Текст книги "Overlord - The Lizardmen Heroes"

Автор книги: Maruyama Kugane

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Текущая страница: 12 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

“Yes! There will be no problems at all. We have already accumulated a relatively adequate amount.”

“I see… then, what is the name of the wild beast?”

“Wild beast? … Ha! About the kind of creature that Ainz-sama is referring to…”

Demiurge deliberated for a brief moment, then continued with his reply.

“They are two-legged sheep from the Theocracy. How would you feel about naming them Bellion sheep?”

Demiurge’s elated tone caused some confusion in Cocytus. Basically, Demiurge was a good-tempered, even gentle, person. However, he was only like this to his comrades who were likewise created by Supreme Beings. To others, he was an extremely cruel person.

Under his superficial display of good mood, it was possible to have a brief glimpse of his cruel personality. Although Demiurge’s deep malice was directed towards the wild beasts which were the topic of discussion earlier, would he use such an attitude to talk about beings which lacked sentience?

Judging on the basis of Demiurge’s personality, something felt out of place. However, the current situation rendered it inappropriate to raise this issue with him.

“So that’s what it is… sheep.”

Ainz’ words carried a slightly pleased intonation, causing Demiurge and Albedo to break into smiles.

“Although I would prefer to call them mountain goats… but that name is also satisfactory. Well then, please continue to graft those sheep for their skin… will excessive capturing have an impact on the ecosystem?”

“There should not be. Furthermore, with just the use of healing magic, we are able to immediately repeat the grafting process. That is why as long as the supply required to be produced is not large, it will not be necessary to carry out a large scale capture. All of this is the result of our outstanding tormentor’s hard work.”

“Eh? If healing magic is used, won’t the part that was cut off disappear?”

“About this issue… there is one thing that we now understand through our healing experiments. If, before we apply healing magic, we merely allow that part to undergo a significant change in shape – for example mincing the flesh – then that fleshy body will effectively be preserved. That means to say, if magic is cast after the skin has been removed, healing magic will effectively recognise it as a foreign entity, therefore it will not disappear even when healing magic is applied. This is also the reason why they would not die starve even if they ate the meat. In addition, although this may count as outside the topic, if one aspect of healing magic is rejected by another aspect of healing magic, sometimes it is as if it cannot operate smoothly and results in a scar. Likewise, the lower the rank, the more likely it is that scars will form due to time lapse.”

“So that’s how it is… magic is powerful… very well, continue with your progress.”

“As you command. Henceforth I will proceed with conducting trials according to age and gender. With time, I feel that I will know whether or not a certain species of a certain age’s skin is the most suitable.

“Regarding this… hand the responsibility of this part over to the Chief Librarian. Victim is next.”

“snaem ti kniht uoy tahw snaem ti kniht ton od I .drow taht gnisu peek uoY.” [Yes, Ainz-sama]

“There is only one reason for summoning you here. If an inconceivable event were to occur, your special skill will be required for the protection of me and the other Guardians… sorry about that. I promise that I will immediately assist with your reincarnation, my apologies in advance.”

“siht naht reggib semit eerht …tsael ta eb ot sah gnidliub ehT ?stna rof retnec A ?siht si tahW” [Demiurge had already told me, please do not worry, Ainz-sama. I am also the servant of Ainz-sama. Furthermore, my death is my raison d'être. If this modest ability of mine is able to assist the Supreme Being, I would be joyful beyond compare.]

“Is that so… please forgive me.”

Seeing the Supreme Being lower his head, Victim exclaimed:

“sihT ekaT !enolA oG oT suoregnaD s'tI” [This humble one would not dare!]

“When encountering an extraordinary situation, in order to prevent the opponent from escaping we may even have to kill you. Even if you are cooperative after accepting this, we would like you to know that we won’t be killing you because of anything personal. Although you are also one of my precious children, and I wish not to cause you any harm, if we allow an enemy we do not fully comprehend to escape, we may experience a disastrous end, that is why…”

“tihs suoires emos ees annog er'uoy ...ruoh rep selim 88 stih ybab siht nehw ,tcerroc era snoitaluclac ym fI” [Please say no more, Ainz-sama. I fully understand your feelings]

“In Nazarick, some mechanisms are used by uttering a single phrase. Although it is borrowed from the Gospel, that phrase is [Giving up one’s life for friends is the greatest love of all]. This phrase directly refers to you; thank you for your love.”

