Chapter 11: The Guardian of Humanity (2)
Blue Rose.
The Blue Rose was one of only two Adamantite-ranked adventurer teams in the Re-Estize Kingdom — and uniquely, it was composed entirely of women. Its members were five in total: the leader Lakyus, along with Gagaran, Tia, Tina, and Evileye.
Together with Red Drop, they represented the kingdom's pinnacle of adventuring prowess and held great prestige.
This time, however, they were joined by a special addition: Kaiser. The mission itself wasn't particularly difficult, but it had been arranged largely out of Evileye's consideration.
Having lived for ages apart from the mortal world, Kaiser lacked worldly possessions — including money.
While he could have borrowed from Gazef Stronoff, doing so repeatedly wouldn't have been right. Evileye wanted him to earn and spend his own coin — to reconnect with life in the present age. After all, he was an old comrade… and perhaps something a little more, though that was best left unspoken for now.
Moreover, this was an emergency request — meaning the payout was exceptionally high for its level of difficulty. Even if they shared a portion with Kaiser, the team would still earn more than usual. They weren't exactly in dire need of money, but as adventurers, one could never have too much of it.
....
"So this is Kaiser?"
"Not what I expected."
"Tina, Tia — that's rude. I'm sorry, Kaiser," Lakyus apologized.
Kaiser only chuckled softly. "I get that a lot — that I don't look like someone who lives by the sword, or that I seem too gentle."
Lakyus couldn't deny it — he really did look that way.
It was unfortunate they hadn't realized his true strength right away.
Just the day before, both she and Gagaran had sparred with him, yet neither had landed a single solid blow.
The rumors that Evileye overestimated him because she liked him were put to rest; both Lakyus and Gagaran now acknowledged Kaiser's power in earnest.
Hearing their account, Tia and Tina were surprised as well, but they trusted their teammates' judgment and accepted him readily — though, as always, hearing and witnessing were two different things.
Lakyus had always been proud of her skill. She had believed herself strong — until she crossed blades with Kaiser.
In that moment, she understood just how distant the title of "strongest" truly was. This was the power of the man who had slain gods, beheaded dragons, and struck down demon lords — a living legend whose might she could barely glimpse.
....
"By the way," Kaiser remarked, "I heard the Empire just gained a new Adamantite adventurer."
"Oh? The news traveled that far already. What kind of team is it?"
"It's not a team," Evileye replied quietly from behind her mask.
"What?"
"They say he rose to Adamantite alone. The news spread even here because it's the first time someone reached that rank solo — and at such a young age."
"That's… quite something."
"Going it alone — is that confidence, or just stupidity?"
"If they made it to Adamantite, then they're not just stupid."
A stupid person with that much power — that was possible.
However, strength alone does not make one Adamantite.
Countless quests must be completed, and the adventurer must earn absolute trust.
The fact that someone managed to achieve that rank alone meant that this new Adamantite from the Empire had the necessary accomplishments to justify it — a sign of extraordinary ability.
The Blue Rose knew well how difficult it was to reach that rank and how immense the required power was.
That someone had done so alone, and at such a young age, was shocking, bewildering, and fascinating all at once. They wouldn't likely meet him, though — there was seldom any reason to visit the Empire.
"Have you ever been to the Empire, Kaiser?" Lakyus asked.
"I dropped by a few years ago," Kaiser replied. "It was around the time a man called the Blood Emperor ascended to the throne."
"Then that's fairly recent. I've heard the Empire's been thriving under his rule — abolishing useless nobles and hiring based on ability rather than status. No distinction between commoners and nobles."
"Would be nice if the Kingdom adopted something like that," said Gagaran. "Not that the current king is bad or anything."
"Ramposa III isn't outstanding, but he's not incompetent either," Evileye murmured. "It's simply that the Blood Emperor excels as a ruler."
Her tone was dangerously frank — words that could get someone arrested for treason if overheard.
