Before long, Albedo returned with Clementine.
"Your subordinate Albedo greets the Supreme Ones."
Albedo bowed respectfully. Clementine, standing beside her and looking slightly tense, hurriedly followed suit.
"At ease."
Momonga waved a skeletal hand, feeling a bit helpless inside. To be honest, he wasn't fond of such formalities, but the Guardians were designed this way. There was little he could do about it.
"You came quickly, Albedo."
"The will of the Supreme Ones is our highest priority."
Albedo raised her head, her eyes filled with devotion as she gazed at Momonga.
"Ahem… Let's begin explaining the plan."
Momonga subtly turned his head to avoid her passionate stare. Even after all this time, he still hadn't quite grown used to it, especially with so many others watching.
He glanced at Naohara, signaling for him to take over.
"Clem, you recognize these people, don't you?"
Naohara gestured toward the fallen members of the Black Scripture sprawled across the ground.
"Yes. I used to be one of them."
Clementine hadn't noticed at first, but once she looked carefully, she froze for a moment. Then a mocking smile spread across her face.
She didn't know what had happened, but seeing the Black Scripture reduced to such a state pleased her greatly. Especially when she spotted her perfect older brother among them.
"I have a task for you. It may be somewhat dangerous."
"At Naohara-sama's command, I will give it my all."
Clementine knelt on one knee respectfully.
Strictly speaking, she didn't need to be this formal, but with so many Guardians watching, she had no choice.
She understood Nazarick's atmosphere very well. Everyone here worshiped Naohara and the others. If she behaved as casually as she normally did, she might one day end up battered and officially declared a suicide case.
Clementine was not foolish. In a setting like this, appearances mattered.
As expected, seeing her attitude, several Guardians nodded subtly. The sense of distance they had felt toward her diminished slightly.
Anyone who served the Supreme Ones was considered one of their own.
"Good."
On the surface, Naohara calmly began outlining the plan. At the same time, he activated [Message] privately.
[Message]
"If you don't want to go, that's fine."
Sending Clementine to the Slane Theocracy was simply because she had been born and raised there. She was familiar with its inner workings, which would make the plan more effective.
If she truly didn't wish to go, he wouldn't force her.
Clementine did not respond verbally. Instead, she shook her head firmly.
Seeing this, Naohara said nothing further. Her resolve was clear.
The plan itself was simple.
Clementine would conceal her identity and infiltrate the Slane Theocracy. Once inside, she would search for an opportunity to steal their True Divine-class Items.
"Naohara-sama, I'm afraid I won't be able to get close to the True Divine-class Items."
After hearing the plan, Clementine hesitated before speaking.
As a former member of the Black Scripture, she knew very well that even if she rejoined the Slane Theocracy under a false identity, someone who joined midway would never be allowed anywhere near a True Divine-class Item.
"I know. That's why we've arranged a partner for you. He'll be the main operative. You'll support him."
Naohara smiled and gestured to the side.
The Captain of the Black Scripture, one of the Theocracy's three awakened God-kin, was clearly in distress. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and traces of struggle flickered across his face.
A small golden staff floated in midair, glowing faintly. At its center, an eyeball slowly rotated.
The World-Class Item [Millennium Rod].
It possessed absolute rewriting power. Anyone struck by it would have their subconscious altered, becoming utterly loyal to the wielder. Even a World Boss could have its judgment briefly influenced.
Passive ability: Nearby lifeforms' favorability toward the holder increases.
Invisible waves linked to the Captain of the Black Scripture's mind, steadily rewriting his perception. Momonga and Herohero stood nearby, watching closely.
After a few seconds, the glow faded. The struggle vanished from his face, replaced by calm.
He slowly opened his eyes and rose, looking around in confusion.
The moment he saw Momonga, Herohero, and Naohara, joy filled his expression.
"Momonga-sama, Herohero-sama, Naohara-sama. Your servant, Captain of the Black Scripture, is willing to brave fire and water for you without hesitation."
He knelt respectfully, fervor burning in his eyes.
Clementine swallowed.
She knew his personality better than most. The Captain of the Black Scripture would never have acted like this.
And yet, the devotion radiating from him now was no different from Nazarick's most fanatical worshippers.
"Well? Not a bad helper, right?"
Naohara took the [Millennium Rod] from Momonga's hand, now on cooldown, and laughed as he clapped the Captain of the Black Scripture on the shoulder.
Momonga and Herohero were smiling as well, even if their expressions made it hard to tell.
"The most important piece of the plan is in place."
Herohero stepped in front of Clementine, trying his best to sound friendly.
"The mask I gave you earlier will make this mission much easier."
The item he had previously given her could alter her appearance and interfere with detection magic, perfect for infiltration.
"Be careful. If things turn dangerous, withdraw immediately."
Naohara handed her a crystal.
It was a teleportation crystal capable of long-distance transport, with its destination fixed at the outskirts of Nazarick. Even if the plan failed, she would be able to escape safely from the Slane Theocracy.
"Understood."
Clementine took a deep breath, suppressing the swirl of emotions inside her. The Captain of the Black Scripture's transformation left her with complicated feelings. Nazarick's power had once again shattered her understanding of what was possible.
"Captain of the Black Scripture, cooperate with Clementine and do not expose yourselves."
"Yes. I will secure the True Divine-class Items for the Supreme Ones."
After reviewing the key points one final time, Clementine and the Captain of the Black Scripture left the forest, heading toward the Slane Theocracy.
Once their figures disappeared from sight, Naohara and the others turned their attention to the remaining Black Scripture members lying on the ground.
"These ones aren't useful anymore. I'll send them to Kyouhukou."
Momonga spoke casually. He still remembered Kyouhukou's earlier complaints and intended to help him out.
"They're useless, yes. But leave that one."
Naohara pointed at a blond figure on the ground. It was Clementine's brother.
"Oh right. I promised the Torturer I'd send a few people over to keep things interesting."
Naohara clapped his hands, suddenly remembering his promise. As a dragon who valued his word, he couldn't go back on it.
"But if we only give them to Kyouhukou and the Torturer, wouldn't that be unfair to Gashokukochuuou and Inshokushinshiou?"
Momonga frowned slightly. He treated Nazarick's NPCs equally and didn't like showing favoritism.
Inshokushinshiou = Tentacle Gentleman - Worst Ero
"Why overthink it? Rotate them. Seven days a week, one per day. The extra two days can count as holidays."
Herohero interjected casually.
Momonga and Naohara both fell silent, staring at him.
"…Are you a demon?"
Naohara sighed, speechless.
Then again, Herohero wasn't human anymore, so perhaps that explained it.