Chapter 24

[Chronofoil is a World Champion Class Rapier with a simple black-and-white colour scheme. Despite its unassuming design, this weapon grants its user limited time-manipulation powers, which grow stronger with the user's level. Additionally, the sword can bypass any defensive spell up to the 9th tier. 

Chrono's Judgment:

 The ultimate skill of the Chronofoil rapier. When activated, it destroys all its restrictions and releases a distortion in space that can bypass any defensive action, including those from World Class Items. The attack will automatically slip through time and always appear in front of the target. 

Restrictions:

To activate Chrono's Judgment, the user must permanently sacrifice a percentage of their total HP, starting at 50% and increasing based on their level, capping at 80% of their base max HP (excluding buffs).

Additionally, the user must maintain eye contact with the target to activate its special ability; if the target moves out of view, the ability to bypass defensive Super-Tier Magic and World Items would be lost.] 

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The wall of skeletons slowly started to subside underneath the earth, revealing Lemon, who was holding up the heavily wounded Albedo. Her once shining black armour was now missing its left arm with what was supposed to be underneath it. Continuous red flowed from the wound, staining her black armour red. Her alluring ebony wings were also not spared from the crimson blood as it flowed down like tears dripping towards the cold earth. 

*Haa Haa Haa* "I-I am ashamed for my display of incompetence, Lemon-sama. Please unhand me so I can wash this disgrace with my life." Whispered Albedo painfully as he hung her head downwards.

"What stupid thing are you sprouting? Do you actually think I will allow such actions? And even if you did, Momonga would immediately order me to revive you. Even without me, he would use a vast amount of resources from the guild to do the same thing. What I am trying to say is that you trying to kill yourself is just a waste of precious resources, so forget it." (L)

"THEN-Then how shall I rectify this great stane I have besmirch on Nazaric, No to Ainz Ooal Gown. Please let me kill myself and be removed from the guild so that this never happens again." (Albedo)

Albedo shouted underneath her helmet. Her head was still downcast, but her muffled voice was enough to transmit the intensity of her feelings, and to that, Lemon gave a long sigh. 

Taking away the world item that's in the form of an axe from Albedo's right hand, Lemon activated an 8th-tier healing spell on her. A magical circle appeared above her head, and with the scent of a spring breeze, golden dust started raining down on her.

Albedo didn't try to resist the magic. She did not move nor even make a sound when her missing limb regrew. First, her skeletal hand formed, followed by the fleshy regeneration of her muscle tissues. Then, as if to cover up this disturbing process, white-beautiful skin quickly wrapped the pinkish flesh.

'Dame didn't know that regenerating a body part is that much of a grottiest-looking process. And it also looks painful as hell. But she didn't even flinch. Is that because she is high-level?.... Guess I could try it out on someone else.' 

"Come on Albedo. Let's meet up with Ainz. He must have finished off the guy you were fighting." Said Lemon casually as he started flying down to the ground, but he suddenly stopped on noticing that Albedo was still in the exact same position.

Gliding back up to her level, Lemon peered into the watery golden eyes hidden behind the black mask, then continued in a softer voice. "Albedo, I understand that you are self-conscious about speaking with Ainz, but I promise he wouldn't care. You guys were up against opponents that we have no info on, so we both expected casualties on some level. Hell, if that weapon is what I think it is, acquiring it more than makes up for this blunder, and it is because of you that we were able to snatch it with no risk."

Placing his hands on Albedo's slightly trembling shoulders, sounds of quiet sobs softly reached Lemon's ears. He could also see drops of dew-like tears running down her angelic face as if to replace the red tears that came before it. 

Seeing this proud woman reduced to such a vulnerable state from a single mistake made Lemon realise the gravity of the image the NPCS have for their Guild and its Members.

'I could give her some consoling words to cheer her up again, but since I'll eventually be leaving them behind, that would be a little disingenuous. Ya, she must hear those from Ainz's mouth instead. That will also make their bond stronger.'

"Come on, let's go." Said Lemon as he took hold of Albedo's hands and descended towards the figure of Ainz.

On the ground, Ainz's mood was in a euphoric state following his appraisal of the weapon, and noticing the two descending figures, he excitedly approached them, his joy radiating out from his every bone.

"You guys are finally here". Ainz exclaimed, then turning his face to the first figure, he lifted the black and white Rapier above his chest and continued.

