Chapter 10: Frozen Encounters

The world faded from his arms. Before he could even blink, he found himself in an unfamiliar place.

—Where...? —his voice resonated, filled with uncertainty and confusion.

Sebas Tian, butler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick and leader of the Pleiades, was in a desolate landscape he did not recognize. The cold breeze cut against his skin, and the echo of soft lips against his own marked the abrupt change in his reality.

Just moments before, Sebas had been walking the halls with Tuare, the human woman who had captured his heart, and by some twist of fate, he was ripped from that moment. Confusion enveloped him like a thick fog, and questions flooded his mind: Where was he? Why had he been transported to this strange world? Was he alone, or had he transported someone else like himself?

He clenched his fists, feeling the Dragon Ki flowing through his veins, seeking an answer, but there was no trace of teleportation magic or any spell from Ainz Ooal Gown. This was... something more disturbing.

Sebas had experience being transported to another world alongside his allies, but if this was as he suspected, then he was in very deep trouble.

Taking a few seconds to assimilate his surroundings, he decided to move with the intention of searching for something or someone that could provide the answers he needed. He could not remain idle.

As he walked, he surveyed the environment with calculated eyes, detailing the sharp mountains rising around him, and with his senses, he could feel the air vibrating with a very pure and unknown energy, yet at the same time, very familiar. The sense of danger was palpable, and his instincts told him to stay alert.

"Shhh!"

Sebas stopped upon hearing sounds of echoes and whispers. He turned around, trying to find the source.

—What is happening? —he wondered, looking around.

The whispers increased with each passing second, flooding his surroundings. Until a soft sound made the hair on his neck stand on end.

—"You cannot stay" —a familiar whisper resonated in his ear.

—…Tuare? —he asked longingly, hoping to hear her voice, but only silence answered him.

Without a doubt, it was her voice, soft and sweet. The voice of his beloved had echoed in his ears, leaving a disconcerting atmosphere.

Seconds later, the whispers faded into the air, leaving a sepulchral void.

—Illusions, or perhaps a mirage... —he muttered, finding an explanation for what had happened.

Sebas quickly straightened up, observing the sky once more.

This place was strange, very strange. The clouds, white in color, were adorned with some shades of green, like auroras dancing in the air with no end in sight. To Sebas, it gave the impression that the sky had a life of its own.

"If the others saw this, what would they think?" he thought, trying to imagine the reactions his allies would have about this place.

Hours passed, and no matter how much he searched, he could find nothing; this place, at first glance, seemed barren, devoid of life, but still, the butler of the Tomb of Nazarick pressed on.

—Mmn...? —he muttered, stopping.

After a few minutes, he felt it. A presence, cold and relentless. Like the edge of a knife pressed against his neck. A presence colder than the surrounding environment.

Sebas turned on his heels, just in time to see her. It was a powerful energy, but also chaotic. He got into a defensive stance, prepared for anything. Just when he thought she might be an ally, a figure appeared from the icy shadows.

A very beautiful woman materialized before him, her gaze cold and calculating. Her hair, blue as ice, shimmered under the dim light of the surroundings. She wore a very particular outfit in white with matching boots that contrasted with her pale skin, accentuating her slender and seductive figure.

—Finally! Something worth freezing! —she exclaimed, dropping her sword, ready to attack.

The woman standing before Sebas was known as "the Ice General," and her name was "Esdeath." Her gaze revealed her desire for an exciting battle.

Esdeath had also arrived in this icy wasteland for no reason, and like Sebas, she decided to investigate her surroundings, believing that everything was an orchid trap set by the enemies of the Empire. And when her blue eyes, like eternal ice, spotted the man with white hair and impeccable attire, she felt only one thing: excitement.

Sebas narrowed his eyes, finding himself in a state of confusion; he did not understand the woman's words, as she spoke in a language different from his, but... the language of violence is universal.

—I'm afraid, young lady, but I do not understand your words... —he spoke to Esdeath in a neutral and calm tone—. But certainly, your implications are clear.

His instincts told him she was a threat, but there was something in her gaze that made him doubt. In a world where fighting was inevitable, he could not afford to show weakness.

The ice woman smiled confidently, just like Sebas, not understanding a single word spoken by the butler. But that did not matter to her.

Esdeath launched an attack without warning, her sword cutting through the air with superhuman speed. Sebas blocked the blow with his hand, feeling the cold metal against his skin. Confusion transformed into determination; he could not allow the fight to escalate.

The butler stepped back a few paces.

—I do not seek a fight! —he said, trying not to worsen the situation, raising his hands in a sign of peace.

