Demiurge looked at the ground; his own shadow was extending hands to grab his feet, leaving him immobile. This was truly unexpected; could a member of that Goddess Cult's skills actually achieve such a thing? As expected, Lord Ainz's concerns were not without reason. The people of the Goddess Cult were existences that defied common sense, whether it was their course of action or the powers they used—everything was 'abnormal.'
However—if it was 'just binding his movements,' it wouldn't cause any serious consequences. In the end, he didn't believe this Goddess Cult member's damage could break through his defenses. The Goddess Cult indeed possessed the troublesome trait of 'True Damage,' but if the attack power was too weak, even their passive health regeneration could replenish the loss in time. Thus, with just a skill of this level, it was impossible for that Goddess Cult member's strength to yield a victory.
"Your expression seems to say: this guy's skill is only at this level, merely able to control someone's movements, and his weak power isn't even worth mentioning. Right?" Number 9's voice sounded behind Demiurge. "That's why I say you're too naive. Knowing that you are all off-the-charts monsters, I still dared to step into your territory. Did you think I was really just a character good at running away?"
Demiurge's expression remained unchanged. Although he did look down on the opponent, the gap in power wouldn't change due to things like will. However, one thing was wrong: he only looked down on the opponent's level, but he never belittled their abilities. Rather, he had now fully experienced the terror of the so-called 'Gospel'—absolute effects that ignored common sense, terrifying 'True Damage,' and 'control that ignores all resistances.' This was a power that even Lord Ainz dared not underestimate.
"Hehehe, just because you did something while I was slightly off-guard, you won't stop talking over there. You pig, don't think you'll die easily!" Shalltear, infuriated by the failure of her two attacks and Number 9's mockery, was instantly enraged. She had lost her composure too many times today; she had no face to return to Lord Ainz, let alone atone for her previous mistakes!
Number 9 had a serious expression.
Although he had gained the upper hand verbally just now, he was well aware that his situation was not actually very good. However, the reason he dared to face these three off-the-charts monsters head-on was naturally because he held a trump card sufficient to turn the tables. His Shadow Space wasn't something used only for escaping. The reason he had never used that move was because the restrictions were too great; otherwise, he would have used it on that Hero long ago.
Cocytus and Shalltear attacked again, their momentum incredibly terrifying. Moreover, it was an effect similar to a skill; ordinary creatures encountering this situation would likely be affected instantly. If the old 'Mochi' had encountered such monsters, he might have been paralyzed on the ground with fear at the first moment.
But the Goddess's Gospel was protecting his spirit from any skill effects. Because members of the Goddess Cult had personally received the Goddess's influence, they were immune to all effects like intimidation, temptation, or brainwashing—unless it was the Goddess's Gospel, such as Number 1's skill, which was a different case.
Therefore, even facing two off-the-charts monsters, Number 9 remained very calm. Under the attacks of Shalltear and Cocytus, he used the Shadow Traverse skill to teleport instantly within a certain range. Although this skill of his only allowed instant movement within his line of sight and couldn't perform long-distance transfers like normal spatial teleportation.
Demiurge watched this scene from the side, thinking to himself, "What a troublesome ability. The spatial restriction zone has no effect on his ability? In that case, it really isn't simple spatial teleportation, but a skill related to shadows. But even knowing this, currently his skill..."
"...is no different from spatial teleportation, and is even more troublesome."
"!" The fierce light in Shalltear's eyes became even more vicious, even showing signs of turning hideous.
Both Cocytus and Demiurge could see that Shalltear's state was off. If it were the normal Shalltear, she shouldn't be this anxious. The opponent's ability was indeed strong, but it also had a fatal weakness; there was no need for such haste.
No matter how strong the ability, if the user's level isn't high enough, they are just a slightly more agile target. Once his stamina and mana were exhausted, their side wouldn't have suffered even a bit of loss.
Number 9 understood this logic himself.
Shalltear's anxiety was entirely because of herself.
However, because it didn't affect the battle and could also accelerate the opponent's consumption, neither Demiurge nor Cocytus offered a reminder. They also believed that even if Shalltear had lost her mind a bit now, she surely understood this logic.
"Although I've temporarily stabilized the situation, as expected, have I been seen through..." Number 9 watched the three outside from within the Shadow Space. Since the start of the battle, the two opposite him hadn't used any decent skills. He looked at Shalltear. "This Vampire clearly acts so impatient, yet she hasn't wasted mana pointlessly. Unlike her appearance, she's a fellow with a bit of intelligence. But the other two are even more difficult to deal with."
Because he could tell at a glance that Demiurge was a strategist-type character; the opponent's temperament was very similar to Number 1's, so he had sealed Demiurge from the very beginning. But that giant insect wasn't a simple character either. After learning of his ability, Cocytus had been using cold air to cover the shadows around him while moving. Once Number 9 tried to get close, he would be instantly killed by Cocytus.
And Shalltear, who seemed the easiest to break through, actually had the strongest strength and speed among these three monsters. Number 9 had several times wanted to use his trump card on Shalltear but held back, because he felt that if he dared to risk showing himself, he wouldn't be able to go back.
For a time, the battle remained in a stalemate.
However, unlike the three monsters opposite him, Number 9 was consuming mana every second. If this continued, he would definitely be worn down to death by the other side.
Furthermore, the entrances and exits were all blocked by walls of fire. Even if he wanted to escape, there was no way to break through those fire walls.
In the Throne Room.
Albedo had already found Number 10's shadow through monitoring records. This discovery made Ainz very angry and wary. The various miraculous abilities within the Goddess Cult were practically existences that broke the game system's balance.
Regarding what was currently happening.
"To think a mere member of the Goddess Cult could stall Shalltear and the others; this is truly astonishing. Could it be that the Goddess Cult now possesses the strength to threaten Nazarick?"
Ainz muttered to himself.
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