"I just finished the Appraisal, and it did turn out to be the weapon we were talking about, and let me tell you Lemon. The effects are more broken than we thought." (Ainz)

"Oh ya. So it was really [Chronofoil], that's wild. So what do you mean it's more broken than we thought? Having the ability to bypass any and all forms of defence, even from a world Item, with the only downside being, 'You have to constantly have the enemy in your line of sight. is not broken' Enough?" Asked Lemon as he landed on the ground with a thump. His hand were no longer holding Albedo's. Who also landed right next to him.

Ainz had not caught up to the dreary mood emanating from the black clade beauty and thus was about to convey the fine details about the treasure they found. This, however, was cut short when Lemon suddenly gave him a shoulder hug and started to drag him to the side. Bending their hips slightly, Lemon continued his words in a more hushed tone.

"Listen, man. We can talk about that stuff later. First, say something to Albedo. She's been feeling down cause she lost to her opponent." (Lemon)

"Hmm, really, but we already discussed that some casualty is inevitable in such a fight. Ainz whispered back." (Ainz)

"Ya, I also told that, but they must have thought that was some kind of pep talk or something, and didn't really take that seriously. I mean, she even told me to let her commit suicide." (Lemon)

"What?" shouted Ainz, completely forgetting their speaking volume.

"*Shees*, man you will spook her. Anyway, just calm her down or cheer her up cause she seems seriously depressed. Just don't try to be too forceful." (Lemon)

Nodding in quiet acknowledgement to Lemon's words, Ainz broke off from their discussion and approached the forlorn figure of Albedo. Her face was now fully exposed after removing her helmet, but her angelic countenance was nowhere to be seen. Rather, her body exuded an overwhelming feeling of regret, and she avoided looking him in the eyes with her gaze fixed downward. Despite her attitude, Ainz did not mind and spoke softly while resting his hands on her bare shoulder.

"Albedo, I have heard your worries from Lemon, and as he said, It was within expectation, so don't let this small failure get to you." (Ainz)

Albedo, even after hearing Ainz's reassuring words did not look up. Instead, clenching her fist tightly, she replied in a quiet voice.

"But—but—that can't, no, shouldn't be permitted. As the leader of the NPCs, I can't be pardoned for such a failure ." (Albedo)

"Amm, Albedo, are you ok. Why are you suddenly shaking?" (Ainz)

As her sudden trembling was starting to worry Ainz, he found himself thinking about calling his healer friend. Then, as if hit by an epiphany, Albedo suddenly threw up her head. Her beautiful face was dirtied with traces of tears and even some snot, but now a look of resolve was shining in her eyes.

"Ainz-sama," Albedo muttered, her voice transforming from one of shame to that of stern determination as if she would brook no response other than a "yes".

"I now understand that killing myself would be the most foolish action for me to make. Thus, I will not ask that of you. But as someone who is in the overseer position, I cannot forgive this disgrace I have committed. So, I request that you, Ainz-sma, with your authority as the Guild master, remove me from the position of Guardian Overseer." (Albedo)

The atmosphere seemed to pause briefly at her words, momentarily freezing Ainz's thoughts to a standstill. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, sound returned in the form of Ainz's panicked voice.

"W-What are you saying, Albedo? Don't be ridiculous. Why would you want to do something like that?" questioned Ainz as he frailed his hands in arlamed.

Seeing her Lord's panicked face of bones, Albedo's heart became a little lighter, and a feeling of endearment started to bloom. But recognizing that such emotions were beyond the current her, she suppressed them and killed those feelings. Then, looking into his flickering red flames, Albedo shook her head and replied.

"No, Ainz sama, I am not being ridiculous. I think this is an appropriate punishment for someone Incompetent like myself." asserted Albedo, her pure golden eyes signing with resolution. 

"At first, I was convinced that the gravity of my mistake could only be atoned for through the sacrifice of my life. However, upon hearing Lemon-sama's words, a new perspective began to take shape within me. I realized that simply offering my life would be an evasion of my true responsibility. Yet, I am bound by a deep-seated conviction that any punishment less than death would be insufficient." (Albedo)

"However, such a severe punishment would undoubtedly compromise Nazarick's formidable battle potential, a consequence that I cannot allow to pass". (Albedo)

Pausing her words, Albedo slightly lowered her eyes and continued with a quiet breath. "As I grappled with this seemingly insurmountable dilemma, it finally dawned on me that my role as the Guardian overseer holds the key to resolving this conflict. It is the only path that simultaneously upholds my unwavering commitment to atonement and safeguards Nazarick's strength."

