Reincarnated as Itsuka Shido: Collecting Spirits as Lovers

Chapter 210: Floor Guardian VS Player



White light consumed the arena as Shido's attack struck the clustered undead, its brilliance was so intense that it nearly blinded the spectators. When the light finally faded, the arena was silent, and empty. Every undead had been completely erased, vanquished by Shido's attack without leaving a single trace behind.

Shido stood alone at the center of the arena, the divine ring behind him rotating slowly as he lowered his hand, his silver hair swaying as the wind blew. Then, he turned his gaze toward spectators seat where Ainz and the Floor Guardians.

"Congratulations on defeating them all," Ainz said as he stood, his skeletal fingers tapping lightly on the railing. "You did it faster than I anticipated."

Shido's last attack didn't bring any damage to the arena but it had a dangerous property that can easily purify undead which was dangerous. Yet, rather than concern, Ainz felt satisfaction. Shido's strength was clear, and it was strength that could become a powerful asset for Nazarick.

"So, did I pass your test?" 

"Yes, but I changed my mind."

Ainz nodded, already satisfied with Shido's power. However, he felt the opponents Shido had faced so far weren't enough to truly test him. He decided to let Shido fight once more, this time against a much, much stronger opponent.

"What do you mean?"

Shido was a bit confused by the skeleton's intentions. Even in the anime, most of Ainz's actions were often misunderstood by his own subordinates.

As expected, someone stepped forward to explain Ainz's non-existent plan.

"What Ainz-sama means is that while you did defeat all those undead, they were nothing more than a warm-up for you, correct? So, Ainz-sama wishes for you to fight someone truly strong. And if I'm not wrong, you will fight one of us, Floor Guardians."

Demiurge adjusted his glasses, speaking confidently as if his interpretation was exactly what Ainz had intended. He looked at Ainz hopefully, waiting for confirmation. The skeleton felt a moment of helplessness under that expectant gaze, but he nodded anyway.

"Y-Yes! That's right. It was just a warm-up. Your next opponent will be one of the Floor Guardians!"

Ainz stuttered at first but quickly regained his composure, swinging his hand to the side as he made his declaration. However, this gesture only left Shido speechless, as it was clear Ainz was simply too embarrassed to admit he hadn't planned any of this.

"Well, I don't really mind, but who will I be fighting?" Shido sighed, accepting that Ainz was beyond saving at this point. Still, it would be a good chance to measure his strength against the Floor Guardians.

"Albedo, you go."

"Ainz-sama."

"Hm? What is it, Demiurge?"

Ainz wanted Albedo to go, thinking she would be the best choice to fight Shido since she was a tanky character. However, just as he finished speaking, Demiurge called out to him, causing Ainz to raise a brow.

"If possible, could you allow me to fight him instead?"

"..."

Ainz fell silent, trying to figure out why Demiurge suddenly seemed eager to fight Shido.

"Did you two have a misunderstanding or something?" It was the only explanation Ainz could think of, especially since he could sense that while Demiurge appeared calm, there was a faint hostility toward Shido that made him wonder what exactly had happened between the two.

"Just a small quarrel."

Shido shrugged, thinking it would be good to settle things with Demiurge once and for all. If possible, he wanted to beat him down until that pride and haughty attitude of his wouldn't show up in front of him again.

"…Yes."

Though the term wasn't exactly to his liking, Demiurge had to admit it was accurate enough to call their argument a quarrel.

"Hmm… Alright, Demiurge, you can fight," Ainz said, nodding slowly. "But I hope that once the battle is over, no matter who wins or loses, you will both put this misunderstanding behind you."

Ainz agreed to let Demiurge fight but added a condition, reminding them that they would be allies from now on. A fight between Shido and Demiurge could easily create a rift that might lead to a fallout.

"Sounds reasonable to me."

"Understood."

Shido and Demiurge agreed at the same time.

Truthfully, Shido didn't care much about what Demiurge had said earlier. He figured it was just Demiurge's status making him feel superior. But with this fight, Shido hoped he wouldn't have to deal with that annoying attitude from Demiurge anymore.

As the two agreed, Ainz nodded and told them to take their positions.

"Seriously, how can Demiurge be so petty?" Shalltear huffed, blaming Demiurge for dragging Shido into a fight.

"That's not really surprising. If it were a human, I'm sure Demiurge would have killed them on the spot," Albedo commented, watching as the two began to ready themselves.

"Still, who do you think will win?" Aura asked, glancing between the two since Albedo and Shalltear had far more battle experience than she did.

"Hm? It's a little hard to guess, but I'll put my bet on Demiurge." 

"Hmph, I vouch for Shido~"

Shalltear replied coquettishly, panting slightly as she eyed Shido's handsome figure. The Floor Guardians fell silent, speechless at Shalltear's behavior, while Albedo simply shook her head with a sigh.

"You're just in heat again, Shalltear."

Albedo's blunt words hit Shalltear like an insult, causing her to explode.

"What did you say, you virgin succubus?!"

"Say that again, you flat-chested vampire!"

"..."

"Those two are at it again."

Aura smiled wryly as Albedo and Shalltear began bickering once more. Though she occasionally fought with Shalltear herself, it wasn't nearly as often or as pointless as the daily squabbles between those two.

"Hmph. How pointless."

"What's wrong, Cocytus-sama?" Sebas asked, glancing over as Cocytus suddenly spoke.

"We can simply watch the two warriors fight, instead of wasting time guessing who will win."

A thin mist escaped Cocytus's mouth with each word. His manner was always serious and stoic, but the way he spoke made him sound unintentionally funny, like a bug-faced Darth Vader.

"I'm sure they're just excited to see the fight."

Sebas was already used to Albedo and Shalltear's constant bickering, so he didn't react much. He, too, was eager to see the battle between Shido and Demiurge.

A member of Nazarick versus a Player.

Who would win? Sebas was curious to find out.

Meanwhile, Ainz had already returned to his seat. Although he felt speechless at the Floor Guardians' squabbling, he also found it comforting to see them like this once in a while. It reminded him of the days when he and his guild members would banter and laugh together in the past so he let them bicker with a small smile.

...

"You should be careful. I won't be holding back."

Demiurge loosened his necktie slightly as he prepared for the fight.

"That's what I want," Shido replied, rolling his shoulders. "So I won't hold back either."

"Good."

"Are you ready?"

"Come."

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