The Two Leaders

“Ahh, mysterious undead, long names like that are proof of cowardice.”

The Naga standing by the side explained to Ainz, a sarcastic smile on his wizened face.

“The ideas of worthless people. What about you, do you think my name is cowardly too?”

“No such thing, this old one has a long name too. This old one is the Serpent of the West you spoke of — Ryraryus Spenia Ai Indarun. Oh, invader Ainz Ooal Gown. This old one thinks their brains are not matched with their bodies, but there are pros and cons to them ruling over this forest.”

“...You have just saved your life.”

The Naga was shocked by Ainz’s comment. He wanted to ask further, but the giants were still laughing.

“What are you weaklings doing here!? To get eaten!? Bones are crunchy and delicious too! I will start from the head!”

“I am the one building a fort in the middle of the forest with undead and golems. Don’t you know?”

The atmosphere changed as Guu and his lackeys emitted fierce hostility, while Ryaryus was on guard.

“I know! Annoyance! If not for the nagging of the snake, we would have killed you long ago! Save me much time, cowardly black shortie!”

“What a quick conclusion. However, I am here to negotiate with you.”

Ainz gestured at them to kneel.

“Swear fealty to me if you want to live.”

“You stupid! We won’t listen to cowards! Eat you here right now! And the brat behind!”

“Guu, he is the one behind that terrifying building, it is dangerous to insult him! And that is a dark elf behind him! They were the lords of this forest before that demon tree came. They are strong— he is not listening.”

Ainz couldn’t take it anymore and laughed heartily.

“Hahaha! Your bark is worse than a dog, meat bag. How about this: I, the one with the cowardly name, will have a one on one duel with you, who has a powerful name. You won’t be scared and run away right? If you do, lower your head onto the ground and I will rear you like a slave.”

“Interesting! Me enough to fight you! Tear you to pieces, and eat!”

“Very good. This is your choice. The negotiations have broken down. Aura, go a little further away.

I want to play with it by myself.”

Ainz had just finished when the sword cleaved down towards him. Guu attacked with his three-meter long sword. Ainz didn’t move and took the blow directly.

“—Huh?”

“What is the matter? You think this is unbelievable?”

Ainz remained still as Guu’s face twisted from surprise. He swung horizontally this time. Like before, Ainz took the hit straight on.

“Muu!?”

After retreating a few steps, Guu looked at the sword in his hand, and then at Ainz. He then turned his back to his foe and walked to the other giants.

In the next moment, the sword struck his troll subordinate. The sword cleaved in through the shoulder and split the troll easily, spraying blood everywhere.

With a loud, stupid sound, the giant roared in pain.

Seeing the state his subordinate was in, Guu nodded his head in satisfaction, confirming that there was nothing wrong with the weapon.

“I see, this is the regenerative power of trolls. It is really surprising to see it in action.”

The open wound healed swiftly, just like watching a video in reverse. He did that because he knew about his fellow troll’s ability, but Guu had a sinister face, as if he was ready to inflict another wound onto his subordinate on the floor.

“Deciding the fate of the weak is the privilege of the strong. However, I am... very unhappy.”

Ainz stepped forward, no longer in the mood to play. Guu gripped his sword tightly with both hands, waiting for the slowly advancing Ainz.

“Guu! This fellow, Ainz Ooal Gown is too unnatural! We have to work together to defeat—”

“Shut up! Just watch from there, coward! —Guoohhh!”

The barrage of attacks grew stronger with each strike. This attack power, which exceeded that of a human by far, was the greatest among all the opponents Ainz had faced since coming to this world.

However, since they couldn’t crush sturdy siege walls or make a crater in the ground, these attacks were barely better than scratching Ainz’ back. Ainz took the attacks straight on.

“Oh look, my clothes are getting wrinkled, can you stop already?”

Ainz looked away with a bored expression and tidied his messy robes. He then looked up at Guu as if he just remembered something.

“Ah, you done yet?”

“Why you, rawrrr!”

Guu judged that the sword was not effective and attacked with his bare hands instead. The large fist was like a hammer that would crush normal humans or send them flying. Ainz took the attack that was fatal to humans head-on, and casually dusted off the place he had been hit , as if someone had dirtied him with his touch. Guu halted his attack, his ugly face turning more ugly, staring at the unsurprised Ainz.

“So the attack of one who has a brave name and great confidence ends here?”

“Your defence is pretty good— Hyaaa!”

Ainz, who had closed the distance between them, waved the staff in his hand, and half of Guu’s foot was blown off. Unable to stand, the giant fell onto the ground.