, spinning like planets orbiting the sun.


    The wind began to spiral into a vortex centered on him, as all the air and magic in the area was sucked toward him. Cocytus, Shalltear, Albedo, and Demiurge all retreated at once, stepping back a thousand meters(yards) in an instant.


    Ainz Ooal Gown held a long crystal hourglass in his hand. The golden sand inside flowed with the power of time. It was the Hourglass, a non-renewable Super-Tier item, capable of shortening the long chanting time of Super-Tier Magic to the blink of an eye.


    EeDeChi reached into her chest and pulled out a golden pen. She was about to charge at Ainz Ooal Gown when he, without hesitation, crushed the Hourglass in his hand.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Super-Tier Magic: Fallen Down!!!


    EeDeChi raised her pen and shouted, "The Magic Repeater!"


    Super-Tier Magic: Fallen Down!!!


    Two massive beams of light, nearly a thousand meters(yards) in diameter, crashed down from the sky. One beam struck EeDeChi directly, while the other slammed into Ainz Ooal Gown.


    The light was blinding, and the two columns of light pouring down from the heavens merged almost into one, resembling the colossal pillars that held up the sky in ancient myths. The overwhelming light and heat bombarded the earth, and the divine power annihilated everything in its path.


    As the light faded, the heavy, gray clouds were completely shattered, revealing a vast and boundless blue sky. The ground was now a massive crater, about three kilometers in diameter, with the scorched earth hardening into jagged clumps. Lentwei Town had been utterly destroyed.


    The battlefield of the gods had become the hell on earth for the townspeople.


    Only two people remained standing in the center of the crater. EeDeChi''s hair was wild, and her black clothes were scorched and curled at the edges. On the other side, Ainz Ooal Gown fared little better. He had taken the full brunt of the eye-for-an-eye Super-Tier Magic. His robe was torn, and his staff at his waist had turned to black ash.


    "Ainz-sama! Ainz-sama!" Shalltear and Albedo cried, terrified, as they rushed to Ainz Ooal Gown''s side.


    The others had already flown away, barely managing to avoid the range of the Super-Tier Magic. Only Cocytus, who was slower due to his long-distance movement, had been caught in the overlap of two identical Super-Tier Magics. The effects had combined with terrifying intensity, expanding the area of damage by nearly half.


    Cocytus was affected, but his defenses were nearly impenetrable, so he didn''t suffer significant damage, though his health dropped by 40%. However, Super-Tier Magic was immune to the caster, so both EeDeChi and Ainz only took one hit from the Fallen Down.


    From the very beginning, the situation had escalated beyond the expectations of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. According to the gathered intelligence, EeDeChi was only supposed to have mastered 5th Tier magic and was a pure warrior relying on skills and close combat.


    But she had somehow managed to replicate Super-Tier Magic cast by others! This was an unheard-of ability!


    Super-Tier Magic was the ultimate magic that surpassed even 10th-tier magic. Even a level 100 Demon Lord would need to think twice before underestimating it. Before Ainz crossed over, during the guild wars in the game, Super-Tier Magic was a game-changer, a trump card capable of turning the tide of battle.


    Ainz had once used Super-Tier Magic,the Fallen Down, twice to deal with Shalltear, who had fallen into a "neutral state." The second use of the magic had completely obliterated Shalltear, who was on the brink of death.


    But to replicate Super-Tier Magic? What kind of item or skill was that? Not only was it unheard of in this isekai world, but Ainz had never encountered it in the game either.


    "Ainz-sama," Albedo said urgently, "Should we still stick to the plan of capturing EeDeChi alive? This adventurer is far too dangerous, I suggest we kill her!"


    "No, capture her alive. She holds too many secrets," Ainz replied, pulling a set of shimmering silver high-magical-resistance armor from his storage bag and putting it on. "Besides, we''re short one level 100 test subject. Don''t worry, she won''t be able to cast her copied magic again. The cooldown for Super-Tier Magic is extremely long, and I''m sure her copying skill has a similar restriction."


    EeDeChi stood in the crater, gripping her giant sword. After the blast of Super-Tier Magic, the air around her was scalding hot, and each breath felt like fire consuming her lungs.


    Ainz had guessed right. The main use of the pen she held was to generate and modify the Justice Value. "The Magic Repeater" was just an auxiliary skill, usable only once a day.


    "No wonder you''re the ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick," EeDeChi said loudly. "Even with a little girl standing next to you, you''re still casting Super-Tier Magic."


    "Young ants are no different from adult ants," Ainz replied coldly. He extended his hand and activated his battle power detection, a series of "???" flashing in his vision.


    Life Force: ???


    Mana: ???


    Armor: ???


    Magic Resistance: ??? ¡­¡­¡­


    "Seems like it''s immune to detection," Ainz said, preparing his next skill. He issued the command: "Proceed according to the original battle plan."


    "Purifying Javelin!" Shalltear soared into the bright blue sky, her hand materializing a gleaming spear of light, which she immediately hurled toward EeDeChi.


    Martial Art - Flow Acceleration. Strike the leader first! EeDeChi dodged the Purifying Javelin, her body condensing into a streak of black lightning. Instead of retreating, she charged forward, heading straight for Ainz Ooal Gown.


    Albedo, clad in dark teal armor, positioned herself in front of Ainz. Holding a massive battle axe¡ªtaller than her own body¡ªshe swung it high above her head, bringing it down with incredible force!


    In an instant, a narrow, jagged crack tore through both the sky above and the earth below EeDeChi!


    EeDeChi rolled to avoid the strike, only to be met head-on with Cocytus''s Cutting Wind! Cocytus''s three artifact-grade weapons spun in a whirlwind, turning into a fortress of blades, slicing everything in their path.


    EeDeChi gripped her giant sword with both hands, desperately blocking the oncoming barrage. She nearly got pulled into the whirlwind. With a powerful swing, she struck Cocytus''s great sword, using the force to propel herself sideways through the air. She broke the sound barrier, accelerating towards Ainz Ooal Gown.


    Shalltear flew to intercept, her Spuit Lance clashing with EeDeChi''s giant sword, creating a thunderous crash of metal. Shalltear was surprised¡ªher Spuit Lance was supposed to drain life force from her enemies when it struck, but now, she couldn''t siphon any power from EeDeChi''s giant sword.


    "COWQRD! Don''t hide behind women! Come out and fight me!" EeDeChi roared, darting past Shalltear. She twisted in midair to narrowly avoid Demiurge''s Aspect of the Devil - Sharp Claws.


    Ainz Ooal Gown stood behind Albedo, raising his hand and casting several deep, dark voids, unleashing the ultimate triple-layered magic¡ªNegative Burst!


    The space around him rippled as the black holes twisted the fabric of reality itself, bending the sky. EeDeChi swiftly dodged, but one of the black holes struck her square in the back.


    It felt like a massive bronze bell was ringing inside her head. Before she could fully recover, Cocytus descended from above, launching his Rakshasa! A cross-slash came crashing toward her.


    EeDeChi landed, raising her sword to block the attack, but the ground beneath her cracked open, creating a massive X-shaped scar five hundred meters(yards) in length. The Aspect of the Devil - Archdemon''s Wrist shredded the air, erupting in brilliant golden flames, like a battering ram smashing into her giant sword.


    Shalltear, holding her Spuit Lance, shot toward EeDeChi at speeds that broke the sound barrier, like a fiery meteor piercing through space.


    EeDeChi was sent flying hundreds of meters(yards). She planted her sword into the ground, carving a deep trench and barely managing to stabilize herself. Her chest felt tight, and she coughed up a mouthful of bright red blood.


    The fabric of her clothes on her back was shredded, revealing a long, narrow wound that went deep into the bone, the blood spilling like a fountain. It was a wound she had suffered earlier when Cocytus''s skill Acala''s Sword struck her back during their battle.


    Despite her formidable self-healing ability, red blood cells and platelets rushed to the wound, desperately trying to close it. Muscles and tendons strained to regenerate, but as soon as the wound began to heal, it split open again, blood trailing down her back and soaking into the dry earth below.


    Cocytus''s weapon, the God Slaying Emperor Blade, clearly had a high-level enchantment that nullified healing effects.


    Ainz Ooal Gown''s skeletal hands pressed forward as he stood protected by Albedo. He finally completed the incantation for the longest chant in the 10th-tier magic arsenal¡ªFalling Sun!


    Above EeDeChi, the realm of death suddenly expanded. An immense, boundless wave of magic power gathered into a swirling vortex, drawing in all air, temperature, moisture, and mana within a thousand-mile radius. The compressed energy within the domain formed a dazzling whirlpool of light.


    A massive, fiery orb crashed to the ground with a deafening roar, as if the sun itself had fallen from the sky, striking EeDeChi with unimaginable speed that transcended time!


    "BOOM!!!" The energy, even greater than a solar flare, shattered everything in its path! The very fabric of space seemed to tear apart, and a blood-red mushroom cloud rose into the air!


    In the deep pit within the pit, the high-temperature smoke and dust began to dissipate. EeDeChi''s disheveled black hair hung around her face, blood dripping from her eyes. Her once-pristine black clothes were now tattered beyond recognition.


    Her hand released the giant sword planted in the ground, and her knees buckled as she collapsed, her head hanging low, like a blackened, broken statue kneeling upon the scorched earth.


    Shalltear, Cocytus, Demiurge, and Albedo exchanged glances. Everything was proceeding according to plan; EeDeChi had been battered into immobility.


    The four of them encircled her from different directions, then charged forward at the same time, their weapons¡ªSpuit Lance, crimson claws, great sword, and massive battle axe¡ªclosing in on the blackened statue.


    "I really didn''t want to do this," EeDeChi muttered to herself. She reached into her chest and pulled out a bright yellow copper seal.


    It was one of her personal items. Having crossed over into this world, EeDeChi carried three pieces of equipment: the giant sword, a pen, and the copper seal. While she had used the giant sword and pen, for some reason, she had never activated the copper seal.


    In an instant, Shalltear, Demiurge, Cocytus, and Albedo had closed in on her. Under the razor-sharp blades of their artifact-level weapons, she was about to be torn apart.


    The copper seal spun rapidly, emitting a high-pitched, buzzing sound that echoed through the world. Red energy surged in EeDeChi''s eyes as she pressed both hands down on the copper seal with all her strength, slamming it downward with a roar:


    "THE GREAT BANISHMENT!!!"


    A "BAN" symbol, written in blood and ink, fell from the heavens! It carved into the earth! It embedded itself into the fabric of space!


    "AH!" A terrible, heart-wrenching scream echoed from all directions.


    The four members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, who had surrounded her, froze in place. Their eyes bulged and bled. They fell to the ground, their bodies wracked with horrific damage that seemed to tear them apart from their very bones and spirit!


    [The Great Banishment: This ability inflicts extreme harm on all beings within the designated area, except for the holder. Its power rivals that of Super-Tier Magic.]


    [Note 1: For beings with low Justice Value, additional damage is inflicted. For those with high Justice Value, damage is mitigated.]


    [Note 2: Using this ability once causes the holder''s Favorability Level to drop by 33%. It will be difficult to recover for a short period, so use with caution!]


    [Favorability Level dropped by 33%, turning into strangers;]


    [Favorability Level dropped by 66%, friends turned into enemies;]


    [ Favorability Level dropped by 99%, the whole world became my enemy!]


    [Albedo, Justice Value -500; Shalltear, Justice Value -450; Demiurge, Justice Value -500; Cocytus, Justice Value 50.]


    "FALL BACK! FALL BACK NOW!" Ainz Ooal Gown panicked. EeDeChi had once again taken action far beyond their expectations.


    Shalltear, Cocytus, Demiurge, and Albedo quickly retreated. After taking a hit from the overpowered Super-Tier Magic, their vitality had dropped significantly, but they were nowhere near being killed in one blow.


    The five members of the Great Tomb of Nazarick still had plenty of strength left, but EeDeChi was completely drained. She had repelled the four enemies, but failed to seize the opportunity to either counterattack or escape. She remained silent, kneeling on the ground like a voiceless black iron statue.


    Even if she wanted to escape, the five of them could easily stop the weakened EeDeChi.


    "Ainz-sama," Albedo gasped, calming the pain surging through her veins. She suggested, "That Super-Tier Magic must have been EeDeChi''s last trump card. We must use this opportunity to kill her! we can''t let her escape!"


    "The cooldown for Super-Tier Magic is long, and my Fallen Down still hasn''t finished its cooldown," Ainz calculated the current situation. "Go, I''ll cover you with a 10th-tier spell."


    He raised his palm and began chanting an incantation. Dark clouds quickly gathered in the sky, and thousands of lightning bolts flashed, converging into a massive lightning serpent that lunged toward EeDeChi.


    Shalltear, Cocytus, Demiurge, and Albedo gripped their weapons tightly, once again cautiously forming a protective circle around the black-haired girl kneeling on the ground.


    At the moment the lightning serpent was about to strike EeDeChi, she pressed down on the copper seal again, as if the judge were stamping the death sentence on the execution order.


    She let out a shrill scream:


    "THE GREAT BANISHMENT!!!"


    A crimson "BAN" splashed down from the heavens! The lightning serpent shattered into pieces. This time, the "BAN" was larger than before, almost enveloping the entire area, even trapping Ainz Ooal Gown within it.


    PAIN! SO MUCH PAIN! Ainz''s Justice Value was -500, and he bore a massive amount of extra damage, feeling as if his bones were about to shatter into pieces.


    Shalltear, Cocytus, Demiurge, and Albedo quickly retreated again, taking defensive stances.


    After the intense pain subsided, Ainz Ooal Gown was stunned. The interval between the two Super-Tier Magics had been less than a minute. How could Super-Tier Magic be used twice in such a short time? Could it be that this wasn''t Super-Tier Magic at all?


    EeDeChi kept her head down, still kneeling. Around her, indescribable ripping sounds filled the air, making one''s teeth ache. Dark, deep rifts in space tore open, like the finest high-tier silk being torn apart by someone''s hands.


    The space had already endured two strikes of Super-Tier Magic, Fallen Down, followed by the pinnacle of 10th-tier magic, Falling Sun, and then two more the Great Banishment spells, each comparable to Super-Tier Magic.


    Add to that the deadly battle of six level-100 experts breaking through the space-time constraints, and finally, the space could bear no more.


    If the world were painted on a canvas, this canvas had now been torn with immense force.


    EeDeChi reached for the sword handle, standing tall on the scorched earth. She was as straight as a spear stuck into the ground, surrounded by terrifying rifts in space.


    She looked up, raised her sword, and with all her strength, leaped into the air! She stepped on the wind, soaring into the boundless sky! The sky was a clear, endless blue, no clouds in sight. She spun in the crisp sunlight, swinging her sword.


    High in the air, EeDeChi gathered all her strength, unleashing everything she had. She shouted at the top of her lungs: "THE GREAT BANISHMENT!"


    Brilliant flames enveloped her, and with speed that surpassed time, she dove straight down toward the ground!


    Ainz sucked in a sharp breath and yelled, "Everyone, prepare for defense! Watch out for the space rifts, don''t step into them!"


    But this time, no crimson "BAN" fell.


    EeDeChi''s giant sword gleamed with the sharpness of light, and the tip drove straight into the fabric of space!


    The narrow, winding space rift shattered under the impact, splitting wide open.


    EeDeChi fell backwards into the rift, releasing her tight grip on the giant sword, vanishing into the endless darkness...

 Chapter 113: Sighs of the Void

    Darkness. Deep. Cold. Silent.


    EeDeChi found herself in the middle of nothingness. She looked around, but all she could see was boundless blackness. It felt as though she were floating in the chaos before the world was born.


    Since jumping into the spatial rift, she had remained in this state for several hours. Her chest was filled with sadness and guilt, tormented by an endless, overwhelming sense of shame.


    Surrounded by cold and silence, her heart, however, felt as if it were being roasted over fire, suffering in pain.


    After what seemed like an eternity, EeDeChi finally realized she could no longer stay in this place. But she futilely flailed her limbs, like a turtle suspended in the air, unable to move an inch.


    Where exactly is this place? EeDeChi couldn''t help but begin to ponder. When she jumped into the rift, she hadn''t thought much about it¡ªafter all, it was her only way of escaping.


    But what exactly is a spatial rift? EeDeChi ransacked the sparse physics knowledge in her mind. She vaguely recalled that some amateur physicists before her transmigration believed that "spatial rifts" were extremely unstable wormholes, maintained by dark matter, acting as gaps in spacetime.


    But considering this was a world of swords and magic, thinking about higher-dimensional physics seemed absurd.


    Fortunately, not all of the void was dark. Occasionally, a faint white light flickered far in the distance, like stars fading out in the night sky, impossibly far away.


    EeDeChi remembered that when she first fell into this chaotic void, the spatial rift had appeared to her as a white glow. But as she fell deeper, the light grew further and further away, until it finally vanished from view.


    Perhaps those white lights were other spatial rifts, paths that could lead out. EeDeChi desperately waved her limbs toward the light, trying to "swim" toward it, but it was in vain.


    There were no reference points around her. She couldn''t tell if she wasn''t "swimming" correctly or if the light was simply too far to reach.


    "Pain..."


    A long, vast sigh echoed through the void, vibrating in EeDeChi''s eardrums.


    Her back chilled, and she swiftly turned her head in panic, shouting, "Who? Who''s there?"


    No one responded. The surrounding space remained eerily silent and profoundly dark. EeDeChi drew a giant sword from her spatial ring and swung it wildly in the void.


    She was anxious. Could it be that someone from the Great Tomb of Nazarick had followed her? It wasn''t something just anyone could have the courage to do¡ªleaping into a spatial rift.


    "I... I''m in pain..."


    In the endless depths of the void, a soft sigh echoed again, faint and ethereal, as if it came from the farthest reaches of eternity.


    The strangest part was that the source of the sound seemed both distant and near at the same time. The sighs surrounded everything¡ªfront, back, left, right, above, below¡ªeverywhere was filled with the sound of sighing.


    A chill ran down EeDeChi''s spine. She gripped her sword tightly and shouted, "Come out! Stop pretending to be some kind of god! !"


    "Damn it... otherworldly... abominable bugs..."


    Amid the sighs, there was a faint trace of anger: "...Go... away..."


    A shiver ran down EeDeChi''s back. She stood on high alert. In the blackness before her, a flicker of light appeared, like a silver needle piercing through black velvet.


    The white light gradually expanded, eventually becoming wide enough to fit a person through, like a hole opening up.


    EeDeChi carefully scanned her surroundings. After confirming there were no signs of an attack, she put away the giant sword into her spatial ring, moved her limbs, and "swam" toward the white light in a frog-like stroke.


    She plunged into the vast white light.


    And fell into the forest.


    "Ah!" EeDeChi rubbed the back of her head. She had fallen from the sky, unprepared, crashing into a pine tree. After scraping against the branches, she fell heavily into the snow-covered ground. Snow from the branches fell and splashed across her face.


    She wiped the snow from her face and stood up. Surrounding her was white snow and deep green tree trunks. The dense pine forest stretched like giant spears, stabbing through the snow. This was undoubtedly a forest in the midst of winter.


    Having finally escaped, EeDeChi felt no joy. She was the only one who made it out. Leaning against a tree trunk, a wave of sadness and guilt washed over her.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    For a long while, EeDeChi finally straightened her back. From her spatial ring, she took out Barrett''s body and placed it gently on a flat patch of snow. She gathered some wood and managed to start a small fire.


    Then, with both hands resting on her sword, she whispered softly, like a quiet sob, her once bold spirit now gone.


    "If Gods... Deny Salvation''s Hand, With Sacred Blade... I''ll Reprimand!"


    ...


    Barrett slowly opened his eyes.


    Before him was the bright green branch of a pine tree, covered in a thick blanket of white snow. The sunlight filtered through the layers of branches, and the snow glistened like diamond.


    Is this heaven? Barrett sat up. Wait, that''s not right... I killed so many people and monsters, I should be in hell instead.


    The air carried the distinctive chill of winter, filling the lungs like a sip of clear, refreshing liquor. Beneath him, thick snow piled up, soft and cushiony. The bark of the pine tree beside him was weathered, with deep grooves and ridges, rough and cracked to the touch..


    The snow particles on the ground were clearly visible, each tiny fragment like a work of art. A humble campfire burned at his feet, its flames lightly dancing like a graceful dancer.


    The feeling of being alive had never been so intense.


    Barrett stretched lazily, standing up and brushing the snow off his backside. He noticed the black-haired girl crouching by the tree roots, her expression lost and forlorn.


    "Did you make it out? Captain," Barrett asked, glancing around. "By the way, where are Sean and Stella?"


    "I... I got them killed," EeDeChi''s voice was filled with sorrow. "If I hadn''t dragged them into staying..."


    But there were no "ifs" in life, and time couldn''t be turned back.


    Barrett watched the girl huddled by the roots of the tree, unsure of what to say. He was never good at comforting others.


    "Don''t call me Captain anymore," EeDeChi muttered, drawing circles in the snow with her finger. "My teammates are all gone. What''s the point of having a captain now?"


    She took a box out of her spatial ring, emptied it with a clink. Half a chest of gold coins spilled out, gleaming brightly as they hit the white snow, bouncing and rolling, making a pleasant sound. These were the riches given to her by the Emperor of Baharuth, many of which had already been spent, but she still had nearly two thousand gold coins left.


    EeDeChi shoved the gold coins into a bag, along with Barrett''s spatial ring, and handed it all to him.


    "Severance pay. Take it. The Last Defender of the Way team... is disbanded. You can go now. You don''t have to continue with me on this journey."


    Barrett took the spatial ring, stuffing the heavy bag of gold into it. He stared at EeDeChi, and, almost without realizing it, saw a faint crimson ripple in her black eyes.


    After a brief silence, Barrett sighed softly, then turned and walked away, his footsteps in the snow growing fainter and fainter...


    EeDeChi remained crouched on the ground, leaning against the tree roots. She blankly stared at the flickering flames of the campfire, her body curled tightly in on itself.


    The fire hadn''t been replenished for a long time, and the flames no longer danced. The once lively flicker of light grew weaker and weaker.


    Gradually, the temperature around her dropped even further, becoming colder, just like EeDeChi''s heart, slowly sinking into an icy pit...


    ...


    A thick, oily piece of pine wood was thrown into the fire, causing the nearly extinguished flames to leap up and roar fiercely.


    "The sap from pine trees makes great kindling," Barrett''s gentle voice rang out.


    EeDeChi looked up in surprise.


    He walked over and said, "I have nowhere else to go. Ainz Ooal Gown definitely remembers my face. I guess I''ll have to stick with you until the end."


    "Thank you," EeDeChi whispered. The bright flames flickered in her eyes, casting a cheerful dance in her pupils.


    "Am I a terrible person? A useless captain?" she asked Barrett.


    "Yes."


    "I thought you''d say ''No'' to comfort me," EeDeChi said, hugging her knees, resting her chin on them, and curling up next to the tree roots.


    "Why would I lie?" Barrett replied.


    EeDeChi shrank even smaller.


    Barrett, both frustrated and amused, watched her dejected posture. Suddenly, something clicked in his mind, and he reached out to rub her black hair.


    EeDeChi swatted his arm away, looked up at him as if she wanted to glare fiercely, but in the end, her eyes softened.


    "Wait!" she suddenly remembered something and jumped to her feet. "Do you remember how Ainz Ooal Gown resurrected Arche?"


    "A small copper can with gold trim," Barrett recalled the magical item Ainz used to bring Arche back to life. "Don''t tell me you plan to sneak into the Great Tomb of Nazarick and steal the copper can to resurrect Sean and Stella?"


    "No!" EeDeChi replied, as if she had just found a new purpose. "Ainz Ooal Gown and the Eight Greed Kings came from the same world. I''ll bet I can find a resurrection item in the Eight Greed Kings Desert."


    "Alright then," Barrett nodded. "How did you escape the siege at the Great Tomb of Nazarick?"


    EeDeChi recounted the entire battle in detail.


    "The Great Banishment?" Barrett caught a key phrase. "A power on par with Super-Tier Magic, area-of-effect damage, no mana consumption, and no cooldown time! Such a powerful skill, why didn''t you use it sooner?"


    "The Great Banishment has a strong negative effect. When used once, the Favorability Level drops by 33%, and it takes a long time to recover," EeDeChi explained.


    She used "The Great Banishment" twice in total. The last time she shouted "The Great Banishment" was to confuse Ainz and the others, so they wouldn''t interfere with her breaking the spatial rift. In other words, her Favorability Level dropped by 66%.


    "''Favorability Level''? What''s that?" Barrett asked, confused. "Is it something like the ''Justice Value'' you talked about, something that quantifies certain things?"


    "Exactly. ''Justice Value'' measures a person''s moral alignment, while ''Favorability Level'' measures how well-liked you are by the people around you."


    She murmured, "If the Favorability Level drops by 33%, people become strangers; if it drops by 66%, friends turn into enemies; if it drops by 99%, the whole world becomes my enemy!"


    EeDeChi continued explaining:


    "If I lead a team to hunt down Ainz Ooal Gown and use ''The Great Banishment'' once, my teammates would ignore me; use it twice, and they''d glare at me with anger; use it three times, and I''d find myself facing the World Against Me, with my teammates attacking me, joining the enemy in trying to kill me."


    "That''s a strong negative buff!" Barrett exclaimed in shock. "But your Favorability Level dropped by 66%, so why don''t I hate you right now?"


    "Because you died before I used ''The Great Banishment,'' and then were resurrected. It''s like being reborn as a newborn baby, so you weren''t affected by the negative consequences."


    Barrett thought for a moment. He finally understood why EeDeChi had pulled out the copper seal several times before but always put it away.


    "Let''s set out on the road again," Barrett said, trying to sound casual. He looked up at the sky. In the distance, smoke rose from the forest, and flames were burning...

 Chapter 114: The Road to Survival

    Barrett took out a white woolen coat from his spatial ring and wrapped it around his head, then carefully began to climb a tall pine tree. Despite his muscular build, he moved more nimbly than a monkey when it came to climbing.


    At the top of the snow-covered pine, Barrett poked his head out, scanning the distance. On the other side of the forest, a wall of flames blazed, a moving line of fire, with thick smoke billowing up, blocking the sky.


    Someone was setting the mountain on fire.


    Barrett pulled out a brass telescope, brought it to his eye, and after adjusting the focus, he finally made out a group of tall, skeletal knights, holding long spear-like magical devices and burning the trees. The magical devices spewed scorching flames, slowly devouring the forest.


    Above, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air, and Barrett ducked under the tree''s leaves. A massive peryton flapped its wings, screeching as it flew low overhead. That was definitely not a beast that should be out at this time of year.


    In addition to the peryton, several long, skeletal dragons circled high above. Their bone wings were now powered by the wind element, and they seemed to be searching for something.


    Barrett jumped down from the pine tree. He was now a hundred percent sure that the Great Tomb of Nazarick''s forces were hunting them.


    He turned to EeDeChi. "Do you have the ability to avoid magical detection?"


    EeDeChi nodded. "My seal has a passive effect that grants immunity to all detection magic."


    No wonder Ainz Ooal Gown had resorted to such primitive methods as setting the mountain on fire. Barrett thought carefully about their next move. Staying here any longer would guarantee they''d be found. They needed to leave, and fast.


    To come up with the right escape plan, they needed to know their exact location. Otherwise, they''d just be blindly running through the forest like headless chickens. But when he looked around, all he could see were trees and snow, a monotonous and dull landscape. How could they possibly find a way out?


    "Look around, see if there''s anything unusual in the terrain?" Barrett shouted to EeDeChi.


    EeDeChi had better vision. She pointed off in the distance. "There''s a river over there, but it''s frozen, and there''s a tributary."


    Barrett ran over. He pulled out his compass and looked at it. The river ran north to south. Due to the freezing temperatures, the river''s surface was completely iced over, covered with snow, and it was impossible to tell the direction of the flow.


    "What now?" EeDeChi asked, a bit anxious. Through the thick tree canopy, she could also see the scout flying in the sky. The two adventurers only had white sheets tied to their backs, using them as makeshift cloaks, barely enough to hide their presence.


    Barrett cautiously chipped away at the ice on the river''s surface, creating a small hole. The ice was thick, and he stuck half his arm through, only feeling the water''s direction at his fingertips.


    Pulling his arm out, a bighead carp  shot up from the hole in the ice, leaping out of the water in a graceful curve, spraying sparkling water droplets into the air. To help the fish, which longed for air and freedom, Barrett quickly grabbed it, tied it up in a cloth bag, and stored it in his spatial ring.


    That was an unexpected find. If they managed to escape successfully, they could have fresh fish soup for their dinner tonight.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The forest, with its large pine plains, lay to the north of the river. The main river flowed from the north to the south, and a tributary veered off toward the southeast. Far in the distance, two towering mountains stood side by side, forming a massive range that blocked the northwest side of the forest.


    With this limited information, Barrett began to piece together his current location. He pulled out several maps from his spatial ring, including a large map and a few smaller ones, and began to carefully compare them.


    The howling wind filled the air as a peryton, with the head of a stag and the body of a bird of prey, swooped past. It stirred up a massive gust of air, causing the snow on the treetops to fall. The peryton came within just fifteen meters of them, close enough that they could see the jagged branches of its antlers.


    The more dangerous the situation, the calmer Barrett became. Panic couldn''t speed up the brain''s thinking; only extreme calmness could find a glimmer of hope in a perilous situation.


    His fingers slowly traced the lines of the map, and in a flash of insight, he finally found a spot that matched their surroundings.


    They were still within the borders of Re-Estize, but they were far from the capital, deep in the southern part of the kingdom.


    This was the Voss Forest, with the Nega Mountains marking the edge of the forest. The river was labeled with an absurdly difficult-to-pronounce name: "Duruk Grunak."


    Barrett had once had a dwarf companion, and he knew that this name was a direct translation from Dwarven language to the common tongue. In Dwarven, it meant "The River of the Fallen."


    Following the course of the river on the map, he indeed saw a great waterfall at its end. The river seemed to be sliced in half, and after cascading down the waterfall, it split into three smaller tributaries.


    "What should we do?" EeDeChi asked, jumping down from the top of a pine tree. Both her legs sank into the snow, and she was visibly panicked. "The forest is surrounded by skeletal knights setting the mountain on fire, and there''s a line of undead soldiers heading our way. We''re surrounded!"


    Barrett brushed aside a patch of snow, pressing his ear to the ground. After listening for a moment, his expression changed.


    In the forest, the rhythmic sound of footsteps was unusually clear, completely unlike a human army. They had less than five minutes before the soldiers would reach their position. Although the low-level undead were no match for Barrett and EeDeChi, the two adventurers would undoubtedly give away their location.


    In the distance, the pine trees suddenly began to sway, and several deep, rumbling roars echoed through the forest. The ground gently trembled, as though the forest itself had become enraged.


    Barrett quickly realized that the guardian of the forest¡ªthe treants¡ªhad been awakened. The Voss Forest was ancient, home to trees that had stood for thousands of years. Not needing the whispers of wood elves, some of the plants had long since developed sentience under the nurturing power of magic.


    The ground trembled more intensely, as if a giant were running through the wilderness. Deep in the forest, thick tree trunks lifted and then crashed back down. It was the treants moving.


    The treants, in their role as protectors of the forest, would undoubtedly attack the Sorcerer Kingdom''s army. The undead soldiers had to halt their search and engage in a brutal battle with the towering treants, buying a brief moment of respite for the two adventurers.


    Barrett and EeDeChi ran along a trail of winter wolf tracks in the snow, using the footprints to cover their own movements. The river had long since frozen over, the ice solid and covered with snow, like a thick white blanket.


    The two adventurers crossed the ice and entered the dense forest on the opposite bank. But after just a few steps, they had to turn back, because several treants were battling a group of winged demons with red wings. Leaves and fire soared through the air in a deadly dance.


    "Wait!" Barrett stopped and asked EeDeChi, "How long can you hold your breath?"


    "Hold my breath?" EeDeChi looked confused. "I should be able to hold my breath for a long time."


    "Try it."


    EeDeChi took a deep breath, like a windbag being pumped by a giant''s bellows. The air swirled around her, forming a vortex centered on her. A low-pressure zone formed around her, drawing air in from all directions.


    Barrett stood beside EeDeChi, feeling the air thinning, and he was close to suffocating. He grabbed his throat and coughed loudly. "Okay, okay, I believe in your lung capacity and breath-holding skills. Hurry and draw a short-range teleportation circle."


    "I can''t draw a teleportation circle, and this forest''s space is probably blocked off." EeDeChi shook her head.


    "Drawing a short-range circle is just a decoy, to confuse them. We''re going to take another path."


    EeDeChi nodded and agreed. She took out The Mystery of Magic from her spatial ring, flipped to the chapter on teleportation arrays, and began copying the designs, carefully drawing a complex array in the snow. Barrett pulled out a few magic crystals and placed them inside the array.

 Chapter 115: Infiltrating the Ice River

    The magic crystals hadn''t even been fully set up yet when the poorly constructed teleportation circle was accidentally activated. Magic flowed along the intricate runes, with a sizzling sound like gunpowder burning, but nothing was teleported away. Instead, it just scorched a patch of snow.


    Barrett grabbed EeDeChi and pulled her back, retracing their steps. They ran back to the riverbank, with Barrett carefully erasing their footprints along the way.


    EeDeChi asked, "Where do we go from here?"


    "We..." Barrett pulled out a map. "We swim through!"


    He used a thin cotton thread to measure carefully along the map, overlapping it with the river. Stretching the thread straight, he used a wooden ruler to measure the distance and then estimated the river''s approximate length based on the map''s scale.


    The sounds of the battle between the treants and the Sorcerer Kingdom''s army echoed faintly from the forest, but Barrett remained busy at the riverbank.


    He used his sword to carve a small hole into the ice surface, then reached in to feel the water, trying to estimate the river''s flow rate. This allowed him to calculate how long it would take for the water at their location to reach the river''s end¡ªthe waterfall.


    The water was painfully cold, like a school of piranhas nibbling at his hand. Barrett quickly pulled his hand out of the hole and wiped off the water droplets.


    "About 40 minutes," Barrett muttered to himself. "With a margin of error of plus or minus 20 minutes. So let''s say... 60 minutes."


    EeDeChi stared at him, eyes wide with disbelief. "The other route you mentioned... you mean to dive under the ice and follow the river?"


    "I can dive in the ice river for 60 minutes no problem," EeDeChi said, staring at him in shock. "But can you do it?"


    Barrett pulled a small, grayish-white ball from his spatial ring. "This is a potion made from gillyweed. I only have one. Taking it will grant me the power of a fish, allowing me to breathe underwater for an hour and a half. I was originally planning to use it for an underground river expedition."


    "Are you out of your mind?" EeDeChi exclaimed. "It''s winter! You''ll freeze to death in there, and the oxygen levels under the ice are way lower!"


    "It''s rare for you to care about others. But don''t worry, I still have the equipment I prepared for the underground river expedition. I''ve got red magic crystals for heat and half a tank of oxygen," Barrett said, pulling out a few bottles and jars.


    "Your spatial ring really is a treasure chest," EeDeChi sighed in relief.


    "An elite adventurer always has to be prepared for anything. You never know what might happen next." Barrett boasted. "Like now, we were just trekking through a forest, and suddenly, we''re about to dive into an ice river."


    The two adventurers hurried to the frozen river, wiping away the snow on the ice. They had lost the cover of the forest, but fortunately, the skeletal dragon and peryton in the sky were busy hunting treants and hadn''t noticed them.


    Barrett used his sword to carve a narrow hole in the ice, just big enough for one person to squeeze through. A few fish leapt out of the water, and Barrett snatched them one by one, adding them to his outdoor cooking menu.


    EeDeChi glanced at Barrett, took a deep breath, and slid into the ice hole, moving like a black fish under the ice.


    Barrett swallowed the gillyweed potion, and in an instant, his cheeks split open as gills sprouted, transforming him into something resembling a kuo-toa from the sea. He strapped the red magic crystals to his chest, feeling the warmth flow through his limbs and bones. But Barrett knew he was about to dive into water below freezing for an entire hour.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    I hope I don''t end up as a frozen fish after 60 minutes.


    Barrett gritted his teeth, made up his mind, and leaped into the river through the hole in the ice.


    After some time, following a long stretch of swimming, Barrett broke through the surface, gasping for air.


    He found himself in a lake filled with icy debris, with a massive waterfall behind him, at least four stories tall. The water splashed down violently, mixing with shards of ice. He had just fallen from the waterfall into the lake.


    The estimated dive time had been off, and he had been underwater for nearly an hour and a half. Barrett felt his entire body frozen stiff, his teeth chattering uncontrollably, and his limbs were nearly numb.


    The red magic crystals had already exhausted their energy and were knocked off when Barrett fell into the lake. The fish-like transformation was fading, and the gills closed up. A gulp of cold lake water splashed into his throat, and Barrett felt his whole body freezing, turning into a solid block of ice.


    Suddenly, a pair of strong hands grabbed him, and Barrett was thrown out of the water, flying like a fish leaping from the ocean, landing in the snow on the shore.


    Barrett looked up to see EeDeChi, the one who had thrown him from the water. She was running across the ice shards on the lake, walking on water with ease, and she leaped gracefully onto the shore.


    EeDeChi quickly pulled a few pine branches from the trees at the lake''s edge and started a roaring campfire. Barrett huddled by the fire, trembling, trying to absorb the warmth.


    Fortunately, his spatial ring hadn''t been lost. He pulled out a few sets of dry clothes without hesitation, changing right in front of EeDeChi. Then he draped his wet clothes over the fire to dry them.


    EeDeChi, drenched in black clothes, was soaked through, water dripping from the edges of her garments. But her expression remained calm and unconcerned, as though spending an hour and a half underwater and then falling from a waterfall was just an ordinary walk in the park.


    However, Barrett occasionally glanced her way and noticed for the first time that her wet black clothes clung tightly to her skin, revealing the graceful curves of her figure.


    EeDeChi noticed his gaze, and her face darkened. She pulled a white sheet from her spatial ring and wrapped it around herself, her voice colder than the snow and ice. "What are you staring at?!"


    "Nothing, just admiring how solid your muscles are." Barrett quickly looked away and focused on the campfire. He pulled out a map to change the subject.


    "If we''re heading to the Eight Greed Kings Desert, I suggest we go through Slane Theocracy. The desert borders both Slane Theocracy and the Elf Country. The Elf Country doesn''t exactly welcome humans, and most human adventurers heading to the desert choose to pass through Slane Theocracy."


    EeDeChi raised an eyebrow. "How much do you know about Slane Theocracy? Is it a religiously dominated country?" She has never been fond of religion, especially cults.


    Barrett paused for a moment, then answered:


    "Rather than saying it''s a religion-first society, it''s more like a human-first society. Slane Theocracy is all about cleansing other races in the name of the gods. Within the theocracy''s borders, other intelligent races have been completely driven out. Even beastmen that once formed tribes are rarely seen. In Slane Theocracy, adventurers can find themselves out of work because the theocracy''s military and bureaucracy have basically taken over the adventurer''s role."


    "That sounds like a really interesting country," EeDeChi said, studying the ornate letters on the map. "Does Slane Theocracy have any top-tier forces?"


    "Slane Theocracy is famous for its ''Six Scriptures'' special military units: Black Scripture, Sunlight Scripture, Clearwater Scripture, Holocaust Scripture, Windflower Scripture, and Ashendust Scripture." Barrett explained in detail, recounting what he knew. "Of them, Black Scripture is the strongest. They call themselves humanity''s guardians, and every member is a powerhouse who has reached the ''Hero'' tier."


    He looked up and saw dark smoke rising from a distant mountain range. Changing the subject, he said, "But let''s think about the road ahead. We need to figure out how to leave Re-Estize."


    The Sorcerer Kingdom''s control over Re-Estize was no different from controlling puppets on strings. By now, Re-Estize''s soldiers were probably already out in full force, hunting them down under the Sorcerer Kingdom''s orders. If they were discovered, it would turn into a catastrophic battle. Countless innocent civilians would be dragged into it.


    After discussing their options, the two decided to disguise themselves as winter huntsmen. A winter huntsman was a warrior who specialized in hunting magical beasts during the winter months.


    Though the winter snows froze everything in sight, the harsh forests were far from peaceful. Dangerous beasts like winter wolves, ice crows, and wasteland spiders would begin to stir, and even frost giants might intentionally trigger avalanches, causing chaos in human towns.


    These beasts, with their organs capable of storing magical energy, expelled frost and snow as they hunted down prey. At the same time, their magical organs were highly sought after, often sold for a steep price.