—You talk like a coward! Show me your strength! —she exclaimed, responding to Sebas's gestures of peace.

Esdeath lunged at Sebas, her sword shining with an icy glow. With an agile movement, she executed a diagonal cut, seeking to break through.

Sebas, anticipating the attack, leaned back, dodging the blade and countering with a quick punch. Esdeath spun on her heels, gracefully evading the blow.

Without losing rhythm, Esdeath twirled her sword and executed a circular attack, trying to hit Sebas on the side. He slid to the side, using his agility to avoid the impact.

With a leap forward, Sebas attempted a low sweep with his leg, but Esdeath jumped skillfully, landing on a nearby rock, maintaining her height.

—Not bad! But let's see what you can do against this!

From her elevated position, Esdeath raised her hand, conjuring a torrent of ice that shot toward Sebas in the form of stalactites.

Sebas, seeing the danger, dove to the side, rolling on the ground as the stalactites crashed into the terrain, raising clouds of dust and debris.

Taking advantage of the moment, Sebas quickly stood up and ran toward her, launching a direct punch. Esdeath blocked with her sword, but the impact forced her to retreat.

With a quick spin, Sebas attempted an upward strike, but Esdeath ducked, using her sword to try to destabilize him.

The battle became a deadly dance, both exchanging blows and dodging with fluid movements. Esdeath used her agility to perform acrobatics, launching quick cuts while Sebas responded with precise blocks and strategic counterattacks.

In a climactic moment, Esdeath unleashed a series of rapid cuts, each faster than the last. Sebas blocked each attack, deflecting them or directly countering with his palms.

Seeing this, the Ice General retreated, and with a swift movement of her sword, she began to create pillars of ice that emerged from her sides.

—Aahh!!! —she screamed, directing the onslaught of the polar attacks.

Sebas sharpened his gaze as he saw the ice created by his opponent heading towards him, like snakes writhing in the air. Without further ado, he began to dodge them with mastery.

After several minutes of exchanges, the environment transformed into a field covered in glaciers and ice peaks.

Esdeath appeared exasperated; the butler had not received a single attack she had launched, but there was another reason for that.

—Why don't you attack? —Esdeath shouted, her voice distorted by frustration at seeing Sebas only counterattacking without the intention to kill.

For Esdeath, who found excitement in a battle where opponents fought for their lives, her opponent holding back against her was a slap in the face to her pride as a warrior.

—.....

Sebas did not respond. He knew she would not understand. But even a dragon's patience has its limits.

The environment had completely changed due to Esdeath's intense ice. A thought crossed Sebas's mind:

"This woman will not stop. And I... cannot risk losing here."

His eyes, always serene, hardened with resolve. At first, he had no intention of killing his opponent. She was the first person he had encountered in hours in this barren wasteland. But if he had to end her life, he would.

—I'm sorry —he murmured, though he knew she would not hear him.

Esdeath, who was attacking with her ice, felt her instincts scream in absolute terror.

—What is this...? —she murmured, feeling fear, directing her gaze to the source of that terror— Hah...?

Sebas stood still, but what he presented left the woman breathless. The man exuded a sinister and terrifying pressure that, just by feeling it, paralyzed anyone.

The butler had activated an ability, "Terror," which induced in his adversaries a fear so deep that no one dared to even breathe.

Sebas intended to finish this quickly. He concentrated Dragon Ki in his fist to end it swiftly. A single blow, clean, fast.

—Gahhh...!!! —the woman gritted her teeth, fighting her own fear.

Esdeath reacted despite the terrifying pressure that enveloped her, and with a movement, she covered herself with a wall of ice, trying to block Sebas's lethal attack.

"Crack!"

The ice shattered in an instant. Sebas easily penetrated the ice wall, directing his fist toward the woman. The Ice General opened her eyes in shock. All she could do was watch as the armored fist of the man approached her chest with lethal certainty.

"Boom"

Just at that moment, a thunderous sound resonated in the air. A figure interposed between them, stopping Sebas's lethal blow with his forearm.

Superman appeared out of nowhere, landing firmly between them, blocking the crushing and deadly blow of the man.

—Stop! —Clark roared, his gaze fixed on the two combatants, who halted, surprised by his intervention.

Both stepped back, assessing the tall and imposing man in blue attire that denoted his muscular build and the red cape that fluttered in the wind.

Seconds later, Goku appeared, radiating a bluish-gray aura that contrasted with his blue and black outfit.

—Hey, why are you fighting? We can talk! —Goku said with his characteristic smile, turning to Sebas—. All good here?