Ainz’ gaze shifted from the Guardian who would die for his loyalty to the other Guardians.

“Next is Shalltear.”

Not expecting to be called upon, Shalltear’s shoulders gave a startled jump, and her response was in an abnormally high pitched voice.

“Yes…yes!”

“... Come over here.”

Because unlike the other Guardians, only she was called to the master’s side, Shalltear was surprised and stood up in a flurry of panic. From her back, one could see that she was evidently unsettled, similar to someone who was about to be sent up to the chopping block. However, she still stood up attentively, as if the glory she desired was over there.

After Shalltear climbed up the stairs, she immediately got down on one knee at a short distance from the throne.

“Shalltear, I wish to talk about the matter which has been disturbing you.”

Just by hearing these words, Shalltear immediately understood what the master was referring to, and her face turned into a look of shame.

“Ah! Ainz-sama! About that matter, please give me my punishment! Even if I was clearly a Guardian, I still carried out such a grave sin so stupidly, please give me the most severe punishment!”

Shalltear’s pained voice echoed around the Throne Hall, and Cocytus was exceptionally able to relate to her feelings. No, any Guardian and all fellow creations of the Supreme Beings were able to.

Even if they came under the effect of mind control, they would be unable to forgive themselves, who had turned their Supreme Being into an enemy.

“Is that so… then, Shalltear, come over here.”

Seeing the master’s hand beckoning towards her, Shalltear slowly crawled towards the throne.

To Shalltear who had hung her head upon arriving before the throne, Ainz reached out with his bony hand and warmly stroked her head.

“Ai-Ainz-sama....”

Almost frightened to pieces, Shalltear cautiously raised her head and let out a small voice.

“... The failure that time was my miscalculation, even more so because the opposition possessed a World Class item, therefore things were looking south from the very outset. Shalltear… I love all of you who are loyal to Nazarick, all of you who were created from scratch. Of course, this also includes you. You who wishes for me to impose a severe punishment for something you are not guilty of, how could I do such a thing?”

It was as if the master shifted his eyesight out of sadness. Cocytus had no means of knowing which direction the master had shifted his gaze, but it did seem like the master had slightly opened his mouth. The master’s face was completely skeletal and lacked lips, therefore it was impossible to determine this from the shape of his mouth, but the master should have spoken a name.

“Oh, Ainz-sama! You actually said that you love me!”

Shalltear’s emotion-filled voice resounded across the entire room.

Because he was behind Shalltear, Cocytus could not see her face. However, everything was evident from her reaction. Her voice was choked with tears and her shoulders were shaking.

It was possible to see the master’s other hand warmly caressing Shalltear’s face, and his hand even held a white handkerchief.

“All right, all right, Shalltear, stop crying. This would ruin your pretty face.”

Shalltear stayed silent, merely placing her face… probably her lips… upon the back of the hand that was just now stroking her hair.

Both Mare and Aura were already in tears.

Demiurge also slightly rubbed the corner of his eyes. Cocytus was a bit envious of those who were able to shed tears, and once again turned to look at the back of his companion who had pledged loyalty for life.

The thing that Shalltear was the most terrified about was probably the case where the last remaining and kind Supreme Being had given up on the useless, troublesome and disloyal her.

However, the master had shattered this source of concern.

Shattering it by using the word ‘Love’.

How much joy did Shalltear feel inside? He, Cocytus, who stood on a similar platform as her… no … he who stood on a platform that was slightly worse off than hers, could only carry unparalleled envy in his gaze as he silently looked at her figure from behind.

“Then, Shalltear, you can step…”

“—Ainz-sama.”

A cold voice interrupted the master’s speech. This disrespectful act caused Cocytus to angrily stare daggers at Albedo. Following this, he felt his feelings jump into turmoil, and an unsettling feeling arose inside of him.

“Reward and punishment is a natural part of common sense. I still feel that it is necessary to hand out some form of punishment.”

“... Albedo, about my decision, are you not…”

The master’s words stopped halfway. Cocytus had no idea why kind of reason would cause the master to halt his response. The last speech should have settled the issue with Shalltear.

