[AINS] Aura. Mare.
This is where we part ways.
Scout the area for enemies as soon as we do. Understood?
[AURA, MARE] Lord.
[AINS] But, if you find yourself outnumbered by even
the smallest degree, retreat to Nazarick at once.
Understood, Lord Ains.
We will do as you command.
[AINS] Excellent. Make sure that you do.
Remember, your retreat is an important part
of my overall plan. Also,
the Depiction of Nature and Society and Avarice
and Selfless are world class items, treasured by Nazarick.
They must never be taken from us.
Depending on the situation, they are more important
than your lives.
[BOTH] Yes, lord!
[MOMONGA] Strange.
I used magic to detect the owner of the world item
that's controlling Shalltear, but they aren't nearby.
Did they really just leave her out here alone?
It doesn't make sense.
[DEMIURGE] I've returned.
Now then. Care to tell me what's going on?
You already know the answer to that.
Everything Lord Ains told me was conveyed over "Message."
I was referring to why you let him go without support.
It was the master's call.
I simply obeyed it. As I hope you intend to.
Why did you not protest?
We could have sent in minions in case this is a trap.
If all the Guardians fought together,
there isn't a force that could overtake us.
I couldn't begin to guess the reason
behind his decision.
But it is obvious that Lord Ains was lying to us.
Don't pretend that you didn't notice it!
Yes. It is as you say.
Then why did you allow him to leave without support?!
When Lord Ains planned to go to E-Rantel
without a Guardian escort, you strongly objected to it,
so why would you possibly be okay with him
doing the same thing now?
Because he was quite adamant
about defeating Shalltear with his own two hands.
[gasps]
Ah...
[AINS] If that's what you need,
then I promise you, I will come back alive.
But first, I have to defeat Shalltear.
His pure determination was intense.
And, as a woman, seeing my love so resolute,
I simply couldn't bring myself to oppose
my dear Lord Ains' wishes any further.
It may have been irreverent of me,
but I've decided I don't really care.
Besides, Lord Ains promised
he would return to us. I know in my heart he will do just that.
So you made your decision on emotion
instead of logic. Did you forget he is the last
of the Supreme Beings that created us?
It is our duty to keep him from danger.
Even if that danger comes from his own actions.
He may scold, or even kill us for it,
but we must do something!
And where do you think you're going?
I'm sure it's obvious.
My subordinates and I will--
[DEMIURGE sighs] I see.
Now I understand why you ordered me to meet you here
the moment that I arrived.
This was your plan from the beginning.
That's correct.
You're a fool!
What if Lord Ains perishes as a result of this folly?
Are you prepared to face the consequences of that outcome?
We pledged our loyalty to him.
Once he is gone, there will be no one left to serve.
He will return to us. I'm sure of it.
You can't possibly know that!
You should believe in your master.
As a Guardian, is that not also one of your duties?
[grunts]
All right.
But, if something were to happen to Lord Ains,
I will demand that you step down as leader of the Guardians!
[COCYTUS] You would have her relinquish a position
the Supreme Beings placed her in?
That is blasphemy, Demiurge, of the highest caliber!
As you wish. Tell me, Cocytus.
What do you think are the odds of Lord Ains being victorious?
[COCYTUS] Three to seven. Three in Lord Ains' favor.
[gasps]
I see.
Then, let's watch as the battle unfolds
and witness our glorious master beat the odds.
[AINS] Dammit!
[AINS] I wanted to spread the name of Ains Ooal Gown
so that my comrades might find me.
I planned to do whatever was necessary.
Still, I made sure to move in secret,
so that I could avoid unnecessary fighting
along the way.
So, how?
How could something like this happen?
I don't know who did this yet.
But, when I do, I will destroy them.
I'll make sure they deeply regret
standing in my way.
They've started a fight with Ains Ooal Gown,
and that is the fastest way to the grave.
[MOMONGA] I'm so stupid.
I know there are better ways of handling this.
Aura and Mare seemed to be convinced,
but I'm pretty sure Albedo saw through my lie.
As for you, don't you think this
is a huge gamble as well, Shalltear?
I don't even know if the resurrection mechanics
back in Yggdrasil exist in this world.
