Chapter 36: Lizardmen part 2

"Atlas, Ainz-sama has just sent a messenger to tell us that we need to restart our plan." Cocytus announced.

"What did Lord Ainz find wrong in our plan?" Atlas asked.

"I turns out that Ainz-sama desires for us to use the Un-evolved troops to test our leadership, and not to use our abilities to give ourselves an advantage. He would prefer to only use our abilities if all goes wrong." Cocytus explained.

"Well nothing can be done about it now. I will order the fresh brothers into reserve. By any chance will we get replacements?" Atlas spoke.

"Indeed, just like the original allotment of skeletons."

Atlas went towards the planning table, stretching out the map of the region, using a red pen to army out two seperate locations.

"We can use a simple tactic to cripple all enemy melee fighters within a single advance." Atlas announced.

"Surely it would cost us all we have if we were to use skeletons to rush them in a single move." Cocytus commented.

"It is my signature strategy; 'The Creeping Volley'. We will send out the strongest melee fighters into the front, followed by the weaker ones in a box formation. As the melee fighters engage with the enemy forces, we will use all ranged units to launch a volley of arrows that will strike at the area indiscriminately. The real advantage with this strategy is that skeletons are highly resistant to piercing damage. This will result in the thinning out of all the weaker enemy units, leaving only their ranged fighters and their best melee fighters." Atlas explained.

"This is indeed a great plan, but what do you suggest we do with the elder lich?"

"The elder lich can stay in the back, supporting the ranged units with defensive spells." Atlas suggested.

"If this plan goes well, we could take over the region in a single offensive."

Atlas and Cocytus continued finalising the plan, preparing their newly attained troops for the coming offensive.

"Lord Cocytus, it is time for the skirmish." Atlas announced.

Immediately the two of them left the base to travel towards the battle location, followed by an army of skeletal undead.

After a long march, the two finally arrived at the combat zone, ready to launch their attack. This time the Lizardmen had already set up their defence, preparing their warriors in front of the village, awaiting for the skirmish to begin.

"Lord Cocytus, the bow units are in place, we will begin the assault on your signal." Atlas announced.

"By the way, Lord Cocytus, I have made a few adjustments to the firing frequency incorporated in my creeping volley, I hope you are satisfied with the results when we are done." Atlas spoke.

"What sort of adjustments?"

"The adjustment ensures that the Lizardmen will have no time to fully defend and attack at the same time, only the strongest warriors of higher potential can withstand this." Atlas claimed.

"We still need some Lizardmen alive, we cannot destroy all of them." Cocytus spoke.

"Then I will organise the necessary orders." Atlas said.

"Very good, Now then, let us watch the battle."

The two guardians materialised a blue couch with the banner of Nazarick flying beside it, they proceeded to sit down and watch the scene unfold using a crystal ball.

"ATTACK!"

The elder lich initiated the assault, ordering the melee fighters straight into the fray. As the melee fighters clashed with the Lizardmen fighters, a rain of arrows came from the sky, endlessly peppering the scene without a single moment of rest. One by one the Lizardmen fell as they either were killed by the skeletons or the arrows. With no time to defence against both attacks, the Lizardmen either tried to take down a single unit with them or retreated back to their defensive walls.

The remaining Lizardmen only numbered around 50 out of around 400 total. With the swift victory, the skeletons waited for further orders.

"It seems only the chiefs and the best fighters are left." Atlas commented.

"Let them live, Ainz-sama has a purpose for them." Cocytus spoke.

"They are so weak, none of them are worthy of being in survive of Lord Ainz." Atlas responded.

"Atlas-dono, it is done. Come, let us return back to the base."

"Lord Cocytus, there seems to be a lone challenger..."

A single Lizardman wielding an ice blade entered into the battlefield, waving his weapon around as he moved forward. In a single move, he casted a spell which effectively destroyed a large chunk of the skeleton melee formation. With the formation split, the warriors began to advance again, cutting through the melee warrior to the ranged ones. After breaking past, the melee warriors made quick work of the defensive spells, easily subduing the weaker skeletons, but with some minor casualties. The prideful lich was instantly killed during the counter strike, ending the battle.

"Those Lizardmen managed to break the formation..." Atlas commented.

"I have failed."

Atlas grabbed a black dagger from the abyss, preparing to stab himself in the skull.

"NO! Remember you have someone to live for. We will go back to Nazarick together and tell Ainz-sama of the result. You tried your best, it seems that we underestimated their cunning."

"I am sorry, Lord Cocytus. I almost forgot...I am a terrible fiancé indeed. I will ask Narberal for forgiveness for this sin later. Let us go back to the tomb."

The two guardians left the battle, proceeding back to Nazarick for briefing.