Fortunately, they were inside a carriage, far from prying ears. Lakyus, a noble herself, didn't seem to mind.
Kaiser gazed out the window at the clear blue sky, his thoughts wandering. Everything appeared peaceful for now, but soon Nazarick would begin gathering information — agents already moving in the shadows.
Was what he was doing truly right? Once, he had been human, but now he was something far beyond the undead — an Overlord. The malice and might that came with it were far beyond what one being could safely bear.
Should he have fought when he first arrived at Nazarick? Had he died there, the world might have ended. It wasn't arrogance — it was simply the truth.
There was no one in this world equal to Kaiser in power. Perhaps someone of similar strength was hiding away somewhere, having long severed ties with the world as he had — but whether anyone stronger than Kaiser existed, with the right ideals and the will to protect humanity, was doubtful.
More likely, anyone that powerful would have already joined Nazarick instead.
Ainz didn't seem like one to pursue meaningless slaughter, but humans were clever and foolish in equal measure.
Some nation might provoke him, or some arrogant fool might insult him — and if that happened… well, Kaiser thought grimly, that would be self-defense. Those who died would simply have brought it upon themselves.
....
"We've arrived," Evileye's quiet voice broke his thoughts.
Everyone looked out the window. A small, ordinary-looking village spread before them — yet it must have been facing something dire if even an Adamantite-ranked team like Blue Rose had been urgently requested.
On the surface, it looked peaceful, but appearances could be deceiving. Just because the outside was calm didn't mean the danger wasn't festering within.
....
"War Trolls," Kaiser said.
Not far from the village, four of the hulking monsters were encamped. Four wasn't an overwhelming number — but for an ordinary settlement, it was a death sentence.
It would take at least two or three Platinum-ranked teams, possibly with a Mithril team's help, to handle them safely.
Worse, if these trolls had been attacking humans often, their bloodlust would have only strengthened them.
War Trolls grew stronger by drinking the blood of those they killed — and if not slain swiftly, they would go berserk, evolving into even deadlier beasts.
If they had already devoured many humans, even Adamantite adventurers might find the battle challenging.
"I don't understand why they haven't attacked the village yet," Lakyus muttered.
"They did once," Evileye said. "But for some reason, they retreated before the fight truly began."
"At least there wasn't much damage," Gagaran noted. "If we move now, we can probably take them down."
Kaiser stared at the trolls in silence. War Trolls rarely moved in small groups like this. Something about the situation felt off — but it didn't change what had to be done.
If they didn't strike now, the village might be attacked at any moment. Negotiation was pointless. Trolls, especially War Trolls, were berserkers — creatures that lived only for battle. Talking to them was futile.
Only the sword would speak here.
"Shall I take care of them?"
"That'd be the easiest way, but we're here on official business. Leave this one to us."
"Oh? Wasn't I dragged here for work too?"
"..."
"Dense."
"Thick-headed."
"Tia! Tina!"
"Hahaha! See? I told you he's a fun guy!"
Lakyus quickly apologized to Kaiser, but he only blinked in confusion. In truth, Evileye had invited him along not for necessity, but as a way of discreetly giving him money.
She couldn't just hand him gold outright, so this was her roundabout act of kindness. Blue Rose, as a complete and well-balanced team, didn't actually need Kaiser's help unless the opponent was overwhelming.
Lakyus understood this and went along with Evileye's intentions, hoping to convey her good will — though it seemed Kaiser hadn't caught on. From Evileye's perspective, that was probably for the best.
....
"Alright then, shall we get going? You just watch, okay, big guy?"
"On it."
"Remember — a War Troll must be killed in a single blow."
Murmuring those words, Blue Rose moved out swiftly. Kaiser stayed behind, watching quietly. He wasn't entirely sure why, but since they told him to observe, he obeyed.
There was no real danger — four War Trolls weren't a serious threat to an Adamantite-ranked team. The true terror of War Trolls lay in numbers: dozens of them entering a berserk state together.
