Next Day – College Ground, Sitler
The morning sun cast a golden hue over the wide campus grounds as students bustled with excitement and tension. The Summer Festival was just around the corner, and final preparations were in full swing.
Arsh stood at the center of the college ground, surrounded by sleek, glowing drones hovering in perfect formation. With practiced fingers, he adjusted the settings on his multi-functional wrist console. A soft hum filled the air as the drones responded, aligning themselves precisely as programmed.
"Alright," he said, voice calm and authoritative, "Initiate choreography pattern Beta-3."
The drones lit up in shimmering hues, twisting and twirling in elegant formations, creating the illusion of a rising phoenix, then transitioning into the college emblem midair. Arsh watched closely, noting even the subtlest timing errors.
He then handed the remote controller to a group of club members and said, "That was good. But remember, you still have one more day. Make it smoother—those transitions need to feel like liquid. That smoothness will show your discipline, your potential."
One of the students, a boy with oil-slicked hair and a determined face, nodded, "Got it, Vice President. We've been thinking about that too. Don't worry, we'll make it perfect."
Another chimed in, "Yeah, we've got this. We won't let you down."
Arsh offered them a rare, genuine smile. "I'm sure you will. Oh, and don't worry—this club activity will count toward your internal score."
The group cheered lightly. "Thank you, Mr. Vice President!"
Arsh walked off the field, dusting his palms, and turned toward a girl with a clipboard waiting by the sidelines. Her ponytail swayed as she bowed slightly and lifted her head. "Sir, our next inspection is the main entrance gate."
"Thanks, Liz. Let's move," he replied.
At the Entrance Gate
Bright banners fluttered in the breeze as students mounted decorations and adjusted lighting rigs. Arsh stood still, eyes scanning every detail like a commander inspecting his troops.
"That arch is a bit off-center," he said, pointing. "And try adding some lanterns there—the symmetry will feel more balanced."
Liz took notes furiously beside him, nodding along. But before she could reply, a soft chime echoed in Arsh's earpiece.
OSAI: "Incoming call. It's Rose."
Arsh tapped the side of his watch and spoke with a smirk. "Hey, Sis."
Rose's voice came through with a teasing lilt. "So, the mighty King has finally fallen for a normal college girl, huh? I never thought I'd see the day."
Arsh groaned. "Please, don't start. And don't tell anyone. Seriously."
"So that's a yes?" she asked, clearly enjoying herself.
Arsh glanced around, then gestured subtly to Liz. "Water, please. I need a moment."
Liz nodded and walked off.
Now alone, Arsh sighed. "I don't even know what to call it. Love? Attraction? But… when I'm around her, I feel… peace. A strange sense of comfort. Like I can breathe. When we first met, she was just another student. But then… she stood up to protect me, even without knowing who I am. That moment—my heart actually skipped."
There was silence on the other end. Then Rose's voice turned soft.
"She doesn't know who you are yet, right?"
"No. Not yet. But after I deal with this Demon Commander threat… I'll tell her. In the right moment, when it feels right."
"Arsh," Rose said seriously, "There is no perfect time in our world. You think comfort will come knocking on your door? You live a life where people could make an action movie out of your average day. Don't wait too long."
Arsh chuckled softly, eyes distant. "Yeah… you're right. I'll try."
Rose Sighs and said "ok, don't push yourself, I have to go I have major event to attand."
Liz returned, offering a glass of water with a small bow. "Sir."
"Thanks," Arsh replied, ending the call. He sipped, then asked, "What's next?"
"The festival grounds, sir. Club booth inspections."
Festival Grounds – Club Area
They arrived to find the area buzzing with activity. Every club was putting final touches on their stalls. Tables, counters, posters, lights—creativity spilled everywhere.
"Hikari!" Arsh called out, noticing the radiant girl waving at him.
"Mr. Vice President himself! On a royal tour, are we?" she teased, brushing back her crimson hair.
Arsh laughed. "Don't start. Just doing my job, I feel sorry that I can't help."
"Relax. We're almost done. Just a few tables and a counter to set up. You don't have to babysit us."
A student called her from inside the tent. "Oops, I gotta go. You can continue, Arsh."
"Let me know if you need help." Arsh said with calm voice.
"Sure, bye!" Hikari replied.
As they continued, Liz whispered curiously, "Sir, was that… the legendary Hikari? Our college's queen?"
"Yeah," Arsh said casually.
Liz hesitated. "Is she… your girlfriend?"
