Reincarnated as Itsuka Shido: Collecting Spirits as Lovers

Usually, Demiurge would have used his ability to force people to prostrate themselves before their master, but today he refrained, knowing it would be useless.

"I wonder, how should I address you?" Ainz said, his hollow eyes staring thoughtfully at Shido as he observed every detail, his posture, movements, and the faint fluctuations of magic around him.

Life Essence.

Ainz activated the ability, intending to view Shido's health value. His eyes widened beneath the darkness of his skull as he saw the near-infinite vitality pulsing within Shido's body. In addition to that, Ainz sensed a strange energy around him, something entirely different from mana, swirling protectively around Shido like an unseen shield.

However, after the initial shock, Ainz quickly calmed himself. He was no longer surprised, having already realized how monstrous this man standing before them truly was.

'What is this monster?'

If Shido knew what Ainz was thinking, he would have rolled his eyes and muttered, 'Who's the monster between us?'

Ainz continued to examine the power radiating from Shido before shifting his focus to the man's appearance, and he had to admit, Shido was truly handsome, to the point that even Ainz found himself forming a positive impression of him.

His long silver hair cascaded down to his waist like a river flowing through the galaxy. His sharp, crimson eyes were both enchanting and dangerous, drawing in those who dared meet his gaze as if they were being dragged into the abyss. Shido was clad in a striking combination of white and black armor, while the divine ring had returned to its place behind him, giving his appearance an ethereal feeling.

"My name?"

"Yes."

"My name is Itsuka Shido."

Shido replied naturally, his tone calm and composed, but his nonchalant manner, and his lack of visible respect toward her master, immediately made Albedo furious.

"Impudent! How dare you respond to Ainz-sama so rudely?!"

"Stop it, Albedo."

Ainz raised his hand, his deep voice echoing through the throne room as he called out to her. Though Albedo was reluctant, she obediently took a step back, forcing herself to calm down as she followed Ainz's command.

"…Yes."

After making Albedo back down, Ainz turned his focus back to Shido, and his thoughts caught on the name the man had given.

"Japanese?"

"Oh?" Shido raised an eyebrow, letting out a relieved sigh as if a weight had lifted from his shoulders. "So there really is another player here." He allowed a faint, relieved smile to appear, acting as though he was genuinely glad to have met a fellow player in this strange world. In truth, Shido decided it would be best to pretend ignorance about this world, planning to grow closer to the members of Nazarick to complete his quest.

"So you really are a player, huh?"

Ainz, for his part, was genuinely surprised by this revelation, and relieved. To meet another player, a Japanese one at that, and one who even appeared to be using a non-human character, was something he had never expected.

Why did Ainz care about Shido's race? Because in YGGDRASIL, there were two major factions: human and non-human characters. It was common in the game for guilds aligned with either side to wage war against each other.

They were like water and fire, fundamentally unable to get along.

So, seeing that Shido was also using a non-human character, Ainz felt a faint sense of hope that they might become allies, or even friends.

"Yes, I actually just arrived in this world a few hours ago," Shido replied casually. "But before I could even explore world, I was attacked by some monster tree I didn't recognize from the game."

"I see." Ainz nodded thoughtfully, recalling what Shalltear and Aura had reported, how Shido had fought a tree monster over a hundred meters tall and still managed to erase it from existence. Ainz couldn't help but marvel inwardly at just how powerful Shido must be.

"By the way, what is your race? I've never heard of anything quite like you before."

"Well, I'm a spirit." Shido shrugged his shoulders as he answered truthfully, maintaining a relaxed demeanor.

"A spirit, huh?" Ainz fell silent for a moment, thinking. He recalled the spirit race in YGGDRASIL and found some similarities between those beings and Shido, though there was something about Shido that felt distinctly different.

...

"I heard from Shalltear and Aura that you're very strong, but why have I never heard of you before?" Ainz asked, his tone genuinely curious.

"Ah, that's because I never joined any guild back then," Shido replied with a casual shrug. "I only played for fun, focusing on normal quests and hidden quests rather than joining guild and boss raids."