    This led to the winter huntsmen hunting them, or sometimes, the beasts hunting the winter huntsmen. Who was the hunter and who was the prey? That could only be determined when one side was dead.

 Chapter 116: Ten Thousand Gold Coins

    The two adventurers were discussing their next move when two figures approached from a distance.


    Dressed in leather gloves, earmuffs, gray felt hats, sheepskin coats, ice picks, enchanted crossbows, and iron-bone spears, they were the true winter huntsmen.


    The two false winter huntsmen, empty-handed, felt a wave of nervousness. If they were discovered, they''d have to kill and dispose of the bodies, something EeDeChi wasn''t willing to do.


    Barrett tossed a linen cloth to EeDeChi, signaling her to wrap herself in it, covering her hair and face. The two sat across from each other by the fire, hoping the passing winter huntsmen would just move along.


    But to their surprise, the two winter huntsmen headed straight toward them. The winter huntsmen looked young, their faces unscarred by time or the claws of beasts.


    One of the winter huntsmen, tall and thin, squatted down by the campfire and casually said, "Hey, buddy, get the fire going."


    The other winter huntsman, equally casual, pulled out a pipe, held it over the fire, and took a deep, satisfying drag, exhaling a cloud of smoke. The scent of tobacco immediately wafted into Barrett''s nostrils. They looked so at ease, it was as if the fire was burning just for them.


    Barrett and EeDeChi exchanged a confused glance. They couldn''t tell if these winter huntsmen were too full of themselves or if they simply didn''t take them seriously.


    "Bro," the tall, thin winter huntsman noticed Barrett''s clothes drying by the fire. "What are you doing here, did you fall into the lake?"


    Barrett quietly removed his spatial ring and played along with the conversation, "Ah, don''t even mention it. I''m a hunter too. I was being chased by a pack of winter wolves, jumped into the river to escape, and all my gear got washed away in the current."


    The spatial rings were no ordinary items. Only nobles, mages, and top-tier adventurers had the wealth and means to possess them. Both EeDeChi and Barrett''s spatial rings had been gifts from Emperor Baharuth and the local lord. An ordinary winter huntsman would have to sell themselves just to afford half a spatial ring.


    "You''re pretty brave," the tall winter huntsman slapped Barrett on the shoulder, then suddenly raised his fist, his expression turning dark. "Can I punch your friend?"


    "Huh?" The sudden change in tone caught Barrett off guard. He pointed to EeDeChi, who had her head wrapped up. "You want to punch my friend? Why?"


    "I don''t know why, I don''t even know him," the tall winter huntsman cracked his knuckles. "I just don''t like the look of him. I want to punch him in the face."


    The other winter huntsman, who had been smoking his pipe, stood up and glared at EeDeChi, who was wrapped in cloth. "I''d like to give him a beating too," he snarled.


    Both winter huntsmen assumed EeDeChi was male, and it seemed they hadn''t noticed her true identity.


    Barrett couldn''t help but wonder if their brains had frozen or if this was just some street thug tactic. Then it clicked¡ªEeDeChi had mentioned that her "Favorability Level" had dropped by 66%.


    He looked at EeDeChi, his eyes questioning, "Is it a problem with the Favorability Level?"


    EeDeChi nodded silently.


    The two winter huntsmen, looking more and more menacing, began to approach EeDeChi. Before things escalated, Barrett quickly stepped in to stop them. "Let''s talk this out."


    "You''re gonna protect your friend?" The tall winter huntsman glared at Barrett, his eyes filled with malice. It seemed like the next words out of his mouth would be, "Then I''ll beat you up too."


    "No, no, no, I''m trying to protect you!" Barrett urged, his voice full of desperation.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The other winter huntsman with the pipe spoke up. "Yeah, if we just beat someone to death for no reason, we''ll end up with a murder charge. Ronald, we need to calm down."


    The tall, lean winter huntsman, who was called Ronald, nodded. "Makes sense. But can we get him to move? Just looking at him is irritating, like there''s a thorn stuck in my eye!"


    Barrett waved at EeDeChi. "Brown, get your ass ¡­ go away, don''t interrupt our grown-up conversation."


    EeDeChi kicked a pine branch on the ground, thick as a human arm, snapping it in two, and walked away in frustration, leaving behind only her lonely figure draped in white cloth.


    Ronald rubbed his eyes and said, "Bro, you should quit being a winter huntsman. Haven''t you heard? There''s a good gig going around."


    "What kind of gig?" Barrett asked, uneasy.


    "The Sorcerer Kingdom put out a bounty notice, offering 10,000 gold coins for a girl named EeDeChi¡ªblack hair, black eyes, short stature." He pointed in the direction of EeDeChi. "She''s about the same height as your friend there."


    Barrett: "..."


    The winter huntsman with the pipe exhaled a cloud of smoke and pulled out a papyrus scroll from his pack, showing it to Barrett. "Here, this is what she looks like."


    The scroll clearly displayed a detailed oil painting of EeDeChi, with a front view, a side view, a full-body shot, and the bounty details:


    Provide true whereabouts, reward: 3,000 gold coins.


    Provide true destination, reward: 6,000 gold coins.


    Provide exact location, reward: 10,000 gold coins.


    Provide false information, reward: death.


    At the bottom-right corner of the papyrus, the Sorcerer Kingdom''s emblem was stamped, along with the local sheriff''s official seal.


    Barrett thought to himself, "Oh, turns out I have so much money right beside me."


    "She''s not bad-looking, black hair, black eyes, wearing a black outfit, like some nun. But who knows what her body''s like." Ronald started to comment. "I heard there was a magical explosion near a small town by the capital, and it''s connected to her."


    "I kinda like that nun style," the winter huntsman with the pipe said. "Sometimes, I wish I could be a priest, just to be around nuns all the time."


    Barrett stole a glance toward EeDeChi and saw that the nun with the 10,000 gold coin bounty had already clenched her fist.


    "We were both planning to head into the mountains to try our luck, see if we can find any trace of EeDeChi. If we do find her, we''ll make a fortune!" The tall, lean winter huntsman invited Barrett. "Bro, want to come with us? The more people, the stronger we''ll be."


    Barrett politely declined. He then pressed the two winter huntsmen for more information and learned that throughout the towns and villages outside the mountains, posters offering a bounty for EeDeChi were plastered everywhere. The Undead Legion and the kingdom''s cavalry were also stationed all around.


    The winter huntsman with the pipe walked to the lakeshore, unbuckled his belt, and began to pee. Ronald, the tall winter huntsman, did the same, facing the cold lake water, the sound of his urine splashing loudly.


    "I heard that David from Mist Tower Town saw a black figure fall from the sky," Ronald said while relieving himself. "He reported it to the knights, and the knights reported it to the lord. The Sorcerer Kingdom offered a 3,000 gold coin reward, but most of it went straight into the lord''s pockets. Poor David only got two silver coins."


    The two huntsmen were peeing while chatting about random things.


    "If I find EeDeChi, I won''t report her to the nobles. I''ll blackmail her, make her give me just as much gold, and then I''ll report her to the Sorcerer Kingdom."


    "I''ll threaten her to wear a nun''s habit..."


    "AH!"


    The pleasant conversation was cut off abruptly. Both winter huntsmen were suddenly kicked into the cold lake, flying through the air and splashing into the icy water with waves high enough to reach a person''s height.


    Swimming was a necessary skill for winter huntsmen, and they flailed in the lake, which was covered in ice shards, shouting at each other as they struggled.


    "Why''d you push me?"


    "You were the one who pushed me!"


    "Don''t try to lie¡­"


    The cold winter lake water soaked through their clothes, and the two winter huntsmen finally stopped splashing water at each other. They scrambled to the shore, looking like two drowned rats pulled from the freezing water, shivering uncontrollably. Their teeth clattered, making a "chattering" sound.


    Barrett stayed where he was, unmoving, but he now understood why the two had flown into the lake. It was because EeDeChi, like a ghost, had silently appeared behind them. With one swift, high kick, she sent both of them crashing into the water.


    Fortunately, EeDeChi had held back her strength; otherwise, they definitely wouldn''t have landed in the lake in one piece.


    "Why did you kick them?" Barrett asked. "The water in a frozen lake is really cold."


    "They were peeing in the lake, polluting the water. They had to be punished!" EeDeChi said, looking righteous.


    "We should get going," Barrett said with a shrug. He pulled out a map and added, "Looks like we''ll have to climb the snow mountain."<figure></figure>

 Chapter 117: The Schemes of the Slane Theocracy

    In a clearing beneath the pine forest, a patch of snow was cleared away. Pine branches and straw were piled together to form a bonfire, with a dark iron pot hanging above it. The pot, suspended by simple wooden sticks, bubbled as it simmered, the surface of the broth shimmering with a layer of oil.


    Dried beef was thoroughly cooked in the boiling soup, softening into tender slices. The frozen berries melted, releasing their sweet juices into the broth, turning it a deep red. White, misty steam rose from the pot, swirling in the cold winter air, adding to the warmth of the moment.


    A few plump fish were skewered on sharpened sticks and roasted by the fire, occasionally sprinkled with a pinch of fine salt. The fish scales gleamed in the firelight, turning a brilliant golden color, and soon the fish were crisp and golden, filling the air with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted fish.


    EeDeChi picked up a roasted fish with her left hand, taking a bite of the tender meat and chewing it together with the white, brittle bones. In her right hand, she held a green ceramic bowl, sipping the delicious broth from time to time.


    Barrett admired her strong teeth; he, for one, would never eat the fish bones. He took out a soft wheat bread and dipped it into the meat broth, savoring it as he forked up pieces of beef and brought them to his mouth. The rich, berry-laden soup warmed him from the inside, spreading heat through his body and chasing away the chill of the deep winter.


    The two of them were camping in a sunken area halfway up the mountain, planning to cross the range and reach the wilderness on the other side.


    After finishing the meal, EeDeChi cleaned the bowl and pot with snow, then reached into the fire to stir the embers and burning pine branches, creating a hollow space to let the flames burn brighter. Barrett checked the equipment in his spatial ring, counting the ropes and pitons.


    "We''ve got a serious problem," Barrett said, furrowing his brow. "Our food supplies won''t last for the long journey ahead."


    This was an issue he had anticipated. When they set off, they hadn''t expected to cross over the mountain range, and had made no preparations for such a journey. But now, there was no way they could go to the town at the foot of the mountain to buy more food. In a winter like this, with snow falling heavily, travelers from out of town would stand out too much.


    "What should we do?" EeDeChi had no idea either. She crushed a piece of red charcoal between her fingers, and sparks flew out like a shower of stars across the sky.


    "ROAR!" A deep, thunderous beast''s roar shook the snow from the trees, and heavy breaths blew the pine needles around.


    Barrett and EeDeChi turned to look. Through the dense pine forest, a massive creature was charging toward them. Its fur was dark brown, speckled with white patches of snow.


    The beast bared its enormous teeth, rows of sharp fangs like steel spikes lining its jaws.


    <figure></figure>


    "Owlbear!" Barrett swallowed hard. "I picked this campsite to avoid monsters, and owlbears should be hibernating in their dens during winter!"


    The owlbear crashed through several pine trees, its eyes burning with rage. Its heavy steps quickened as it charged directly at their camp.


    The giant bear clearly ignored the plump, meaty Barrett, its claws tearing through the rocky ground as it accelerated, its target clearly EeDeChi.


    "Don''t tell me," Barrett glanced at EeDeChi, "Your ''Favorability Level'' dropping by 66% affects even beasts?"


    "Looks like it." EeDeChi scratched her head, a bit embarrassed.


    In the few seconds they had been talking, the enraged owlbear had already lunged at them. Its terrifying jaws gaped wide, sharp fangs and claws closing in, and EeDeChi could even smell the stench of its breath.


    Barrett looked at the fierce beast charging at EeDeChi and said:


    "Actually, this isn''t such a bad thing..."


    "BANG!" EeDeChi punched the owlbear, sending it flying like a kid knocking an elephant out of the air.


    "...At least our food supply is sorted for now."


    ...


    A month later, in Re-Estize, on a plain near the capital, a location once marked as "Lentwei Town" on the map.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The sun was shining brightly, with not a cloud in the sky. The vast blue expanse above seemed endless, making it a perfect day. But if such clear weather lasted for an entire month in the midst of a cold, snowy, and rainy winter, it would be undeniably strange.


    Beneath the azure sky was a massive pit, nearly three kilometers in diameter. The soil inside the pit was a deep, charred black, as though it had been poured from a furnace by a god, then evenly spread across the ground. The earth was harder than frozen soil from the coldest of lands¡ªone swing of an axe would only leave a faint black scratch.


    "I''ve heard that there used to be a small town here, called Lentwei. A few hundred families lived there, and under the colossal beam of light that stretched across the sky, they vanished in an instant," said an old man wearing a deep blue hood. He was riding a black horse, slowly pacing around the edge of the pit.


    Behind him, a convoy of horse-drawn carts was stopped at the edge of the pit. The cargo was completely covered by old white tarps. Several men, cloaked in hoods and robes, were busy setting up the carts. A few merchant-looking individuals rode various horses, galloping through the pit. On the other side of the pit, a few dark figures squatted by the edge, gesturing animatedly as they spoke.


    They looked like a normal traveling merchant caravan, passing through this place out of curiosity and entering the pit to explore.


    However, if any knights from Re-Estize had overheard their conversations, they would have been filled with dread, cursing their border troops for being useless¡ªhow could they have allowed such dangerous individuals into the kingdom?


    "Your Eminence, Cardinal," a young man riding a brown horse caught up with the old man on the black horse. He spoke quietly:


    "The Black Scripture has checked all around. Apart from a few curious wanderers, there are no suspicious followers. The mages from the Windflower Scripture are currently mapping out the magical energy remnants in the air."


    The old man nodded lightly. Under his hooded robe was a weathered face, his silver hair combed neatly. The sunlight reflected off his face, revealing deep lines and the signs of age.


    He spoke softly, "Everything is proceeding according to plan. The Clearwater Scripture must remain vigilant. Has the intelligence gathering from the witnesses around the town been completed?"


    "They''ve gathered and organized everything. According to the witnesses, on that day, the towering beam of light could be seen from thousands of miles away. The sound of magic rumbled like the earth itself weeping. Gods fought in the sky, and if a mortal dared to steal a glance, they would be doomed for eternity."


    The Black Scripture, Windflower Scripture, and Clearwater Scripture¡ªthree of the highest military powers of the Slane Theocracy¡ªhad come for the pit, lingering on the outskirts of the capital of Re-Estize.


    After reporting, the young man pulled on his reins and rode off. The old man continued his stroll through the pit, only to encounter an elderly woman riding a gray-maned horse.


    A strange light flickered in the woman''s eyes as she halted her horse, gazing at the black crack in the center of the pit. She sighed, "It''s exactly like the ''Battle of the Gods'' described in the ancient texts from five hundred years ago."


    "Yeah, who would''ve thought we''d live to see a miracle with our own eyes," the old man said, halting his horse as well. His horsemanship was so skilled that it was hard to believe he was an elderly man.


    "Could that girl, ''EeDeChi,'' be the ''Messenger of Gods'' foretold by the Ashendust Scripture?" the woman murmured. "The messenger sent by the Divine Realm to guide us with supreme power and bring light to us in this eternal night."


    "The old fossils from Ashendust Scripture rarely get their prophecies right," the old man replied.


    "Prophecies aren''t like the coins hidden in pies at a feast," the woman laughed. "Alphonse, don''t forget, you''re 160 now."


    "To be exact, I''m 158. I''m still young," the old man said with a grin.


    Suddenly, his tone grew serious and low. "At this perfect moment, the Messenger of Gods has appeared. Most of the watchers from the Sorcerer Kingdom have left our country to search for her. Our ''plan'' can finally begin."


    The old woman nodded and spurred her horse, riding off. The man called "Alphonse" gently kicked his black horse''s belly, and the horse trotted into the central area of the pit.


    Dozens of long, black fissures floated in mid-air, as if dark ink had been splashed into lines, suspended in the air. The cracks were dark and deep, and even under the clear sunlight, they remained unfathomably profound, as if they could swallow everything.


    One of the fissures was especially wide, just enough for a person to fall into. A month ago, EeDeChi had jumped into this spatial rift, vanishing from the eyes of the group from the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    If someone didn''t willingly jump into one of these cracks, who would ever know they were spatial rifts?


    Few people dared to venture into this area. Ordinary people, standing near the black cracks, would feel an indescribable terror. The black horse the old man rode also stopped, nervously neighing.


    A young boy with light golden hair rode up to the old man. The boy appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old. He spoke in a low voice: "Your Eminence, I''ve completed the task you entrusted to me."


    The old man nodded in acknowledgment. The boy gently pulled on the reins, leading his horse a step away from the black rift. Curious, he asked, "What are these black cracks in the sky?"


    "They are the wounds of the world," the old man said, offering a rather philosophical, yet pointless answer.


    "They completely match the description of the Battle of the Gods relics in the ancient texts," the boy said, awe in his eyes. "Will these black cracks keep expanding, or will they gradually disappear?"


    The boy was worried that the long, twisting black rifts, which distorted space, would keep growing, eventually consuming the entire world.


    "If you studied the Heavenly Scripture seriously, and didn''t slack off," the old man said leisurely, "you should remember that after the God of Death''s battle with the Eight Greed Kings, the black markings in the sky gradually shrank and disappeared over the course of a month and a half."


    "But, Master..." The boy said, he handed over a transparent crystal ball. Reflected in the crystal was the blue sky and the eerie black cracks.


    "This is a magical recording captured by our spies planted in the Re-Estize, right after the Battle of the Gods one month ago. Now, a month has passed, and there''s no sign of the black cracks shrinking!"

 Chapter 118: I Want to Eat Vegetables

    On the mountainside in the wilderness, EeDeChi crouched on the ground, silently gnawing on a roasted leg bone.


    Judging by the size of the bone, it was the leg of a rare drake dragon. The meat was firm, tender, and smooth, yet chewy. Sprinkled with dark red rosemary and carefully roasted, it glistened with an irresistible golden sheen.


    EeDeChi struggled to swallow a bite of the roasted meat, then suddenly threw the leg bone to the ground and shouted, "I want to eat vegetables!"


    Barrett crouched on the opposite side of the campfire. He gave EeDeChi an exasperated look, then continued gnawing on his own piece of drake dragon meat.


    For the past month and a half, thanks to EeDeChi''s exceptional ability to taunt wild monsters, they had trekked across the desolate mountains without ever running out of food.


    Wolves, snowbirds, ice crows, frostbreath arachnids, yetis... wherever EeDeChi went, the monsters seemed to recognize their mortal enemy and charged toward her.


    The only problem was that no plant-based monsters were drawn to them, and it was the middle of winter. Apart from a few frostbitten fruit trees, there were no wild vegetables or fruits to be found.


    The two adventurers had no choice but to eat nothing but meat for a whole month and a half, from beasts that crawled on all fours to birds that flew in the sky.


    They buried meat in the ground to roast it, and even cooked steak on hot stones. Barrett tried every trick he could think of to spice up their campfire meals.


    But meat is always just meat. No matter how you cook it, it could never turn into refreshing vegetables or fruit juice.


    Barrett didn''t really mind. Over the past month and a half, his diet had expanded to include creatures like frostbreath arachnids, and he had collected a lot of valuable monster pelts and magical organs. But EeDeChi had finally had enough.


    "I want to eat vegetables! I want bread!" EeDeChi scratched her head with both hands, her beautiful black short hair disheveled.


    Barrett looked at her in this crazed state and sighed. "If you want vegetables or grains, we''ll have to go to a village. How''s your Favorability Level coming along? Do people still want to punch you in the face?"


    "I don''t know!" EeDeChi hugged her head with both arms. "I don''t have some system or character attribute panel thing."


    Barrett thought for a moment, then suggested, "Let''s go down the mountain to a small village and try our luck."


    He remembered that when they first started their wilderness journey, they were attacked by monsters an average of five times a day. Now, monsters only came by once a day, bringing them meat. This had to mean that EeDeChi''s taunting abilities... no, her Favorability Level, had recovered by a good amount.


    It had to be said that the side effects of using The Great Banishment were severe. No wonder EeDeChi had been so reluctant to use it.


    The two stood up and gazed down the mountain. At the foot of the mountain was a small village covered in white snow, with faint wisps of smoke curling up from chimneys...Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡­<figure></figure>


    The wind howled, and the snowflakes danced wildly. The unpredictable winter weather had once again started a heavy snowfall, which seemed to be turning into a snowstorm. EeDeChi and Barrett wrapped cloth around their faces, trudging through thick snow that reached up to their knees, heading deeper into the village.


    They were dressed this way because EeDeChi''s wanted poster was plastered on the notice board at the village entrance.


    The Sorcerer Kingdom''s influence had reached even this remote mountain village, but all they had managed to do was put up a wanted poster. The simple villagers likely just saw it as an interesting rumor, discussing it for a while before moving on, forgetting all about it.


    Before they knew it, dusk had arrived. In the midst of the heavy snowfall, night fell faster, and the surroundings darkened. The old, tattered wanted poster flapped like a rag in the wind and snow.


    EeDeChi stepped forward, tore the wanted poster off, ripped it to pieces, and casually let the scraps fly into the swirling snow.


    Barrett wrapped a cloth around his chin, while EeDeChi covered her head completely, leaving only her black eyes exposed. Not a single strand of black hair showed.


    In this heavy winter snow, their outfits were understandable. However, travelers who appeared to be homeless in this remote mountain village were suspicious. But Barrett was confident that his charisma (or rather, his ability to deceive) would get them through.


    He draped two heavy winter wolf pelts over his shoulders and lightly knocked on the wooden door of a house. After a long pause, the door creaked open, releasing a warm draft and the smell of food. EeDeChi sniffed the air, even catching the scent of frozen cabbage.


    The man who answered the door was a strong, muscular figure. He eyed Barrett and EeDeChi with suspicion, a wary expression on his face.


    "You two don''t seem to be from our village. What do you want?"


    "We''re travelers sent by Count Charles, also winter huntsmen," Barrett replied smoothly. "We''ve been tasked with exploring the terrain of this mountain range and mapping out the locations of winter beasts. But in this dreadful snowstorm, we got lost and ended up here. We were hoping to stay the night at your home."


    Count Charles was the local lord, and mentioning his name would carry weight¡ª the villagers wouldn''t be able to tell if it was true or not.


    After spinning his flawless lie, Barrett grabbed one of the thick winter wolf pelts from his shoulder and handed it to the homeowner with a sincere look. "We can offer you these two freshly hunted winter wolf pelts, and we''ll also throw in a fair amount of gold coins as payment."


    Seeing the soft, dense gray fur of the pelts and hearing the words "gold coins," the man''s expression immediately became eager.


    Just as he was about to agree, a young voice called out from inside the house, "Dad, who''s outside?"


    The man''s expression immediately hardened. He shook his head and refused the two adventurers.


    "No. The village has been unsettled lately. There have been rumors about a night hag stealing children. Several kids have mysteriously disappeared. I can''t just let strangers into my home. You should try elsewhere. The manor owner, James Wright, lives to the south of the village, and he''s always been generous. Maybe he''ll let you stay the night."


    The two adventurers had no choice but to leave. They continued their way through the village. Their long footprints in the snow were quickly covered by the swirling snowflakes.


    They knocked on other doors, but the villagers'' responses were all the same: they were worried about the night hag snatching children and couldn''t allow strangers in.


    A few villagers kindly suggested that the "lost travelers" try their luck at the manor of James Wright.


    ¡­


    "What night hag? It''s just a bedtime story grown-ups tell kids to get them to sleep. How could these villagers actually believe it?" Barrett grumbled, clearly frustrated. "They''re all worried about kids getting taken by a night hag. Can''t even manage their own children, and instead, they blame it on monsters."


    Amid the heavy snow, the distant sunset dipped low behind the mountain trees, casting a faint glow as dusk faded into night. They had to find shelter quickly, or they''d be stuck camping out in the wilderness in this vicious blizzard.


    EeDeChi and Barrett trudged through the deep snow, their steps uneven, until they finally reached the manor''s front door. The iron gate in the yard was rusted and worn, not locked, creaking as it swung open in the wind with a high-pitched squeal.

 Chapter 119: A Beautiful Fairytale

    Two adventurers passed through the iron gate and knocked on the grand front door.


    A middle-aged woman with curly, light red hair opened the door, her face lighting up with a gentle smile. Beyond her lay a dining room, complete with a linden wood table, while a roaring fire blazed in the fireplace, sending waves of warmth throughout the room.


    Barrett explained their purpose: "We''ve been sent by Count Charles, travelers from afar, hoping to stay with you for the night¡­"


    True to the villagers'' descriptions, the manor''s hostess was friendly and generous. Without asking too many questions, she agreed to their request for shelter. Welcoming the two "travelers" inside, she introduced herself, "I am Martha Wright, the lady of the manor. And this is my daughter, Alice."


    Following her tender gaze, a little girl with similarly light red hair skipped towards them. About eight or nine years old, she wore a white silk dress and her delicate features were adorable.


    Alice tugged at her mother''s skirt and tilted her head to look at the adventurers, asking curiously, "Mommy, who are they?"


    Martha gently ruffled Alice''s hair and spoke softly, "They are travelers from a faraway place, dear. It''s snowing heavily outside, and they''ll be staying with us for the night. Is that okay with you?"


    "Yes, yes! It''s so cold, maybe the uncles can stay for a few more days," Alice said with a twinkle in her big eyes, looking at EeDeChi and Barrett.


    Due to EeDeChi''s completely masked attire and masculine style of dressing, everyone in the village mistook her for a traveler similar to Barrett, which certainly saved the effort of maintaining a disguise.


    EeDeChi and Barrett shook off the snow and mud from their boots as they entered. They thanked Martha, also introducing themselves with false names and identities.


    The manor wasn''t very large; immediately behind the door was the dining room with its carved wooden chairs and the lively fireplace. An eye-catching feature was a wooden rack by the wall with a clay flowerpot on it. However, being winter, the flowers had withered, leaving only dry branches and dead leaves.


    "Martha, who has come? Are they friends?"


    A deep, resonant male voice echoed from the staircase at the back of the dining room, followed by a man with a straight posture descending the spiral staircase. He was dressed in formal attire, his demeanor calm, with streaks of white among his light brown hair¡ªundoubtedly the master of the house, James Wright.


    Mr. Wright greeted them with a warm smile, readily agreeing to their request to stay and shaking hands amicably with Barrett. In gratitude, Barrett presented him with two pieces of winter wolf fur.


    Wright glanced out at the dark night, snowflakes occasionally striking the window panes. He asked Barrett and EeDeChi, "You two haven''t had dinner yet, right? Let''s eat together later. I just got two fresh ingredients. They''re really delicious."


    "Any vegetables?" EeDeChi asked eagerly. She purposely lowered her voice, almost giving away her feminine tone.


    "Vegetables... yes," Mr. Wright chuckled, "but we don''t eat many of those."


    Alice circled around Barrett, her innocent eyes curiously scanning the "winter huntsman" gear that adorned his back and waist. Mr. Wright spoke softly to Martha, suggesting they host a dinner for a friend.


    Mr. Wright cracked a joke, causing Martha to cover her mouth and laugh before she headed into the kitchen. Alice waved her little hands and was lifted by her father; they walked up the spiral staircase to the study, their laughter echoing along the way.


    Barrett watched this scene, and couldn''t help but feel a twinge of sentiment in his heart. What a warm and happy family of three. As an adventurer, living a life without a permanent home and constantly drifting from place to place, he couldn''t help but envy the warmth of a family like theirs.


    ...


    Dinner was about to begin. In the dining room, the family of three, along with the two "travelers," sat around a linden wood table covered with an embroidered tablecloth.


    Barrett leaned back in his chair, while EeDeChi eagerly anticipated the vegetable soup. Oddly, the table was set with empty porcelain plates and silverware, and neatly folded white napkins, but no food was in sight.


    Martha sat as still as the others, occasionally soothing Alice, who fidgeted uneasily by her side.


    The five sat facing the empty dining table for nearly five minutes, and Barrett could hardly contain his impatience. He ventured, "Excuse me for asking, but why hasn''t the food been served yet?"The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Mr. Wright smiled gently, "Please be patient, our guest. We have two fresh ingredients and have invited a friend to come taste them with us. Once our friend arrives, we will start the dinner."


    Alice fidgeted in her chair, her little feet in leather shoes not quite reaching the floor. She wrapped her arms around her mother''s waist and pleaded, "Mommy, Alice wants a story before dinner."


    "Alright," Martha pinched her little cheek, "Let me tell you a story about the night hag."


    Martha began softly:


    "Long, long ago, in a harmonious family, a couple had a beautiful daughter. As the girl grew up, she fell in love with a young man from the village. They cherished each other, their affection deep and true.


    "However, the girl''s father despised the young man because he thought him poor and incapable, always clinging to his precious daughter.


    "So, the father forced the young man to go to the town outside the village to do business. He declared that unless the young man earned enough money, he would never marry his beloved daughter.


    "The young man had no choice but to leave the girl. Before departing, he promised her that he would make a fortune and asked her to wait for his return. So, he set off.


    "On the small road leading to the town, in a forest, the young man encountered a stranger who had fallen to the ground. The stranger asked for help, and the young man agreed.


    "But it turned out that the stranger was the girl''s father in disguise. The father had long detested the young man, deeply worried that this penniless lad would take away his daughter.


    "He secretly drew a sharp knife, and as the young man was about to help him up, he stabbed him to death. Then he decapitated the young man and buried the body and the head under the soft soil of an apple tree.


    "After doing all this, the girl''s father walked away satisfied, believing that no one would bother his daughter again. However, his deeds were witnessed by a kind-hearted night hag living in the forest.


    "The kind-hearted night hag felt pity for the young man and the girl''s love. It quietly slipped into the girl''s bedroom and told her everything it had seen."


    "As night fell, the girl slipped out of the house and walked to the apple tree in the forest. She brushed aside the leaves on the ground and began to dig, quickly uncovering her murdered lover. Oh, how bitterly she wept! She prayed to god, wishing to die soon herself.


    "She longed to bring the body back, but she dared not. Instead, she cradled his closed, pale eyes, kissed his cold lips, and brushed the dirt from his hair.


    "''I will keep it!'' the girl declared. She reburied the body with soil and leaves, then took his head and a branch of jasmine from the woods where the young man was killed back to her home.


    "Once home, she found the largest pot she could. She placed the deceased''s head inside, covered it with soil, and planted the jasmine branch in it.


    "Ah, how many tears of grief she shed! She always stood crying in front of that pot, her tears falling on the jasmine branch as she grew thinner day by day.


    "Her despair and pain were immense, but she dared not tell anyone, for the murderer of her lover was her own father.


    "The pure and kind night hag appeared before her again, also deeply pitying the girl''s plight. The girl could only pour out her heartache to the night hag.


    "She asked the night hag what she should do; she wanted to avenge her lover and break with her father, but she couldn''t bear to destroy her warm family.


    "The night hag said it had a perfect solution that would allow her to avenge herself and keep her family happy, but it would come at a small cost. It asked if she was willing.


    "The girl eagerly agreed, saying, ''I am willing.'' So, the night hag killed the girl, ate her, and took on her appearance. Posing as the girl, the night hag approached her parents and poisoned them, killing them both.


    "Watching the girl''s parents die, the night hag suddenly remembered its promise to ensure the family continued to live happily. It went to the wilderness, to a swamp, and called upon two night hag companions.


    "One night hag took on the father''s appearance, and another the mother''s, while the kind night hag maintained the daughter''s appearance. Thus, they lived on, forever a happy family of three."


    Martha licked her dry lips, having just finished the story.


    EeDeChi and Barrett exchanged glances, both feeling a chill run down their spines. Was this really a story for children? It was a bit too thrilling!


    Alice''s laughter rang out like a clear bell, her face beaming with delight. "That story was so fun, I really liked it!" She clung to Martha''s arm, looking up at her mother, "Mommy, can you tell another story?"


    Mr. Wright looked at Alice tenderly and said, "Martha, don''t spoil her too much."


    "Never mind your father." Martha indulgently ruffled Alice''s light red hair. "Then I''ll tell another story.


    "Once upon a time, it was snowing heavily, and it was very cold. Two travelers, coming from a far-off land, were cold and hungry, desperately seeking a warm place to rest. So, they knocked on the door of a family''s home, hoping to stay for the night.


    "This family was very kind; the lady of the house agreed, and the man of the house invited them to join them for dinner. Soon, it was time for dinner, and the two travelers sat at the table, but the meal was not served yet.


    "The two travelers were puzzled. The host explained that it was because they had received two pieces of exquisite meat and were waiting for a friend to join them."


    "The travelers waited patiently, even though their stomachs were growling, and they sat quietly until finally,


    "''Thump, thump, thump,'' ''thump, thump, thump,'' the sound of knocking came. The lady of the house went to open the door, and their awaited friend had finally arrived. The friend walked in, looked at the empty table, and asked the host, ''Where are those two pieces of exquisite meat you mentioned?''


    "The host pointed at the two travelers and told his friend, ''Two pieces of meat are right in front of you.''"


    Martha picked up a glass of water and took a sip to moisten her throat. With the story concluded, Alice laughed joyfully, "That story was also really fun, mommy, mommy, what happened to the two travelers after that?"


    Martha gently tapped Alice''s pink nose and smiled tenderly, "After that, the two travelers were eaten."


    "Thump, thump, thump," "thump, thump, thump."


    In the dining room, the sound of knocking came from outside.


    Martha stood up to open the door, and a man, his clothes and shoes covered with frost and snow, walked in; he seemed to have traveled a long distance through the snow.


    The man took off his hat, patted the snowflakes on it, and hung it on the coat rack, then asked with a warm smile,


    "Mr. Wright, where are those two fresh ingredients you mentioned?"


    Mr. Wright stood up, pointed at EeDeChi and Barrett, and said to the man with a smile, "Right in front of you."

 Chapter 120: Wrong Audience

    "Heh." EeDeChi sneered, "Quite the interesting ghost story. Too bad,  you picked the wrong audience."


    Before her, a storm of demons raged!


    The night hags had completely discarded their disguises. Their once-refined clothes were now faded and torn, their faces shriveled and withered. Their skin was covered with black blotches, their knuckles bulging, and their fingers long, thin, and bent. Their sharp, curved nails grew wildly, and their hair hung in dry, tangled strands.


    Three night hags! And adding to that the "friend" night hag who had just entered, there were a total of four. The once warm and cozy, happy family had instantly turned into a playground for the night hags!


    Two of the night hags bared their crimson teeth and roared at EeDeChi and Barrett. The shockwave from their roar shattered the glass cups on the table. This was likely some sort of mental attack, a sonic wave that carried the power to break the minds of ordinary people.


    But unfortunately, they weren''t facing ordinary people. EeDeChi''s physical resistance was at its peak, and Barrett was also a seasoned, battle-hardened elite adventurer.


    One night hag stepped onto a chair and lunged at EeDeChi. In a fit of rage, EeDeChi threw a punch, landing squarely on the night hag''s face. The hag''s face caved in completely, and it instantly collapsed to the ground, motionless.


    "I really should have checked your Justice Value first!" EeDeChi shouted, standing up angrily. She hadn''t had any vegetables or fruit for a long time and was already bitter about it. Now, facing these demons putting on their theatrics, her rage reached a boiling point.


    Another night hag lunged at her, its claws slashing toward her face. EeDeChi kicked out, shattering the dining table while landing a perfect blow to the night hag''s midsection.


    The night hag was hit by the kick and her body snapped in half, crashing into the wall and sending bricks and dust flying.


    Another night hag, realizing the situation was going south, immediately turned and ran toward the window.


    EeDeChi closed the distance in a flash, spun around, and delivered a flying kick. The sound of wind rushing past her feet was followed by a loud "thud!" as her heel smashed into the night hag''s skull. The creature''s neck snapped instantly, and its body flew out of the wall like a ragdoll, crashing into the brick and smashing into a flat specimen.


    Meanwhile, Barrett was locked in combat with the "friend" night hag. He dodged a slash from its claws and, with a swift movement, drew a gleaming dagger from his waist. He drove the blade deep into the night hag''s neck.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    As the night hag howled in pain, Barrett pulled a short sword from his spatial ring and pinned the creature to the door with a deadly thrust. Then, he took out a flanged mace, raised it high, and slammed it down with all his might, splitting its skull open.


    Looking at the four night hags in various contorted positions, lifeless on the floor, EeDeChi spat, "Disgusting!"


    Barrett sheathed his dagger and sighed. "Let''s go inform the villagers. The man-eating night hags have been dealt with."


    ¡­


    Barrett knocked on the doors of the villagers one by one. In the dim, heavy night, the villagers, holding torches and trudging through the snow, made their way to the manor with doubts in their hearts. When they saw the brutal scene and confirmed the night hags had been slaughtered, the whole village erupted in excitement.


    Finally, an elder of some renown in the village decided to pile the four night hags together and burn them. The villagers, braving the bitter cold, gathered around the bonfire, singing and dancing.


    Some mourned and sighed for the family of the manor, who had long been killed by the night hags, offering a moment of silence for them. Others, with a mix of fear and curiosity, cautiously approached to observe the burning night hags.


    But most of the villagers gathered around Barrett, thanking him for his great contribution to the village. The villagers showered him with compliments, praising him to the heavens, almost treating him like a savior sent by Gaia itself.


    Some villagers whose children had gone missing practically worshiped Barrett, almost falling to their knees to bow to him. This left Barrett, whose focus was always on the money, in an awkward spot. How was he supposed to ask for his payment after this?


    As for EeDeChi, who had put in the most effort, the villagers, probably due to her "Favorability Level" still being low, completely ignored her. They left her standing in the corner, forgotten.


    Watching Barrett surrounded by a crowd of admirers, EeDeChi felt a twinge of displeasure in her heart, but there was nothing she could do. She could only huff in disdain, showing that she didn''t care about the praise of ordinary people.


    Bored and kicking at the snow beneath her feet, EeDeChi was suddenly presented with a bowl of hot soup. Looking up, she saw a kindly old woman smiling at her.


    The old woman''s weathered face softened into a loving smile as she held out the bowl of steaming soup. "I believe you played a part in eliminating those night hags tonight," she said. "It''s so cold, and you''re dressed so lightly. Have some hot soup to warm yourself up."


    The thick earthenware bowl released steam, and inside, the soup was rich with chunks of chicken, tender cabbage leaves, translucent slices of radish, cauliflower, lettuce, and more.


    It was exactly the kind of vegetable soup EeDeChi had been craving after growing tired of meat. Swallowing her saliva, EeDeChi didn''t hesitate. She grabbed the bowl and drank it all in one go.


    The old woman gasped in surprise, quickly calling out, "Be careful, don''t burn yourself!"


    ¡­


    The next day, at the villagers'' request, Barrett and EeDeChi ventured into a mist-covered swamp near the village. EeDeChi used a 5th Tier spell to turn the swamp into a dry, deep pit, flushing out the last night hag trying to escape. She swiftly killed it on the spot.


    As for the reward, Barrett symbolically asked for a few silver coins from the villagers. EeDeChi, however, was carrying a burlap sack taller than herself, filled with white radishes, cabbage, lettuce, onions, cauliflower, carrots, sweet peas, spinach, mustard greens, sunflower greens, and lettuce...


    The two "travelers and winter huntsmen employed by Count Charles", reluctantly leaving with the entire village lined up to see them off, set out on their journey once again.

 Chapter 121: The Battlefield

    In a remote town, Barrett carried a small jar of dye and a few wood combs, walking over the cobblestone streets that were lightly dusted with snow, heading towards the outskirts of the town. EeDeChi was waiting for him there.


    The two adventurers had trekked for several days, and the winter was already three-quarters over. The raging blizzards had finally subsided, and the merchants, who had huddled indoors, slowly began to open their snow-covered windows, sweep the snow from their doorsteps, and resume their winter business.


    Inside a general store, Barrett sold some of the spoils from his recent monster hunts, including fur, teeth, bones, and magical sacs. At the same time, he bought two pairs of leather boots lined with fleece, three maps, and a jar of golden hair dye, which he now carried in his hand.


    He bought the boots because after the long journey, his shoes had worn out completely, the heels completely gone. As for the hair dye, that was Barrett''s idea. Dyeing EeDeChi''s noticeable black hair golden would probably help with their disguise.


    Turning down a narrow path, Barrett met up with EeDeChi, and the two squatted in the desolate outskirts to begin their transformation. Barrett mixed the hair dye with water, then dipped the comb into the liquid before applying the golden dye to EeDeChi''s hair.


