Overlord - The Lizardmen Heroes - Куганэ Маруяма - Страница 61

“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?”

“That is precisely it. However, do not forget that we also have an objective of making a demonstration.”

“Then, we can send out Nazarick’s Veteran Guards to act as the main force, so that the composition of the army appears even more powerful.”

Cocytus internally agreed with Albedo’s response.

There was a kind of undead guard known as Veteran Guard.

Nazarick Veteran Guards only existed amongst the guards of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. It could be said that Veteran Guards were high class undead. They possessed items with various magic effects, and were equipped with magic armour and shield, and furthermore were skilled in fighting special abilities. They were quite excellent undead guards.

“There are no problems with that. How many do you require?”

“Three thousand.”

“That’s a little on the small side. With this kind of numbers, it will be difficult to reach an earth shattering effect. … We want to obtain an overwhelming victory this time, causing those who look down on Nazarick to feel true terror. If the number is less than the previous instance, then there is no meaning in it. I hope that I can double the numbers. What other units can we use?”