At night, in E-Rantel, the Swords of Darkness squad bid farewell to Chu Lian and the others. "Then, Mr. Momo, Miss Liliana, we'll head on ahead to Nfirea Bareare's house. After unloading the goods, we'll wait for your arrival."
"I understand. After I register the magical beast at the Adventurer's Guild, I'll head over as well." Ainz Ooal Gown nodded. Magical beasts had to be registered at the Adventurer's Guild. Only then could they walk the streets without being stopped.
"Oh, right, Ninya. Let me give you something. When you need it, you can take it out. It might come in handy."
Chu Lian knew that in a short while, because of Nfirea Bareare, they would all be killed by that woman—the former Ninth Seat of the Black Scripture of the Slane Theocracy.
Chu Lian could not simply stand by and watch, yet she also could not offer too direct a warning. Fortunately, when they had spoken on the second floor of the Adventurer's Guild, she had already shown enough goodwill toward Ninya. No matter how others interpreted her actions, it now gave her a perfectly reasonable excuse to bestow a parting gift.
After hesitating for a moment, the brown-haired girl accepted the wooden carving Chu Lian handed her and thanked her. "Miss Liliana, thank you for your gift." She did not know why Chu Lian was doing this, but when such a powerful individual treated her so kindly, refusing would have been impolite.
Her hesitation had not been about rejecting it. She simply wondered whether she should accept such a gift. One should not receive rewards without merit. Their gains this time were already considerable. Accepting another gift would make her seem greedy.
Yet when she saw Chu Lian's eyes—exceptionally gentle beneath the lamplight—her hesitation melted away.
Over the past two days, the girl before her had already become, in her heart, a spokesperson of the divine. She did not understand what deeper meaning lay behind her kindness and words, but she knew it must be for her own good.
Watching from the side, Ainz felt reassured.
That's the consolation item I got from spending 500 gacha pulls, isn't it? It seems Deloris is worried something might happen to the Swords of Darkness.
Back then, I went with Deloris and Yomiko to try our luck. I only planned to draw once, but when I saw Deloris seemed to really want that item, I pulled a few more times. Unfortunately, I never got it—only these consolation prizes. Yomiko, as our companion, drew it in a single try and gave it to Deloris. That memory really stuck with me.
I gave one to Gazef Stronoff before. Later she asked me for the remaining ones. Two went to the Enri sisters. Of the three left… one to Ninya?
Is she preparing for the future, or worried something might go wrong tonight? Deloris is becoming harder and harder to read.
Ainz shook his head and swung himself onto the hamster's back.
He decided not to dwell on it. If the Swords of Darkness truly encountered danger, when Deloris went over, he would follow as well. There was no need to concern himself with their safety. Even if something really did happen, Ainz would not feel much emotional disturbance. After becoming the ruler of death, humans were nothing more than another race to him.
"It seems Miss Liliana is quite fond of Ninya. You even specially gave her a gift at parting. Ninya, perhaps you should consider truly becoming her disciple? Although Miss Liliana doesn't seem particularly proficient in magic, she did display her magical abilities in several battles. She's far stronger than you, you know."
After Ninya returned, clutching the wooden carving, Lukrut Volve teased her with a grin.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Miss Liliana is…" She wanted to say something, but after considering Chu Lian's identity, she swallowed her words.
Having witnessed everything that had happened over the past two days, her teammates understood that Chu Lian's identity—whether divine or not—was certainly extraordinary. They tacitly avoided mentioning it and merely continued joking.
While resisting their teasing, Ninya tightened her grip on the wooden carving and made up her mind. After tonight, the next time she met Miss Liliana—no matter her identity—she would ask to become her disciple.
Chu Lian stood where she was, watching them leave. Then she turned to Ainz Ooal Gown and Narberal Gamma.
"Big brother, this night will not be peaceful."
"Oh? Then let's make it peaceful. Deloris, do you have a plan you can share?"
Ainz patted the hamster, urging it forward, and asked as Chu Lian walked beside Narberal.
"I merely sensed something amiss. I can see the aura of death lingering around the Swords of Darkness. If I do not intervene, they will surely die tonight."
Her words made Ainz pause in surprise.
"Deloris, you can even see when others are going to die?"