    Barrett had once been a wanted man, so although his hair-dyeing skills were rusty, they were still serviceable. After a while, the dye dried, and Barrett picked up a long-handled wooden comb to style EeDeChi''s hair, making it stand up straight, to alter her appearance further.


    EeDeChi picked up a mirror to check out her new look.


    In the reflection, her previously sleek black short hair was now a striking golden color. Perhaps due to the setting agent in the dye, each strand of hair stood up straight, as though it were a burning golden torch. Only a small lock of hair hung down on her forehead.


    "Is this... a Super Saiyan?" EeDeChi turned her neck and looked around in the mirror.<figure></figure>


    "How''s it look? Pretty cool, right?" Barrett was pleased with his handiwork. Though he didn''t understand what "Super Saiyan" meant, he could tell that, after the hairstyle change, EeDeChi''s appearance had drastically transformed at first glance.


    "Eh, it''s fine," EeDeChi wasn''t one to care much about her looks. She tossed the mirror to Barrett, and the two of them packed up their things. They spread out the map again to confirm their direction and headed toward a nearby forest.


    They would pass along the edge of the forest, bypass the Nightwhisper Town marked on the map, and head in the direction of the Slane Theocracy.


    ...


    The winter forest was eerily quiet, the black tree branches broken under the weight of the snow, crossing each other in tangled patterns. The snow on the ground still hadn''t fully melted, and two sets of disordered footprints stretched deeper into the forest. But these footprints didn''t belong to EeDeChi and Barrett.


    "The prints are still fresh," Barrett crouched down to examine them closely. "From the size and the patterns on the soles, I''d say it''s a man and a woman."


    "Why are their steps all over the place?" EeDeChi asked, confused. The two sets of prints looked like a group of lost ants crawling around in a mess.


    "They might be fellow adventurers," Barrett speculated. "They''re probably working together, one ahead and one behind, scanning the area as they go."


    Barrett stood up and gazed deeper into the forest. "There''s something important in there, I can feel it."


    Normally, Barrett would have followed the footprints to investigate, maybe see if he could find something useful along the way. But today, he didn''t feel like it.


    The two of them veered away from the direction of the tracks and walked along the edge of the forest. After crossing an icy river, it wasn''t long before they spotted some unnatural marks in the landscape.


    A few tree barks had been stripped away, and crude carvings marred the wood, as if a rough stone knife had hacked into the trunks. Beneath the snow, they also found an abandoned animal trap made of twine and branches. It had clearly been left to decay.


    "A gnoll tribe is in the forest," Barrett said. "They might have migrated here from the wasteland to spend the winter."


    The two adventurers used their machetes to hack through fallen tree trunks and dense branches as they continued forward. The forest gradually thinned out, revealing a vast plain in the distance, with low hills dotting the horizon. Further away, scattered farmhouses and wooden cottages could be seen.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    They reached the edge of the forest, where the plains began. In the distance, the sound of horse hooves pounding on the frozen ground echoed, and a line of dozens of knights appeared, moving toward them like a winding black thread. Behind them were militia armed with spears, swords, and shields, charging in a disorganized formation.


    "We''ve been spotted?" EeDeChi asked nervously. The bounty from the Sorcerer Kingdom was still active in this region¡ªwas she about to cut a bloody path through human knights?


    "That doesn''t make sense," Barrett said, glancing at EeDeChi''s golden hair standing on end. "My name''s not on the bounty. There''s no way they could recognize you."


    EeDeChi covered the lower half of her face with a wool scarf, and just then, there was a rustling noise behind them in the forest. The crisp sound of snapping branches reached their ears.


    Both adventurers turned around to see a group of gnolls crashing through the snow-covered thicket, charging toward them. There were almost a hundred gnolls, by Barrett''s rough estimate.


    Gnolls had hyena-like heads but human-sized bodies, with thick, dark brown manes on their backs like a horse''s. Their fur was speckled with dark patches.


    They wielded stone axes, wooden shields, and spears, wearing simple armor made of animal pelts. With a relentless energy, they charged at the two adventurers.


    "Gnolls and humans teaming up to hunt me down?" EeDeChi said, speechless, "Wow, the Great Unity of the world''s people, huh?"


    A small squad of fully armed knights had already ridden up, and the leader of the group shouted something loudly, as if ordering them to leave.


    "I get it now," Barrett said, a look of realization crossing his face. "We''ve stumbled right into the local militia''s operation to wipe out a gnoll tribe. Or maybe the gnolls are using us as cover to charge at the cavalry."


    In the distance, the knights drew their long swords, shouting slogans about avenging the innocent dead as they lined up and charged. The poorly equipped militia formed a ragtag line, their spears jutting out like lonely branches, advancing together behind their round shields.


    The growls of the gnolls behind EeDeChi grew louder. A short arrow whizzed past EeDeChi''s ear. Several gnolls armed with stout wooden clubs came charging straight at them, their white, sharp fangs bared in a vicious, beastly grin. It was clear they had made up their minds to capture the two travelers and use them as human shields.


    Barrett shook his head. "If gnolls had a bit more brainpower, they''d realize that anyone still out here traveling on foot in the middle of deep winter probably shouldn''t be messed with."


    "Give me a heavy hammer," EeDeChi said to Barrett, "I don''t want to get blood on my hands." To avoid revealing herself, she couldn''t use her signature giant sword.


    Barrett casually handed her a battle hammer, almost as tall as she was, with a mix of Adamantite to reinforce the head. This kind of heavy weapon was made to crack skulls of enemies in full armor, so it was clearly overkill for gnolls wearing only animal pelts and carrying wooden shields.


    He himself pulled out a thick, metal-bound square shield from his spatial ring and charged toward the gnolls, going straight against their oncoming attack.


    The shield blocked several vicious arrows, and one large gnoll warrior, confident in his size and strength, swung a massive club at Barrett. To its surprise, Barrett shoved the gnoll to the ground with the force of the shield, then swiftly slashed its throat with his long sword.


    Using the shield as a barrier, Barrett rushed deep into the gnoll ranks. It quickly became clear he had made a major mistake. He was surrounded on all sides by enemies, with a dozen or so gnolls armed with axes and knives closing in on him.


    Barrett discarded his shield, drawing his most skilled two-handed sword. Nearly as tall as he was, the blade glinted with a chilling gleam. Barrett initiated his Martial Art, the two-handed sword whirling into a giant windmill, like the Grim Reaper''s scythe harvesting every life around him.


    In the distance, several knights covered in blood had just finished their battle with the enemy. They paused when they saw the chaos unfolding within the gnoll ranks, completely stunned.


    What shocked them the most wasn''t Barrett, but a man with hair as brilliant as fire and a pale gray scarf covering his face. No matter how many arrows or magic attacks the gnoll shamans and hunters sent his way, they couldn''t touch him.


    The man wasn''t tall, but he wielded a armor-piercing hammer like a savage king from ancient legends, leading the charge in the battlefield. He cut through the gnolls as if they were nothing, his hammer smashing them into pieces, and wherever it struck, the gnolls scattered in fear. Even the strongest gnoll chieftain was sent flying by a single blow, crashing into the ground and taking down several gnolls with him.


    One knight, clad in silver armor, remained frozen in place atop his horse, staring at the two lone warriors who were cutting down the gnolls with ease, too stunned to even raise his sword.


    Another knight rode up, his bloodstained iron faceplate lifted. He asked, "My Lord, are these adventurers you hired? Did they really only cost 100 gold coins? That''s insane¡­"


    His voice wavered. "This... this has nothing to do with us. To wipe out the gnoll tribe, these two are all we need."


    The knight, referred to as "Lord," removed his helmet and held it in his arms. His face was weathered, and his light brown, curly hair was streaked with silver.


    There was confusion in his eyes as he spoke. "They''re not the adventurers I hired. I hired a ranger skilled in fire magic, and a half-elf priestess. These two warriors... I don''t know where they came from. But thankfully, they''re on our side."


    Suddenly, a towering inferno erupted from the forest in the distance, sending a flock of black birds flying. The Lord pointed toward the flames and said, "That''s the adventurers I hired. I sent them to raid the gnolls'' lair."


    "BOOM!" The roaring flames suddenly shrank, as if a giant foot had stomped down on them. Pine trees fell and snapped in rapid succession, their thunderous crash echoing through the air, signaling the approach of something massive.


    The knight''s face turned pale. He asked the Lord, "Do you remember? There''s a rumor that says a stone golem sleeps in Sutton Forest. Do you think your adventurers have... awakened it?"

 Chapter 122: The Storage Box of Constructs

    With the formidable duo EeDeChi and Barrett assisting in combat, the gnoll offensive crumbled like snow under the scorching sun, disintegrating instantly. Knights and militiamen harvested the fleeing gnolls, leaving the snowy ground littered with dirty footprints, broken weapons, severed limbs, and patches of blood-stained earth.


    EeDeChi, shouldering her war hammer, felt no urge to pursue the retreating enemy. A gentle breeze, carrying the scent of blood, fluttered her brilliant golden hair. Just as EeDeChi was about to pull down her scarf for a breath of fresh air, a knight on a brown horse approached her.


    The knight''s face was gaunt and aged, but his figure remained robust under his silver full-body armor. He removed his helmet and introduced himself with a smile: "Warrior, we owe this battle''s success to you and your companion''s valiant efforts. I am the local lord¡ªMartin Smith. May I ask where you hail from?"


    EeDeChi was about to respond but suddenly thought better of revealing her accent, so she turned away, ignoring him.


    Lord Martin''s smile froze for half a minute, an awkward expression settling in, but EeDeChi still didn''t answer, maintaining a proud demeanor.


    Another knight, his armor covered in sword marks and carrying three gnoll heads still dripping with blood, rode up and circled EeDeChi twice. Clearly displeased with her attitude, he barked loudly: "HOW RUDE! You are in the presence of a viscount personally titled by the king and the lord of Greenbriarshire¡ªMartin Smith. Answer the lord''s question at once!"


    Martin gestured with his hand, indicating that there was no need to trouble EeDeChi. Yet the knight persisted. Just as he was about to speak again, a thunderous sound of footsteps shook the ground, drawing everyone''s eyes toward the forest.


    "WHOOSH!"


    A tree trunk flew out from the dense woods like an oversized wooden spear, smashing through both a gnoll and a militiaman in its path.


    With their chief and shaman slain, the remaining gnolls scattered into the forest. The knights and militiamen looked anxiously in the direction from which the "wooden spear" had come, wondering what could possibly have the strength to snap a large pine tree and hurl it like a spear.


    Crackling sounds filled the air as countless branches snapped, and snow cascaded down. A massive stone golem, as tall as the trees in the forest, broke through the branches, advancing toward the people on the battlefield.


    This stone golem resembled a walking sculpture of an ancient warrior, with lifelike armor engravings on its body. It appeared as if it had just awakened from the earth, its squarely carved face smeared with mud, and its stone feet clad in withered moss.


    The joints of the stone golem retained the texture of rock but moved like living flesh and blood, a testament to the power of magic. Its huge eyes, devoid of pupils, "looked" towards the soldiers on the battlefield.


    The militiamen trembled in fear, for the golem seemed to them like a statue of a holy warrior come to life from within a temple. A few bold mounted archers drew their enchanted longbows and fired several arrows at the golem, but the arrows simply bounced off with ease.


    At the golem''s feet, a man in a red robe was running. He was not particularly short, but he only came up to the golem''s knees. He looked up and sprayed a series of fireballs, but they merely splattered against the golem like raindrops, disappearing without a trace.


    The golem noticed the man and lifted its foot to step on him like one would crush an ant. Contrary to everyone''s expectations, its movements were not clumsy at all.


    The man in the red robe awkwardly rolled away, narrowly escaping a gruesome end. The golem''s foot missed, but it swiftly kicked out with its right foot, scraping the man in the red robe, who was sent flying backward through the air.


    The massive stone golem leaned forward slightly, its rocky fist hammering down towards the fallen man in red.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Just as it seemed the red-robed man was doomed, a silver-haired girl burst out from the forest. She cast a spell akin to "Telekinesis," dragging away the limp body of the man in the red robe before scooping him up and sprinting away.


    The silver-haired girl called out to the knights on the battlefield, "Hurry to the Mage Tower and find a high-ranking mage! This Constructs creature is beyond our capability to handle!"


    Constructs, akin to robots but driven not by electricity or gasoline but by magic, vary greatly depending on the material they are cast from¡ªbe it clay, iron, stone, or flesh. As unstoppable behemoths, golems exist solely to obey their master''s will, whether to guard or to attack.


    The master of this stone golem had long since perished, his whereabouts unknown at the time of his death, leaving the golem to act merely on an instinct to "expel outsiders."


    The terrified knights and militiamen had already scattered in all directions. The golem moved its massive, sky-high legs at a steady pace. Its gait was not agile, but because of its long strides, it was faster than the cavalry.


    In an instant, the golem crushed a militiaman who was too close, with a bone-shattering sound under its stone feet, reminiscent of a crushed biscuit.


    "Lord, we must leave this place," urged the knight who had earlier rebuked EeDeChi, turning his horse around. He discarded the gnoll''s head he was carrying, his voice full of terror, "It can easily catch up with us at its speed."


    Martin also advised EeDeChi, "Warrior, hurry and leave. I''ve heard that only a dwarven-forged mithril mattock can scratch the stone golem Constructs, ordinary weapons and magic are useless against it."


    EeDeChi remained silent and walked towards the golem. She knew she had to deal with this giant; otherwise, the slower-running militiamen on the scene would be trampled to death by the golem¡ªat least half of them. Not to mention the uncontrolled golem, which would soon cause destruction and loss of life in nearby villages.


    Despite the risk of exposing her identity, only she could handle this stone titan now. She had to step in.


    The "golden hair" adventurer weighed her war hammer in her hand. Even though the hammer was forged with adamantite, it was just an ordinary hammer.


    She swung her arm in a full circle and hurled the hammer. It flew at high speed, friction with the air creating dazzling sparks, like a meteor shot straight from the earth, smashing the golem''s head.


    Stone fragments fell like rain, but the headless golem did not fall. The head seemed to be merely decorative, and losing it did not affect the golem at all. It charged towards EeDeChi with its legs.


    EeDeChi, with a sigh, pulled her giant sword from her spatial ring and leapt to the same height as the headless golem. She brought the giant sword down with force. Despite this strike, the golem''s surface only showed a few cracks. It swung its hand up to grab EeDeChi in mid-air.


    "So tough!"


    EeDeChi inwardly marveled at the stone golem''s sturdiness as she stepped on its fingers to leap up, slashing at its torso with five swift strikes of her sword. The once invincible stone golem finally shattered and crashed to the ground, breaking apart like delicate porcelain into a heap of rubble.


    Lord Martin Smith rode up to her, his admiration genuine as he exclaimed, "Warrior, you are as mighty as the legendary war god, Aucisius!"


    EeDeChi did not respond to his praise. Instead, her attention was caught by a dark gold skeleton of a transparent box amid the ruins of the fallen golem.


    She picked up the cylindrical box, slightly larger than her palm, framed with dark gold metal and segmented inside by crystal panels into five compartments.


    Three compartments were empty, but in the others, one held a small metal figure. The figure was encased in a sleek, full-body armor with sharp, defined edges. In another compartment lay a stone statue, its face identical to that of the formidable stone golem she had just defeated.


    EeDeChi cast a 5th Tier Magic: Artifact Appraisal. A string of characters appeared before her eyes:


    [Item Name: Constructs Storage ]


    [Box Material: Unknown]


    [Quality: Divine Artifact]


    [Function One: Stores Constructs.]


    [Currently stored: 2/5 ¨C iron golem "Savior Titan", stone golem "Guardian Smile".]


    [Note: You could think of this as a model robot storage box or a figurine case. Except, the figurines in this box possess simple autonomous wills, can enlarge, and can kill. A massive killing machine now portable! Absolutely essential for home and travel. ]


    [Function Two: Seize Constructs Note: Can forcibly store others'' Constructs and alter the Constructs'' command wills. The holder of the box becomes the new master of the Constructs. In simple terms, it can take the Constructs others have painstakingly created and use them for oneself. For unethical reasons, we highly recommend doing this. ]


    [Congratulations! Since you have slain the guardian of an unclaimed object, now, the two golems, along with the storage box, are yours.]


    EeDeChi''s eyes lit up, realizing she had indeed stumbled upon a treasure. She examined the Constructs Storage Box carefully. At the dark gold base of the box, she discovered an inscription in the common tongue:


    "Imperial Year 1339, the Great Expedition began.


    "I followed eight emperors, with no chance to turn back. Elsa, I leave this small toy for our child yet to be born.


    "Goodbye, my love, do not wait for my return."

 Chapter 123: The Victory Celebration Banquet

    Inside the spacious castle hall, a banquet was underway. After the heroic feat of wiping out the gnoll tribe, Lord Martin Smith hosted a victory celebration in his castle and had personally invited EeDeChi and Barrett to join in.


    Although a parchment offering 10,000 gold coins for tracking down EeDeChi was posted on the castle''s outer wall, after nearly two months of trekking through forests and wastelands without a proper meal or a cozy, warm place to sleep, EeDeChi and Barrett swaggered into the castle without a hint of fear.


    Both of them were reckless adventurers at heart¡ªafter all, if you''re not willing to take risks, can you really call yourself an adventurer?


    Inside the hall, a dozen long tables were arranged in two rows, all filled with people.


    Perhaps because the lord title wasn''t very high, he was rather approachable.


    He announced that anyone who had contributed to the "campaign" was eligible to attend the feast¡ªeven the grooms who fed the horses with buckwheat made the cut. Everyone gathered together in high spirits.


    The banquet was bursting with joy; the warm, lively atmosphere pushed away the chill of winter. In the stone-brick arched fireplace, pine wood burned fiercely, and the rich scent of pine resin carried warmth throughout the hall.


    In the open space between the two rows of tables, people danced a spirited tap dance with hands linked. A few hearty old soldiers, beer in one hand and a foot stomping on a table with the other, belted out folksy tunes in gruff voices praise of spring.


    Lord Martin delivered a hearty toast, deliberately trying to make EeDeChi and Barrett the stars of the feast, but the two adventurers politely declined. They settled at a long table in the corner of the hall, busy devouring the delicious spread.


    At the table, EeDeChi arranged several opaque wine bottles to shield herself from the curious glances of onlookers admiring the warrior famed for defeating the stone giant, then began ravenously clearing her plate.


    Although Martin Smith was only a viscount¡ªjust one rank above the lowest baron with a modest domain¡ªthe fare he provided certainly did not disappoint the two adventurers.


    Whole roasted chicken stuffed with tender mushrooms and sweet bell peppers, braised red lamb that''s both fall-apart tender and satisfyingly chewy, honey-glazed roasted suckling pig, oysters brushed with lemon juice, and butter-seared pork¡­ Every autumn and winter delicacy was on offer.


    There was also the local specialty: cured ham, sliced paper-thin and chewed slowly to savor its fresh, sweet, and rich flavor¡ªfatty without being greasy. Paired with a couple of refreshing gulps of malt beer, this feast was thoroughly enjoyed.


    EeDeChi picked up a few kumquats and stuffed them into her mouth, biting through the skin with bright teeth so that the tangy, sweet juice splattered all over. Barrett raised a glass of red wine to his lips, savoring the aged brew as it flowed between his teeth.


    Both of them stretched luxuriously at the same time. A man and a woman, each holding a wine glass, cautiously sat down beside them.


    "You guys are adventurers too, right?" asked the silver-haired girl. Tucked among her delicate locks were pointed ears¡ªa clear sign that she was at least half-elf.


    Another young man in a red robe cozied up next to her, moving even closer. His eyes were a fiery red, and each breath he exhaled seemed to emit a rush of heat. Barrett shot him a quick glance, suspecting that the man might have dragon blood in his veins.


    These young man and woman were the adventurers hired by Lord Martin. Their surprise raid on the gnoll stronghold yielded an indeterminate amount of spoils, but the real mess began when they inadvertently awakened a stone golem.


    It wasn''t surprising that they recognized EeDeChi and Barrett¡ªthe so-called "travelers"¡ªas fellow adventurers. Like magnets, kindred spirits naturally gravitated toward one another.


    Suddenly, EeDeChi remembered that her bounty notice was still posted outside the castle. With a cool detachment, she turned away, ignoring their chatter. Yet the white traces of cream clinging to the corner of her lips made it impossible for her to appear truly aloof.


    Barrett then engaged in a lively discussion with the two fellow adventurers. After a while, he learned that the young man''s name was Dravenir Drakos¡ªan orichalcum-level adventurer nicknamed "Blazing Ranger" who excelled in fire magic and melee combat, a bona fide melee mage.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Just as Barrett had suspected, Dravenir carried one-quarter draconic blood. His father was a half-dragon bandit, and his mother was the nun his father had abducted. Such a background usually spells tragedy, so Barrett chose not to pry further.


    The silver-haired girl, a half-elf with an ordinary human name¡ªEmily Darcy¡ªkept her origins close to her chest, far more reserved than her companions. She, too, was an orichalcum-level adventurer, working as both mage and cleric, devoted to the elven goddess Elariontha.


    "After defeating the stone golem, did you get any treasure?" the silver-haired girl asked, her bright green eyes fixed on EeDeChi.


    EeDeChi picked up a wide-brimmed leather hat to cover her golden hair, leaning back in her chair as if taking a nap, and ignored her.


    Barrett quickly replied, "Sorry, he doesn''t like to talk to outsiders. That stone golem was nothing more than a heap of rubble¡ªits magical core blew up, so we didn''t get anything."


    The silver-haired girl and the young man nodded in understanding; after all, strong individuals often have a streak of nonconformity. In their conversation, they naturally assumed EeDeChi was male, which eased Barrett''s mind considerably.


    "We heard a rumor that a sleeping stone statue was guarding the legendary mage''s secret treasure, so we went to check it out¡ªand ended up waking the stone golem," the young man explained.


    The girl stuck out her tongue in mild apprehension and said, "Thanks to you guys smashing the stone golem, or else Dravenir and I would have been branded as criminals in these towns. We just don''t have the experience or the chops to handle giant constructs."


    "I always feel like your companion''s face resembles EeDeChi''s a bit," said Dravenir, who carried red dragon blood. "You know, right? The girl who''s been all over the adventurer gossip lately¡ªthe one with a 10,000 gold bounty from the Sorcerer Kingdom."


    "Aha, that''s right. I''ve always thought he looked kind of like her," Barrett replied with a stiff smile. "When I''m broke one day, I''ll dye his hair black, tie him up, and ship him off to the Sorcerer Kingdom¡ªmaybe I''ll scam a ten-thousand gold bounty out of it."


    EeDeChi snorted in a low, gravelly tone.


    "I''d advise you not to do that," the silver-haired girl earnestly told Barrett. "You don''t know? Over a dozen people who faked news to scam bounties were exposed by the Sorcerer Kingdom¡ªentire families were wiped out, and even friends and neighbors didn''t escape unscathed."


    "Yeah," Dravenir interjected. "Even though everyone despises the Sorcerer Kingdom, such a huge bounty really tugs at people''s heartstrings. Forget about 10,000 gold¡ªeven nabbing the minimum 3,000 would set you up for life.


    "Many adventurers once pulled all-nighters for days on end chasing EeDeChi''s trail in the wild. But after the Sorcerer Kingdom, based on half-true rumors, killed hundreds of people, hardly anyone dared to look for EeDeChi on their own.


    "After all, who can tell if a clue is genuine or fake? Unless you tie EeDeChi right in front of the Sorcerer Kingdom, those undead bastards will find any excuse to kill you and your friends¡ªwhat else can you do?"


    "As an old proverb goes, ''a deal with death always ends in death.'' I still don''t know who EeDeChi really is, but she''s managed to get the Sorcerer Kingdom so riled up that they''re hunting her down in full force," the half-elf girl sighed.


    A worn, world-weary voice cut into the conversation, "I heard that near the capital, a 3,000-meter-wide chasm has appeared¡ªthe result of a battle between EeDeChi and the Sorcerer Kingdom''s demon gods."


    Everyone turned to look, and they saw the host of the feast, Lord Martin Smith, standing beside them holding a silver wine cup.


    He took a sip of red wine and slowly said, "I reckon the demon gods of the Sorcerer Kingdom have been fighting amongst themselves, and EeDeChi might have betrayed them. In this world, aside from those terrifying figures from the Sorcerer Kingdom, who else could emerge unscathed from an onslaught by demon gods?"


    "Heh¡­ heh¡­" EeDeChi, seated at the side, squinted his eyes, hunched over in his chair, and let out a series of incomprehensible grunts.


    "What''s wrong with your companion?" asked the half-elf girl with concern. "Is he about to fall asleep? You know, sleeping in a chair can give you a chill."


    "No worries, just ignore him," Barrett laughed. "When he drinks, he falls asleep like clockwork¡ªand when he does, he starts snoring like a pig."


    EeDeChi stretched out her shins beneath her cotton robe and lightly kicked Barrett.  Barrett winced in pain, gritted his teeth, and quickly raised a glass of wine to his lips to cover his awkward reaction.


    Martin smiled kindly, "You two warriors, what''s your plan next? Aren''t you tired of this nomadic life? Next spring, I''m leading the militia to wipe out the manticore group that''s been raiding nearby villages. We''re short on manpower¡ªwould you two like to stay and help?"


    Manticore isn''t a herd animal, and Barrett knew full well that the lord was just making excuses to keep them around. He firmly declined, "My lord, I''m afraid we can''t stick around in one place for too long. My companion and I have vowed to travel the entire world. Whether it''s the icy deep seas of the far north, the Eight Greed Kings Desert in the south, or the three great nations of the West, we''re determined to journey and see the wonders of this world that no book ever captures."


    "Alright¡­ fine," Martin replied, his tone laced with regret.


    A girl in a cashmere dress ran up to Martin with an angry look on her face, "Daddy, Cheeko''s here again! We have to get rid of it!"


    "That damned stupid cat!" Martin''s gentle expression instantly turned stern. "If we didn''t drown it last time, this time I''m going to catch it and toss it into the fireplace! Come on, call over all the knights who haven''t passed out yet!"


    With that, the lord and the girl walked away.


    Under the brim of her wide hat, EeDeChi''s eyelids twitched as she caught a glimpse of a blue ball leaping across one of the arched support beams on the ceiling.

 Chapter 124: Cat

    After the dinner party, Martin Smith arranged the most comfortable guest room in the castle for the two adventurers. Although it was a double room, Barrett specifically requested that two beds be set up. The lord was slightly surprised but agreed without hesitation.


    The guest room was furnished with intricate and beautifully designed furniture, and the walls were decorated with pink wood-carved little bear patterns. On the wardrobe shelves, several soft-cover books were displayed. EeDeChi casually picked one up and glanced through it; they were all romance novels about knights and princesses, or knights and princes.


    "Could the lord be giving us his daughter''s room?" EeDeChi stuffed the book back onto the shelf.


    "Who cares, just sleep," Barrett said, fresh from a relaxing hot bath. He threw himself onto the large bed and lazily stretched out.


    EeDeChi''s gaze drifted across the bookshelf, and her eyes were suddenly drawn to a book with a cover featuring a burning skull. By instinct, she figured this book had something to do with Ainz Ooal Gown.


    Carefully, EeDeChi pulled the book out and took a look. The red leather cover had gold-embossed cursive text that read:


    "The Extraordinary Demon Lord''s Exclusive Love for the Proud Princess"


    The title page had an illustration of an undead figure, engulfed in blue magical flames, holding a pure white bridal-gowned girl who was blushing fiercely. The image somehow felt oddly harmonious.


    It was hard to believe that someone was actually writing stories based on Ainz Ooal Gown these days. EeDeChi opened the book with an air of dismissiveness. She skimmed through ten chapters in just a few minutes before realizing that this book had nothing to do with Ainz Ooal Gown.


    The book was written a hundred years ago, and its content mainly told the story of a girl breaking free from the constraints of society and falling in love with a demon lord whose body was made of skeleton bones.


    A certain unknown minstrel, tired of the usual clich¨¦s about knights, princesses, princes, and adventurers, decided to write a story that went against the grain.


    EeDeChi flipped through the pages of the book with a rustling sound, reading at a speed of fifty lines per glance. Soon, she had finished the entire story.


    A novel that started with an unusual twist ultimately ended with a clich¨¦d conclusion to cater to the idealistic fantasies of young boys and girls.


    The male protagonist in the book, the white skull demon king, receives the blessing of the Tree of Life and grows a massive cock, ultimately living happily ever after with the female lead. The author deliberately details the sexual intimacy between the male and female protagonists on their wedding night, with such vivid descriptions that would leave ordinary readers breathless and flushed.


    "This is such a trashy novel. How could a book like this be published? Doesn''t this world have any censorship?" EeDeChi shook her head and placed the book back on the shelf.


    Barrett, curious, picked up the book and flipped through a few pages, eagerly reading the climactic final chapters. He countered, "The people love it. If you don''t like it, what does it matter?"


    Under the fluffy cotton quilt, there was a jacquard fabric with a lily flower pattern. EeDeChi, dressed in a silk satin nightgown, crawled into bed, while Barrett blew out the long-necked oil lamp by the bedside. The two of them, resting their heads on soft velvet pillows, were ready to drift into a rare, peaceful sleep.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    However, the sounds of chatter and the clashing of metal from the castle below disturbed the vast silence of the night. Barrett''s sharp instincts made him toss and turn in bed. He quietly got up, pushed open the shutters, and peered outside.


    "What are they making so much noise about in the middle of the night?" EeDeChi muttered from under the blankets, irritated.


    In the castle, knights, dressed in disheveled clothes, wielded torches and short swords, patrolling back and forth. The castle''s lord, Martin Smith, seemed to be directing something.


    Barrett listened carefully and caught several phrases being repeated by the crowd. He speculated, "It seems they''re looking for a cat, a cat named ''Cheeko''. They want to find it and kill it."


    "A cat? Is it really necessary to make such a big fuss over it?" EeDeChi yawned long and loud.


    She rolled over in bed and covered her ears with the blanket. Suddenly, a slight rustling sound stirred her sharp hearing.


    "There''s something in the room!" EeDeChi sat up straight, quickly reaching for the brass oil lamp on the bedside table. She pinched the wick with her thumb and index finger, and the rapid friction of her fingers instantly ignited the lamp.


    Seeing EeDeChi''s rare display of alertness, Barrett gently closed the shutters. He drew the short sword from under his pillow, then pulled a glowing crystal lantern from his spatial ring and cautiously swept the room with it.


    The magical light from the crystal lantern lit up the room like daylight, pushing all the shadows into the corners. This guest room, likely rarely used, was simply furnished. As the two of them scanned the room, they found no signs of an intruder.


    "Could it be that someone from the Sorcerer Kingdom caught up with us?" Barrett tensed, his nerves on edge. Was their leisurely traveling life finally coming to an end? He gripped his short sword, staying in a ready stance, not daring to lower his guard.


    "There''s something in the backpack!" EeDeChi pointed at the bag carelessly lying on the floor. To avoid revealing the fact that they owned spatial rings, they each carried a large cloth bag, making it appear as if they were just "ordinary travelers."


    Barrett stared at the backpack but saw nothing unusual. EeDeChi jumped out of bed, took a quick step forward, grabbed the bag with her left hand, and began to search through it with her right. She raised her arm high and pulled out a soft, squishy object.


    A sky-blue, semi-transparent, smooth, ball-like¡­ cat?


    EeDeChi grabbed the cat by the scruff of its neck and held it up in the air, carefully examining it. Barrett also sheathed his sword, staring at the cat in astonishment.


    The "cat" was a bit chubby, round and plump in shape, with a smooth, hairless surface. It was completely transparent, a murky, semi-transparent sky-blue color. Instead of being a cat, it looked more like a blue crystal cat statue.


    But this statue was soft and squishy, and it moved, almost exactly like a real cat.


    The "cat''s" four short legs kicked a few times. It had a unique pair of beautiful, round eyes like black obsidian. The two black pupils curiously looked at EeDeChi and Barrett, and when it opened its small mouth, there were no sharp teeth inside.


    It squinted its eyes and mewed softly, "Meow~," in a cute, clumsy way.


    "Wow, this cat is so cute!" EeDeChi exclaimed in excitement. This was her first impression of the cat.


    "Technically, this isn''t a cat." Barrett pinched one of the cat''s soft little paws but didn''t feel any sharp claws hidden in the pads.


    He pressed a few times on the cat''s translucent, crystal belly and concluded, "It''s a slime that has taken on the shape of a cat."


    The cat actually nodded its round little head, as if acknowledging that.


    "It can understand you," EeDeChi said, cradling the cat''s front limbs and holding it close to her chest.


    "Creatures like this possess self-awareness and advanced intelligence." Barrett rubbed the cat''s head, and the little creature squinted, lowering its head, clearly enjoying the affection. Barrett had to admit, this "cat" was undeniably adorable.


    "If it has self-awareness..." EeDeChi activated her Innate Talent to check if the cat had something called Justice Value.


    She didn''t expect much, but when she checked, EeDeChi was absolutely stunned. She raised the cat high and exclaimed:


    "It has a Justice Value of... 368!!!"


    EeDeChi hugged the cat tightly, joyfully saying, "That''s it! I''m keeping it! From now on, it''s the third member of our adventurer team!"


    "With a Justice Value this high and looking this cute, it''s basically the perfect creature!" EeDeChi petted the plump cat in her arms. "I''ve always thought that if I had a cat, I''d end up rubbing all its fur off. But now, this one has no fur, so I can rub it all I want."


    "Wait a minute," Barrett said, looking puzzled. "Is this the cat that the lord and knights are hunting?"

 Chapter 125: The Cats Tale

    Outside the castle, the shouts of people and the crackling of the bonfire filled the air as lords and knights continued their search for the wicked cat known as "Cheeko."


    Barrett raised the cat with both arms, his bright blue eyes locking with the cat''s dark, slitted ones. With a serious expression, he asked, "Are they looking for you?"


    The cat nodded obediently.


    "Why would they be after a little kitten?" EeDeChi asked, clearly confused.


    "This isn''t a little kitten¡ªit''s a fat cat," Barrett corrected EeDeChi''s mistake.


    He gently placed the fat cat on the bed. Lying on its back, the cat stared at them with wide, round black eyes, its plump belly spread out like a cat pancake, wearing an utterly harmless expression.


    "If it could talk, it would tell us why the lord is chasing it down," Barrett said, "but all it can do is meow."


    The cat seemed to understand Barrett''s words. It flipped over, stood up, and jumped off the bed with surprising agility.


    It scurried into the backpack Barrett had set on the floor, rummaging around a bit before emerging with a piece of parchment and a white quill clutched in its mouth.


    "Is it¡­ trying to write?" Barrett gasped in shock.


    The cat nodded obediently, prompting Barrett to quickly retrieve an ink bottle from his spatial ring. He unscrewed the cap and set the bottle on the ground.


    Using its front paw, the cat spread out the parchment and gently bit the middle of the quill. It dipped the tip into the ink, coating it in black, then rubbed the nib against the bottle''s rim to scrape off any excess drops.


    Both EeDeChi and Barrett were stunned. Its actions were so practiced that it was obvious this wasn''t the first time it had written¡ªnot held a pen, but actually written by biting it.


    With both front paws, the cat smoothed out the creases on the parchment, held the quill in its mouth, and began writing with meticulous care.


    Once again, this magical cat surpassed EeDeChi''s and Barrett''s expectations. Its handwriting was neat and elegant, almost rivaling the printed calligraphy in books. Barrett silently admitted that his own handwriting could never compare to the cat''s.


    The writing it produced wasn''t the "cat language" EeDeChi had guessed¡ªit was the common language both adventurers knew well. Soon, a line of elegant cursive letters appeared on the parchment:


    {Hello, I''m Cheeko, and I''m a cat.}


    Barrett gazed at Cheeko''s crystalline sky-blue body and was moved by the thought¡ªit truly believed itself to be a cat. Crouching down, Barrett asked, "Why does the lord want to kill you?"


    The cat''s pointed ears twitched, and with a soft rustle, it began to write on the parchment:


    {A long time ago, I was born, and my mother passed down her knowledge to me. I was very curious about the world outside and wanted to explore it. I left my mother''s body, rolling off in one direction.


    {In the forest, I encountered an orange creature, all furry and several times my size. It pounced on me and bit me.


    EeDeChi and Barrett nodded in understanding¡ªafter all, Cheeko wasn''t an ordinary cat; it was essentially a peculiar creature, much like a slime.


    {Then, a little girl ran over. She was more than ten times my size. She cried at me, saying I had killed her cat. Her cry was loud and piercing. I was very frightened.}


    "Then you also swallowed her?" Barrett asked, momentarily at a loss for words.


    The cat shook its head and continued writing:


    {She said I had to compensate her for her cat. My mother had taught me that "compensation" was paid with round metal coins¡ªsomething called "money." I had no money, and I panicked.


    {At that moment, I discovered my body was changing. I sprouted a head, limbs, a mouth, ears, and a tail¡ªeverything looked a lot like the cat I''d swallowed.


    {The little girl said that if I didn''t pay, it was okay, but I had to become her pet. I agreed, and she carried me back to the castle, becoming my owner.


    {Her parents and siblings loved her dearly, but from birth, she had suffered from a strange illness. Her body was weak, and no magic or medicine could cure her.


    {I sensed that my owner was under a curse, her life force being siphoned away, but I didn''t know how to help. I could only play with her, talk with her, and do my best to bring her joy. Even writing was something she had taught me.}Stolen novel; please report.


    {Because the owner was sick and had difficulty moving, she could only stay near the castle¡ªand she had grown tired of every corner of it. To lift her spirits, I shared all the knowledge passed down from my mother with her.}


    {The world outside was vast and beautiful, and both the owner and I longed to see it. Once, the two of us snuck out together, but we were quickly caught by the servants. From then on, she was kept under strict watch, confined to the castle as she convalesced¡­}


    The cat''s narration flowed like a babbling brook. EeDeChi couldn''t help but imagine a little girl in a dress sitting on stone steps bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, with petals scattered all over.


    The well-behaved cat lay beside her, holding a quill in its mouth as it scribbled on a pale yellow piece of parchment. The little mistress tilted her head, speaking to the cat, and it replied with neatly written words on the parchment.


    "Isn''t that heartwarming?" EeDeChi murmured softly.


    {But later,}


    The cat''s head drooped, and the quill''s tip began to tremble slightly.


    {The owner grew weaker, and her condition never improved. That day, she passed away.}


    The cat released the quill from its mouth, and the delicate feathered pen fell silently to the ground¡ªjust like the sorrowful ending it had described about its little mistress. It crouched down, resting its head on its two front paws, its body trembling softly as if in tears.


    EeDeChi knelt down and gently stroked the cat''s head in comfort.


    The cat named Cheeko picked up the quill once more, dipped it in ink, gathered its resolve, and continued writing. This time, its strokes were forceful, each line laden with raw anger.


    {The last healer for the owner was a highly respected master potion-maker. The owner''s father had summoned him, and he vowed that he could cure her illness. But in reality, he was utterly powerless and failed to save her life.}


    {His vow shattered, yet to salvage his own ugly reputation, he actually pinned the blame on me!}


    Cheeko used an exclamation mark for the first time, slashing the quill forcefully across the parchment, their anger unmistakably overflowing.


    {He concocted a seemingly well-reasoned lie, claiming that I had devoured the owner''s life force, and that it was because she was with me every moment that she fell into Death''s embrace.}


    {But in reality, I can only consume physical entities¡ªI cannot devour intangible life force. Moreover, under the owner''s guidance, apart from feasting on crystals, I haven''t eaten anything else for a long time.}


    {However, people would rather trust a potion master with a long beard than trust a cat that can write.}


    {I almost got killed, fled from the castle with nowhere to go, so I decided to leave and travel.}


    {To prevent the spread of the owner''s illness, the mage suggested that she be cremated. I suddenly remembered that, while she was alive, the owner had always longed to explore the world beyond the castle.}


    {So, before the owner''s ashes were buried, I stole the urn, allowing me to take her with me as I journeyed across the vast world.}


    "That''s wonderful." Even Barrett felt a strange sense of romance.


    A cat, for the sake of the owner''s lifelong wish, held her ashes close and resolutely set off to travel.


    Cheeko''s lifespan is nearly endless¡ªthey can sit on the grasslands watching the twinkling stars overhead, ride a stormy sea vessel and witness the ebb and flow of the tides, marvel at the dazzling auroras in the far north, and, atop high mountains, gaze at the world''s fireworks.


    "If you''ve already gone traveling, why are you still here?" EeDeChi asked, looking down at the writing cat.


