The Theocracys assault turned fiercer, finally breaking through the capitals outer defenses.

Seeing that the Theocracys soldiers had begun entering the city, Ainz and his party started to move quickly.

The first thing Ainz did after infiltrating the castle under [Perfect Unknowable] was to find an elf who was alonewith no witnesses aroundand capture them.

After passing up multiple opportunities because of the possibility of being discovered, he finally captured a female elf who looked like a servant.

Ainz immediately charmed her and returned to the twins location using [Gate]. Then, he questioned her just like they did with the elf before. Unfortunately, they werent able to get much useful information out of the woman.

Realizing there was no more useful information to be gained from the elf, Ainz immediately killed her with [Death] without hesitation. There shouldnt be any problem with a single woman disappearing from a castle that was going to fall soon.

After divesting the elf of her clothes and other things that could be used to identify her, they moved her body to a faraway placeto the place they initially discovered the Ursus Lordusing [Gate]. The wild animals would probably pick her clean. Even if she was discovered before that, she would just be a mysterious corpse without a single wound. Its very unlikely that someone would connect it with Ainz and the others.

He thought it would be more natural to teleport her above the castle and have her die from the fall as it would have been a reasonable action for her in this situation. However, given that they might need to use her identity later, he just made her disappear.

Some MP exhaustion was necessary to deal with the body, but with Ainzs MP recovery rate in mind, it was not a big deal. Plus, even if he wanted to wait until it recovered, they didnt have any time left to observe things from the sidelines anymore.

The Theocracys forces were still having a hard time against the Elves guerilla warfare in the city. That said, considering the difference in their fighting strength, their victory was just a matter of time. No strong individual had appeared on the field yet, so it was probably correct of them to think that there was no one like that present here.

The Elf King, who was said to be a strong person, was nowhere to be found on the defending side, probably because he had already escaped from this place.

In that case, the magic items would have followed him, rendering their actions here into a meaningless endeavor. Ainz muttered such thoughts internally and then called out to the twins.

Well, lets move.

They now knew the general position of their destination, but it was unfortunate that they didnt manage to find out the abilities and items of the king who was known as the strongest individual in this kingdom. Maybe they should have chosen a more important-looking Elf, but there wasnt enough time to carefully select their target.

Theres only one problem left.

{How should weno, to be more accurate, who should be the one to conceal themselves?}

In this hostile territory, each of them moving independently was out of the question.

They had acted out of sight up to this point, so moving brazenly in the open now would render all those efforts meaningless.

It would then be best if all three of them moved in stealth.

They certainly had the means to do that, but it also created a new problem.

Aura was the only one who could sense Ainz in [Perfect Unknowable] and even then, she could only sense that he was somewhere around them. Druids have a spell to see through [Perfect Unknowable] but Mare, who mostly specialized in the use of offensive spells barring a few exceptions, didnt have that particular one.

If Aura went into stealth with her Ghillie-Ghillie Cloak, even Ainz and Mare couldnt find her.

The Sunlight Dapple Cloak that Mare usually equipped had extremely high stealth capabilities outdoors, especially in the forests, but its ability would be reduced to half while indoors. Unfortunately, it seemed like this place was considered indoors even though the castle was made out of trees, reducing the cloaks ability to the point where even Ainz could sense him more or less. If both Aura and Ainz could sense Mares location, it was highly likely that the enemy could as well, so it would be meaningless.

This meant:

If Ainz hid, Aura could find him but Mare couldn't.

If Aura hid, both Ainz and Mare couldnt find her.

Mares Sunlight Dapple Cloak was weakened, and even if he used the Ghillie-Ghillie Cloak the result should be about the same. Its highly possible that a third party could discover him as well.

They finally concluded that if the three of them could not move covertly together, one of them should hide to act as their trump card in an emergency. While Aura was the most appropriate one for the role, it would be troublesome if Mare and Ainz couldnt grasp her location in a pinch. If they were too unlucky, they might even end up crashing into her while trying to move.

{This is really a large mistake on my part...}

They had a week of time to prepare. They absolutely should have discussed this before coming here.

