Chapter 5, Part 7

The cold, icy expanse that was the fifth floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick was normally very quiet and peaceful. However, at this time, that tranquility was broken, as there was quite a bit of a commotion in front of Cocytus’s home, Snowball Earth. The air was filled with shouts and ringing of clashing weapons, as a solitary figure fought against half a dozen insectoid monsters that guarded this floor.

The insectoids were armed with halberds, while their tough carapaces served as armor. They had encircled their target and were trying to attack from all sides. The one they were fighting was none other than Ainz, he wore Momon’s armor, though instead of the usual two gigantic swords, he was using a rapier in one hand and a dagger in another.

Some distance from the fighters stood the Guardian of the fifth floor, Cocytus, who was evaluating Ainz’s progress as a melee fighter. Behind Cocytus, several Frost Virgins conversed in hushed tones as they watched this rare spectacle.

One of the assailants tried to slash at Ainz, who used the dagger in his left hand to guide the halberd away from his body as he lunged forward with a thrust of his rapier. However, before Ainz’s attack could find its mark, a nearby insectoid chopped at the spot Ainz’s arm would occupy if he continued with his strike. Taking advantage of the fact that unlike the heavy weapons his opponents used, the rapier in his hand created no momentum, Ainz retracted his weapon and lunged at the interfering monster. With a thud, Ainz stabbed the monster in the chest, before retreating and turning to face the enemies coming from behind. The stab didn’t do any damage to the monster, as the dagger failed to puncture its carapace. Nonetheless, it counted as a solid hit, and the monster left the encirclement, continuing to watch the fight from the sideline as it waited for the next round.

The three insectoids rushing from behind all attacked at the same time. Unable to block all three attacks, Ainz lowered his center of gravity and rolled toward one of the attackers. The weapons swished overhead as he rolled, and when he got back on his feet Ainz found himself practically face to face with his target. He stabbed the monster with his dagger while slashing at the monster next to it with his rapier. He didn’t stop, taking a few steps forward, he turned around to face the remaining assailants, as his rapier stabbed at the monster he previously hit with his dagger.

A sound of applause came from behind Cocytus, as the Frost Virgins cheered for Ainz who had managed to break out of the encirclement once again. Cocytus remained silent, though the slight trembling of his mandibles betrayed his excitement.

As the fight continued, Ainz managed to score a solid hit on each of the remaining opponents, successfully ending the round. Afterward, the insectoids once again surrounded him and the training continued.

The fighting had gone on for more than half an hour when a new figure appeared in front of Snowball Earth – the Guardian Overseer, Albedo. She greeted Cocytus and nodded to the women behind him, who greeted her with a bow. Meanwhile, Ainz looked like a whirling hurricane as he moved from one opponent to the next in an attempt to break out of the encirclement. This time Ainz was less successful, as one of the insectoids struck him in the back while he was dodging attacks from the front.

All of the insectoids immediately stopped their attacks, taking several steps back and bowing to Ainz. The one whose attack struck Ainz bowed lower than the rest, as it spoke.

“Please forgive this unworthy one for striking a Supreme Being,” it said.

“This again? Didn’t I already say that it’s fine? After all, this is training, and I am the one ordering you to attack me without holding back,” Ainz said as he shook his head in slight annoyance.

“Yes, Ainz-sama,” the monster replied without lifting its head.

“Then get in position and come at me again,” Ainz ordered as he looked around. “Oh, Albedo is here. Hold on, let’s take a break,” Ainz told the insectoids as he walked towards Cocytus and Albedo.

“My apologies for interrupting your training session, Ainz-sama,” Albedo said with a bow.

“It’s fine, I should listen to Cocytus’s evaluation before continuing anyway,” Ainz said waving his hand dismissively.

“You. Honor. Me. Ainz-sama,” Cocytus said as a cloud of icy air escaped from his mouth.

“What is it Albedo? Is it something urgent?” Ainz inquired.

“It’s not urgent, though it is important news. Renner has unlocked the [Myriad Betrayals Chest], and we are now ready for the final act of the Re-Estize Kingdom’s take over,” Albedo announced with a smile.

“She opened it? It’s good to have this part confirmed,” Ainz said as he nodded in satisfaction.

In Yggdrasil, most class and race changes required not just a key item, but also the completion of an associated quest. For example, in order to advance to an Elder Lich one needed the [Book of the Dead] and to complete a quest for the ritual.

The [Myriad Betrayals Chest] was a key item to a certain race change. In order to unlock the seal on the chest, one had to complete a series of quests in which the player would assist an NPC in betraying their country, friends, family, and finally their lover.