    Cheeko flattened its ears back, as if it had done something terribly wrong. Clutching the quill in its mouth, it wrote:


    {The owner''s urn was too big for me to carry, so I tucked it inside my body. The next day, when I woke up, I discovered that the urn... had been digested by me...}


    EeDeChi and Barrett exchanged glances, stunned by the unexpected outcome. Perhaps even Cheeko had forgotten that, at its core, it wasn''t a cat at all but a Slime-like creature capable of devouring anything it can envelop.


    With its head hanging low and a dejected look on its face, Cheeko continued writing:


    {I made a huge mistake. I ran back to the castle, and all that remained to hold the owner''s memory were her belongings. The owner''s parents never cleaned her room, keeping it just as it was, so I often snuck back to hide in there.


    {The owner''s parents despised me¡ªevery time I showed up, they wanted to kill me...}


    EeDeChi and Barrett were at a loss for words. Cheeko had stolen the lord''s daughter''s urn and had even accidentally swallowed it... No wonder the lord wanted to kill it.


    The cat continued writing:


    {Later, I realized that my owner''s urn had merged with my body, and she now lives in my heart. At a banquet, I overheard that you were world travelers¡ªmay I join you on your journey?}


    It released the quill, sat obediently, and looked up at EeDeChi and Barrett with eyes like black jewels, brimming with hope.


    "Hold on, you keep sneaking into the owner''s room just to remember her," Barrett said, glancing around at the room with its feminine decor and the girl-favorite books on the shelves. "This room we''re staying in¡ªcould it be the bedroom that the lord''s daughter once occupied?"


    {Yes.} Cheeko wrote truthfully.


    "That''s outrageous!" EeDeChi exclaimed in frustration. "What kind of parents would let guests stay in their daughter''s room from when she was alive?"


    "They''re using us." Barrett paused for a moment before continuing, "The lord knew Cheeko would inevitably dash into his daughter''s bedroom, so he arranged for us to stay here. He''s counting on us to catch Cheeko."


    EeDeChi nodded in agreement. The lord''s plan was truly ingenious¡ªhe turned out to be quite cunning, far from the mild and simple demeanor he appeared to have.


    "Knock, knock, knock." A knocking sound came from outside the room. EeDeChi frowned, shoved Cheeko into the backpack, and Barrett went to open the door.


    When the door opened, sure enough, the lord Martin Smith, holding a lantern, was smiling at them. When he saw the glittering gemstone lantern in Barrett''s hand, his eyes lit up with uncontrollable anticipation.


    Martin asked, "Honored guests, have you seen a sky-blue cat? It is an evil cat cursed by magic that killed my little daughter and inflicted irreparable harm on my entire family! I must kill it to lift the curse."


    Barrett exchanged a glance with EeDeChi, silently asking, "Are we supposed to hand Cheeko over?" After all, Cheeko had stolen the daughter''s urn¡ªa grave mistake indeed.


    EeDeChi gave a barely noticeable shake of her head and whispered, so softly only Barrett could hear, "Let''s take it with us."


    Barrett said to the lord, "Sorry, we haven''t seen any cat or anything like that. If there really was one, I promise it won''t trouble your life again."


    "Really?" Martin Smith''s gaze lingered on EeDeChi for a full two seconds. He left hesitantly, his figure fading into the darkness.


    In the darkness, he looked back, his eyes flashing with doubt and confusion¡ªmixed with a hint of astonishment and anger...

 Chapter 126: The Trace of the Dragon Progenitor

    The winter morning was slightly damp and chilly, the world completely still. A faint light began to appear on the distant horizon, gently illuminating the pale blue sky as the new day began.


    Barrett and EeDeChi lingered outside the castle for a moment, breathing in the fresh air that lingered in the mist. On a nearby stone step, a half-elf priestess with silver hair, draped in a white cotton robe, clasped her hands together in prayer. Green gemstone jewelry, shaped like willow leaves, wrapped around her arms as she bowed her head in morning prayer.


    A young man in a dark red robe crouched beside her, lazily chewing on a sweet grass root he had just dug up from the ground. They were adventurers hired by the lord, and had naturally been granted permission to stay in the castle.


    The half-elf girl''s soft prayer drifted on the breeze:


    "¡­Elariontha, my most revered goddess, in our journey through life, you give us the light of hope, your love endures through the ages.


    "You uphold us with your loving hands, protect us with your warm embrace. When we are sad, you comfort us; when we face hardship, you help us; when we are ill, you heal us. We receive your blessings, walking the path you delight in¡­


    "¡­To the supreme and omnipotent Dragon Progenitor, may your blazing light shine upon me, driving away the darkness in my heart; may your bloodline cleanse me, removing my filth; may you bestow upon me the power to spread my wings and soar, transcending my limits¡­


    "Looking up to your mighty power, I yearn for you to ignite my blood. I am willing to offer my soul and life in sacrifice, seeking the strength that flows in the boiling blood¡­"


    Once the priestess finished her prayer, she jumped down the stone steps and sweetly greeted the two "travelers."


    Barrett, puzzled, called out to her:


    "Just now, I heard your prayer. It seems like you prayed to two deities. The second one was ''Dragon Progenitor,'' right? Isn''t that a faith from outside your elven pantheon?"


    The young man in the dark red robe quickly responded: "She''s praying for me. My father follows the Dragon Progenitor, so I do too. But all this praying stuff is really a hassle, so I let the professionals handle it."


    The young man in the red robe, Dravenir Drakos, ruffled his dark brown hair, giving a somewhat embarrassed grin. He had once told Barrett that his father was a half-dragon bandit.


    "He''s just too lazy," the half-elf girl, Emily Darcy, shook her head helplessly. "Anyway, the prayer for Dragon Progenitor is short, so I just help him with his morning prayer."


    "Can you really pray for someone else?" EeDeChi was amazed at how many oddballs existed in this world, though she considered herself one of them. "This god called ''Dragon Progenitor'' doesn''t have anything to do with the elven gods, right?"


    "''Dragon Progenitor'' is a deity worshipped by some of the dragonborn. It''s probably an ancient Dragon Lord from long ago," the half-elf girl said nonchalantly. "Anyway, ''Dragon Progenitor'' has never appeared, so, goddess Elariontha won''t mind me doing this."


    "Don''t insult my faith," Dravenir said proudly. "According to legend, as long as your faith is sincere enough, you can give up everything and summon Dragon Progenitor, who will descend with unmatched power to save the dragonborn."


    "Then please pray yourself from now on. I won''t insult your faith," the half-elf priestess smiled as she walked away. Dravenir hurriedly caught up to her and quickly changed his tune, saying that she could insult Dragon Progenitor all she wanted.


    EeDeChi couldn''t help but murmur, "Looks like this ''Dragon Progenitor'' really isn''t that impressive."


    ¡­


    The lord, his eldest daughter, his wife, two adventurers, and two "travelers" were seated around a long table, enjoying breakfast freshly served by the castle cook.


    The breakfast was quite lavish. The bread, made from wheat flour, was perfectly baked with a golden crust and an irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. Slices of cured ham, cheese, and pancakes with fried potato shreds stacked on a porcelain plate, each one more tempting than the last.


    After the frozen milk melted, it was mixed with maple syrup, brought to a boil, and cooled to room temperature, resulting in a sweet and rich taste. As for the oatmeal porridge, mutton soup, and fried cured meat, there was no shortage of variety.


    Everyone had a small porcelain bowl of butter next to them. The group leisurely sliced their bread, spread the butter with their knives, and dipped it into the steaming hot mutton bone broth, chewing it slowly.


    ...


    Halfway through the meal, a servant pushed open the door and hurried in, whispering something into Martin Smith''s ear. Martin''s face immediately darkened. He apologized to the others at the table and quickly left.


    Soon, the sound of an argument could be heard¡ªLord Martin Smith was in a heated debate with someone, until a haughty voice cut him off.


    Martin returned to the dining room reluctantly, followed by a fully armored man, wearing a longsword at his side and gleaming half plate armour. The man was accompanied by a gaunt, pale old mage. The man''s half plate was clearly made from a mix of Mithril and Adamantite, high-quality materials adorned with a family crest inlaid with gold¡ªelegant and intricate.


    Martin Smith introduced them: the man was Angus Waverly, the Marquis, and the old mage was a high-level sorcerer. Angus Waverly had heard that the statues guarding treasure in the nearby forest had awakened and were defeated, so he led a group of family knights and mages to search for the treasure.


    Angus Waverly held the title of Marquis, two ranks higher than Martin Smith''s title of Viscount, so Martin had no choice but to greet him with the utmost respect.


    Martin Smith spoke gently: "Waverly Marquis, you''ve arrived so early. Would you like to sit down and have some breakfast?"


    "No need," Angus Waverly glanced disdainfully at the food on the table, his tone arrogant. "I led my men through the night, and I didn''t come here for peasant food."Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    He looked down his nose, sneering as he surveyed the "travelers" and adventurers in the room. "Let''s go, immediately. I heard the travelers you hired defeated the stone giant. Have them come along and lead the way."


    Angus flicked his red silk cape on the back of his armor and turned to leave. The high-level mage, with his eyes half-closed, said nothing and followed him out of the dining room.


    "That guy''s a piece of work," EeDeChi muttered angrily as she spooned some oatmeal into her mouth.


    "He''s just a well-fed noble with nothing better to do," Barrett whispered. "What''s his Justice Value?"


    "I haven''t checked his Justice Value yet," EeDeChi mumbled, still chewing the oatmeal. "But I''m pretty sure, anyone who interrupts breakfast isn''t a good person."


    That being said, in light of Lord Martin Smith''s hospitality¡ªproviding them with excellent food and lodging¡ªBarrett and EeDeChi, the two "travelers," along with Dravenir and Emily, the two adventurers, all set out. They followed the others to the spot where the stone golem had been destroyed yesterday.


    Marquis Waverly brought along a small but well-equipped group of knights, as well as an old mage riding a white horse, exuding an air of calm confidence.


    On the other hand, Martin Smith''s group only had a few scattered knights and eight or nine yawning militia guards. Angus glanced at their appearances, his disdain growing even more apparent.


    According to the old mage, hundreds of years ago, a legendary wizard had tried to transform himself into a lich. However, due to the low purity of the magic crystals he had purchased from unscrupulous merchants, the ritual failed.


    At the brink of death, in order to ensure his lifetime''s collection of treasures wouldn''t be stolen, he used his final magic to scatter his wealth and magical items, sending them flying like meteors across the world. The stone golem guarding the treasure in the forest was one of his hidden hoards.


    The group quickly arrived at the edge of the forest, where the stone giant''s massive footprints had once trampled the ground, leaving only a pile of broken stone fragments. The only remnants were several large, solid footprints in the frozen earth, proving that these stone shards had once formed the body of the stone golem.


    "Kid, I heard you''re the one who defeated the statue guardian and got hailed as a hero?" Angus Waverly, riding on horseback, trotted up to EeDeChi and asked coldly.


    EeDeChi turned her head away in disdain and ignored him. She pulled her scarf up a little higher, covering her face more thoroughly, leaving only her bright black eyes visible.


    Barrett quickly stepped in to explain, saying his companion didn''t like talking much.


    "Heh, I get it," Angus smirked, riding off. "People who''ve never seen much tend to get full of themselves. In this backwater town, you defeat some random stone golem and suddenly you''re a hero? That title is way too easy to earn."


    He drew the sword from his silver-armored waist and twirled it in his hand, the blade flashing with a cold, high-level enchantment. "If I were fighting the stone golem constructs, with my family''s sacred sword, ''Breath of the Cold Wind,'' I could cut that golem into four pieces in three strikes."


    Nearby, a servant immediately offered a compliment, saying that Marquis Waverly had been practicing martial arts since he was eight, excelling in horseback riding and martial arts.


    Angus raised his sword to silence the flatterer. "Enough. I''m tired of hearing these empty praises. A strong person becomes strong not because of others'' compliments, but because of their own abilities."


    EeDeChi snorted and, with Barrett, skirted around the pile of broken stones, heading into the forest.


    "Adventurer, you lead the way," Angus said, pointing his sword at the young man in the red robe, Dravenir Drakos. "I hope your brain isn''t numbed by alcohol and you still remember the way to the treasure..."


    Before he could finish his sentence, a sound like a meteor falling struck the ground, and a deafening roar shook the earth. The knights and militia guards looked up in shock and quickly turned their horses around, fleeing.


    Marquis Angus Waverly nervously turned his head, his eyes filled with dread as a towering stone golem filled his view.


    The stone golem that suddenly appeared lowered its massive head slightly, its giant stone eyes locking onto Angus Waverly, who was only about ten steps away.


    "HELP!" Angus screamed, panicked, struggling to even hold onto the reins. Fortunately, his powerful destrier sensed the danger and immediately bolted, galloping away. Angus clung desperately to the horse''s neck, nearly falling off.


    But he didn''t manage to outrun the stone golem''s reach. The imposing creature leaned down slightly, and with two stone fingers, it pinched Angus Waverly''s luxurious red cloak, lifting him off the ground. Just moments ago, Angus had been strutting around, full of himself, but now he dangled in mid-air, flailing his limbs and crying for help.


    He raised his proud family''s sacred sword, Breath of the Cold Wind, and struck at the stone golem''s fingers, but it was futile. The sword didn''t even leave a scratch on the stone surface.


    The knights, who had been fleeing in panic, finally came to their senses. They shouted the slogan "Protect the Marquis!" as they rode their horses in circles around the stone golem, throwing spears at its legs.


    The stone golem lifted its right foot and stomped the ground with such force that it felt like an earthquake had hit. The massive shockwave sent knights and horses tumbling, throwing them off their mounts. The horses, spooked, scrambled to their feet and fled, ignoring their fallen riders.


    Fortunately, the stone golem seemed to be interested in nothing but Marquis Angus Waverly. It didn''t trample the fallen knights, instead staring at Angus with its stone eyes, as though pondering what kind of creature he was.


    The fallen knights scrambled to their feet and fled, with a few other cavalrymen rushing over to help them onto their horses.


    Poor Angus Waverly screamed in agony, trapped under the golem''s fingers, flailing like a monkey. His legs kicked and squirmed, and the area around his pants grew darker and damp, with the wetness spreading continuously.


    Marquis  Angus Waverly had peed his pants.


    Seeing that the stone golem had no intention of harming anyone, some people¡ªwho just couldn''t resist watching trouble unfold¡ªstopped from their panicked retreat. They pointed and laughed at Angus, hanging in mid-air, held by the golem.


    "HAHAHAHAHA!" The adventurer Dravenir Drakos was the first to burst out laughing.


    Elite adventurers were the ones who looked down the most on noble and royal authority. Even if the person wetting their pants was the king, the adventurers would still be in stitches.


    Dravenir''s laughter sparked the powder keg of humor, and the militia, armed with spears and short swords, began laughing loudly as well, mocking the disgrace of Marquis Angus Waverly.


    Lord Martin Smith tightly pressed his lips together, forcibly suppressing his own laughter. His knights, following the knightly code, did their best not to join the militia in their loud laughter.


    The old mage, who had been pacing around the stone golem, finally couldn''t sit still anymore. He pulled out his staff from his spatial ring, raised it high, and began chanting a long spell. A 4th-tier spell, Thunderstrike, hit the stone golem''s knee, but it only caused a puff of gray mist. The golem stood unmoved.


    The long-absent EeDeChi and Barrett appeared beside the stone golem. EeDeChi gazed at the stone golem, raised her arm, and a dazzling array of magical rings appeared around her wrist.


    5th-tier spell, Earthshattering Quake!


    A blinding white light exploded at the golem''s feet, sending up a cloud of dirt that temporarily obscured EeDeChi''s figure.


    "It''s a 5th-tier spell! You''re a transcendent-level mage who has entered the Hero domains!" The old mage stared blankly at EeDeChi, forgetting to lower his raised staff. "I¡­ I''ve lived so many years, and I still can''t even recognize a Hero."


    EeDeChi watched Angus Waverly, who was still dangling in mid-air, flailing and screaming. She laughed uncontrollably for a moment, holding her stomach. Then, she secretly took out the magical item she had obtained not long ago¡ªthe Constructs Storage Box.


    Inside the Constructs Storage Box, there had originally been a small metal figure and a small stone sculpture, but now the stone sculpture''s spot was empty.


    Taking advantage of the dust and debris flying through the air from the magic, EeDeChi held the Constructs Storage Box, silently commanding, "Return to the box."


    The towering stone golem, just like how it had appeared suddenly, vanished in an instant. With no support, Angus Waverly fell from mid-air and crashed heavily to the ground, immediately losing consciousness.


    the Constructs Storage Box in EeDeChi''s hand flickered, and the small stone sculpture reappeared.


    The knights who had come with Angus circled the unconscious Marquis five times before confirming the golem had indeed vanished. They picked up Angus Waverly and, their tails between their legs, left quickly.

 Chapter 127: To Summon or Not to Summon

    Scattered on the ground were several small packages, including iron cans of potato flour and oatmeal, leather-wrapped dried beef, and flattened white bread¡ªmostly foods that were convenient for long journeys.


    In addition, there were small boxes of pepper, rosemary, curry powder, and fine salt. It was clear that the owner of these goods was a gourmet who wouldn''t skimp on his meals.


    These items were purchased by the lord''s servant on Barrett''s behalf. Even though he and EeDeChi were regarded by the local people as "invincible warriors," the two still paid with gold coins.


    Barrett tied these large and small packages together with twine, dividing them into two large backpacks about half the height of a person. He and EeDeChi each took one, preparing to leave Lord Martin Smith''s castle and head south.


    Although they both had spatial rings, they still had to disguise themselves as "ordinary travelers." As soon as they reached a secluded corner, they would store the two large bundles into their spatial rings.


    EeDeChi also carried a small gray cloth bag, which seemed heavy, as though it contained an oval-shaped ball. If someone stared at this bag for a long time, they would notice it shaking slightly, as though there were something alive inside.


    Inside, of course, was Cheeko. EeDeChi and Barrett had promised to take it along on their journey. With a cute cat to pet now and then, it would surely help relieve the exhaustion of the long trip.


    "Warriors, thank you for everything you''ve done for the people of this land." Martin Smith shook his chin beard and looked away from the gray cloth bag on EeDeChi''s back, his face expressionless.


    He turned to Barrett and said, "Could you please tell me your true names? If your deeds are passed down among the people, they will want to know who it was that helped them."


    True names? Barrett furrowed his brows. During this time, the lord and the people around them had always called them "warriors" and never used their actual names. Barrett spoke up, "My name is Mongo Bartley."


    He pointed to EeDeChi, whose face was mostly covered by a scarf: "His name is Samus Clifford."


    Martin turned his gaze to EeDeChi and let out a soft sigh. "A warrior worth ten thousand gold coins, yet why are you helping such an evil cat?"


    "Did you recognize me?" EeDeChi''s eyes widened in shock, her hand instinctively clutching the bag around her waist that contained Cheeko.


    Martin smiled. "Just dyed your hair, and you''re bold enough to watch your own wanted poster with the onlookers. I have to say, a strong person''s courage and strength always go hand in hand, breaking through the sky without limit."


    EeDeChi stared at him coldly. "Do you want ten thousand gold coins too? Let me give you a piece of advice¡ªno matter how much money you have, if you don''t live to enjoy it, it''s nothing but a pile of worthless dirt."


    Barrett gripped the hilt of his sword and threatened in a low voice, "We''ve been fighting with the Sorcerer Kingdom for so long, and we''re not some benevolent, soft-hearted good guys. I wonder if your wife and daughter''s lives are worth more than ten thousand gold coins?"


    The three of them were in the castle''s main hall, just after noon, with not many people around. This tense conversation was only audible between the three of them.


    "Alright, alright," Martin Smith said, smiling and waving his hands. "Calm down, both of you. Ten thousand gold coins is indeed a large sum, but as a lord, I''m not short on money."


    It was hard to tell if his display of generosity was genuine. EeDeChi signaled for Barrett to sheathe his sword, which was still half-drawn, its cold gleam still visible. After all, they couldn''t really threaten to kill the lord''s entire family.


    A servant hurriedly ran into the hall, not noticing the serious and cold expressions on EeDeChi and Barrett''s faces. He spoke to the lord, "My lord, the Black Rider Spirits are here again. They''re here to inquire about the Stone Giant incident from yesterday."


    "Uninvited guests, one after another," Martin shook his head and walked out of the hall with the servant.


    EeDeChi and Barrett exchanged a glance. They stopped pretending to be "ordinary travelers," stowing their large bundles into their spatial rings and heading directly out of the castle.


    As soon as they reached the castle ramparts, they saw Martin Smith standing outside the gates, talking to two men dressed in black riding black horses.


    At first glance, the two men in black didn''t seem suspicious, but Barrett quickly noticed something strange. On the necks of the black horses were black holes, revealing stark white bones. The black-robed men wore hoods that covered their faces, leaving only hollow, sunken eye sockets, glowing with eerie blue light.


    Dead men riding dead horses. The worst part was that on the chests of the black-robed men, purple thread was embroidered with the Sorcerer Kingdom''s insignia. This could only mean one thing¡ªscouts from the Great Tomb of Nazarick.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Prepare for battle!" EeDeChi hid behind the wall, ready to draw her giant sword at any moment. She inadvertently noticed the lord''s second daughter hiding behind a stone pillar, curiously watching her father interact with the black-robed men.


    The black-robed men turned their horses and slowly rode away, seemingly unaware of anything. Martin Smith walked back to the castle and caught sight of EeDeChi''s hostile expression. He shrugged calmly, "Ten thousand gold coins slipped right through my fingers."


    "You didn''t report us?" EeDeChi stared at the shrewd middle-aged man. It was he who had initially tried to use EeDeChi and Barrett''s power to eliminate what he saw as the "evil cat" Cheeko.


    Martin smiled and greeted the girl hiding behind the pillar, his voice suddenly tinged with sorrow:


    "I have three children. My youngest daughter died from a bizarre illness called ''Death''s Kiss,'' and my eldest son sacrificed his life on the battlefield against the Sorcerer Kingdom. You''ve probably heard about it¡ªthe war, years ago, when Ainz Ooal Gown used earth-shaking magic to massacre over a hundred thousand of our soldiers.


    "Though on the battlefield everyone meets their fate, I still feel a deep anger. But I''m just an ordinary lord with no strength to seek revenge.


    "And now, with my help, those that the Sorcerer Kingdom was relentlessly hunting slipped right under their noses. This is probably the one thing that could keep me happy for a lifetime¡ªno amount of gold can ever buy it!"


    Martin Smith flashed an infectious grin as his second daughter ran across the cobblestone path, eagerly asking what it felt like to speak with the Dark Undead Knights. EeDeChi suddenly realized that this seemingly unremarkable father possessed a warm and radiant smile.


    Martin took a parchment scroll from his chest and handed it to EeDeChi. "The king has issued a command for all armies to cooperate with the Sorcerer Kingdom in tracking your whereabouts. This scroll contains the defense maps of my territory and the surrounding regions'' military positions. Maybe it''ll be useful to you."


    EeDeChi silently took the scroll. The two of them thanked Lord Martin Smith and mounted the highland brown horses they had purchased from nearby villagers. The horses'' hooves clattered over the cobblestone road in front of the castle as they gradually rode farther away...


    ...


    Midwinter had passed, and the snow had melted, but the weather had become even colder.


    The sky was a vast, pale gray, and a wide, winding river stretched into the distance. Along the riverbank stood a towering, swaying suspension bridge, with several guards on top of a high tower, constantly scanning the area below.


    With the defense map of the garrison given by the lord, Barrett and EeDeChi no longer had to choose muddy mountain paths to avoid detection. They quickly arrived at the Mirelle River in Cortshire. After some careful planning, they decided the best route was to follow the river downstream. It would save them energy and help them avoid patrols by the local militia.


    However, they didn''t have a boat. But that was no obstacle for the resourceful adventurers. EeDeChi and Barrett started chopping wood in the forest by the river. They combined logs and thick planks, bundled them with coarse hemp ropes, and applied a magical adhesive. Soon, a makeshift, rough boat was ready.


    As night fell and the sky darkened, the two adventurers quickly ate dinner, then carried the small boat and pushed it into the river. The narrow boat was just big enough for them to lie side by side.


    As the night grew deeper, everything fell silent. The twinkling stars gradually appeared in the sky, shining brightly, like scattered gold flakes on dark blue velvet.


    The plump cat, Cheeko, lay on Barrett''s chest. It looked up at the night sky, its round, bright black eyes reflecting the entire starry sky.


    EeDeChi lay in the open boat, reaching out to count the stars, trying to find a constellation or two. Bored, she took out the Bronze Seal and began tossing it in her hand. The ancient brass seal flew toward the deep night before falling back into EeDeChi''s palm.


    "It''s hard," EeDeChi sighed softly. She reflected on the events of the recent period. The goal of defeating the Great Tomb of Nazarick seemed far out of reach. To overcome the obstacles before them, they would need to grow stronger. But her strength was already at the peak of the world, and she didn''t know how to become stronger.


    The last of the Thirteen Heroes, Rigrit, had once told her that only by breaking through the world''s ceiling could one surpass the level 100 barrier. "Breaking through the world''s ceiling" was a concept that sounded absurd and mysterious, and to this day, EeDeChi hadn''t figured out how to do it.


    "I suggest you find a few strong teammates," Barrett said beside her. His broad hand stroked the cat on his chest, and Cheeko lazily squinted its eyes in contentment.


    EeDeChi sighed deeply. "Teammates are hard to find. The people in this world are too weak. Those with near level 100 strength are rarer than fish in a desert."


    She tossed the Bronze Seal high into the air, and suddenly the boat beneath them shook for a moment, shifting its position. The Bronze Seal fell into the river.


    Barrett looked up and breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out the boat had just hit a small rock, but there was no serious damage.


    "My Bronze Seal!" EeDeChi couldn''t stay calm. She quickly stood up and dove into the river. Within moments, she grabbed the seal and climbed back into the boat, her clothes dripping wet.


    EeDeChi valued the Bronze Seal far more than her own clothes. It was her exclusive magical item. She took out a white handkerchief from her spatial ring and wiped the seal clean, drying off the water stains.


    Suddenly, the Bronze Seal burst into bright golden light. The golden radiance detached from the seal and formed a line of text, which appeared in the dark night:


    [Hero''s Companion:


    [ When the holder is in adversity, a banned character can be summoned to assist in battle.


    [ Would you like to summon?]


    EeDeChi stared at the string of characters, her gaze lingering on the words "banned character" for a long time. She had a vague premonition that if she summoned it, something significant would happen.


    "Is our teammate here already?" Barrett exclaimed. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and summon!"


    EeDeChi gritted her teeth and silently murmured, "Yes, summon."


    The golden text vanished like smoke, and everything around them returned to silence. The only sound was the steady dripping of water from EeDeChi''s wet clothes onto the floor of the boat.


    "That''s it?" Barrett looked around, the night darkening as the small boat slowly drifted downstream, moving as though it were gliding on ice. "So... nothing? I thought there would be a beam of light from the sky and a powerful warrior would appear."


    EeDeChi was also a bit disappointed. Suddenly, the golden text reappeared:


    [Recruitment Event:


    [ Please, holder, post a recruitment ad to start the event.


    [Even those with conflicting ideals should join hands and move forward together.


    [Good luck.]

 Chapter 128: Fantastic Teammates and Where to Find Them

    The next day, EeDeChi and Barrett abandoned their ship and came ashore, arriving at Tansburg City. Tansburg City was located on a plain, built along a river, with frequent trade between surrounding towns, a thriving economy, and a highly mobile population. People came and went in the city, and various carriages entered and exited through the city gates, bringing goods and wealth.


    The two adventurers decided to begin their "recruitment" here. Barrett went to the tavern, the bulletin board, and the Adventurer''s Guild hall to post recruitment notices for their adventure team, while EeDeChi rented a small wooden house at a corner of the market in the city as an interview location.


    Everything is ready, just waiting for someone willing to bite the hook... No, wait, join the great cause of justice.


    They waited and waited, and the old man selling snow lotus fruit across from them had already sold half a basket, yet EeDeChi and Barrett''s booth had not attracted a single visitor. EeDeChi boredly sat behind the table, her head tilted, propping her chin up with one elbow.


    Cheeko stepped onto a stool and jumped up onto the table, sitting obediently. EeDeChi''s eyes lit up. "Since we have nothing to do, Cheeko, you can fill out the team application first."


    Cheeko looked up at her, meowed, seemingly not understanding the meaning behind EeDeChi''s words.


    EeDeChi pulled out some parchment and a quill, quickly writing out a Team Application and spreading it on the table. Cheeko stretched their front legs forward, arched their body high, lazily stretching, then walked over to the parchment, grabbed the quill with their mouth, and soon finished filling out the Team Application.


    Barrett leaned over to take a look and saw the following written on the paper:


    Name: Cheeko


    Race: Cat


    Abilities: Eating


    Hobbies: Eating crystals, glass, and other translucent things


    Aspirations: Eating, Sleeping, Travel Around the World


    What stood out as much as the word "eating" that filled the page was Cheeko''s neat and elegant handwriting, as if carved into stone. In contrast, EeDeChi''s handwriting was slanted, uneven, looking like it had been written by an earthworm crawling.


    "People are worse than cats, this is so frustrating," Barrett shook his head repeatedly.


    "This is cursive," EeDeChi defended herself. She scooped up Cheeko''s round, plump body. "I''ve decided! I officially appoint you as the scribe of the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team!"


    "Meow~" Cheeko happily chirped, indicating agreement.


    "Here, sign your name, then leave a paw print," EeDeChi pointed to the lower right corner of the parchment.


    Cheeko took the pen in their mouth, wrote their name, then dipped their little paw in the ink pot, pressing it onto the parchment, leaving behind a small, delicate paw print.


    A clear, melodic female voice rang from outside the room: "Excuse me, is this the adventurer interview location? I saw your recruitment ad outside."


    EeDeChi''s face lit up with joy: "Come in, come in, this is the place."


    But as she looked up to see the visitor''s appearance, her excited expression immediately faltered.


    The person entering was a young girl, dressed in shining grandmother-green armor that reached her knees. Her deep green eyes sparkled, and her long silver hair was tied into neat twin tails, giving off the air of a determined warrior.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    She wore a long sword at her waist, her figure slender and upright, her corset accentuating her graceful silhouette. The tight-fitting breastplate presented two inverted bowls on her chest, and the green skirt armor barely covered her thighs, revealing most of her long, fair legs.<figure></figure>


    EeDeChi glared at the girl''s outfit, displeased, and asked, "What''s your name?"


    "Ikusa Otome Suvia," the girl replied, sitting straight in the chair.


    "Your Justice Value is quite high," EeDeChi activated her Innate Talent and glanced at the girl''s Justice Value. She then pushed a piece of parchment toward the girl. "Fill out your personal details first. If there''s a position that suits you, I''ll let you know right away."


    The girl noticed the displeasure in EeDeChi''s eyes. She pouted, filled out her personal details, and left in a huff.


    "Next."


    A young girl in a luxurious palace-style gown stepped into the wooden room. She had bright golden hair and wore a crown made of golden threads shaped like a wreath. Her skin was fair, her face calm and gentle, and her hands were covered in silk gloves with lace trim. She exuded a noble aura, like a princess who had fallen from grace and ended up in the common folk.<figure></figure>


    "Who are you?"


    "Himekishi Olivia." The beautiful, graceful girl lifted her skirt and gave a slight curtsy, performing an elegant kneeling bow.


    EeDeChi sighed and pushed a piece of parchment toward her. "Fill out your personal details. You''re excellent, please be patient and wait for us to notify you."


    After the girl finished filling out the form, she turned and left, leaving behind only a faint, almost imperceptible floral fragrance.


    "Wearing such a long skirt? How do you fight in that?" EeDeChi complained. "Is there really no female warrior with a muscular build and a strong physique? A male warrior would do too."


    As soon as she finished speaking, a man with a broad, muscular build stepped forward. He had thick brows and steely eyes, dressed in dark clothes and wearing black metal boots. His exposed skin had a healthy, tanned complexion.


    He carried a dark giant sword on his back, and his thick, muscular arms looked like they were forged from steel. The red shoulder guards were engraved with a dog''s head and a long sword.<figure></figure>


    The man sat heavily in the chair, the wooden seat creaking under his weight.


    "I''m here to apply!" The man''s voice was firm and powerful.


    EeDeChi breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally, someone normal. So, what''s your name? What''s your background?"


    "My name is Vult, from Kuroinu. I''m the leader of the mercenary group Black Dogs, the king among mercenaries!"


    EeDeChi nodded. "I can tell, you''re a battle-hardened warrior. What are your ideals? Do you have any plans for your future?"


    The man waved his hand, pointing ahead with a firm declaration, "I''m going to make the Great Tomb of Nazarick into a Service Nation! Destruction, burning, looting, and violating everything!"


    "Well, aren''t you just awesome," EeDeChi raised an eyebrow as she checked the man''s Justice Value. "Your Justice Value is -260, don''t you think that''s a bit low?"


    "Hah, what''s a Justice Value?" The man''s gaze was filled with contempt, dismissing it entirely.


    "Alright then," EeDeChi waved her hand dismissively. "Next."


    ...


    By noon, according to EeDeChi''s standards, there still hadn''t been a single qualified person. Barrett advised, "Maybe you should relax your standards a bit. A lower Justice Value could still be acceptable."


    "No, no, no!" EeDeChi shook her head vigorously, speaking with firm conviction. "Justice Value is a hard requirement! It''s the most important thing to me! Anyone with a Justice Value below -100 is scum and can forget about joining our adventurer team!"


    A handsome young man with a somewhat sleazy look peeked his head through the door. He glanced at EeDeChi and Barrett, then walked into the wooden room, a girl with light pink hair following closely behind him.<figure></figure>


    The young man was tall and well-built, draped in a dark green cloak and wearing shiny silver armor. He flashed a grin, revealing a row of sharp, shark-like teeth, and introduced himself:


    "My name is Rance, and this is my assistant, Sill Plain."


    The girl with fluffy hair, Sill, tightly clung to Rance''s arm, nervously glancing at EeDeChi with an anxious expression on her face.


    This was the first time someone had come with an assistant to apply. EeDeChi glanced at both of their Justice Values¡ªboth were above 50. The adventurer leader finally showed a satisfied smile.


    "Please fill out the form. Can you wait in the next room? We still need to do the final review of the resumes."


    Rance nodded and, pulling Sill along, left.

 Chapter 129: Franco

    EeDeChi was sorting through a stack of applicant materials, while she and Barrett sifted through the papers, complaining along the way.


    "After all this effort, only a handful of decent candidates showed up. The female knights have high levels of justice, but either their outfits are too revealing or their behavior is too flirtatious. As for the male warriors, they''re all strong, but their Justice Value is so low it''s practically in the gutter."


    "I think that young guy named Rance meets the criteria," Barrett said.


    EeDeChi nodded. "He''s the only one who seems somewhat reliable."


    "Clap... clap... clap, clap, clap! Clap! Clap!..." A series of intense collisions of flesh resounded from next door, interspersed with the low, suppressed gasps of a girl.


    "Who''s clapping outside?" EeDeChi frowned. "Go check, tell them to move farther away, don''t let them disturb our recruitment."


    Barrett turned and left the wooden house. He returned shortly, wearing an unreadable expression.


    "What happened outside?" EeDeChi asked.


    "Uh... how should I put this? Never mind, I''ll just say it straight¡ªRance is fucking Sill."


    "WHAT!" EeDeChi was furious. "In broad daylight, and in the middle of the marketplace, no less!"


    She drew her giant sword, kicked through the wooden wall, and charged out, shouting, "I''M GOING TO SLICE YOU TO PIECES, YOU BASTARD!"


    Rance, true to his elite warrior status, was incredibly fast. He lifted up his pants, scooped Sill into his arms, and sprinted off without a trace.


    EeDeChi chased for a few steps, but when she realized Rance had vanished, she could only stomp back to her original spot. The small recruitment cabin had collapsed from her kick, and Barrett, holding Cheeko, looked at her helplessly. "You scared off the only decent candidate we had left."


    "Sigh!" EeDeChi covered her forehead with a hand and let out a deep breath. "Why is it that all the weirdos are showing up to apply? The only normal ones are those girls, but their clothes are either flashy and useless or too revealing and provocative. It''s clear they''re not cut out for fighting."


    "I''ve never seen or heard of any of these people before, and their style of clothing isn''t local either," Barrett said. "Could this be related to the ''banned character''?"


    "Well..." EeDeChi frowned, thinking it over.


    She suddenly felt something was off. The noise she made when she kicked down the wooden cabin was pretty loud, and this was a bustling marketplace. Normally, a bunch of people would''ve noticed by now.


    Everything around her was silent. It was as if time had stopped, space had frozen, and the actions of the surrounding crowd had come to a complete halt.


    The people walking had their left and right feet separated in mid-step. An old woman buying spices had a frozen smile on her face, and the small copper spatula she was holding was suspended in the air. The rosemary, which should have fallen into the customer''s bag, hung motionless in midair.


    A child was tugging on his mother''s hand. His feet were off the ground, frozen in the midst of a "jump," and his playful expression looked like a finely sculpted plaster statue.


    Barrett stared at the bizarre scene, and Cheeko in his arms looked up at him with a questioning "meow," clearly confused by the situation.


    EeDeChi''s hawk-like gaze scanned the surroundings. It didn''t take long for her to spot the fourth living being in the marketplace, besides herself, Barrett, and Cheeko.


    It was a young man with strikingly handsome features. His bright golden hair was neatly combed, and his eyes were an uncommon shade of violet, like crystal beads embedded with violet flower petals. He wore a well-tailored wizard''s robe, and a silver brooch adorned his chest, with sapphires and rubies embedded in it, forming a delicate six-pointed star pattern.


    EeDeChi kept her eyes fixed on him, her brow furrowed deeply. She wasn''t attracted by the man''s looks; it was the man''s behavior that was utterly repulsive. His actions right now were as sleazy as they come, completely at odds with his handsome appearance.


    The young man held a cyan magic wand in his right hand, and a beautiful girl frozen in motion stood beside him. His left hand slithered like a snake around her waist and hips, caressing her sexy body.


    EeDeChi furrowed her brow. She was certain that this sleazy guy was the one who had cast the time-stop spell, freezing everyone in place so he could freely indulge his disgusting behavior.


    "STOP!" EeDeChi charged forward in a blur, driving her knee into the man''s face. He barely had time to react before his nose exploded with blood, and he was sent flying backward, crashing into a fruit vendor''s stall.


    "Why''d you hit me?!" The young man clutched his nose, blood pouring out, and angrily demanded an explanation.


    "Well, look at that. You can still get up." EeDeChi was slightly surprised. Though she had held back her strength, a regular person would have been knocked out cold or at least concussed from a hit like that.


    She rolled up her sleeves. "I''ll hit you a few more times, and you''ll understand why."


    "Don''t get too cocky!" The man shook his wand, and sparks exploded from the tip, sending a column of fiery magic straight at EeDeChi.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Caught off guard, EeDeChi was hit by the magic, but it did nothing to her. The spell passed through her like air, utterly harmless.


    "Such a shame," the man muttered, looking disappointed. "With magic resistance like that, but you''re a wild and untamable girl." He cast a quick healing spell on himself to stop the bleeding from his nose.


    He raised his wand again, his arm jerking violently as he cast ten death curses in rapid succession. The green light of the spells shot toward EeDeChi like long, sharp spikes targeting every part of her body. EeDeChi twisted and turned, easily dodging each and every curse.


    The man smirked. "Nice figure, but your personality is so spoiled and unruly¡ªdefinitely not my type."


    But his smirk didn''t last long. EeDeChi charged forward like a streak of black lightning, her fist slamming into his chin with brutal force.


    The sound of fist meeting jaw rang out like the toll of a heavy bell. The man''s eyes went vacant, and his two white front teeth, with a string of saliva still attached, flew out of his mouth. They landed like a rag, crumpling in the corner of the wall, and he groaned in pain, unable to stop.


    "Now do you know why I''m hitting you?" EeDeChi asked, feeling satisfied and ready to back off.


    The young man with golden hair was disheveled now, but he still tightly gripped his magic wand. "I will bow down only to a beautiful woman''s charm, but I''ll never submit to a woman''s fist!" He staggered to his feet, casually brushing off the dust from his clothes. "Come on, woman, let''s go for round two. Let''s see who can last longer in a hundred rounds of battle!"


    Barrett, who had been watching from the sidelines, was shocked. He had expected someone to end up dead, but this tall, lanky blonde guy seemed to take a beating way better than he thought. Cheeko, perched on Barrett''s shoulder, was staring intently at the situation, not blinking once, fully focused on what would happen next.


