Benling – The Organization's Secret Council
A long, dimly lit chamber stretched deep beneath the heart of Benling. The stone walls absorbed the murmurs of the gathered figures, their faces hidden behind intricate silver masks. The air was thick with burning incense, mixing with the unshakable scent of blood that stained the floor of this very room countless times before.
A high-ranking official, draped in dark robes, stepped forward. His deep voice reverberated through the chamber.
"Pranimzean continues to expand unchecked."
His words carried the weight of frustration and fear.
"This so-called kingdom, built by that outsider, welcomes monsters, outcasts, and filth. And yet, it flourishes. His people live in unity, his influence spreads, and worst of all, he has the power to stand against us."
A sharp scoff broke the silence. A younger official, his fingers tapping impatiently against the armrest of his chair, leaned forward.
"We let him be for far too long, believing his kingdom would crumble under its own foolish ideals." He paused, eyes narrowing. "But he has not fallen. He has only grown stronger. If we do not act now, we may be powerless to stop him."
Another figure spoke, their voice as smooth as silk but dripping with malice.
"We do not need to face him directly. We have found a weakness."
The council's eyes turned toward him.
A cold smile spread beneath the mask as he continued.
"Ainz has ties to Benling."
A hushed murmur ran through the room.
"He has friends here. People who visit him, exchange letters, and aid his kingdom. They are traitors to our cause. Traitors to humanity."
The elder of the council, a man whose presence commanded absolute silence, finally spoke. His voice was emotionless, yet it carried the weight of final judgment.
"Then we will make an example of them."
The decision was made.
Midnight – The Hunt Begins
The streets of Benling were quiet under the moon's pale glow, but shadows moved with deadly intent.
The soldiers of the organization, clad in black armor, spread through the city like vipers. Their targets had been marked.
Elara's Home
The knock at the door was not gentle. It was a hammering of fists against wood, shaking the entire house.
Elara, still half-asleep, stumbled toward the door, her heart pounding. Something felt wrong.
Before she could react—
BANG!
The door burst open, splinters flying across the room.
Five armored men stormed inside, their eyes locked onto her like hunters cornering their prey.
The leading soldier took a step forward.
"Elara of Benling." His voice was void of emotion. "You are under arrest for high treason against the city."
Elara's breath caught in her throat. "What?! This must be a mistake! I have done nothing wrong!"
A soldier grabbed her wrist, twisting it behind her back.
"Your connection to the Demon King is proof enough."
"Ainz is not a demon! He—"
SLAP!
A sharp slap across her face sent her stumbling to the floor. A bitter taste filled her mouth—blood.
"Take her away."
The soldiers dragged her out into the cold streets.
Other Targets
Elara was not the only one taken that night.
Ainz's friends fell one by one.
One was seized in the marketplace, beaten into submission before the crowd.
Another was ripped from his home, his family watching helplessly as he was dragged away.
A young woman tried to fight back—she was struck down, left unconscious before being thrown into a prison cart.
By the time dawn broke, they were all prisoners of the organization.
The Prison Cells – Beneath Benling
A deep, musty darkness filled the underground prison. The only sound was the slow drip of water against stone.
Elara sat curled in the corner of her cell, her wrists raw from the iron shackles. Across from her, the others shared the same fate—bruised, exhausted, but refusing to break.
The heavy iron door creaked open.
A high-ranking officer stepped inside, his golden insignia gleaming in the dim torchlight. His eyes scanned the prisoners with mocking amusement.
"You are all traitors to humanity." His voice was sickeningly smooth. "But we are merciful. You can still redeem yourselves."
He took a step forward, arms behind his back.
"Tell us everything about Ainz. His plans. His weaknesses. Give us what we want, and perhaps your suffering will end."
Silence.
Elara lifted her chin, glaring at him with defiance.
"You'll get nothing from us."
The officer's smile faded.
"Very well."
He signaled to the guards. "Make them talk."
The torches flickered. The first screams echoed through the dungeon.
And the night of torment began.
The Monster King's Involvement
Far beyond the city walls, hidden deep in the mountains, a monstrous figure sat upon a throne of bones. His body was layered in obsidian scales, his eyes glowing like molten lava.
A dark messenger kneeled before him.
"The humans of Benling have finally taken action against the Demon King."
The monster king let out a low, rumbling laugh.
"Fools. Do they truly believe they can break him?" His massive claws tapped against the armrest of his throne. "But let them try. Either way, this will work in our favor."
His lips curled into a sinister grin.
"Prepare my army. The time for war is near."