[SHALLTEAR] 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.
If you had fought me any other way,
I would have never been able to execute my plan so flawlessly.
[gasps]
[AINS] In Player Versus Player, otherwise known as PVP,
the most crucial part of combat is deceiving
your opponent with false information.
For instance, you could change your armor
so that holy attacks aren't very effective.
But still act as though they cause you damage.
Or hide the fact that you're still weak to fire
by fighting through the pain and keeping your composure.
I knew you could use Life Essence
to check the state of my HP.
So I cast False Data, Life before we started.
But you were entirely focused on my MP.
The next time you engage in PVP,
you should constantly check both.
Knowing everything about your enemy is vital
if you want to execute your strategy.
I learned a lot about your abilities
while my friend, Peroroncino, was creating you.
You were his pride and joy.
And ever since we came to this world, I've made it a point
to memorize all the data concerning Nazarick's NPCs.
Even so, after Pandora's Actor, the one I know
the most about is probably you.
But you didn't know my skills.
You said so!
[AINS] I was lying, of course.
I thought you'd use them more boldly if I feigned ignorance.
If you had saved Negative Impact Shield
until the very end, I doubt I'd be standing here
talking about this.
[growling]
[yells]
[AINS] "Perfect Warrior"!
[SHALLTEAR growls]
[gasps]
[AINS] Everything has played out as I expected.
Now, we'll finish this hand-to-hand.
[COCYTUS gasps] Impossible!
I thought that armor was lost forever!
It does look familiar.
[COCYTUS] It should.
It belonged to Lord Touch Me.
But it can only be worn by a world champion class warrior.
Lord Ains is a caster!
[DEMIURGE] Perfect Warrior!
[COCYTUS, ALBEDO] Huh?
The spell Lord Ains just used.
It allowed him to change to the warrior class
and use their equipment without penalty.
[COCYTUS] Still.
The fact that he can don world champion armor is astounding.
Oh! My beloved is truly wonderful!
[screaming]
I know that sword!
Takemikazuchi... Hachishki?
[COCYTUS] That belonged to the
Lord Warrior Takemikazuchi!
[gasps]
[AINS] Didn't I tell you, Shalltear?
Ains Ooal Gown does not know defeat.
[gasps]
[AINS] You aren't facing one Supreme Being, but 41.
The might of all Ains Ooal Gown stands before you now.
Sorry,
but you were destined to fail before this battle even started.
Shalltear Bloodfallen.
There is a reason the Supreme Beings of Nazarick
chose me as their leader.
And you will learn it first-hand.
Prepare yourself.
It's time I show you the true terrifying power
of the man you call master!
[AINS grunts]
[SHALLTEAR grunts]
[SHALLTEAR groans]
[AINS gasps]
You're wide open!
[SHALLTEAR gasps]
[AINS] I'm sorry.
Did you think you had me?
Those are Lord Nishikienrai's.
But... How did...?
[AINS, SHALLTEAR grunting]
[AINS grunts]
They're infused with holy magic!
Get away!
[AINS grunts]
[SHALLTEAR grunts, yelps]
How dare you make me sound so un-graceful!
[gasps] No way. Houyi's Bow!
[SHALLTEAR] I-Impossible. I'll kill you!
That is Lord Peroroncino's weapon!
How did you-- No.
Where have you been hiding it?
[AINS] Weren't you paying attention?
I used a cash shop item!
Cash shop? Those wooden sticks?
[SHALLTEAR] I'm out of MP, and that weapon
can only be blocked by magic.
Even my special skills are used up.
I was so reckless.
I should have saved some of them.
No, wait.
[AINS] Now do you understand?
Everything happened exactly as I intended it to.
[screams] I won't let you!
[SHALLTEAR yells]
[AINS] That's good resolve, Shalltear!
This is where the climax begins!
[COCYTUS] Lord Ains is victorious.
Excuse me? How can you know that?
The way I see it, this fight is easily far from being over.
