Birth Of D.K

For the first time in years, Ainz felt something close to peace. The town was nothing like the jungle where he had spent most of his life. Here, people lived without fear of monsters lurking behind every corner. They worked, laughed, and argued, unaware of the constant struggle for survival Ainz had endured.

After spending so many years in solitude, adapting to town life wasn't easy. He was used to the silence of the forest, the sound of his own breath, and the presence of nothing but beasts and the wind. But now, everywhere he turned, there were people—merchants haggling, blacksmiths hammering metal, children running in the streets. It was overwhelming at first.

But slowly, he learned.

Settling into Life as an Alchemist

Ainz had taken up work as an alchemist's assistant, something that had started as a casual decision but soon became part of his daily life. The alchemist he worked under, Master Edwin, was an older man with a sharp tongue but a wealth of knowledge.

"Boy, if you're going to crush the herbs, do it properly! You're not pounding meat in a butcher shop!" Edwin scolded.

Ainz sighed and adjusted his grip on the mortar and pestle. Alchemy required precision, something he was still learning.

"You're getting better," Edwin admitted with a grunt. "Though I have no idea why a young man like you is wasting his time here instead of swinging a sword."

Ainz didn't answer. He liked the quiet work of alchemy. It was different from battle—no blood, no death, just the careful balance of ingredients. And it let him blend in.

He knew that if people discovered his true abilities, his peaceful days would be over.

Newfound Companions

Over time, Ainz found himself forming unexpected friendships.

Garrick, the blacksmith, was a gruff but kind-hearted man. He had lost two fingers in a forging accident but still worked harder than anyone.

Lena, a potion merchant, had a loud voice and an even louder personality. She was the kind of person who could sell a bucket of water during a rainstorm.

Royce, a retired adventurer, had seen it all. He walked with a limp from an old battle wound and spent most of his days drinking and telling stories.

At first, Ainz kept his distance. He had never known what it was like to have friends. He had been alone for so long that the idea of casually talking to people felt… strange.

But they didn't let him stay distant for long.

Nights at the Tavern

Every evening, after work, Ainz found himself at The Rusty Mug, the busiest tavern in town. He hadn't planned on making this a routine, but his new friends—especially Lena—refused to let him disappear after work.

"You work all day like an old man, Ainz. At least enjoy yourself in the evening!" Lena would say, grabbing his arm before he could protest.

The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by the smell of roasted meat, the clinking of mugs, and the lively chatter of adventurers boasting about their latest hunts.

Tonight, the place was packed.

A group of young adventurers sat in one corner, arguing over who had landed the finishing blow on a dungeon boss.

A traveling merchant was trying to convince a drunk noble that his potions were "absolutely not a scam."

An older adventurer, missing an eye, laughed loudly as he slammed his mug on the table, spilling ale everywhere.

Garrick, the blacksmith, led them to their usual table, already waving at the barmaid. "Three ales, and a juice for Ainz. The kid doesn't drink."

"I can drink," Ainz muttered, but Lena smirked.

"You took one sip last time and made a face like you swallowed poison. Just stick to your juice, boy."

Ainz sighed as Royce chuckled.

The drinks arrived, and soon, the usual banter began.

The Usual Chaos

Lena leaned forward, grinning. "Alright, Ainz, tell us—have you ever been in love?"

Ainz nearly choked on his drink. "What?"

Royce smirked, taking a swig of ale. "Lena, don't scare the poor kid."

"I'm not a kid," Ainz muttered.

"Then answer the question!" Lena pressed.

Ainz hesitated, then shook his head. "No."

Lena gasped dramatically. "You've lived this long without romance? That's tragic!"

"Some of us have more important things to do," Ainz replied dryly.

Garrick chuckled. "Lena just wants gossip. She's hopeless."

"Gossip makes the world go round!" she declared, taking a big sip of ale.

Royce leaned back in his chair. "Alright, if we're talking about relationships—Garrick, didn't you have a thing for that innkeeper's daughter?"

Garrick groaned. "Don't remind me. She ran off with an adventurer last year."

Lena burst out laughing. "And you still go to that inn! That's dedication."

"The food's good," Garrick grumbled.

The table shook with laughter as Royce clapped him on the back.

Tavern Games and Bets

As the night went on, the tavern grew rowdier. Someone started a knife-throwing contest, and a group of adventurers began arm-wrestling for coins.

"Ainz, you should try," Lena nudged him, pointing at the arm-wrestling table.

Ainz shook his head. "No thanks."

Royce raised an eyebrow. "Afraid you'll lose?"

"I just don't see the point," Ainz replied.

Garrick smirked. "You're a strange one, kid. Most people in this town jump at the chance to show off their strength."

Ainz simply sipped his juice. He had nothing to prove.

A Drunken Bet

Later, as the tavern got louder, a drunk adventurer stumbled toward their table.

"You lot! You think you're tough?" the man slurred. "Bet none of you can beat me in a duel!"

Royce sighed. "We're just drinking, friend. Go find someone else."

"Scared?" the adventurer taunted.

Ainz barely glanced at him, but Lena grinned mischievously. "Oh, Ainz could beat you in one move."

The table fell silent.

Ainz turned to her. "Lena."

She shrugged. "What? It's true!"

The drunk adventurer sneered. "This scrawny kid? Hah! Alright, I'll bet five gold he can't even last a minute against me!"

The whole tavern turned to watch.

"Well, Ainz?" Royce smirked. "You want five gold?"

Ainz sighed. "I don't need it."

Lena groaned. "You're so boring!"

The adventurer laughed. "That's what I thought. Just a coward."

Ainz ignored him, sipping his juice. The man eventually wandered off, grumbling.

Lena shook her head. "You're really not interested in fighting, huh?"

"Not unless I have to."

Royce watched him carefully. "You're an odd one, Ainz. Most young men want to prove themselves."

Ainz shrugged. He had already proven himself—just not in front of them.

Closing the Night

Eventually, the night wound down. The tavern emptied as people stumbled home.

Garrick stretched. "Alright, I'm heading back. Blacksmithing starts early."

"Same here," Royce said.

Lena yawned. "I'll walk back with you, Ainz."

As they stepped outside, the cool night air hit them. The stars shone brightly above the quiet town.

Lena glanced at him. "You know, I like having you around. You're weird, but it's nice."

Ainz raised an eyebrow. "Weird?"

"Yeah. You're strong, but you don't act like it. It's… different."

Ainz didn't reply. He wasn't sure how to respond.

Lena grinned. "Well, see you tomorrow! Don't be late to work, or Edwin will kill you."

Ainz watched as she walked off.

He exhaled, looking up at the sky.

For the first time in years, his nights weren't filled with blood and survival.

Maybe this peaceful life… wasn't so bad.