Prelude to Invading the World

The VIP room was silent.

Ainz watched the battle on the arena below with great interest. None of the contestants participating in the tournament were his match.

But that did not mean it was meaningless.

After all, enemies of the same level, whether True Dragon Lords or the Slane Theocracy's Players, would inevitably fight with everything they had.

Ainz's win rate during the YGGDRASIL era had been built on possessing sufficient intelligence. Without intelligence—

Ainz looked back at the arena. Though the difference in strength was immense, some of the tactics and methods used in battle were still worth learning. They might prove useful someday.

Even a 1% chance would increase the odds of victory!

Unlike Ainz, who watched the tournament with relish, the Blood Emperor and Mayor Li beside him could hardly sit still.

Although Ainz had restrained his aura, they knew what kind of terrifying Demon King sat beside them.

As rulers, the composure they had maintained in the face of all things for so long had long since vanished. Neither could remain calm.

They could only force themselves to put on expressions as though they, too, were engrossed in the tournament.

Is the Sorcerer King really watching the tournament?

The Blood Emperor wanted to raise a hand to his forehead, but remembering where he was, he could only suppress the habit. Deep anxiety filled his azure eyes. Certainly not.

To the Sorcerer King, battles like those below probably look like children playing. No, they likely aren't much different from ants fighting.

What is the purpose of holding this tournament?

To display national strength? Countries like the Slane Theocracy in the south did not participate. There is no need for that.

—In any case, there must be some other unspeakable purpose hidden behind it.

Damn it!

*I cannot