However, in the New World, there were no longer any quests or NPCs that would offer them, which made Ainz wonder whether or not such items could still be used. And while Fluder seemed confident in his ability to perform the ritual outlined in the [Book of the Dead], Renner opening the [Myriad Betrayals Chest] was a direct confirmation that such items continued to work in the New World.

“I look forward to the final act of your plan for the take over of the Kingdom. Do you require my assistance?” Ainz asked in a happy tone.

“Since Ainz-sama was generous enough to hand the take over of the Re-Estize Kingdom to Demiurge and myself, we hope to complete this task through our own effort. Aside from the speech Ainz-sama plans to give, of course,” Albedo replied.

“I… look forward to it,” Ainz nodded without betraying his thoughts, as his mood instantly turned sour. Speech? What speech? Ah, why is she and Demiurge so hard to talk to, Ainz lamented in his mind as he tried to guess what this speech that he had planned to give was. Should I ask her to explain everything to Cocytus? He wondered as he stole a glance at the Guardian. No, that could be too risky. Cocytus and Demiurge are friends, and often hang out together at the bar. There is a chance Demiurge already mentioned their plan to him. Besides, he isn’t showing any interest, it would be strange if I insisted that Albedo explains her plan to Cocytus. Where is Shalltear when you need her, Ainz thought with a sigh.

In the end, he had chosen to temporarily shelf the issue, and resolved himself to ask Pandora’s Actor about it when he had a chance. Meanwhile, he would act as the all-knowing Supreme Being Albedo thought he was.

“Then, is it time to release that boy, Climb?” Ainz asked.

“Yes, I’ll need to get everything in position, but it should be a day or two at most,” Albedo nodded.

I feel sorry for the guy. That Renner is one weird woman, Ainz thought as he recalled his discussion with Pandora’s Actor regarding Princess Renner and her plans. The things women will do for love, Ainz sighed as he cast a worrying look at Albedo.

E-Rantel

It has been two days since Leinas Rockbruise arrived at E-Rantel, and she was still amazed by what she saw as she walked down a street. From the hulking Death Knights patrolling the streets to the terrifying Soul Eaters, that would make any adventurer curse their fate, merrily pulling loaded wagons along the street. Seeing these legendary undead monsters engaged in such mundane activities was simply incongruent with her beliefs. Yet, looking at how the other residents went about their business, paying little heed to the undead monstrosities, only served to reinforce what the innkeeper told her: “After a few days, you will become used to them and will no longer pay much attention to them.”

Another thing that made E-Rantel unlike any city she had been to, was the mix of species present. In her short time here, she had already seen all kinds of Beastmen, Lizardmen, Toadmen, Naga and more, not to mention Elves and Dwarfs. Even the humans weren’t just from E-Rantel, having come here from as far as the Holy Kingdom or the Draconic Kingdom. In fact, E-Rantel had so many visitors that despite her name, Lenias wasn’t able to stay at the Shining Golden Pavilion, which was fully booked, having to instead settle for the mid-tier inn Howling Wolf. Yet, what surprised Leinas the most was how lively and boisterous the city was. From groups of armed adventurers going to and fro, to merchants and regular citizens going about their daily business.

When Leinas left the Baharuth Empire, she was unsure of how she should go about her goal of removing the curse that afflicted her. Yet, by the time she got to E-Rantel the news that the Sorcerer King was alive and that the rumor of him needing so much time to revive was but a trap set to lure the enemies of the Sorcerer Kingdom had swept through the city. As did the news of the Slane Theocracy and the others taking that bait and the battle that followed. Most of the residents were busy discussing the fall of the Slane Theocracy, as well as the power and cunning of the Sorcerer King.

Leinas used her time in the city to ask about the Sorcerer King and his top servants, to get a better understanding of the rulers of E-Rantel. She was both surprised and felt a great relief when she learned that before his ordeal in the Holy Kingdom, Ainz would often walk through the city and even chat with various adventurers or merchants. It seemed he was easy to talk to, as he did not flaunt his power nor made any unreasonable demands of those he was talking to.

On her way to E-Rantel, she had thought up many different plans of how to get in front of the Sorcerer King’s top servants, but it seemed fate was smiling to her – if the rumors about the Sorcerer King were true, she could just make her request directly to him. There was still the matter of recompense, but Leinas didn’t burden herself with this dilemma, as she was prepared to pay any price for a cure. She no longer needed to hesitate regarding what she should do.

