Overlord IV Episode 5: In Pursuit of the Land of Dwarves

Demiurge walks through Nazarick, a picture of polished efficiency. He finds Albedo burdened by paperwork, eager to impress their master regarding a new project. They discuss Ainz's absence, and Albedo reveals he has gone to the Dwarf Kingdom. They both express reverence for Ainz's unfathomable plans, assuming deep motives behind his every move. Albedo then surprises Demiurge with news: the Empire has become a vassal state, a feat Ainz accomplished in three days, leaving Demiurge speechless.

Ainz gathers his loyal guardians, Cocytus, Aura, and Shalltear, at the Lizardman village. He announces his intention to visit the Dwarf Kingdom, specifically to investigate their ancient 'Runes.' He takes Aura and Shalltear as his primary escorts, setting a serious tone for the mission. Zenberu Gugu, a Lizardman with past experience in the Dwarf Kingdom, is chosen as their guide. Ainz clarifies the mission, stating that while diplomacy is the goal, they must be ready for conflict.

Zenberu voices concerns about the Dwarves' stubbornness regarding their technology. Ainz acknowledges this, wanting to learn everything possible about their culture. Cocytus, seeing an opportunity, drops to all fours, offering his back as a chair for Ainz. Ainz, surprised but composed, accepts the offer, finding Cocytus surprisingly comfortable. Shalltear watches, her face contorted with envy, while Aura enjoys the spectacle; this moment reveals the strange, intense devotion of Ainz's guardians.

Alone in his thoughts, Ainz admits the true reason for his journey: to escape the crushing expectations of Albedo and Demiurge. He hopes Rune technology will not be another disappointment, a sentiment born from past fruitless searches. The scene shifts to the bustling preparations, with large beasts being loaded for the arduous mountain trek. He feels the weight of leadership, constantly needing to appear omniscient.

Aura and Shalltear meticulously check their equipment. Shalltear, still haunted by past failures, is unusually tense, determined to prove her worth to Ainz. Aura approaches her friend, offering comfort. Aura reassures Shalltear that Ainz chose her specifically for this mission, trusting her abilities. Shalltear's anxiety lessens slightly as Aura encourages her to see this as a learning experience, a rare moment of genuine, gentle support between the two.

The expedition begins, with Ainz leading the procession. They march through dense forests, sunlight filtering through the canopy, and then ascend into rugged, rocky slopes. The air grows colder, the pace slows as they navigate the steep trails. Shalltear and Aura remain vigilant, guarding Ainz. As the sun sets, Zenberu points to a distant pass, the entrance to the Dwarf realm; Ainz surveys the breathtaking, intimidating landscape, his skeletal face illuminated by the dying light.

As night falls, Ainz casts 'Create Fortress', a massive stone tower erupting from the ground with a thunderous rumble. The lizardmen and guardians are awed by the instant shelter, solidifying into a formidable base. Inside, the fortress is surprisingly well-appointed. In his private chambers, Ainz gazes at the dark mountains. He hopes the runes will yield results, reflecting on the constant pressure to maintain an image of omniscience for Albedo and Demiurge; it is a lonely burden.

Outside Ainz's room, Shalltear meticulously records every word and action her master has taken, filling pages with neat, cramped handwriting. Aura, curious, observes her friend's intense dedication. Shalltear explains she never wants to forget a single detail of Ainz's wisdom, fearful of another past betrayal. Aura gently advises Shalltear that understanding Ainz's *intent* is more important than simply memorizing his words. Shalltear struggles with this, finding it hard to balance extreme loyalty with independent thought, but Aura offers a comforting hand, reminding Shalltear of their shared creation and mutual support.

The next morning, the group arrives at Feoh Gura, the Dwarf capital. The massive, carved gates stand ominously open, a sight that alarms Zenberu due to the absence of guards. There is no welcome, only an eerie silence, with the wind whistling through the tunnels. Ainz senses danger and halts the party, his expression wary. He summons Hanzo shadows, stealthy undead scouts, to infiltrate the city and report back. As they wait, Aura's sharp hearing picks up a rhythmic clinking sound from a side tunnel, and with Ainz's permission, she moves to investigate alone.

Aura enters a mining chamber and discovers Gondo Firebeard, a lone Dwarf, engrossed in his work. He is so focused he doesn't notice Aura until she's right behind him. Her cheerful 'Hello!' makes him jump in terror, mistaking her for a dark elf or some kind of monster. He cowers in fear, trembling visibly. Ainz and Shalltear arrive, their imposing presence further terrifying Gondo. Ainz, a skeletal figure with glowing red eyes, introduces himself as the Sorcerer King, and Gondo is nearly paralyzed but manages to stammer his name.

Ainz uses a gentle but commanding tone to reassure Gondo of their peaceful intentions. Gondo calms slightly, explaining that the city is largely abandoned due to the threat of the beastmen, Quagoa. Ainz notices Gondo's pickaxe, inscribed with faint, glowing symbols. Gondo's eyes light up; he is a Runesmith, one of the last, practicing an ancient and dying art. He recounts the decline of Rune technology, supplanted by faster magic. He speaks passionately of his goal: to revive his ancestors' art and make runes as powerful as magic, ensuring his culture's survival; Ainz listens, impressed by this dedication and research.

Recognizing the profound value in Gondo's passion and knowledge, Ainz makes a direct, compelling offer. He proposes full financial support, a state-of-the-art laboratory, and access to Nazarick's vast resources. In return, Gondo would offer his loyalty and dedication to Ainz. Ainz promises to help Gondo achieve his dream of reviving Rune technology, ensuring its legacy. Gondo is stunned, tears welling in his eyes as he realizes his lifelong goal might finally be within reach; it is a powerful moment of hope, born from desperation.

Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by the sudden reappearance of a Hanzo shadow. The scout reports that a large group of intruders has entered the city and is rapidly approaching their position. Ainz's diplomatic calm vanishes, replaced by a militant stance as he prepares for immediate action. He asks Gondo who these newcomers might be. Gondo's face pales with dread as he fearfully identifies them as the Quagoa, fierce beastmen who have been hunting the Dwarves for generations, confirming the capital is no longer safe.

Ainz sees this encounter as an opportunity to gather intelligence about the region's power structure. He orders Shalltear to capture every single Quagoa alive, emphasizing that none should escape to spread word of their arrival. Shalltear's eyes glow with excitement, a predatory grin spreading across her face as she accepts the mission. She takes flight, a terrifying angel of death in crimson, quickly finding the Quagoa advance party. With a wave of her hand, she casts 'Mass Hold Species,' instantly paralyzing over a hundred beastmen. She lands gracefully among the frozen Quagoa, seemingly bored by the lack of resistance. Shalltear reports her success to Ainz, who praises her efficiency, then orders the lizardmen to secure the prisoners.