"It's Noar, sir," the AI responded.
Noar entered and bowed. "I have returned, my lord."
"Sit down and eat. We'll talk after."
After the meal, Noar gave his report. "I scouted the southwestern zone. No major signs yet, but I did encounter a large number of demons."
"Numbers?" Arsh asked.
"At least four Rank 4s, thirteen Rank 6s, and over twenty lesser demons. They were split into two groups—each led by two Rank 4s."
"You've done well," Arsh said. "Rest. I've got paperwork and meetings to finish."
Two hours later, Ainz woke up to strange sounds. He followed them to the training hall and froze in awe.
Arsh was sparring—against OSAI's 12 armored units.
They attacked with coordinated strikes, spinning blades, lightning-fast punches, but Arsh moved like a ghost. Not a single strike touched him. His hands moved in controlled bursts—deflecting, dodging, countering without effort.
"Enough!" Arsh shouted.
The armors stopped.
"You've improved, OSAI. But you still can't take on a Rank 4. Keep training."
Ainz whispered, "Wait... this is OSAI's training?"
"You plan to keep hiding?" Arsh called without looking.
Ainz stepped out sheepishly. "So... you knew I was watching?"
"Of course. So, did you learn anything?"
"Yeah. I'm completely outclassed."
Arsh looked at him seriously. "Power isn't a toy—it's a responsibility. Strength doesn't define worth. Weak today doesn't mean weak forever. Keep training."
"Yes, sir."
"Now freshen up. I've got a task for you and Noar."
Later that day, the three met in the Grand Hall.
"Tonight's investigation is in the northeast sector. You'll go together," Arsh said.
Ainz raised a hand. "But… Noar nearly killed me with one punch. Can I trust him?"
"I obey your command, my lord," Noar said, bowing.
"You both lack something the other has. Noar lacks knowledge of the city. Ainz lacks combat strength. Together, you'll cover more ground, learn faster, and survive better. That's my order."
"Yes, sir," both replied.
After they left, Arsh changed into his Azura disguise and headed to his job interview.
"Ah, you must be Mr. Azura," the café owner said. "I'm Fran, owner of Fran Bros Café. Luna spoke highly of you."
"Pleased to meet you, sir. I'd like to apply for the waiter position."
"You're a little too handsome for this job," Fran chuckled. "No experience, but smart. Why here?"
"A waiter learns grace, patience, service—and how to handle people. It's valuable training," Arsh replied smoothly.
Fran smiled. "That's a new perspective. Alright—you're hired. Let's see what you've got. Start now. We'll talk salary tomorrow."
In uniform, Arsh stepped out to the café floor—and chaos erupted.
Girls screamed. Tables filled. Cameras flashed. The café's popularity exploded.
After hours of nonstop work, he finally met Luna during closing.
"So… Ainz wasn't lying. You do look good in uniform," she teased.
"Thanks, but I think you tricked me."
"Huh?"
"You said this place doesn't get many customers."
"I wasn't lying! In my three years here, this is the first time we hit full capacity. You're a walking attraction, Mr. Lady Killer."
"Well, I guess I'll have to work hard here."
Then, OSAI whispered in his ear: "Sir, Noar and Ainz are in serious trouble."
Arsh's eyes narrowed. "I've got to go."
He slipped out the back door, vanishing like a ghost.
Moments later, Fran walked into the changing room with Arsh's locker key and badge.
"Luna, where's Azura?"
"He went to change," she replied.
Fran checked the room. Arsh's folded clothes sat neatly on the bench—but he was gone.
"No way… that fast? Who is this guy?"
Luna looked out the door, whispering to herself, "Who… the hell is he?"
Meanwhile, deep in the shadows of the northeast sector…
Noar stood firm, blood trickling from his mouth. Beside him, Ainz was panting, his blade shaking in his hand.
They were surrounded.
Three Rank 3 demons circled them, grinning.
"You two made a mistake coming here," one demon growled.
Chapter
Noar wiped his mouth. "Ainz… stay close."
"I'm not running," Ainz said, gripping his sword tighter.
The fight had just begun—and the night would be long.
"Hey, Noar," Ainz asked, panting slightly. "Arsh said you're stronger than a Rank 3, right?"
"Yeah," Noar replied, scanning the dark horizon. "But there are three of them... and it's 10:20 PM. A moonless night—this is when they're at their strongest. I might be powerful, but even I can't handle one at full strength, let alone protect you at the same time."
"Arsh is coming," OSAI's voice echoed in their comms. "He's moving at maximum speed. Just hold on."