[COCYTUS] Shalltear has given up on defense
and put everything into offense. It's a desperate tactic.
I would make the same choice were I in her position.
Lord Ains is changing weapons
faster than she can keep up with.
Since Shalltear can't predict what kind of weapon
he'll use next, it's impossible for her to know
how to defend against it.
One step in the wrong direction could
put her directly in the path of his next attack.
And the bow's range forces her to fight closer.
Shalltear has no choice.
All she can do is dodge his attacks and hope to survive.
He has her cornered.
Thank you. Now I understand the situation.
Since Shalltear has completely given up on defense,
Lord Ains decided to deploy the axe.
[COCYTUS] Blood Sucking Meat Devourer.
[DEMIURGE] Thanks, Cocytus.
Anyway, the axe itself is highly unbalanced.
It's size and weight forces the wielder
to swing without accuracy.
But since Shalltear has gone purely offensive, it's no issue.
[COCYTUS] Everything in this battle
has gone according to Lord Ains' plan.
His strategy is the work of pure genius.
However, Shalltear can recover HP
if she lands a hit with her Pipette Lance.
But Lord Ains cannot cast any magical spells
as long as he's a Warrior. Isn't he at a severe disadvantage?
I doubt it will be a problem.
Huh?
The Supreme One assured me
that he would claim victory today,
and I believe he will.
There is nothing Ains Ooal Gown cannot do.
[AINS, SHALLTEAR grunting]
[SHALLTEAR] This feeling...!
[SHALLTEAR yells]
[SHALLTEAR giggles] What's wrong, Lord Ains?
Your HP is dropping faster than mine.
You'll run out first, at this rate.
[AINS] You really think so?
Huh?
[beeping]
[BUKUBUKU CHAGAMA] Hey, Big Brother Momonga!
The timer you set is up!
That's Lady Bukubuku Chagama.
[AINS] I'm curious. What do you think the timer was for?
[AINS] If everything up to this point has transpired
according to my design, then the timer running out
can only mean one thing for the two of us.
[AINS] This is the end of our fight.
We've reached the Showdown. I've won.
That so? My HP says otherwise.
[AINS] A super tier magic attack won't be able
to finish you when your health is still full.
Which means all I had to do was lower your HP
to the point that it could. And I have.
[gasps]
[SHALLTEAR grunting]
[AINS] I may be weak when it comes to
direct physical combat,
but my magic defense more than makes up for it.
Here I come, Shalltear!
[SHALLTEAR yelps]
[AINS] "Super Tier Magic..."
Are you kidding me?
I could re-fill my HP a dozen times over
before you even finish casting this spell!
[gasps]
[AINS] Hm.
Is that...? It, can't be!
Another cash shop item?
[yells]
[AINS] "Fallen Down"!
[SHALLTEAR] Hail Lord Ains Ooal Gown. My master.
Truly, the Supreme One is the strongest
in all of Nazarick.
Goodbye, Aura.
[AURA] So stupid.
What kind of vampire let's herself get mind controlled?
Uh, did you say something, sis?
[AURA] It's nothin'.
What about the fight?
It's obvious Lord Ains won.
Come on, we're headin' back.
Uh, right.
[AINS] All that's left is to begin Shalltear's resurrection.
Albedo, I need you to watch her name
while I perform the ritual.
If she is still under mind control
once she is revived, I may have to do the unspeakable.
Don't worry about it.
If that does come to pass, we will be the ones
to take care of her.
[AINS] Demiurge...
Please, lord.
It was hard enough to watch our Supreme Ruler
face such danger without his Guardians supporting him.
I could not bear to see you do it a second time.
[AINS] I hear you, but--
If Shalltear continues to revolt against Nazarick,
then the Guardians of Nazarick should deal with her.
Please step down, my lord.
[AINS sighs] I understand.
Then, if that happens, I will let you deal with it,
my Guardians.
We won't fail you.
All we ask is that you stay by our side.
