Chapter 29: The Preparation of War

Same Night – Safe House, Basement

Arsh stepped down into the dimly lit basement where Sora and Noar stood waiting. As soon as they saw him, they straightened and bowed respectfully.

"We are home, my Lord," they said in unison.

Arsh let out a soft sigh, his expression calm but weary. "Let's eat first. I'm hungry too."

They gathered around the small metallic table. The warm scent of seasoned rice and sautéed meat filled the air as Arsh distributed the food. Silence hung between them as they ate, each lost in their own thoughts.

Once the plates were empty, Arsh leaned back and asked, "So, anything new?"

Sora was the first to respond. "Yes, sir. Demon activity is unusually low tonight. It seems like they're either hiding or preparing to retreat."

Noar nodded. "Same within the city limits. Hardly any signs of movement. Just a few wandering lesser demons."

Arsh closed his eyes for a moment, processing the information. Then he opened them slowly. "It could be good news. But I fear it's the silence before the storm. We need to be prepared. The big war is approaching."

He stood up and stretched. "Rest now. I'll give further orders in the morning."

Later That Night – Arsh's Room

Arsh entered his private chamber and sank into a mechanical chair that gently adjusted to his posture. "OSAI," he commanded. "Proceed."

A soft hum filled the room as a holographic projection materialized in front of him—his image appearing at the head of the World Board.

All board members stood and bowed in unison.

Arsh lifted his hand. "Good evening, everyone. First, I want to apologize for not being there in person. This is the second time I've done this, I know. But thank you for assembling on such short notice. The matter is urgent."

The atmosphere turned tense.

"The Demon Commanders may launch a major assault tomorrow night."

A wave of whispers rippled through the room. One of the representatives stood, face pale. "Sir, with all due respect, how are we supposed to prepare for this with so little time? Shouldn't we have been informed earlier?"

Arsh gave a knowing smile. "I had my suspicions, but I needed confirmation. Tonight's eerie calm is proof enough. They're consolidating. But I have a plan. I just need you to carry out a few tasks."

He looked around the room.

"Neighboring nations of Sitler, please send ships and jets to evacuate refugees. Shelter them until I rebuild Sitler myself. As for the rest of you, continue leading your countries as normal. There's a chance this is our final meeting. If something happens to me, OSAI and Rose will lead in my stead."

The room erupted in concern.

"Sir, you can't be serious!" another shouted. "No one can manage this world like you do—not even OSAI."

"Don't worry," Arsh said with a faint smile. "I'm simply preparing for the worst. Killing me isn't easy—not even for a Demon Commander. For now, follow the plan. This meeting is adjourned."

The hologram faded. Alone, Arsh leaned back and whispered:

"Let the game begin."

Next Morning – Safe House

Ainz walked downstairs, yawning loudly. He found Arsh, Noar, and Sora already waiting.

"Ugh... what are we doing up so early?"

Arsh's expression was serene but serious. "Preparations. This could be our last morning."

Ainz blinked. "W-What do you mean?"

"The Commanders will likely attack tonight," Arsh replied. "Last night was too quiet. No movement in the forest or the city. They're gathering strength. Tonight is a dark, moonless night—a perfect time for demons to strike."

Ainz frowned. "But what if they just retreated? Maybe they're giving up."

"That would be a mistake on our part to assume. Greed has failed repeatedly. If he doesn't strike now, he had to wait for one more month, and if this happens, he loses control of his army. He isn't foolish enough to let that happen."

"Still," Ainz muttered, "even if they attack... you could wipe out their army alone. Why would he still bother?"

Arsh gave a knowing nod. "An army isn't just for battle. It's for power, leverage, and escape. Commanders often use their armies to flee while others fall. But this time, he won't escape."

"Wait, we're just four people. How are we supposed to handle an entire army?"

Arsh smiled. "We have an army too. One far more powerful. You'll see."

Then he turned serious again. "Orders: Noar, oversee the refugee evacuation. If anyone threatens them, eliminate the threat. Sora, take out the Demon Beasts and Rank 3 demons. After that, go for the lower ranks."

"And me?" Ainz asked.

"All Rank 4 and Rank 5 demons are your responsibility."

Ainz's eyes widened. "Wait... what?! How many?!"

"Over 100 Rank 5s and more than 50 Rank 4s."

