Even so— she did not think for a minute that she would lose. Although it may be different if it were another Floor Guardian, against Shalltear, an opponent who specialized in death magic could not pose a threat to her.
The robe Ainz was wearing seemed somewhat shabby. It contained none of the dangerous aura that his usual raven colored robe exuded.
“「Regeneration」.”
Using a spell that was effective even on undead, Shalltear slowly began to heal the damage from the super magic. Against this Shalltear, Ainz finally started his attack. He cast the super gravity magic he had used previously.
“「Maximize Magic: Gravity Maelstrom」.”
As the black sphere flew towards her at high speed, the thought that she should put up a stone wall like before passed through her head. However, with that method, she couldn’t pressure her opponent. She had to go on the offensive in order to force him to use up more of his MP.
Shalltear’s decision was—
“—「Greater Teleportation」.”
Teleport to close the distance and aim for a melee battle.
Her field of vision warped, the change in surroundings that was supposed to occur immediately— felt slower.
Shalltear realized it was the effect from the spell that inhibited spatial transference, 「Delay Teleportation」.
The spot she was expecting to teleport to was where she would be able to reach Ainz with her Spuit Lance. However, she found that his figure was still a good distance away. Instead, in front of her eyes were three blinking photospheres— 「Drifting Master Mine」.
As the mines detected Shalltear and were about to detonate, she transformed into her Mist Form. This skill turned her body into mist and was well suited for a vampire. Despite describing it as such, she did not become a mist in the physical sense. It was more like the absence of a physical body, transforming into an Astral Body. This allowed her to completely avoid any attacks from the physical world— like the imminent three explosions.
“Not good enough!”
With a roar, Ainz cast 「Maximize Magic: Astral Smite」.
Her resistances slightly lowered by her transformation, the magic that was effective against ethereal bodies enveloped Shalltear.
With pain wracking her body, she released her Mist Form. Shalltear’s lips tore into a smile as she felt a string of sleek fluid trail down her body.
“Incredible! As expected of Ainz-sama!”
Her sincere admiration did not receive a response, only a look of suspicion.
“You don’t believe me? But I honestly thought that you are indeed the person deserving of my loyalty.”
As expected, a person skilled in magic combat.
However— the smile did not leave Shalltear’s lips. His magic had depleted considerably.
Of course, Shalltear’s health had also taken a hit. But her own loss was still within her calculations while Ainz’ MP loss exceeded it. Her profits had pulled plenty ahead. In other words, Shalltear was now that much closer to victory.
Shalltear made her next move.
“「Force Sanctuary」.”
A white light enveloped Shalltear’s surroundings. A barrier created from holy energy. Although she herself could not attack, it was an absolute barrier that completely blocked the opponent’s attack.
On the other side of the light, the appearance of Ainz hastily preparing to launch his magic could be seen.
“That’s right. It’ll get dangerous for you if you don’t cast your magic quickly .”
At first glance, the battle up to that point would have seemed to be progressing in Ainz’ favor. Shalltear already understood the reason.
Ability— wrong.
Equipment— wrong.
Preparation— correct.
That’s right. This advantage was due to the many defensive spells Ainz had prepared beforehand. A magic caster’s strength varied greatly depending on how much he prepared before the battle. Of course, Shalltear was the same. That was why Ainz had immediately destroyed the defenses she had cast on her body. Like what she was doing now, he couldn’t afford to give Shalltear time to prepare her defenses.
In truth, Shalltear didn’t have the slightest intention of casting defensive magic. She wasn’t very good at them, after all. She merely wanted Ainz to waste more of his MP. That was why the scene of Ainz nervously preparing his spells made her laugh.
