Chapter 30: An Unexpected Revelation

Ainz walked through Rimuru's city with a sense of awe. The vibrant city was a marvel of cooperation and coexistence, where humans and monsters lived side by side in harmony. He could see children playing in the streets, some human, others with horns or tails, all laughing together without a care. Market stalls were bustling with activity, manned by a diverse array of merchants: goblins, humans, orcs, and lizardmen alike.

It was the kind of world Ainz had always dreamt of but never thought possible. The city was proof that peace between vastly different species wasn't just a fantasy—it was a reality here. He admired Rimuru's leadership. Unlike Ainz, Rimuru ruled with a lighter touch, allowing freedom and cooperation to flourish naturally.

As they walked together through the streets, Rimuru enthusiastically pointed out new construction projects and explained plans to expand the city further. "We're working on improving the infrastructure so that more people can settle here comfortably," Rimuru said, smiling. "I've had help from some of the finest minds across the land."

Ainz nodded, taking it all in. "You've done something incredible here, Rimuru," he admitted. "I had never thought such a place could exist."

Rimuru grinned and scratched the back of his head modestly. "I can't take all the credit. It's thanks to the hard work of my subordinates and the cooperation of the people."

Ainz's mind wandered to his own subordinates, particularly Demiurge. Watching this peaceful city made him reflect on his decision to leave much of Nazarick's governance and external affairs in the hands of his trusted servants. Demiurge was brilliant, after all. Every time Ainz had stumbled into an issue, Demiurge had not only resolved it but somehow elevated it beyond Ainz's wildest expectations. Demiurge's schemes, plans, and strategies were always ten steps ahead, weaving intricate webs of power and influence that expanded the reach of Nazarick across the continents.

As Ainz walked beside Rimuru, watching the bustling city, he nodded to himself. He was right to trust Demiurge with the affairs of the world. "There's no need for me to interfere in the day-to-day governance," he thought. "Demiurge has it all under control."

Suddenly, Ainz's thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind him. "Ainz-sama, your wisdom is unparalleled," came the familiar tone of Demiurge, who had just arrived.

Ainz turned, blinking in surprise. "D-Demiurge? I didn't expect to see you here."

Demiurge bowed deeply, his wings folding neatly behind him. "Forgive me for arriving unannounced, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to observe how well everything is going. As expected of you, Ainz-sama, you foresaw the future of this city even before its creation. You understood that coexistence between humans and monsters would lead to an era of prosperity and peace, and you allowed Lord Rimuru to pursue this vision with your divine blessing."

Ainz's skeletal face remained impassive, but inside, his mind raced. What is Demiurge talking about? I didn't foresee anything! He quickly adjusted his posture, trying to seem as though he understood Demiurge's praise. "Ah, yes," Ainz said, forcing a deep, commanding tone. "Of course. Everything is progressing as I had envisioned."

Demiurge's eyes gleamed with admiration. "To allow such freedom and autonomy, even to those not of Nazarick, is a level of wisdom beyond mortal comprehension. Truly, you are a being worthy of veneration and awe. Your plans unfold perfectly."

Ainz felt a twinge of discomfort as Demiurge continued to praise him. He still had no idea what specific plans Demiurge was referring to, but he couldn't let that show. Ainz nodded again, maintaining his calm facade. "I merely wish for the world to follow the natural order I've envisioned," he replied, though internally, he was sweating.

But before the conversation could continue, Ainz suddenly froze. His senses screamed a warning as he felt a surge of immense, overwhelming power approaching from the distance. His heightened awareness picked up on the energy even before it fully entered the city's perimeter.

"Something... something incredibly powerful is coming," Ainz murmured under his breath, his body tensing.

Without hesitation, he began casting layer after layer of defensive buffs on himself. [Greater Magic Shield], [Mana Essence], [Life Regeneration], [Elemental Resistance], [Temporal Guard], and others cascaded over him in rapid succession, creating an invisible aura of protection. Next, he cast a vast barrier around the entire city, his skeletal hand moving swiftly as he invoked one of his most powerful defensive spells, [Absolute Wall of Eternity], forming an impenetrable barrier around Rimuru's city.

The sudden deployment of his full defensive array startled Rimuru, who glanced at Ainz with curiosity. "What's going on?"

"There's a presence approaching," Ainz replied, his eyes narrowing as he activated his [Superior Observation] spell, scanning the horizon. What he saw shocked him to his core.

Through his magical sight, Ainz saw an individual rapidly approaching the city. At first glance, the figure appeared to be nothing more than a small, unassuming girl, no older than eight or nine. She was walking casually alongside Rimuru's subordinates, her small hands gripping a stuffed animal.

But Ainz's keen magical senses picked up on something far deeper—something terrifying. This seemingly innocent child radiated a power that dwarfed anything Ainz had ever encountered. Her aura was beyond anything even his strongest enemies could muster. This girl was not only powerful; she was in a completely different league, as if her very presence bent reality around her. The sheer magnitude of her energy eclipsed every foe Ainz had ever faced.

"This... this is a monster," Ainz whispered, his voice filled with awe and wariness. His glowing red eyes flared as his mind raced to calculate what this could mean. "She is countless times stronger than anyone I've ever fought…"

Rimuru followed Ainz's gaze and immediately recognized the girl. "Oh! That's just Milim," Rimuru said casually, waving his hand dismissively. "She's one of my closest friends. Don't worry—she's not here to cause any trouble."

Ainz's mind reeled. Milim? The Demon Lord Milim Nava?! He had heard rumors of the powerful Demon Lords that ruled various regions of the world, but this presence was on an entirely different level. His heart (if he had one) began to race with excitement and fear. This was not just an ordinary opponent—this was a being of almost incomprehensible strength.

As Milim approached, she waved energetically at Rimuru, oblivious to the tension in the air. "Rimuru! There you are!" she called out, bounding toward them with a cheerful grin.

Ainz kept his guard up, watching her every move. Despite her small, innocent appearance, Ainz could sense that her power was tightly coiled within her, ready to be unleashed at any moment. The sheer potential for destruction was staggering.

Milim turned her bright, sparkling eyes toward Ainz and tilted her head. "Who's the skeleton guy?" she asked, her voice as innocent as a child's, though Ainz could feel the weight of her gaze as she sized him up.

Rimuru smiled. "This is Ainz Ooal Gown. He's the ruler of Nazarick and my ally. Ainz, this is Milim, one of the oldest and most powerful Demon Lords."

Milim puffed out her chest proudly. "That's right! I'm super strong!"

Ainz's glowing eyes narrowed slightly as he felt a familiar emotion stir within him. Ambition. This was no ordinary encounter. Milim Nava… A Demon Lord this powerful could be an ally—or a rival. I must tread carefully.

Yet beneath the ambition, Ainz felt something else—an eagerness. He had faced strong enemies before, but never one like Milim. The prospect of discovering the true depths of her power sent a thrill through him. If I could learn from her… or even align her with my goals…

Ainz's red eyes glowed even brighter as his mind raced with possibilities. This encounter had the potential to shape the future in ways he couldn't have foreseen. And for the first time in a long while, Ainz felt the fire of challenge and opportunity.

"Milim," Ainz said calmly, his tone respectful, "it's an honor to meet you."

Milim grinned widely, seemingly oblivious to the tension, while Rimuru glanced between them, sensing that this meeting was about to change everything.

And so, Ainz's eyes glowed with ambition, the wheels of his next grand plan already turning. What began as a simple meeting had transformed into something far more dangerous—and far more exciting.