29 The Show of Strength
Cocytus attempted to interject with a response, but his words were abruptly cut off. Ainz-sama, the necromancer, asserted that as a practitioner of dark magic, he had the ability to summon much stronger beings without the concern of uprisings. He mentioned that if he desired permanent subjects, any individual would suffice.
Cocytus fell silent, contemplating Ainz-sama's words. Ainz-sama, in turn, maintained his gaze on Cocytus, silently conveying the question of whether he had anything further to add.
Demiurge, appearing eager to contribute, looked up as if preparing to speak. However, before he could utter a word, Ainz-sama preempted him. Ainz-sama proposed the idea of conducting experiments on the lizardmen, viewing them not as captive subjects but as a means to test governability. He explained that as their forces expanded, governing them solely through fear would become increasingly complicated. Ainz-sama suggested that initiating a small-scale experiment to explore alternative methods of governance would prove beneficial. Depending on the results, they could potentially apply the same approach in the future.
Demiurge's eyes gleamed with admiration as he whispered his praise for Ainz-sama's foresight, acknowledging that Ainz-sama always seemed to be one step ahead of them.
Ainz-sama then shifted the topic, addressing another issue at hand. He noted that the lizardmen, having emerged victorious, now believed themselves to be stronger. Ainz-sama expressed his concern that under the current circumstances, it would be challenging to govern them effectively. To rectify this, he proposed a plan to display their true strength. They had prepared a gate to teleport themselves to the swamps, where the lizardmen resided. The most time-consuming part of the preparation had been acquiring the necessary materials and making the necessary arrangements. However, with the assistance of Shalltear and Pestonya, the process had been expedited, and in just a little over an hour, they were ready to proceed.
The stage was set for Ainz-sama and his loyal followers to demonstrate their power and assert their dominance over the lizardmen. The teleportation gate would serve as a conduit to transport them to the swamps, where they would make their presence known and showcase their true capabilities.
Furthermore, this presented an ideal opportunity for Aurora, Ainz's daughter, to briefly experience the outside world. She had expressed her desire to venture beyond the confines of Nazarick, and Ainz believed that this excursion would leave a lasting impression on her, despite the less than glamorous setting of a swamp. With their teleportation complete, they found themselves in the vicinity of the lizardman village, separated by the murky expanse of the swamp.
Expressing his disdain for the unsightly surroundings, Ainz remarked that the reality of the swamp was even more repulsive than he had anticipated. Determined to rectify this, he employed his mastery of magic, casting a spell that encased the entire swamp in a sheet of ice. Satisfied with the transformation, Ainz delegated the task of giving orders to Gargantua, a colossal creature under Albedo's command.
Within moments, Gargantua hurled a massive boulder that became lodged in the frozen surface of the swamp. Ainz had purposefully utilized high-tier magic to ensure that the ice extended not only across the surface but also deep into the swamp's depths.
With the stage set, Ainz issued a command for his undead forces to assemble. One by one, an army far larger than the one previously led by Cocytus approached the boulder and humbly bowed before it. Initially, their actions seemed perplexing, but after a few minutes, they skillfully arranged themselves in the shape of a staircase, ascending to the top of the boulder. Ainz had devised this makeshift yet acceptable stage to facilitate communication with the creatures below, while also showcasing the might and power of Nazarick.
Addressing his assembled forces, Ainz emphasized that this time they would stake their reputation on the line. He instructed for the flags of Nazarick to be brought forward, signaling their presence and asserting their dominance. As the final adjustments were made to the staircase, Ainz dispatched the remaining skeletons to proudly display the flag of Nazarick.
Addressing his assembled forces, Ainz emphasized that this time they would stake their reputation on the line. He instructed for the flags of Nazarick to be brought forward, signaling their presence and asserting their dominance. As the final adjustments were made to the staircase, Ainz dispatched the remaining skeletons to proudly display the flag of Nazarick.
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as Shalltear enthusiastically acknowledged Ainz's command. The group stood atop the boulder, observing two lizardmen approaching. Shasuryu Shasha, the self-proclaimed strongest hero among the lizardmen, introduced himself as their representative. Zaryusu Shasha, wielding the Frost Pain and proclaiming himself as Shasuryu's brother, followed suit.
Ainz maintained a stoic silence, his gaze fixed upon the lizardmen as he rested his head on his knuckles, exuding an aura of dominance. Demiurge, ever the strategist, interjected, instructing the lizardmen to assume a listening posture. Perplexed, Shasuryu inquired about this unfamiliar term. Albedo, displaying her disdain for their lack of understanding, cast a disdainful glance at Demiurge, prompting him to clarify by commanding the lizardmen to prostrate themselves. Succumbing to an invisible force, both lizardmen immediately bowed down before Ainz and his entourage.
Acknowledging their compliance, Ainz proceeded to express gratitude for their participation in his experiment, deeming it fruitful. However, he wasted no time addressing the primary issue at hand—the acceptance of his authority. Ainz acknowledged that the lizardmen had previously defeated his forces, suggesting their unwillingness to submit to his rule. He preemptively dismissed any suggestions of surrender without a fight, emphasizing that the lizardmen would indeed face off against them. Ainz offered a proposition: if the lizardmen emerged victorious, unlikely as it may be, no further action would be taken against them, and they would be compensated for their troubles. The designated opponent for the battle would be none other than Cocytus.
Cocytus, in a respectful tone, greeted the lizardmen as warriors, expressing his hope for a worthy fight. He emphasized that while their defeat and subsequent death were inevitable, there existed a stark difference between a cowardly demise and an honorable one. The choice was left in the hands of the lizardmen, urging them to choose wisely.
Ainz nodded in approval, signifying the conclusion of his address. He reminded them of the allotted four-hour time limit before bidding them farewell, making his way towards the opened teleportation gate adjacent to his throne. Albedo followed suit, wordlessly entering the gate. Shalltear bid her goodbyes, promptly vanishing through the portal. Victim offered his farewell, departing in a similar fashion. Aurora, Ainz's daughter, cheerfully exclaimed her goodbye before leaping into the gate. Demiurge, before departing, released the lizardmen from his spell, bidding them a good night. Aura, with a casual "bye," joined the procession back to Nazarick. Lastly, Mare shyly uttered his farewell before leaving the lizardmen behind.