The butler scrutinized the newcomers, as did the Ice Woman. Sebas, still on guard, felt a momentary relief. Perhaps, with the arrival of these new allies, he could resolve the confusion.

After the intervention of Superman and Goku, the battlefield fell silent. Esdeath slowly lowered her sword, her cold blue eyes scrutinizing the newcomers. She did not need to be a genius to know that these two were not ordinary people.

The aura radiating from the spiky-haired man was so dense that the air vibrated around him, and the other, with that fluttering cape and firm gaze, radiated an innate authority that even Esdeath recognized.

Sebas, for his part, adjusted his white gloves without taking his eyes off the strangers; he could feel a great power within them.

"More beings dragged here against their will? Or are they perhaps the ones responsible?" he thought, preparing for the worst.

It was Esdeath who broke the silence, with a smile that combined curiosity and sadism.

—Interesting… Two more warriors to test. Are you here to join the dance or to interrupt it? —she asked with a voice that was melodious but sharp, like the edge of her sword.—. Are you enemies of the Empire?

Sebas still did not understand that language, but it was clearly a challenge to the newcomers. Goku, who did understand her, completely ignoring the tension, scratched his head and addressed her.

—Eh, I don't know what you're talking about, but fighting now wouldn't help at all. We're all lost here.

Superman crossed his arms, adding calmly:

—He's right. We are not from this world. And neither are you. I ask you to calm down so we can reach an understanding. —he finished in a serene tone that both understood, however incredible it seemed.

Sebas narrowed his eyes. Superman's words resonated with a truth he had already suspected.

—Are you saying that this place… is not part of Yggdrasil or the world I come from? —he asked, seeking confirmation.

—Exactly! —Goku nodded enthusiastically—. This isn't Yggdrasil or whatever. We were brought here just like you for no reason to a weird planet like this.

—Ha...

Esdeath let out a sharp laugh at Goku's words.

—Brought here? Planets? Nonsense. The enemies of the Empire must have developed a new optical illusion. I will not fall for lies —her smile turned dangerous, not believing their words—. But it doesn't matter. I will defeat you all and find the truth myself.

Esdeath swung her sword in an act of defiance.

—I know this is hard to assimilate —Superman spoke, looking directly at her—. But it's the truth; this place is filled with unknown dangers, and you may not survive if you are alone. We must stay united in this situation.

Sebas relaxed his stance upon hearing the man's suggestion. The butler from Nazarick observed Goku and Superman closely. Something about them, perhaps the frankness of the first or the nobility of the second, made him lower his guard.

"If Lord Ainz were here, he would evaluate this temporary alliance," he thought. With a sigh, he adopted his impeccable stance.

This might be the only way to know everything that was happening, and perhaps together with them, he could find a way back. So he would accept forming an alliance with them. For now.

—Very well. I will accept your company... I am at your service —he declared, though maintaining a prudent distance.

Goku and Superman nodded in acknowledgment of his cooperation. Esdeath watched the scene, not understanding Sebas's words, but everything in his posture told her he had yielded to the newcomers.

—Pathetic! —Esdeath roared, seeing Sebas yield—. Strength is the only language the weak understand!

At her words, everyone turned to her. In a lightning-fast movement, she raised her sword and channeled ice toward Superman. She attacked with the intention of aggravating the conflict further and seeing what these unknowns were capable of.

But before her attack could even charge, Goku appeared in front of her, in an even faster movement, surprising the Ice Woman.

—I'm sorry, but we can't let you do that —he said, almost regretfully, before giving her a "tap" on the forehead with his finger.

"Paf!"

The impact, though controlled, was enough to send her to sleep. Esdeath collapsed unconscious, her expression of disbelief frozen before hitting the ground.

Goku turned to the others, shrugging.

—Well... that was easy. —he spoke a bit disappointed.

Clark facepalmed, exasperated but not surprised.

—You could have been more diplomatic, Goku —he murmured, before addressing Sebas with a respectful nod—. We thank you for your cooperation, Mr…?

—Sebas. Sebas Tian. At your service —he replied, unperturbed by the recent chaos, returning the courtesy.

—Well, Mr. Sebas. Come with us. Our companions will land near our position. We have much to explain to you... and perhaps you will also explain to us.

As Superman guided the butler, Goku carried Esdeath over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, whistling carefreely.

—Hey, do you think she'll wake up in a bad mood? —he asked, imagining what her reaction would be.

Sebas looked momentarily at the sky, wondering what kind of gang he had just joined.

---

Minutes Later.