A mere four? Hardly enough to trouble such veterans.
Without a Troll Lord to command them, they were mindless brutes that only charged straight ahead.
That was when Kaiser felt something was off. Why had those Trolls attacked the village once — then suddenly retreated without inflicting real harm?
He tapped his fingers against a nearby tree, thinking. He went through possible explanations, narrowing down the most likely one. If he was right… then killing those War Trolls here would trigger something much larger.
....
"Early finish, huh?"
"Easier than expected for the request's rank. Though for the villagers, it must've been hell."
"At least there were no casualties."
"The trip took longer than the fight. Guess we'll have to stay here for the night."
As the sun began to set, Kaiser suddenly opened his eyes wide and disrupted his mana flow.
The women of Blue Rose felt a chill run down their spines. Evileye sighed quietly and turned toward her team.
"Don't panic. That's Kaiser's martial art."
"What? Martial art?"
"A detection-type technique. I was curious too — why would brainless War Trolls spare villagers? My guess: they were testing the village's strength. Seeing how much damage they could inflict."
"Trolls can think like that?"
"Even War Trolls?"
"...…Don't tell me — a Troll Lord?!"
"The likelihood is high."
Troll Lords were far more powerful than ordinary trolls — and, worse, they possessed intelligence.
They could command and completely dominate lesser trolls, making them incredibly dangerous. If one had appeared, it would already qualify as a national-level crisis, requiring the combined might of every adventurer's guild.
....
"Hey, Kaiser. What did you find?"
"They're coming straight for the village."
"How many?"
"About a thousand. A full troll carnival — starting with War Trolls. And leading them, of course, is a Troll Lord. At this level, even the entire Re-Estize Kingdom might have to mobilize."
Lakyus bit her thumb in frustration. The logical choice was to retreat and report immediately — but that meant abandoning the villagers. From a tactical standpoint, it was the right decision to minimize losses… yet Lakyus couldn't bring herself to make such a cruel call.
As she hesitated, Kaiser walked toward her and waved his hand at the edge of her vision. That simple motion snapped her back to her senses.
Kaiser turned to the conflicted Lakyus and said quietly,
"You've got yourself a good leader, Evileye."
"Hmph."
"Tsundere brat."
"A demon, but a good leader."
"Is this really the time for jokes!?"
....
It was a national-level crisis — and yet, somehow, everyone seemed calm. Even Evileye, who surely understood the gravity of the situation better than anyone, looked perfectly at ease. She spoke as if this were nothing out of the ordinary. Then, with her usual detached tone, she addressed Kaiser.
"You're going to kill them?"
"I'll give them one chance."
"Soft-hearted as always. That's why you keep getting stabbed in the back. At this rate, you'll have scars on the back of your head."
"Haha, your words sting, you know."
With a quiet shhhh, a massive sword materialized in Kaiser's hand — a beautiful greatsword wreathed in a faint crimson glow.
The blade pulsed like it contained a living flame.
Kaiser stepped forward slowly, Evileye following right behind him. The rest of Blue Rose exchanged uncertain glances, then followed as well. In truth, there was nothing else they could do but follow.
...
"Hey," Lakyus said, "shouldn't we at least start evacuating the villagers before it's too late?"
"Wouldn't make much difference," Evileye replied flatly. "They'd be overtaken quickly. And you should watch — all of you. As warriors, it'll be worth seeing. You'll understand what your ultimate goal should look like."
She spoke as if it were a lesson. Not because she thought Gagaran or Lakyus lacked talent — far from it — but because Kaiser's existence itself stood beyond human reach. The feats he had achieved, the things he had defeated, belonged to the realm of myth. As far as protecting humanity went, there was no one more trustworthy — in both power and character — than Kaiser.
....
"...You can see them now," Gagaran muttered, mouth agape.