Ainz went through such stealth operations many times in YGGDRASIL. For example, during Nazaricks first clear, they had to secretly travel through the Tuveg-filled swamps.

But, all of his guildmates generally prepared their own measures for stealth operations. As everyone was generally used to it, a little talk before taking action worked well enough for them even if they didnt discuss it before.

Ainz got a little excited at the word kill steal because it made him remember things from YGGDRASIL, so he completely forgot about discussing the plan with the twins.

Then why didnt the other two point it out to him? He didnt confirm if his hunch was true since that would be scary for him, but they were probably thinking that Ainz-sama probably has some plans with full trust in him. Actually, their eyes were gazing upon him with absolute faith right at this moment.

He couldnt tell them that he had no plans right now. He spun his non-existent brain matter at full speed enough to heat hisalso imaginarybrains. Ainz could instead ask them about what they should do right now, but they couldnt waste time here, so he should propose his idea first.

Then I will use [Perfect Unknowable], Aura will be the vanguard.

Ainz decided.

The twins would not hide. They would just have to rely on Auras senses to avoid others.

If something unexpected were to happen, the twins would face them openly with Ainz ready to support them at any moment. He was more worried about them becoming separated during an attack than he was about them being discovered by someone, because they wouldn't be able to find each other in the first case.

The twins raised no objections.

{Is it really, really fine? You can speak your mind if you notice something you know?}

Honestly, Ainz would be happier if they had any objections.

Three heads together instead of using Ainzs alone would probably think up a better plan.

There was also the possibility that the twins agreed just because it was Ainzs plan. Strictly speaking, they were throwing the responsibility onto him. If Ainz overlooked something or his plans failedwhich was a common enough occurrencewhat were they going to do? They probably wouldnt say anything even if things went awry, but that was most definitely not a good thing.

{...Thats the problem with the NPCs. But...even if I force them to squeeze out some ideas here, there isnt enough time...Lets just ignore this problem for now and be more cautious the next time around.}

He explained various countermeasures to Aura and Mare, and then walked after them into the castle with his spell active. There were barely any Elves, just like when Ainz infiltrated alone before, so they didnt meet anyone on the way. Of course, the fact that Aura was listening to the footsteps around them and timing their movements so that they would avoid them was also a major factor in this situation.

{There were barely any people in the Kingdom's royal castle during its last moments as well, but they worked to create barricades at the entrances at least...}

There were no such things here even though the Theocracy was on their doorsteps. In fact, the mood here felt like nothing unusual was happening outside at all.

{It doesnt feel like they intend to defend it...As I expected, did the countrys upper echelons leave the city to its own devices and escape already? From what Ive heard there doesnt seem to be any other Elven countries around here but the Great Sea of Trees is rather huge. Its entirely possible that there are lands further south with cities and we just dont know about them.}

All this trouble would be for nothing if thats the case.

Anyhow, they would have an answer soon. It would be dumb of him to continue thinking about matters they could do nothing about.

The restricted arealikely the treasuryseemed to be on the upper floors.

It was two floors above the one where the kings personal room was and it was the highest point in the castle. He initially thought about entering it from the outside, but abandoned the idea when he considered that it was unlikely that such a place had windows.

And so the three of them continued to advance up the stairs.

They climbed the floors without getting discovered. Upon reaching the floor of their destination, Aura raised her voice with a hint of suspicion.

What is this place even?

The entire ceiling, which was about 15 meters high, was filled with lights covering all of its surfaces. There werent any windows around so there was no doubt that it was done through some kind of magic.

But, it wasnt bright enough to be called dazzling.

Ainz moved his body a little to try and see if he received any debuffs.

It would appear that this was not the kind of light the priests would use that negatively affected the undead. Considering that this was the Elven Country, it was probably some divine magic related to the druids.

The phenomenon itself wasnt that weird. After all, Nazarick's sixth floor was similar. Even Arcane magic and Psychic magic had light-emitting spells after all, but the lack of secondary effects made it hard to know which type of magic this light belonged to.

