The capital city, the execution ground.
This place is called the "Blood Platform" because countless nobles have been executed here.
The entire venue itself was formed by completely destroying and leveling the courtyard of a large noble's mansion in the past. By the way, that large noble was the first target dealt with by the Blood Emperor.
Since then, countless nobles have been brought to this vast and desolate place, pushed up to the high execution platform, and bid farewell to the world in despair.
There have been countless beheadings, countless corpses displayed, as well as burning at the stake, waist cutting, impalement and hanging. This is the place where the "Blood Emperor" became famous.
And now, a beautiful girl with extraordinary temperament was escorted up.
Wearing prisoner's clothes, dragging heavy shackles on her feet, her arms were handcuffed behind her back, and even a steel collar was tightly around her snow-white neck.
This kind of restraint is not excessive, because the girl has the strength of "steel level".
Her golden hair is messy, and her eyes are full of stubbornness and unwillingness. That kind of look ready to die for justice, even makes the emperor, who knows the truth, can't help but wonder, "Is the brainwashing over?"
Two tall undead, one on the left and one on the right, pressed her shoulders, forcing her to kneel down, fastened the chain on her neck to the ground, and made her keep the humiliating posture of bowing her head.
The undead are nearly three meters tall, wearing pitch-black armor, each holding a long-handled sword with a total length of two meters.
They have very appropriate names—"Executioners". They are low-level undead created by Ainz.
Jircniv sat on the throne known as the "Blood Emperor's Seat", in a position that was very far back, would not be splashed with blood, but at the same time could enjoy the execution process. On his left and right stood Fluder and Bajed respectively.
I have sat here countless times myself.
I have watched the heads of enemies roll countless times—although there is no pleasure, only numbness.
I have also killed many people who were actually innocent here, as well as their families.
But—
But for the first time, I am here "forced" to kill someone I don't want to kill at all!!
Fluder picked up a document and began to read:
"The person to be executed, Lakyus Albin Tiel Ainzach! A noble of the former Kingdom of Re-Estize, the leader of the former steel-level adventurer team "Crimson Rose"! Now in the capital city of Ovental of the Baharuth Empire, he has committed the crime of high treason..."
What a ridiculous nonsense, Jircniv thought.
This charge would never have been read by Fluder, but this "execution" was completely cleared of irrelevant people for some purpose this time, so Fluder had to read it reluctantly—although he was actually happy to complete the "teacher's" plan.
Bajed was here because he seriously expressed his absolute loyalty to the emperor. Indeed, if the emperor himself didn't have a real person around, that would be too sad.
Jircniv forced himself to endure and not look back.
He knew that although he couldn't see or sense it at all, there was one... or several existences, just standing there, standing behind him.
Jircniv shivered.
Fluder finally finished reading, and although there was no civilian in the execution ground at all, he still read it carefully word by word.
Then, as if waiting for this moment, the undead combed back the girl's long hair, revealing the snow-white back of her neck.
Two long swords crossed and were placed on that beautiful neck, ready to execute at any time.
The one who was supposed to be executed was that woman, but the one who felt a chill on the neck was Jircniv.
How he wished it would just end here.
Just wave his hand and let the execution (show) end! Although he would be stained, at least he could stop the terrible plan thought out by the Sorcerer King's terrible mind—one of the many purposes!
But things did not go as he wished.
"Execute————"
"Hold on for a moment!!"
It was an old woman with a hood, whose true appearance was hidden.
She suddenly appeared in the middle of the empty execution ground!
(Should I say it's lucky? I have carefully checked the entire execution ground, and there are only those two undead, perhaps not even as strong as Death Knight... Or should I say the emperor hasn't fallen to that extent?)
"...Impudent! Who are you?"
Fluder roared loudly, but Jircniv clearly understood that there was only "joy" in his voice, and absolutely no protection for himself—like the protection he had in his childhood. Jircniv felt a pang in his heart.
"Oh... Brother Fluder, have you forgotten me?"
Saying that, the old woman lifted her hood and revealed a spirited face and shiny silver hair.
"—! You are...! No mistake... You are one of the Thirteen Heroes, the "Necromancer" Rigrit Bels Caro!"
"What! Thirteen Heroes!?"
