The throne room of the Eternal Dominion was bathed in the soft, ever-present glow of mana-infused crystals lining its towering pillars. Velkharion sat upon the Frostfire Throne, his gaze steady as his generals awaited their orders. The stillness of the room was interrupted when a herald stepped forward.
"Attention, Your Majesty. The scouting division has returned with their report."
Velkharion straightened slightly, his interest piqued. From the far end of the chamber, Miryss, the Veil Dancer, stepped forward, her movement silent and precise. As the leader of the Scouting Division, her task was simple—observe, infiltrate, and report.
"My lord," Miryss said, kneeling briefly before speaking, "our aerial units have discovered a coastal city approximately one hundred kilometers east of our current location. The settlement is structured around a large harbor, suggesting it is a central hub for trade and transportation. Initial observations indicate the presence of defensive fortifications, though their effectiveness remains uncertain."
Velkharion's fiery eyes gleamed with intrigue. "A coastal city, you say?" His fingers tapped against the throne's armrest, his mind quickly processing the implications.
"It is sizable," Miryss continued. "Civilization thrives there. Unlike scattered villages, this location appears to be a political and economic focal point of the region."
Velkharion leaned forward slightly, exhaling softly. "Interesting."
A thought formed quickly in his mind—he needed more than just scout reports. He needed direct surveillance of the area, a way to see for himself what this city looked like.
Reaching toward the console beside the throne, Velkharion activated the Scrying Mirror, an enchanted device similar to the one Ainz Ooal Gown had used during his early scouting efforts in Overlord. The polished surface flickered as magic coursed through its runes, reacting to his mana-infused command.
The image that formed revealed E-Naeul, its streets bustling with merchants, townsfolk, and patrolling soldiers. Ships lined its ports, their sails billowing under the salty wind. Buildings constructed with sturdy stone and wood lined the waterfront, the city's defenses evident in the battlements that stood watch over the harbor.
Velkharion studied the scene intently, taking note of the city's layout, military presence, and the general atmosphere among its people.
This is no simple village, he thought. This is an established trade city, a place of political influence. If I am to operate here, I must do so with caution.
Unlike other possible settlements, E-Naeul was a structured city, likely with governing bodies, noble families, and an established hierarchy that wouldn't take kindly to unknown forces suddenly appearing on their doorstep. Velkharion considered his options carefully.
Simply descending upon the city in the full might of the Eternal Dominion would likely cause unnecessary panic and instability. If he wished to uncover the truth of this new world—its ruling powers, its magic, and its perception of foreign entities—then direct contact had to be handled delicately.
Then an idea formed. A strategy inspired by one of the great tacticians of the past—Ainz Ooal Gown.
Velkharion smirked. "I will enter as an adventurer."
Standing from his throne, Velkharion let his fiery aura pulse slightly, commanding the attention of his generals. His voice carried measured authority, resonating through the chamber.
"Our next move will be one of observation, not conquest," he declared. "The Scouting Division will remain on high alert, continuing their reconnaissance of the nearby region. No engagement is to occur unless threatened."
Miryss bowed. "Understood, my lord."
"Kroxar, fortifications around the Eternal Dominion are to be doubled," Velkharion continued. "All perimeter guards will remain in a defensive stance. The floating fortress is to remain sealed from external interference unless I command otherwise."
The Umbra Vanguard nodded solemnly.
"Zelefar, I want an analysis of this world's magic systems. I have already noticed subtle differences in how mana flows compared to Yggdrasil. Investigate this anomaly thoroughly."
The Rune Weaver's golden-flecked eyes flickered with intrigue. "As you command, my lord."
"Finally," Velkharion turned his gaze toward Isaril. "The generals will oversee the Dominion's continued operations while I personally infiltrate E-Naeul. My mission will be simple—to observe, to gather intelligence, and to learn about the world that now surrounds us."
Isaril remained kneeling, her unwavering loyalty written in every motion. "Your presence alone will reshape destiny, my lord."
Velkharion let a smirk grace his lips. "Perhaps. But first, I must walk among them—not as a ruler, but as an unknown force."
With his strategy set, Velkharion turned his focus toward preparations for his disguise. His vast treasury held countless artifacts, armors, and enchantments—he would craft his appearance to blend seamlessly into the adventurer culture of this world.
While the Eternal Dominion would remain hidden above the ocean, Velkharion himself would descend upon E-Naeul as an adventurer, a wandering force unknown to all.
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