Night – Safe House
Arsh finished discussing strategy with Sora and Noar. As he stepped out of the room, the hallway lights cast a soft golden glow across the floor. He noticed Rose fast asleep on the couch, her breathing gentle and slow, her hair slightly messy from exhaustion. A soft smile appeared on his face.
He walked over, gently lifted her in his arms with practiced ease, and carried her to the room. The moment was quiet and delicate, as if the entire house had fallen into a peaceful slumber. After laying her down on the bed, he knelt beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"My bird who thinks she's in a cage," he whispered with a faint smile, his voice full of warmth and hidden pain. "I promise... I'll clear the skies of hunters, so no one ever tries to harm you again."
He quietly stood up, glanced at her once more with affection in his eyes, then closed the door gently behind him.
Morning – Safe House
The sharp ring of an alarm clock pierced the early silence like a bell tolling at dawn. Rose groaned, blindly hitting the snooze button. She turned over, burying her face into the pillow. Just then, Arsh knocked at her door.
"Hey, sis. Wake up. Breakfast is ready. We need to head out to the festival soon."
"Coming... just give me a few minutes," she mumbled, still half-asleep.
The scent of freshly made food wafted through the house, carrying the warmth of a quiet morning.
Later in the dining room, everyone was seated—Sora, Noar, and Ainz were about to start eating when Rose walked in, rubbing her eyes. Arsh emerged from the kitchen, carrying plates with elegant precision.
"Good morning," Rose said softly, taking her seat.
"Good morning," Arsh replied with a warm smile. They began eating a hearty breakfast that included fruit, toast, eggs, and fresh juice.
The clinking of forks and quiet murmurs filled the air.
"According to today's schedule and Sora's latest report," Arsh began, setting his fork down, "I'm assigning everyone their roles for the day."
A slight tension filled the air. The table quieted.
"I have a packed schedule," Arsh continued. "First, I have an inspection round with the student council, then I'm presenting with the Star Club, and I also have several online meetings... thanks to someone escaping her castle."
He gave Rose a pointed look, and she pouted, dramatically chewing her toast.
"And Ainz has to represent his club. So, Rose, you'll stay here until Ainz is done."
"What?!" she exclaimed. "What am I supposed to do here? This place is boring!"
"Relax," Arsh chuckled. "You're not on duty. Just play, eat, or sleep. It's only for a few hours."
She sighed, crossing her arms. "Fine... continue."
"Sora, stay with Rose at home. But in college, be her shadow—keep her safe, but stay low profile. Noar, same as usual: patrol the streets, eliminate demon threats, and report anything unusual."
Both nodded seriously. "Yes, sir."
"Ainz, you're on escort duty of Rose once your presentation's over."
"Me?" Ainz groaned. "Why me? Sora's a thousand times stronger."
"Exactly," Arsh said. "First Rose is not a student. If she's seen wandering around alone, she'll draw attention. And if Sora gets into a human fight, well... she might kill someone."
Ainz sighed in frustration. "Alright, Fine, I just have to walk around with her."
"Good. I'll share the full briefing later. For now—enjoy your day."
Student Council Office – College
Arsh walked in with a short stack of documents. The air inside was full of activity and excitement. Members were busy decorating—some hanging a "Welcome" banner, others painting floor textures with colorful patterns. Bright streamers floated in the air, colorful posters being pinned with care.
Upon seeing him, everyone greeted in unison, "Good morning, Vice President."
Arsh nodded with a slight smile and walked into the President's office.
"Good morning, Eran," he said, placing the papers on the desk. He handed Eran a file. "Here are the achievements submitted by every club. I've also summarized everything—you don't need to review it. I've already memorized it."
Eran blinked in disbelief. "Arsh, do you realize you're running the entire council? Since you joined, I've basically become a signature machine. I haven't had this much free time in years. And you claim you're just a normal student."
Arsh smiled modestly. "I'm just efficient, sir. I learned everything from you. I'm lucky to have such a great teacher."
Eran adjusted his glasses, letting out a deep sigh. "Alright. Have you finalized the inspection team?"
"Yes. Just us two."
"What? Just us?"
"Too many people just slow things down. Besides, you're the only one making decisions."
"Hmm. Still, we should take someone. How about Liz?"
Arsh nodded. "Perfect. She's capable, smart, and helped a lot in the preparations."
Club Inspection Begins
Their first stop was the Tech Club.
"We're starting with the Tech Club?" Eran asked.
"Yes. They contributed heavily to our Entrance ceremony's drone presentations."
