LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Ainz sat in the workroom of his castle, a simple yet imposing chamber within the Sorcerer Kingdom. The room was practical, with functionality taking precedence over extravagance. The walls were plain stone, dark and cold, and shelves holding neatly arranged books and scrolls lined one side. A large desk of polished wood, unadorned but sturdy, stood at the center. Stacks of documents, ledgers, and correspondence were piled atop it in neat, methodical rows. A single magical lamp provided sufficient light, casting faint shadows that danced across the room.
This room, where Ainz spent much of his time since claiming E-Rantel, had become the nerve center of the kingdom's administration. Though the surroundings were simple compared to the grandeur of Nazarick, they served their purpose efficiently.
The skeletal overlord leaned back slightly in his chair, an unassuming piece crafted for comfort rather than display. He surveyed the mountain of papers before him with a weary sigh, his glowing eyes dimming faintly. While the task of reading these documents was mundane, it was no less exhausting. Even though he was merely skimming them due to his lack of expertise in governance, the mental effort required to stay focused made the work tedious.
Despite this, Ainz found a small sense of relief. He was nearing the end of today's tasks, having issued most of the necessary orders. Soon, he would leave this room and take a break from the endless tide of administration. If Albedo or the other guardians required his attention, they could always summon him later.
Lifting his head, Ainz turned his gaze toward Fifth, one of the maids stationed in the room. She stood quietly by the door, her posture attentive and ready to serve at a moment's notice. After a brief pause, he spoke, his deep voice resonating through the quiet chamber.
"Fifth, go summon Pandora's Actor. Inform him that I have a command for Momon."
The maid immediately brightened, bowing deeply as she answered, "Yes, Ainz-sama!" Her voice carried an eager tone as she turned and left the room with quick, purposeful steps, clearly pleased to fulfill her master's request.
Ainz watched her leave, his hands clasped in front of him in thought. While he could have used [Message] to contact Pandora's Actor directly, this method served a dual purpose. Momon's presence in the kingdom was still a delicate matter. So it allowed for an official pretext to summon Momon, avoiding any unnecessary suspicion from those who kept an eye on the famous adventurer.
Over time, the majority of the populace had come to trust that Ainz Ooal Gown would not slaughter them indiscriminately. His actions as ruler had demonstrated fairness and even leniency in some cases. However, a lingering unease persisted among a cautious few who could not fully dispel their doubts. Ainz knew that for those individuals, any slight misstep or unexplained action might reignite old fears.
After waiting for a while, the soft echo of approaching footsteps announced Fifth's return, this time accompanied by Momon—or rather, Pandora's Actor in the guise of the great adventurer. As they entered the room, both figures immediately bowed low, their postures exuding utmost reverence for their master.
Ainz, seated behind his desk, raised a skeletal hand in a casual yet commanding gesture. "You may raise your heads," he said, his deep, authoritative voice reverberating through the modest chamber. Turning his glowing crimson gaze toward Pandora's Actor, he continued, "Pandora's Actor, I assume you have already handled your duties on your side, particularly with pacifying the peasants. If so, you may revert to your original form."
The figure of Momon shimmered briefly before transforming back into Pandora's Actor, the dapper, eccentric creation of Ainz. As he straightened, he snapped his heels together sharply, saluting with a flourish before speaking in a melodious stream of German, profusely thanking Ainz for the opportunity to serve.
"The reason I've called you today," Ainz began, his voice steady and deliberate, "is to inform you that I will soon depart to the world beyond the Gate with Demiurge. During my absence, I will not leave as Ainz Ooal Gown. Instead, I will take on the guise of Momon. In my stead, you will transform into me and rule the Sorcerer Kingdom alongside Albedo and the other guardians. You are to manage E-Rantel and ensure that all proceeds as planned."
Pandora's Actor immediately clicked his heels again and placed his hand over his chest in a dramatic display of devotion. "Your will is my command, mein Meister!" His theatrical tone carried a touch of pride and determination.
