Chapter 5, Part 8

Author’s note: The incident Ainz refers to occurred in Volume 14, Chapter 2, part 4

Also, please note that I haven’t had a chance to rewrite part 5.2 and 5.3. In 5.3 Momon says that Climb had spoken with Ainz who said something like “you don’t punish a dog for following its master’s orders.” Disregard that piece of information, as it will be removed and the part will be rewritten appropriately, so all the details fit.

Sorry again for the long wait, and not fixing those two previous parts before releasing this one. Happy reading, and please let me know what you think.

***

On the fifth floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, in one of the cells of the Frozen Prison was a young man. However, his behavior was different from that of the other humans imprisoned here – rather than groaning in pain, cursing at his cruel fate, or weeping silently, this young man was doing push-ups.

It had been several days since the strike force was defeated by Ainz and his servants, and when he came to, Climb found himself alone in a cell – made out of gray stone, it was fairly spacious and even included a pretty decent bed. His armor and other equipment were taken, leaving him in the clothing he wore under armor – plain cloth shirt and pants. His stay here wasn’t bad though, as he wasn’t tortured or threatened, and that the monsters would bring him three healthy meals a day. If he wasn’t worried sick about Renner his life in the cell could almost be described as comfortable.

The other prisoners were also on this floor, but their cells were a good distance away from his, as he could only faintly make out their screams and curses. Left alone, with no one to talk to, Climb was going crazy with anticipation of what would happen to him. The occasional pained groans and sobbing of the other prisoners as they were escorted to and from somewhere did little to ease his mind.

However, several days had come and gone, yet Climb’s circumstances remained unchanged. He was not interrogated and the monsters guarding the Prison paid little attention to him, other than bringing him his meals. Left in limbo, Climb decided to entrust his fate to the Gods and tried to distract his mind by doing various exercises.

Come on, focus on the push-ups! He urged himself on as his mind invariably wandered into questions he wished to avoid. Will I see Princess Renner’s smile again? Will the Sorcerer King seek to punish Princess Renner or even the whole of the Re-Estize Kingdom or will I alone be the target of his wrath? Who will protect Princess Renner when I am gone?

He tried to brush the thoughts away, as he increased his pace in order to push to failure sooner. Only when he was under maximum physical load would his mind truly go blank, only focusing on the exercise at hand. Unfortunately, given his physical prowess, doing push-ups just wasn’t taxing enough. There would be plenty of time for his mind to wander about Renner’s fate before he reached exhaustion.

Suddenly, Climb stopped his exercise and concentrated on his hearing. After a few moments, he was certain that someone was walking towards his cell, as the sound of soft, measured footsteps slowly became louder. My meal shouldn’t be delivered for a few more hours. What could this mean? Climb wondered as he got up from the floor and reflexively clenched his fists.

Will I have to fight? No, regardless of what is about to happen, fighting will only make it worse. I must remember, my primary goal is to take all responsibility for my actions and to safeguard Princess Renner. Having come to this conclusion, Climb took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

Still, as the steps grew louder Climb couldn’t help but feel nervous. Finally, a single figure walked into his view, and Climb felt most of the tension leave his body. Whatever his future was, the old butler who came into view was a welcome sight. For a few moments, the two men regarded each other in silence, before exchanging greetings.

“Climb-kun.”

“Sebas-sama.”

After the two greeted each other, silence once again hung in the air. A thought flashed through Climb’s mind: I finally understand how Gazeff-san felt about the Sorcerer King. Although the two were enemies, they shared a certain amount of respect for each other. At the time, Climb couldn’t understand how the late Warrior Captain could have such trust in the undead, even going so far as to offer his weapon for inspection when asked. Yet here he was, looking at Sebas – a man who he greatly respected and who was now his enemy. The thoughts quickly flew through Climb’s head, as a smile crept onto his face – he had grown from the naive youth he was back then.

“I still can’t believe you are a servant of the Sorcerer King,” Climb said with a sigh.

“Ainz-sama is a revered Supreme Being, whose wisdom knows no limits. To serve him is the greatest honor one such as I could hope to achieve. Although you might not see it now, the actions he takes will bring about a better world,” Sebas replied.

“Even if he kills countless humans to bring about that future?” Climb asked.

