Chapter 530: Two New Steel-Level Teams Appear Simultaneously!

When Lao Gu heard that Shengzai was holding the upper hand against both Cottes and Demiugos while outnumbered, he was also greatly surprised.

Because the combat power displayed by the opponent was even comparable to that of his former close friend, the “World Champion,” Tachi Mi.

It also surprised Lao Gu that the natives of this world could reach such a level of strength.

【There’s no need to recall Sebas or deploy other Nazarick guardians; under the uncertainty of whether a third force is secretly watching, preserving some cards and strength is essential.】

【Then should I use the power of “Hell’s Abyss”?】

Let’s skip that too—whether or not we can kill Queen Shu Luo, Demiugos and Cottes are also likely to get caught in the crossfire.

【You all retreat first. Let me handle the negotiations. As things stand now, we have no clear conflict of interest, so there’s no need to fight to the death.】

【But, Lord Ainz, the opponent intends to steal your hard-earned achievements—this is truly…】

【Arybelde, when facing choices, sometimes appropriate compromise is necessary to gain greater benefits.】

【I sincerely feel this setback is not entirely bad—it at least lets you understand where Nazarick’s limits lie in this world.】

【To be honest, I was too careless and dismissive of this world before, and because of my negligence, Xia Tiya was captured—that was a grave mistake, and I apologize to you all.】

【No, how could it ever be Lord Ainz’s fault? It’s entirely our fault for being so useless…】

【Enough, Arybelde. Return to Nazarick, and bring Nabe along. Next, I will meet with the Vampire King under the identity of the adventurer Mo Mo.】

Faced with Lao Gu’s forceful order, Demiugos and the others, though reluctant, could only withdraw reluctantly.

After Demiugos and the others left, seeing Jin Long and Aimerena return safely, Shengzai let out a deep breath of relief.

Shengzai could only assume Demiugos’s sudden retreat was due to Lao Gu’s command.

And not long after Arybelde and the others departed, a pair of black-clad figures, looking thoroughly disheveled, also arrived.

Seeing the devastated surroundings and the three of them, Lao Gu, now wearing his black Mo Mo disguise, spoke with a mix of awe and reflection: “I am the Silver-level adventurer Mo Mo, and this is my companion Nabe.

We accepted the guild’s mission and have successfully eliminated the vampire here. Judging by your appearance, you must be reinforcements sent by the guild.

You’ve been an immense help—based on the battle traces here, a fierce fight must have just occurred.

Without your assistance, we might have been crushed between two fronts.”

Compared to their first meeting in Karn Village, Lao Gu was highly confident in this disguise.

Not only had he used a warrior-empowered spell, but he’d also altered his aura with a high-level magical item—he was certain Shengzai couldn’t detect his undead nature.

Yet Lao Gu didn’t know that Shengzai was no mere native—he was a transmigrator who already knew Lao Gu’s true identity.

But seeing how hard Lao Gu was working at his performance, Shengzai chose not to rudely expose him.

“We are the Silver-level adventurers known as the Vampire King. These are my teammates Jin Long and Aimerena.

No need to worry, Lord Mo Mo—none of us expected such a powerful vampire to have allies.

And your strength, Lord Mo Mo, is truly astonishing—you managed to exterminate such a powerful vampire. We were already stretched to our limits just holding off her companions.”

“Lord Vampire King, you’re too modest. Without you, we wouldn’t have defeated the vampire so easily.

I believe this achievement belongs to both of us, and the guild will surely understand when we report it.”

Lao Gu’s implied meaning was clear: he would not claim sole credit for the vampire’s defeat, but instead share it with Shengzai.

After receiving this proposal, Shengzai fell silent for a moment, then ultimately accepted it.

After all, his main goal had already been achieved—he now had a clear sense of Nazarick guardians’ approximate strength. As for this free reward, why not take it?

After reaching an agreement, both sides exchanged pleasant pleasantries before returning to Yerantil’s Adventurer’s Guild.

Upon confirmation by the Adventurer’s Guild, both the “Black Duo” and the “Vampire King” were granted Steel-level adventurer badges.

Originally, Lao Gu’s agreement with the guild was only for a Bronze-level badge—but when he saw Shengzai directly requesting a Steel-level badge, he promptly demanded a raise in reward.

After Xia Tiya became a neutral monster, she had already wiped out several Bronze-level adventurer teams, proving her strength was at least Steel-level or higher.

The “Black Duo,” having slain such a vampire, undoubtedly possessed Steel-level power.

As for the “Vampire King” trio, they claimed they had held off a companion equal in strength to the vampire. When guild investigators visited the scene, they confirmed the area bore astonishing battle traces.

Coupled with testimony from the “Black Duo,” they were ultimately granted Steel-level status.

With the simultaneous emergence of the “Black Duo” and the “Vampire King,” the kingdom and surrounding powers immediately took notice.

Until now, the only Steel-level adventurer teams in existence were the “Azure Rose,” the “Crimson Dewdrop,” and the “Silver Thread Bird,” active in the Empire.

Yet now, two new Steel-level teams had appeared at once—how could this not astonish everyone?

Moreover, both teams had risen rapidly in a short time, making their strength and identities all the more intriguing.

The Suren Theocracy?

Facing Nigen, who knelt on one knee before the Six-Colored Holy Scripture bishops, his expression radiated piety and reverence—but his heart was filled with utter contempt.

He thought: if not for Lord Shengzai’s order to hold off, he would have already asked Archangel Otto to eliminate these fools!

Nigen was the future Pope—did these people even deserve his humble kneeling, except for Lord Shengzai?

(End of Chapter)