Over the horizon came a vast army of trolls — hundreds upon hundreds of them. Many wore crude armor, as though they had learned from raiding human settlements. Others carried massive weapons, and leading them all was an enormous, fearsome Troll Lord whose savage eyes gleamed with intelligence.
"Wow," Kaiser murmured. "He's got quite the scary face. I'd rather not make eye contact."
"Is that really your takeaway right now!?"
"Don't expect normal reactions from him," Evileye sighed.
She remembered the time Kaiser had faced the Insect Demon — and had asked, 'So, what does it feel like when bugs crawl out of your mouth?' while everyone else had been bracing for death. It had been absurd, infuriating even. But then again, for someone like Kaiser, there was no reason to fear such creatures. His power had long since reached completion.
....
"Evileye!" Lakyus called. "Are you sure it's fine to let him fight alone!?"
"Yes," Evileye replied. "If we interfere, we'll just get in his way. Don't overthink it — just watch."
This was the pinnacle of humanity — the peak they all aspired to reach. Even if they could never attain it, witnessing it was an invaluable lesson. People often said there was nothing to learn from overwhelming power, but Evileye believed otherwise. Even the act of seeing such power could change a person. No knowledge was ever truly useless — that was her creed.
"Let's just hope the Troll Lord accepts Kaiser's mercy gracefully," she murmured.
…
The crimson greatsword in Kaiser's hand still shone, its light unwavering — a symbol of quiet, absolute power.
Nothing about it had changed. It still shone as if commanding something to be protected. In this growing darkness, that light could almost be called hope.
With a thud, Kaiser drove the greatsword into the ground and stood proudly. A guardian must never show fear in any age. He must not be consumed by terror.
If the one who protects and rescues is overcome by fear, who will anyone rely on? They only deepen the confusion of those they should save and cast them into despair. Eyes must always be resolute; never show unrest. Isn't the duty always plain?
"Sigh… I don't hate fighting, but massacres always weigh on my heart."
Though called a protector of humanity, Kaiser didn't harbor prejudice even against demi-humans or aberrations.
Of course, one must be cautious when dealing with truly alien threats — especially powers like Nazarick's that could destroy the world. All the same, Kaiser did not wish to kill without cause.
He wasn't so naive that he'd forget his priorities, though. He opened his eyes and activated a spell.
[Hear me, trolls! And you, Troll Lord at their center! Halt!!]
The trolls stopped in unison. The Troll Lord, who had only been walking, opened its eyes and recognized Kaiser standing a little way off — the greatsword planted in the ground, gripped with both hands, his stance dignified.
Against that solitary figure, the Troll Lord felt the weight of something immense. But what did that matter? Were they attacking for profit? No — they simply sought slaughter. The stronger the human prey, the better.
[Turn back now and retrace your steps. Your action is not an attack for 'survival'; it is an 'invasion' aimed at slaughter.]
Kaiser's words were not wrong. He understood the nature of Troll Lords and spoke with conviction.
[My name is Kaiser. If you advance any further, you will be judged an enemy of humanity — my enemy — and I will strike. Do not trade your lives for a momentary thrill. Do not confuse bravery with recklessness. Troll Lord — if you claim kingship, do not shirk the responsibilities it entails; act like the power you bear.]
Having said all he needed to, Kaiser let action do the rest. Ten seconds passed in silence. Only the wind whispered.
The footfalls of the trolls were gone — but then they began again. If they had chosen to turn away then, Kaiser would truly have spared them. He had criticized their act as invasion, but understood that attacks on humans sometimes sprang from survival. Trolls, deprived of prey, often raid human villages simply to survive.
Yet these attacks far exceeded any need. The scent of spilled blood and the malign aura exuding from them surpassed mere necessity.
Kaiser's leniency toward a clear enemy of humanity was merely a formal expression of his creed: he did not attack the ignorant. Even if they were abominations, that was a kind of curse that came with being a guardian.
