Ainz training, and He ran into the alley and struck the first demon with a shaky punch. The second tried to ambush him from behind, but a drone blocked the attack.
"So you planned this all along…" Ainz muttered.
"Keep moving. If you hesitate, you die," Arsh said in his ear.
Ainz fought desperately. Every time he failed, OSAI covered for him—but the pressure mounted. In four minutes, he'd taken down two demons. Bloodied, bruised, but alive.
The last one fell.
Breathing hard, Ainz collapsed against a wall.
Arsh appeared beside him. "So? Feel strong now?"
"I feel like dying," Ainz groaned.
"Good. You're learning."
Later, they walked into a cozy corner café.
"Why are we here again?" Ainz asked.
"Coffee."
At their table, a familiar voice greeted them.
"Hey! What a surprise—what are you two doing here together?"
It was Luna, dressed in a waitress uniform.
"You work here?" Arsh asked.
"Yup," she smiled. "So what's going on? You two friends now?"
"Something like that," Arsh replied.
"Sorry about the fight the other day," Ainz said awkwardly. "I got… a little carried away."
Luna giggled. "Everyone at college knows you have a crush on Raya. Don't worry."
Ainz turned red.
"Anyway, what are you guys doing here?"
"Just grabbing coffee," Arsh said, smirking.
Luna noticed the blood and bruises on Ainz's knuckles. "Did you get into a fight again?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Oh—no, no! Just training. Trying to get stronger," Ainz replied quickly, waving it off with an awkward smile.
"Hmm..." Luna tilted her head. "Anyway, have you guys decided what to order?"
"Coffee, extra milk," Arsh said.
"Same for me," Ainz added.
Luna walked off to prepare the orders, casting one last glance over her shoulder. Who are these two? One acts weak but has some hidden pride. The other... strong, but always holding back. Strange.
At the Table
"So, tell me about your dad," Arsh said, leaning forward. "I have data, sure—but I want to know your perspective."
"Well, his name is Sharen Frost. He's around 55, has two sons—"
"I know that much. I mean, what is he to you, as a son?"
Ainz paused. "He's strong, arrogant, calm—a great leader, yeah. But as a husband and a father? He sucked. Never had time for us. He'd show up to office staff dinners, but miss every single family one. So... yeah. As a dad and husband, he failed."
Just then, Luna returned with their drinks. "Enjoy."
"Thanks," Arsh said, then glanced around. "Business seems slow. Everything alright?"
Luna shrugged. "It's morning. Most customers show up in the afternoon. Even then, not many. But we get by."
"I'm actually looking for a job," Arsh said. "Could you introduce me to your manager?"
"He's not here right now, but I can give you his number. It's just... weird to imagine someone like you waiting tables."
"Oooh," Ainz teased. "I just got goosebumps thinking how handsome you'd look in a waiter uniform."
Luna laughed. "Well, we do need a new waiter. You look the part, sure—but the pay isn't great."
"I'm not worried about the pay," Arsh replied. "Just want to cover some expenses and get a bit of experience."
"Then you'll be fine," she said.