“Don’t humans kill each other all the time? The annual wars between the Kingdom and the Empire must’ve claimed thousands of lives, and for what? The Slane Theocracy proclaims itself to be righteous, yet they’ve enslaved elves and treated them like animals. Not to mention the constant fights against demihumans.” Sebas paused for a moment before continuing: “Ainz-sama has the power and the ability to unite the various species of this world, ushering a new world where there is no war and everyone lives peacefully. Is it not then his responsibility to bring about such a world?”

“Is such a world truly possible?” Climb asked skeptically.

“Didn’t you stay at Carne village before coming to Nazarick? Then you have seen humans and dwarves living alongside goblins and ogres. In E-Rantel, all kinds of species live together without incident. Soon enough this world will come under Ainz-sama’s control, and then you will be able to verify the truth of my words.” Sebas explained with a hint of a smile, hoping his words reached Climb.

“I’ll be able to see it? Then, I am not going to be killed?” Climb asked eagerly.

“The crimes you have committed are grave. To enter the home of the Supreme Being in order to kill him… death is the only end that awaits anyone foolish enough to do so. Yet, Ainz-sama is a merciful ruler. I have pleaded with him not to punish you as harshly as your crimes demand. Now your life is in his hands.” Sebas explained in a somber tone. It was obvious the old man liked Climb, yet it was as he said, Climb’s actions weren’t something that could just be dismissed.

“I… understand,” Climb replied as he nodded repeatedly. “Sebas-san, do you know what happened to Blue Rose and Brain-san?” Climb asked after he understood his current circumstances.

“Blue Rose members are safe and sound, thanks to Momon’s actions. For the time being, they are being housed on the sixth floor. Brain Unglaus has been claimed by Shalltear-sama,” Sebas said.

“Claimed… for?” Climb asked confused as to the actual meaning of the word.

“I apologize, I am not aware of the exact reason,” Sebas replied with a slight bow.

“Um, then, may I ask why I had been left alone in this cell?” Climb asked a question that had been on his mind for a while.

“There are more pressing matters that Ainz-sama must attend to. It should be about two weeks before he can decide your fate,” Sebas said.

“So long,” Climb blurted out, as the image of Princess Renner floated in his mind. “I mean, thank you, Sebas-san. Knowing this will prevent my mind from wandering,” he added.

“Then, I shall take my leave. I’ll ask Brain-kun to visit you,” Sebas said with a nod, before turning to leave.

“Uh, Sebas-san,” Climb called out to him. Climb shifted his weight from one leg to the other hesitantly, as he tried to come up with the right words. “I want you to know, I don’t hold any grudges against you. In fact, I greatly admire you. It’s just unfortunate we ended up on the opposite sides of this conflict.”

“I am glad you feel this way, Climb-kun. I hope in the future we’ll find ourselves on the same side,” Sebas said with a smile.

The two bid each other farewell once more. Climb laid on the bed and stared into the ceiling. I was able to share my feelings with Sebas-san, and I have a better understanding of my circumstances. Hmm, if the Sorcerer King felt my actions warranted death, then I would have died already. Since I possess no information of value, there is no need to interrogate me before killing me. Which means I might have a chance to see Princess Renner, yet.

Feeling energized by such a wonderful thought, Climb got up from the bed and started on his exercise routine once more.

***

It had been nearly two weeks since Sebas’s visit, when Climb heard approaching footsteps once again. Though, this time it was clearly more than one person. Is this it? Climb thought as he tried to calm himself in preparation for his meeting with the Sorcerer King.

However, he was once again mistaken, as Brain Unglaus came into view, accompanied by an insectoid monster. The monster gestured toward Climb before retreating a bit to give them some privacy.

“Brain-san! I am so glad to see you in good health,” Climb exclaimed excitedly. However, as Brain came closer after returning his greetings, Climb could see a new, disturbing change in the man’s appearance. “Your eyes… are red,” he said as he finally understood what Sebas meant by saying that Shalltear had claimed Brain.

“Yes, by the grace of my mistress, Shalltear-sama, I have been given a chance to achieve my dream as a swordsman,” Brain said enthusiastically. “The power coursing through my body… you can’t imagine how great it feels,” he added as he looked at his hand, clenching them into fists.