"Regrettable, Troll Lord. …The Troll Lords of old could be reasoned with. They were clever and could swallow their pride for their subordinates' sake. Unfortunately, you seem to value a moment's pleasure above all else."
Kaiser murmured with pity as he watched the approaches. He tested again with magic, but the Troll Lord's mind held nothing but the desire to kill humans.
If there had been extenuating circumstances, he would have resolved them — or at least spared a minimal number of trolls — but that did not seem possible. He drew the sword he had planted in the earth.
In the darkening plain, that blade still shone with brilliant crimson — like a sun risen in the sky. As Kaiser steadied the sword, the air around him trembled with a kugugugun — a rumbling that warped the space, as if intense heat had created a shimmering mirage.
The effect expanded, clearly bending the very air around him.
"What… what is that?—A martial art, is it?"
"A martial art? That thing?"
"Yes — a martial art."
The members of Blue Rose, watching his back from behind, could only stare. Their own small frames felt suddenly enormous in the face of that presence.
Whatever was contained upon that back could not be grasped. A sacred, overwhelming light began to gather within the crimson blade.
It was transcendent — the primordial foundation of a fight Kaiser willed to make in order to protect.
Everything existed to survive, everything to smile, everything for 'happiness.'
That brilliance seemed to transform into pure light itself, condensed within the blade. Like sunlight captured in a single tear, it flared upward toward the heavens.
Crackling, like thunder splitting the air, the light surged with divine fury. The Troll Lord, watching, finally realized something was terribly wrong.
"A martial art…"
With a resonant chuuuuung, the light spread, claiming dominion over the sky. In the night without a sun, illumination returned; the heavens glowed so brightly it could be mistaken for day. The warmth of the light revived the dead stillness of the plain—it was as if daytime's very radiance had been stolen and reborn here.
The brilliance descended from the heavens and gathered again into the sword. The trolls, led by their lord, charged wildly toward Kaiser. Whether it was paralysis from terror or a last desperate bid to strike before his technique completed, it didn't matter. The result would be the same.
Kaiser slowly raised his sword.
[All the light of this world belongs to the day. The light of night may glow softly, but it cannot shine.
This strike wields all the light of the world—an art that may only be used in the moment the sun is gone. To wield it beneath the sun is to incur the jealousy of the heavens themselves.]
It was a martial art bound by divine restriction—
"The Sunless Day."
Kaiser swung.
A deafening KAAAAANG!! erupted as all the gathered energy exploded forward. The wave of light split the earth, parted the clouds, and divided the world itself. It was not an attack anything mortal—least of all trolls—could endure. The ground burned white, the horizon vanished; everything before them ceased to exist.
In that instant, everything was decided. The thousand trolls that had stood before him were gone, erased utterly from existence.
....
"Human technique… right?" Lakyus was the first to break the silence.
As the afterglow faded, Kaiser dismissed the sword into nothingness and walked back toward them with his usual easy smile.
They had known he was strong—but that single strike had shattered any sense of comparison. She had thought their difference might be a hundredfold; now she couldn't even measure it. The gap was beyond comprehension. The pride she'd held in her own skill suddenly felt laughably small.
"How much do we get for a thousand trolls?" Kaiser asked casually.
"They only pay if you bring proof—ears or noses. You burned everything. So… nothing."
"Eh? Really? You're not joking?"
Perhaps the world would never even learn that a Troll Lord had appeared. Humanity—no, at least the Re-Estize Kingdom—had regained peace and safety without realizing it.
The women of Blue Rose, still awestruck, couldn't help but smile faintly at Kaiser's baffled expression over his unpaid work.
"Truly… a legend," Gagaran murmured.
"That's cheating," Tia said softly.
"At this rate, humanity won't ever fall," Tina whispered.
Lakyus nodded, still dazed. "Right… He's the pinnacle of nothingness."
Could she—or Gagaran—ever reach such a height?
They were warriors who had dedicated their lives to mastering the blade, hailed as geniuses, yet now that summit felt infinitely far away.
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