"Therefore, I humbly implore you, Ainz-sama, to impose the appropriate punishment upon this unworthy servant." (Abledo)

As Albedo finished her long-winded reason for coming to this decision with a determined tone, Ainz was left speechless. He knows that when there is a failure, there must always be someone to take the responsibility, but if that's the case, shouldn't the fault lie with him for not being able to predict the outcome of their battle? 

'No, that's ludicrous. They had no prior info on the enemy, and the casualties were still under expectation. No, it's a net gain if we consider our acquisition of the World Champion class gear. So why should anybody be punished for this, and such a harsh punishment at that?' 

His non-existent heart swelled with rage at the entire exchange, memories of his days working long hours in the office flooding back. In particular, a vivid memory emerged, one where Ainz was reprimanded in front of his coworkers for exceeding the budget, despite having secured a more lucrative contract from their client. As he was about to explode at the stupidity of this notion, a sudden calmness poured into his body, making him realise what he was about to do

'Calm down Ainz, Calm down, why are you getting mad at her? She has nothing to do with that boot-licking asshole that stole all my credit. Haaaa* Good, I think I am sufficiently calm. Now, how to persuade her against this.'

As both parties comb through their thoughts, silence rules between them. One waited for judgment, and the other contemplated on how to pass that judgment. Finally, after a lingering minute, the judge spoke, his tone filled with sincerity and authority.

"Albedo, I understand how you came to such a conclusion but, I still cannot agree to your request. You are one of my precious treasures entrusted to me by Tabula Smaragdina-san, and that role was given to you by him, so do not throw it away for such a small mistake." (Ainz)

Ainz then, taking Albedo's hands onto his, looked into the slits of her golden eyes and continued in his most tender voice.

"Nobody can replace you." (*muted* as the Guardian Overseer of Nazarick.....). (Ainz)

A whirlwind of emotions erupted within Albedo on hearing Ainz's passionate (in her head) declaration, painting her world in shades of pink, red, and white. The gentle ringing of bells filled her ears, softening the world's sounds along with it. Now, all she could see was his majestic face, his sharp jawline, his shining teeth, the fiery passion in his hollow eyes, and his enticingly exposed chest (bone). All she could feel was the firm yet gentle hold of his fingers. 

"So, that is why you should never feel responsible for such a small mishap Albedo," exclaimed Ainz as his emotion shored, which promptly made him trigger his passive cooling.

Nodding her delicate head as if in a trance, Albedo stared into Ainz with hearts on her golden pupils, making him suddenly feel a sense that something had seriously gone wrong. Thus, he did what any sane man would do in this situation: Quickly disengaged and took a few steps back.

"Hmm, It's good that you understood my words Albedo. So, did you change your mind about giving up the Overseer position?" Asked Ainz, still puzzled by the sudden sense of dread he just felt.

Albedo too, on relishing the disgraceful way she was about to act, quickly composed herself, returning to her perfect persona as the Guardian overseer. 

"Ahmm, Yes, Ainz-sama, I perfectly understand your words. And I.." (Albedo)

*boom* *crash*

Her words went unheard, drowned out by the loud sounds of falling trees and exploding earth, causing them both to turn in that direction. What they saw shocked them—not from the phenomenon they were witnessing, but from the implication behind it.

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*This happened as the fight between Albedo and Time Terbulebce was ramping up.* 

Two large figures stood amidst the dimly lit forest, facing each other. A palpable tension hung between them, each poised and focused, weapons at the ready, studying their opponent for any sign of weakness. The air crackled with the anticipation of imminent conflict, their lives balanced on the edge of their opponents' blades. What made this scene abnormal is that one of the figures was not a man but a giant four-armed biped bug and that all the above did not apply to him.

With expressionless eyes, the Giant Blue monster gazed at the bulking axe wilder, seemingly uninterested in the creature in front of him. Adopting a relaxed stance, he didn't even try to buff himself with spells. His grip on the one sword was the only clue that he was engaged in combat.

"ARE. YOU. NOT. ATTACKING?" Asked Cocytus unmovingly as white mist exited his mouth.

Hearing his taunt-like words, SH strengthened his grip on the axe and rushed in like a wild boar. But behind this show of valour, his eyes scanned the surroundings for any path to flee, his mind running simulation after simulation that would let him escape this nightmare he had landed into.

Before joining the Black Scriptures, SH was celebrated as one of the finest war mercenaries across the human nations. He journeyed from one battlefield to the next, driven by a relentless thirst for carnage and bloodshed, leaving behind a trail of demihuman, human, elf, and monster corpses in the hundreds, if not thousands. However, beneath the exterior of brutality that characterized him, there is a soul deeply rooted in piety and instinct. 