    EeDeChi cracked her neck, then suddenly sprang into action. Her foot stomped the ground, causing cracks to spread out like a spiderweb. In the blink of an eye, she had closed the distance and was right in front of the blonde man, her massive fist reflected in his violet-colored pupils.


    "BOOM!" The man was sent flying, spinning 180 degrees in the air before crashing headfirst into the ground. But shockingly, he got back up again. His right eye was bruised and swollen, matching the color of his violet-colored eyes.


    "Brute strength can only defeat my body, but it cannot defeat my spirit!" The man pounded his chest, his voice booming with pride.


    "Buddy, maybe it''s time to stop talking. If you keep this up, you''re going to get yourself killed." Barrett sighed. He had once felt a shred of sympathy for the blonde man, but now he was starting to think the guy really had it coming.


    EeDeChi''s face remained expressionless as she calmly walked toward him, step by step. The man, terrified, took a step back and raised his wand, shouting, "Woman, prepare to kneel and beg for mercy! Oath of the God-Slayer, Eighth-Level Magic!!"


    Quick as lightning, EeDeChi drew a pen from her pocket. "Magic Repeater!"


    Oath of the God-Slayer!


    Oath of the God-Slayer!


    Oath of the God-Slayer!


    Four terrifying curses collided head-on, and the explosive shockwave created a massive crater where they stood. Three of the curses came from EeDeChi, and only one came from the man.


    The result was immediately clear. The man''s eyes bled, his golden hair began to smoke, and he collapsed to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.


    EeDeChi shook her head, sheathed her pen, and turned to leave. But to her surprise, the man hadn''t suffered serious injuries. Like a snake, he curled his body and, taking advantage of her moment of inattention, lunged at her¡­ and wrapped his arms around EeDeChi''s thigh.


    "Hey! What are you doing?!" EeDeChi jumped in shock, shaking her leg fiercely, but she couldn''t shake off the man, who was clinging to her leg like glue.


    His right eye was still swollen and bruised, but he clung to her thigh, unwilling to let go, his eyes full of desire. "Master, what magic did you just use? It was able to copy my spell. Are you the Magic Goddess? Please, teach me, Goddess."


    "Let go!" EeDeChi was both angry and anxious. She grabbed his face and tried to pull him off, but it was like trying to pull rubber bands apart¡ªthe man''s grip didn''t budge.


    He tilted his head up to look at her, his tone dripping with false sweetness, "If you don''t teach me to copy magic, I won''t let go."


    "Quit talking nonsense, let go!"


    "Nope, I won''t. I just won''t."


    ...


    The two struggled for a while longer, and EeDeChi''s face grew darker. "Last chance, are you letting go or not?"


    For a moment, the young man was stunned by her icy stare, but he still refused to give in. With a pitiful expression, he sighed, "I haven''t learned the magic, so I''m not letting go."


    His tone was unbearably sickly sweet, and he even raised his eyebrows, throwing her a flirtatious wink. EeDeChi felt a chill run down her spine, disgust creeping over her. She took a deep breath, her arms tensing, her wrist moving so fast it nearly broke the sound barrier. As she shouted in fury, her fists came down like hailstones in a snowstorm:


    "ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA!"


    In the continuous, densely woven storms of fists, the man finally lost consciousness, but his hands remained stiff and locked tightly onto EeDeChi''s thigh.


    As the man lost awareness, time began to flow again, and the people of the market¡ªyoung, old, and everyone in between¡ªreturned to their activities. EeDeChi and Barrett exchanged a helpless glance. Barrett hoisted the blonde man''s legs, and the three of them, along with the cat, staggered back to their lodging at the inn.


    ...


    Inside the inn, the blonde man slowly opened his eyes. The moment he did, he noticed Barrett was holding a long steel saw¡ªlike the kind used by lumberjacks¡ªand was hovering it over his arm, preparing to saw his hand off EeDeChi''s thigh.


    With a sudden jolt, the man quickly pulled his hand back, and EeDeChi''s thigh was finally freed.


    "Ah, the texture''s not bad," the man said, a somewhat lecherous smile creeping onto his face.


    Seeing this, EeDeChi raised her hand to slap him, but the man hurriedly dropped to his knees, speaking in a rush, "Please, let me join your adventurer team, I want to learn the magic of replication."


    His injuries had mysteriously healed, even his missing front teeth had grown back. His self-healing ability was so remarkable that even the well-traveled Barrett couldn''t help but click his tongue in amazement.


    After a brief discussion, Barrett and EeDeChi exchanged a look, both wondering if this guy was another "talent" sent by the "recruitment event."


    "It''s a pity his justice value is only 2. I''ve never seen such a low score for justice," EeDeChi said, her eyes filled with distaste as she looked at the blonde man.


    "Stop being so picky," Barrett whispered. "If we kick him out, all our efforts with the recruitment will be for nothing."


    "Fine," EeDeChi relented, motioning for the man to sit in a chair as she began the interview. As she put it, even if they had already made up their minds, the process still had to be followed.


    "Name?"


    "Franco."


    "Identity?"


    The man, who called himself "Franco," proudly raised his chin, declaring, "I am the noble prince of the human race, the legendary wizard adored by the goddess of magic, and the savior of lost girls!"


    "What can you do?"


    "I can concoct sleeping potions, love potions and arousal elixirs, excel in hypnotic magic and time-stop spells, master bondage rope art, command tentacled creatures, possess dexterous fingers and an agile tongue. By the way, I also have body shapeshifting abilities, but it''s limited to my ......"


    "Alright, enough of this." EeDeChi shrugged and signed Franco''s team application form. "Congratulations, you''ve become the fourth member of the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team."


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    You don''t need to look for the origin of the character Franco; he comes from an erotic novel I read a long time ago.

 Chapter 130: A Chance Encounter

    That night, after EeDeChi jumped into the river, the dye in her hair was washed away by the water, and it returned to its natural, smooth black short hair.


    Barrett still wanted to dye her hair, but EeDeChi said she didn''t want to look like a Super Saiyan. She wrapped a scarf around her face and put on a wide-brimmed felt hat to cover it up.


    In the inn room, Barrett pinned the map to the wall to show Franco their future route of action, while EeDeChi explained the strong enemies the adventuring team was facing to help the new member get up to speed quickly.


    "We are up against a very, very powerful enemy, a level 100 Demon Lord, Ainz Ooal Gown. He''s doing everything he can to hunt us down. He has several subordinates who are just as strong as he is, and he also has an unknown number of high-level magic items," EeDeChi said seriously to Franco.


    She said, "My own power is also level 100. The maximum level in this world is 100. I don''t want to hide anything from you. Honestly, right now, I have zero chance of defeating them. None at all! If we get surrounded by them, we''re dead for sure! If you want to leave the team, you can do so at any time. I won''t force you."


    "Hm¡­" Franco nodded lazily.


    Seeing Franco''s nonchalant attitude, EeDeChi felt a bit of relief. She thought, as long as he wasn''t afraid, they were already one step closer to beating Ainz.


    "Ainz has several level 100 subordinates. I''ll introduce them one by one, though only the ones I know about. There are surely more unknown level 100 characters in the Great Tomb of Nazarick," EeDeChi said. "The first one is Sebas Tian. Sebas specializes in close combat and can transform into a Dragonman."


    "Is it a woman?" Franco asked.


    "No."


    "The second one is Demiurge. A level 100 demon," EeDeChi continued.


    "Is it a woman?" Franco asked again.


    "No."


    "The third one is Cocytus, also a level 100 warrior."


    "Is it a woman?" Franco asked once more.


    "No!" EeDeChi''s fists were now clenched.


    "Ah-choo~" Franco leaned back, letting out a long yawn, crossed his legs, and settled into a more comfortable position in the chair.


    EeDeChi resisted the urge to smack him, and continued, "The fourth one, Albedo."


    "He''s not a woman, right? This is getting boring," Franco muttered, rolling his eyes.


    "She is a woman," EeDeChi suppressed her irritation, reminding herself that this was a new teammate, and she wasn''t familiar with him yet. She needed to be patient.


    "Oh!" Franco suddenly sat up straight, his violet eyes sparkling with excitement, and asked eagerly, "Is she pretty?"


    "I don''t know," EeDeChi turned to Barrett. "Is she pretty?"


    "Yeah, she''s really pretty," Barrett replied, realizing that EeDeChi had no sense of beauty or ugliness at all.


    Franco puffed out his chest, stared ahead with unwavering determination, and then asked, "Is her boobs big?"


    "Big." Barrett nodded.


    Franco immediately jumped up from his chair, pulled out his wand, and started climbing the window, ready to jump out.


    He shouted loudly, "My sense of justice can no longer allow me to stay here! I''m going to eliminate this evil witch right now!"


    "Get back here!" EeDeChi grabbed the collar of his shirt and yanked him back. "All actions are under command!"


    "Ainz has a maid squad," Barrett said, "Although they''re all below level 100, there are a lot of them, and they''re still a force to be reckoned with."


    "Wow! A maid squad! Hee-hee-hee-hee-hee!" Franco burst into lewd laughter, flailing his arms and spinning around the room like he was dancing the tango.


    Be patient, be patient... EeDeChi clenched her fists, reminding herself that this was a new teammate, a new partner, and she needed to cherish him, take care of him.


    "Captain!" Franco finished his dance, taking a giant leap and landing right in front of EeDeChi. He stood straight, legs together, back straight, and saluted with absolute determination in his eyes. "Send me into battle! I''ll control Albedo, and then infiltrate the Great Tomb of Nazarick all by myself!"


    "Hmm, I really appreciate your proactive approach," EeDeChi nodded approvingly. Though the plan seemed a bit far-fetched, Franco''s willingness to volunteer for the mission was a spirit worth encouraging.


    "How do you plan to control Albedo and infiltrate the Great Tomb of Nazarick?" Barrett asked, curious.


    "As I mentioned when I applied, I have body transformation abilities. I can easily pull this off thanks to that power," Franco said, full of confidence.


    "What kind of animal are you planning to turn into?" EeDeChi gave him an encouraging smile.


    "Oh, my body transformation ability isn''t to turn into an animal, but to grow threads, spikes, and bumps on my cock." Franco explained. "We''ll trick Albedo into coming out, and then¡­"


    Before he could finish, EeDeChi suddenly grabbed the collar of his shirt, slammed him to the ground, and raised her fist high in the air, as if she were hammering a nail, and brought it down hard toward his face!


    Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!


    Each punch landed with such force that the entire inn trembled!


    After delivering over ten punches, EeDeChi kept hammering Franco''s face. Each time her fist came down, blood splattered onto the floor. Franco''s head had already sunk into the wooden floorboards, his once handsome face now a bloody, mangled mess, and his eyes and nose were completely unrecognizable.


    "Stop! Stop! You''re going to kill him!" Barrett hurried to stop her.


    EeDeChi finally stopped, her fists dripping with blood.


    She grabbed Franco by the collar, yanked him up, and shouted, "If you say any more disgusting things, I''ll rip your tongue out!"


    With that, EeDeChi furiously drew her giant sword, planted it into the ground, and muttered under her breath, "If Gods Deny Salvation''s Hand, With Sacred Blade I''ll Reprimand!"


    In an instant, golden light spread across the ground, and a warm current flowed in all directions. Franco''s injuries immediately healed, and his face, which had been smashed to a pulp by EeDeChi''s punches, returned to its original handsome state.


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    "Ow, that hurts," Franco rubbed his face, pulling out a mirror to check if his face was ruined.


    "From now on, you''ll follow my orders!" EeDeChi pointed a finger at his nose.


    "Fine," Franco grumbled. "You''re such a stubborn girl, not cute at all."


    Cheeko, sitting on the windowsill, watched the new team member with bright, glossy eyes. The sight of EeDeChi pounding Franco had startled the little creature.


    Franco glanced at Cheeko, picked it up, and said in surprise, "This pig looks like a cat."


    Cheeko, annoyed, swung its claws fiercely, slapping Franco''s face with its pudgy paws. Franco immediately tossed it onto the bed.


    "It''s called Cheeko, it''s a cat," Barrett corrected.


    "I know, a magical pet. I''ve always wanted to have an owl as a magical pet," Franco said, using the tip of his wand to conjure up a fluffy pom-pom like a cat toy, trying to tease Cheeko.


    "By the way," Franco asked, "You said I''m the fourth member. So, besides you two, who''s the other one?"


    "Cheeko is the third member," EeDeChi replied, still looking at the map without lifting her head.


    "Are you kidding?" Franco''s violet eyes widened in disbelief. "This is ridiculous. There''s no way I''m letting a cat ride on my head!"


    He lunged at Cheeko like a fox, and Cheeko immediately tried to jump with its short little legs. Franco grabbed its sky-blue tail and dangled it upside down in his hand. Cheeko''s four legs flailed wildly in the air, helpless, and pitiful.


    "Ha! Gotcha. As expected, cats should just behave as pets," Franco said, holding the cat with one hand and resting his chin in the other. "How should I deal with this? Hmm... Maybe giving it to a girl will win me some points..."


    A chill of terror suddenly rose in Franco''s heart, making his back tingle. It felt as though a massive, towering demon was looming over him. A powerful grip clamped around the back of his neck, and his feet left the ground.


    EeDeChi was holding Franco, and Franco was holding Cheeko, forming a bizarre, conjoined sculpture. Barrett, standing nearby, watched the rather ridiculous scene and, even with his usual composure, couldn''t help but burst out laughing.


    ¡­


    Half a minute later¡­


    Franco was kneeling on the ground, and EeDeChi stared at him, her eyes cold. Cheeko crouched in front of Franco. Franco lowered his body, pressing his forehead deeply to the ground, and bowed to the cat, saying, "Sorry, Senior Cat. I was wrong. Please forgive me."


    Cheeko let out a soft "meow," raising its right paw and gently pressing it onto Franco''s obedient golden hair, signaling that it accepted his apology.


    "Let''s first check out the local Adventurer''s Guild, then head to the adventurer''s tavern to gather some information," Barrett said.


    The tavern next to the Adventurer''s Guild hall was a gathering place for all kinds of "talents" from all walks of life. Adventurers mixed with employers, brokers, and merchants, creating a hotbed of rumors. It was the place where information flowed most freely.


    Hidden goods and unreliable rumors swirled like a vortex, but experienced people could still sort through the chaos, discerning the truth hidden like nuggets of gold.


    Barrett was confident that he had that ability. He pinned his Mithril badge to his chest. EeDeChi also took out her Orichalcum badge. The metallic badges, symbols of strength and status, were like a solid pass in areas where adventurers gathered.


    Franco also reached into his pocket, but only pulled out a heart-shaped brooch studded with diamonds. Unwilling to give up, he said, "Sirs, I too need a badge that proves my noble status!"


    "You haven''t registered as an adventurer yet," EeDeChi realized. "Our team can''t have anyone without an official identity. Let''s go. I''ll take you to register at the Adventurer''s Guild."


    ¡­


    After leaving the inn, the four of them hired a carriage and quickly arrived at the local Adventurer''s Guild hall.


    The guild hall was nearly empty, with only a few people inside. Before Barrett, the experienced adventurer, could speak, Franco quickly stepped up and started chatting with the girl behind the counter as if they were old friends.


    ¡­


    Facing Franco''s handsome features, the young girl responsible for handling affairs at the Adventurer''s Guild blushed deeply, her face turning red as she wore a shy, innocent expression.


    She had no idea what kind of person Franco truly was. After chatting for just a few sentences, she had already shared her birthday, home address, and love life without hesitation.


    Just as Franco was about to invite the girl for a drink, Barrett knocked on the table from the side. The magician, who typically thought with his lower half, finally remembered the purpose of coming to the Adventurer''s Guild hall.


    He explained his intent, and the girl recorded his information in a ledger. Then, she reached into a drawer, rummaged around, and handed him a dull copper badge.


    Adventurer ranks are divided from the bottom up as: Copper, Iron, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mithril, Orichalcum, and Adamantite.


    The copper badge is the lowest rank, and doesn''t even have the adventurer''s name carved on it.


    "This is the Adamantite-level badge?" Franco proudly pinned the copper badge onto his mage robe. "From now on, I''m an elite adventurer."


    "Sorry¡­" the girl said. "This is the lowest-tier copper badge. Every newly registered adventurer starts with a copper badge. Please do your best, and when you earn achievements, we''ll naturally upgrade your rank."


    "I am a noble prince! The great lord admired by the Goddess of Magic! The guiding light for lost girls! The comforter of lonely housewives! Master of Cuckolding Others¡­"


    Franco said confidently, "I should be an Adamantite-level adventurer¡ªsomeone of the highest strength, virtue, and power!"


    The young girl behind the counter was left dazed by this long list of titles. Taking advantage of her distraction, Franco slid his wand out from his robe, preparing to cast a "Mind Control" spell on the girl to get her to give him an Adamantite badge.


    EeDeChi grabbed his wand tightly. "What kind of trick are you trying to pull? Be careful, your Justice Value is currently at 2. If it drops into the negatives, I''ll kick you out of the team."


    Barrett had Cheeko perched on his shoulder, with a shiny Mithril badge pinned to his chest. EeDeChi wore a gleaming Orichalcum badge on hers, while Franco was stuck with a dull copper badge.


    The three of them and the cat, the Last Defender of the Way adventurer team, marched out of the Adventurer''s Guild hall, stepping onto a long and uncertain journey.


    ¡­


    "I''m going with Barrett to the market to buy some supplies for the road. You take Cheeko and hang out at the adventurer''s tavern. Remember, protect it well, or you''ll regret it."


    EeDeChi handed the light blue cat over to Franco, who quickly took it in his arms, cradling it carefully.


    "Humph, this cat''s got some serious backup." Franco mumbled, but didn''t dare to do anything to Cheeko.


    They decided to split up for now. After all, EeDeChi''s bounty was still posted in the Adventurer''s Guild hall, and it was better not to draw too much attention.


    Franco looked at the map, turned a couple of corners, and walked into the adventurer-filled tavern. The clamor of voices and the sound of clinking glasses rushed toward him like a tidal wave. With a quick glance, he spotted the most beautiful woman among the chaos of rowdy drinkers and busy servers.


    She was a noblewoman, wearing a lotus-patterned hooded cloak and a light red mink fur coat. The cloak covered her beautiful golden hair, and the loose mink coat couldn''t hide her graceful figure.


    The only downside was that her face was veiled, obscuring her exact features. But just the faint outline of her face was enough to tell that she was a beauty.


    The blonde woman sat alone at an empty table, holding a tall wine glass filled with white wine, sipping it delicately.


    "The mission calls!"


    Franco''s eyes were fixed, staring straight ahead as if locked onto the noblewoman. He tossed Cheeko aside, adjusted his lavish mage''s robe, cleared his throat, and gracefully made his way toward the lady.


    He hadn''t considered why, in such a chaotic tavern, no one had tried to harass the defenseless beauty sitting alone. She was like a peony blooming in the mud, completely out of place, an oddity in this disordered environment.


    After ordering a glass of red wine, Franco sat down directly at the lady''s table. He raised an eyebrow slightly. "I must say, this wine here doesn''t quite suit your status. A fine white wine should leave a crisp, lively taste on the palate..."


    The blonde woman gazed at the suave, pretentious man, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips beneath her veil.


    A tall figure in a black tailcoat approached, placing a leather suitcase at the lady''s feet. "Miss, I''ve retrieved the items you requested."


    The speaker appeared to be an elderly butler, his hair and eyebrows both white yet neatly groomed. His face, though not old, had sharp features, with a high nose bridge and a defined jawline, exuding an elegant, refined aura.


    The old butler''s sharp eyes gleamed like an eagle''s, and his presence was imposing. He cast a cold, assessing glance at Franco and then turned to the blonde woman. "Miss, shall I ask this uninvited guest to leave?"


    "No need." The lady smiled slightly, her lips curving beneath the veil. "It''s been a while since I''ve encountered such an interesting ''prey.''"


    Who''s the hunter, and who''s the prey? That''s something that can only be determined after a battle in the bedroom, Franco thought, straightening himself and preparing to make his move.


    "Since you finds this amusing, I won''t disturb you further," the butler said coldly, shooting Franco another glance before turning to leave.


    ¡­


    EeDeChi and Barrett walked into the adventurer''s tavern. The light blue cat, Cheeko, scampered over, rubbing against EeDeChi''s pants and meowing, "Meow~ Meow~". Barrett quickly picked it up, worried that someone in the noisy tavern might step on it.


    "Where''s that kid, Franco?" EeDeChi fumed, scanning the room. She quickly spotted the blonde man, deep in conversation with the beautiful woman at the edge of the tavern.


    EeDeChi stormed over with determined steps. But a solid, black tailcoat figure blocked her path, and a deep, magnetic voice spoke:


    "Sir, are you here for my young lady?"


    "Old man, get out of my way." EeDeChi half-lifted the brim of her wide felt hat, looking up to see the person blocking her.


    The moment their eyes met, both the old butler and EeDeChi froze.


    The man in the black tailcoat standing before her was none other than Sebas Tian, the house steward of the Great Tomb of Nazarick.

 Chapter 131: The Door That Devours People

    "How surprising. I didn''t expect to run into you here."


    After the initial shock of recognition, Sebas quickly regained his usual composed gentlemanly demeanor. Perhaps due to his profession, this house steward from the Great Tomb of Nazarick continued to play his butler role, even when outside of his home.


    Beside him stood his subordinate, a blonde-haired young woman, one of the members of his combat maid squad¡ªSolution Epsilon.


    EeDeChi fell silent, pondering her next move. There were only two options in front of her: to fight, or not to fight. If she didn''t fight, would Sebas simply pretend he hadn''t seen her and let them both pass each other by?


    Setting aside whether Sebas would even allow that, even if they parted on friendly terms, Sebas would surely contact the Great Tomb of Nazarick immediately, summoning a horde of level-100 warriors to trap and surround her.


    This was still within the territory of the Sorcerer Kingdom, and EeDeChi, relying only on her two legs, couldn''t instantly teleport to a place outside of the Sorcerer Kingdom''s reach. That would lead to another world-shattering battle, and EeDeChi wasn''t sure she''d be able to escape using something as unpredictable as a "spatial rift."


    She couldn''t let Sebas leave; from his position, he would definitely try to delay her and wait for reinforcements from the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    The two locked eyes, the atmosphere thickening, as if sparks were about to fly from their gaze.


    "Looks like we have no choice but to fight." Sebas said slowly. "Last time, the duel at the Great Tomb of Nazarick didn''t quite satisfy me. Now, let''s continue that unfinished contest."


    EeDeChi placed one fist in the palm of her other hand, her voice was as cold as an iceberg. "I''ll see it through to the end!"


    Sebas shifted his stance slightly, and a chilling aura erupted from him, sweeping like a tidal wave, pushing toward every corner of the tavern.


    He wasn''t trying to intimidate EeDeChi. The goal was to force the tavern''s patrons to flee, minimizing the number of innocent casualties. As the only level-100 powerhouse in the Great Tomb of Nazarick with a Justice Value of 300, Sebas was one of the few who still held compassion for ordinary people.


    Once, it was this very aura that had caused Golden Princess''s bodyguard, Climb, to stagger in fear, and shattered the will of the Re-Estize''s strongest swordsman, Brain.


    Sebas intentionally softened the intensity of his presence, but the terrifying fear surged within the hearts of everyone in the tavern. It didn''t take long for them to understand the danger and flee for their lives. Like ants daring to watch a tiger fight, the likely result for them would be to be accidentally crushed under its paw.


    In an instant, the tavern''s guests and servers fled in panic, leaving the place eerily quiet. Fallen chairs and spilled glasses rolled across the floor, leaving only two distinct teams standing in the room.


    "Looks like your companion has made some significant progress as well." Sebas''s gaze swept over EeDeChi''s shoulder, where he spotted Barrett standing firmly amidst the raging aura, unwavering. Cheeko was hiding behind Barrett''s legs, with one pointy cat ear poking out.


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    Sebas gave a subtle look toward the blonde woman at the bar, Solution, who immediately understood.


    With his powerful backup, Sebas wasn''t foolish enough to engage EeDeChi in a one-on-one battle. His plan was simple: stall EeDeChi, and let Solution send a message to the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    The old gentleman unbuttoned his black tailcoat and let it fall to the floor, revealing his muscular chest under a white dress shirt. In his hand, a metal plate with axe-like marks suddenly materialized.


    The metal plate expanded rapidly, tearing open a dark red doorway in the air. The corners of the door spread, cracking the floor beneath it, and the tavern''s ceiling splintered apart, wooden debris swirling like yellow moths in the autumn air.


    Howling winds erupted from the doorway, the intense pressure pushing wooden shards, beer bottles, tables, and chairs toward the opening. Beyond the door was an endless barren plain, with blood-red mountains stretching as far as the eye could see¡ªlikely a hidden space of some kind.


    "After you!" Sebas gestured toward the door. He must have created this space specifically for their duel, likely to avoid any collateral damage to innocent bystanders.


    EeDeChi frowned. She was about to try to make sense of what lay beyond the door, but before she could, the dark red door suddenly expanded wide, like the jaws of a beast, swallowing both her and Sebas whole¡­


    The dark red door twisted and spun, rapidly transforming into a roaring tornado. Purple lightning flickered like snakes within the dark red storm. Both EeDeChi and Sebas found themselves momentarily trapped inside the door.


    Disguised as a blonde woman, Solution extended her leg from beneath her fur coat and pushed her black handbag closer to her feet. Gripping the bag''s handle with one hand, she prepared to rise and leave. But before she could, a strong grip seized her other hand.


    "Leaving a date without a word? Not very ladylike," Franco sneered, licking his lips. His left hand seemed welded to Solution''s delicate wrist, and no matter how much she struggled, she couldn''t break free.


    "Disgusting human!" Solution felt as if her hand had landed on a cockroach. She quickly realized this man was no innocent bystander. Without hesitation, she dropped the black handbag and threw a small copper scroll into the air.


    It was a message scroll from the Great Tomb of Nazarick. As soon as the scroll unfurled, the people of Nazarick would immediately know they were facing the most urgent and critical situation.


    A cold malice filled Solution''s eyes. Once Ainz-sama and the level-100 guardians arrived, none of you would escape!


    In mid-air, the message scroll unfurled, and the magic ripples spread out like a gentle wave¡ªbefore abruptly bouncing back, as if it had hit a transparent space barrier. The copper scroll clattered to the ground, and Solution stared at it in disbelief.


    Franco grinned smugly, lifting his right hand from under the table. The tip of his wand flickered with sparks.


    "You... cast a blocking spell!" Solution exclaimed, both angry and anxious. The magic required to block a message scroll had to be at least 9th-tier, and she was no match for Franco.


    Suddenly, the hand Franco was gripping softened like mud, slipping away from his grasp. Franco found himself holding nothing but air.


    Solution grabbed her handbag, and her fur coat slipped off, revealing her black-and-white, armored battle maid outfit. She quickly stood up and bolted toward the door, only to slam directly into Barrett''s swift longsword.


    Solution''s body split in two, narrowly avoiding the sword''s edge before recombining into her full form. Her long legs stepped on tables and chairs, propelling her toward the tavern''s exit.


    "So it''s amorphous slime, like a slime monster?" Franco flicked his wand, casting a 9th-tier magic specifically designed to deal with amorphous slimes.


    "Wave of Dissolution!"


    Solution was struck directly. Her form froze, her body softened and collapsed into a pile, no longer resembling a human. But she still squirmed, trying to crawl toward the exit.


    Franco cast another spell, and an octagonal containment magic trapped Solution on the ground. Watching the amorphous slime writhing inside the transparent box, Franco let out a relieved sigh. "Good thing she didn''t trick me into bed."


    "Now we just wait for the captain to come out of the ''door.''" Barrett stood with both hands propped on his sword, watching the half-destroyed tavern, where the roaring tornado of lightning and thunder still raged.


    "EeDeChi won''t be coming out," Solution''s voice came from the floor, her laughter sharp and venomous like the point of a needle. "In the Knife and Chopping Board, she''ll be at Lord Tian''s mercy!"

 Chapter 132: Knife and Chopping Board

    The barren desert stretched endlessly, a vast expanse under a harsh, cold wind that whipped up sand and grit. The desolation felt raw and coarse. In the far distance, blood-red mountains lay across the horizon, undulating and rolling like a living thing, though it was hard to say if they were real or just a mirage.


    "What is this place?" EeDeChi carefully surveyed her surroundings. After being unexpectedly swallowed by the door, she found herself in this desolate land. But EeDeChi had a feeling¡ªshe had been "pulled" here by some unseen force.


    "It''s just a good place for a fight," Sebas answered, standing not far from EeDeChi. His black suit trousers and crisp white shirt tucked into his waistband stood in stark contrast against the oil-painting-like backdrop of the barren desert, as if he was a simple sketch drawn on a canvas that didn''t belong.


    "Oh come on, old man. Last time at the Great Tomb of Nazarick, I didn''t even use my full strength. Besides, I didn''t have a weapon then," EeDeChi said, pulling out a simple yet massive giant sword, its tip aimed directly at Sebas. "But don''t worry, I''ll hold back. I''m not gonna kill you. After all, your Justice Value is 300, and I''m sure your wife is waiting for you at home, right?"


    The giant sword in her hands was straightforward and fierce, its spine straight, but the blade itself was dull.


    "No need for that," Sebas replied solemnly, his eyes steady. "Your confidence is a little too much. Can I ask you something? Last time when my colleagues cornered you and you jumped into that black crack... How did you manage to escape? And what did you see in that black crack?"


    "Isn''t that a spatial rift? What''s so surprising about it? Don''t you have a skill called ''Spatial Slash''?" EeDeChi held her giant sword, reflecting on the last fight with Sebas, analyzing her opponent''s skills and combat style.


    Sebas gently shook his head. "Everything in this world relies on space to exist, like fish in water. Some magic and martial arts can indeed shatter, split, or tear apart space, causing damage beyond compare.


    "But the black rift is different. It''s both a spatial crack and not one at all. It''s like a canvas of the world being torn. Lord Ainz has explored it, but still has no answers. What did you see inside the black spatial rift?"


    "Nothing. Just emptiness," EeDeChi slid her feet sideways, getting into a combat stance.


    Wait a minute, she suddenly remembered the sound she had heard inside the spatial rift. The sound was ethereal and distant, as if it came from the ancient depths of the universe. But who had made that sound? EeDeChi still couldn''t figure it out.


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    "Your sword is comparable to a World Item, and I''m unarmed. Isn''t that a little unfair?" Sebas smiled gently.


    "Why are we talking about fairness in a fight? You think this is a duel in an arena?" EeDeChi said impatiently.


    "But we are in an arena," Sebas'' tone suddenly rose, "We must pursue fairness!"


    EeDeChi''s giant sword suddenly slipped from her grip, soaring into the sky, drifting higher and higher until it hung in the gray, misty heavens.


    "You..." EeDeChi was weaponless, stunned beyond belief. She realized something was wrong with this place.


    "This is the duel space of the World Item, Knife and Chopping Board," Sebas said. "Only hand-to-hand combat is allowed. One side must either be defeated, or the owner of Knife and Chopping Board must give the command for both to leave this space. The term ''Knife and Chopping Board'' means: I''m the knife, and you''re the meat!"


    Golden light flashed in Sebas'' eyes as he transformed into his dragonoid form. His white shirt and suit pants shredded like a cocoon, and pieces of fabric scattered in the air. What stood in place of Sebas now was a dragonoid, muscles bulging, scales sharp and angular, claws like long knives in his hands.


    No wonder I got dragged into this¡ªit''s a World Item. EeDeChi nodded slightly, then pointed at Sebas. "Even barehanded, I can beat you half to death!"


    Sebas exhaled a blast of scorching dragon breath. "Is that so? This is my turf!"


    He raised his hand, and in an instant, the ground to EeDeChi''s left and right cracked open, rising into two massive mountains. The mountains closed in like giant hands, slamming down on EeDeChi with a "bang."


    Sebas charged forward, his dragon claws slashing, creating brutal, cutting arcs of light.


    "Spatial Slash!"


    The two towering mountains collapsed into six neat layers of rock. As the debris and soil shattered, a streak of rapid black lightning shot toward Sebas.


    EeDeChi roared as she swung her fists, which were as heavy as warhammers. She narrowly dodged Sebas'' claws, but her fists collided with his armored scales. Their fists and claws clashed like rushing rivers, each exchange happening faster than the last, hundreds of times in an instant.


    Blows landed hard, and claws slashed like knives. The battle raged from the sky down to the ground, the air crackling with thunderous shockwaves. The earth was torn apart, deep craters appearing as if meteors had struck.


    "Rrriiip!" EeDeChi''s right shoulder tore open, a long, narrow line of bright red blood bursting out. She took a deep breath and leaped back, retreating over a hundred meters. She examined her wound¡ªdeep enough to see bone. There were several other cuts on her body, and her clothes were torn, blood gushing out.


    Her powerful healing ability was working frantically to close the wounds. EeDeChi gritted her teeth, glaring at Sebas, her eyes burning with raging fury.


    In terms of speed and strength, EeDeChi was definitely not at a disadvantage. When physical abilities and basic strength were nearly even, it came down to combat skills and the experience forged by countless life-or-death battles.


    Back when they fought in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Sebas'' martial arts hadn''t surpassed hers by much. Otherwise, the fight wouldn''t have ended in a draw.


    But now, it seemed like Sebas could easily predict the range, direction, and distance of her punches. Even when EeDeChi tried to change her attack on the fly, Sebas anticipated her moves, adjusting quickly to counter her punches.


    It felt like her fists were hitting water¡ªcreating a massive splash, but no real impact. Sebas'' skills hadn''t changed much since last time, but he was always one step ahead of her, taking full advantage of every opening.

 Chapter 133: Chaos of Fists

    Blood dripped from the dragon claws of Sebas as he walked forward step by step. He was in no hurry; both time and the situation were on his side. As things stood, EeDeChi''s fate was sealed to be mauled to near death by those dragon claws.


    With a wave of his hand, Sebas made the ground swell up into a mountain, catapulting EeDeChi into the air. Almost simultaneously, from the murky clouds above, an inverted mountain thrust down from the sky. EeDeChi leapt back just in time to avoid the colliding peaks.


    In his dragonoid form, Sebas charged at her, stepping on sliding rocks, while EeDeChi swung her arms rapidly, her fists whipping up a storm. Rocks shattered into dust, and the sand and dust turned into a smoky haze, blown in all directions by the wind, obscuring the sun and darkening the sky.


    EeDeChi moved like a fish swimming through the dim dust cloud, silently running in another direction. Something was off about this space; she needed to change tactics and get behind Sebas.


    As rocks tumbled and debris fell, EeDeChi carefully maneuvered around a massive boulder, when suddenly five sharp blade shadows struck towards her!


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Sebas seemed to see through the rocks, smashing through the mountain wall to reach her. EeDeChi narrowly dodged his attack.


    Stepping back, EeDeChi suddenly realized the cause and effect: "You can predict the trajectory of my attacks!"


    "Exactly," Sebas flicked a pebble off his shoulder, "In the Knife and Chopping Board, your position, the posture of your body movements, the changes in your punches¡ªall present a clear trajectory before my eyes."


    "Damn it!" EeDeChi turned and sprinted toward the distant mountains. If she couldn''t beat him, could she at least outrun him?


    After a long run, the mountains still seemed unreachable. Sebas reappeared in EeDeChi''s view, turning around and walking towards her, unhurried.


    "The ring''s space is limited; escape is futile," Sebas declared loudly, charging forward once again.


    The air crackled with sparks as the two clashed. Sebas dodged the orbiting punches, found a gap, and slashed a brutal wound across EeDeChi''s abdomen, causing blood to spurt out like a fountain.


    EeDeChi staggered back two steps, coughing up blood. She took a deep breath, clutched her wound, and her face twisted fiercely.


    Sebas said, "Your attack patterns are all transparent to me; no matter how sophisticated your moves or how skilled your martial arts, they are useless!" He stared at EeDeChi, preparing for the final blow.


    "Is that so?" EeDeChi burst into laughter, then her expression suddenly turned cold: "Since you can see my punches so clearly, better open your eyes wider and watch even closer!"


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    "BOOM!" The two collided at supersonic speeds, their sharp claws crisscrossing, leaving several fresh, bloody wounds on EeDeChi.


    "Disappointing. Your boxing is becoming chaotic, completely disorganized! Let me end this," Sebas shook his head.


    "I''ve mastered a new Martial Art!" EeDeChi roared, "Old man, the one to be ended is you! Open your eyes wide and see the path of my fists!"


    "Bring it on! I''m watching," Sebas was intensely focused, utilizing the power of Knife and Chopping Board to its fullest. No matter how many unique changes EeDeChi''s attacks had, even newly developed moves couldn''t escape his predictive grasp.


    Martial Art¡¤Wild Punches Kill the Old Master!


    EeDeChi charged forward to Sebas, her blood-stained fist swinging down like crimson steel, creating a tempest of rapid blows. EeDeChi cast aside thoughts of Martial Arts, skills, and techniques; in her mind, there was only punching, punching, and more punching!


    Accompanying her meteor-like punches was EeDeChi''s furious, blood-boiling roar:


    "ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA!"


    In an instant, the frequency of EeDeChi''s punches reached thousands, millions, billions, trillions!


    Amid the frenzied storm of punches, Sebas could still see the trajectory of each of EeDeChi''s swings, but there were just too many of them!


    Every attack from EeDeChi was a white line in Sebas'' eyes. Now, however, these lines densely intertwined, like countless tangled balls of yarn. Numerous trajectories crowded together, filling the entire space.


    "THIS IS BAD!" Sebas realized he had become too reliant on the World Item, Knife and Chopping Board, and attempted to assume a defensive stance. But he was too late to think of a strategy, left to resist in a frantic scramble.


    Sebas took several punches to the abdomen. A few punches were no big deal, but the succeeding blows were more dense and ferocious than the wind.


    "BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG¡­" The sound of fists pounding flesh burst like firecrackers!


    One move broken, every move shattered. Sebas spat out a mouthful of clotted blood, his scales shattering one by one, his hard dragonoid bones fracturing under the relentless barrage, his body pockmarked like a cratered landscape...


    "BOOM!" Nearly reduced to a human punching bag, Sebas crashed to the ground, unconscious, beaten into a bloody, pulpy mess.


    EeDeChi''s clenched fists emitted wisps of white smoke, her chest heaving as she gasped for air. Swinging her fists at such a high frequency had drained a tremendous amount of her energy.


    "Old man, at your age, instead of enjoying the company of a lady at home, what are you doing wandering around aimlessly?" EeDeChi muttered to herself, moving her sore arms. A giant sword flew down from the sky, the hilt landing in her palm.


    Sebas was not dead. Although he had lost consciousness, the strong dragon blood within him was repairing his body, but it would be impossible for him to stand up any time soon.


    A majestic voice echoed through the heavens: "Winner: Enemy! Verdict: Free to leave."


    EeDeChi and the unconscious Sebas were both pulled by a force, escaping the domain space of Knife and Chopping Board.


    ...


    The dancing dark red tornado ceased, and EeDeChi emerged from the storm, her clothes tattered and dripping with red blood drops. Along with her, there appeared a body thrown out, scarred and bleeding profusely¡ªSebas Tian.


    "Captain! You''re back! Wow, a blood-soaked beauty, how sexy!" Franco winked and made faces, while Barrett breathed a sigh of relief.


    Solution, trapped in an octagonal magic circle on the ground, saw the faint Sebas and cried out in despair, "NO! LORD TIAN!"

 Chapter 134: Infusing Justice Value

    "How should we deal with these two?" Barrett asked.


    "If she weren''t in this amorphous slime state, I''d really love to have my way with her," Franco pointed at the writhing mass on the ground, his gaze sinister.


    Inside the transparent octagonal magic cage, Solution morphed a human face and spat viciously at Franco, "Pah! Disgusting human!"


    She even spat, but her saliva splashed against the magic cage and didn''t reach Franco''s face. "None of you will escape! How dare you oppose Lord Ainz, death is too good for you!"


    "Is that so?" Franco pressed his wand against Sebas''s head, his smile brimming with smug satisfaction. "Girl, look at the situation. I command you to transform back into a maid and serve me, or this old man here will never wake up."


    "You... shameless!" Solution suppressed her rage, her body rolling like jelly. She swallowed her words and fell silent.


    "Come on, bro, we''re supposed to be the good guys, can we not do something so sleazy?" Barrett patted Franco on the shoulder, realizing for the first time that EeDeChi''s requirement for high Justice Value to join the adventure team was right.


    Barrett crouched down and turned over the blood-drenched Sebas, searching his body for any valuable loot.


