The monsters could no longer hold back, and everything unfolded exactly as Sebastian had predicted. He was capable of wiping out all these monsters, and in the process, he would also acquire a wealth of experimental materials.
"System, help me contact Ainz."
"Ready to go out and exercise your muscles?"
"Do you want us to participate in the pressure too?"
In a blacksmith shop on the outskirts of town, Akihiko Taiki gazed at the dark, swirling clouds overhead. The tools in his hands clattered to the ground as a flicker of light ignited in his weary eyes. After two full months dedicated to forging farm tools, he felt himself on the verge of truly becoming a blacksmith, no longer just a distinguished weapon master.
A smile of anticipation spread across his face. "Finally, we can change this boring situation!"
"It seems this time it will be a full-scale assault," Izumo sighed, removing the robe he had worn constantly. He slowly folded it, then retrieved his staff from a wooden box.
For months, he had operated incognito, hiding beneath his robe every day. Sebastian was only the second person capable of imposing such terrifying pressure on him. Some even claimed Sebastian's demands exceeded those of a general. It was like a mountain weighing heavily on his shoulders.
Watching Akihiko's eager expression, Izumo shook his head again. He didn't want to witness the bloody storm that was sure to follow. Too many monsters had already lost their lives in pursuit of the Jewels.
Yet, he remained curious about Sebastian's true strength. During this time, he could only watch Sebastian craft tools outside the estate, year after year, and wonder about the extent of his power.
Although Izumo was generally a patient man, sitting idle beneath a robe every day felt like a waste, especially for someone obsessed with forging more powerful weapons. He understood his apprentice's current mentality all too well.
As he looked at the densely packed figures emerging from the mountains beyond the territory, he couldn't help but narrow his eyes. The number of monsters was greater than he'd imagined. How would Sebastian respond this time?
"Is it finally time to see Sebastian take action?" he muttered to himself.
"I never thought I'd see such a scale of youkai here in the human land. This resembles a large monster war," remarked an Imp with a Human-Head Cane, observing the tide of monsters rushing toward G.D.I. with a look of surprise.
As Sesshomaru's loyal subordinate, Jaken had faced death many times. Though afraid, he had also fought alongside Sesshomaru in countless battles. Still, this was the first time he'd seen such a massive monster army in the human kingdom. The stark difference in strength between humans and monsters was evident; humans were far weaker.
However, over the years, the human kingdom had produced many talented exorcists, whose power had grown significantly. They could no longer be dismissed. Only monsters of great strength dared to venture into human territory.
Jaken understood the terrifying might of this monster force. Though this was a temporary army, it already boasted formidable strength. They would fight fiercely for the Jewel, and before long, G.D.I. might be trampled underfoot. Such an overwhelming military presence could obliterate any human city in an instant.
What's more, G.D.I. was a newly established city, still lacking proper defenses; only a few scattered guards patrolled its outskirts. Sebastian's city, though vastly different, would likely not withstand such a monstrous assault.
"This world truly is cruel," Jaken sighed, watching the human city, still fragile, now on the brink of annihilation by the monster horde.
Yet, beyond lamenting, he saw no fault in this reality. This world was one where the strong prey on the weak; the weak die, and the strong survive. Having traveled with Sesshomaru for years, he had seen countless tribes and monsters slaughtered. If Sesshomaru believed it to be right, then so be it.
Jaken shook his head, resigned. G.D.I.'s destruction was inevitable; who else could hold the Jewel of the Four Souls? For those powerless, possessing such an artifact was a sin in itself.
As he pondered how to involve himself and claim the Jewel, a sudden oppressive pressure descended overhead. It felt as if two hidden monsters pressed down on his shoulders.
"This… what kind of murderous intent is this?" His breath grew labored, as if a heavy stone pressed against his chest.
Outside the city, in the dense forest surrounding G.D.I.'s territory, monsters fell one after another. The entire woodland was engulfed in a tide of creatures, wolf monsters, snake monsters, bat monsters, all surging together like a black wave.
Not only that, swarms of poisonous insects and beasts were summoned, rushing toward G.D.I. Among them, monsters with greedy, gleaming eyes emerged from various corners, drawn by the news of the Jewel of the Four Souls.
Initially, these monsters dared not attack G.D.I., especially during the recent period when many had witnessed its power. Though eager for the Jewel, they were not fools. As monsters, they could tell the difference between life and death.
Thus, despite their desire to seize G.D.I., their fear of Sebastian's strength kept them at bay, sending only scattered, weaker monsters to scout. No battles had yet erupted.