Overlord - The Lizardmen Heroes - Куганэ Маруяма - Страница 59
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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.
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