Just as Ainz was about to continue, his thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice in his mind. A [Message] spell brought Demiurge's calm and measured voice directly to him.
"Ainz-sama, if I may," Demiurge began, "I would like to request the assistance of CZ Delta. She is well-versed in weaponry, and her expertise may prove invaluable in identifying and analyzing the guns and other weapons from the new world."
Ainz instinctively brought his bony finger to where his ear would have been and answered. "Understood. I will send CZ Delta to you shortly."
With the matter settled, Ainz turned back to Pandora's Actor. "Before I depart, I will summon CZ Delta so that she may accompany me. She will be instrumental in aiding Demiurge in the other world."
Pandora's Actor gave another respectful bow. "Of course, Ainz-sama. Rest assured, I will carry out your will with absolute precision."
Moments later, CZ Delta arrived, her small yet imposing presence adding a layer of readiness to the room. Ainz glanced over at her, his crimson gaze flickering briefly in thought before rising from his desk.
"Well then," he said, his tone resolute as he looked between Pandora's Actor and CZ Delta. "Pandora, the kingdom is yours to oversee while I am gone. Ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the people see no difference."
With that, Ainz raised his skeletal hands and invoked the spell [Perfect Warrior], his form shimmering as he transformed into a heavily armored version of Momon. The magical energy settled around him, amplifying his already intimidating aura.
He turned to CZ Delta. "Let us go. Demiurge awaits."
As Ainz glanced one last time at Pandora's Actor, who was already beginning his transformation into the guise of Ainz Ooal Gown, he turned and pushed open the door to his chamber. The corridor outside was quiet, save for the faint tap of Narberal Gamma's boots as she stood waiting in her usual stoic posture. Upon seeing him—Momon—emerge, she straightened further, offering a slight bow.
"Shall we proceed, Nabe?" Ainz's tone was even, embodying the confident, heroic persona of the adventurer he portrayed.
"Yes, Momon-sa..." Narberal replied as she quickly corrected herself, her voice tinged with devotion as she fell into step beside him.
The pair exited the castle, their steps measured and deliberate. Outside, the crisp morning air greeted them, and a familiar sight met Ainz's gaze—Hamsuke, the so-called "Wise King of the Forest," standing proudly near the castle gates. The enormous hamster's tail flicked energetically, her eyes bright with anticipation.
For a moment, Ainz considered the prospect of riding Hamsuke. The people of E-Rantel had always seemed to admire the sight of their hero astride the "majestic beast," but practicality won out. With three of them needing to travel—himself, Narberal, and CZ Delta, who trailed silently behind—they simply wouldn't fit. He pushed the thought aside with a mental sigh.
Instead, they began their walk toward the Gate. It wasn't far—just a few minutes beyond the city limits—but the route led them through E-Rantel's bustling streets. As they moved, Ainz observed the changes that had taken root since his conquest of the city.
The streets were livelier than they had been in the past. People of various species mingled—humans, dwarves, and even the occasional lizardman—all moving about their daily routines. Vendors called out to passersby, children laughed as they darted between market stalls, and artisans busily worked on their crafts. The oppressive fear that had once gripped the city seemed to have eased, replaced by cautious but growing trust in their undead overlord.
Much of this change, Ainz mused, could be attributed to the stories spread by the dwarves and other allied species about the Sorcerer King's deeds. His policies had also contributed—farmers, aided by undead laborers, no longer struggled to produce crops, and only a fair portion of the harvest was collected as taxes. The streets were safer than ever, patrolled by Death Knights who ensured that crime was all but eradicated.
Dwarven engineers, brought in from the Dwarven Kingdom, had been instrumental in constructing new facilities—better drainage, sturdier homes, and even rudimentary aqueducts—that improved the daily lives of E-Rantel's citizens. These visible improvements had fostered a cautious optimism, evident in the smiles and waves directed at Ainz -well Momon to be specific- as they walked through the streets.