“What are you saying?” Climb exclaimed shocked by Brain’s disregard at losing his humanity and the praise he lavished on the one who turned him.

“Just by becoming a vampire, I have already surpassed the human limits. I am far stronger than the members of Blue Rose. In fact, I can now even contend against the renowned Martial Lord of the Baharuth Empire. Just think of how much stronger I will become with training.” It was obvious just how excited Brain was about his future. In fact, in his excitement, he seemed oblivious to Climb’s turmoil.

“But you gave up your humanity! And your attitude… I know you wanted to become stronger, but, there were things even more important than gaining strength. You joined the strike force in order to help defeat the Sorcerer King and his servants, but now you are praising them?” Climb shouted as he became more and more agitated.

“What do you mean?” Brain asked seemingly confused. “Praising someone as powerful as Ainz-sama or Shalltear-sama is only natural.”

“You… you can’t even see it?” Climb asked as he fell to his knees, staring at the floor with a blank stare he began to mumble his thoughts out loud. “Is this the effect of being turned? Brain-san is… he’s really dead. My friend, my mentor… is dead… just like Gazef-san.” He lifted his head upward and screamed, no longer able to cope with the emotions he felt.

“Are you alright? You are acting quite weird. I thought you’d be happy to see me, yet you are acting like this,” Brain said as he shook his head disapprovingly.

“How could I be happy when you are in such a state?” Climb asked as he felt his eyes turn moist. “Brain-san, do you remember Gazef-san? When the Sorcerer King asked Gazef-san to join him, he declined the offer. He could’ve joined the Sorcerer King, and be an advocate for humanity, yet he declined. Not only that, but he also issued a duel challenge, despite knowing full well that his chances of victory were almost zero.” As Climb spoke he felt strength fill his body, he stood up and walked up to the metal bars of his cell grabbing them. Looking Brain in the eyes he continued. “Do you know why Gazef-san did it? It was because of his conviction! What about you, Brain? Do you even remember what your convictions were?!” Climb shouted.

“Gazef, huh?” Brain asked as the excitement in his eyes seemed to fade. It was as if hearing that name has undone the spell he was under. He stared at his hands in silence, before lifting his face to look at Climb, who was stunned by the sadness it revealed.

“Gazef would certainly mock me. I wanted to become the strongest swordsman, only to lose to Gazef in that tournament. In search of strength, I became the leader of a mercenary group, which had done many bad, despicable things. But I was getting stronger, so I didn’t care. Then, I met Shalltear Bloodfallen, and realized how pointless my effort, my life had been.” A mocking smile spread across his lips. “Crashed by the weight of this realization, I had nearly lost my mind. It was then, that Gazef chanced upon me, and through the strength of his character helped me regain myself. Even if I could never reach the pinnacle of strength, I could at least move forward, no matter how tiny the steps might seem. Having reaffirmed my conviction, I began to move forward once again.”

Brain paused, his shoulders slumped and his entire being seemed to give off the feeling of defeat. He let out a heavy sigh before continuing. “Then Gazef challenged Ainz. He stayed true to his convictions and died without regret. If only I could’ve died beside him… Gazef was gone, but I persisted, pushing on. When I heard about the strike force, I decided to join, seeing it as my chance to challenge Shalltear. I thought death was inevitable, but I would have stayed true to my conviction and die without regrets.” Brain gave a short laugh, as his face twisted in madness and despair.

“Now I am a powerful vampire with an unlimited life span. I can actually reach the pinnacle of strength… and yet… I wanted to make Shalltear acknowledge my strength, now I call her mistress. I now bow down and pay sincere respect to the Sorcerer King I once sought to oppose, my conviction is gone, I now exist to serve the will of others. This life, this undeath… it’s a curse.” Brain’s words became softer and softer as he went on, by the end Climb was barely able to make out the words.

Brain lowered his face and covered it with his hands. His body shuddered as if he was sobbing, though there was no sound. Unsure what to say, Climb stayed silent too. He now realized the despair Brain felt inside, behind that excited facade he presented, but what could he say to cheer up his friend? It seemed Brain was destined for a life of inner torment. The anger Climb had felt at first was gone, replaced by deep sadness at his friend’s fate.

