章節 4: CH : 04 End of Sunlight Scripture

Ainz's gaze softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I have been in a deep slumber for thousands of years, and this world has changed a great deal during that time. The only payment I seek is information," he explained calmly, his eyes scanning the faces of the villagers.

The villagers' eyes widened in astonishment. Thousands of years? This Ainz Ooal Gown was not just a savior but an ancient being, a relic of a forgotten era.

"Y-Yes, as you wish, my lord," the elderly man replied, his voice trembling slightly. The realization that they were indebted to an entity from a bygone age filled the villagers with a mixture of awe and apprehension.

The old village chief's words painted a vivid picture of the political landscape surrounding the village and the territories beyond. As Ainz listened attentively, he absorbed the information about the neighboring countries with a keen interest.

"The Re-Estize Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire, separated by the barrier of the mountain range," Ainz mused, processing the geographical layout. "And to the south, a vast forest teeming with life, where this village finds its place under the jurisdiction of the Re-Estize Kingdom and the fortress city of E-Rantel."

The chief's description shed light on the longstanding conflict between the Re-Estize Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire. Ainz noted the animosity between the two nations, their rivalry manifesting in yearly confrontations and battles.

"And below them, the Slane Theocracy," Ainz remarked, acknowledging the unique characteristics of this religious nation. "Ruled by six cardinals, a land steeped in devotion and faith."

As the village chief delved into the topic of other races and monsters inhabiting the nearby forest, Ainz was confirming his doubts. He listened intently as the chief painted a diverse picture of the surrounding wilderness.

"Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, Goblins, Beastmen..." Ainz mentally cataloged the various races mentioned, his mind working to understand the intricacies of this world's inhabitants.

"And these adventurers," the chief continued, "They make a living by driving off these monsters from the forest. They're organized into guilds, present in all the major cities."

Ainz nodded thoughtfully, processing the information. "So, they're essentially mercenaries," he remarked aloud, his tone analytical. The concept of adventurers taking on tasks for monetary rewards resonated with his understanding of similar roles in other worlds he had been through.

The chief nodded in agreement. "Indeed, my lord. They take on quests, slay monsters, explore dangerous areas... all for the promise of coin and fame."

Ainz considered the implications of these adventurers and their guilds. They represented a force of skilled individuals, capable of tackling challenges that ordinary citizens could not. Their presence hinted at a structured society, with systems in place to manage the threats posed by monsters and other supernatural beings.

Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed through the house, signaling the arrival of an unexpected guest. The heavy door creaked open to reveal a Death Knight, its ominous presence filling the room.

"My lord," the Death Knight intoned, "The village is under siege by a group of mysterious individuals."

"How many assailants, and how close are they?" Ainz inquired, his expression unreadable.

"They number around one hundred and are approximately 200 meters from our location. They have also summoned flying creatures to aid their assault," the Death Knight reported.

"Summoned flying creatures?" Ainz mused, a hint of concern flickering across his face.

Ainz turned towards the village chief, his gaze steady but calculating. "It appears we have unexpected guests today, Chief. Do you have any insights into why they would target this village?"

"I'm afraid not, my lord," the chief replied, his voice tinged with worry. "Our visitors usually consist of tax collectors or occasional adventurers. This is highly unusual." the village chief explained, worry evident in his voice.

Ainz emerged from the village chief's dwelling, his gaze fixated on the looming threat. He studied the direction where his enemies stood, their summoned Archangel Flames a testament to their formidable power.

"Many things have changed? Gazef still hasn't appeared!" Ainz pondered silently, his eyes narrowing as he observed the angelic beings.

The villagers, trembling with fear, watched Ainz with worried expressions. The specter of a recurring nightmare hung over them, and in this moment, their only hope lay with the undead deity before them.

Ainz turned back to address the villagers, his voice firm yet reassuring. "Fear not, good people. I will confront and vanquish these adversaries."