She continued to gaze at the various unusual sites around her, as she made her way to the administrative part of the city. It wasn’t located in a castle, like it was in the capitals of the other nations, rather the administrative body was located in several buildings, forming a sort of enclave. It was rumored that Ainz’s residence was here as well, though she couldn’t confirm it.

The gate leading to the administrative buildings was guarded by a pair of Death Knights. As she approached, Leinas wondered if she would have to explain to them the reason she was here, but after taking a glance at her, the undead monsters remained silent and motionless.

“Can I pass?” She decided to ask to make sure no accidents would befall her.

The Deaths Knights stared at her for a few seconds, before one of them motioned for her to go in. With a pounding heart, Leinas walked between the two monsters, heaving a sigh of relief once she was inside the yard formed by the administrative buildings and a fence. Looking around she noticed a sign “City Administration” above a door leading into one of the buildings. As she walked toward this building, her attention was drawn to about a dozen goblins, that stood not too far from the administration building. The goblins, who were chatting about something, gave her a quick look as she passed by, before continuing with their conversation.

Leinas arrived at her target, however, she couldn’t enter the building. The reason for that was a hulking figure of a Death Knight, standing directly in front of the door and blocking her way in.

“Ahem, excuse me, I would like to request an audience with the Sorcerer King,” Leinas said in her bravest tone after clearing her throat. However, the undead remained unmoved. “Excuse me, I have a certain business I wish to discuss with the Sorcerer King,” she said loudly after a brief silence.

The Death Knight lowered his head and stared at her for a while, making Leinas’s heart pound heavily in her chest. A few seconds passed with the two looking at each other, finally, the undead made a sort of chucking noise, as he lifted his head, seemingly no longer concerned about the woman in front of him.

Damn it, what’s with this thing, Leinas thought. She understood that getting an audience with the Sorcerer King could be difficult, but she never thought she wouldn’t even be able to enter the building to make her request. Looking around, the only ones in the yard were the goblins she had passed by earlier. She gave the undead guard a frustrated look and walked over to the goblins, who stopped their chatter and looked at her in response.

“Pardon me, goblin-sans, are you waiting for someone inside that building?’ She asked.

“Yes, we are waiting for our glorious commander,” one of the goblins replied.

“May I ask, how did your commander make it past that Death Knight? It won’t let me through,” Leinas asked as she expressed her frustration.

“That monster is no match for our commander,” the goblin replied boastfully, while the other goblins made various exclamations like “I’d like to see it try,” and “Our commander is far too powerful.”

Eh? Does it mean only those powerful enough to defeat it in combat can enter? Leinas thought as she bit her lip. As the goblins excitement regarding the power of their commander died down, the goblin she was talking to spoke once more.

“Commander had an audience with Albedo-sama,” he said nonchalantly.

“Ah, thank you, goblin-sans,” she gave a quick bow as she turned around and walked back to the undead guard.

This should’ve been obvious. Just because the Sorcerer King was more accessible before doesn’t mean it would stay that way. It has been more than two years since this nation was formed, it makes sense for them to adapt proper etiquette. If someone wanted to see Jircniv, they would naturally have to schedule an appointment beforehand. Leinas thought as she shook her head. It seems I have completely lost my common sense due to the peculiarities of this place.

She was about to tell the undead monster that she wanted to schedule an audience with the Sorcerer King when the door opened and the Death Knight swiftly moved to the side. A young girl exited the building, accompanied by a gorgeous woman in a maid outfit.

“Straighten up boys, the commander is here.” Leinas heard one of the goblins shout. Turning her head she saw the goblins quickly assemble into a square formation, not unlike the formation of soldiers accompanying a noble. Blinking her eyes in confusion she looked back at the two females that exited the building.

One of them is their commander? I thought it would be a goblin. Is it… that little girl? Leinas couldn’t help but wonder. Meanwhile, the two women finished their conversation, and the young girl walked toward the goblins. How can it be? This girl is strong enough to beat that undead monstrosity? Leinas thought in shock. Looking at the young girl, Leinas recalled the story of the dark elf child, who had killed dozens of knights with a single spell. Does the Sorcerer King have a group of super-powerful children? She wondered.

She was so perplexed by this that she totally forgot about the maid who came out with the girl. It wasn’t until the maid spoke to her that Leinas regained her senses.

“May I ask, why are you here?” The maid asked.

“Ah, um, I am seeking an audience with the Sorcerer King, as I have a certain business I wish to discuss,” Leinas replied, feeling relieved that she could actually talk to someone.