After a while, Brain lifted his face and looked at Climb, having recovered from his emotions, he gave a half-smile as he spoke. “Only the strong can live with dignity and conviction, the weak can only curse their fate as they are used as playthings by the powerful.” Brain shook his head, and his expression slowly began to return to one of excitement, like how he looked at the start of the conversation.

“Listen, Climb. I don’t know what your future holds, but let me give you this piece of advice. Should you survive this ordeal, do not seek revenge against Ainz-sama. No matter what you are forced to endure or what is taken from you, it could always be worse… take it from me,” Brain added with a chuckle. “The bug whose existence is unknown to them is the one with the happiest life. Do not give them a reason to notice you,” Brain added.

The two stood there in silence for a bit. Brain was the one to speak first.

“I hope you’ll have better luck than me,” he said before bidding Climb farewell.

As the sound of the footsteps grew softer, Climb thought about Brain’s parting words. Do not seek revenge? As if someone like me is even capable of such a thing. I just hope I can escape this place alive. Although, if something happened to Princess Renner… Climb balled up his fists as he thought about what he would do if such a thing happened. I couldn’t go on living in a world without Renner-sama, He thought. Then my goal is clear, I must take all responsibility for my actions and safeguard Princess Renner. I should come up with a good argument for why I am the only one that should face their wrath. He drew a long breath, trying to calm himself, before laying on a bed with eyes closed.

He tried to think of a sound argument, but the thought of Princess Renner being tortured or even over this matter was too distracting. Unable to focus, he got up from the bed and began pacing back and forth in his cell, as the images of Renner’s suffering filled his mind.

***

Several days had come and gone. Yet Climb was still a total wreck. He hadn’t come up with anything beyond a basic argument, and the black circles under his eyes made it obvious that the mental strain he has been under the last few days took a lot out of him.

It was a bit after his breakfast meal, that he heard footsteps belonging to multiple beings. He prayed it was just Sebas-san or Brain-san visiting him again, but alas, the reality was truly cruel. What came into his view was a group of four insectoid monsters.

“Put this on and come with us,” one of them instructed him as the cell was unlocked and another monster brought Climb’s equipment inside.

His armor, the bell, the pocket watch, and even his sword were all here. However, the ring he wore was gone.

“Where is the ring I had? I don’t see it here,” Climb asked unable to just let it go, after all, it wasn’t just a powerful item but a memento of Gazef as well.

“You won’t get it back. Do you prefer to lose it along with the finger you wore it on?” He got a harsh reply from one of the monsters.

“Where are you taking me?” Climb asked while he continued to put on his armor.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” the monster guard replied.

Once Climb was done with his equipment, he was escorted out of the Frozen Prison. After the group exited the building, they stopped for a bit, while one of the insectoids went to speak to an Elder Lich that was seemingly waiting for them. After about a minute a portal appeared nearby. The escorting monsters proceeded to move towards it, and Climb had no choice but to follow them.

After emerging on the other side, Climb found himself in a breathtaking throne room. Magnificent candelabras hung from the ceiling, their innumerous magical lights shining as brightly as the sun. Impressive flags, suspended from pikes, adorned the tops of the side walls. There must’ve been many other wondrous decorations in the room, but Climb had no time for them, as his attention had been drawn to the other side of the room.

The Sorcerer King, Ainz Ooal Gown, sat on the throne, Albedo, whom Climb recognized from her visit to Re-Estize, stood beside him, while several other servants stood respectfully on the sides in front of the throne. Ainz gestured with his skeletal hand, and the group of guards approached. Pushing Climb forward, the insectoid monsters took several steps back, leaving Climb all alone in front of the gathered creatures.

Surprisingly, the one to speak first was not the Sorcerer King, but rather the winged woman next to him.

“You have conspired with the other participants to gain entry into the Great Tomb of Nazarick, under the pretense that you were here to help us fight Jaldabaoth. Only to use this opportunity to attempt to launch a surprise attack at the opportune moment,” Albedo announced loudly, while the other servants, including Sebas, stared at Climb.

After casting a quick glance at Sebas, Climb swallowed hard before speaking. “I will accept whatever punishment the Sorcerer King sees fit for my actions,” he said.

“Your attitude is quite commendable, I can see why Sebas likes your character,” Ainz said. “But, you didn’t choose to take part in this attack against me of your own desire, did you? It was Princess Renner who had ordered you to join the strike force and commit these crimes. In that sense, she is the one responsible, and as such, the one who should face the punishment.” Ainz said while caressing his chin with his bony hand.