The villagers' expressions shifted from anxiety to relief, their gratitude palpable. They lowered themselves in reverence before this being they considered their savior.

"O Supreme Being, we offer our heartfelt thanks for shielding us once more. Without your intervention, our fate would have been sealed. We are forever in your debt."

Their heads bowed deeply, a gesture of profound respect and gratitude that touched Ainz in a way he hadn't experienced in his previous life.

"I appreciate your gratitude," Ainz replied, a hint of humility in his tone. "Now, I shall confront and eliminate these foes."

Ainz surveyed the Death Knights, their ominous figures standing tall amidst the shadows. "Two of you," he commanded, "will remain here as sentinels, protecting the village. The rest shall accompany me to the battlefield, but at a cautious pace. Understood?"

The Death Knights, their loyalty unwavering, responded in unison, "Yes!"

With a swift incantation and a surge of magical energy, Ainz vanished from their midst, reappearing in front of the enemy forces.

***

"Seems Gazef isn't heading our way after all. Did he change course?" The scarred man muttered, frustration evident in his tone.

"None of the knights have returned, sir," reported another, his tone tinged with concern.

As hours slipped by without any sign of the knights' return, tension mounted. It was just a routine mission to the village; what could possibly have gone awry?

The leader of a black ops unit from the Slaine Theocracy grew restless with each passing moment. Waiting was not a luxury they could afford.

Commander Nigun Grid Luin of the Sunlight Scripture surveyed the village once more, his gaze searching for any sign of Gazef's presence. Yet, once again, there was no sight of the renowned warrior. Frustrated but determined, Nigun returned to his men.

"I'm not sure what's delaying Gazef, but we can't afford to wait any longer. We must advance; he might be on the other side of the village," Nigun declared, his voice carrying a sense of urgency and resolve.

As they began their advance, a figure materialized before them, halting Nigun and his men in their tracks. Nigun's eyes widened in shock as he beheld the creature before him—it was unmistakably an undead, a being that stood as the antithesis to all living things.

The undead being appeared to be an elder lich, a powerful magic caster akin to Nigun and his men. Throughout his life, Nigun had encountered and dispatched numerous elder liches, each with their grotesque, decaying visages. However, this undead defied expectation; it lacked flesh and skin, yet was adorned in the garb of an arcane spellcaster.

Nigun, his expression stern and unwavering, addressed the elder lich directly. "Who are you, elder lich?"

The undead being, devoid of flesh but filled with an aura of ancient power, replied, "My name is inconsequential. What are your intentions with these villagers?"

"They are mere sacrifices," Nigun replied, a cruel grin spreading across his face. "We intend to slaughter them all."

The elder lich's empty sockets seemed to gleam with disdain as it retorted, "You display audacity, mortal. I recently protected that village, and now you seek to massacre its inhabitants. Few acts could be more abhorrent."

The undead's words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the twisted intentions that drove Nigun and his followers.

In the hierarchy of the Slaine Theocracy, it was unheard of for anyone to address Nigun with such insolence. However, the undead being's demeanor remained stoic and unyielding.

The robes of the elder lich billowed ominously in the wind, its tattered fabric whispering ancient curses. Nigun and his cohorts stood before this unholy presence, their bravado barely masking their unease.

Nigun, his voice dripping with disdain, taunted the lich. "What's the matter, old bones? Lost your touch? Maybe you should just crawl back into whatever tomb you slithered out of."

The lich remained eerily composed, its empty sockets fixated on Nigun. "You mistake patience for weakness," it rasped, each word carrying the weight of centuries. "I have endured longer than your feeble mind can fathom, and I have seen empires rise and fall with a mere gesture of my hand."

The air grew colder as the lich continued, its voice resonating with ancient power. "You and your pitiful band are but gnats before the storm. I will unleash a wrath upon you that will echo through the ages, a testament to the folly of mortals who dared challenge the Death."

Nigun faltered, the bravado draining from his face as he realized the gravity of his situation. The wind howled, carrying the lich's words like a harbinger of doom.