“Ainz-sama, I also support Albedo’s opinion. Please serve a punishment upon me. This will also allow me to achieve joy out of loyalty.”

“... I understand. Let us leave the determination of your punishment for a later time. Step down.”

“Yes, Ainz-sama.”

Shalltear’s originally red eyes had turned even redder as she walked down the stairs and returned to her place and reassumed a respectful posture.

Afterwards—

“Cocytus, Ainz-sama has a few words for you. Listen carefully.”

A cold chill crawled down his spine.

It was finally his turn.

Cocytus hung his head incredibly low. When attending to the master, this kind of posture which only allowed him to gaze at the floor did indeed demonstrate an attitude of ultimate respect. However, Cocytus was like this because he lacked the courage to look straight at the master’s eyes.

“I have already seen your battle with the lizardmen, Cocytus.”

“Yes!”

“It resulted in a defeat.”

“Yes! This instance was my failure, for which I offer my extreme apologies. Please also punish me—”

Cocytus’ admission and apology was stopped by the sound of a staff striking the floor. Afterwards, Albedo’s cold voice immediately stimulated the hearing sensory organs.

“… Your attitude towards Ainz-sama is too disrespectful, Cocytus. If you wish to apologise, then do so with your head raised.”

“Disrespectful!”

He raised his head and looked up at his master who was seated on the throne.

“… Cocytus, as a defeated general, do you have any words you wish to say? This time you did not personally enter the front lines and only commanded from the back lines. What are your thoughts?”

“Yes, I was in charge of the military power. Since despite that I was unable to obtain victory, and furthermore even lost Ainz-sama’s personally created Lich Commander, I am truly, extremely sorry!”

“Eh? Ah, there is no pity in losing that kind of disposable undead, don’t let this bother you. Cocytus, what I meant to ask about was your thoughts about warring with an army. Do treat this as the main purpose in your reply; I do not intend to blame you for this defeat.”

All of the Guardians and all of the servants standing behind them awaiting orders were thoroughly confused. All except for Demiurge and Albedo.

Oh! As it turns out, Demiurge was correct!

Cocytus felt that the master was about to continue speaking, and frantically pieced together his thoughts.

“Because it was destined to be a defeat no matter who was in charge. Even if it were me.”

A brief wry laughter resounded throughout the Throne Hall. For the Supreme Being, Ainz Ooal Gown, how was defeat possible? In fact, up until this point he had never experienced failure. With that in mind, what was said was nothing more than comforting words for Cocytus.

“However, the question is whether or not we have obtained anything from that battle. Cocytus, I now rephrase my question. What do you think needs to be done to obtain victory this time in battle?”

Cocytus began his thought analysis silently. The present him knew what was needed for a victory, therefore he blurted out what he was missing.

“I underestimated the lizardmen too much. It is only prudent to be more cautious with my actions.”

“Yes, that is precisely it! No matter how weak the opponent is, they cannot be underestimated… and Narberal should also be allowed to observe this battle. What else?”

“Yes, there was also insufficient information. From this battle I now understand that in a situation where I am unfamiliar with the opponent’s extent of strength and the terrain, the chance of victory would certainly be diminished.”

“Very good, what else?”

“Having an incompetent commander was also one of the problems. Because the ones battling were lower class undead, a commander should have been sent out who is flexible according to the circumstances and able to give out correct commands at the right times. Also, when taking into account the weapons used by the lizardmen, the zombies should have been used as the main force in carrying out the attack, exhausting the opponent, or alternatively have all of the forces attack together and not act separately.”

“What else in addition?”

“... I am extremely sorry, at the moment I can only come up with this much…“

“No need to apologise, what you say has been correct so far with quite remarkable perception. Of course, there are still other areas which need improvement, but you’ve already completely understood some things. To be honest, I would prefer that you did not have to ask others and discover these flaws by yourself… but it still counts as within the permissible spectrum. Well then, why did you not do those from the start?”

“… I did not consider them. I thought that merely using overwhelming military strength was enough to defeat the enemy.”

“If it’s that… However, after sacrificing those undead, you now think differently right? Very good! So long as you are able to consistently improve yourself, and avoid another similar failure, then there is meaning to this defeat.”

Cocytus thought he saw the master break out a small smile.

