[Summon Middle-Tier Undead]!
A magic circle erupted with light, and a tall, shield-wielding warrior bravely charged forward under a mental command.
Ainz took the opportunity to retreat rapidly, his empty eye sockets fixed on Leinas's attack, his heart filled with shock.
In the previous battle, aside from a few specific trump card skills, he had expended all his abilities. However, an investigation through [Life Essence] and [Magic Essence] showed that when his attacks landed on the opponent, their power was significantly weaker than usual.
If it were one or two times, it could be dismissed as the opponent using a special defensive skill, but if it was consistent, it indicated a significant problem.
Thud!
The valiant female knight swept her spear horizontally, knocking the Death Knight's shield, barrier and all, flying and pinning it deeply into the cave wall.
If it weren't for the Death Knight's special skill [Forced Blood Lock], Ainz had no doubt that this single blow would have instantly killed the Death Knight. However, even if he could forcibly survive, it was impossible for him to block the opponent's assault as a guard.
"Damn it! Is this something a human can achieve? This is not at all like a BOSS in Yggdrasil!"
Ainz cursed inwardly while extending the distance to prepare for more magical attacks. The opponent wasn't just unbelievably exaggerated in their attribute abilities, but also seemed to know a lot about his personal information, even managing to avoid his ultimate skill, [Goal of All Life is Death].
Judging from the current situation, he knew that the chances of him defeating the opponent alone were already low. Therefore, the best option now was to contain the opponent as much as possible and wait for Albedo to defeat her opponent [Heroic Spirit Warrior] and come to support him.
Unfortunately, Ainz didn't know that Albedo's battle with the [Heroic Spirit Warrior] wasn't easy either.
Clang, clang, clang!
Amid a series of heavy metal clashes, the [Heroic Spirit Warrior]'s energy weapon, mimicking the [Champion's Lance], moved like lightning, leaving streaks of afterimages as it thrust at the kite shield.
Although Albedo wanted to counterattack, the opponent's attacks were so powerful and heavy, and she couldn't find a good opening to strike.
"Damn it!"
After another heavy thrust, Albedo couldn't help but retreat a step, and seeing Leinas continuously breaking through the magic traps that Ainz had prepared not far away, her heart grew even more anxious.
The magic traps weren't very powerful; they were fine for hindering the enemy's movements, but it was impossible for them to turn the tide of battle.
I must quickly deal with this [Heroic Spirit Warrior] and then go protect Ainz-sama!
Thinking this, Albedo decisively abandoned her kite shield defense and put it away.
The simulated [The Champion's Lance] thrust swiftly, and without the kite shield to block it, the spear's tip accurately penetrated the [Triple Layered Protective Armor].
The [Heroic Spirit Warrior] had a certain level of self-awareness, and as the attack landed, a hint of shock flashed across his face, because...
Hah!
A black great axe, shimmering with a faint green light, was swung down by Albedo with all her might, striking fiercely at the [Heroic Spirit Warrior]'s shoulder, wounding the [Heroic Spirit Warrior] while also being repelled herself.
[Triple Layered Protective Armor], [Hermes Trismegistus], was also a Divine-class artifact, and due to its special structure, its defensive performance was even superior to the [Armor of Radiant Glory] worn by Leinas. The [Heroic Spirit Warrior]'s attributes were inherited from Leinas, so his equipment's defensive performance was naturally the same.
Albedo's trade-injury battle strategy was a reluctant choice and a correct decision. As a defensive warrior, her main offensive method was a normal physical attack, and to quickly resolve the [Heroic Spirit Warrior], she had to increase the number of her effective attacks. Furthermore, with the advantage in equipment and skills, a blood-trading exchange was definitely more cost-effective for her side.
Albedo actively advanced to engage the [Heroic Spirit Warrior] in close combat, each of their strikes leaving a mark on the other, while also splashing sparks.
This is the final blow!
The [Heroic Spirit Warrior]'s simulated long spear thrust with full force, piercing deep into Albedo's left shoulder, and the [Hermes Trismegistus]'s shoulder plate seemed to have been shattered by this blow.
In return, the war axe in Albedo's hand, conjured from a World Item, [Hell's Abyss], was chopped down towards the [Heroic Spirit Warrior]'s neck, directly beheading the [Heroic Spirit Warrior]!
Support Ainz-sama!
Kicking away the [Heroic Spirit Warrior]'s still-disappearing remains, Albedo unhesitatingly turned and rushed towards the battle circle not far away.
"[Wall of Skeleton]!"
Ainz summoned a bone wall to be blocked by Leinas's pursuit, and noticed that Albedo, having finished her battle, was retreating towards his location.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
With a few heavy blows, Leinas easily dispersed the bone wall barrier, but just as he was about to continue his assault, he suddenly stopped.
Because not far across from him, Albedo had already reunited with Ainz, and the two had formed their initial offensive and defensive combination. Continuing the battle wasn't impossible, but winning wouldn't be as easy as before.
Leinas didn't forget that this was the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick, and enemy reinforcements could arrive at any time; he needed to preserve his strength for retreating from the battlefield.
"It seems Your Excellency has no intention of continuing."
Seeing that Leinas didn't continue his attack, Ainz quickly guessed his thoughts and said, "If you wish to retreat, then please do so; we will not stand in your way."
As his words fell, before Leinas could make a move, Ainz himself received a message from Demiurge.
The personnel involved in intercepting the invaders this time were only Ainz, Albedo, Shalltear, and Aura; the other Guardians were monitoring from the Tenth Floor's Throne Hall.
The interior of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick had special defenses that blocked teleportation magic, but as long as a Guardian equipped the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, they could move freely between various floors, allowing for rapid reinforcement to the battlefield in the event of an unexpected situation.
"What's the matter, Demiurge?"
"Ainz-sama! The main target has already entered Nazarick and is rapidly approaching your location! You and Albedo must be careful!"
"Alright, I understand."
Ainz's heart sank slightly, and he cut off the magical communication with Demiurge. Then, he took a step closer and patted Albedo on the shoulder. "Albedo, it's time for you to retreat."
Albedo, who was on guard against the enemy, instantly understood Ainz's meaning when she heard him say this. This was a plan they had previously discussed. After Kael entered Nazarick, Ainz would personally make contact with him, and the Guardians would temporarily avoid his sharp edge.
"Ainz-sama, please be extremely careful."
Albedo took the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown that Ainz had taken off his hand, and after being reminded, she teleported back to the Throne Hall, leaving Ainz alone to wait.
Seeing this state of affairs, Leinas, who had originally planned to retreat, halted his retreating movements, and his eyes became hesitant. What trick are they playing? Could they be sending someone to set up an ambush on my retreat path?
Just as Leinas was wondering, a rumbling sound was heard from far to near, causing him and Ainz to subconsciously look towards the passage behind them.
Before long, a fast-moving silhouette rushed out of the passage; it was a powerful, glowing Unicorn. And on the Unicorn's back, Zesshi Zetsumei held the reins with both hands, and seated behind her was none other than... Kael!