[Southern Backstreets, Near Sitler Forest — Late Night]
The moonlight filtered through the thick canopy above as Arsh silently made his way through the blood-stained forest path. The bodies of dead demons lay strewn across the clearing, scorched, sliced, or crushed. With one arm supporting Ainz and the other holding Noar steady, he carried both of them on his back with ease—despite their weight and the heaviness of battle still lingering in the air.
"You both did well... really well," Arsh muttered as he looked ahead, his voice low and firm. "Now, rest. Let me handle the rest from here."
Ainz mumbled something incoherent, half-conscious from exhaustion and pain. Noar, while less injured, said nothing—his pride refusing to admit how much he had struggled in that last battle.
As Arsh leapt into the shadows with them on his back, the night swallowed them whole.
[Later That Night — Luna's Dormitory]
Luna sat upright in her bed, her legs curled beneath the blanket, moonlight softly spilling into her room from the half-open window. Her heart still raced. Not from a nightmare… but from him.
"So... it was just my imagination?" she whispered aloud, fingers brushing her hair unconsciously. "But then why... why does he feel so familiar and mysterious ? Why does just looking at him make my heart beat like this?"
She shook her head and fell back onto her pillow. Her crimson eyes stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. "Who are you really, Azura?"
[Next Morning — Safehouse]
Ainz groaned as the sunlight warmed his bandaged chest. His body was sore—every breath a reminder of the battle he'd barely survived. As he tried to sit up, a sharp sting shot through his side, making him wince.
"You're awake," said a familiar, calm voice.
Ainz turned his head. Arsh entered the room,. He wore a simple black Shirt, the same Osmium watch glinting on his wrist.
"Good morning," Arsh greeted, walking over. "Easy now, don't push yourself. You're not a demon like Noar. We humans actually need rest to heal."
Ainz let out a short laugh, coughing mid-way. "Yeah… I noticed."
"The wounds aren't too deep," Arsh reassured. "You'll be sore for a while, but you'll recover."
"Where's that demon commander?" Ainz asked, eyes narrowing. "The one who sent that beast."
"Gone. Disappeared right after the beast was slain," Arsh replied. "But don't worry."
They moved to the common area, where Noar waited at the breakfast table with his usual cold elegance.
"Good evening, my Lord," Noar said with formality and bowed slightly.
Arsh snorted and helped him to the chair. "Eat, well."
As Ainz devoured the eggs and rice hungrily, he started recounting his experience.
"Arsh! You won't believe what I did last night. I defeated a Rank 4 demon! No—two! Noar helped with the second, but I held them both off!"
Noar raised an eyebrow. "He did fight valiantly. Barely defeated one... got injured, of course. But when that eagle-beast arrived—he was brilliant. His tactics during that part were impressive."
"See? Told you!" Ainz beamed proudly.
"Well then," Arsh said with a faint smile, "you'll get a reward later. But first, tell me about the quake last night."
"Yes... that tremor was odd," Noar added. "It didn't feel like a natural earthquake. It felt alive."
Arsh leaned forward, his expression darkening. "That's because it wasn't. OSAI detected an overwhelming surge of demonic aura. It came from the deeper part of the forest—where Demon Beasts gather."
"Demon Beasts?" Ainz asked, blinking. "You mean those mutated animals?"
"Not just mutated," Arsh replied seriously. "They're the animal version of demons—twisted through sin. Most start as carnivores—tigers, wolves, lions. Their aggression, ego, and hunger make them ideal vessels for sin development. But some rare cases... more terrifying cases... are herbivores like pandas, bears, and elephants."
"Wait, what?" Ainz looked shocked. "How can peaceful animals—?"
"They're rare, but when they fall... they fall hard," Arsh interrupted. "I once fought a Demon Mammoth in Africa—massive tusks, bloodthirsty eyes. I was only 14. That thing took out three cities before I brought it down."
"Who won?" Ainz asked with wide eyes.
Arsh gave a smirk. "Isn't it obvious."
Noar chuckled. "Of course. Lord Arsh."
"But here's the real concern," Arsh continued. "I think Greed is forcing these transformations. Artificially turning animals into Demon Beasts."
Ainz's spoon froze halfway to his mouth. "Is… that even possible?"
"Yes," Arsh said grimly. "Torture an animal long enough, break its will... sin seeps in. But it's slow process. these animals are really hard to break, especially the calm ones. Greed's process isn't perfect. But even if one out of a hundred succeeds—that's enough."
"So what do we do?" Noar asked.
"Nothing... yet," Arsh answered. "We don't know the forest terrain. We don't know their base. Rushing in would be suicide. For now, we hold the city. Kill as many roaming demons as we can."
He turned to each of them.