Superman, Goku, Sebas, and the unconscious Esdeath slung over Goku's shoulder waited in front of an abandoned facility, whose metallic walls reflected the bluish glow of the sky.

They had rushed ahead to stop the conflict between Esdeath and the butler Sebas that was occurring near this facility, which was their destination.

The icy air cut like blades, but neither Goku nor Superman seemed affected. Sebas, impeccable in his suit despite the environment, observed the horizon with curiosity. He had been informed that the rest of his allies would arrive shortly, and he wanted to know what they were being transported in.

"Bzzzz!"

Suddenly, a metallic roar announced the arrival of the spacecraft descending from the sky. The vehicle landed gracefully, its engines stirring the accumulated snow on the ground. Sebas squinted, fascinated by the scene.

"None of Nazarick's creations look like this... Is it an artifact from another world?" he thought, mentally comparing it to the flying golems of Ainz, his master. This was further proof that everything around him was unusual and new.

The ship arrived near them, and moments later, the ramp opened with a pneumatic "hiss," revealing the rest of the team.

Elizabeth and Rias wore fitted thermal clothing, jackets with fur-lined hoods, and exploration boots, while Dante wore his usual red jacket as if the cold did not exist. Reed Richards followed, holding a portable scanner.

Sebas observed them all and felt a chill that had nothing to do with the weather. His dragon instincts immediately warned him upon seeing two of them.

"That red-haired girl and the silver-haired one... they are not human," Sebas thought, narrowing his eyes. It was a presence similar to Demiurge, a superior from the world he came from.

—Well, well, did you steal a girlfriend, Goku...? —Dante joked, leaning against the wall of the ship—. Hey, why are you blue? Did you get cold or what?

He asked Dante, seeing that Goku was transformed. Goku scratched his head, still glowing with the faint aura of Ultra Instinct.

—Ah, that. It's weird, but when I was flying, I passed through one of those energies that are all over the planet, and now my ki is behaving strangely. I can't even turn it off completely —Goku commented, showing the aura of his hand.

When they were arriving on the planet, Goku passed through one of the auroras that danced in the sky. This caused his Ultra Instinct to activate instinctively and uncontrollably, even though he was using his emotions.

—You can't control it? —Elizabeth inquired, curious.

—No. —Goku replied—. No matter how hard I try, it seems I can't turn it off.

The Saiyan had tried to control and deactivate his power, but he had only managed to minimize his aura. Superman crossed his arms and added:

—That energy is very peculiar. Perhaps it made your body react to it. —Clark commented.

Everyone reflected on that explanation and wondered why. Rias noticed that the man accompanying the two was looking confused at the conversation.

She approached Sebas, studying him with a mix of curiosity and caution. Her crimson eyes sparkled as she detected his latent demonic aura.

—I don't understand your language, but that has a solution —she said, tracing a magic circle in the air. The communication spell materialized as a golden seal that dissolved into Sebas's chest.

The butler opened his eyes a bit in surprise when the red-haired girl approached him and cast the spell. He believed it was something harmful.

—What was that...? —he asked, touching the spot where the symbol had disappeared.

—Now you will be able to understand us —Rias explained, smiling—. And also her —she pointed to Esdeath, still unconscious over Goku's shoulder.

Sebas nodded, impressed by the magic that the red-haired girl had executed.

"Magic without verbal components?" he thought with interest.

Sebas glanced sideways at the others, and some nodded in welcome. Dante looked at him without saying anything, while Reed continued to investigate with the portable scanner.

—My name is Sebas Tian —he formally introduced himself to the newcomers—. It is a pleasure to collaborate with you.

As Sebas introduced himself to his allies, the woman on Goku's shoulder stirred her eyelids. Her blue eyes opened, first focusing on Goku, who was carrying her, then on the entire group.

—Where...? —she murmured in confusion, before remembering. Her face twisted in fury upon seeing Goku holding her—. You! You will pay for this humiliation!

Esdeath shouted, drawing everyone's attention. She tried to get up, but Goku, without even looking at her, firmly held her by the shoulder.

—Nah, better not. We'll fight another time. So just calm down —he said, as if discussing with a spoiled child.

—You! Let me go!! —she growled, irritated.

Esdeath struggled, attempting to use her ice abilities, but Goku's grip was unbreakable, leaving her no room to maneuver. Dante burst out laughing at the scene Goku was creating.

—Hahaha. Wow, Goku. I didn't know you had a talent for taming tigers —he joked with a smile.

—No idea what you're talking about —Goku replied, facing Dante's joke.

Goku didn't realize what Dante was referring to; Esdeath had clearly threatened him.

To Be Continued