But I'm about to start a battle with our lives on the line.
Because...
I'll be the one to kill her instead.
[MOMONGA] Because I couldn't bear to watch any of you
try to kill each other.
[MOMONGA] And...
[AINS] I am the great Ains Ooal Gown.
This sacred name can never be tarnished by defeat!
"Body of Effulgent Beryl"!
[AINS laughs] As I suspected.
Unless I pull aggro with an actual attack,
you won't go into combat mode, will you?
Just like any MMO boss fight.
[AINS] Sorry, Shalltear.
But I'm taking full advantage of this.
You'll have to wait a little longer.
"Fly." "Blessing of Magic Caster."
"Infinity Wall." "Magic Ward, Holy."
"Life Essence." "Greater Full Potential."
"Freedom." "False Data, Life."
"See Through." "Paranormal Intuition."
"Greater Resistance." "Mantle of Chaos."
"Indomitability." "Sensor Boost."
"Greater Luck." "Magic Boost." "Draconic Power."
"Greater Hardening." "Heavenly Aura."
"Absorption." "Penetrate Up." "Greater Magic Shield."
"Mana Essence."
"Triple Maximize Magic, Explode Mine."
"Triple Magic, Greater Magic Seal."
"Triple Maximize Boosted Magic, Magic Arrow"!
[AINS] Let's begin.
[AURA] What's that?
I... think it's maybe super tier magic.
That's supposed to be even stronger than tenth tier.
Isn't it a little early for that?
It's more like a skill. It doesn't use any MP.
[COCYTUS] It may be free to cast, but, once it's used,
he won't be able to cast it again.
A bold tactic, to say the least.
What is his plan?
Perhaps he wants to diminish Shalltear's HP quickly,
so she won't have time to counter him.
[AINS] Still no enemies. Interesting.
They could be hiding in wait for me.
But I can't waste this opportunity to attack.
Goodness. I'm really going in blind here.
[beeping]
[BUKUBUKU CHAGAMA] I'll set that timer for you,
Big Brother Momonga!
[MOMONGA] Bukubuku Chagama.
I wonder why I can't mute the voice on this watch.
[MOMONGA] I will borrow some strength.
From all of you.
[AINS] Now then. Let's go.
Super Tier Magic! "Fallen Down"!
[laughing]
Be careful, Lord Ains!
I might think you're trying to kill me! Nice try!
[AINS] It wasn't much of a present,
but I hope you that you enjoyed it.
Oh. I most certainly did!
What a treat this will be.
I get to enjoy killing a powerful man like Lord Ains
with my own two hands. How wonderful!
[AINS] Interesting. Why are you still calling me that?
Oh, come on, isn't it obvious?
You are still one of the Supreme Beings, Lord Ains.
Calling you anything less than that would be
the height of arrogance.
[AINS] Who is your master, Shalltear?
What kind of question is that, lord?
[gasps] This doesn't make sense.
Why do I want to kill my beloved master?
Because I was attacked? Because I feel compelled to?
I have to use all of my strength to counter
and destroy whoever tries to bring me harm.
But why him?
I don't know what's going on.
But, now that I've been attacked, I have no choice
but to tear you limb from limb, master.
[AINS] I see. Very well, then.
[MOMONGA] I know what's going on here.
[SHALLTEAR] You seem a tad underdressed
for the occasion, master. Did you actually think
you'd be able to beat me wearing nothing but dirty rags?
[AINS] Ha! Ains Ooal Gown does not know defeat.
Before the day is done, you will bow down
before me again, Shalltear.
[laughs] Oh, I'm just aquiver with fear!
[AINS] Watch your step.
[gasps]
[AINS] You should be more careful.
I've cast the Triple Maximize Magic, Exploding Mine
in the area surrounding me.
"Maximize Magic, Gravity Maelstrom"!
[SHALLTEAR grunts] "Wall of Stone"!
[AINS] "Maximize Magic, Hold of Rib"!
[gasps]
[AINS] By the way, I forgot to mention this.
I've littered the ground with all kinds of traps.
Why don't you flap those wings over to me?
Shame on you.
I will not be provoked that easily, Lord Ains.
I'm sure you've made the air around you equally as deadly.