"Occasionally. For those far weaker than myself, I can perceive a trace of it." Chu Lian nodded. She did not avoid the topic. In the future, she would rely on this explanation for many of her actions. Letting him know now was no issue.
"I see…"
Ainz nodded. He assumed it was a form of divination magic. Considering how Chu Lian often made preparations in advance, it made sense that she possessed such an ability.
Once they left the sparsely populated area, their conversation returned to how they normally spoke in front of others. In terms of strength, they could practically walk sideways through this city, but there was no need.
Should I puff out my chest? But how is this any different from a middle-aged man riding a carousel horse? What kind of humiliation play is this? Damn it. If it weren't for gaining fame and gathering more channels for information, I wouldn't be doing something like this!
Riding atop the hamster, Ainz was filled with resentment. Back in Carne Village, he could use it as a mount while traveling without many people seeing. But this was a major city. Even at night, plenty of people were watching as he rode down the street.
Deloris too—she'd rather have her achievements spoken of than be associated with conquering the Wise King of the Forest. Though, I suppose that makes sense. This hamster doesn't exactly look overwhelmingly powerful. It's normal she wouldn't want it.
With people staring from windows and doorways along the street, Ainz felt an overwhelming urge to flee, silently swearing never to go along with Deloris' antics again.
By the way, what should I name it? Hamsuke? Daifuku would be nice too…
After pondering for a while, he realized he had never actually given the hamster a name, which only deepened his dilemma.
"Liliana, what kind of name do you think I should give it?"
Unable to decide, Ainz asked Chu Lian, who was chatting and laughing with Narberal, hoping she would help him name the hamster.
"Let's call it Hamtaro. It's so weak anyway—no sense of intimidation at all."
Chu Lian shot the hamster a sidelong glance. Seeing its body involuntarily tremble, she felt satisfied with her training results and gave a name that left both Ainz and the hamster unsure whether to laugh or cry.
"Well, if big brother doesn't like that name, then if I accidentally slaughter and stew some hamster that isn't named Hamtaro one day, don't blame me, okay?" Chu Lian added gently, her tone soft and tender as she noticed Ainz turning his head away, clearly unwilling to hear her suggestion.
"Thank you, Miss Liliana, for bestowing this name upon me! From now on, I shall be called Hamtaro!"
How could the hamster fail to understand her threat? It did not even wait for Ainz's approval and hurriedly agreed.
"Big brother?"
Hearing the hamster accept, Chu Lian clasped her hands beside her cheek and looked at Ainz with a sweet smile.
"Ahem… Hamtaro is a fine name. Very fine. Since it agrees as well, then let's call it Hamtaro."
Ainz had no choice. He should never have asked Deloris in the first place. Now he was riding a giant hamster named Hamtaro—what dignity would he have left in the future?
"Very good."
Seeing that both had agreed, Chu Lian's smile faded. Her gaze grew calm. She could sense that danger was already closing in on Ninya and the others.
"Big brother, I'll go on ahead. After you finish registering, come over."
After saying this, Chu Lian stopped walking. She slipped into an unoccupied corner and suddenly vanished—replaced by Ninya, whose face still carried lingering fear.
...
Inside the potion shop in E-Rantel.
Before Chu Lian switched places with Ninya, when the Swords of Darkness and Nfirea Bareare returned to the shop to unload the goods—
Unaware of where his grandmother had gone, Nfirea carried an oil lamp toward the back of the shop, wondering about her whereabouts, when the door before him suddenly opened.
A strange woman leaned against the doorframe with a gauntleted hand, wearing an eerie smile.
"My, you really had me worried. You didn't come back for days. I've been waiting for you the whole time."
She removed her hood and stood directly in front of the blond boy, blocking his way inside.
"Um… who are you?"
Nfirea was bewildered. He did not recognize this woman at all. Why was she waiting in his shop?
"Huh? Aren't you acquainted?" Peter Mauk asked in surprise. So Nfirea didn't know her?
"Hmm heh heh…"
The woman ignored Peter entirely. Tilting her head, she smiled at Nfirea.
"I'm here to kidnap you."
At her words, the members of Swords of Darkness rushed forward, drawing their weapons and shielding Nfirea.
"Nfirea, don't come closer. Run!" Peter said tensely.