    After transforming into a draconic humanoid, Sebas''s black tailcoat and white shirt were shredded to pieces, leaving him almost naked, but at least he wore green underwear. Finding no pockets in the underwear, Barrett reached inside Sebas''s underwear, groping around wildly.


    "Bro, I''m after lust, you''re after wealth, is there really a difference between us?" Franco watched as Barrett rummaged through Sebas'' underwear. "Uh... is his cock big?"


    "Not as big as mine," Barrett replied after a brief moment of thought.


    "Everyone!" EeDeChi clapped her hands, "Let''s drop these pointless conversations, shall we? We still have a long way to go."


    Barrett found nothing on Sebas, not even a spatial ring on his hands. For a level-100 powerhouse like Sebas, who also possesses the luxurious equipment of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, it was indeed hard to determine where his personal items were hidden.


    However, Barrett noticed that the only piece of clothing on Sebas, his underwear, was of exceptionally high quality, made of a material that felt softer and smoother than silk, as if he was touching flowing water.


    Barrett took out his dagger and tried to cut the underwear, but the blade turned dull without even making a small hole. The fabric''s toughness was comparable to dragon sinew, yet more durable than steel.


    "Cough, cough." Barrett coughed twice. The seasoned adventurer grabbed the underwear and pulled hard, eventually stripping it off Sebas and stashing it in his spatial ring. To avoid the indecency of an exposed backside, he then covered Sebas''s lower half with a linen cloth.


    Solution formed half a face, looking at him with a complex expression. She probably wanted to denounce Barrett''s vile actions, but remembering Franco''s detestable face, she dared not speak.


    If the only loot after all that effort is a pair of underwear, it''s quite a letdown for an elite adventurer. Barrett glanced around and noticed a black handbag lying under a table.


    He remembered that just before Solution was restrained, she had tossed the handbag under the nearby table, obviously trying to hide her belongings.


    Barrett bent down and pulled out the handbag. The bag was made of tough leather painted black, reinforced with studs on all sides, and adorned with a dark gold clover pattern on the back, with a skull-shaped silver lock in the center.


    Franco tapped the silver lock with his wand, casting a 5th Tier magic spell to unlock it, "Gate Open." It was utterly ineffective; the entire bag was sealed with an unknown powerful magic. Even Franco would need to find the corresponding counter-spell to unlock it without damaging the bag.


    EeDeChi also came over to look. As the only item carried by Sebas and Solution, there must be something inside the handbag that would make the trip worthwhile for the three adventurers.


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    "Heh, puny humans, dreaming of opening an artifact from the Great Tomb of Nazarick," Solution mocked as she watched Franco''s futile attempts. "The magical power contained within is beyond your imagination..."


    EeDeChi reached out, grabbed the skull-shaped silver lock, twisted and pulled, and the core and screws came out. A soft click of gears coupling sounded, and the handbag opened like a tightly closed mussel.


    "..." Solution immediately fell silent and retracted her face back into her body.


    Upon opening the handbag, they found stacks of parchment rolls, rusted metal scrolls, ancient handwritten manuscripts, and several broken pieces of stone tablets inscribed with intricate, unknown characters. The items all exuded a sense of antiquity as if thousands of years had been stuffed into the bag.


    "You guys want to be archaeologists?" Barrett glanced at Solution. The trio decided to put the handbag away for further study later.


    "Are we just going to let her go like that?" Franco pointed at Solution. "I''m thinking, maybe there''s some magic that can fix amorphous slime into human form."


    "Of course, we can''t just let her go." EeDeChi frowned as she looked at the number representing Solution''s Justice Value: -400. She took out her golden pen, raised it high, pierced through the octagonal magic cage, and plunged it into the swirling body of Solution.


    Solution screamed in terror, "What are you going to do to me?"


    "Relax, girl, don''t struggle; I don''t want to hurt you." The tip of EeDeChi''s pen shone brightly, and golden radiance flowed through Solution''s translucent body, beginning to infuse Justice Value.


    "Ah, not bad." Watching the number above Solution''s head change to 98, EeDeChi nodded in satisfaction. Her pen, which stored 500 points of Justice Value, had only lost two points after fully infusing Solution.


    "Captain shot all over her face!" Franco said with a smirk. EeDeChi turned around, pretending to hit him.


    Franco quickly picked up the sky-blue kitten named Cheeko from the ground to use as a shield.


    "Put a restraining spell on this old man," EeDeChi told Franco.


    "Sir, yes sir!" Franco gave a sloppy salute, holding the cat in his left arm and using his wand as a pen in his right, drawing a bold circular pattern around Sebas on the ground. Once the magic circle was complete, numerous golden chains emerged, firmly binding Sebas.


    It must be said, having a mage in the team greatly compensates for any lack of control during combat.


    Suddenly, tiny embossed letters appeared on the pen. EeDeChi ran her fingers over the text, holding it up to the sunlight, and read:


    [After multiple adjustments to Justice Value, attributes have grown. Current Justice Value capacity: 700. Increased by 200 points. Justice Value generation rate: 4 points per day. Increased by 2 points. ]


    [Note: Adjusting Justice Value cannot be used on oneself]


    "Let''s go." Barrett said, looking around. He did not see the World Item "Knife and Chopping Board," which might be hidden in Sebas''s invisible personal space.


    World Items can only be used by others once their ownership is transferred. Even if they obtained this World Item, it would be of no use to them, and might even expose their whereabouts due to the original owner''s sensitivity to the item.


    The trio and the cat left behind the unconscious Sebas and the immobilized Solution, walking out of the rickety tavern.


    The commotion they caused was so great that if the local sheriff couldn''t handle it, he would report it to the city lord, who would report it to the nearby knights'' station, and then it would go up the chain to the lord... and eventually, the high echelons of the kingdom would notify the Great Tomb of Nazarick.


    But all that was a story for another time. By the time Ainz led his forces there, they had already traveled to distant lands.


    ...


    After slightly disguising themselves, the Last Defender of the Way adventurer squad left the city. They trekked through the wilderness and arrived at the small town of Mallor, where they settled into an inn.


    Once they were sure no one was following or watching them, EeDeChi took out the suitcase, spread the scrolls, manuscripts, and parchment rolls on the floor, and the three began their research.


    Most of these items were ancient relics purchased by Sebas from adventurers, traveling merchants, and old wizards, containing many strange tales and mysterious legends, mostly related to the Eight Greed Kings'' desert and the dragons. It seemed the Great Tomb of Nazarick was also searching for something.


    Cheeko crouched by the side, its tail wrapped around its body. Suddenly, it walked over to a pile of parchment and pulled out a notebook with a dark green cover. The notebook was not old but brand new, standing out among the antiques.


    EeDeChi picked up the notebook, flipped through a few pages, and found it was a manuscript narrated by Sebas and recorded by Solution.


    A few lines underscored caught EeDeChi''s attention: "It''s hard to imagine... The power of the Eight Greed Kings surpassed that of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, establishing a vast empire that spanned from the poles to the deep seas of the world. Why did it collapse overnight, leaving behind only a desert flowing with legends?


    "The three dragon gods beneath the world''s throne are not just absurd myths but real entities that were all slain by the Eight Greed Kings...


    "Why are dragons so powerful... What place do they hold in the world''s hierarchy of creatures, and who granted them their power...


    "The three dragon gods, the Dragon Progenitor, Dragon Emperor, and Dragon Endbringer. The Dragon Progenitor governs creation, the Dragon Emperor sovereignty, and the Dragon Endbringer destruction...


    "...Something is amiss. According to the calendar of the Eight Greed Kings'' empire, in the year 1339, they launched a great expedition. I''ve found some inconsistencies that must be explored further..."

 Chapter 135: The Safest Place

    Barrett sifted through the antiquated items in Solution''s handbag, setting aside the worn scrolls written in ancient elven and orcish languages. It seemed he had found the most valuable item¡ªthe Imperial Map Fragment.


    This was a triangle of exquisite silk, its two edges embroidered with golden thread depicting all the races of the world, from elves to mermaids to flying dragons, symbolizing the rule of the Eight Greed Kings over all creatures. The center of the silk was blank, devoid of any text, images, or lines.


    Sebas had conducted extensive research on this piece, and his orally recorded notes were invaluable to EeDeChi and others in deciphering the ancient scripts.


    According to Sebas''s notes, the Imperial Map Fragment contained a treasure map of the desert ruled by the Eight Greed Kings. Collecting all pieces of the Fragment would reveal the power and wealth with which the Eight Greed Kings once dominated the world.


    However, a puzzling fact remained: since the empire of the Eight Greed Kings fell hundreds of years ago, no one had managed to assemble all the fragments of the Imperial Map. The secrets of the Eight Greed Kings were still buried beneath the sands, silently waiting for the fortunate soul who would unearth them.


    EeDeChi had no interest in the secrets of the Eight Greed Kings; she merely wanted to try her luck in their desert, searching for the resurrection item known as the "little copper can."


    Barrett and Franco, on the other hand, were exhilarated. Day and night, they pored over ancient texts and diagrams on parchment and manuscripts, trying to pick up any trace of the treasure. The elusive treasure map was always an adrenaline boost for the spirit of adventurers.


    The night was deep. In the dimly lit inn room, a wide-mouthed brass oil lamp burned slowly on the table, its flame gently dancing within a glass cover, resembling a lone bright lighthouse in the dark vast sea.


    EeDeChi was slumped over the table, her eyelids half-closed, hovering between sleep and wakefulness. Barrett leaned near the dim candlelight, intermittently reading the text on an ancient bronze piece. The circular bronze disc was covered in rust, engraved with ancient Elven script.


    "The sun... falls from the west, fine sand crosses over... the millstone, forged into dazzling broken gold... like streams of golden water flowing..."


    Franco lounged comfortably in a leather chair, half of his face lit by candlelight, the other half hidden in darkness. He sat at an angle, passionately discussing, his arms waving dramatically, making exaggerated gestures.


    Cheeko tucked in its limbs and curled its tail around its legs, squatting neatly on the tabletop. The candlelight reflected golden in its obsidian-like eyes. It perked up its ears, listening intently to Franco''s grand plans:


    "Once I find the treasure of the Eight Greed Kings and claim the mountains of gold, I''ll build a fleet of ships. I''ll find a deserted island in the far eastern seas and construct the most magnificent palace with towering spires of pure white ivory. Then, I''ll gather the most beautiful female slaves from various races around the world to fill my harem..."


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    As he spoke, he couldn''t help but chuckle to himself with a ''heh, heh, heh.''


    Cheeko shook its feline head, clearly disdainful of such vulgar ambitions.


    Feeling scorned by a cat, Franco glared at Cheeko. He raised his wand: "You dare look down on me, you little kitty? I''ll make you fly!"


    He cast a levitation spell on Cheeko, the tip of his wand emitting a beam of light that struck the cat, but Cheeko showed no reaction.


    "Could the spell be too weak?" Franco switched to another incantation, "Skin burst and flesh explode!"


    Another beam of light hit Cheeko, but still, it had no effect.


    Cheeko cocked its head, looking curiously at him.


    "That''s odd, let me try a death curse," Franco muttered, aiming his wand at Cheeko.


    "What are you doing?!" EeDeChi darted over and struck the hand holding the wand with a sharp chop, causing Franco to cry out and drop the wand.


    "Why doesn''t my magic work on a cat?" Franco wailed.


    EeDeChi took a deep breath and explained, "Because Cheeko is my teammate, and since you were summoned by me, you can''t harm allies. So stop thinking about bullying it!"


    Outside the inn''s window, the clatter of hooves on cobblestones shattered the night''s calm. Barrett set down the ancient bronze piece, raised his index finger to his lips signaling everyone to be silent, and cautiously peered out the window.


    The wind howled over the roof as if giant bird wings were sweeping across the sky.


    "Knock, knock, knock." There was a knock at the door. Barrett went to answer it, and there stood the innkeeper with a lantern in hand.


    The innkeeper was a kind old man with no ill intent; he merely came to remind the guests not to leave the inn at night. The Sorcerer Kingdom had increased its patrols, not only bringing forward the curfew but also increasing the number of Dark Undead Knights and demonic wanderers.


    Barrett adjusted the lamp''s wind guard, dimming the light to a bean-sized glow. He woke the drowsy EeDeChi, and the three began to discuss their next move.


    Without a doubt, the Great Tomb of Nazarick knew their approximate location and had expanded its surveillance network. The closer they got to the kingdom''s border, the greater the likelihood of encountering enemies.


    Barrett studied the crisscrossing paths on the map and suddenly had an idea:


    "The most dangerous place is the safest place. Let''s head to the Sorcerer Kingdom''s territory¡ªE-Rantel, and then use the teleportation circle from E-Rantel to reach the Slane Theocracy. How about that?"


    The Sorcerer Kingdom had built extensive roads for E-Rantel and had forced Baharuth, Re-Estize, and Slane Theocracy to construct permanent teleportation circles directly to E-Rantel.


    Heading straight for the enemy''s stronghold seemed like a ludicrous plan. However, after some analysis, the three adventurers were convinced that the Sorcerer Kingdom''s search forces had been fully deployed, making E-Rantel perhaps the most vulnerable place at the moment. It was a risky move that the enemy would least expect.


    The next morning, the adventure party known as the Last Defender of the Way changed direction and headed towards the fortress city of E-Rantel.


    Across the vast lands, the Sorcerer Kingdom''s undead armies were numerous, and their surveillance network seemed impenetrable. In reality, its mesh was larger than that of an egg.


    The three adventurers were but a thin needle, easily passing through the narrow valleys and the Sorcerer Kingdom''s blockades, encountering smooth sailing along the way. Especially as they moved deeper towards E-Rantel, the frequency of surveillance and inspections noticeably decreased¡ªa promising sign indeed.

 Chapter 136 : Taverns of Other Races

    E-Rantel, the fortress city, had once been a vital border stronghold of the Re-Estize Kingdom. But after the war between the Sorcerer Kingdom and Re-Estize, E-Rantel and its surrounding lands were completely annexed by the Great Tomb of Nazarick, becoming a directly governed city of the Sorcerer Kingdom.


    Along their journey, EeDeChi and her companions had heard countless rumors. Whispers spoke of how low-level undead toiled in the fields, relieving humans of backbreaking farm labor; how free food rations were distributed every month; and how the Sorcerer Kingdom had poured resources into restoring and refurbishing every home at its own expense.


    Most astonishing of all was the Sorcerer Kingdom''s grand vision: a utopia where all races could coexist in harmony and equality.


    According to the stories, in E-Rantel, Ogres constructed city walls and buildings, Wyverns soared through the skies delivering goods, and Death Knights patrolled the streets as law enforcers. Lizardmen, humans, elves, satyrs, kobolds¡ªcreatures of all kinds lived together, forging a shared future in this extraordinary city.


    But rumors were just rumors. To uncover the truth of E-Rantel, the three adventurers would have to see it with their own eyes.


    After a grueling month of nonstop travel, the trio and their feline companion finally arrived at the outskirts of E-Rantel. Along the way, they had barely encountered any Dark Undead Knights from the Sorcerer Kingdom. With the kingdom''s forces scattered in all directions, the heart of the land seemed eerily empty.


    EeDeChi''s jet-black hair had once again been dyed golden by Barrett. A wide-brimmed felt hat shielded most of it from view, while a woolen scarf concealed the lower half of her face. Barrett and Franco had also made subtle alterations to their appearances, taking extra precautions to avoid recognition.


    In the town of Colmar, they slowed their pace and stepped into a small tavern to catch their breath. Not far in the distance, the towering circular walls of E-Rantel''s inner city loomed, a stark reminder that their destination was close at hand.


    The moment EeDeChi entered the tavern, her gaze landed on a massive, gold-framed portrait of Ainz Ooal Gown mounted on the wall. Oddly enough, the chairs and tables surrounding the painting were completely vacant, as if no one dared to sit in its presence.


    Signs of "harmonious coexistence between different races" were beginning to take shape. Behind the counter stood the tavern''s owner¡ªa yuan-ti abomination. His two muscular arms moved with practiced ease, but his elongated neck and head bore the unmistakable features of a greenish-blue python. Instead of legs, his lower body coiled into a thick, powerful tail. As he spoke, his forked tongue flickered, weaving a faint, hissing undertone into his words.


    The tavern buzzed with a mix of different races. Among the patrons, there were only a few humans¡ªmost of the crowd consisted of gray dwarves no taller than the tables, half-dragons exhaling hot mist through their nostrils, and orcs flashing their sharp, brutal-looking fangs¡­


    A gray dwarf had a massive spiked warhammer resting beside his boots, nearly as large as his own head. If he could actually swing that thing, he''d be the last person anyone would want to cross.


    An orc with crooked, yellowed teeth shot a venomous glare at the three adventurers. Under normal circumstances, had they met anywhere else, swords would have been drawn in a heartbeat, and the fight wouldn''t have ended until someone''s head rolled across the floor. But now, with the Sorcerer Kingdom cracking down with its so-called "order," even the crude, bloodthirsty orcs had no choice but to sit still, sip from delicate teacups, and fumble awkwardly with knives and forks¡ªplaying pretend at civility.


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    Barrett let his sword slide just a fraction from its sheath, the cold gleam catching in the orc''s eyes. He wasn''t fooled. Orcs didn''t change. The Sorcerer Kingdom might have beaten them into submission, but brute force alone couldn''t turn savages into gentlemen.


    The three of them ordered a bottle of wine. As it slid over their tongues, a strange, tingling numbness spread through their mouths¡ªan unsettling sensation that left an unpleasant aftertaste.


    Barrett wasn''t entirely sure if the yuan-ti tavern owner had slipped venom into their wine. He had heard that yuan-ti had a tradition of mixing fresh venom into their brews, claiming it enhanced the flavor. The non-human patrons drank it down with ease, but for the adventurers, even a single sip left them wary.


    A hooded young woman entered the tavern, moving hesitantly. The oversized hood draped over her face, concealing her features. She treaded carefully, choosing a quiet seat in the corner, as if hoping to disappear into the shadows.


    Then, suddenly¡ª


    A golden, key-shaped emblem ignited on the back of her hand.


    Her breath hitched as she instinctively clutched at it, but the brilliant light poured between her fingers, spilling like liquid gold.


    All eyes in the tavern turned to her. Some of the non-human patrons, upon glimpsing the golden key, stared at her with a mix of admiration and deep envy.


    Then¡ªthud. Thud.


    Two towering Death Knights strode into the tavern, their armored boots striking the wooden floor like a war drum. Eerie blue flames burned within the voids of their eyes, and the black plating of their armor gleamed with the insignia of the Sorcerer Kingdom.


    A suffocating silence fell over the room. Even the loudest of the gray dwarves dared not make a sound, while the yuan-ti bartender subtly dipped his head.


    One of the Death Knights turned its chilling gaze toward the girl in the corner and spoke, its voice a hollow rasp, like wind whistling through a broken bellows:


    "Honorary Citizen, you are not permitted to leave E-Rantel without authorization."


    The second Death Knight flicked its wrist, sending a glowing, enchanted rope whipping through the air. The thick cord, pulsing with eerie green light, slithered like a serpent, coiling around the girl in tight loops before dragging her straight into the Death Knight''s grasp. Without hesitation, the two armored figures hauled her away.


    "No! I don''t want to go back!" The girl''s terrified screams cut through the heavy silence.


    Her hood fell, revealing soft, light brown hair cascading over her shoulders. Her delicate features were framed by striking emerald-green eyes, shimmering with unshed tears.


    Franco, unable to watch in silence, reached for his wand, ready to act.


    Thud!


    An arrow slammed into their table, quivering where it struck. The black-and-white fletching fluttered slightly, a silent warning.


    "Unless you''ve got a death wish, I''d sit this one out."


    The voice belonged to an elven woman, her sharp eyes watching them from across the tavern. A quiver was strapped to her back, a short sword at her waist, and a snug emerald-green leather outfit hugged her agile frame. Her long, ash-gray hair was tied back with a simple grass cord. That arrow had been no accident¡ªit was a clear message: stay out of it.


    "That girl will die if we do nothing," Barrett muttered, his voice low and tense. "I always thought elves prided themselves on their nobility. Are you really the type to just look the other way?"


    The elf smirked, completely unbothered, and took a leisurely sip from her flask. "Relax. She''s not going to die. She''s just a canary that managed to slip out of her cage. Her master''s simply putting her back where she belongs¡ªto sing behind bars."


    "What the hell does that mean?"


    The elf tilted her head slightly. "First time in E-Rantel, huh?"


    She jerked her chin toward the door. "Did you notice the golden key on her hand? That''s the emblem of an ''Honorary Citizen'' of the Sorcerer Kingdom. It comes with a lot of perks¡ªwealth, comfort, and immunity from most crimes. As long as she hasn''t committed murder, she''s not in any real danger."


    "Then why would an Honorary Citizen try to escape E-Rantel?"


    The elf gave a casual shrug. "Beats me. Maybe there''s more to this story than we know."

 Chapter 137: E-Rantel

    After a brief rest, the group left the tavern and headed towards E-Rantel. A female elf with a purplewood recurve bow led the way.


    To be fair, she wasn''t a bad person at heart. She knew that the girl taken by the Death Knight was not in mortal danger, so she stopped Franco from his "heroic intervention," preventing a potential clash between the three adventurers and the Death Knight on the territory of the Sorcerer Kingdom.


    Like most elves, she was tall and slender, her long legs wrapped in snug, emerald-green leather pants that highlighted her graceful curves. Franco''s eyes were glued to her figure as they walked. After a few moments, the ever-lecherous mage finally gave in and approached her with a grin.


    Surprisingly, they hit it off right away. A faint, playful smile tugged at the corners of the elf''s lips. Franco turned back to Barret and EeDeChi, grinning. "It''s all set. This lovely lady from the Elf Country has agreed to be our guide."


    "When did we ever say we needed a guide?" EeDeChi muttered to Barret, keeping her voice low. Since she was disguised as a male adventurer, it wouldn''t do for anyone to catch on.


    "This is just Franco looking for an excuse to flirt," Barret replied with a smirk. "Still, having a guide in a place like E-Rantel isn''t the worst idea." He gave a small nod of agreement.


    Franco, ever the generous spender when it came to women, pulled out his own coin pouch and handed the "guide" twenty gold coins.


    The elf introduced herself as Vaelynn Seraphina, hailing from the Elf Country bordering the Slane Theocracy. At sixty years old, under the guidance of a druid, she became a ranger and left her homeland to travel and adventure across the world. It has now been twenty-six years since she last returned home.


    That meant Vaelynn was now seventy-six years old. For humans, that would be old and frail, but for elves¡ªwho lived for centuries¡ªshe was in her prime, full of energy and life.


    Vaelynn Seraphina had come to E-Rantel to sell a few rare treasures she had acquired. She had been to the city more than a dozen times. Though she never settled there, she knew its streets and secrets as well as any local.


    "Miss Seraphina, you and I actually share a bit of a connection. I happen to have a quarter of elven blood in me, so I''ve always admired the greatness of your people..." Franco began, his voice smooth as silk.


    Vaelynn didn''t mind Franco''s charming chatter. Unlike most elves, she was open, carefree, and unrestrained. After twenty-six years of wandering the human world, she had shed the refined, aloof nature of her kin and embraced a wilder, more untamed spirit.


    She often joked that if she ever returned to the Elf Country, the forest-dwelling elves would probably turn up their noses at her.


    "Is E-Rantel really as amazing as they say?" Barret asked.


    "Well¡­" Vaelynn''s expression shifted slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "In my twenty-six years of traveling, E-Rantel is, without a doubt, the most extravagant city I''ve ever set foot in. Perhaps only the legendary capital of the Eight Greed Kings could compare. The people here live in comfort and prosperity, and the security is unmatched¡ªthe crime rate is so low it''s practically nonexistent."


    Then, with a mischievous smile, she added, "But whether that''s the whole truth¡­ well, you''ll see soon enough."


    Vaelynn''s expression hardened in an instant. "Listen carefully. There are three rules you must follow. First, do not say a single bad word about the Sorcerer Kingdom. Not even a whisper.


    "Second, do not speak the ruler''s name. The only acceptable title is the Supreme One, Lord Ainz.


    "Third, no fighting and no magic. Barret, secure your sword. Franco, stow your staff."


    The group soon arrived at E-Rantel. The towering granite walls stretched high into the sky, a monument of strength and authority.


    Walking beneath them was humbling¡ªlike being an ant skittering along the base of a colossal dam. The main road leading to the city gates was paved with smooth, unyielding stone, wide enough for five carriages to travel side by side with ease.


    Yet, unlike other cities, there were no soldiers scrutinizing merchants, no officials demanding tolls. Instead, only two towering skeletal sentinels stood guard.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Each of them clutched a sword that shimmered with an icy brilliance, its edge razor-sharp. In the hollow depths of their skulls, golden flames flickered and swayed, like miniature suns burning with an unspoken warning¡ªthis was a city where the Sorcerer Kingdom''s power was absolute.


    Near the entrance, a massive stone monument commanded attention. Bold, elegant lettering was carved into its surface, each groove filled with pure gold, gleaming resplendently beneath the sun:


    "Welcome to E-Rantel, a paradise under the protection of the Supreme One, Ainz Ooal Gown. Here, all races live in harmony¡ªno hatred, no bloodshed. Any race that embraces others as kin shall find a home within these walls."


    As they passed through the city gates, sprawling streets stretched out before them, lined with orderly rows of refined, picturesque buildings. Lifting their eyes slightly, they immediately caught sight of the tallest structure in the city¡ªa colossal golden statue of Ainz Ooal Gown.


    The statue towered over the city, standing half a height taller than the tallest spire. At its feet, even the largest buildings seemed like mere playthings. It clutched a scepter in its left hand, while its right hand extended outward, pointing toward the horizon. Embedded in its eye sockets, two crimson gemstones glowed ominously, as if the figure might come to life at any moment.


    They shifted their gaze away from the distant statue that pierced the clouds, continuing to move forward with the crowd.


    Before long, they reached a crossroads, where yet another statue of Ainz Ooal Gown stood in the center of the intersection.


    Though nowhere near as massive as the first, this statue still loomed three times taller than an average person.


    What truly left them speechless, however, was the behavior of the passersby. No matter their race¡ªhuman, lizardfolk, dwarf, or otherwise¡ªevery single one paused before the statue, knelt down, pressed their forehead to the ground, then rose and walked away with heads lowered in reverence.


    Even carriage drivers and passengers stopped, stepped down, knelt, and bowed before resuming their journey.


    "Doesn''t that get exhausting?" Barret murmured, coming to a halt. He observed his surroundings and noted the complete absence of undead enforcers. That meant this ritual¡ªthis near-worship¡ªwas entirely voluntary.


    "Hmph!" EeDeChi scoffed, clearly unimpressed.


    "Let''s take a different path," Barret suggested. The group quickly altered course, avoiding the statue-laden intersection and slipping down a quieter street.


    As they turned the corner, they suddenly found themselves face-to-face with a beholder.


    Barret''s instincts kicked in, and his hand flew to his sword¡ªbeholders were notoriously dangerous creatures.


    These floating, spherical monsters were covered in twisting tendrils, each ending in an eerie, unblinking eye. Their enormous central eye dominated the middle of their bodies, just above a gaping maw filled with razor-sharp teeth.


    And those eyes weren''t just for show. Beholders could unleash deadly magical rays¡ªcapable of disintegrating objects, petrifying flesh, or manipulating their surroundings with telekinesis.


    But Barret hesitated. Something was off. The beholder was constantly shifting, its massive eye scanning the streets, yet it showed no signs of hostility.


    More importantly, it wasn''t roaming freely. Instead, it was perched atop a towering, cylindrical pedestal, as though it belonged there¡ªlike a fixture of the city.


    After watching for a moment and confirming it posed no threat, the group moved on.


    They strolled leisurely through the streets, taking in the sights. The city buzzed with activity as beings of all shapes and sizes went about their day, chatting and trading. It was like walking through a grand exhibition of different races.


    Aarakocra merchants sold rare birds, creatures so elusive they were nearly impossible to capture in the skies. Dark elves walked under elegant parasols, carefully examining freshly unearthed gemstones at a minotaur''s stall.


    Inside a blacksmith''s shop, the sharp clang of metal against metal rang out as a burly, bearded dwarf pounded away at his anvil. Outside, blades of all shapes and sizes gleamed menacingly under the light, neatly arranged on wooden racks. Towering orcs strode through the packed streets, carrying massive sacks with ease.


    Overhead, shadows flickered as a white dragon soared across the sky. Suspended from its powerful claws was a cargo container, swaying gently as it transported goods high above the city.


    "Huh. Interesting," EeDeChi remarked, glancing around. "This place really does give off a ''races living in harmony'' vibe."


    Vaelynn, overhearing the comment, gave EeDeChi a surprised look. Barret quickly leaned in and murmured something into Vaelynn''s ear. She nodded in sudden realization, and when her gaze returned to EeDeChi, there was an unmistakable softness¡ªpity, sympathy, perhaps even a touch of sorrow.


    "Hey, what did you just tell her?" EeDeChi whispered suspiciously.


    "Oh, nothing much," Barret said, feigning innocence. "I just told her that your father died young, and you had a terrible illness as a child that forced doctors to remove your vocal cords. Your mother, refusing to let you live as a mute, begged a mage to transfer her own vocal cords to you. That''s why your voice has a feminine tone. Ever since then, you''ve been self-conscious about it, avoiding conversations and becoming reclusive¡­"


    "You really are a clever little devil!" EeDeChi angrily pinched Barret''s thigh hard, making Barret wince and jump up in pain.


    As they wandered deeper into the city, the novelty of its bustling streets began to wear off, and they started noticing something¡­ unsettling.


    The most common decorations weren''t fountains or gargoyles. Instead, massive portraits of Ainz Ooal Gown dominated the cityscape.


    Many of these paintings were accompanied by propaganda slogans, like the one looming before them now.


    In the painting, Ainz gazed into the horizon, his hand stretched forward in an imposing gesture. Behind him, beams of red and white light radiated like the rising sun. Below, bold golden letters declared:


    "WINS COME ALL DAY UNDER SUPREME OVERLORD AINZ!"


    And beside every portrait, without exception, stood a Death Knight, sword in hand, its hollow gaze ever-watchful.


    EeDeChi and the others didn''t dare linger. They stole a quick glance before averting their eyes, hastily moving on to avoid any unwanted attention.

 Chapter 138: E-Rantels Fairness

    Thank you all for reading this far¡ªI really appreciate it.


    I''ve decided to make some changes. I''m changing EeDeChi to EeDechi because I feel that this structure is more similar to names like LeBlanc and McDonald, which might make it more acceptable and natural to English-speaking readers.


    I''m not a native English speaker, so I write in my native language first and then use a translation tool to translate it into English. Please note that there''s no AI-generated content involved¡ªit''s just a translation.


    I always proofread my work after translating it.


    But because my IP isn''t clean and I''m sharing the account with others (Because the pricing($20 per month) of the translation tool is a bit high for me), the version of the translation tool I have access to seems to have reduced intelligence.


    Each chapter of this novel takes me about two and a half to three hours to write, and when you add the time I spend revising, translating, and proofreading, it''s safe to say that I spend about four hours on each chapter.


    That''s not even counting the time I''ve spent brainstorming the plot and the hair I''ve lost in the process.


    My writing ability in my native language is probably at an upper-intermediate level, so if what you end up reading is a poorly translated version in English, that would be terrible.


    In short, using a low-quality translation wouldn''t be fair to me, and it wouldn''t be fair to you either.


    Recently, I discovered a new translation tool that seems to produce better translation results.


    I''ve decided to use the new tool to translate my novel from now on, and I also plan to retranslate all the previously released chapters using it. At the same time, I''ll be changing all the names to EeDechi.


    This is a huge undertaking for me, but I''ve decided to go through with it.


    Hopefully, this will give you a better reading experience.


    To be honest, I didn''t have much confidence in this novel at first because not many people were reading it. But as I''ve been revising it, I''ve added a lot of new content and improved it more and more. Now, I feel that this novel is really good¡ªits quality is very high, even if there are very few readers.


    In the future, I''ll be able to proudly tell others that I wrote this novel.


    Finally, you''re very welcome to share your reading experience ¡ª it means a lot to me.


    -


    -


    -


    EeDechi and her teammate kept wandering around the city. Gotta admit, the place looked pretty damn nice from the outside.


    Neat and classy houses lined up like building blocks, all orderly and perfect. The buildings were made of beige and light gray stone bricks, giving the city a kind of grand, dignified vibe.


    The roofs were mostly steep and pointy, covered with deep blue or reddish-brown tiles. Every house had a fancy little balcony and small arched walkways, with the columns carved with delicate vine patterns, oozing elegance.


    But here''s the weird part: every few steps in this city, you''d spot a beholder perched on a tall, round pillar.


    These beholders didn''t attack anyone or step off their fancy pillars. They just sat there, eyeballing everything around them with those creepy, bulging eyes¡ªespecially the people passing by.


    There was even a third-floor balcony of some house staring straight at one of those beholders. You could bet the folks living there had to keep the curtains shut tight, or every move they made would be a free show for that thing.


    "I swear those beholders are staring right at me. It''s freaking me out," Franco grumbled. "I can''t even cop a feel on some chick''s ass without feeling watched."


    "Don''t flatter yourself," Barrit shot back. "Those beholders aren''t zeroing in on us specifically."


    They were rolling with EeDechi, the numero uno wanted fugitive, after all. If those beholders locked eyes on them everywhere they went, they''d have to hightail it out of there ASAP.


    They passed by another propaganda poster¡ªthis one plastered across the whole side of a three-story building. It was a massive portrait of Ainz Ooal Gown, just his upper half, looming over them.


    The portrait of Ainz was all majestic and serious, his right hand raised and pointing ahead, with golden-red lines fanning out behind him like rays of sunlight.


    Below Ainz''s giant bust, there were drawings of all kinds of creatures¡ªhumans, half-dragons, lizardfolk, orcs, halflings, elves, dwarves, fishmen, vampires, goblins, you name it.


    These wildly different-looking beings stood in a neat row, each clutching an identical-colored book to their chest. They held their heads high, eyes sharp and steady, faces glowing with pride and passion.


    Under the whole painting ran a bold red slogan: "THE GREAT SUPREME OVERLORD AINZ OOAL GOWN GUIDES US TOWARD THE DIRECTION OF HARMONY AMONG ALL RACES!"


    EeDechi wanted to squint and figure out what book those creatures were holding¡ªafter all, they were drawn so tiny. Cramming that many races into one picture wasn''t easy, and next to Ainz''s massive figure, they looked like a row of little tin soldier toys.


    But right beside this huge propaganda piece stood a death knight leaning on his sword, so EeDechi only dared a quick glance before looking away.


    The group kept moving forward, leaving the quiet residential area behind and stepping into a buzzing market.


    The market was packed with vendors from all races doing their thing.


    A short little halfling''s oven wafted the smell of rosemary-roasted quail, while a hulking ogre drooled at his stall nearby¡ªhard to tell if he was craving the quail or the halfling.


    A half-blind gnome jeweler was peering through a magnifying glass at a gold tooth in a kobold''s mouth. Two humans lugged a crate of cheese down the street, the stench so strong it made a minotaur nearby let out a loud sneeze.


    An orc was hawking thick, chunky slabs of smoked meat, while a dark elf selling short blades nearby fiddled with an obsidian dagger out of boredom.


    "Crash!" A human woman suddenly tripped, and the bread in her basket spilled all over the ground.


    A horned satyr in a linen shirt bent down to help her pick up the bread, asking with concern how she''d fallen.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    The woman''s calf was red and swollen. She stammered something about tripping over something she didn''t quite see.


    Maybe she really didn''t catch what happened, but Barrit and the others saw it clear as day.


    As the woman passed by a lizardfolk, he "casually" turned around, swinging his steel-whip tail and knocking her flat on her ass without breaking a sweat.


    After flooring the human, the lizardfolk acted like nothing happened, just kept chatting with his buddy.


    This lizardfolk towered over the woman by a good three heads, all rippling muscles and brute strength, with dragon-like ridges spiking from his skull.


    No way was she about to call him out. She just rubbed her aching leg and limped off.


    The four of them stopped at a sahuagin''s grill stall, waiting for some seaweed-flavored fish skewers to finish cooking. In that short time, the dragon-featured lizardfolk "accidentally" whipped his tail again, knocking over two more passing humans and a dwarf who barely reached his waist.


    The lizardfolk''s drooling mouth curled into a smirk as he watched the the other races tumble at his feet, his yellow slit-pupils glinting with a cruel, shitty grin.


    For him, picking on weaker races seemed like a total blast. Back in the day, these races were just food for lizardfolk, but now that the Sorcerer Kingdom was forcing everyone to play nice, the lizardfolk always found a way to stir up some shit.


    "This lizard''s Justice Value is only -151, and nobody''s doing jack about it?" EeDechi asked, pointing at a pitch-black death knight standing nearby. The death knight looked like a damn statue, not even twitching.


    The sahuagin boss handed EeDechi a skewer of steaming, fragrant grilled fish, his voice gurgling like bubbles were popping in his throat:


    "Ha, you don''t know yet? E-Rantel''s laws are ''fair.'' Those brain-dead undead judges, when they can''t figure out a verdict, they settle it the ''fair'' way¡ªchop off both the plaintiff''s and defendant''s heads! As long as you''re ready to trade a life for a life, you''ll get a ''fair'' outcome, no problem."


    "So even if you get screwed over, nobody dares report it. The lizardfolk just says he didn''t notice his tail and ''accidentally'' tripped someone¡ªwho''s gonna call him out on that?" Vaelynn chimed in.


    She picked up her fish skewer, eyeing the meat''s color. "Boss, this fish isn''t fresh, is it?"


    "Ha, not fresh?" the sahuagin growled, his voice thick and heavy. "I''ve been running this fish stall for three years, and I don''t need some pointy-eared chick talking smack. Two more months, and it''s time for the ''Honorary Citizen'' evaluation. May the Great Supreme Overlord bless me and keep me from becoming one."


    "Why don''t you wanna be an Honorary Citizen?" Barrit asked, curious. "Honorary Citizen" sounded pretty cool, at least on the surface.


    "Ha, what does a damn adventurer like you know?" The sahuagin let out a "ha" before every sentence, his fish gills flapping by his lips as he said, "Ha, if I become an Honorary Citizen, I can''t just head back to the Polphi Sea whenever I want. That''s my real home¡ªthe salty seawater there tastes so good, not like this dry-ass¡­ cough, this sunny, picture-perfect city that doesn''t even get a storm all year."


    "How''s business been lately?" Barrit asked casually.


    "Ha, oh, it''s great, just freaking fantastic," the sahuagin said, flipping the skewers in his hands.


    "Is it actually good or not?" Barrit pressed, now curious.


    "Ha, you out-of-towner, haven''t you heard the holy words of the Great Supreme Overlord? The Great Supreme Overlord said this year''s Sorcerer Kingdom economy is booming, the cities are getting livelier every day, everyone''s living better and better¡ªhow could business be bad? It''s gotta be hotter than ever. If I said business sucked, wouldn''t that be me talking shit on purpose? Ruining the whole thriving vibe?"


    "Oh, got it," Barrit nodded.


    After tossing over a few silver coins, the four of them said goodbye to the fish stall boss and kept exploring deeper into E-Rantel.


    As they passed by the troublemaking lizardfolk, the one with the dragon features "accidentally" turned again, swinging his tail toward EeDechi.


    EeDechi acted like she didn''t even notice the spiked, monstrous tail whipping toward her leg. She "casually" lifted her foot and stomped down on the lizardfolk''s tail, giving it a light step.


    "CRACK!" The sound of shattering bone and splitting flesh rang out loud and clear. The chunk of tail EeDechi stepped on popped like a tomato, blood spraying everywhere, a total gorefest.


    "AHH!" The lizardfolk let out a blood-curdling scream, his pupils flaring red, fury practically shooting out of his nostrils.


    As his rage exploded, cracks split the ground beneath him, sand and gravel swirling around him like a tornado. A dagger flew out of a nearby minotaur''s sheath, hovering in the air and aiming straight for EeDechi''s eye, ready to launch.


    "WHO''S USING MAGIC?!" A gravelly roar cut through the air like a banshee''s wail. A death knight clutching a sharp blade stomped over.


    The dagger clattered to the ground, and the spinning sand and rocks dropped too. The lizardfolk, who''d puffed up like an overblown balloon, deflated in an instant. He tucked away his bleeding tail stump, trembling as he faced the death knight, way bigger and badder than him. "I didn''t¡­ it was an accident¡­"


    The death knight''s skeletal eye sockets flickered with ghostly fire. It loomed over the lizardfolk, its voice like stone grinding on sandpaper: "Records show dragon-blooded lizardfolk Zha''korr Vissk, second offense using offensive magic."


