Chapter 6: Fateful Encounter (5)
Kaiser hid his face behind the Mask.
He was good at maintaining a poker face, but sometimes—just in case—one needed to conceal every expression.
Fortunately, neither Ainz nor Albedo commented on it.
He hadn't expected Ainz to actually invite him straight into his base.
Kaiser had assumed their encounter would end there, that they'd prepare for a future meeting before deciding whether to deepen contact.
But it seemed Ainz possessed the instincts of a gambler.
Caution and risk-taking were two different things—and while Ainz was undeniably cautious, that same cautiousness had driven him to take this particular gamble: inviting Kaiser into Nazarick itself.
There was always the possibility that Ainz would try to ambush him the moment he stepped inside—but the chance was low. Ainz, despite that daring spirit, appeared methodical and composed.
He wasn't the reckless type who charged in without a plan. Besides, having only recently arrived in this world, Ainz would likely suspect there were still magics or powers unknown to him.
Letting Kaiser escape as an enemy would be the worst possible outcome for him.
That didn't mean Kaiser could afford to let his guard down either.
This was also his opportunity.
By accepting the invitation, he could observe Nazarick directly—its structure, its defenses, the strength of its inhabitants.
And with the mask, he could even discern the true nature of its residents, their races and attributes. Should anything go wrong, he could escape via teleportation; and if that failed, Kaiser was no stranger to fighting multiple enemies at once.
He may not be like other undead… but that doesn't mean he isn't a threat to humanity.
Ainz valued his companions, and he possessed reason. But an undead's nature didn't simply vanish.
To care for one's comrades was also to be capable of unimaginable cruelty—for their sake. Kaiser knew that better than anyone.
The desire to protect something precious could erase all guilt, justify any atrocity. The term "fallen hero" wasn't just ancient history—it was a warning that transcended worlds.
...
"This is… beautiful," Kaiser said softly. "An incredible structure."
"I'm pleased you think so," Ainz replied. "It is my finest creation, built together with my companions."
"Yes… it's truly magnificent."
Kaiser almost clicked his tongue.
The place was far larger than he'd imagined. Closing his eyes briefly, he ran a hand along the wall—metallic, smooth, impossibly refined.
Definitely the work of a Player. The material was one he had never seen in this world, something that couldn't possibly be mined or forged here.
Since he was already this deep in, Kaiser decided to push a little further.
"May I ask about this place—Nazarick?"
"Of course," Ainz said. "To be honest, I'd like to maintain a friendly relationship with you."
"I see…" Kaiser murmured thoughtfully.
What he wants is information.
I'm Kaiser—called a legend, and old enough to know things no ordinary person could. Ainz must realize that. Building a relationship with me is his way of gaining knowledge—and protection.
If Kaiser truly was the legendary hero people believed him to be, then having his goodwill was invaluable. If beings stronger—or even equal—to Kaiser existed, Nazarick might someday face destruction.
Ainz would want to secure the favor of the guardian of humanity before that happened. If ever a war broke out between humans and other races, and Kaiser sided with Nazarick, it could shift the balance entirely.
It wouldn't be easy—but maintaining relations was the smartest choice for both.
I'll share as little as possible, Kaiser decided. You never know how information might be used later.
With a relaxed tone, he asked, "Is Ainz truly the only master of this place?"
"There used to be more," Ainz said quietly. "But now… I'm the only one left."
There was a bitter nostalgia in his voice—an unmistakable grief. Kaiser folded his arms, studying him.
So this Overlord truly wasn't a mindless undead.
Compared to the Overlord who'd once been among the Six Great Gods, this one seemed far more… human. Perhaps it was simply because he hadn't been in this world long enough for his humanity to fade.
Don't lower your guard, Kaiser reminded himself as he took in the grandeur of Nazarick. This is a power that could end the world if misused.
Even if Ainz had no such intent now, the future was unpredictable.
The will to protect his companions could one day turn into the will to destroy everything else.
Call it paranoia if you want, Kaiser thought.
But as humanity's guardian, it was his duty to be cautious.
....
"For now," Ainz said, "let us proceed to the Ninth Floor. Would that be acceptable?"
"By all means."
Ainz extended a hand. Without hesitation, Kaiser took it. Ainz began chanting, and the scenery around them instantly changed. They appeared in an opulent hallway—though calling it a hallway felt insulting to its beauty.
He said Ninth Floor just now… so there are at least nine floors below this.
Deep indeed. Kaiser nearly sighed aloud.
Why were Players always like this—obsessively grand, impossibly excessive? Perhaps it was strange for even someone like Kaiser, a living legend himself, to think so—but every Player he'd fought or met had left that same overwhelming impression.
"This is the Ninth Floor—my Royal Suite," Ainz announced. "Albedo, summon all Guardians who are not currently on duty. Bring them here at once."
"As you command, Lord Ainz," Albedo replied, bowing.
Albedo bowed and disappeared to carry out her orders.
Almost immediately, Kaiser's attention was drawn to the maids lined neatly along the corridor. They looked human—all of them beautiful women—but beneath the mask, he could see their true forms. A wry smile tugged at his lips. Even without the mask, he could sense it: an overwhelming wave of malice.
In Yggdrasil, Players called this karma. And right now, the "karma" radiating from these maids was unmistakably dark.
Hmm… that one with the glasses, and the emotionless one beside her—they have the faintest traces of corruption compared to the others, he thought, glancing around.