“There are many different kinds of defeat, but your defeat was not of the fatal kind. Apart from that lich, the rest were all automatically generated soldiers. Even if those undead were to perish, Nazarick would not be affected in any way. On the contrary, if a Guardian were able to learn a lesson, and no longer be defeated, then this defeat has been rather rewarding.”

“My extreme gratitude, Ainz-sama!”

“However, defeat in battle still remains a fact, therefore I will have you punished alongside Shalltear…”

At this moment, the master stopped speaking. After a short moment of silence waiting for the master to issue a punishment, Cocytus felt uneasy, but knowing that he had not disappointed the master, the axe of anxiety hanging over his head had already dissipated. However, the following words still made Cocytus shudder.

“Originally I planned to have you retreat to the back lines, however, perhaps this way is for the better. Cocytus, you shall personally wash away the shame of your defeat… go exterminate those lizardmen. This time you are not permitted to seek assistance from anyone else.”

If the lizardmen were wiped out, without letting word of this defeat spread, then Nazarick would still remain undefeated.

If one were to treat all living beings outside of Nazarick as inferior, then one would definitely relish the opportunity to slaughter them mercilessly for the sole purpose of washing away Nazarick’s and one’s own defeat. If it were the Cocytus of the past, he would also accept this order without hesitation, but then–

Cocytus shivered all over.

Because he knew what the forthcoming action would represent.

Inhaling deep breaths several times, then exhaling.

Cocytus did not respond to the master’s request, causing all of the others at the scene to feel puzzled before Cocytus eventually replied.

“There is a matter I wish to request of Ainz-sama!”

It was as if the whole world had stopped, with all of the spectators focusing their attention towards him.

Cocytus was a Guardian. Even in Nazarick, he had the highest level of authority and skill, with only a handful of others being able to be compared to him. Despite this, he felt a wave of cold chill that made his entire body shiver.

Although regret gushed out like a torrent from inside of him, it was all already too late to take back his words.

Although Cocytus possessed compound eyes which enabled him to have a quite broad field of vision, his head was completely lowered and thus had no means of seeing the master’s expression. This became his salvation, because if the master expressed anger or displeasure, Cocytus would be frightened to the point of petrification.

“I implore of you, Ainz-sama!”

Before the master made any response, another interrupted Cocytus’ speech.

“You dare!”

The one who made the denouncement was Albedo, with a deafening scream, as expectedly formidable as one would expect from the Overseer of the Guardians. Cocytus, who was powerless to move, felt as if he was a young child scolded harshly by his mother, and could not stop trembling.

“You who allowed the glory of Nazarick to suffer a defeat, what standing do you have to make a request from Ainz-sama?! Simply outrageous!”

Cocytus did not utter a single word and resolved to not raise his head without obtaining the master’s approval first. Even if Albedo’s anger intensified, he would not waver.

“If you don’t—”

However Albedo’s anger was interrupted by a man’s calm voice, and dissipated like smoke.

“—Don’t be like this, Albedo.”

The master repeated his words to pacify Albedo who had burst forth.

“Raise your head, Cocytus. What request do you have, and can you share it with us?”

That calm voice was devoid of any anger, but this just made it even more terrifying. That fear was very similar to peering and feeling imminently sucked into a bottomless lake.

Wearing equipment, Cocytus could resist fear-inducing mental attacks from external forces. That was why the fear attacking his being originated from within himself.

After swallowing a mouthful of his own saliva – more accurately described as a mouthful of poison – Cocytus slowly raised his head, and looked at the Supreme Being who was his master.

The light shining in the master’s empty eye sockets seemed to slightly turn into a shade of bright red.

“I repeat myself again, what request do you have, and can you share it with us?”

He could not utter a single word. Although he tried to speak out many times, it was stuck in his throat, and no words could come out.

“What is it, Cocytus?”

Heavy silence filled the air.

“… I am not angry, I merely wish to know what you are thinking, and what you request.”

As if comforting a child that remained silent, the tone was quite gentle. Under this gentle encouragement, Cocytus eventually said:

“I oppose exterminating all of the lizardmen, and I request for your mercy.”

After giving his decisive speech, Cocytus felt as if the atmosphere was shaking. No, the atmosphere was actually convulsing.

The main source came from the front– from Albedo’s killing intent. The secondary source was from the wavering confidence of the other Guardians. Only Demiurge and the master were as calm as a still lake and were unaffected by any ripples.