Unlike the silent astonishment of Jircniv, Bajed couldn't help but exclaim. For someone who is a top warrior like him, the legend of the Thirteen Heroes must be particularly attractive. He squinted and carefully examined this hero.
(Yes, take this moment to imprint the hero—the limit of the human race—in my mind, Bajed.)
(…Because soon, the legend will perish...)
Jircniv's heart ached like being cut by a knife. He knew he was being forced to do what Lanna did—betray the human race.
"Ah... I see you still remember me, which makes me very happy, "Triple Magic Chanter"!"
"Humph! Even if it is you... I will never allow you to offend His Majesty the Emperor!"
Saying that, Fluder used "Flight" to float high up, and the overwhelming fighting spirit of the Pervert constantly emerged, pressing people so hard that they couldn't breathe.
"What... How... How can this be..."
The projectile launched by the red mobile armor was blocked by the emerald magic wall that suddenly appeared around Fluder.
"「Arrow Blocking Wall」. Fluder, you step back."
"Oh... Thank you, teacher, for your help! But if the teacher allows, this kind of enemy doesn't need to trouble the teacher... I, the disciple, can..."
"Ah... Cough, it's okay, Fluder, let me handle it personally this time."
Seeing Fluder salute and slowly land back on the execution platform, Ainz finally took a good look at the prey that had taken the bait.
—The prey was extremely shocked.
"Are you! The Sorcerer King—!"
"Then, let's meet again, please allow me to keep you for a while... Dimiurgos."
"Yes...「Dimensional Lock」."
Sweat was oozing out of his palms, his heart was pounding, and his spine was chilling! —This feeling is really... a once-in-a-century occurrence!
Rigrit smiled bitterly, thinking.
—The Overlord
This was Rigrit's first impression of those two existences.
They stood behind the "Blood Emperor's Seat", closer to the emperor than Bajed and Fluder.
The emperor— the most noble existence of the human camp—seemed to want to get up and salute, but a hand fell on his shoulder without ceremony, indicating that he was exempt from the salute.
It was not the Sorcerer King, but his subordinate, an ugly monster that looked like a frog standing upright, called Dimiurgos, who put his hand on the emperor's shoulder.
And the emperor, he seemed like a child who couldn't catch his breath because of nervousness...
Jircniv's heart ached. He recalled the events that had happened in the throne hall before.
"Okay. Then..."
As soon as the Sorcerer King spoke, Azuth took the initiative to act.
He flew towards Rigrit without hesitation, picked her up, and despite her resistance due to shock, he immediately turned around and ran away with all his might!
—Right! That's right! It's best not to come at all!! The emperor cheered in his heart, cheering for the escape of the human elite, and cheering for their hope of surviving.
However.
"...Dimiurgos, these people really don't know manners."
"Indeed!... Ainz-sama, I think we should just bring them back directly and hand them over to Neuronist."
"Hmph... Anyway, Dimiurgos... call them back first."
The emperor's heart cooled. A light description of "call them back" reminded Jircniv of what had happened in the throne hall before.
"Is....「Prohibition of Escape」."
The gentle, whisper-like words, like a couple's private conversation, echoed in the space. But its true face is an Ruthless spell .
Azus, who was flying in the air, suddenly stopped, without any warning, without any extra movements.
Rigrit thought for a moment that her protest had taken effect, but then—
"「Return to the original position」."
Immediately, like an obedient puppet, Azuth turned around without hesitation and returned to the original position at the same speed— in front of the execution platform!
Despair spread in Jircniv's heart, and Azuth had more despair, as well as confusion, fear and reluctance.
Why! Why can't I resist! Why do I have to follow the enemy's words!
My brain has completely lost control over my body, and every movement is seeking the enemy's command!
Two strange beings have walked leisurely to the edge of the execution platform, standing beside Lakyus.
They looked down at the prey at their feet, like a chef observing the fish on the cutting board.
Ainz glanced at the executioner beside him, thinking that they were a bit troublesome and would hinder the plan. Dimiurgos, who understood his intention, suddenly spread his wings and just swept them away with a light movement, eliminating them all...