[AINS] Was it that obvious?
Of course. I'm no fool.
[MOMONGA] She bought it.
That was the only mine spell I cast.
I don't have enough MP to waste on magic
that might not give results. I have to play this smart.
I wonder how much I'll be able to damage her
before I completely drain my MP.
[SHALLTEAR] As expected of Lord Ains.
If I continue to rush in, it's not going to get me anywhere.
However, as a magic caster,
his strength only exists as long as he has MP left.
If I can force him to use it all, he won't be able
to counter my constant physical attacks.
He'll be finished.
This Pipette Lance allows me to heal
myself whenever I land a hit on an opponent.
And the amount of HP I receive is equal
to the damage caused.
Because of that, Lord Ains cannot
summon a creature to fight on the front lines for him.
He knows that weak level monsters will only
feed my Pipette Lance and keep me alive indefinitely.
His spells are his only option.
Aw, my poor, beloved, Lord Ains.
He has to fight me all alone. It must be so frustrating.
That said...
"Mana Essence."
He has a staggering amount of MP.
How did he manage to obtain this much power?
Fortunately, his specialization in necromancy
won't give him the fighting edge. I still have a chance.
It bothers me that he's not wearing
his usual god level items.
But a staring match will get us nowhere fast.
I should heal and prepare for the long haul.
"Regenerate"!
[AINS] I won't make it that easy!
"Maximize Magic, Gravity Maelstrom"!
"Greater Teleportation"!
[SHALLTEAR gasps] How did he stop me?
[AINS] "Drifting Master Mine"!
[AINS] Not good enough!
"Maximize Magic, Astral Smite"!
[AINS] "Maximize Magic, Thousand Bone Lance"!
[SHALLTEAR] "Greater Teleportation"!
[AINS] Get back here!
"Negative Impact Shield"!
[AINS] What?
You look so surprised.
Did you not know that I had a skill like this
in my arsenal, Lord Ains?
[AINS] No. But it won't save you.
[laughs] I love watching you try to play tough.
It's absolutely adorable.
[SHALLTEAR] Do you know about my Purifying Lance,
or should I explain it, too?
[AINS] It summons a holy object.
[AINS groans]
[SHALLTEAR laughs] For a weapon meant to battle magic casters,
it doesn't disappoint, does it?
I don't think I've seen anything work so well against you.
[AINS groans]
[AINS] Don't underestimate me!
"Maximize Magic, Reality Slash"!
[grunts]
[AINS] That wasn't normal recovery magic.
What did you do?
What's the matter, Lord Ains?
It seems like you're losing your composure.
Don't worry, I didn't cheat.
That was another one of my special skills.
Lord Peroroncino saw fit to grace me with many of them.
I dare say his foresight proves that he was far superior to you
as a Supreme Being.
[AINS] Is that how you truly feel?
Huh?
[AINS] Let's do this, Shalltear.
It doesn't matter how many special skills you have.
My magic will always be stronger.
Well, if it's a shoot-out you want,
I'd be happy to play along. Don't cry when I win.
[SHALLTEAR] I can only use these so many times.
[AINS] "Maximize Magic, Reality Slash"!
"Purifying Lance"!
[SHALLTEAR, AINS groan]
Be careful, Lord Ains. You're running low on MP.
[SHALLTEAR] I may have used up my skills,
but I still have plenty of MP left.
Let's see how you handle my spellcraft!
"Maximize Magic, Vermillion Nova!"
[AINS] "Triple Maximize Magic, Call Greater Thunder"!
[SHALLTEAR screams]
[AINS grunting]
[SHALLTEAR] He's undead! Fire should have finished him.
[SHALLTEAR] Let me guess.
You used magic to protect yourself against fire.
[AINS] Compensating for your weaknesses is basic.
[SHALLTEAR] True, but he can't prepare countermeasures
for all elemental weaknesses.
In that case, I'll have to stick with the element
that hurts him most.
"Cast Maximize Magic, Brilliant Radiance"!
[AINS] "Maximize Magic, True Dark"!
[groaning]
[AINS groaning]
Looks like holy magic really does
a number on you!
[AINS groaning]
Cocytus! What's happening to him?
[COCYTUS] The holy element is a fatal weakness.