"...I see."

As they continued to talk, the conversation gradually grew warmer, causing the Floor Guardians and the Pleiades to exchange surprised glances. Their Supreme Being, who was often distant and imposing, seemed to genuinely enjoy speaking with this mysterious man.

However, considering Shido's calm demeanor and his undeniably likable presence, they found it natural that even Ainz would feel at ease around him. Even Demiurge, who stood quietly at the side, found himself at a slight loss watching Ainz and Shido converse as if they were equals which he found a bit difficult to accept.

Shido, a player without a guild or reputation in YGGDRASIL, had suddenly found himself transported to this world. Not long after his arrival, a monstrous tree had attacked him, intending to devour him.

However, Shido's strength had far surpassed the creature's, and he eliminated the tree monster, albeit by using an excessive amount of energy that left him unconscious.

It was in that state that Shalltear and Aura had found him and brought him back to Nazarick, leading to the situation he was in now.

That was the story Shido planned to follow.

With that narrative in place, it would be far easier for him to complete his quest.

During their conversation, Shido took the opportunity to ask Ainz about this world, feigning ignorance to gather as much information as possible. At first, Ainz was hesitant, wary of the possibility that Shido might become an enemy. However, as their conversation continued, Ainz gradually relaxed, feeling that Shido was not someone who would easily turn against him, and he began sharing the information he had gathered about this world since his arrival.

"What will you do after this?"

Ainz's sudden question made Shido pause for a moment. He rubbed his chin, pretending to think deeply about his answer, but from the corner of his eye, he noticed Shalltear blushing and fidgeting, rubbing her legs together restlessly.

Seeing this, Shido's lips twitched at how obvious she was being.

'Are you really in heat right now?' 2x

Both Shido and Albedo thought the exact same thing at that moment, though for different reasons. Albedo, who also noticed Shalltear's odd behavior and the faintly lewd scent in the air, felt her eyebrow twitch in irritation. Even though she was a virgin, Albedo could immediately tell that Shalltear was definitely in horny state.

With a quiet sigh, Albedo shook her head, deciding it was best to ignore the perverted vampire beside her. She looked ahead, and happened to lock eyes with Shido for a brief moment.

In that instant, she found herself captivated by his swirling crimson pupils, a blush creeping onto her cheeks before she could stop it.

'Albedo, don't have those kinds of thoughts! Ainz-sama is the only one for you!'

Albedo shook her head again, trying to push away the intrusive thoughts clouding her mind. Fortunately, the others didn't notice her strange behavior, their attention fully focused on Shido.

"Actually, I'm also at a loss about what to do right now." Shido said, breaking the silence.

"Then why don't you join Nazarick and become my subordinate?" Ainz proposed suddenly, his deep voice echoing through the throne room.

The Floor Guardians and the Pleiades let out quiet exclamations of surprise at the unexpected offer. Only Shalltear and Aura looked genuinely happy, their eyes brightening at the thought of Shido joining them, imagining the many chances they would have to be with him.

"I will also treat you as an equal," Ainz continued, "and I will not force you to do anything that goes against your will."

"…"

"Ainz-sama, but that's dangerous—" Demiurge interjected, stepping forward as he tried to caution Ainz, concern evident in his voice.

"Stop it, Demiurge." Ainz raised his hand, cutting off Demiurge's words immediately.

"I know you're worried, but I trust that he will bring Nazarick the greatest merit we could hope for."

"…Understood. Please forgive my rude behavior." Demiurge dropped to one knee, lowering his head in a respectful bow.

"Mm, I'm glad you understand." Ainz nodded, satisfied with Demiurge's quick comprehension.

Demiurge bowed once more before rising and silently returning to his position among the Floor Guardians.

Meanwhile, Shido watched this exchange with mild amusement, thinking that Ainz really seemed to enjoy roleplaying with his subordinates.

"So, what do you think of my proposal?"

Ainz opened his arms in an inviting gesture, waiting patiently for Shido's answer.

Shido paused, pretending to think it over for a moment before responding.

"All right, I agree."