If you leave us, who will we pledge our fidelity to?
Without a Supreme Being to rule,
the Guardians would cease to have a purpose.
Sorry.
We know our creators didn't reject us.
Still, it is far too lonely when no one is here.
[AINS] You're right.
It is lonely when everyone else is gone.
[AINS] Continue to protect me, my Guardians!
Now, let us begin!
[GUARDIANS] Lord!
[MOMONGA] It will cost 500 million gold to revive her.
[AINS] Shalltear. "Resurrect"!
[AINS] Albedo?
Be at ease, my lord.
It would seem she is free of the mind control.
[AINS] Wonderful.
[AINS] Shalltear.
Is that you, lord?
[AINS] Thank goodness. I'm sorry, Shalltear.
This was all because of my mistake.
No. Please, lord.
I'm not sure what's going on here, but...
...being in your arms couldn't possibly be a mistake.
[AINS] Uh-- Ah--
So this is where my first time will be.
Excuse her, lord.
I believe Shalltear is still out of it.
Huh?!
[AINS] You must be tired.
Huh? Oh.
[AINS] We'll go over the details later.
There's one thing I'd like to know.
How did I get back to Nazarick
when I was just hunting humans in the woods?
Oh and, why am I naked on the floor?
And why is everyone acting so strange?
I hope I didn't cause some kind of trouble for you
or Nazarick, Lord Ains.
[AINS] You don't remember?
Uh. No.
[AINS] I'm sorry, Shalltear.
Then, please tell me what you remember last.
[SHALLTEAR] Well. Other than hunting the humans,
I remember giving you my regards
before leaving the great Tomb to join Sebas.
After that, we rode a carriage into a large town.
[MOMONGA] So the one who used the world class item on her
remains a mystery. Of course.
[AINS] Do you feel strange in any way?
I feel like I usually do.
[AINS] I see.
Ah! Oh, no!
[AINS, ALBEDO gasp]
It's gone! My chest is a wash-board!
[ALL groan]
[ALBEDO] You lamprey!
Shalltear, do you have any idea how much suffering
you put the rest of us through?
So, you've conveniently forgotten.
But your peers still remember your blunder!
What?
[AURA] What an idiot.
You did something unforgiveable to Lord Ains!
Aren't you ashamed of it?
Huh?
I'm beginning to question whether
you understand the meaning of your existence as a Guardian.
[COCYTUS] Lord Ains' heart went through
such unbearable pain.
[MARE] Yeah! I'm angry with you, too!
[ALBEDO] You always drown in your own desires
without thinking of the consequences.
[AINS chuckles]
[AINS grunts]
[AINS sighs]
[AINS] Hm?
We await your orders.
[GUARDIANS chuckle]
[AINS] Albedo.
As leader of the Guardians,
I recommend scolding her mercilessly.
I second that.
Don't go easy on this bone-head, Lord Ains.
[COCYTUS] Agreed.
Harsh words are the least she deserves at this point.
Shalltear,
accept your punishment with humility and grace, okay?
Well, you don't have to be too hard on her, lord.
Uh. If you don't mind.
[AINS laughs]
[AINS] I deserve the scolding.
Despite all the information we had gathered,
I never thought something like this would be a possibility.
The mistake was mine and mine alone, understand?
Shalltear, you are not guilty of anything.
I want you to remember that, always.
Ah! Thank you very much, Lord Ains.
[AINS] Demiurge, you will explain everything to her
once she's had the chance to rest.
Lord. By the way.
Sebas failed to return to Nazarick as ordered.
[AINS] He is bait.
[gasps]
[AINS] We still don't know who targeted Shalltear, or why.
But, since Sebas was with her, there is a strong possibility
that he will be next.
Albedo.
I want you to gather a team trained in stealth
and have them scout the area near Sebas.
[ALBEDO] Lord.
[AINS] He may be bait.
But I have no intention of letting our enemy bite.
If they make even the slightest move on Sebas,
we will end them.