“… Cocytus, do you know what you are asking of?”

Albedo’s cold voice was filled with murderous intent, even causing Cocytus, whose entire body was of a frozen attribute, to feel a chill.

“Ainz-sama commanded you to exterminate the lizardmen, as penance for your crime, yet you as the defendant dare to sing a different tune… Guardian of the Fifth Floor Cocytus, have you become afraid of the lizardmen?”

That tone was mocking, but Cocytus could not refute what was asserted.

It was natural for Albedo to have that attitude. If their positions were reversed, Cocytus would probably also be aggravated.

“You remain sil—”

What made Albedo shut her mouth was not a voice, but the sound of a striking sound. That was the resonating sound made by the staff coming into contact with the floor.

“Albedo, quiet. It is I who is asking Cocytus, don’t be presumptuous.”

“My extreme apologies! Please, please forgive me!”

Albedo lowered her head in apology and returned to her original position.

The master turned his gaze around, and stared at Cocytus with sharp eyes. It was still impossible to determine the master’s emotions. It looked as if it was at the bursting point of rage, yet it could also be an amused look.

“Cocytus, seeing as you make such a request, the reason must be due to some benefit towards the Great Tomb of Nazarick right? Do explain.”

“Yes! In the future, tenacious warriors may appear amongst them. As such, exterminating them completely at this stage would be too much of a waste. This subordinate reckons that it is in our interests that we should wait for more tenacious lizardmen to appear in the future, and for now have them pledge their deep loyalty to Nazarick and accept them to serve us.

“... This suggestion is indeed not a bad one. Lizardmen corpses are of high quality when used to serve as undead in comparison to using human corpses. If only it was possible to have a perfect method of collecting the corpses buried in Re-Lantier, then there would be no purpose in using the lizardmen corpses.”

Just as Cocytus was about to say “So then…”, he realised that the master had not finished with his speech. He felt an uneasy premonition which unfortunately became a reality.

“However, compared to using lizardmen, if I were to use corpses to create undead, the efficiency in terms of consumption cost should be higher. Not only is it possible to guarantee loyalty, but it is also not necessary to waste consumables. The lizardmen’s advantage is that eventually they can increase their population, and this advantage would require a lengthy period of time to realise… If I have missed out anything, speak up for us to hear. Is there any other benefit which can convince me?”

If it were possible to obtain the master’s mercy, his own desire would be realised. However, Cocytus could not think of any other benefit.

This was because all along he had considered himself as a weapon, and would only rely on the master to command the troops, and also because he himself had never considered this before, which was why he had no further means to convince the master. He had not considered what should be done to allow for the group as a whole to reap the most benefits beforehand.

Furthermore, what the master requested was a benefit in relation to the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Cocytus did not wish to exterminate the lizardmen because they had dazzling and outstanding individuals; he was attracted to those who protected a group because he was a warrior himself. However, these thoughts were his personal feelings, and not a decision based to serve the wider group.

Cocytus was frantic.

If he allowed his silently watching master to become agitated or displeased, then this miraculous suggestion would become meaningless, and all that would result would be the command to exterminate all of the lizardmen from before.

He desperately racked his brain, but still could not come up with an answer.

“What is it, Cocytus, can you not come up with one? Then shall the final decision be extermination?”

The question had been repeated.

Cocytus’ mind was completely blank, his teeth felt heavy, and only his thoughts were ceaselessly darting around and coming up with nothing.

A deep voice resounded throughout the gravely silent Throne Hall.

“… Is that so… what a shame.”

Just as these ‘what a shame’ words were about to suffocate Cocytus into silence, a calm voice lent out a helping hand.

“Ainz-sama, please allow me to insert a few words from the sidelines.”

“… What is it, Demiurge? Do you have something to add?”

“Yes. About Ainz-sama’s earlier decision, if it is convenient, would you be willing to listen to my humble opinion?”

“... Then speak it out for us to hear.”

“Yes! Ainz-sama, you fully understand the importance of experimentation, therefore, would you consider having a few lizardmen to be taken here for experimentation?”

“Oh, this is an excellent suggestion.”

Cocytus felt that as the master leaned forward from the throne, those two red eyes almost seemed to rest on himself for a brief second.