But that was not what made Aura raise her voice. It was the thing directly opposite the ceiling, the floor

which was completely covered with soil.

Most of the floor, free of any walls or partitions and about a hundred meters wide in every direction, was covered by soil.

There were some areas free of the soil coverage but the area around the huge door further in was completely covered.

Aura lightly kicked the soil a few times and turned some over. It didnt take that long before she hit the floor beneath it. It wasnt that deep.

A substitute for a carpet, maybe?

Hearing that, Ainz felt like that was probably the case. The Dark Elf village didnt have a culture of using carpets either. They at most used some floor cushions weaved from grass.

Eh, wait...no, culture is a diverse topic, but doesnt this feel a bit primitive? Or is this a measure of caution? To make intruders leave their footprints?

B-but, in that case, s-shouldnt there be a patrol or a guard watching this area?

Ainz concurred with Mares words. There didnt seem to be anyone around here.

{Too careless...to think no ones here...no, maybe even the ones who were here were mobilized to defend against the Theocracys assault? That servant said this area was restricted, though nothing about soldiers being stationed here...}

...M-maybe they planned to cultivate vegetables and stuff if they ever need to hole up in the castle...

Aura raised an ah in agreement with Mares hypothesis. Ainz agreed as well.

It was possible for druids to cultivate crops here even though there wasnt any sunlight coming in. Maybe this light substituted for real sunlight to grow plants here.

Though the area Aura kicked over was shallow, it was near the edge. It was possible that the soil further in was deep enough to grow plants.

{I can test this better if someone like Shalltear, who receives a penalty from sunlight, was with us here...I could use [All Appraisal Magic Item] if its a magic item, but...}

If they didnt find anything good in the treasury, they can try taking this along with them as a consolation.

Ainz settled on that decision and started walking after the twins. Those two used skills to not leave any footprints behind, while Ainz cast [Fly]while maintaining [Perfect Unknowable]to do the same.

As the group neared the center of the room

Hoo. I felt some strange presence and came over to check but to think it was some Dark Elves. Twin kids at that.

A voice suddenly spoke.

Turning back, they found an elf standing about 10 meters away from them.

He had a cold-looking but handsome face, with each eye being a different color. He was definitely not a servant.

They could feel that this elf was used to ordering others aroundone could feel the haughtiness that was radiated around him.

What?

Ainz let out a surprised voice that no one else could hear. There shouldnt have been anyone there. He was sure. Ainz and Mare may have missed him but theres no way Aura would have as well.

He had not been invisible either, Ainz would have seen him if that was the case.

Maybe he deceived Ainzs eyes with a special concealment skill while using invisibility at the same time to hide from Aura. Or else

{He teleported here? Shit. I should have deployed [Delay Teleportation].}

Aura moved gracefully to position herself between Ainz and that elf while Mare took on a fighting stance, gripping his staff with his two hands.

In contrast to the twins, the elf didnt change his stance at all. Ainz found him full of gaps but maybe that was the opponents attempt to bait them.

A skilled warrior could probably judge if he was being genuine or if it was a bluff, but Ainz couldnt.

Ainz moved a little and tried waving his hand at the elf.

The elf didnt turn his gaze at all.

So, he couldn't see through Ainzs [Perfect Unknowable].

Ainz turned to look at the twins.

His orders before the infiltration were, in case we were to meet any mysterious individual, focus on gathering intel from them until they attack us.

Aura nonchalantly extended her hand to grasp her necklace. The twins probably intended to gather the information while having a discussion among themselves.

He could understand their intentions, but they were being a bit rash.

If it were Ainz, he would have immediately attacked the infiltrators if they made any suspicious movements before him. Touching equipment was the same as drawing a gun in his eyes.

Expecting the mysterious elf to start attacking them at any moment, Ainz readied himself to meet him with magic at any time. But, he ended up tilting his head in puzzlement after observing the elf.

Theres no change in the elfs attitude.

He saw Auras actions but didnt look like he was particularly bothered by them.