A chill raced through Nigun's entire being, from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.

"Summon the angels! Attack him! Now!" Nigun barked out orders, urgency lacing his voice.

Nigun's command echoed through the ranks of the Archangel Flames, their righteous fury fueling their assault on the elder lich. The air crackled with divine energy as they descended upon Ainz like a storm of holy retribution, their blades shimmering with celestial power.

However, Ainz remained unperturbed, his demeanor almost bored as the angels closed in around him. His skeletal form stood amidst the swirling chaos, a stark contrast to the radiant beings surrounding him.

As the angels' blades closed in, ready to pierce his form with divine justice, Ainz's expertise intervened. "[Negative Burst]," he intoned, his voice cutting through the tumult like a blade through silk.

A wave of dark energy erupted from Ainz, a stark contrast to the blinding radiance of the angels. It was as if a void had opened, swallowing the light and vitality around it. In that fleeting moment, the black radiance swept over the angels, draining their celestial essence.

Nigun watched in horror as his elite forces were undone by a force beyond their comprehension. The thrill of cold that had gripped him earlier now turned to ice in his veins as he realized the true extent of the lich's power.

"Impossible..." Nigun's voice quivered with disbelief as he struggled to comprehend the scene unfolding before him. The once-proud members of the Sunlight Scripture, renowned for their zeal and unwavering faith, now stood shaken to their core.

"The angels... they're gone," one whispered, his voice trembling with disbelief.

The air crackled with tension as the reality of their situation sunk in. What had started as a confident assault had turned into a nightmare of unimaginable proportions. The black wave had swept through their ranks with merciless efficiency, leaving devastation in its wake.

"It's a monster!" another cried out, his words a mix of fear and desperation.

The members of the Sunlight Scripture exchanged panicked glances, their faith waning in the face of such overwhelming power. They had faced foes before, but nothing like this. The elder lich stood before them, a specter of death and destruction, and they realized with a sinking dread that they were woefully unprepared.

"We... we need to retreat," someone muttered, the urgency in their voice echoing the fear that gripped them all.

In that moment, surrounded by the aftermath of the lich's devastating spell, the members of the Sunlight Scripture knew that they had encountered something beyond their comprehension. It was a waking nightmare, a glimpse into a world where the line between life and death blurred into darkness.

"P-Principality of Observation! Strike now!" Nigun's command rang out with desperation, his voice strained as he sought any means to confront the unstoppable force before them. The Principality of Observation, adorned in gleaming armor and wielding a mace imbued with divine power, stepped forward with determination, ready to face the elder lich head-on.

The angel's mace shimmered in the dim light as it swung downward with righteous fury, aimed at the skeletal form before it. But before the blow could land, the lich raised a skeletal hand, halting the attack as if it were a mere inconvenience.

"It's my turn now," the lich intoned, his voice carrying a dark undertone.

"[Hell Flame]," he whispered, and from his bony finger emerged a small, flickering mote of flame. At first, it seemed harmless, a mere ember in the vast darkness of the battlefield. But then, with a sudden burst of intensity, the flame surged toward the Principality of Observation.

Time seemed to slow as the black flame made contact with the angelic form. At first, there was silence, a moment of eerie stillness. Then, as if the very fabric of reality had been torn asunder, the air erupted into searing heat and darkness.

Nigun's eyes widened in horror as the Principality of Observation was engulfed by the inferno, its once-glorious form now a writhing silhouette of agony. The black flames danced with malevolent glee, consuming the angelic essence without mercy.

Even from his vantage point, far from the epicenter of destruction, Nigun could feel the heat radiating from the flames. The intense darkness seemed to swallow everything in its path, leaving behind nothing but ash and despair.

As quickly as it had appeared, the hellish conflagration vanished, leaving behind only the eerie quiet of a battlefield ravaged by forces beyond mortal comprehension. The Principality of Observation, once a symbol of divine strength, had been reduced to nothingness in the face of the lich's terrible power.