Though surrounded, the woman showed no concern. She continued speaking to herself.
"You possess the talent to use any magical item. I want you to summon an army of the undead."
"Ah?"
Nfirea did not fully understand her words, but he could sense the boundless malice within them and involuntarily stepped back.
Seeing his reaction, the woman's expression remained unchanged, but her tone turned serious.
"Become our tool and use the [Crown of Wisdom], won't you? It's a request from big sister."
"What exactly are you—?"
Her words were far too dangerous. Peter and the others tightened their grips, anger flaring.
"The spell [Undead Army], which summons a legion of the dead, is seventh-tier magic. An ordinary person could never use it. Only by wearing the [Crown of Wisdom] would it be possible. Although the summoned dead cannot be fully controlled, guiding them is achievable…"
Her voice suddenly rose.
"Isn't it a perfect plan?"
At that, Nfirea's oil lamp slipped from his hands and hit the floor, extinguishing instantly. He was clearly terrified.
Peter extended an arm, stepping sideways to shield the blond youth.
"Nfirea, run!"
"But…"
The boy hesitated.
At that moment, Dyne Woodwonder turned to Ninya.
"Ninya, fall back."
"Take the kid and run!" Lukrut Volve also sensed the grim reality. They likely stood no chance against this enemy. Turning, he shouted at Ninya, "You still have something you must do!"
"That's right. Didn't you still have to rescue your sister who was taken by the nobles?" Peter added.
Their words, spoken in encouragement, were the warmest comfort in Ninya's ears.
"Everyone…"
"Oh ho ho, how touching. I'm almost moved to tears… hmm."
Closing her crimson eyes, the woman feigned being moved. Then she opened them and looked at the group.
"But if you escape, that would be troublesome."
As she spoke, she drew her longsword.
Behind them, the wooden door slammed shut.
An elderly bald man in red robes, leaning on a staff, appeared. He spoke sternly to the woman.
"You're going too far!"
"Mm-hm~"
The woman angled her blade toward the ground and tilted her head in dissatisfaction.
"Didn't I tell you to prepare so the screams wouldn't leak out? At least let me play and kill one to enjoy myself."
As she finished speaking, she raised the sword to her cheek and slowly ran her tongue along the edge, clearly savoring the sensation.
Their exchange filled the members of Swords of Darkness and Nfirea with dread. Ninya's hand trembled as she gripped her staff. In her heart, she recalled the wooden carving Liliana had given her before departure.
She grasped it and whispered, "Miss Liliana…"
Then she heard a voice at her ear.
"It is time, girl…"
In the next instant, she vanished from the potion shop—reappearing before Ainz and the others.
A dazzling surge of radiance swirled through the dim room.
Chu Lian's pure white figure appeared within the shadowed interior. Whether intentional or not, her brilliance was almost blinding.
"It's not a good idea to bully my friends like this."
She stood calmly, looking at the woman.
The sword-wielding woman froze for a split second upon seeing her. Realizing the situation had changed, she immediately lunged forward, thrusting at Chu Lian's face.
"What a pity such a cute little beauty has to die…"
"Miss Liliana—!"
The others, who had felt a surge of hope at her arrival, could not help but worry upon witnessing the woman's ghostlike speed.
"Not allowed."
The Senra Longblade flashed into being. Chu Lian blocked the strike and spoke lightly.
"Ah, an unexpectedly powerful opponent?"
The woman laughed wildly as she unleashed a flurry of slashes, giving Chu Lian no chance to breathe.
Seeing that the situation would only grow more chaotic, the red-robed elder began chanting.
"Bone Prison."
A cage formed of white bones erupted from beneath Chu Lian's feet, locking her within.
The sudden development made the girl pause.
At that moment, the old man shouted, "Take Nfirea and leave! Ignore the others!"
"Tch. If not for other matters, I'd love to continue playing with you."
After crossing blades, the woman had already realized the girl's strength was no less than her own. A quick victory was impossible. To avoid jeopardizing the plan, she ceased her taunting. With a swift strike, she knocked Nfirea unconscious and seized him.
"Put him down!"
Seemingly enraged that someone she intended to protect was abducted before her eyes, Chu Lian swung her blade at the bone cage.
It took five slashes before the white bones shattered.
But by then, the two had already vanished with Nfirea…