Even to undead of Lord Ains' level.
Since his equipment focuses mainly on protection from fire,
he has no way of guarding himself against it completely.
[panting]
[SHALLTEAR] I used one holy spell after another against him.
But, in a battle of magic, Lord Ains is still far superior.
Thankfully, I've managed to make his MP drop quite a bit.
[AINS] "Body of Effulgent Beryl."
Must be defensive magic. Good. I was bored anyway.
It will be much more fun to rip you apart with my lance!
[AINS] You truly have me cornered.
Huh? Then why don't you run away?
At this point, it seems like your only chance for survival.
[AINS] You might be right about that.
But, truth be told, I don't care.
I'm a selfish man, and stubborn beyond measure.
I don't want to run.
It's funny.
I feel strangely fulfilled as guild leader.
But, given the current circumstances,
I don't quite understand why that is.
Perhaps no one can.
Maybe it's because that, while I held
the position of guild leader,
I mainly dealt with day-to-day business
and administrating regulations.
But, right now, I am fighting on the frontlines for my guild.
It may just be self-satisfaction.
So it's pride?
Here I thought you were beyond such human feelings.
[AINS] Who knows? You might be right about that.
Look at me, I've really dampened the mood
with this, haven't I? Why don't we continue our duel?
Now, "Summon Household"!
[AINS] "Sharks Cyclone"!
[SHALLTEAR yells]
[AINS yells]
[AINS groans]
[SHALLTEAR] Heh.
[AINS] "Body of Effulgent Beryl, Activate"!
[gasps]
[AINS] "Wall of Skeletons"!
"Maximize Magic, Force Explosion"!
[gasps]
[AINS] "Greater Magic Seal, Release"!
[yelps]
"Magic Destruction"!
[AINS] "Fly"!
She recovered!
"Triple Maximize Magic, Reality Slash"!
[SHALLTEAR grunts]
"Negative Impact Shield"!
[AINS] At last. She's using it.
Shalltear's final trump card.
[AINS] Einherjar!
"Summon Household."
[MOMONGA] These numbers are a bit of a problem.
But one well-placed spell should be enough to take them out.
Einherjar, on the other hand, will be--
[AINS gasps]
[MOMONGA] That's so cheap!
I know friendly fire is allowed, but I can't believe
she'd sacrifice her household to heal herself!
[AINS groans]
[AINS grunting]
[AINS] "Skill, The Goal of All Life is Death"!
"Widen Magic"! "Cry of the Banshee"!
[gasps, growls]
[clock chimes]
[clock ticking]
[AINS] Game over.
[AINS] That must have been quite an experience.
How did you enjoy your first foray into death, Shalltear?
[SHALLTEAR] I expected no less of you, my lord.
For a moment, I actually thought I would share
in my household's dark fate.
But, thanks to the resurrection item Lord Peroroncino
gave me, my HP is at max, and I'm fresh as a daisy
and ready to go another round.
However, your MP should be
running on empty, meaning your offensive ability
is next to nothing.
And, whatever spell you can muster
would never take my HP down from full.
[AINS] You're right.
[SHALLTEAR] Still, you were amazing, and I also
have no MP left.
I had to use my most powerful skills
just to keep you on the defensive.
I couldn't imagine it would be possible
for it to have been a closer match.
For being at a disadvantage,
you did very well to get this far.
[AINS] Honest praise. I'll accept it graciously.
Now then.
Do you have any last words before I end you?
[AINS] Let's see.
I suppose I could go on and on about how
I'm defenseless without my MP.
Or I could commend you for so expertly
backing me into a corner.
Instead, I think I'll thank you for fighting me
with everything you had. And ensuring my victory.
[gasps]
[AINS] If you had fought me any other way,
I would have never been able to execute my plan so flawlessly.
[AINS] Shalltear's powerful, heavy attacks have taken my MP
down to nothing.
She grins, assured of her victory.
I suppose this is as good a time as any
to bring my plan to light.
Everything is revealed.
I am the Overlord!
The one who rules over the Tomb of Nazarick!
Face me and you face the power of Ains Ooal Gown!
You will see it soon enough!
Chapter 13: "Player VS. Non Player Character."