[MOMONGA] Someday, we will meet the one who used
the world class item on Shalltear.
And when we do, I will pay back this debt 1,000 fold.
Uh. Question, master.
[AINS] What is it, Mare?
You left a big scar on the forest.
Would you like me to repair the damage for you?
[AINS] There's no need for that.
Huh?
[AINS] Didn't you know?
If you destroy a magic sealing crystal,
the unleashed power will go wild.
It's even capable of destroying a large area, apparently.
What? No, I had never heard that.
[AINS] Because I just made it up.
But the people of E-Rantel will accept it as truth.
And since sealing crystals are rare in this world,
I doubt anyone will waste one to test it.
Also. I made a major miscalculation before.
It is now plainly obvious that someone out there
has the strength to harm Nazarick.
And if there's one, there could be others.
I want to take immediate steps to strengthen Nazarick.
I was thinking of using my necromancy skills
to make an army of undead.
But we would need bodies to turn.
I've actually been thinking about that, lord.
[AINS] Hm?
It's true that undead soldiers
could protect us from most intruders.
But they are relatively powerless overall.
Case in point, one human corpse
can only become an undead of level 40 or below.
[AINS] You make a good point.
There's a village of lizard men in the area.
Aura found them while scouting.
I wonder what kind of undead their corpses would make.
[MALE PRIEST 13A] You're saying the Black Scripture--
the strongest sect of the entire Slane Theocracy--
were defeated by one measly vampire?
Yes, your holiness.
Lady Kaire tried to stop it,
using the Downfall of Castle and Country.
But, she was injured before the mind control
could fully take hold. We retreated shortly after that.
[PRIEST 13B] How do you propose we deal with this situation?
[PRIEST 13C] We don't know the whereabouts of Nigun
from the Sunlit Scripture.
And the Windflower Scripture is currently pursuing
the traitor that stole the Crown of Wisdom
from the shaman princess.
With our forces spread so thin,
the only thing we can do is keep the area
under basic surveillance.
[PRIEST 13A] And, if there is someone with the power
to defeat that monster, we should be wary
and keep our distance for now.
Understood, your grace.
[NPHIREA] Is that everything?
Yep. We're locked up and ready to go.
Well, Miss Nabe. We're in your hands now.
I will escort you to Carne.
Once we're there, my comrade will take care of you.
Please, follow her orders exactly.
Right. Let's get going.
[NPHIREA, LIZZY] Huh?
[LIZZY] When did they put a wall there?
[NPHIREA] It's even bigger than last time.
Nphirea!
Enri!
[LUPISREGINA giggles] Hey, there! Nice to meet you.
Lord Ains has ordered me to take care of you.
I'm Lupisregina, but call me Beta.
--[thunder rumbling] --[gasps]
[GAZEF gasps]
I know you.
Unglaus. Brain Unglaus?
Gazef. I'll be damned.
[ADVENTURER 13A] That's the third adamantite class
adventurer in all Re-Estize.
[ADVENTURER 5C] So that's him.
Momon, the Raven Black Hero. And Princess Nabe's with him.
Hey.
I heard they were the ones who destroyed that chunk
of forest while they were fighting.
You believe that?
They might be strong, but they're still human.
Only a handful of people could pull that off, though.
That's why adamantite is the highest class you can get.
I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being
the most powerful adamantite of all time.
[AINS] We've already finished the last job.
We'd like another one, please. Something more challenging.
I'm so sorry. I don't have any.
None of the current postings are worth an adventurer
of your caliber, Mr. Momon.
--[AINS] I see. --[beeping]
[AINS] Actually, you know what? That's perfect.
[QUEST-GIVER 5A] Huh?
[AINS] I remembered something important.
I'll be in my room.
If anything comes up, will you let me know?
Yes. The Inn of Shining Gold, right?
[AINS] Order Gargantua to activate. Call Victim as well.
Have the Guardians ready to move by the time Cocytus returns.
This time, we're all going in together.