“Your Majesty! It is true that Princess Renner had ordered me to do so. But, I wanted to do it. I wanted to take revenge for Gazef-sama. So, the order shouldn’t matter, as I would have joined the strike force of my own will anyway. As such, any punishment should be borne by me and me alone.” Climb clenched his fists as he tried his best to present his argument.

“Is that so? You would abandon your mistress and seek revenge for Gazef’s death?” Ainz asked, his voice full of skepticism. “I think not. A loyal dog like you is simply incapable of such an act.” Ainz concluded and for a moment silence filled the throne room. “If a dog is ordered to attack someone, it seems foolish to only punish the obedient dog, and not the master who gave the orders. Renner is the one responsible for these crimes, not just you,” Ainz said forcefully.

“No… you can’t. I will bear any torment you wish to inflict, just, please… let it be only me,” Climb exclaimed as he fell on his knees, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“He might be a dog, but he is quite a loyal one, going this far to protect his mistress,” Albedo said as she observed Climb with a curious yet cold smile.

“All the more reason for the punishment to be directed at her, and not just him,” Ainz said seemingly unmoved by Climb’s display, before delivering his verdict. “The punishment for these crimes is death.”

“No, you can’t kill her. Please, take my life instead. You can then raise me as an undead, forcing me to serve you for all eternity! Wouldn’t that be a more severe punishment than just death? Just, please… let me bear all of your punishment,” Climb bemoaned while kneeling.

“Since your mind would be gone, there would be little difference between raising you as an undead and a straight-up death. Besides, what’s the point of killing you when you are already dead?” Ainz said with a chuckle.

“No it’s… what do you mean?” Climb asked in puzzlement after stopping the plea he was going to say.

“Oh? Have you forgotten? I guess the recent events kept your mind elsewhere. Back when the Slane Theocracy recruited Blue Rose for this attack, Princess Renner served as a deal maker. In order to prevent her from leaking information, the Slane Theocracy had you ingest some poison.” Ainz explained patiently. Seemingly satisfied with Climb’s startled look, Ainz continued: “The Slane Theocracy has been decimated, you can no longer get the monthly antidote. A life that is about to end isn’t much of a bargaining chip, don’t you think?”

These words finally pushed Climb too far and the man broke down sobbing. As his body shook from his crying, one could barely make out the words he mumbled in between sobs: “My life isn’t enough.”

“Is he crying about his life ending soon?” Aura asked curiously.

“N-no, I think it’s b-because this Renner will die and he is unable to do anything and f-feels powerless,” Mare added while stuttering as usual since Zesshi wasn’t present.

“But shouldn’t he be used to such a feeling? He’s just a human, after all, this can’t be the first time he has experienced just how pathetically weak humans are?” Shalltear asked.

Hearing her mocking words, Climb looked up and saw Shalltear looking at him with a curiosity one would display when looking at an interesting bug. He recognized her from the description he was provided as a member of the strike force, and when he did his mind was flooded with what happened to Brain and the emotions he felt during their conversation.

Climb stopped sobbing, as he cast a hate-filled glance at the vampire, before moving his sight to the Sorcerer King. I won’t go down like this. If I am dead anyway, and Renner’s fate is truly out of my hands, then I shall die as a man fighting to protect his beloved. Climb thought as he leaned forward on one arm, his other arm gripping the handle of his sword. He planted his feet firmly, and flexed his leg muscles, ready to explode and lunge forward.

Having made his preparations, he scanned the room. Shalltear, Aura, and Mare on one side. Some woman in a maid’s outfit, Cocytus, and Sebas on the other. Ainz and Albedo right in front of him. Climb couldn’t help but laugh inside – so many monsters, forget him, even the most legendary heroes from history wouldn’t be able to strike Ainz.

Still, he had already made up his mind. With his eyes set on Ainz, he was about to lunge forward in a desperate attack, when his eyes met the two red dots inside Ainz’s skull.

“Ah, there it is. That look in your eyes, those are good eyes. Just like Gazef’s.” Ainz suddenly spoke, breaking Climb’s concentration.

“The. Boy. Got. Spirit.” Cocytus offered from the side.