"This-this can't be..." Nigun's voice cracked with disbelief and desperation as he struggled to comprehend the sheer magnitude of the lich's power. The once-confident leader of the Sunlight Scripture was now reduced to a trembling shadow of his former self.

"In just one hit..." he murmured, his words barely audible amidst the chaos of battle.

"It's impossible!" another member of the Sunlight Scripture exclaimed, his voice filled with equal parts shock and denial. "Nobody can defeat a high-tier angel with just one spell!"

Nigun's mind raced, trying to make sense of the incomprehensible. "Who are you, elder lich? What is your name?" he demanded, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

The lich regarded Nigun with empty sockets, devoid of any emotion. "There is no need to tell my name to someone that is about to die," he replied calmly, his tone unwavering.

Nigun's heartbeat thundered in his ears, the sound drowning out the chaos of battle around him. He felt as if he had been running for an eternity, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as the weight of the situation bore down on him.

His mind raced with thoughts of survival, of finding a way to overcome this unstoppable force. But deep down, he knew the truth. The elder lich was a harbinger of death, a being beyond mortal comprehension, and in that moment of realization, Nigun's bravado crumbled like a fragile facade.

As the situation grew increasingly dire, Nigun's mind raced with desperate strategies. "Captain, what should we do?" one of them pleaded, turning to the one figure he had always looked to for guidance.

Nigun's expression hardened with resolve. "Protect me!" he commanded, his voice tinged with urgency. "I am going to summon the highest angel!"

With a determined motion, Nigun retrieved a crystal from his robes, its surface shimmering with potent magic. Within that crystal was sealed the power to summon the most formidable angel known to man—a celestial being that had vanquished a Demon God two centuries prior.

Ainz observed with interest, noting the familiarity of the YGGDRASIL item's power. The appearance of the legendary angel caused a stir among Nigun's forces, their hearts filled with a mix of awe and anticipation.

With a surge of energy, Nigun activated the crystal, channeling its magic into the summoning ritual. The air crackled with anticipation as the legendary angel began to materialize, its presence heralded by a surge of divine power.

"Behold!" Nigun declared, his voice filled with awe and triumph. "The highest angel! Dominion Authority!"

The legendary angel descended upon the earth in a blaze of radiant glory. Its form was majestic and awe-inspiring, adorned with countless wings that shimmered with celestial light. In its arms, it held a scepter of pure divine energy, a symbol of its unparalleled authority.

But as the angel fully materialized, an unsettling realization dawned upon Nigun and his men. There was something peculiar about its appearance—it had no visible head or legs. Yet, despite this anomaly, the surrounding air seemed to brighten and clear, as if touched by the divine presence of the legendary being.

As the legendary angel Dominion Authority descended with majestic grandeur, Nigun's heart swelled with hope, believing that their salvation had arrived. But his hopes were dashed as the elder lich, seemingly unimpressed, raised a skeletal hand with disdain.

"Ugh, It's just the same, just mere garbage," the lich sneered, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.

Before Nigun could muster a response, the elder lich's hand rose once more, a dark aura pulsating around his skeletal fingers. Panic seized the hearts of those who witnessed the unfolding horror, their eyes widening in dread as they realized the impending doom.

"Wha—?" Nigun's protest was cut short as the lich unleashed his devastating spell.

"[Black Hole]," the lich intoned, his voice carrying the weight of inevitable destruction.

A small, ominous point appeared on Dominion Authority's radiant body, a stark contrast to its majestic form. Slowly, almost mockingly, the point expanded into a gaping maw of absolute darkness—a black hole hungry for all that dared defy its gravitational pull.

The legendary angel's brilliance was eclipsed by the encroaching darkness, its celestial light dimming as it was drawn inexorably toward the yawning abyss. In a cruel twist of fate, the black hole devoured everything in its path, swallowing Dominion Authority whole.

*****

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