"Alright, since the purpose has been achieved, although they are only low-level servants, they are also the property of Nazarick. Let's recycle the double phantom first...「Item Destruction」"
Ainz pointed his finger at the shackles that bound the double Lakyus, and they immediately dissolved like bubbles.
"Lakyus!"
However, the double Lakyus, of course, did not respond to Rigrit's call. It immediately knelt down to the Sorcerer King and cast a completely emotionless look at Rigrit.
"You...! You are not Lakyus! Who are you!"
"Hmm? Although that vampire is the same, but you, the Thirteen Heroes who are praised, actually have surprisingly little knowledge... Let's cancel the transformation."
Upon hearing the order, the double Lakyus twisted and immediately returned to its original form of its own race.
Shocked and indignant, not only Rigrit and Azuth, but also the emperor behind, Jircniv.
"Stand back and stay with the emperor to avoid being accidentally injured."
And facing this strange monster that slowly walked towards him, Jircniv realized a terrible fact— he was not necessary at all! As long as the Sorcerer King wanted, why couldn't he just replace himself?!
Wait... wait!... What about the people around me? Are they real...?
He didn't find that as the strange beings walked closer and finally stood upright behind him, his teeth had already started to chatter because of fear... But no one could blame him, no one. Bajed also subconsciously gripped his sword tightly because of the chill from the heart...
"Hahahahaha! So it turns out... it's all a trap! I didn't expect that even old me is still far from mature, and I can still fall into a trap! Hahaha... Sorcerer King!! How is the real "Crimson Rose"!"
"Although it is a good team, it has been completely wiped out."
Rigrit closed her eyes with tears... In a moment, the tears were swept away, and her eyes were as cold and sharp as a blade.
"Oh, there is still a will to fight. Then Dimiurgos, you stay here and wait for me..."
"Ainz-sama, please forgive me, but I think it is unnecessary for Ainz-sama to personally deal with such insignificant insects. I, as a subordinate, can handle it properly."
For the first time, the first transformation state of Dimiurgos had "eyes", and the sincere emotions flowing out of his frog-like eyes were impossible for demons to have.
It was the feeling of "not wanting the Supreme to personally pick up a stone on the ground".
However, Ainz also had his own reasons and wanted to fight with Rigrit personally.
According to the information from that masked vampire, "Necromancer" Rigrit can be said to be the most top magic chanter of the human race, and she has an original magic theory that Fluder doesn't know.
Although these are all just information and can be asked, as a "player", Ainz knows that some things must be grasped through actual combat.
If you always stay in a completely safe place and avoid experiencing it yourself, sooner or later you will ask some foolish questions like "Why not eat meat porridge"?
...Moreover, although the look in the eyes of Gazef and Clem is "loyal to the mission", this old woman's eyes are also very exciting—fierce, refined, sharp, and at the same time very unrestrained.
If the eyes of Gazef and others are "warriors", then Rigrit is like a "cowboy".
So although it will make Dimiurgos feel uncomfortable, Ainz has decided to fight personally and experience the ability of the "Thirteen Heroes".
According to the information from that masked vampire, "Necromancer" Rigrit can be said to be the most top magic chanter of the human race, and she has an original magic theory that Fluder doesn't know.
Although these are all just information and can be asked, as a "player", Ainz knows that some things must be grasped through actual combat.
If you always stay in a completely safe place and avoid experiencing it yourself, sooner or later you will ask some foolish questions like "Why not eat meat porridge"?
...Moreover, although the look in the eyes of Gazef and Clem is "loyal to the mission", this old woman's eyes are also very exciting—fierce, refined, sharp, and at the same time very unrestrained.
If the eyes of Gazef and others are "warriors", then Rigrit is like a "cowboy".
So, although it would cause Demiurge some discomfort, Ainz had already decided to fight in person and experience the capabilities of the "Thirteen Heroes."
"Demiurge, I'm afraid I must maintain my original decision... Oh, and by the way, for the one in the power armor, grant him the ability to resist as well."
"Yes... Since it is Ainz-sama's decision, there must be considerations beyond my understanding... Please forgive my presumption. Then... [Permission for actions other than escape]."
While uttering the line that made Ainz feel a tightening in his "stomach," Demiurge bestowed upon the prey the "hope" named despair.