6 「To be or not to be」 (1/2)

It wasn't long before the Head Warrior, Ainz and the Swords of Darkness alongside Cipher and his Guardian were all rounded up in a storage house.

Cipher though didn't seem at all that interested in what was going on other than the fact that the hostiles were targeting innocent civilians. Killing the villagers, massacring them, didn't fit the agenda for invading another country. This was just plain old mass murder.

As he listened in on the conversation between the oversized skeleton and the Head Warrior, he could tell that they were making the assumption that these people weren't from the Empire.

Cipher was already beginning to think this as well. Based on the information shared about the other Kingdom that his Citadel is near the border of, it was likely they wouldn't even bother with Carne Village. There was nothing of note except for the food and supplies.

”The ones that attacked the village...”

”They were dressed as soldiers from the Baharuth empire, but it seems the were actually from the Slane Theocracy.”

And according to the Head Warrior hardly any of that was stolen from the previous villages attacked by the supposed Knights of the Baharuth Empire. So it was suffice to say, these men out there surrounding the village had a different target and agenda in mind.

”Does this village have that much value?”

”Sir Gown, if you don't know why they're attacking... Then there is only one reason they are attacking this place.” The air was tense, his face was serious. They had realized the reason why.

”It looks like you're quite despised Head Warrior,” Ainz said as to point out the obvious. He had come to the conclusion that this was all a diversion to draw the one known as Gazef out into the open.

With all those mages out there, he'd be slaughtered along with his men and the village.

Cipher could step in and destroy the enemies, but he didn't see the point. Though he had some ideas which could motivate him. His eyes gazed over towards the Swords of Darkness. They were eying the mysterious man in the robe.

”This is quite a problem...” Gazef was far from amused, if anyone knew better, one would think he was just about ready to kill someone. ”To think that eve the Slane Theocracy is after me.” He was saying this with a printed smile of pride.

As Cipher was looking out the window towards the hostile force that cornered the Village, getting ready for an assault. He narrowed his sights on the Archangel Flames, monsters from the game.

This was an interesting development, but even then, these monsters were far weaker than he.

”Sir Gown,” Ainz looked over to Gazef as he wanted his attention, ”I would like to hire you if possible.” His prideful smile in his own abilities vanished and was replaced by a frown. He was dreadfully serious and he wanted Ainz to protect the village. ”I will be sure to reward you as you wish.”

”I decline.” Within a minutes notice, Momonga had declined the offer.

”I see...” With a sigh, it seemed that his bid to win was a far stretch. He half expected himself to die here. However his pride returned, a fighting spirit clear in his eyes. ”Then please, take care, Sir Gown. Thank you again for saving this village,” he reached out a hand and the two shook each other's hands like men.

It was as if he was saying goodbye. This was evident as it almost appeared like the man was going to break down, ”I am really, truly grateful.”

”I know this is a selfish request, but please.. Protect the village and its people once more. I have nothing to give you at the moment, but I beg of you. I beg...” When he went to kneel before the man, Ainz stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder.

Cipher smiled at the sight.

”There is no need for you to go that far,” Ainz announced with a profound voice, ”I understand. I will be sure to protect the villagers. I will put my name, Ainz Ooal Gown, on the line.”

Rising from his half kneeling position, he grinned up at the man. Was this relief? ”Then I will have nothing to worry about. I will just focus on the enemy before me.”

”Then please, take this.” Ainz took out an item, an item which allows one to switch places at a moments notice. It looked like a little wooden idol carved by hand, but it was so much more than that.

”A gift from one such as you? I will accept it gratefully.” Gazef hardly held any hesitation as he took hold of the gift and tucked it into his armored belt. ”Goodbye...” He said with a bow of the head and went to leave.

”I wish you good luck in battle.” Ainz sounded sincere, almost fond, of talking to the person.

However before he left, Gazef paused and looked over towards Cipher who was eying him. ”Yes?”

”My name is Cipher,” the man rolled his jaw slightly. ”I may be of assistance.”

Ainz glanced over his shoulder towards the two of them. Was Cipher going to snatch a major event from him? In that moment however, with a slight of hand, Cipher revealed a red potion in an elegant vial.

Gazef raised a brow staring at the item.

”It's a healing potion. Fifth Tier, crafted by myself. If you don't use it, I'm sure it's worth plenty of coin.” Even though he didn't know healing potions weren't red in this world, he knew that even in the old one this high tier healing potion was expensive for early-game players.

Nodding and taking the item, Gazef bowed his head, ”Thank you... Sir Cipher.” With that the man left, leaving the Adventurers, Cipher and Ainz alone together in the building with Albedo.

”You wanted to go out there with him.” Ainz pointed out, looking over to Cipher, it was if everyone in the room could feel him smiling under that mask. The most awkward thing though was that, Cipher and Albedo were the only ones who knew he had no lips to do so.