"Momon-sama!" a cheerful voice called out from the crowd. Ainz turned to see a group of townsfolk waving eagerly.
"Momon-sama, is the King sending you on another task?" an elderly man asked, his tone curious but warm.
Ainz, embodying the role of the dependable hero, smiled beneath his helmet and nodded. "Indeed," he replied. "The Sorcerer King has tasked me with exploring the situation on the other side of the Portal. I will be away for a time, but rest assured, the kingdom is in safe hands."
The townsfolk murmured in approval, their faces lighting up with admiration. "Safe travels, Momon-sama!" a young woman called out, clutching her child close as she waved.
Ainz returned their gestures with a confident wave of his own before continuing down the street, his cape billowing lightly in the breeze.
Ainz, Nabe, CZ Delta, and Hamsuke strode out of the gates of E-Rantel, leaving behind the vibrant activity of the city and stepping into the vast expanse of the countryside. The massive walls of the Sorcerer Kingdom's capital towered above, casting long, commanding shadows over the surrounding fields. Built with gray stone imbued with magical reinforcement, the walls seemed to absorb the sunlight, radiating an almost ethereal aura of power. Above, the banners of Ainz Ooal Gown rippled in the cool breeze, their intricate design visible even from a distance—a sigil that inspired awe and fear in equal measure.
At the entrance to the city stood two colossal statues of Ainz Ooal Gown himself. Carved with exquisite detail, they reached as high as the walls themselves, their skeletal forms exuding an aura of grandeur and invincibility. The statues depicted Ainz in his full regalia, one hand clutching a staff while the other was raised as if issuing a divine command. Frost Giants, immense and pale, were stationed at their bases, carefully polishing the statues with reverent dedication. Whenever their duties permitted, these giants, bound by loyalty or admiration, ensured the monuments remained spotless, their actions speaking volumes about their devotion to the Sorcerer King.
The roads extending from E-Rantel were a marvel of their own, wide and impeccably maintained to accommodate heavy traffic. Merchants' wagons, loaded with goods, trundled along the stone-paved paths, escorted by silent, ever-watchful Death Knights. Their ominous presence was a deterrent to any would-be bandits, and the merchants, though uneasy in the company of undead, knew their safety was guaranteed. Alongside them, adventurers passed in small groups, their gleaming armor and weapons catching the sunlight. Each paused to nod respectfully at "Momon," the hero who had become the kingdom's symbol of hope and justice.
The fields surrounding the city sprawled out like a living mosaic, their autumnal colors blending into a picturesque scene. Waves of golden wheat swayed gently in the breeze, the rhythmic movement mesmerizing against the backdrop of the open plains. Human farmers worked diligently, directing skeletal laborers who performed their tasks with tireless efficiency. The contrast was striking—the living and the dead working side by side, not in fear but in mutual cooperation. This strange yet harmonious coexistence had become the hallmark of Ainz's reign, a testament to his vision of order.
Groves of trees punctuated the landscape, their bare branches reaching skyward in silent testament to the approaching winter. The air was crisp, carrying with it the earthy scent of the harvest and a faint, magical hum that seemed to emanate from the kingdom itself. Overhead, the low sun bathed the scene in warm hues of amber and gold, while long shadows stretched across the ground, creating a tableau both serene and imposing.
As Ainz and his companions approached the guarded building on the outskirts of E-Rantel, its purpose became evident. The air carried a subtle trace of magical energy, and undead sentinels stood motionless at their posts, their glowing red eyes a quiet but constant reminder of their vigilance. The structure itself was simple and functional, built for durability rather than grandeur, though the runes etched into its walls hinted at the powerful magic it housed. Recognizing their supreme commander, the undead guards silently stepped aside, granting Ainz and his companions entry. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with a sense of foreboding. Shadows danced unnaturally along the walls, and the faint sound of magic crackled through the air. At the center of the room stood the Gate, a swirling vortex of dark energy, pulsing with an almost sentient rhythm.