“Yes. First, no matter how Nazarick turns out to be in the future, we will eventually come across a day where we require a completely different composition of strength, or will require control over different species. This subordinate believes that at that moment, having done a competent amount of controlled experimentation and not having done a sufficient amount of control experimentation will be the determining factor.”

Demiurge stood even more rigidly upright and looked directly at the master seated upon the throne before giving his conclusion.

“I believe that we should control the lizardmen tribe, and commence a controlled experiment that doesn't base on fear.”

The sound of a staff striking the floor resounded throughout the surroundings.

“... An excellent suggestion, Demiurge.”

“A thousand thanks.”

“Then, about the lizardmen group, I shall go with Demiurge’s suggestion and change the extermination order into that of leadership. Does anyone have any objections to the decision? If there are any, raise your hand.”

Those glimmering deep red eyes gazed over each of the Guardians.

“... Looks like there are no objections. Then it shall be decided.”

All of the persons lowered their heads, demonstrating that they understood.

“However, Demiurge, your suggestion is remarkable, impressive even.”

Demiurge lightly smiled.

“I do not dare to assume so, Ainz-sama. You should have already been aware of this long ago, and merely waited for Cocytus to suggest it, right?”

The master did not reply, and only revealed a wry smile. However, the master’s attitude already exposed everything.

Cocytus felt his whole body immediately relax.

He was clearly in charge of commanding the glorious Nazarick army, yet he had produced a defeat. When he voiced a different opinion to the master’s decision, he had not prepared an alternative solution. How should this be described? It would probably be—

Incompetent. I am so incompetent.

“... No, that was not the case, Demiurge. You place me in too high regard. I merely wished that you are able to express your own thoughts, regardless of what kind of thoughts they are.”

The master’s gaze once again shifted and paused at Cocytus for the longest time. Understanding the meaning behind his master’s words, although Cocytus felt shame, he also felt powerless to lower his head.

“The first task is to understand the real meaning behind orders. After paying close attention to understanding the orders, you then carry out the most appropriate course of action. Guardians, after listening carefully, you must not blindly follow orders and take action. Before action, you must give some thought to what should be done for the best interests of Nazarick. If you think that there is a mistake in the contents of your orders, or if you can come up with an even better method, your duty is to come before me, or the one who made the suggestion, to report– So then, Cocytus, going back to the earlier topic, I mentioned that you will be punished, right?”

“Yes. You wanted me to exterminate the lizardmen as a group.”

“Indeed. However, right now you are not to exterminate them, but to control. As such, I have to alter your punishment. The lizardmen group shall be your responsibility to control, and they are to develop a deep loyalty within their hearts towards Nazarick. You are forbidden from using fear to induce control, and the lizardmen are to become a controlled unit not created out of fear.”

Cocytus had never shouldered such a heavy responsibility before– No, amongst all of the Guardians, perhaps only Demiurge had such a kind of experience.

This difficult mission is self-imposed. This thought briefly flashed across Cocytus’ mind, but how could he voice out such cowardly words. These words could not be said regardless if it was to the tolerant Supreme Being to whom he had pledged his undying loyalty, or to his colleague who lent a helping hand.

“I hear and obey. Because there are many concerns, I would be grateful for any assistance and advice from others.”

“Of course, this matter will necessarily require various information, rations and manpower. Regarding these aspects, the responsibility will be left with Nazarick.”

“I am extremely grateful. I, Cocytus, swear that I shall deliver good results and will not squander Ainz-sama’s benevolence.”

Cocytus shouted out these words from his heart.

“Good. Then all of the Guardians are henceforth ordered to head out to attack. One side shall act as bait, and the other side shall be responsible for demonstrating our true strength, to show these lizardmen that our true strength is not merely that small amount. Of course, if Cocytus you think this will detrimentally affect their control in the aftermath, I can rescind my order.”

Cocytus thought carefully then replied:

“There should be no problems.”

“Is that so. Then, all of the Guardians, immediately prepare to depart.”

All of the Guardians at the scene voiced out their affirmation and understanding in unison.

“Albedo, I also wish to head out. Help with preparing the soldiers.”

“As you command. After giving it some thought, there are also some enemies who have a preference for spying. Is it that we can conveniently allow them to miscalculate our true objective?”