Arsh raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "No. Just a friend. She's also our club's president."
Liz looked down, flustered. "Sorry… I shouldn't have asked."
"It's fine. People ask that all the time. Hikari's a star—yet she's never dated anyone. It's natural to wonder."
As they walked on, Liz found herself thinking, Who is this guy? He commands respect from the King and the Queen of our campus and still calls himself just a normal student? No… his presence, his aura—it's royalty.
Lunch Break – Canteen
The bell rang, releasing a wave of students into the canteen. Arsh glanced at the time. "Lunch. Let's eat first."
They picked up trays, filled them with food, and settled at a table. Arsh scanned the crowd, waiting.
From the corridor, Luna walked in, brushing her hair back. Her eyes found Arsh instantly, and a smile formed on her lips.
He handed her a plate. "I got your lunch. Come, sit."
She took the plate with a smile and joined them. "Thanks."
Arsh gestured between them. "Luna, this is Liz—my assistant for the festival. Liz, this is Luna—second year programming department, and a good friend."
They exchanged greetings.
"So, how's the preparation?" Luna asked as they ate.
"Great," Arsh replied. "Everyone's doing their best. But I didn't see your Author's club's booth yet."
"We're in the back," Luna said. "You probably missed us."
Liz smirked. "So you're part of the Authors Club—the one that ranked last in last year's festival?"
"Liz," Arsh said sharply, his tone cold. "Watch your words. We don't belittle people. That's not who we are."
Liz paled. "I'm so sorry, sir. It won't happen again."
Luna smiled gently. "It's alright. Yes, we were last. But we're still active. Unlike other clubs that shut down, we survived. No goals, maybe. But we have passion."
Arsh nodded. "That's what matters. I want to see what you create this year. Don't hold back."
Night – Backstreets
The alley echoed with bursts of light and sound. Noar and Ainz sparred under moonlight, their silhouettes a blur of motion.
Ainz charged forward with a powerful kick, only for Noar to vanish and reappear behind him.
"You're slow," Noar whispered.
Ainz spun mid-air, jets flaring from his boots, launching a surprise counter. Noar barely dodged, only to find it was a decoy. The real Ainz came from behind, fist swinging—
Caught.
With a twist, Noar flipped Ainz onto the ground. "Your five minutes are up."
"Ughhh! I can't even touch you!" Ainz groaned. "How do you predict every move?"
Noar grinned. "Because I've trained under Lord Arsh. He taught me everything. Me and the other pillars—don't worry we were also once like you."
Ainz sat up, wide-eyed. "Wait… you mean all the other Six Pillars—the legends "Seven pillars" , The most powerful group of our world, lead by Our King himself "Lord Arsh".
Noar nodded. "Arsh trained all of us. He gave us purpose. A new life. We serve him because he saved us."
"I'll be the 8th pillar, right?" Ainz grinned.
"Maybe. But that'll take five years at your current speed. Don't get too cocky."
They laughed, then both received a summon.
"Time to go. Dinner at the safe house," Ainz said.
Safe House – Later That Night
Ainz stormed in. "Arsh! I really got an awesome day, I beat many lower demons and I nearly hit Noar today!"
Arsh chuckled. "Impressive. Now go shower, you stink."
As Ainz disappeared, Noar entered and bowed. "My lord."
"How's he doing?" Arsh Asked.
"He's brilliant. Smarter than most. Strategic. But… weak. His strikes lack power, and fear still clouds him. But he has potential."
"I saw that potential when he fought the Demon Beast," Arsh said thoughtfully. "He'll grow."
After dinner, Arsh addressed them seriously.
"Tomorrow, the festival begins and I have to say something to both of you, Ainz, you can enjoy the Summer festival. But stay alert. Greed sees you both as threats. Demons may attack. Blend in, but stay ready, and kill them as secretly as you can."
He turned to Noar. "You'll patrol the city. I'll manage the festival myself."
Same Night – Demon Base
A shadowy demon bowed before Greed. "Reports confirm—Arsh is focused on the festival."
Greed's lips curled into a cruel smile.
"Perfect. Let them celebrate."
Behind him knelt an elite force—six Rank 3, four Rank 4, and more than ten lesser demon assassins.
"Tonight," Greed declared, "the hunt begins, you all will go in the festival and hunt as much as you can."
He raised a hand—and the assassins vanished into the night.
Greed Smiled and said "Let's start the Game, Arsh"