Was it because he was highly confident in his strength or was it because he couldnt understand what Aura was doing? Or maybe he was trying to gather information just like they were and so was hesitating to attack them?

nnnn. Whats the meaning of this? Those eyes...I dont remember bedding any Dark Elves...No, maybe I did? Hmmhmm. Let me test you then.

The elfs air of intimidation became stronger. It even felt like the elf had swelled up a little.

Tch, Aura clicked her tongue.

[Body of Effulgent Beryl].

Hoo. hooo. Hoo. So you can withstand this. This is probably the first time ever that Ive seen someone being able to do that.

Hey, why did you point killing intent at us? Do you want to die?

[Indomitability].

hah, hahahahahaha!

The elf laughed like he had just heard the greatest joke. Aura furrowed her brows in a manner that screamed danger. She made a fist with a scary amount of force behind it, but gradually loosened it as Ainz continued to watch.

[Greater Resistance].

That was splendid! No, no, I see. I see! I never even had an inkling. Grandchildren, I see. I understand now! So even if it doesnt awaken in the children, it could awake in the grandchildrens generation! To think that I didnt realize it, that was somewhat stupid of me.

What nonsense are you muttering about?

[Greater Potential].

No, no, it just means I had the right idea all along. Well then, my grandchildren.

{Grandchildren? What the heck is he saying? He seems to be having some sort of misunderstanding.}

Eh? ...No way, are you Bukubukuchagama-samas...?

That made Ainz panic for a moment. He realized that there was a possibility that Bukubukuchagama had arrived in this world alone and left this guy behind. But

{there doesnt seem to be any slime bits left in him. Maybe he can change his form like Solution!?}

Chagama? What are you talking about?

{No...? In that case...could it be Akemichan-san!?}

Yamaiko had a sister named Akemichan. She had made an elf character, but as she wasnt that into YGGDRASIL, he barely knew anything about her.

Nnn, you there, you are a pure elf, right?

...Oops. [Breath of Magic Caster].

What is this odd questionTheres no way you dont know who I am, right?

We know, we know.

Y-yes. We know.

The two of you are shit at acting!

Their perfunctory attitude and the monotone reply were enough to make Ainz retort unintentionally. The elf didnt believe them either, opening his mouth in surprise.

T-to think that you didn't knowIts impossible good grief. I heard Dark Elves live near the borders but to think you are so uncultured

The elf sent them an intense glare.

I will forgive this once because you are my grandchildren, but ignorance is a sin. I will educate you thoroughly under my guidance.

Even if you say you will teach us...wait, actually, who are you? I am just making sure, but you are the king of the elves right?

Aura likely made that conjecture because the Elf King was the only strong person they were informed about.

[Life Essence]. Hoo!

Ainz let out a voice in surprise. The elfs HP pool was huge. It easily surpassed the Pleiades and was probably at least level 70 by YGGDRASILs standards. This made him an opponent they couldnt be careless around.

Haa...I am stunned. What did your parents teach you until now? There shouldnt be anything more important than the name of the pinnacle of all the Elven races...at present anyway, and the king of the elves, {THE} Decem Hougan

{Shit.}

Ainz cursed.

He expected this, but he couldn't help but curse after receiving confirmation.

All their effort until now to stay hidden was in vain. He could only lament at all of their wasted efforts.

Now, they would have to kill this person, the greatest combat entityprobablyin this nation, one that they could have expected to decimate the forces of their hypothetical enemy nation, the Theocracy.

They certainly couldnt leave him alive after this. Overwriting his memories was one option if they could incapacitate him and make him unable to resist, but after seeing his [Life Essence], Ainz realized that this kings battle strengthhis HP to be more precisewas surprisingly huge for a denizen of this world.

Of course, they would win without a doubt if they fought normally. There are three level 100 entities here after all, but it would probably be hard to incapacitate him without killing him, as holding back here could turn out to be a mistake.

Considering his sudden appearance, its highly likely that this elfDecemhad some abilities unknown to them. It was dangerous to prioritize incapacitating him when they didnt have enough information on his true strength.

After seeing that Akemichans name wasnt mentioned, he was 90% sure that there was no relation between them. If there was any, she would have named him something recognizable.

