The Invaders of the Great Tomb of Nazarick

Lore & Background

The Great Tomb of Nazarick was designed as an impenetrable fortress by its creators, the Supreme Beings. However, once Momonga arrived in the New World, he discovered that human nations perceived him not just as a threat, but as a target to be eliminated before his power grew too great. The Baharuth Empire and Slane Theocracy, fearing the undead's influence, orchestrated a joint effort involving high-level adventurers and political assassins. This period revealed the fragility of human alliances when faced with magic far beyond their understanding. While Nazarick remained physically secure behind its layered defenses, the psychological warfare waged by Ainz against these invaders was more devastating than any physical attack. The arc underscores the central theme that in this new world, knowledge is power, and ignorance leads to destruction.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the First Floor was still, heavy with the scent of ancient stone and dormant magic. Shadows lengthened as a lone figure crept past the guardians' patrol route, breath held tight against the silence. They thought they were unseen. They thought the tomb was empty. Then, a single bone clicked against the floor. From the darkness above, eyes glowed with violet fire. 'You have trespassed,' a voice echoed, not angry, but disappointed. The intruder froze as gravity itself seemed to turn against them. There was no trial, no warning. Only the cold certainty of judgment from a god who had already won.

Reader's Guide

The arc begins with rising tensions between the Sorcerer Kingdom and neighboring powers. Ainz decides to personally visit the Baharuth Empire to negotiate, revealing his true identity as a powerful sorcerer rather than a mere undead king. During this journey, it is revealed that the Empire and Theocracy have been planning covert operations to infiltrate Nazarick or assassinate its ruler. Key turning points include Ainz's confrontation with Fluder Paradyne and Jircniv, where he demonstrates overwhelming magical superiority without needing to kill. The climax involves the exposure of these conspiracies, leading to the submission of the Empire. The invaders' plans are dismantled not by battle, but by political dominance and fear. This arc concludes with Ainz establishing the Sorcerer Kingdom as an unassailable power.

Did You Know?

• The defenses of Nazarick were originally designed for a game, making them overpowered against New World adventurers.
• Ainz often uses his disguise 'Momonga' to maintain secrecy during early diplomatic meetings.
• The Slane Theocracy possesses the highest concentration of high-level magic casters in the human nations.