Without hesitation, Ainz stepped through, his companions following closely. The transition was immediate and disorienting, the oppressive magic of the Gate enveloping them for a brief moment before releasing them into the other world. As their vision cleared, they found themselves in a meticulously constructed fortress—a makeshift stronghold that spoke volumes of Demiurge's efficiency and foresight.
Demiurge himself stood at the center of the courtyard, his posture one of calm yet enthusiastic subservience. Upon seeing Ainz, he bowed deeply, his polished demeanor exuding respect and pride. "This humble servant welcomes you to my temporary fortress, Ainz-sama," Demiurge began. "Though it is not yet at its peak, I assure you, the fortifications will continue until it is perfected, befitting the will of the Supreme Being."
Ainz surveyed the surroundings, noting the demonically-influenced architecture and the presence of various summoned entities patrolling the walls. With a nod of approval, he addressed Demiurge. "Impressive as always, Demiurge. Now, have you ensured measures to block any scrying attempts from this world?"
Demiurge adjusted his glasses. "Not yet, Ainz-sama. I believed the initial surveillance from the locals would serve as sufficient bait to gauge their capabilities. However, I shall begin implementing the necessary countermeasures immediately."
Ainz watched as Demiurge deftly performed several spells, layering wards and barriers of anti-divination magic around the fortress. With a swirl of mana, the fortress became cloaked in an impenetrable veil, rendering it invisible to even the most advanced scrying techniques.
Once the task was complete, Ainz dismissed his [Perfect Warrior] spell, returning to his skeletal form. The oppressive aura of his true self filled the room, and even Demiurge seemed momentarily awed. "Now, Demiurge," Ainz began, his tone firm yet curious, "I have reviewed your report, but I want to hear your thoughts on this world directly."
"Yes, Ainz-sama. Regarding the attacks, it seems the Empire is the primary instigator. As I mentioned in my report, we are currently on the continent of Falmart, where the Empire holds significant control over most of the land. They appear to have launched four distinct assaults in total.
The first attack occurred when the Gate initially opened. From what I've deduced, the Gate displayed signs of instability beforehand—visible only from this side—giving the Empire time to mobilize its forces. They launched a coordinated strike on both sides of the Gate: one on our world, and the other targeting the soldiers in green who wield those {guns}. However, this initial assault failed.
Their second attempt involved a coalition of troops gathered from their vassal states. It seems the Empire, having suffered severe losses, decided to sacrifice their vassals' soldiers, likely to weaken those subordinate kingdoms while minimizing their own casualties. Unfortunately for them, even this strategy failed to yield results. I couldn't gather all the specifics, but their lack of coordination was evident.
The people of this world appear astonishingly weak. When they launched their second attack, following the establishment of this fortress, their forces consisted of troops from several vassal kingdoms combined. Yet, despite their numbers, they failed to bring down even a single demon or summoned creature. I deliberately summoned the weakest-tier demons available, testing their strength, and they still struggled. It wasn't until one of their commanders—who, by Nazarick's standards, could barely rival a feeble goblin—managed to take down a few of the low-level summons. Their lack of magical aptitude, capable warriors, or effective strategy is almost pitifully laughable.
For an Empire to dominate a continent, it's clear the world holds almost no threat to us. If we deployed even a small force of Mid-level monsters, it would likely throw their entire region into chaos. However, there are some exceptions. The individuals spying on us seem to possess slightly greater power. Through the use of an anti-scrying spell, I was able to trace their location. Interestingly, their origin appears to be in a separate dimension entirely. In addition, I added several 6th-tier spells as a countermeasure to any further scrying attempts. That should serve as a sufficient warning to them moving forward."
