Overlord Journey of Tima, the Creator God

However, compared to the Demon Tree, which had "a certain degree of strength," the girl before him could probably only be described as "very strong." If she fought the Demon Tree a hundred times, she would win all one hundred; if they fought a thousand times, she would win all one thousand. Compared to the Demon Tree that was said to destroy the world, the girl was simply that strong.

The knight stood quietly, in no rush to make a move. Instead, he silently observed the girl, waiting for the right opportunity.

While the knight observed the girl, the girl was observing him as well.

Shalltear was not the cautious sort who conducted thorough investigations and intelligence warfare before entering battle. However, she possessed sharp instincts and a sixth sense. The moment she faced the knight, she realized that he was strong.

Far stronger than the Vampire Brides she had brought with her, and also superior to the battle maids. Beyond that—whether he was stronger or weaker than the Guardians, herself included—was beyond what intuition could determine.

He was definitely weaker than Lord Ainz. That was not a judgment; it was faith.

Yet what Shalltear was considering at this moment was not merely their relative strength, but also some selfish motives. That was precisely why she had not immediately contacted Nazarick through the "message."

Just moments ago, while carrying out her mission, Shalltear had made a grave mistake.

Unable to restrain the bloodlust of a True Vampire, she had entered the state of Blood Frenzy. As a result, not only had she accidentally killed the target she was supposed to capture, she had even allowed a man who seemingly knew "martial arts" to escape.

Panicking as she tried to make up for her mistake, she then encountered a woman who seemed to have come into contact with Lord Ainz. At the same time, the familiars she had sent out were killed by someone unknown.

Plagued by misfortunes and at her wits' end, Shalltear had been preparing to head toward the place where her familiars had been killed when an incomparably brilliant pillar of light flashed across the horizon, along with an energy shockwave that spread in its wake.

That light woke Shalltear from her Blood Frenzy. After hesitating for a moment, she abandoned the matter of her slain familiars and chose to approach the source of that energy.

Then she saw the scene before her: a very strong person standing there.

If it had been Demiurge or any of the other Guardians, their first choice would likely have been to contact Nazarick headquarters. But in Shalltear's panicked state, the first thought that came to mind was—this was an opportunity to make up for her failure.

If she defeated and captured the opponent, accomplishing such a thing all by herself, she would surely be able to reverse the failure of this mission. It might even improve Lord Ainz's impression of her. That was Shalltear's judgment.

So, should she go all out from the start? Or should she first test the opponent's strength? As she pondered this, Shalltear and the knight remained locked in a standoff.

The standoff lasted about three minutes, yet it felt as agonizingly long as three years. At last, Shalltear spoke first.

"My name is Shalltear Bloodfallen."

The other party gave no response, making Shalltear frown.

"And your name?" Shalltear asked bluntly, but still received no answer.

"Are you unable to speak?" A trace of anger colored the girl's pretty face.

"Rhongomyniad. That is my name." The knight finally spoke. Whether it was an illusion or not, the knight's voice carried exceedingly complicated emotions.

"What a difficult name to pronounce."

"If you do not mind, you may also call me—Arthur," said the knight who called herself Rhongomyniad.

"Arthur? I feel like I've heard that name somewhere. Well, whatever." Shalltear shrugged.

"Then, Arthur, you may choose to submit to me. If you do, not only will I spare your life, but you will also be granted the opportunity to serve the Supreme Beings. It is a good deal, isn't it?" Shalltear spread her hands and smiled as she spoke.

At the same time, she carefully sniffed the air, then swept her gaze over the other's body twice from top to bottom before finally stopping at her breastplate.

"If I am not mistaken, you are a woman, correct? Your bearing and figure are not bad. If your face is also pleasing, you may choose to devote yourself to me as well." Shalltear stuck out her tongue and licked her lips.

"Heh. How laughable and foolish. Do you think that is possible?" At the mocking response, the smile vanished from Shalltear's face.

"Yes, there are always those who refuse to give up until they see the coffin. I hope the sight of you kneeling and begging for mercy later will please me." The divine artifact Pipette Lance appeared in Shalltear's hand. She raised her head, and her gaze collided with the other's.