“I am Yuri Alpha, Vice-Captain of the Pleiades Battle Maids,” the maid introduced herself. “Could you tell me the details of your business? Ainz-sama is currently incredibly busy, so his time is reserved for the most important matters.”

Leinas clenched her fists when she heard this. Although she was confused by Yuri’s title, the gist of what she said was clear. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before she spoke.

“I wish to serve the Sorcerer King,” Leinas said.

“Of course, the desire to serve someone as amazing as Ainz-sama is quite natural. I am sure many people in this nation wish to do the same,” Yuri nodded her head approvingly.

“Um, I… I forgot to introduce myself, I am Leinas Rockbruise, formerly one of the Four Imperial Knights of the Baharuth Empire,” she introduced herself, hoping that the maid had heard about her.

“Then, it was your desire to serve Ainz-sama that brought you to E-Rantel?” Yuri asked while seemingly ignoring the Leinas’s title.

“Yes, I am aware my fighting strength is no match for the undead serving His Majesty, but I am willing to serve.. in whatever way the Sorcerer King desires,” Leinas offered as she ground her teeth.

“You have such a great attitude. Do work hard for the glory of the Sorcerer Kingdom,” Yuri said as she patted Leinas on her shoulder.

With that, Yuri turned around and headed back into the administrative building, leaving Leinas in confusion. Work hard? What the heck, is she saying there is nothing I can offer the Sorcerer King? Leinas raged inside. She had even offered her body to the Sorcerer King, yet she was still dismissed. Even if he has access to beauties such as this maid, I won’t allow anyone to look down on my resolve! She thought as she ran after the maid. Hearing her rushed footsteps, Yuri turned to face her.

“Is there anything else?” Yuri asked.

“Yes. One of the reasons I had traveled here was to seek an audience with the Sorcerer King. You see, I have been afflicted by a curse, and none of the Empire’s healers can cure it. I was hoping that the Sorcerer King would be able to do it,” Leinas explained as she gestured to the right side of her face, which was covered by her long hair.

“I see,” Yuri said, as she reached out and brushed Leinas’s hair aside, revealing the puss covered skin.

Leinas gritted her teeth, as Yuri revealed the right side of her face. Normally, she would kill anyone who attempted to do so, even Jircniv knew better. Yet, for the sake of a cure, she was willing to go this far, allowing the maid to examine her right side without retaliating. After a while, Yuri nodded her head and spoke.

“There are few things Ainz-sama cannot accomplish. Curing this curse shouldn’t be an issue. But, even if he can do it, getting an audience with Ainz-sama would be quite difficult. As I mentioned, he is currently extremely busy,” Yuri explained.

“I can wait,” Leinas said quickly, as she felt her heart pound in her chest, even more so compared to when she faced the Death Knight.

“There is also the fact that you are asking for Ainz-sama to do something for you, without doing anything for him,” Yuri continued.

“I am willing to do whatever it takes,” Leinas said without a hint of hesitation.

“That’s good. Unfortunately, you are rather limited by your ability, so there is little you can offer to Ainz-sama,” Yuri said as she pushed up her glasses.

“Is there anything I can do? Please tell me, I am willing to do whatever it takes. Anything!” Leinas begged, as she felt the cure slip away from her.

“Why not join an adventurers group? As one of the Four Imperial Knights, you should be able to join a Mythril or even Orichalcum group. Although Rainbow has already become the first group to reach adamantite rank since the Adventurer’s Guild was revamped, if you can lead your group to attain an adamantite rank, you would likely get an audience with Ainz-sama,” Yuri explained as she felt sympathy towards the warrior.

“Thank you very much,” Leinas said as she gave the maid a deep bow. “Is there any other way to obtain an audience?”

“If you can make some sort of discovery, or obtain some other information that would be valuable to the Sorcerer Kingdom. But, given your abilities, becoming an adventurer is probably your best option.”

“I see. Thank you for your valuable advice, Yuri-sama. I shall work hard until I am worthy to stand before the Sorcerer King,” Leinas said as she bowed once more.

“Do work hard,” Yuri repeated her earlier words, before returning inside the administrative building.

Become an adventurer… I guess that really is my best bet. Time to visit the Adventurer’s Guild. Leinas thought to herself. Despite being turned down, she felt quite happy, even the Death Knights didn’t seem as scary as before as she exited the gate of the administrative area. Looking at the sky, she felt a new part of her life was about to begin.

For the first time in her life, she knew exactly what she needed to do to remove her curse.

*****

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