He had expected as much. From the moment he entered Nazarick, the air had been saturated with dark energy. This was clearly a den of nonhuman beings—many of them saturated with evil intent. Some exceptions existed, yes, but most of the presences around him pulsed with darkness.
That worried Kaiser. Even if Ainz himself wasn't overtly hostile to humans, that didn't mean his subordinates shared the sentiment.
Blind loyalty was fickle—it could twist commands depending on interpretation. What if they misunderstand an order? he thought grimly. Perception changes everything.
....
"Lord Ainz, upon hearing of the emergency summons, this young lady came running—no, flying!"
A girlish voice rang out, and a small figure in gothic attire appeared—sharp crimson eyes, fangs glinting under the light.
"…Huh? A human? Wait—Ainz-sama, the man beside you is…?"
Kaiser didn't even need his mask to recognize her. A vampire.
The aura of blood magic, the unnatural stillness, the red eyes—it was obvious. He almost chuckled. Are there only beauties in this place?
"I'm Kaiser," he said with an easy smile. "A guest invited by Mr. Ainz to visit Nazarick. It's a pleasure to meet you. And you are…?"
"Shalltear. Shalltear Bloodfallen. A pleasure," she replied stiffly.
The name carried pride, but her tone faltered. She had nearly spoken carelessly—after all, she could feel the humanity from him. But this was Ainz's guest. Any hint of disrespect could be disastrous. Though her heart no longer beat, something inside her thudded with anxiety.
The tension wasn't hers alone. Ainz, too, was silently panicking.
He remembered how Albedo had reacted earlier and feared Shalltear might spout something like "filthy human," "lowly creature," or worse—"worm."
Thankfully, she seemed to grasp the situation instantly and adjusted her demeanor.
Please, just cooperate, Ainz prayed inwardly. This man knows too much—and his power rivals Nazarick's. If he truly is the "legendary Kaiser," we have to treat him as an ally. Show him the Guardians, prove our civility—make it clear we seek friendship, not conflict!
As that thought ran through his mind, another voice echoed through the hall.
"Lord Ainz. Cocytus. Has. Just. Arrived."
The towering insectoid warrior stepped forward, his presence freezing the air. The moment his eyes fell upon Kaiser, Ainz hurriedly said, "A guest, Cocytus."
Cocytus exhaled his chilling breath and approached, his compound eyes studying not the jester's mask but Kaiser's entire frame.
"A strong. Warrior's. Scent. I smell."
Inside the mask, Kaiser smiled faintly. He slowly reached up and removed it, meeting Cocytus's gaze directly.
"Then shall we test it? A light spar, perhaps?"
"…What."
"Ehhhh!?"
Cocytus stiffened in disbelief. Ainz—internally—screamed. Shalltear, meanwhile, widened her eyes in delight, as though watching the prelude to something entertaining.
A human challenging Cocytus to a duel? she thought. How absurd.
Even if he was Ainz's guest, surely he couldn't be that strong. Cocytus was a warrior crafted for single combat—an apex fighter.
Shalltear almost pitied Kaiser. What an idiot, she thought—only to freeze as his gaze flicked toward her. Her throat caught, and she hurriedly raised her fan to hide her face. Did… did he just hear my thoughts? No, impossible… right?
"Don't look so alarmed," Kaiser said pleasantly. "Mr. Ainz wishes for friendly relations, and I share the sentiment. Everyone here—" he paused, clearing his throat, "—I, too, wish for friendship with Nazarick. And among warriors, they say the fastest way to bond is through crossing blades, no?"
Cocytus drew in a sharp breath—the distinctive hiss of chitin shifting.
Just from sight alone, he had already sensed Kaiser's strength. The man looked slender, almost frail, with a kind expression. But his hands told another story—scarred, calloused, long acquainted with blades and battles. This was no novice. This was a warrior who had lived through countless wars.
Cocytus's fighting spirit stirred. He turned to Ainz. As a guest, Kaiser's challenge couldn't be accepted without permission.
Ainz hesitated, sighed, and finally said, "Very well. Permission granted. Cocytus. Mr. Kaiser—"
"No need for honorifics," Kaiser interrupted lightly.
"…Then, Kaiser," Ainz corrected, though his tone was wary. "Are you certain?"
"It's just a spar," Kaiser said as he began to stretch casually. "No killing involved."
He smiled under his breath. This was a golden opportunity—to gauge one of Nazarick's strongest guardians firsthand. A duel, even a friendly one, would reveal much.
It had been ages since he'd crossed blades with another true warrior. For once, the Guardian of Humanity felt his long-buried fighting spirit stir again.
It's been too long since I've had a real fight.
Just as Cocytus had recognized Kaiser as a warrior, Kaiser too saw the same in Cocytus. That was precisely why he'd chosen him over Shalltear—there was no malice in his aura, only discipline.
Ainz—internally screaming yet outwardly composed—nodded slowly.
"Then the duel will take place on the Sixth Floor. Shalltear, inform Albedo of the change in location."
"As you command, Lord Ainz," Shalltear replied, bowing before leaving.
Once she was gone, Ainz glanced at Cocytus and Kaiser, his skeletal jaw tightening in silent despair.
How… how did this happen? he thought.
All I wanted was to serve tea… and now it's turned into a duel?!
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A/N: Got blocked lol
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