    "No¡­ this is my first time! Last time was my brother!" the lizardfolk howled in panic, dragging his mangled tail as he tried to bolt.


    The death knight charged, its gleaming sword flashing. With one clean swing, the lizardfolk''s head shot into the air, and blood gushed from the headless corpse like a freaking fountain.


    "AHH!" Screams erupted as people on the street scrambled to get away, while others didn''t even flinch, going about their business like this was just another day. The death knight sheathed its blood-dripping sword and strolled off like nothing happened.


    "This¡­" EeDechi had only meant to teach the lizardfolk a lesson. She sure as hell didn''t expect things to go this far.


    "He broke the law," Vaelynn explained. "Nobody''s allowed to use offensive magic or force in E-Rantel. First time''s a warning, second time they cut you down no questions asked. Keeping fights in check is the whole deal behind ''all races living in harmony.''"


    "Was that dragon-blooded lizardfolk using magic just now?" Franco asked, scratching his head. "I didn''t feel any magic vibes."


    "Probably Wild Magic, a dragon thing¡ªruns on soul power, not regular magic," Barrit said.


    "Yep, Wild Magic for sure," Vaelynn nodded. When it came to knowing random shit, only she could go toe-to-toe with Barrit.


    Just then, a big, blobby slime oozed over, and people jumped out of its way left and right. Wherever it went, the street ended up sparkling clean.


    "That''s the janitor," Vaelynn said. "Don''t get sucked in¡ªit doesn''t dodge pedestrians. A few dumb kids have already ended up dead in its gut."


    The massive slime squirmed over to the lizardfolk''s headless corpse, slurping up the pooling blood, body, and head in one go. In no time, the street was spotless, like nothing had ever happened.


    The group kept chatting and laughing as they strolled a few more steps. Barrit was starting to feel like he was on some kind of vacation, just chilling next to the Great Tomb of Nazarick, soaking in all the weird race vibes.


    "Being a tourist in E-Rantel''s pretty sweet. But settling down here? Life might not be so peachy," Vaelynn said with a smirk.


    They walked up to a church. The entrance was decked out with a fancy velvet carpet, colorful flower baskets lined the stone steps in a long row, white gauze was tied into pretty loops around the statues, and inside the grand stone hall, a symphony swelled up and down like heavenly bells ringing out.


    "Looks like a couple''s tying the knot. Wanna crash it and grab some free food and drinks?" Vaelynn pointed at the church.


    The three adventurers nodded. Checking out some wild local customs sounded like a good time.


    The four of them stepped into the church hall and snagged a row of seats in the corner. The wedding vibe was kinda off¡ªway less lively than it seemed from outside.


    The couple''s relatives sat below the guest platform, split into two clear camps: one side was humans looking all gloomy and sad, the other was orcs grinning ear to ear, practically bouncing with joy.


    Up on the stage getting blessed, the groom was a beefy, ugly-ass orc stuffed into a black tux that didn''t fit right, with a white shirt underneath and a red bowtie at his neck¡ªlooked weird as hell.


    The bride, decked out in a pristine white gown, was a gorgeous human chick with smooth light brown hair and bright green eyes brimming with pure despair.


    EeDechi and the others exchanged looks. They''d seen this bride before at a little tavern outside E-Rantel¡ªshe''d been trying to ditch the city, only to get dragged back by a death knight.


    "The bride''s obviously not into it," EeDechi said in a rush. "Look at her, she''s about to bawl."


    Below the platform, an old couple leaned on each other, sobbing their hearts out, supported by some folks nearby. Probably the bride''s parents, gutted to see their precious girl hitched to an orc.


    "No wonder that ''Honorary Citizen'' girl wanted to bolt from E-Rantel¡ªshe was running from this wedding," Vaelynn said, piecing it together.


    "Is E-Rantel just orc territory or what?" Barrit snapped, pissed off. "Do orcs get to marry whoever they damn well please?" Watching a woman from his own race get screwed over like this¡ªany decent guy would lose it.


    Vaelynn explained: "It''s part of the Sorcerer Kingdom''s race-blending rules¡ªmodel couples. Every year, they use divination magic to pick a guy and girl from the Honorary Citizens, doesn''t matter what race, and pair them up for marriage."


    "Other than maybe having a big dick, how the hell are orcs better than us?" Franco fumed, yanking out his wand.


    "I''m stopping this messed-up wedding no matter what!" EeDechi''s eyes darkened with rage.


    "Chill out, everybody!" Vaelynn said, tense. "Don''t start shit in E-Rantel. But¡­" Her eyes flicked slyly. "There might be a way."

 Chapter 139: The Duel in the Church

    The orc groom, named Gorvak Ironfang, was an officer in the night patrol team of E-Rantel''s southern district. His orc clan, the Ironfangs, once roamed the vast wilderness.


    Years ago, after the Sorcerer Kingdom''s army wiped out two-thirds of the Ironfang tribe, the survivors were forced to choose between total annihilation or relocation.


    With only a third of their population left, they packed up and, under the "invitation" of the Sorcerer Kingdom, moved to E-Rantel. There, they became one of the poster children for "harmony among all races of the world."


    The Sorcerer Kingdom used death threats as a stick and gold coins and grain as a carrot, rounding up different races to settle in E-Rantel like animals in a zoo. In no time, they whipped up a city that screamed "all races living together in peace."


    ¡­


    On the ceremony platform, the orc shaman, with a silver ring pierced through his nose, shouted, "Honored guests, dear friends, in this awesome moment, let''s dance for this happy couple, raise a glass to their fiery love, and wish their life''s path always be covered with flowers and roasted meat!"


    "But," he switched gears, "before we get to that, we gotta give a big shout-out to the greatest leader in the world¡ªSupreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown!


    "Without the badass Supreme Overlord, we wouldn''t be chilling here together! Without the epic Supreme Overlord, we wouldn''t have this sweet, peaceful life! Without the mighty Supreme Overlord, the groom and bride wouldn''t have met, fallen for each other, or tied the knot!


    "Everyone, on your feet! Join me in singing praises to the Supreme Overlord we worship, adore, and back with all we''ve got!"


    With a loud rustle, everyone in the church stood up¡ªcheerful orcs, grim-faced humans, every single one. Even the groom and bride shot up, standing tall and straight, all serious and proper.


    Hands on their chests, they took a deep breath and sang in unison:


    "The red sun in the sky is hot and bright.


    "In our heart, Ainz is the sun!


    "He leads us onward;


    "Hand in hand, we will win!


    "Ee-ya ee-zee-yo, Ya-r ya-zee-yo-ah!


    "Hand in hand, we will win!


    "The red sun in the sky is hot and bright


    "In our heart, Ainz is the sun!


    "He lets us drop our hatred.


    "All tribes united, victory!


    "Ee-ya ee-zee-yo, Ya-r ya-zee-yo-ah!


    "All tribes united, victory! ¡­"


    EeDechi and Barrett were in the back row, standing up and pretending to sing, but their mouths barely moved.


    Good thing everyone else was belting it out so loud, and with the church''s echo, all the voices blended together. No one noticed they were faking it.


    After the big, booming choir wrapped up, everyone plopped back into their seats. The musicians fired up the accordion again, playing a sweet tune perfect for the wedding vibe.


    Up on the platform, the orc shaman with a silver ring in his nose turned to the bride. "Willow Garcia, through war or peace, sickness or health, death or new life, will you take care of him, love him, and serve him for the rest of your days?"


    "I¡­" The gorgeous bride, Willow Garcia, turned her head away in despair, two sparkling tears rolling down her cheeks. "I¡­"


    ""I OBJECT!" A deep, gutsy shout drowned out the accordion''s gentle melody.


    All eyes snapped to the intruder. A beefy human guy stood in the middle of the church aisle, a longsword strapped to his waist, decked out in leather armor. His face wasn''t exactly drop-dead gorgeous, but he looked strong as hell.


    "I''m throwing down a duel for this beautiful woman''s hand. You orc pussy got the balls to fight me?" Barrett stole the spotlight, jabbing his arm straight at the orc groom on the platform.


    For orcs, might makes right¡ªthey settle shit with their fists. The stronger you are, the more you rule the tribe and get dibs on mating.


    Duels are just another Tuesday for orcs. Sure, E-Rantel bans random brawls and magic, but the Sorcerer Kingdom gives a nod to each race''s traditions. Legal fights are fair game.


    "!£¤%¡­©Û©È@£¡@#$%¡­©ì©Û©È@£¡©Ï©¨#&%¡­©â©Ç&@#£¡¡­&^%¡­#*(¡­" The elf ranger Vaelynn translated it flawlessly into orcish.


    Her translation didn''t really do much¡ªpretty much every non-human in E-Rantel could understand the common tongue. But it was more about sending a message: I know orc customs, and refusing a duel is a slap in the face to their pride.


    To the right, below the platform, the bride''s family sat with gloomy faces. When they saw Barrett storm in to crash the wedding, their eyes lit up with awe and hope.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The orc groom up on the platform was a patrol officer in E-Rantel, a total beast in a fight. But Barrett? He screamed veteran adventurer. Maybe, just maybe, he could take down the groom and save the bride from this mess.


    Sure, this human adventurer looked like a rough bastard too¡ªmean eyes, muscles just as jacked as any orc. But marrying a human still beat the hell out of marrying an orc, hands down.


    Plus, if this adventurer could actually beat the orc groom, a little cash might convince him to hand the bride back to her parents'' arms. That''s what her family under the guest seats was banking on.


    On the left side of the church, the orcs glared at Barrett and the sword hanging at his waist, their eyes dripping with bad vibes. Up on the platform, the orc groom ripped off his red bowtie and shrugged out of his suit, ready to throw down.


    A gnarled wooden staff shot forward, blocking the orc groom before he could leap off the platform. The orc shaman holding the staff had ice in his eyes. He leaned in, whispering something in the groom''s ear. The groom hesitated for a second, then pulled back the foot he''d been about to launch off the stage.


    The older orc shaman wasn''t nearly as hotheaded as the rest of his kind. To him, they didn''t even need to bother with Barrett¡ªjust keep the wedding rolling. A seasoned human adventurer like Barrett was a pain in the ass to deal with, too unpredictable.


    The orc groom flashed a grin full of jagged, yellow teeth. "If you wanna duel me¡­"


    "Nah," Barrett cut him off, "it ain''t you and me duking it out. It''s my boss, the Holy Mute Knight from Baharuth!"


    He stepped aside with a bow, revealing EeDechi standing behind him. EeDechi wore a wide-brimmed felt hat, head tilted down so no one could see her face.


    "Knight?" The orc groom eyeballed EeDechi''s scrawny frame and burst into loud, obnoxious laughter. "He''s gotta be the shortest damn knight I''ve ever seen!"


    The orcs below the guest seats roared with laughter too. They''d figured Barrett was the one throwing down, not some shrimp of a knight with him as a sidekick. This pint-sized knight must''ve been drunk on noble glory, trying to pull off a cheesy hero-saves-the-damsel stunt.


    The bride''s family, who''d been riding high on hope, deflated fast. They dropped their heads and sighed, muttering about how Baharuth''s knights could be so damn stupid.


    The orc shaman raised his staff, casting a quick detection spell. He didn''t pick up any strength-boosting magic gear on EeDechi. With a nod to the groom, he signaled it was cool to take the challenge.


    With everyone in the church as witnesses, both sides signed a legit-looking duel contract. They even showed it to a death knight patrolling nearby. Orcs usually didn''t mess with paperwork, but in E-Rantel, they had to play by some civilized rules.


    In the middle of the church, people cleared out a space. The orc groom, Gorvak Ironfang, and EeDechi stood face-to-face. Since Barrett''s crew were the ones who called for the duel, the orcs got to pick the rules. The orc shaman deliberately chose bare-knuckle brawling¡ªno weapons allowed.


    EeDechi flipped up her hat, revealing a head of dazzling blonde hair. Her face was smeared with wild tribal tattoos that Barrett had scribbled on, making her look like a total mess.


    "RIP HIM APART!RIP HIM APART! RIP HIM APART!¡­" The watching orcs hollered and jeered, picturing EeDechi''s blood splattering everywhere. The savage itch in their veins was begging to come out.


    Gorvak Ironfang, shirtless, towered over EeDechi, staring her down. He flexed his knotted, muscly arms, a cruel grin splitting his face.


    In E-Rantel, it''d been ages since he''d gotten to kill or fight to his heart''s content. The Sorcerer Kingdom''s iron grip kept the orcs'' natural urge to brawl locked down tight. Now some human had walked right up to him, begging for a beatdown¡ªhe was gonna let all that pent-up bloodlust loose.


    "ROAR!" Gorvak Ironfang let out a hyped-up bellow, swinging a fist like a battering ram straight at EeDechi.


    EeDechi didn''t flinch. She sidestepped, bent her knees, grabbed the orc''s swinging arm, and spun around to his back. A sickening crunch of breaking bones rang out from his arm. With a slick over-the-shoulder throw, she flung Gorvak Ironfang into the air and slammed him hard into the ground!


    "BOOM!" The sound of something heavy crashing shook the whole church, dust raining down from the walls. Gorvak Ironfang''s body sank right into the floor.


    EeDechi let go of the orc''s shattered arm and stepped back. Gorvak Ironfang saw stars, struggling for a bit before dragging himself up, staring in disbelief at his right hand, now limp as a noodle.


    But Gorvak Ironfang still had one good arm. He wasn''t about to quit. Roaring, he charged at EeDechi again.


    EeDechi threw a single punch. Gorvak Ironfang''s gut caved in, his body flying sideways, smashing through three marble support pillars before slamming into the wall, stuck there like some freaky display.


    "¡­"


    A long silence hung in the air. The watching orcs and humans just stared at each other. The bare-knuckle fight started, and in less than five seconds, Gorvak Ironfang¡ªofficer of E-Rantel''s night patrol¡ªwas down for the count, maybe even dead. It didn''t even feel real.


    Finally, the bride''s family erupted into wild cheers, popping champagne and waving it around. Still in her pure white wedding dress, the bride cried tears of joy, rushing over to kiss EeDechi.


    EeDechi pushed the starry-eyed bride away with one hand, chuckling softly, "One good deed a day."


    A few orcs scrambled to pull Gorvak Ironfang out of the wall. The orc shaman gawked at EeDechi, raising his staff and pointing at her, stammering, "You¡­ you¡­"


    "Looks like a wedding turned into a funeral," Barrett said, clapping the orc shaman on the shoulder. The three adventurers and the elf ranger strolled out of the church.


    A crowd was gathering outside the church, buzzing with chatter. The ruckus EeDechi had just caused was no joke¡ªthe boom of slamming that orc into the wall must''ve echoed miles away. The group picked up the pace, darting through a couple of alleys to shake off any nosy onlookers.


    EeDechi, a wanted fugitive in the Sorcerer Kingdom, had to play it smart wandering around on their turf.


    The elf Vaelynn kept eyeballing EeDechi with a mix of shock and awe. To her, EeDechi was basically a freaking beast. She kept staring at her, which made EeDechi uncomfortable, giving her the unsettling feeling of being watched, as though someone was spying on her.


    "I''ve never seen a human this damn strong before," Vaelynn said. "For real, you''re not some dragon half-breed, are you?"


    "The captain''s no dragon mix¡ªhe''s pure human," Franco chimed in.


    "For a human to get this badass, you''re not from the Slane Theocracy, are you?" Vaelynn ignored Franco, still locked on EeDechi. She muttered to herself, "Nah¡­ doesn''t seem like one of those Slane Theocracy holy rollers."


    After seeing EeDechi in action, Vaelynn''s curiosity was practically bursting. She pressed on, "Why didn''t you take the bride with you? I think you two would''ve hit it off."


    Franco squirmed a little. He''d finally gotten cozy with this hot elf chick, on the verge of something more than friendship¡ªhe couldn''t let EeDechi steal the spotlight.


    He leaned close to Vaelynn''s ear, pointing at EeDechi and whispering, "The captain''s not into girls."


    "What?!" Vaelynn''s eyes popped wide, pure disbelief written all over her face. She cautiously asked Franco, "Wait, is your captain¡­ you know¡­?"


    "Yup, exactly that," Franco nodded, dead serious.


    "No wonder¡­" Vaelynn''s face lit up like she''d just cracked the code, thinking she''d figured out why EeDechi wasn''t giving her the time of day.


    EeDechi shot Franco a death glare, plotting to give him a solid ass-kicking once they were alone. Right now, she was posing as a guy¡ªa quiet, blonde adventurer type¡ªand couldn''t exactly set the record straight.

 Chapter 140: Dragon Zoo

    The group continued wandering around, and Barrett wanted to buy a map, so they asked for directions to the nearest bookstore and headed there together.


    The bookstore was built unusually tall, with an enormous door¡ªclearly designed to accommodate races with gigantic builds.


    As soon as they stepped inside, right in the most eye-catching spot, a neat stack of books with red covers and gold lettering caught their attention. The title read The Quotations of the Great Leader and Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown.


    EeDechi frowned, because judging by the color, this was the exact same book she''d seen in those propaganda posters earlier, clutched to the chest of every creature.


    The bookstore was nearly empty. A gnoll in leather shorts stood there, holding a copy of The Quotations of the Great Leader and Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown, reading it with intense focus.


    He nodded as he read, muttering nonstop under his breath, "Worthy of the great Supreme Overlord, this is so spot-on! So damn profound!"


    Out of curiosity, EeDechi grabbed a copy of The Quotations of the Great Leader and Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown herself, eager to see what kind of golden nuggets of wisdom could inspire such praise.


    She flipped to the first page and nearly burst out laughing.


    "The weather''s pretty nice today. ¡ª The Great Leader and Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown"


    Luckily, EeDechi didn''t actually laugh. She tightened her face muscles, choking the grin back down.


    Next to the book pile stood a human attendant wearing white gloves and a formal suit, his eyes fixed on the readers. If EeDechi had let that laugh slip, she''d probably have been ratted out to the authorities on the spot.


    The gnoll next to her kept gushing as he read, "This line is pure genius! I couldn''t come up with something this deep in a million years!"


    EeDechi flipped to the next page and caught another of Ainz''s quotes: "What does a chocolate strawberry cake taste like?"


    "Supreme Overlord Ainz''s one sentence is worth ten thousand of ours!" the gnoll declared, hoisting The Quotations of the Great Leader and Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown high above his head, beaming with pride at everyone around.


    He marched excitedly toward the bookstore counter, book in hand, and told the owner, "I''m buying this! Every damn line in here is packed with mind-blowing wisdom! I''m gonna study it hard, soak up every bit of Supreme Overlord''s teachings!"


    The bookstore owner, a dwarf perched on a tall stool, gave him a thumbs-up. "You''ve got good taste, pal. This one''s been flying off the shelves lately!"


    The gnoll dug some coins out of his leather shorts, paid up, then cradled the book like it was some priceless treasure, slowing his steps and easing his way out the door.


    "Hey, buddy," EeDechi called out to him. She flipped open her copy of The Quotations of the Great Leader and Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown, pointed at one of the lines, and asked the gnoll, "Mind breaking down the philosophy in this one for me? I''m kinda slow on the uptake and can''t figure out the deep meaning."


    EeDechi was genuinely curious¡ªwhat the hell was this gnoll getting out of Ainz''s quotes that made him worship the guy so much?


    She held up the page, showing him the line she''d pointed to.


    The line was: "Finally, I don''t have to read the room anymore¡ªfeels so good! ¡ª The Great Leader and Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown"


    The gnoll leaned in, squinting his yellow eyes at the words on the page, his brow furrowing as he thought hard. After a moment, he scratched his head and said sheepishly, "I can''t read."


    You can''t read?! EeDechi nearly keeled over. If you can''t read, how the hell were you studying it so intently, so seriously? And spouting all those big reactions?


    The gnoll went on, "Even though I can''t read, I can feel the spirit and ideas the Supreme Overlord is putting out there. It really speaks to me. Plus, once I buy it and take it back, the tribe''s shaman can read it to me. The Supreme Overlord''s so great and powerful¡ªhis words have to make sense. If I don''t get it, that''s on me."


    After the gnoll walked off, EeDechi put The Quotations of the Great Leader and Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown back where it belonged, though she didn''t bother lining it up neatly.


    The white-gloved attendant nearby whipped out a ruler, shifted the book back into place, and lined it up perfectly with the others, measuring it to the millimeter.


    Barrett had already snagged his map a while back, but he''d been keeping an eye on EeDechi, making sure she didn''t stir up trouble¡ªlike letting out a savage laugh at Ainz''s expense. Luckily, nothing happened, and all was quiet.


    The group left the bookstore and kept exploring.


    Barrett leaned in close to Vaelynn, dropping his voice to a whisper, "Is there a black market in E-Rantel?"


    The black market¡ªor underground trade¡ªwas a hot spot for every adventurer. Dirty cash got cleaned up there, shady goods changed hands, and you could find sellers and buyers for everything: dark magic potions, witchcraft books, cursed forbidden relics, the works.


    "A black market? Hell yeah, there''s one," Vaelynn said after a brief pause. "Thing is, the ''black market'' is officially run by the Sorcerer Kingdom. It''s over in the West District¡ªyou should check it out. Most of the polymorph potions come straight from the Sorcerer Kingdom''s potion shops, along with dragon scales, dragon bones, alchemy ingredients¡­"


    E-Rantel''s streets were paved with top-notch granite, wide as hell¡ªabout three times broader than your average human city.


    A public coach pulled by a drake dragon rumbled down the road, its massive claws thumping against the ground. The reins were as thick as an arm, and the driver was a hyena-eared demi-human.


    A giant burlap sack hung under the drake dragon''s ass, catching its shit¡ªprobably the only reason the streets weren''t covered in crap from these beasts with their crazy-fast metabolisms.


    Vaelynn flagged down the coach. She was headed to book rooms at the Harbor at Sunset inn. According to her, it had the fewest non-humans around, and she recommended the three adventurers crash there too.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Try not to throw around magic or start swinging fists. Keep it chill¡ªyou don''t wanna end up dead over some dumb shit," Vaelynn warned as her slim figure hopped onto the coach.


    EeDechi and the others weren''t exactly in E-Rantel for a sightseeing vacation. Barrett followed the map''s directions, leading them toward the central teleportation hub.


    The three adventurers were aiming to take the teleportation array from E-Rantel to the Slane Theocracy, then cut through there to reach the Eight Greed Kings'' desert.


    On their way to the hub, they passed a kindergarten where a female elf teacher was leading a group of kids from different races in song.


    These kids weren''t just humans¡ªthere were lizardfolk, dragonborn, dwarves, and even a goblin toddler in the mix.


    The elf teacher lined them up and taught them to sing together:


    "My heart''s light and free, as the accordion plays wilder, Sound spiraling up, growing louder and higher. In harmony we thrive, every race finds its place, Our homeland stands proud, the best damn space.


    "Our daddy''s Supreme Overlord Ainz, leading our cherished kingdom, In his mighty embrace, the Sorcerer Kingdom finds its freedom. Brothers all are we, raising our nation''s flame, Together building the future, in Ainz''s mighty name.


    "Unbeatable our strength, no storm can make us waver, Carrying on Nazarick''s spirit, in every endeavor. Invincible in our land, where all dreams come to fruition, Here we stand united, fulfilling our grand mission¡­"


    EeDechi watched these wide-eyed, innocent kids belting out the song and couldn''t help but let out a sigh.


    "This ain''t your problem right now," Barrett said, yanking her away.


    ¡­


    E-Rantel''s teleportation hub sprawled across a wide-open patch of land. Up front stood a pyramid-shaped stone building¡ªthe teleport dispatch hall and passenger waiting area. In the center were several massive teleportation arrays, split into grids by long pathways of copper pillars and stone bricks.


    A deep, drawn-out dragon roar ripped through the sky, laced with furious draconic power and a faint, bitter weakness. It sounded like some dragon was kicking around on the other end of the central hub.


    There weren''t many travelers milling around the hub¡ªteleportation arrays were the priciest way to get around the continent, way out of reach for most folks.


    EeDechi stopped dead in her tracks, glancing around suspiciously. She suddenly got the feeling someone was scoping her out.


    Back when the elf ranger Vaelynn was still with them, EeDechi figured those eyes on her were Vaelynn''s. But Vaelynn was long gone now, and that creeping sense of being watched still came and went, sticking around like a bad smell.


    "What''s up?" Barrett asked, thrown off by her vibe.


    "I''ve got a tail," EeDechi muttered, her eyes scanning every direction like a hawk.


    Barrett tensed up, his hand gripping the hilt of the sword at his waist, sneaking glances around. But he didn''t spot anything or anyone shady.


    Franco slipped his wand out from his sleeve and said, "The only magic vibes I''m picking up are from the teleportation hub. No weird surges, no whispers of incantations¡ªnobody''s casting shit."


    "Let''s move. We need to hop that teleportation array and get out of here," Barrett muttered, head down. The three of them hustled into the pyramid-shaped building.


    ¡­


    The dispatch officer handling teleportation passengers was a sharp-looking half-elf. He eyed the three jittery adventurers and said, all polite-like, "Sorry, folks, you''re still tagged as tourists right now. According to the Teleportation Law Pact, you need official Sorcerer Kingdom approval to ride an array to another country. Head over to the inspection hall, register, and grab your permit papers. Then you can board the array to the Slane Theocracy."


    EeDechi and the crew had no choice but to trudge over to this so-called inspection hall. Inside, a bunch of stone-faced enforcers were grilling every single person¡ªhats off, scarves unwrapped, running them through disguise-detection gadgets, even making them chug a harmless potion to undo any polymorph effects.


    "Now what?" EeDechi propped her chin in her hand, thinking hard. She''d never pass this check, and Franco''s mind-muddle spells weren''t exactly an easy play here either.


    The three of them huddled up for a quick powwow and decided to bail for now, figure out another plan. Worst case, they''d hoof it to the Slane Theocracy on foot. But that was a shitty option¡ªlong as hell and way too easy to stumble into the Sorcerer Kingdom''s surveillance web.


    "Still feel like someone''s creeping on you?" Barrett whispered to EeDechi as they stepped out of the waiting hall.


    "Not right now," EeDechi said, cautiously scanning the area while tugging the brim of her wide felt hat lower. "What if the Sorcerer Kingdom''s goons have already clocked me?"


    "If they knew it was you, they''d come at us swinging," Barrett mused. "If they''re not totally sure, they''d just roll up and search all three of us. This is Sorcerer Kingdom turf¡ªthey don''t need to play coy."


    "What if they''re calling in backup right now?" Franco said, clutching his wand with sweaty, nervous hands.


    "Let''s take the long way around, see if we can shake whoever''s on our ass."


    The three adventurers cut toward the back of the central teleportation hub. A long, pained dragon roar echoed out, and from a distance, they could see a dozen massive dragons standing on the ground. But the dragons weren''t moving an inch¡ªfrozen stiff like they''d been turned to stone.


    Up close, they spotted a huge golden plaque engraved with the same words in Common, Elvish, Dwarvish, and Draconic: Dragon Zoo.


    These jagged, wing-flapping, badass dragons were just specimens pinned to the ground. They''d been dead for ages, their bodies preserved by magic to keep the rot at bay, propped up here as a damn exhibit.


    Next to each dragon was a signboard, laying out their origins, their past glory, and their raw power in detail.


    During the Sorcerer Kingdom''s campaign against the Argland Council State, they''d slaughtered a ton of dragons¡ªfull-grown ones, ancient wyrms that''d slept for millennia, even a few True Dragon Lords.


    The Sorcerer Kingdom gathered up the dead dragons, turned the ones with intact bodies into specimens, and set them up as this Dragon Zoo right by the teleportation hub to flex their battle cred.


    Every traveler popping into E-Rantel via the array got an eyeful of these dragons, posed like puppets. It was enough to rattle their souls and make them bow to the Sorcerer Kingdom''s might.


    Red dragons, black dragons, silver dragons, green dragons, blue dragons¡­ the Sorcerer Kingdom had even bagged the full set of "chromatic dragons." One red dragon specimen stood out¡ªits left eye was gouged out, a long, nasty scar running across the socket.


    The copper signboard was etched with the dragon''s life story, and EeDechi couldn''t help but stop to read it for a minute:


    "Young red dragon, name unknown, nicknamed the One-Eyed Monarch of Flame. Left eye gouged out by a human dragonslayer, commanded nearly a thousand dragonblood lizardfolk. Tried to rally a fearless army to defy the great Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown, but got smoked by a kill squad¡­"


    Another dragon roar rang out. The three adventurers slipped past the giant dragon specimens and spotted the only living one¡ªa black dragon¡ªsmack in the center of the clearing.


    This black dragon was massive, its body like a freaking mountain. The sign next to it said she was a female True Dragon Lord. She kept clawing at the stone floor with razor-sharp talons, her huge wings flapping hard, but it was all for nothing.


    Heavy magical chains bound her neck and limbs, anchored to a magic circle. She was like a butterfly caught in a spiderweb¡ªno chance of breaking free.


    The black dragon locked eyes with the three adventurers staring at her with pity, then opened her fang-filled maw and unleashed a blast of searing dragon breath. The flames slammed into a transparent magical barrier and fizzled out.


    The ground around her was carved with intricate runes, dotted with colorful magic crystals sparkling like stars, locking down her Wild Magic power. Looked like the Sorcerer Kingdom had set up some damn solid safety measures for the "audience."


    "GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE, SMALL HUMANS!" the black dragon roared in Common, her draconic aura hitting them like a gust of wind. That kind of dragon lord presence would''ve sent weaker creatures into a panic, but the three adventurers just stood there, cool as a breeze.


    The black dragon was pissed and restless, pacing back and forth, her golden slit eyes blazing with raw fury.


    "This black dragon''s really a female?" EeDechi asked, pointing at the sign''s description.


    "Yeah, it''s female," Franco said with confidence. "I''ve banged a silver dragon and a red dragon before, so I''ve got plenty of experience figuring out dragon genders."


    Seeing EeDechi and Barrett staring at him in shock, Franco quickly added, "It was after they turned into human form that we fucked, though the red dragon suddenly switched back to her giant dragon shape halfway through. I still powered through and finished the job."


    Looking at Franco''s smug grin, EeDechi couldn''t help but cover her face and sigh, wondering what kind of teammate she''d dragged into this team.

 Chapter 141: The Golden Apple Tavern

    (Note:In the act of kowtowing, an individual kneels and then bends forward to touch their forehead to the ground. This gesture is an expression of deep respect, reverence, or submission. The act involves a deliberate and profound bow that symbolically places the person in a position of lower status relative to the one being honored or obeyed. Kowtowing is often performed repeatedly in a series, emphasizing the gravity and sincerity of the respect being shown.)


    EeDechi and her teammate huddled together for a quick chat and decided to find a place to crash first, rest up a bit, and then figure out their next move.


    They wandered aimlessly around the city for a while and noticed something weird: every time they passed one of those Ainz Ooal Gown statues lined up along the roads, every creature¡ªdidn''t matter what race¡ªwould drop to their knees and bow their heads to it before moving on, which is essentially kowtowing.


    But the statues off the beaten path, like the ones in parks? If just one random passerby walked by, they''d pretend not to see it and speed-walk away. But if two people were near it, both would kneel and knock their heads to the ground like it was some unspoken rule.


    Watching this play out, EeDechi let out a sigh. "Ainz¡­"


    Whoosh! In a split second, every beholder around her snapped their gaze toward her, eyeballs bulging like they were about to pop. The death knights, who''d been standing still as statues themselves, suddenly jerked their heads in her direction like they''d caught a whiff of something.


    Barrett jumped in quick, waving his hands and throwing out an awkward laugh. "Whoa, hold up! We didn''t say the Supreme Overlord''s name! That was just some slang from our hometown¡ªsounds kinda similar, sure, but we''d never disrespect the greatest Supreme Overlord in the world. Total accident!"


    The beholders and death knights turned away, satisfied.


    The trio¡ªplus their cat¡ªhightailed it out of there, picking up the pace to put some distance behind them.


    After a long trek, they finally rolled up to the Harbor at Sunset Inn.


    The second they stepped inside, they spotted Vaelynn¡ªthe elf chick who''d once warned them to keep the peace¡ªlaying into some poor traveling merchant.


    Down in the inn''s first-floor hall, Vaelynn, decked out in tight emerald-green leather pants, slammed her foot into the merchant, flipping him over. Then she planted one long, gorgeous leg right on his face, leaving a deep boot print mashed into his cheek.


    Franco leaned over to Barrett and whispered, "If she stomped me like that, I''d lick her boots spotless, no question."


    Barrett had nothing to say, just quietly shooting Franco a thumbs-up.


    Behind the polished marble counter, an old man lounged in a wooden chair. He wore gold-rimmed glasses with a dangling silver chain, completely ignoring the beatdown happening right in front of him, calmly flipping through an ancient, weathered book.


    The traveling merchant was still young, his cotton cloak now caked with dust on the floor. He clawed at Vaelynn''s calf with both hands, struggling to get up, but under the stomping of the elf ranger''s killer legs, he didn''t stand a chance.


    Up on the ceiling, a crystal chandelier gleamed, and a pitch-black raven perched there, cawing its head off and flapping its wings every now and then.


    Finally, the merchant wrenched his mouth free from the heel of her boot and roared, "You damn pointy-eared bitch! How dare you mess with an unarmed merchant! I''m reporting this to the Sorcerer Kingdom''s lawkeepers!"


    "Oh, really? You''re a merchant?" Vaelynn sneered, holding up a piece of gold-stitched fabric. "This is what I just pulled from your pocket¡ªWindflower Scripture''s emblem! You''re no merchant, you''re a Slane Theocracy spy! Heh, does the Sorcerer Kingdom let foreign military punks waltz into E-Rantel?"


    The merchant''s forehead veins bulged like they were about to burst, but he had no comeback, just glaring at Vaelynn with pure hate. She pulled her long leg back, and as he scrambled to his feet, half-rolling, half-crawling, she landed a swift kick square on his ass. The guy faceplanted hard, eating dirt.


    EeDechi and Barrett stepped aside, watching the battered merchant stumble out of the Harbor at Sunset Inn in a total mess. The raven in the hall flapped its wings and took off after him, chasing him out the door.


    Vaelynn flicked the Windflower Scripture-embroidered cloth into the air, yanking her short dagger from her waist in one fluid motion. In a blink, the blade flashed through the air with countless streaks of cold light. The fabric was shredded into dozens of pieces, fluttering down like snowflakes. Still pissed, she stomped the hell out of the scraps on the ground for good measure.


    EeDechi couldn''t quite figure Vaelynn out. The elf lady was supposed to be neutral about the Sorcerer Kingdom¡ªso why was she so gung-ho about sniffing out a Slane Theocracy spy?


    The old man behind the counter glanced at the mess of fabric bits, pulled out a short wooden staff, and tapped the counter twice with a sharp "tap tap." A breeze kicked up, sweeping the scraps off the floor, leaving it spotless again.


    Vaelynn leaned against the counter, looking worn out. "You guys probably think it''s weird, huh? Why I''d beat the crap out of a Slane Theocracy spy?"


    "Elf Country and Slane Theocracy are rivals down south, right? Been fighting on and off for centuries. But hasn''t there been peace for, like, 30 years now?" Barrett said.


    Vaelynn nodded. "Yeah, but some grudges don''t just fade. Sixty-two years ago, I was fourteen. Slane Theocracy stormed Saint Lovia Forest, hauled off tons of my people, and my parents died in the war.


    "In that war, Slane Theocracy''s so-called Six Scriptures army led the charge. A bunch of psycho assholes committing atrocities while waving the flag of their god!"


    Slane Theocracy was famous for its Six Scriptures elite squads: Black Scripture, Sunlight Scripture, Clearwater Scripture, Holocaust Scripture, Windflower Scripture, and Ashendust Scripture.


    "So why didn''t you drag that merchant to E-Rantel''s lawkeepers?" Barrett asked. If Vaelynn had turned the guy¡ªthe Windflower Scripture spy¡ªover to the Sorcerer Kingdom, his head would''ve been a goner for sure.


    "It was sixty-two years ago, after all," Vaelynn said with a bitter smile. "That spy''s just a kid. Sixty-two years back, his mom probably wasn''t even ten yet. I can''t take it out on him."


    "Maybe you think I''m some bleeding heart?" Vaelynn''s eyes flickered with a hint of sadness. "Can''t help it¡ªelves are wired this way."


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    Franco stepped up, his stunning violet eyes locked on Vaelynn. "You''re the kindest person I''ve ever met. Even the angels in fairy tales couldn''t hold a candle to your pure heart. Can I¡­ buy you a drink?"


    As he spoke, Franco conjured a delicate, crystal-clear goblet out of thin air. He pulled a bottle of red wine from who-knows-where and poured half a glass of pale ruby liquid.


    "Thanks¡­" Vaelynn took the cup, sipping lightly, a faint pink flushing her cheeks.


    Unromantically, Barritt posed one last question, "How''d you know the merchant was a spy?"


    "The merchant had his familiar¡ªa crow¡ªperched on his shoulder. I''m a forest elf, naturally in tune with animals. I coaxed that crow to fly into my hand," Vaelynn said, cradling her wine glass. "Didn''t expect to find a wax-sealed note tied to its leg, written in Windflower Scripture''s cipher."


    "What''d the letter say?" Barrett asked, leaning in.


    "I''ve studied Slane Theocracy''s cipher rules," Vaelynn replied. "It said¡­ they''re looking for some prophesied Divine Envoy. Name was something like ''EeDechi.'' I think I''ve seen that name on a bounty board somewhere¡­"


    EeDechi''s face twitched. She locked eyes with Barrett, both of them at a loss for words. The Sorcerer Kingdom was hunting her, and now, for some reason, Slane Theocracy was too. Calling her "Divine Envoy"¡ªwhat the hell did that mean?


    Franco stepped back to Barrett''s side and whispered, "Miss Vaelynn''s heart just got stirred up with painful memories. She''s vulnerable right now, and I''m gonna make my move. You two vets mind giving us some alone time?"


    EeDechi didn''t say yes or no, so Franco took his wine glass and went off to "have a drink" with Vaelynn.


    On the hall''s wall hung a portrait of Ainz Ooal Gown, and on the counter sat a copy of The Quotations of the Great Leader and Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown. The painting wasn''t all that big, though, and the book looked like it''d been tossed there without much thought.


    "Boss, we''ll take three¡­ no, two rooms." Barrett glanced at the price list on the wall and slid a pile of silver coins across to the old man behind the counter.


    The old man snapped his book shut, not bothering to count the coins, and pulled two copper keys from a drawer, handing them to Barrett.


    "Boss, how come you''re so chill about everything?" Barrett couldn''t help but ask. The old guy was obviously a mage, but with humans and elves brawling in his own inn, he acted like it was no big deal, not stepping in or even blinking.


    The old man adjusted his glasses and said flatly, "Back when the Re-Estize Kingdom was ruled by Ramposa II, I ran this place. Ramposa III came along, I was still running it. Sorcerer Kingdom conquered E-Rantel, and here I am, still at it. You see enough shit, nothing fazes you anymore."


    Conquered. That''s the phrase he used. EeDechi thought to herself, an old local like him, seeing his hometown turned into this, must hurt deep down.


    She finally asked a question that''d been gnawing at her: "Doesn''t it get old, everyone in E-Rantel having to kneel and bow to those statues? I mean, it''s gotta slow things down, right? Just a salute or something could show respect without all the hassle."


    The old man raised an eyebrow, scanned the room to make sure no one else was around, then let out a sigh. "You don''t get it. Kneeling and bowing to the statues isn''t some official Sorcerer Kingdom rule, or even the Supreme Overlord''s order. Back in the day, people just walked by the statues, no fuss, no nothing. But then this punk named William Scott showed up in E-Rantel and flipped everything upside down."


    William Scott! The name hit EeDechi like a lightning bolt, and even Barrett''s jaw dropped in shock.


    William Scott, the stubborn redheaded kid¡­ Fragments of half-sunk memories bubbled up, and EeDechi''s brow furrowed. That was a long damn time ago.


    Back then, they were still in the Re-Estize Kingdom, before they''d met that wild-card princess Renner with her flip-flopping value of justice. Sean and Stella were still alive, trembling under her iron grip.


    The past was like smoke, drifting away¡­


    William Scott was a broke-ass kid they met in Sheep Horn Village. At the time, their adventuring crew had just run off some bandits and wiped out a goblin nest. The villagers hailed them as unmatched heroes.


    William''s dad and brother were grunt soldiers in the Re-Estize Kingdom, killed by Ainz Ooal Gown on the battlefield. His mom didn''t last long after that¡ªgrief and poverty took her out.