Inside the tent, glowing blue lights and sleek machinery greeted them. The Club President eagerly showcased various experiments and devices, ranging from robotic arms to sensory drones. A small hover-bot flew past, blinking in response to Arsh's presence.
Eran nodded, impressed, and recorded the score.
Next: the Painting Club. Classical music played softly in the background. Award-winning art lined the walls like a miniature gallery. The Club President explained each painting with artistic passion. One painting depicted the city during the Great Demon War—vivid reds, deep shadows, and hope peeking through and their best painting is "the Arsh".
Then came the Architecture Club. Elaborate building models were displayed alongside a large screen projecting virtual reality walkthroughs of complex structures. They even had a simulated earthquake model that left Eran slightly dizzy.
After that: the Comic Arts Club. Their room featured best-selling comics, with posters, character figurines, and a short animated trailer of a popular story that played on loop. One panel made Arsh chuckle—it was based on a parody of himself.
Finally: the Business Management Club. The room was sleek and professional, lit by spotlights. Digital advertisement screens lined the walls. The president entered in a designer suit, offering branded cold coffee.
"This isn't a bribe," he said with a confident grin. "Just a display of our financial strength."
He presented trophies, investment portfolios, and signed contracts. Eran jotted down the scores, mildly impressed.
"Man," Eran sighed, stepping out, "they even installed air conditioning for us."
Arsh chuckled. "Well, they certainly understand presentation."
Their next inspection was Luna's Author Club.
The room was cluttered. Books were stacked haphazardly. Only three trophies sat in the case. Luna stepped forward, looking nervous but determined.
She spotted Arsh and smiled.
"Hello. I'm the club president. I know the place is a mess, but please bear with us. We have few members, but each one is incredibly talented. These trophies may be few, but we earned them with heart and soul. Our stories aren't just tales—they're emotions, crafted word by word."
Liz flipped through a book. "Can you explain this in a few words?"
Luna hesitated, then smiled. "I could summarize it, but to explain it? No. These stories are feelings. And feelings don't fit into a few words."
Eran nodded, scribbled the score, and they exited.
Outside, Arsh slowed to catch up with Luna.
"You did great. Your speech was from the heart. It showed."
Luna blushed. "Thanks. I was nervous."
Arsh got out.
Eran smirked. "So... is she your girlfriend?"
Arsh laughed softly. "No, sir. Just a friend."
Suddenly – OSAI Alert
Warning: Demon Beast approaching the college at high speed.
Arsh's eyes narrowed. "Where's Noar?"
Chasing the target. But he's not fast enough.
A thunderous crash echoed—the beast had broken through the college wall. Noar engaged immediately but struggled. Ainz, Rose, and Sora received the alert.
Ainz rushed from his club room but paused as Arsh's voice echoed in his earpiece.
"Don't even try. Too many witnesses. We can't expose ourselves."
"But students could get hurt!" Ainz clenched his fists.
Arsh led Eran into the council office and opened a window, eyes scanning the chaos.
Earlier – Safe House
Rose and Sora were lounging in the media room, trying out VR games.
"Ugh, these games are too easy," Rose yawned.
"Want to watch a movie instead?" Sora offered.
As they scrolled through options, OSAI's alert interrupted.
Rose straightened up. "This sounds way more fun. OSAI, show us the live feed."
Drones activated. TV stations and news reporters began flooding the scene.
A call came in.
"Sora," Arsh's voice came through, calm but commanding. "Assist Noar. Handle the aftermath discreetly."
"Understood," she replied, expression shifting. "Time to work."
Battle – College Grounds
Noar faced the Demon Beast—a towering bear-like creature with crimson eyes and jagged fur. He charged but was slashed and thrown back. He braced to awaken his rage form.
Suddenly, the beast was knocked off course. Sora had arrived.
"What are you doing?" she snapped. "You nearly got yourself killed."
The crowd screamed. The beast lunged at her, but before it could strike, Noar severed its arm.
"We're even now," he muttered.
"I didn't ask for your help."
"Did I ask for yours?"
The beast howled. Its wound began regenerating. It charged again, but this time, Sora and Noar were ready. They moved in perfect sync.
Sora slid beneath it, her twin blades flashing. She sliced tendons in its legs, making it stumble.
The beast dropped to one knee, roaring in pain. Noar leapt high, his blade gleaming in the sunlight, and with one swift motion—severed the beast's head.
A moment of silence.
Then cheers erupted. Cameras flashed.
Sora stood atop the corpse. "Don't thank us. Thank Arsh. Your king hasn't abandoned you."
The crowd chanted. Arsh! Arsh! Arsh!
Sora and Noar vanished into the shadows, leaving only awe behind.
The legend of Arsh grew even louder across the city.