He would only kill him if they were driven to the wall, if he really was the Yamaiko households child.

The king? Is it fine for you to be here? Arent the humans attacking? Why wont you immediately go over there and save your people

[Mana Essence]...I see.

Even Decems mana was quite high for this worlds denizens. It was about the same as Shalltears.

HP and MP. Taking Elven culture into account, he most likely had the same class as Mare, a druid. A backline druid, to be specific.

Why should I do something like that? Seems like you are misunderstanding what being a king means. A king is someone who should be venerated as a supreme existence by his people, not someone who works for them. Mercy is the only thing the superiors give to those inferior. Understood? And mercy can only be pleaded for, not demanded. They should be satisfied even if they dont receive it.

What the hell was this guy saying?

Ainz was stunned. If Decem was really being serious, then theres something wrong with his brain. Ainz even found the Elves pitiful for having such a king.

So you dont feel like saving them? But, wellI can agree with a part of what you said.

Y-yes. We cant say he is entirely wrong either...

Haa?

Ainz stared at the twins faces, flabbergasted at their replies. It didnt seem like a tactic to loosen the opponents tongue by flattering him.

Which part of his utterance did they think was acceptable?

{N-no, maybe its me who was in the wrong? Maybe that is how a king should think...? Jircniv also had an air like that about himHow was the Quagoa King like? That one was too servile.}

Hoo. As expected of my grandchildren. Even though unlearned, your minds can understand the truth

Ah, not again. I wasted time...I have my own tasks to do. [Magic Ward - Fire]

But you made one big, critical mistake. Only the Supreme Beings can be objects of veneration, not a small fry Elf like you. Well, you can get venerated however you want as long as its only the Elves around here, I guess.

{No, no...thats completely wrong...But they wont change even if I reproach them...and its not like I dont understand their feelings...If only they made friends outside of Nazarick...From this point of view, I have hopes for Shizu who became friends with that girl with the scary eyes...This trip was a failure unfortunately. No, considering our talk on the way back, even Shizus a bit...as I thought, only SebasAh! I am thinking about useless things again!}

What? Supreme Beings? Did Dark Elves have such oral traditions? Decem pondered a bit and slightly shook his head. Well, whatever. I can just hear about it in detail later.

Do you really have the time for it? Like I said before, isnt the human country knocking on your doors right now?

Ainz was flustered at the time he had wasted, so he immediately cast the next spell.

[False Data Life].

Right at that moment, a rumbling came from under them, shaking the floor. It looked like the Theocracy finally brought out the siege engines.

The twins and Decem turned to look at the floor and closed their mouths. Ainz continued to cast magic.

[False Data Mana].

Tch. Humans are really troublesome. I could go over and wipe them out myself but...its bothersome. Lets go.

...Where are you telling us to go?

[Penetrate Up].

I havent thought about it but, well, nowhere should be a problem with my strength.

To think you had no plans, arent you the worst...And what are you going to do if we follow you?

Is it earth...It would be a waste if I got it wrong... Ainz hesitated for a moment before taking out a scroll and activating it. [Earth Master].

Aah, Decem stared intensely at Auras body. You are still a child, huh. It will be some time before you mature...but theres nothing to be done about it. I have already waited for this long. A few decades is too long to be seen as a mere miscalculation, but we will just have to think of it as inconsequential. You asked what will happen if you come along, right? That answer is simple. You will have children with me.

Eh? What are you even talking about?

Ah? ...[Greater Luck].

You too, Decem turned his gaze to Mare. After the women become pregnant, it takes time before they can bear a child again. I expect more from you on that account. You will also be making multiple children alongside me. I assume the blood will be further diluted, but seeing how it awoke in the grandchildrens generation, it should be possible for the great-grandchildren as well. I should take time to experiment. Aah, it will be troublesome but I will probably have to take some people along with us to become your partners. But...why are you wearing a females attire even though you are a boy? Is it the Dark Elves tradition? Honestly, the fact that you are not a pure elf is a bit irritating, but its far better than extending my hand to all the humanoid races.

Aura and Mare stared at Decem with their mouths agape.