    In one night, William lost his parents, his family, everything.


    For him, it was the kind of blow that could shatter a kid''s mind. But to Ainz? He didn''t give a rat''s ass whose relatives were among the ants he crushed underfoot.


    The wildfire of revenge roared in William''s heart. He begged to join EeDechi''s crew, desperate to learn how to fight, to pick up the skills he''d need to take down Ainz Ooal Gown. But EeDechi shot him down.


    Because back then, William didn''t know jack. No martial skills, no knack for magic, no combat chops at all.


    His one trick? A half-baked innate ability¡ªhe could use any magic item, no questions asked.


    Truth is, William only found out about that gift when a wandering mage rolled through Sheep Horn Village and, on a whim, let him mess with a magic trinket normal folks couldn''t even touch.


    But what good was that? What mage would hand over their hard-crafted magic gear to some random kid? Especially a broke nobody like William, stuck in the middle of nowhere with no cash or clout to wield anything fancy.


    Back in Sheep Horn Village, the redheaded kid was stubborn as hell. EeDechi felt a twinge of pity and tossed him a hundred gold coins before splitting town.


    After that, they lost touch completely. EeDechi shoved the whole thing out of her mind, pretty much forgetting it ever happened.


    Until tonight, when William Scott''s name popped up again.


    The memory was messy and bitter, like a shot of strong coffee that jolts you awake, but for a level-100 badass like EeDechi, it took only a split second to recall.


    The old man kept talking. "At first, folks just walked by the statues like they weren''t even there. No one dared mess with them, but they didn''t do anything special either. Then this William Scott kid showed up. Every time he passed a statue, he''d give it a salute.


    "People saw him do it and thought, ''If I don''t salute too, does that mean I''m dissing the Supreme Overlord? That could get me killed.'' So they started saluting too. Little by little, everyone passing the statues would throw up a salute.


    "Then, when everyone was saluting, William stepped it up¡ªhe''d bow to the statues. Compared to bowing, a plain salute started feeling like it wasn''t respectful enough to the Supreme Overlord. Folks got scared of getting axed, so they copied him and bowed too. Soon, everyone was bowing to the statues.


    "After that, William took it further. He''d kneel every time he passed one. People figured just bowing wasn''t cutting it anymore¡ªlooked too half-assed next to kneeling. Afraid of pissing off the Supreme Overlord, they started kneeling too, just like William."


    "Little by little, everyone started kneeling when they passed the statues. But then William took it up a notch¡ªevery time he passed one, he''d kneel and kowtow. The folks just kneeling saw him do it and got scared that kneeling alone wasn''t respectful enough to the Supreme Overlord. So they started copying him, kneeling and kowtowing too.


    "Now, every one of us kneels and kowtows to the statues when we pass by. It''s not some rule from the Sorcerer Kingdom or the Supreme Overlord¡ªit''s just something we started doing on our own."


    When the old man finished, a bitter-as-hell smile crept across his weathered face.


    William Scott, what the hell happened to you? EeDechi''s heart sank with grief.


    She could still picture that redheaded kid''s stubborn streak, hear him swearing up and down that he''d avenge his family against Ainz Ooal Gown. And now? He''d turned into some groveling, ass-kissing lackey for the guy!


    EeDechi never expected William to actually pull off his revenge, and she sure as shit didn''t want him chasing that path. All she''d hoped was that he''d see the insane gap between him and Ainz Ooal Gown, give up the whole vendetta, and just live his damn life.


    But William had turned into the kind of guy who disappointed her the most¡ªa spineless coward who''d surrendered and started kissing Ainz Ooal Gown''s boots.


    Those eyes of his, once burning with rage and resolve, that rock-solid oath he''d made¡ªthinking back on it now, it was like a bad joke.


    "Ugh." EeDechi let out a long, heavy sigh.


    Just then, some other guests walked into the inn. EeDechi wanted to dig deeper, but the old man shook his head lightly. "No more talk. Loose lips sink ships, and I''d like to live to a hundred."


    Barrett felt a pang of sadness over William''s drastic turnaround for a minute, but he shrugged it off quick. He''d seen this kind of thing too many times¡ªpeople were fickle as hell anyway.


    He tossed another question at the local old-timer. "Boss, if we don''t have an official pass from the Sorcerer Kingdom, how do we hop a teleportation array to another country?"


    "Easy enough," the old man said, cracking open his book again. "Head to Dekael Street, hit up the Golden Apple Tavern, and talk to the owner. He''s the younger brother of the guy running the central teleport hub. Show him enough ''good faith'' to make him happy, and he''ll hook you up with the array."


    Translation: bribe your way through the back door.


    Barrett nodded. Whether it''d work or not, they had to give it a shot.

 Chapter 142 : Unwelcome Guests Arrive

    After resting at the inn for the night, the next day, EeDechi and Barrett hired a carriage and headed toward the Golden Apple Tavern.


    The Golden Apple Tavern sat in the central district of E-Rantel, freshly renovated and decked out in style. Compared to the rundown shops around it, it truly lived up to its name¡ªa shiny Golden Apple.


    What stood out most was the sheer space inside. The ceiling soared almost twice as high as a regular inn''s, and to cater to patrons of all races, the place was rigged with gear in every size imaginable.


    There were tree-stump chairs hefty enough to hold an ogre''s weight, and low wooden tables so even a dwarf wouldn''t have to stretch on tiptoes. Massive iron tankards with wide rims sat alongside dainty crystal goblets¡ªevery size you could think of, they had it. If the tavern owner had planned it this way, he''d gone all out to make "racial harmony" more than just a buzzword.


    Like everywhere else, a giant portrait of Ainz Ooal Gown hung on the wall, and the seats next to it were always empty.


    EeDechi and Barrett strode into the Golden Apple Tavern. Behind the magically reinforced glass counter stood a handsome young human bartender.


    Barrett ordered a beer, dipped his finger in the foam, and scrawled "teleportation" on the counter.


    The bartender flashed a knowing grin and slipped into the back room. Moments later, a middle-aged man in a black suit, sporting a mustache, stepped up to the counter. No doubt about it¡ªthis was the Golden Apple Tavern''s boss.


    Barrett didn''t beat around the bush. Both of them were old dogs who''d been around the block too many times to play coy. He dipped his finger in the beer again and traced the outline of a gold coin on the counter¡ªcash was on the table.


    The boss twitched his mustache, dipped his own finger in some liquor, and wrote a "4" on the counter.


    Four? Barrett froze for a second. Four gold coins? No way. Four hundred, maybe? He added two zeros after the "4" with a swipe of beer.


    The boss shook his head lightly and wiped away the two "0"s with a flick of his hand.


    If it wasn''t 400, then¡­ four times? Barrett''s eyes widened in shock. After the "4," he scribbled the word "times."


    The boss gave a barely noticeable nod.


    Why don''t you just rob me blind? Barrett shot the boss a pissed-off glare.


    This meant coughing up four times the official price for a teleportation circle. A single trip usually ran 700 to 1,000 gold coins¡ªtimes four. The tavern boss was basically shaking him down like a damn bandit.


    The boss shrugged with mock regret, wiped away Barrett''s original "teleportation" scribble, and walked off.


    "Now what?" EeDechi asked Barrett.


    "If this were any other city, I''d tie that greedy bastard up and be done with it," Barrett growled, fuming. "Let''s grab a drink and bide our time for an opening."


    The two ordered a plate of fried potatoes and two bottles of malt beer, settling into a corner of the tavern. The place was buzzing with business¡ªogres, dwarves, satyrs, lizardfolk¡­ all kinds of weird races chowing down and boozing it up. The noise from the crowd was a chaotic mess, while serving girls in maid skirts flitted around like white butterflies.


    EeDechi and Barrett sat there like predators lurking in the shadows, scoping out the room, waiting for their shot.


    The tavern was packed with oddball patrons. A minotaur''s voice rumbled low and muddy, like a cheap drum with bad tone. A lizardfolk chugged half a bottle of rye beer, gulping it down with loud glugs. The mix of sounds clashed together, louder than a pigsty at feeding time.


    EeDechi speared a fried potato with her fork, popping it into her mouth with a bored chew. Barrett refilled his empty glass with half a mug of beer.


    Suddenly, the street outside erupted with loud cheers of "LONG LIVE!" "LONG LIVE!"¡ªa whole chorus of voices shouting in unison.


    The cries of "LONG LIVE!" grew louder, like they were closing in on the tavern.


    The clamor in the Golden Apple Tavern suddenly died down, silence crashing in like a tidal shore flash-frozen mid-wave. A dead chill spread through the air, as if creeping straight out of hell''s front door.


    In the mirrored glint of the beer bottles on their table, EeDechi and Barrett caught sight of the last two people they wanted to see.


    A skeletal undead draped in a fancy robe and an arrogant succubus forever clad in a pristine white evening gown stepped into the tavern side by side.


    Ainz Ooal Gown and Albedo marched forward with the swagger of rulers.


    Wherever they went, folks scrambled to drag chairs out of the way, parting left and right to clear a path. A plastered dwarf got yanked back by his buddy, who clamped a hand over his mouth. Drunken patrons sobered up fast, lips sealed tight, heads bowed low.


    The bartender behind the counter bent into a deep bow, like he was facing down a goddamn army. The mustached tavern boss bolted out from behind the bar, eyes crinkling into crescent moons as he dropped to his knees in front of Ainz Ooal Gown with the slimiest, ass-kissing grin imaginable.


    Ainz Ooal Gown scanned the tavern left and right, red light flaring in his eye sockets like torch flames. He gave a pleased nod. "Well done with the renovations. From now on, this tavern of yours will be the blueprint for every joint in the Sorcerer Kingdom''s turf."


    The boss hit the floor with both knees, forehead kissing the ground. "All follows the Supreme Overlord Ainz''s guidance. The Golden Apple Tavern''s been fixed up into a spot where every race can kick back and spend their coin."


    The tavern was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Seeing all the patrons with their heads down, scared shitless and mute, Ainz put on a fake gentle tone. "Hope my showing up doesn''t ruin your good time. Please, everyone, carry on with your business."


    The crowd grabbed their forks and knives with shaky hands, fumbling for their drinks, chugging and chewing in jittery, robotic motions¡ªlike a bunch of jerky marionettes with half-cut strings.


    The vibe in the room turned creepy as hell. In the sprawling tavern, the only sounds were the clinking of forks, knives, and mugs¡ªno one dared open their mouth. Barrett pulled a brown top hat from his ring of holding and slapped it over his face. EeDechi kept her head down, sliding a beer bottle in front of herself.


    "WHOA!" Albedo pointed at the massive Ainz Ooal Gown portrait hanging in the tavern, her eyes sparkling like a fangirl. "Lord Ainz looks so damn hot in this painting! I want it for my collection!"


    "Take it if you like it." Ainz flicked a finger, and the painting''s frame broke free from the wall, zipping straight into Albedo''s hands.


    Albedo clutched the portrait and planted a big, wet kiss on the painted Ainz. "I don''t swing by E-Rantel much, but coming here with Lord Ainz today, I had no idea so many races were hanging up your pictures all on their own! Everyone''s totally obsessed with you!"


    "Naturally," Ainz thought, smug as hell. He hadn''t ordered anyone to put up his portraits¡ªsome of his underlings had just started slapping them around E-Rantel on their own.


    Then it snowballed like a goddamn plague. More and more folks started hanging his likeness everywhere¡ªin shops, on streets, in taverns, in diners, you name it.


    The portraits varied in size, some with fancy frames, some plain, but they all had one thing in common: Ainz looked radiant and badass in every single one.


    Some people even bowed and prayed to his pictures, like they used to worship those old gods. Except the elven goddesses, Gaia, and the dwarf gods were stuck up in the sky somewhere, while Ainz was a god walking the earth right now.


    And those statues all over E-Rantel? Not one of them was built on his orders either.


    It all started with a suggestion from his minions, and Ainz didn''t shoot it down. After all, they were itching to build statues of him out of pure worship and respect. If he said no, wouldn''t that just crush the spirits of his loyal crew? Plus, Ainz had to admit¡ªhe got a kick out of seeing his grand statues pop up in the city he''d poured his heart into designing.


    Once a few of his statues went up, the nobles and fat cats of E-Rantel sniffed the wind like dogs catching their master''s scent. They started shelling out cash to slap Ainz''s statues all over the city, hoping to kiss up to the Sorcerer Kingdom and score its protection.


    Ainz didn''t mind one bit. Who''d turn down a little adoration? Besides, shutting down people trying to worship him¡ªwouldn''t that just dent his own badass reputation?


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    Back in the day, he''d gone to the Baharuth Empire''s palace to figure out how to act like a big shot. Now he got it: as long as people needed something from you, they''d naturally bow, scrape, and sweet-talk you with soft, humble voices, tripping over themselves to kiss your ass. That''s when you''d start oozing that top-dog vibe without even trying.


    Everyone needed something from Ainz¡ªbegging him not to kill them.


    Standing on a high platform, looking down at tens of thousands cheering "LONG LIVE!" and groveling at his feet, sent a rush of pure, soul-deep joy through him. That taste of power was so sweet, so addictive¡ªonce you had it, you''d never let it go.


    He wasn''t that spineless little office drone from his past life anymore.


    Now, a single word from him could decide the life or death of thousands, the fate of hundreds of thousands, or whether a race that''d been around for millions of years kept kicking or got wiped out for good!


    He was the King of Kings, the God of Gods, the Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown¡ªthe greatest ruler the world had ever seen!


    Ainz''s badass gaze swept over the tavern, and every patron shrank back, shaking like leaves, too chickenshit to meet his eyes. That made him very pleased.


    He clocked the tavern boss pulling out a sheet of parchment and a quill, staring up at him like a farmer in a drought praying for rain¡ªeyes dripping with hope and groveling.


    And it wasn''t just the boss. An elf yanked a notebook and pen from her pack, and more patrons followed suit.


    These clowns with their paper and pens? The second Ainz opened his mouth, they''d scribble down every word.


    Seeing so many races itching to soak up his wisdom, Ainz figured he ought to drop some knowledge.


    "It pleases me to see people of diverse races enjoying good drinks together here." Ainz said.


    Scribble, scribble, scribble¡ªthe tavern erupted with the sound of pens racing across paper and notebooks, everyone jotting down Ainz''s words. When they finished, they looked up at him again, faces glowing with worship and awe, practically begging for his next gem.


    "Work hard, get along with other races, live good in this city, follow the law¡­"


    As Ainz''s steady, commanding voice rolled out, the paper-and-pen crowd kept scribbling his every word. The ones without supplies? They were freaking out, scratching their heads, sweating bullets, scrambling for anything to write with.


    An elf smeared chocolate frosting from a dessert onto a tablecloth to take notes. A dragonborn whipped out a dagger and carved Ainz''s words into the table. An orc bit his own finger open and scrawled in blood on his arm. Every trick in the book¡ªthey were all hell-bent on recording what Ainz said.


    Of course, most of the poor saps couldn''t find a damn thing to write with. They just cranked up the devotion, striking poses like fanatical believers soaking up a god''s prophecy as they hung on Ainz''s every word.


    EeDechi and Barrett hunkered down behind a few opaque beer bottles on the table. Neither of them bothered jotting down Ainz''s words¡ªjust kept their heads low, silently wishing he wouldn''t see them.


    But right next to EeDechi, a pint-sized halfling was scribbling away in a notebook with a reed pen, tucked behind the bottles, taking Ainz''s speech dead seriously.


    "That''s all I''ve got to say," Ainz wrapped up his off-the-cuff talk short and sweet. He glanced around the tavern and nodded. "The decor in here''s pretty solid."


    Scribble, scribble, scribble¡ªthe crowd hunched over their notes didn''t miss a beat, still scratching down that last line he''d just tossed out.


    "No need to write that one down," Ainz said, throwing them a heads-up.


    They didn''t stop. EeDechi watched the halfling next to her scribble "No need to write that one down" right into his notebook.


    She nearly cracked up but clamped it down hard. Something about this whole scene felt weirdly familiar, though.


    After that, Ainz''s voice finally cut off.


    Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! The tavern boss started slamming his hands together like a maniac.


    With him leading the charge, the rest of the tavern''s patrons jumped in, clapping their asses off.


    Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!


    Every damn creature in the place was clapping¡ªeven EeDechi and Barrett faked it, joining in.


    Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!


    Two minutes dragged by, and the applause still hadn''t died down.


    Ainz stood there, soaking it all in, like he was loving every second of the thunderous praise.


    Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!


    Four minutes ticked by, and the clapping still hadn''t let up. Some patrons'' hands were red and swollen from smacking them together, but they kept going, slamming out applause like their lives depended on it.


    Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!


    Six minutes in, the applause was still roaring. A few arms were aching, palms swollen and red, but they pushed through, refusing to stop.


    The reason was dead simple: nobody had the balls to be the first to stop.


    Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!


    Eight minutes hit, and finally, Ainz gave a satisfied nod. "Alright, that''s enough."


    The crowd dropped their swollen hands and sore arms, the clapping dying out at last. Then they shakily went back to their drinks¡ªor at least pretended to.


    Ainz took a casual stroll through the tavern, ordered a bottle of wine, and sat across from Albedo. Being a skeleton, he couldn''t drink jack, so he just watched her sip.


    "Lord Ainz" Albedo''s eyes went all dreamy. She lifted her goblet, took a small sip of wine, and held it in her mouth before leaning close to his face. "Let me feed you some, huh?"


    "Watch where we are," Ainz said, shoving her back with a sigh.


    Albedo plopped back into her seat, sulking as she downed two glasses of wine. Then she threw herself into Ainz''s lap again.


    Her face flushed red, she straddled his thigh bone, wiggling her sexy hips. "I''m drunk, okay? I''m about to get wild after all this booze. I want you so bad, Lord Ainz So damn bad~"


    Ainz felt a headache pounding where his forehead would''ve been and shoved Albedo off again.


    The two of them were flirting and messing around, but the crowd in the tavern felt chills crawling up their spines and their legs turning to jelly.


    Sure, getting a front-row seat to the mighty Supreme Overlord and his favorite woman getting all cozy was a rare treat¡ªseeing a side of the Supreme Overlord that didn''t match the usual hype. But if he didn''t want outsiders peeking at his private moments, he might just slaughter every living thing in the tavern to keep them from blabbing and tarnishing his shiny rep.


    That thought alone made everyone feel like they''d stuck their necks in a guillotine, the blade ready to drop any second.


    So what the hell could they do? Just sit there waiting for the Grim Reaper to show up?


    Finally, an aarakocra with an eagle head and human body couldn''t take the panic anymore¡ªhe cooked up a plan!


    He hopped up from his seat, shuffled over to Ainz Ooal Gown with tiny steps, dropped to his knees, and belted out, "The glory of my people belongs to the Supreme Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown! You''re the highest, strongest, mightiest badass in the world! My break''s over¡ªI gotta get back to work for the Sorcerer Kingdom. Can''t stick around drinking anymore. Real sorry about that!"


    Ainz gave a slight nod, playing the nice guy.


    The aarakocra finished his bow, then backed out of the tavern. The second he hit the door, he spread his eagle wings, a gust of wind kicking up as he shot into the sky and vanished in a flash.


    One guy made his break, and the rest jumped on the bandwagon. Humans, lizardfolk, dwarves, minotaurs¡ªthey all scrambled to bow to Ainz, spewing the most ass-kissing lines they could muster, then bolted out the tavern door like their asses were on fire.


    With patrons bailing left and right, the tavern got a little noisy again, but the headcount was dropping fast. Barrett and EeDechi locked eyes, trading a silent look before deciding to duck into the tavern''s bathroom to lay low for a bit.


    Barrett caught sight of an open door next to the counter. A stone slab stood beside it, carved with the word "toilet" in Common, Elvish, Orcish, Dwarvish¡­ and a bunch of other languages he couldn''t even guess at.


    The two of them faked a bathroom emergency, slinking along the wall like a pair of thieving cats, and slipped into the restroom. EeDechi started heading toward the women''s side, but Barrett yanked her into the men''s room instead.


    The bathroom was a whole damn world of its own¡ªsprawling like a freaking hall, almost big enough to rival the main floor of the Golden Apple Tavern. The reason it took up so much space? To fit every race''s size and shitting habits.


    Urinals came in all shapes¡ªbig, small, high, low. The stalls for dropping a load were the same deal: some were massive enough for a troll to stretch out and nap, others were tiny, just right for a dwarf to squat and ponder life. A few even had chair-like toilets.


    Most stalls were built for human-sized bodies and habits, though¡ªmakes sense, since the majority of smart races out there were human-ish in shape. Every stall had a solid redwood door, thick enough to keep anyone from peeking at you while you were taking a dump.


    In this bathroom as roomy as a council chamber, Barrett and EeDechi ducked into the two deepest stalls, planning to lay low and ride out the storm.


    ¡­


    "Lord Ainz" Albedo slithered her hips like a water snake, pressing up against him. Her eyes shimmered with a hazy, needy glow as she purred, breath sweet as hell:


    "Why''d you bring me here, huh? Far as I know, taverns are where male humans and female humans get all flirty I''m totally wasted¡ªwon''t you carry me to a bed? I swear I''ve got no dirty thoughts about you~"


    Ainz was screaming inside. The whole reason he''d ditched the Great Tomb of Nazarick and rolled up to the Golden Apple Tavern was to get a damn break from Albedo, this clingy little succubus pain in his ass.


    But what he didn''t see coming was Albedo sniffing out his trail. Under the excuse of protecting her master, she stuck to him like glue.


    Earlier, when Albedo grilled him about where he was headed after leaving the Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ainz had brushed her off with a half-assed story about going to E-Rantel. He''d picked the biggest tavern he could find, pretending to check out the whole racial harmony gig. Truth is, he wouldn''t waste a damn second on petty tavern crap like that.


    Albedo swore up and down that as the "strongest shield of Nazarick," it was her duty¡ªher goddamn calling¡ªto guard Supreme Overlord Ainz forever. Preferably up close and personal, with no clothes in the way.


    Ainz let out a long sigh in his head. This was E-Rantel, the first chunk of land the Great Tomb of Nazarick had conquered¡ªthe golden city that never sleeps, where all the world''s races played nice. It was the Sorcerer Kingdom''s poster child. What kind of threat could possibly touch him here?


    Deep down, Ainz knew if he didn''t give Albedo what she wanted, she''d hound him nonstop. But ever since he turned undead, his emotions had gone cold¡ªlove was a ghost he could barely feel. Plus, his skeletal body didn''t exactly have the equipment to satisfy her anyway.


    "Lord Ainz~" Albedo''s pale, slender hands snaked around his skeletal chest. "I just read this wild book by some human bard. It''s a true story, you know."


    Her voice turned all cutesy and shy, like some innocent girl next door. "The book says a skeleton demon king can use magic to slap a dick on himself¡­"


    She pulled out a booklet, its red cover stamped with gold and a fancy, curvy title: The Extraordinary Demon Lord''s Exclusive Love for the Proud Princess.


    "I didn''t dare show it to you back at the Great Tomb of Nazarick¡ªdidn''t want Shalltear spotting it and that fake-titted loli getting any nasty ideas!"


    Your ideas ain''t exactly pure either, Ainz grumbled to himself. He sighed out loud:


    "My skeleton body''s a level-100, top-tier undead frame¡ªstats on par with world-class items. Regular magic doesn''t do shit to me. Sure, I could maybe dial down my resistances for a bit, but it wouldn''t last. It''s like trying to stick mud on a gold brick¡ªmy body just can''t handle a dick¡­"


    Albedo wasn''t having it. She latched onto his skeletal arm, rubbing her barely-contained curves against him, eyes dripping with want. "Just give it a shot¡­"


    Maybe I should wipe out every damn bard in the world¡ªthese story-spinning assholes are nothing but trouble, Ainz thought. He coughed awkwardly and turned to the tavern boss still groveling on the floor:


    "Take me to check out¡­ the bathroom."

 Chapter 143: Seize Weakness

    EeDechi peeled her ear away from the wall. She was in a stall in the men''s bathroom, frozen in a silence as still as a stone statue.


    Everything Ainz and Albedo had just talked about had reached EeDechi''s ears, but she didn''t have much of an opinion on it. To her, it was just a couple of melodramatic lovebirds yapping away.


    Barrett shifted his ear from the wall too, hiding in another stall nearby. His hearing wasn''t as sharp as EeDechi''s, but thanks to the keen senses of an elite adventurer, he''d caught the gist of it. What puzzled Barrett was why Ainz didn''t just use his fingers to satisfy Albedo¡­


    ¡­


    Ainz stepped into the spacious men''s bathroom, and for once, Albedo didn''t follow. She leaned against the doorway, gazing longingly as the tavern keeper ushered Ainz inside. Her expression was a mix of resentment and gloom.


    The tavern keeper twitched his mustache and fawned, "Supreme Overlord, look, the bathroom''s exactly as you demanded. You''re truly a wise ruler! Who else would think to inspect a bathroom? Only someone with the supreme intellect of Supreme Overlord Ainz would catch every last detail."


    Ainz nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Truth be told, he hadn''t even wanted to come in here¡ªhe just needed a break from Albedo''s clinginess. Still, the tavern keeper''s ass-kissing hit the spot, so he let it slide.


    "My hygiene decree states that bathrooms must be tiled with white porcelain. Every time you scrub the toilet, it''s gotta be scrubbed seven times until the water''s so clean you could drink it," Ainz said casually.


    He was trying to push toilets into common use, but in this world of low productivity, toilets were still a rare luxury. Plus, they needed a fully functional underground plumbing system to even work.


    Delicate-skinned races usually wiped their asses with papyrus or leaves. The richer, pickier ones used silk cloths to clean the filth off their backdoors after a dump. Tougher, thick-skinned races stuck to rubbing their butts with round pebbles¡ªor didn''t bother wiping at all.


    "Everything in the tavern''s up to code! Including the bathroom!" the tavern keeper declared with total confidence. He swung open a stall door, showing off a shiny, spotless toilet to back up his claim.


    He even dug a long-handled copper ladle out of his leather pouch, scooped a spoonful of water from the toilet bowl, and¡ªgritting his teeth and squeezing his eyes shut¡ªchugged it down.


    Wiping the stray drops from his mustache, the keeper forced a smile, acting like he''d just sipped pure mountain spring water instead of the nasty, grime-filled holy brew from the john.


    Ainz sneered inwardly. With his sharp eyes, how could he miss it? The water in that toilet was nowhere near clean¡ªdefinitely not "drinkable." Forget "scrubbed seven times"¡ªthree scrubs would''ve been a stretch.


    Still, he couldn''t be bothered to call the tavern keeper out on this petty bullshit. Watching a weakling squirm in the mud just to survive was its own kind of entertainment.


    The tavern keeper gave a half-bow, yanking open another stall door with the flair of a royal coachman opening a carriage. "See? Every single stall looks brand-spanking new, fresh as the day it was built!"


    Hiding in a nearby stall, EeDechi couldn''t help but frown. If the tavern keeper kept opening every damn door, it was only a matter of time before he found them¡ªwanted fugitives touring the Sorcerer Kingdom''s turf.


    EeDechi quietly drew her giant sword, aiming it at the stall door. Her feet tensed slightly, ready to spring. The second that door swung open, she''d burst out, swinging the massive blade high to cleave straight for Ainz Ooal Gown''s skull.


    Maybe the moment the tavern keeper yanked open some random bathroom door would mark the start of a shitstorm¡ªthe day E-Rantel city fell to ruin.


    "Lord Ainz! Lord Ainz! Lord Ainz~ What''re you doing in the bathroom?" Albedo''s syrupy, seductive voice slipped through the walls, her teasing lilt tugging at everyone''s nerves like a damn siren song.


    Inside his stall, Barrett swallowed hard, his mind reeling.


    Ainz shot a cold glance toward the stalls. He knew some asshole was in there taking a dump, but dragging them out to bow at his feet? Pointless. Otherwise, he''d end up looking like the King of the Can, the Lord of the Bathroom.


    Albedo peeked around the doorway, forcing Ainz to turn and stride out of the bathroom. He ordered two bottles of white wine at the tavern counter, more for show than anything, and knocked back a few glasses with Albedo¡­


    ¡­


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    EeDechi and Barrett had been perched on the stall''s toilet for a solid half hour. From the faint sounds filtering in, it seemed Ainz and Albedo had finally ditched the Golden Apple tavern.


    "Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap."


    A rush of frantic footsteps barreled straight toward the bathroom. The desperate, pounding rhythm sounded like a starving lone wolf charging a helpless sheep. EeDechi and Barrett froze, scrapping their plan to slip out of the stall.


    "Creak!"


    It was the sound of someone cranking the brass faucet on the sink hard. Water blasted out, splashing wildly as it hit someone''s mouth with force.


    "Gargle, gargle, gargle, gargle¡­"


    Whoever it was, they were rinsing their mouth like a maniac. The frantic sloshing sounded like some clean-freak who''d been forced to skip brushing their teeth for decades finally getting their hands on water.


    "Gag! Gag! Ptoo! Ptoo! Ptoo-oo-oo!!"


    The person gargling was practically clawing at their throat, hacking and retching like they were trying to puke up their whole damn stomach.


    The chaotic splashing and dry-heaving finally died down. Barrett cracked open the stall door, peeking out with one eye to scope the scene.


    There was the tavern keeper, slumped over the sink, making pitiful gagging motions. His neat, fancy shirtfront and bowtie were soaked through, his mustache drooping limply as water dripped off it, plinking onto the floor.


    The guy had just chugged that filthy water from the toilet bowl on his own dumb accord¡ªno wonder he was losing his shit now, desperate to scrub his throat and guts clean.


    "Fucking hell, that Overlord prick¡ªI''d chop you up and feed you to the dogs!" the tavern keeper snarled under his breath, thinking no one else could hear.


    Barrett shoved the stall door wide open and stormed toward the keeper in big, pissed-off strides. He clamped a hand around the guy''s neck, spun him around, then grabbed his collar and hoisted him up, growling like a rabid beast:


    "You dare trash-talk the great Supreme Overlord Ainz?!"


    EeDechi stepped out of her stall too, walking toward the whimpering keeper with slow, deliberate steps, her eyes dark and ice-cold.


    "NO! I DIDN''T MEAN IT, I SWEAR!" The tavern keeper snapped from shock to despair in a heartbeat, tears gushing out as he bawled, "Please! I''m begging you! Don''t tell the sheriff, or my whole family¡­ they''ll all be slaughtered!"


    "Want us to keep our mouths shut? Easy." A savage grin flickered in Barrett''s eyes. "Just agree to one little thing for us."


    ¡­


    At the Harbor at Sunset inn, Barrett and EeDechi checked out of their room. They knocked on the red sandalwood door of Vaelynn''s room. It was ajar, so they pushed it open. The elf ranger wasn''t there¡ªno surprise. What was a surprise was Franco, buck naked on the bed. Legs splayed, eyes glazed over, staring at the ceiling like a milk cow sucked dry.


    Barrett yanked a blanket over Franco''s limp dick and asked, "What''s up with you?"


    "One hell of an elf chick," Franco mumbled. "Fiercer than a damn dragon. She drained me dry¡ªI can''t even get out of bed."


    "Where''s Vaelynn now?" EeDechi cut in. She didn''t care one bit about Franco''s mobility issues.


    "She''s at the black market," Franco said, turning his head stiffly toward Barrett. "Hey, big guy, grab me a vitality potion. Pop the cap for me, thanks."


    Barrett sighed, pulled out a bottle of orange-yellow vitality juice, and dumped the whole thing into Franco''s mouth. The guy''s pasty face finally got some color back, and his scattered gaze sharpened up.


    "Let''s go. Teleport outta E-Rantel."


    EeDechi wrapped Franco''s naked body in the blanket. She grabbed his arms, Barrett took his legs, and they hauled him out of the room. Cheeko, the cat who''d been napping in a backpack, poked its head out, curious, then hopped onto Franco''s belly.


    Down in the inn''s first-floor lobby, an old guy with gold-rimmed glasses was dozing off. He cracked open sleepy eyes as EeDechi and the others headed out, asking, "The teleport thing¡ªhow much did it cost? All set?"


    "All set." Barrett flashed an "A-OK" gesture. "Threatened the Golden Apple tavern keeper''s whole family¡ªdidn''t cost a single copper."


    "Damn, you''re a cold one," the old man said, impressed. He nodded at the stiff Franco. "South district, Husar Street, in the satyr neighborhood¡ªthere''s a necromancer buying corpses. Full bodies go for 20 gold coins."


    "This guy''s still breathing," Barrett chuckled. He and EeDechi lugged Franco out of the inn, one in front, one behind, heading for the central teleport hub.


    Taking a carriage risked getting stopped by statues and forced to kneel, so Barrett and EeDechi opted to hoof it. Good thing both were tough as nails¡ªpower-walking all day was no sweat for them.


    Barrett gripped the blanket-wrapped Franco in one hand and a map in the other, leading the way through shortcuts.


    They cut through streets and alleys, one after another, until suddenly Barrett felt the weight in his hand lighten. Then came Franco''s "OW, SHIT!" yelp of pain.


    He turned his head and saw EeDechi had already dumped Franco on the ground, staring blankly at a house across the street.


    "What''s up?" Barrett asked, totally lost.


    Then it clicked. The house''s sign read "Pleasure Haven," and two sultry, drop-dead gorgeous women stood by the door¡ªone of them a half-elf.


    Their lips were painted red, eyes lined dark, bodies smoking hot in skimpy outfits. They were tossing flirty winks at EeDechi, who''d frozen in place gawking at them.


    It was a damn brothel!


    Sure enough, EeDechi bolted toward it, yanking her giant sword out of her ring of holding mid-stride, charging in like her ass was on fire.


    "NO WAY, CAPTAIN!" Barrett dropped the blanket-wrapped Franco and lunged, wrapping his arms around her.


    He clung tight, but his strength was no match for hers. EeDechi kept marching forward, dragging him along like dead weight.


    "Hey, handsome fellas, not coming in to play?" The sexy half-elf blew them a kiss.


    "Nope! We''ve got real important shit to do!" Barrett hugged EeDechi tighter, hissing in her ear, "Chill out! Chill the fuck out!"


    If she started cracking down on prostitution here, it''d kick off a shitstorm, and the Great Tomb of Nazarick would catch wind of them. They''d be screwed!


    EeDechi finally snapped out of her knee-jerk rage. She clenched her fists, let out a pissed-off sigh, and stashed her giant sword back in her ring. Barrett exhaled hard, relieved as hell.


    While EeDechi gave up on storming the brothel to clean house, over there, buck-naked Franco was inching toward it on his belly. He gazed up at the hot half-elf towering over him, tongue lolling out like he was about to lick her heels.


    "Get your ass out here!" Barrett grabbed his legs and yanked him back from the brothel.


    The two of them bundled Franco up in the blanket again, hoisted him, and kept trekking toward the teleport hub.

 Chapter 144: Being Spied on

    As the trio strolled through a bustling commercial street, Cheeko the cat suddenly leaped out of Barrett''s backpack, pausing in front of a small shop selling raw crystal stones.


    The wooden crates, draped with a layer of white burlap, served as shelves displaying crystals of all sizes. Sunlight slanted down, making the stones shimmer with a dazzling glow. The shopkeeper, a dwarf with a bushy beard, was fiddling with a silver coin in his palm using a magnifying glass.


    Cheeko snatched a pebble-sized crystal in its mouth and bolted, like a sneaky cat swiping a neighbor''s sun-dried fish. The dwarf, fuming, puffed out his beard and glared, grabbing a short-handled hammer from his side and hurling it at Cheeko.


    The heavy hammer whistled through the air toward the cat, only to be caught mid-flight by a fair, slender hand. The dwarf shopkeeper looked up to see EeDechi holding the hammer, while Barrett dangled Cheeko by the scruff of its neck in his hand.


    Cheeko still had the crystal in its mouth, though it had already swallowed half. The dwarf took one look at its chubby, ball-like figure and the pitiful expression it wore after being caught red-handed, and half his anger melted away.


    "This weird cat¡ªyour pet, huh? Looks like it''s got a taste for crystals," the shopkeeper said with a grin. "Back when I was mining underground, I had a mole rat as a pet. It loved chowing down on chalcocite and was just as fat as this cat."


    He glanced at Barrett and added, "Still, stealing''s stealing. If you folks don''t have the cash to pay for it, how about leaving this cat as collateral?"


    EeDechi tossed a handful of gold coins to the dwarf shopkeeper. The dwarf dropped his magnifying glass and silver coin in a scramble, fumbling to catch the gold. He picked up one coin, bit it with his front teeth, leaving a jagged, clear imprint.


    "Thanks, generous customer!" The dwarf shopkeeper waved goodbye to the three adventurers. "You''re as big-hearted as the great Supreme Overlord himself."


    "You like eating crystals?" Barrett asked, cradling Cheeko like he was holding a round ball.


    Cheeko nodded honestly, and its belly suddenly turned more transparent. A faint blue glow of energy shimmered inside, swimming around like fish in its gut. Cheeko meowed a couple of times, looking like it wanted to grab a pen and write.


    EeDechi pulled out paper, a quill, and an inkwell from her backpack. Cheeko chomped down on the pen and started scribbling:


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    {I''ve got a racial talent. If I swallow something alive, I can shift into a rough mimic of its shape. If I swallow something dead, I gain its magical power.


    {A while back, I ate a cat, so my body turned into a cat. I''ve got a real thing for crystals. I''m the team''s scribe now¡ªcan you pay me one crystal a month as my salary?}


    "Salary?" EeDechi raised an eyebrow but nodded. "No problem, you''ll get plenty of crystals. Just don''t go snacking on anyone else''s stash."


    Cheeko gave a small nod, then squirmed a bit before writing another line: {Cats can''t help stealing fish when they see it. When I spot a really gorgeous crystal, I can''t hold myself back either.}


    "This dumb cat''s handwriting is that good?" Franco''s face was full of disbelief. After chugging a bottle of greater vitality potion and half a bottle of stamina potion, he was back in action¡ªwaist no longer aching, legs no longer shaky, ready to bounce around like a kid again.


    Cheeko tilted its head at him, clearly annoyed. Franco reached out and twisted its head straight. "What''re you staring at, you stupid cat?"


    "Don''t call it ''stupid cat.''" EeDechi smacked Franco''s hand away. "Your Justice Value''s a measly 2. Its Justice Value is 386¡ªthat''s 193 times higher than yours!"


    "Oh, really?" Franco scoffed, grabbing Cheeko''s tail. "This little fat cat''s kinda cute, though. From now on, you''re my familiar, got it? When I start rubbing elbows with high society, I''ll bring you along and steal the hearts of a noble girls."


    "Quit daydreaming." EeDechi packed up the pen and paper. "Let''s go¡­"


    Suddenly, a creepy feeling of being watched hit her, like someone was lurking in a corner, peering through a spyglass. EeDechi whipped around, eyes wide.


    The wide street was nearly empty, with only a few scattered pedestrians. In a quiet shop, the owner dozed over the counter. At a fruit stand, the vendor lazily swatted mosquitoes with a soft rope. A satyr squatted in front of the fruit stall, and a kobold drove an empty open cart past. Nothing seemed off¡ªeverything was as still as a windless pond.


    "That feeling of being followed again?" Barrett whispered, noticing EeDechi''s odd movement.


    EeDechi nodded, pulling her wide-brimmed felt hat a little lower.


    If you ignored EeDechi''s usual carefree attitude, her senses were razor-sharp when she was on high alert¡ªsharper even than the seasoned Barrett.


    "Can you spot the watcher?" Barrett asked.


    EeDechi''s disguise was his handiwork: her black hair dyed blonde, a common wide-brimmed felt hat hiding most of her face, a coarse cloth scarf wrapped around her neck and chin, and her usual black outfit swapped for plain, masculine clothes. Now, at first glance, EeDechi looked like an ordinary farm boy¡ªpoor enough that he couldn''t afford a hat that fit right.


    Even if you tossed EeDechi in front of Ainz, he''d probably have to squint and wonder who the hell she was. As a veteran adventurer, Barrett was damn proud of his disguise skills.


    "I''ve got a gut feeling the stalker''s human. But the humans around here? Their movements all seem normal," EeDechi said.


    Back near the Dragon Zoo, EeDechi had felt that same creepy sensation of being watched. She thought she''d shaken the tail then, but now that feeling was back, clinging to her like a leech. A flicker of worry sparked in her chest.


    "Doesn''t feel like a scout from the Sorcerer Kingdom. If they suspected us, they''d have searched us by now," Barrett mused. "Could it be someone from the Slane Theocracy? Maybe that spy Vaelynn sniffed out earlier is hunting you down."