Ainz nearly choked. "Are you trying to kill me?! I struggled with three Rank 4s last week!"

Arsh laughed. "Relax. I've prepared something for you. You'll win with it."

"What is it? A sword? Armor? A legendary weapon?"

Ding!

The oven's bell rang. Arsh stood up and walked toward the kitchen.

"It's a surprise," he said. "And I really want to see your reaction."

He pulled a golden cake from the oven and began decorating it with white frosting and pineapple slices.

Ainz peeked. "A cake? Wait... is it your birthday? No, your birthday's an international holiday. What's the occasion?"

"It's not a happy day," Arsh said quietly, still decorating. "But it's important,''. ''Thirteen years ago, Rose and I met on this very day. That meeting changed our future... and possibly the fate of the world."

"Whoa... should we throw a party then? My dad could sponsor something huge."

Arsh looked at him.

"Do you really think I can't throw a party? The whole world celebrates our birthdays. But we don't celebrate this day because it also same day when Rose's parents died. So... we just eat pineapple sweets together."

Ainz tilted his head. "Pineapple? Rose was searching the whole city for pineapple sweets yesterday."

Arsh smiled. "It's our shared favorite. That's why pineapple is the national fruit."

He handed out instructions again. "Now back to work. I'll go wake up Rose. And don't touch the sweets until she's had her share."

Later That Morning – Rose's Room

A gentle voice echoed in Rose's mind.

"Hey... Rose, wake up."

The sweet smell of baked pineapple lured her from her dreams. She sat up and blinked. "Mmm... what a delicious smell."

She got ready quickly and came downstairs, where the others waited.

Arsh smiled. "Good morning, Princess. Come, sit."

He sat too, folding his hands.

"Thirteen years ago, a princess jumped into a river to save the world. She was just 18. And a boy who had forgotten every emotion dove in after her. When he pulled her out, he looked at her face... and for the first time in many years, he felt something. Not romance... but warmth. Life. Hope. So today, I, that emotionless boy, want to thank the princess who saved me."

Rose blushed, her voice trembling.

"Thirteen years ago, a foolish girl tried to take her life because she had no hope. But someone saved her. Gave her reason to live. That day... I found my savior. Thank you, Arsh."

Tears shimmered in her eyes, but her smile never faded.

Arsh chuckled softly. "Let's eat."

After breakfast, he pulled Rose aside.

"The Commanders will strike tonight. After the festival's ceremonies, you must return to the protected zone."

Rose pouted. "So this is my last vacation day, huh? Fine. Then I'll enjoy every second."

Arsh nodded. "Sora, Noar, continue monitoring the city. There may be fewer demons, but stay alert. Ainz and I will take shifts to accompany Rose."

Ainz protested. "My team's weak. If someone challenges us and I'm not there—"

"OSAI will cover you," Arsh interrupted.

Later – College Gates

The college buzzed with life. Decorations fluttered in the wind. Students and visitors crowded every corner.

Arsh, Ainz, and Rose arrived at the gate.

"Ainz, you take the first shift with Rose," Arsh said. "I have council work and need to check on the Star Café."

Then, in a blink, he vanished.

Ainz groaned. "Seriously? How does a president like me show up late?"

Student Council Office

Arsh entered, greeted by bows and salutes. In the president's office, the Headmaster stood waiting. At the sight of Arsh, he bowed deeply.

"Hello, Mr. Headmaster," Arsh said smoothly.

"Y-Yes, Azura," the Headmaster stammered. Then turned to Eran. "I have another meeting. Excuse me."

As he left, Arsh approached Eran. "Isn't our Headmaster a nice guy. Shows respect to even a student."

Eran gave a confused nod. "Yeah... really respectful."

Arsh handed over a file. "Shops data. It'll help with booth scores."

Eran flipped through. "This is thorough. Thank you. Would you consider helping out more?"

"Sorry," Arsh said gently. "I really have too many other tasks."

Eran thanked him and then Arsh disappears.

Star Club Café

Chaos.

The crowd was overwhelming.

Customers flooded the tables. Hikari was near panic.

"Thank god you're here! It's overwhelming, We can't handle that much, seats is already full."

Arsh smiled. "Calm down. Tell the barista to keep drinks warm, not hot. Give each waiting customer a candy. I'll handle the rest."

He slipped into a uniform, adjusted his gloves, and walked into the crowd.

"Let's begin."