The Bloody Valkyrie

It felt as if the dark armor was expanding in front of their eyes, the growing feeling of oppression, even the room had the illusion of becoming narrower. From this man they sensed an aura whom they would forever not be able to catch up with, for example that felt from an adamantium class adventurer.

This fellow could be called a hero.

Issac who could not resist remaining silent, took several deep breaths. No, every person present did the same motion, and the mayor was even sweating, loosening his collar.

As if whispering, Issac asked softly:

“——What about payment?”

“It is fine if this issue is discussed at a later time. However, until the completion of this incident… after the vampires are discovered to be exterminated, I hope to at least be able to obtain orichalcum class, so that when searching for the other vampire, my actions will be smoother, because having to prove my strength is troublesome.”

Suddenly all of the persons present made an understanding noise.

Adventurers neither work for cities nor countries, nonetheless until this date this city had never had an orichalcum class adventurer. If he became this city's highest ranking adventurer he would probably earn a lot of attention and reputation. Moreover, being able to give the rare blessing of oricualcum class would make this reputation spread further. Like this there would be more coming to be entrusted with highly dangerous missions, which would in turn increase the chances of receiving news on powerful vampires.

However, even if it could be accepted rationally, there was one man who couldn’t accept it on an emotional level.

A chair creaked. Looking towards the source of the sound—— it need not be said. Of course it was the one who kept picking a bone with Ainz… Igavaruji.

“I cannot completely trust you. S-speaking of which, it isn’t certain either that the vampire is actually that powerful! Even if there was magic used to control zombies, it could have been through the use of items. I wish to go too!”

Even after being shocked, Igavaruji was still able to object, all because he held unsatisfied hostile intent against Ainz, unwilling to admit to the extent of Ainz’ true strength.

Perhaps it was displeasure towards his fellow adventurer’s attitude, Berette said in a prickly tone:

“Igavaruji, your attitude——”

“——No problem.”

Ainz very simply agreed. However this was not out of well-meaning, since the following words were extremely cold.

“However, if you come along… certain death? I do not know whether it will be a complete elimination.”

It was an extremely rational tone, not threatening nor joking. It was spoken like he was decisively announcing to others his foreboding fate, causing Igavaruji to shudder. No, not only Igavaruji, but also all persons present felt as if they were encased by a cold biting wind.

Ainz gently shrugged:

“I’ve already given my warning. If you still do not mind then come along.”

“O-of course!”

Although it was a bluff, he would not back down here, not like this. As a fellow adventurer of the same class, how could he lose face in front of those who held the power in this city.

Just as the two were butting heads, Issac who had regained his composure a little asked Ainz:

“Self-confidence is good, but how can you be so confident? Of course we are all too clear about your exceeding strength, but from the evaluation of the opponent’s strength, you should also know that this task is not that easy. We are also concerned whether to entrust everything to you to handle. If… in the unlikely event that you are defeated, we also need to have a fallback planned out…”

Like a gunshot, Ainz immediately replied:

“I have a trump card.”

“What is it?”

Ainz took out a crystal from his bosom as a reply to the interested Issac.

“...Can’t be that! Impossible, hard to believe…”

The one who suddenly yelled out was Rakesheer. Panting, he continued:

“I have often seen this in precious ancient books… supposedly the Theocracy had one of that kind, hailed as a treasure… a magic item holding enormous power. This is one of that kind… a sealed magic crystal. Why would you have such a rare item!?”

“Really amazing… you’re right. And sealed inside the crystal is a level eight spell.”

“I must've misheard! What did you say!”

Ainz’ reply made Rakesheer let out a cry, one so strange that even a chicken being slaughtered would not make such a noise. His facial expression had also contorted to the point it was quite terrifying.

The ones caught by surprise weren’t just Rakesheer but also all those present—— no, apart from the mayor, everybody let out a stunned expression out of astonishment and fear. Even adventurers with little experience would be able to understand the meaning of Ainz’ words and the value of that item.

“...Eighth rank… that must be a concocted fabrication right?”

“...Perhaps it is a fantasy, but if it is that magic of that realm… really it is at the realm of myths.”

“Are you kidding? That is nonsense!”