"As for the men in green, they are somewhat intriguing. Their horseless carriages and flying steel armor are noteworthy, though not particularly powerful by our standards. The flying weapon resembles an armored suit but is shaped more like a bird. As for their {Guns}, they appear to be vastly inferior versions of the weapon wielded by the man in the red suit. I have not specifically found where they are from or how the world behind them is but from the looks of it the soldiers are not powerful and are entirely supported by the {Guns}. That is the reason why I wanted to have CZ Delta to come here. Do you have any knowledge of the weapons they wield?"
CZ Delta tilted her head slightly, her expression as emotionless as ever. Her monotone voice carried a precision that matched her calculated demeanor. "Analyzing... Based on your description, their {Guns} are likely primitive firearms. Low firepower. Low penetration. Reliant on group tactics for effectiveness. Inefficient against Mid-tier and Upper levels of Nazarick forces. The horseless carriages and flying constructs suggest a reliance on mechanical technology over magic. Likely compensates for lack of physical and magical prowess. In addition it has been found that gunpowder lacks any sort of reaction in our world but the {Guns} they are using likely uses gunpowder." She paused briefly, her glowing eyes narrowing faintly as if processing data. "Requesting further data for confirmation. Observing the weapons directly will allow me to assess material composition, firing mechanisms, and potential weaknesses. Their strategic reliance on these tools may indicate exploitable flaws." CZ Delta turned toward Ainz. "Awaiting orders to proceed with examination and detailed analysis."
Ainz mulled over the information, his skeletal fingers tapping thoughtfully against the armrest. "Hmm, so in our world, these guns would be entirely ineffective, but here they seem to work as intended. Which can only mean two things. Either our gunpowder is the problem, or the laws of the world operate on an entirely different system. I believe the latter is true, as there's no air resistance, and the seas are entirely composed of fresh water." He paused, lost in thought. 'This is so different from everything I knew about my world—and the things Blue Planet told me.'
Turning to Demiurge, Ainz asked, "Demiurge, do you know where they are currently?"
"Yes, Ainz-sama. They were headed toward another village," Demiurge responded smoothly. "Would you like to see their current position?"
Ainz nodded, his gaze unwavering. Demiurge, without a moment's hesitation, activated [God's Eye], casting his magic to locate the group. Moments later, an item akin to a [Mirror of Remote Viewing] materialized before them, revealing the actions of the soldiers.
The screen flickered to life, displaying a small village. The soldiers in green were seen coordinating the evacuation of civilians. A horse was shot in the midst of the chaos, and a small blue-haired girl was saved from harm, a sight that immediately caught Ainz's attention.
"That is definitely a {Gun} that uses gunpowder. No signs of magical power are present," CZ Delta observed, her voice as clinical as ever.
"We don't know if that's their most powerful weapon, but I would like to meet them." Ainz frowned, his mind racing. 'It's important for me to verify something I've suspected for a while. When I saw the faces of the soldiers dressed in green, they seemed to resemble people from my previous world. But at the same time, they were… different.'
Demiurge's eyes glinted with interest. "It's a bit dangerous to go alone, Ainz-sama, as we have not discovered everything about them. However, based on our current findings, there is no immediate threat. I will remain on standby to provide aid if anything unexpected occurs." He leaned forward slightly, his voice calm yet calculated. "I've already mapped a large area surrounding us, and their path is predictable. They are following a road, so we can reasonably deduce where they will pass. You can meet them there."
Ainz considered the suggestion, then nodded slightly. "Yes, I think it's a good idea. I will go as 'Team Darkness,' as a representative of Ainz, the King. This way, if anything goes wrong, it will be seen as a mistake of mine alone. But if something beneficial comes from this meeting, it will be attributed to the goodwill of Ainz-sama."
Demiurge's eyes sparkled with approval. "A wise choice, Ainz-sama. I'll prepare everything on my end, and you will have my full support should the need arise. The path ahead is clear, and your presence will surely yield Great results as always. "
Ainz activated [Perfect Warrior], the spell enveloping him with a wave of ethereal power, his figure instantly enhanced. His cloak billowed dramatically, the fabric trailing behind him as if caught by an invisible wind.