“Fufu, that look he had was quite fierce,” Albedo cooed

“Lupusregina, do it,” Ainz ordered.

Climb was still trying to understand the meaning behind their words, when the woman in a maid’s outfit stepped forward, lifted her hand toward him and began casting a spell.

[Cure Poison]. A moment later Climb’s entire body was bathed in white light. It lingered for a second before dissipating.

“There, the poison in your system has been cured,” Ainz said as the maid retreated to her position near the Guardians.

“I… I don’t understand,” Climb managed to say as he struggled to process what was happening.

“That Princess Renner of yours is quite a character. Faced with certain death, she managed to negotiate a deal with me. Now, not only have I cured your poison, but she won’t be killed either,” Ainz said.

“She won’t be killed?! Oh, thank the Gods,” Climb exclaimed as he felt all of his strength leave his body.

“Thank the Gods?” Shalltear repeated mockingly. “The one you should be thanking is Ainz-sama, not some imaginary Gods a fool like you worships.”

“Tha-Thank you, Your Majesty. You have my greatest gratitude,” Climb quickly corrected himself.

“It was all part of our deal, no need to thank me for it,” Ainz said with a shrug.

“May, may I ask as to the nature of the deal Princess Renner made with you?” Climb asked as his relief and excitement began to slowly get replaced by worry and unease.

“Why don’t you ask her that yourself?” Ainz replied. “Shalltear, send him on his way.”

Shalltear walked toward Climb and opened a [Gate]. Sebas came over as well.

“I am glad your life has been spared. Then, until we meet again,” Sebas said as he clapped Climb’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Sebas-san,” Climb replied.

He was eager to find out the situation with Renner and stepped into the portal without any hesitation. When he came out on the other side, he found himself in a very familiar place – in front of the royal castle inside the city of Re-Estize. Turning his head left and right, he immediately spotted a pair of guards near the entrance. The guards, for their part, were also staring at him with their mouths hanging open. Not paying any attention to their startled appearance, Climb sprinted toward them as he yelled.

“Is Princess Renner alright? Please tell me, how is Princess Renner doing?!”

“Is… is that Climb? It is him isn’t it?” One of the guards asked the other.

“That white armor… yes. Climb, what in the world just happened? We saw some strange oval of blackness appear, and then you walked out of it! Boy, I thought it was that damned Jaldabaoth breaking through to this realm,” the other guard said energetically, as he heaved a sigh of relief.

“Never mind all that, please tell me how Princess Renner is doing. Has anything happened to her?” Climb asked with a strained face.

“Princess Renner… she… well, I haven’t seen it myself,” one of the guards began to mumble as he cast a glance at his partner.

“Mm, you see, while you were gone, she… uh. Then, Zanac-sama, he ordered to… um,” the other guard wasn’t much better either.

“What are you two mumbling about? Never mind, I don’t have time to waste,” Climb shouted angrily as he walked through the entrance.

Suddenly one of the guards reached out his arm, blocking Climb’s way.

“Do you plan to go to Renner’s quarters?” The guard asked.

“Of course!” Climb exclaimed, feeling annoyed at how the guard referred to Princess Renner without the proper honorific.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Besides, where did you come from? You can’t just waltz into the royal castle. Heck, maybe you aren’t even Climb, I hear demons can use illusion magic,” the guard said with a malicious look on his face as he shoved Climb away.

“That’s right kid, you better run, or bad things will happen to you too,” the other guard said as he laughed.

“You two…” Climb started but then stopped.

It was no secret that many of the castle guards disliked him. Some felt envious of his position, others believed he didn’t deserve such preferential treatment. He had learned to endure their looks and the gossip they spread about him and Renner. He knew from experience that it was pointless to argue with such people, not to mention he had no time for that anyway.

The two guards were still smirking when Climb jumped forward, he rammed his shoulder into one of the guards, sending the man crashing into the wall. With a quick twist of his body, he sent a punch at the other guard’s face, as the man tried to draw his sword. Blood sprayed as his metal gauntlet connected, sending the guard to the ground.

With the two guards out of his way, Climb rushed inside, ignoring the curses the guards were sending his way. Ignoring everything in his way, he sprinted along the Castle’s corridors towards Renner’s room.

*****

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