It feels like Nazarick is far in the boonies. I guess there are some places on earth you woudn't believe you're in 2015.As for Shalltear and the world item: plan things so that sacrificial adventurers activate that thing.
It seems Ains was right to progress slowly, with care and undercover. It might be his high level is great, but he'll still need to use all of his potential soon.