The Bloody Valkyrie

To Igavaruji and the others, this was a natural reaction, but to Albedo who was maintaining an elegant curtsey, it was an offence which even death would not atone for it. An anger so fierce it would burn the surroundings to cinders burst out.

Hamusuke started shivering, his entire body’s fur stood up, surpassing previous levels.

The third party also displayed this reaction. Towards the angered individual, of course his face was deathly pale, and his forehead was drenched in sweat as he felt that at any moment now his life was not guaranteed.

“Allow me to introduce to everybody my companion —— Albedo.”

“Ainz-sama, to even call someone like me a companion… I am your faithful servant.”

“Now that you say it, yes. I withdraw my earlier statement; she is my subordinate. Is this sufficient to answer your question? Then Albedo, proceed in accordance with our earlier communication and take the next step.”

While the men were all stunned, Albedo got up and walked towards them.

“I almost forgot, my name is not Momon, my real name is Ainz. Not that you need to remember it.”

Seeing the men not hesitating to show their confused expressions made Albedo give out a cute smile. However that smile came with a cold emotion.

“So then… Albedo, get rid of them. Only capture one man...no, catch one more to act as backup. Interference has already been activated, so you can rest assured that there will be no use of magic communication.”

While Ainz’ impartial calm voice made Igavaruji’s men feel inexplicable dismay, Ainz continued to command:

“Also bring the corpses back to Nazarick. If they have such strength, they could be used for experimentation to see if it is an intermediary for creating higher-level undead.

“Understood.”

Albedo slowly and lightly swung the giant axe.

This movement was not coupled with killing intent, nor was there any hostility or other negative emotions.

It was a natural movement, because to Albedo, to behead such beings was just like chopping the leaves off carrots.

If it were not for Ainz’ command, perhaps she would not even wield the weapon and would still be able to confirm her own condition as unharmed.

Igavaruji’s men could not make heads nor tails of the current situation, but knowing that they faced a crisis, they all took up their arms for combat.

Shrouded by alarmed gazes, Ainz merely gave a slight shrug.

“My fault. What I said in the Guild was incorrect: rather than ‘death is certain if you follow me’, I actually meant ‘come along and I shall slaughter the lot of you.’”

Ainz pronounced a death sentence towards the crowd of men.

“I had already given my warning, but you would not listen. Therefore this is the result of your own choice. Please willingly accept your fate.”

Igavaruji’s group chose to retreat.

Their immediate decision to escape without making any prior communications of opinion nor hand gestures was because they all understood the difference in strength. Furthermore, their choice was not to escape together, but to separate and flee for the highest probability of survival.

The opponent’s movements appeared to be beyond Albedo’s calculations, so she began to move after a brief moment of delay. Even if her physical abilities exceeded Ainz’ by far, it would still be tricky to defeat enemies about to escape into the forest with one clean sweep.

She instantly caught up to her first target, using a capturing skill to make the opponent faint.

Albedo used her keen sense of hearing to grasp the constant metal sound in the distance mixed in with the screams of the person who had fainted. However, because the line of sight was blocked off by the trees in the forest, it was difficult to confirm the location. In addition, the men who wore no metal armor made, at most, the sound footsteps upon grass and wood. Therefore it was much harder for Albedo who lacked the guerilla fighter and thief jobs.

Albedo shook her head and sighed, then ordered:

“Mare, dispose the body. Ah, right, remember to get rid of the fellow who was discourteous to Ainz-sama.”

♦ ♦ ♦

Igavaruji bolted desperately.

At the Guild meeting, he had already figured out early on that the man Momon was an adventurer stronger than himself, but Igavaruji was still reluctant to admit this fact.

But then, witnessing him riding the monster—— the majestic appearance of the great monster from nearby ancient legends, the ‘Virtuous King of the Forest’, he could only admit even if he was unwilling. To have the strength to tame a monster like that, he was certainly beyond the strength of mithril class.

After knowing that everyone’s discussion in the room back then was true, Igavaruji was filled with rage.

I don't know which country you're famous in, but don't get in our way. If you want information, I'll give it to you. So shut up and go elsewhere.

His own territory was invaded —— These were Igavaruji’s actual thoughts.