"Ainz—you rest. I already cleared your leave application with the principal. Noar—you're on city patrol. But stay out of the forest. As for me… I've got festival duties to handle."
He disappeared in a blur of shadow and wind.
[Later That Day — Student Council Office, Sitler College]
A dozen students bowed as Arsh walked in, carrying a large stack of papers. He nodded politely, then entered the President's office.
"Good morning, sir," Arsh said, placing the documents on the table and handing over a single file. "Here's the festival plan. Budget, timeline, and events. All covered."
Eran adjusted his glasses and opened the folder. His eyes widened slightly as he scanned the contents.
"This is… very detailed," he murmured. "But isn't the budget too low for this? I mean a drone show presentation with these budget? Impossible."
"Unless…" Arsh smiled. "We use the college's greatest resource: the students. The engineering and programming departments will build and run the show—voluntarily."
"Voluntarily?" Eran asked with skepticism. "Why would they?"
"Because this festival is their stage," Arsh replied. "A platform to showcase real-world talent in front of thousands. What better way to get noticed by companies than building a real drone swarm show?"
Eran leaned back in his chair, visibly impressed. "You're not a normal student, are you?"
"I'm just efficient," Arsh said with a grin.
Eran shook his head with a chuckle. "Alright. I'll forward this to the treasurer and inform the departments. Good job, Azura. Or should I say… future legend."
Arsh gave a small nod. "Thank you, sir."
As Arsh left, Eran muttered to himself, "He's good. Maybe even great. But still… I wonder if he can surpass our 'Lord Arsh'."
[Later — College Campus]
Luna sat at the back of her classroom, head resting on her arms. Her eyes slowly opened when the bell rang—and her heart sank when she realized the seat next to her was empty.
Where is he?
She walked out slowly, aimless. Her mind raced.
Why am I like this? Why do I even care? I'm nothing to him... He's , strong, mysterious... and I'm just—
But all those thoughts shattered the moment she entered the canteen.
He was there.
Waiting for her.
Smiling.
"Lunch?" Arsh asked, already holding a tray.
Luna blinked. Her heart thudded. "Y-Yeah."
They sat down and ate quietly at first.
"You skipped class, busy in preparations, mr. vice president, huh" Luna said, trying to sound casual.
"Had to work on stage setup, logistics, crowd flow, drone programming... the usual," Arsh replied with a wink.
"You're taking this too seriously," Luna muttered.
"I have to. The students told me about the flaws from past festivals. I'm just fixing those."
"Fixing might be hard. Everyone wants something different. Some like the speeches, others hate them."
"I'm not replacing them. Just upgrading everything," Arsh said. "Including how we present the speeches. I already have some ideas for dynamic. Don't worry."
Luna smiled. "You're insane... but impressive."
They both chuckled.
[Evening — Safehouse, Training Area]
The hum of drones echoed as Ainz stood in the center, sweat dripping from his forehead. He'd been building and battling simulated monsters all day—only to fail every time.
He sighed and collapsed to his knees. "Ugh... I suck."
A water bottle landed beside him. He looked up—startled.
"Damn it, Arsh! Stop doing that!" Ainz groaned.
Arsh laughed. "So, what are you up to?"
"Trying to figure out how to beat Demon Beasts. I know these drones are nothing in comparison, but... I'm trying."
Arsh sat beside him. "That's good. But you're missing something."
He walked up to the control panel. "OSAI. Initiate Illusion Mode. Simulate a Rank 3 Demon Elephant. Highlight weak spots. Activate Training Level: Ultra Hard."
The drones reformed, shifting into a towering, monstrous elephant with glowing red eyes.
Ainz gasped. "I didn't know OSAI could do that."
"You never asked."
The beast roared.
"Now watch closely," Arsh said, stepping forward.
He dodged the first strike with elegant precision.
"Lesson one: Learn the attack pattern. They don't think—they just act."
Another slam—Arsh flipped backward.
"Lesson two: Never take a hit. One strike will shatter your bones."
He stayed just out of range, analyzing.
"Lesson three: Maintain distance to Pick your timing."
Suddenly, he blurred forward, vanishing from sight.
"Lesson four: If it's stronger than you—run and don't stop until you found another way to fight."
Then, with surgical precision, Arsh stabbed the beast through the eye with a glowing blade. It collapsed instantly.
"Lesson five: Always hit the weak points. Eyes. Mouth. Ears. Anything soft, because their skin is extremely hard even bullets and missiles can't affect him"
He turned to Ainz, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Never hesitate to ask. Never be ashamed to learn. Remember—your will to train to grow is your greatest weapon."
"But also remember... never fight a Demon Beast unless you have to. Even with prep, your chance of survival is ten percent. Don't throw your life away unless there's no other choice."
Ainz nodded slowly, eyes burning with resolve.
"Yes, Sir."