Since then, his views on the gods have evolved, and his ferocious nature has somewhat subsided. It was to the point where if the people that he had slain witnessed his normal day-to-day behaviour, they would rub their eyes in shock, and then, after a few moments of slack-jawed reflection, they would bear their arms to end this life.

But the one thing that remained unchanged from his mercenary days is his instinct. His instincts, supported by his somewhat intellectual mind, had helped him survive numerous situations that could have ended his life, and he always acted on them—even in the middle of a battle frenzy.

And this instinct that led him out of countless battlefields was now silent. This silence, however, is not because he considered his opponent below his strength. No, it was the complete opposite. He instinctively gauged that this opponent, this monster before him, stood at such a height that he had given up. But humans are silly creatures. Even if they understand that surrender is the optimal and painless option, they always try to struggle, overcome, or flee.

"Ahhhhhh, Die, you blue-skinned monster," Yelled SH, trying to hide the sense of helplessness pounding in his chest.

SH rushed through the forest ground, destroying any trees that stood in his way with his axe. Seeing that his opponent has not even twitched his sword arm, anxiety creeps into his thoughts, but he ignores it. Activating several of his [martial skills], which increases his strength, speed and reaction time -which gave him a little confidence boost- he accelerated faster.

But, only a few steps into his advance, SH's body suddenly halted. He couldn't bring himself to move forward; his instincts, silent moments ago, now blazed with warning, telling him that the next step would result in his limbs savagely severed from his body. The vision of his own mangled form collapsing to the ground, reduced to nothing more than butchered meat, was so vivid that his desire to flee evaporated instantly.

With his false bravado shattered, SH stood frozen, his once sturdy legs now quivering like fragile twigs beneath his massive frame. His breath came in ragged gasps, fear gripping him tightly in its icy embrace. The looming spectre of death had stripped away all pretence, leaving him raw and exposed to the harsh reality of his mortality.

"IT SEEMS YOU HAVE A GOOD INSTINCT HUMAN. YOUR EQUIPMENT IS THAT OF A BERSERKER, BUT YOU ACT MORE LIKE A SWORDSMAN WITH THE WAY YOU ARE ACTING. *PHHH*. ARE YOU PERHAPS A HYBRITH WARRIOR WHO HAS CHANGED THEIR FIGHTING STYLE TO ACHIEVE FURTHER INSIGHT IN THE WAY OF THE SWORD?" *PHHH* Cocytus breathes out excitedly, making the frightened man confused. But not noticing this, the blue monster continued his speech.

"LORD TAKEMIKAZUCHI SPOKE TO ME ABOUT THOSE KINDS OF WARRIORS, MENTIONING THEIR INFINITE POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH. I TOO HAVE INTEGRATED THOSE TEACHINGS INTO MY TECHNIQUES, THOUGH WITH LIMITATIONS. *PHAA* KNOWING NOW THAT HIS WISE WORDS SPEAK TRUE EVEN IN THIS NEW REGION FILLS ME WITH GREAT JOY. *PHAA*" Cocytus uttered excitedly.

"ALTHOUGH YOU MAY BE WEAK, AS SOMEONE WHO FOLLOWS A SIMILAR PATH TO REACH THE PINICAL OF SWORD MASTERY, I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEND YOU WITH AN HONORABLE DEATH. HOWEVER, MY LORD WANTS ALL OF YOU ALIVE, SO THE ONLY THING I CAN PROMISE YOU IS BETTER TREATMENT THAN THE REST OF YOUR COMPAHIONS." (Cocytus)

Finally, Cocytus readied his long katana, placing it in front of him as he assumed a stance for a counter.

"NOW COME AND GIVE ME YOUR BEST SHOT FOREIGN WARRIOR." (Cocytus)

Feeling Cocytus' mood shift to a combat-ready one, SH shook his head out of the confusion. He still didn't know what the monster was talking about, but he had understood something. He would not be escaping from this monster alive, and with the acceptance of this simple truth, the wild courage that shattered resurfaced again.

"I-I acknowledge that you are more powerful than me, hell I don't even know why you are even letting me attack you. But whatever the reason, as someone chosen to be one of humanity's strongest, I will, at the very least, take one of those limbs with me." (SH)

With courage born from the depths of hopelessness, SH reactivated all his martial skills, causing his bulky muscles to expand like overfilled balloons. He then plunged his axe into the ground and retrieved several vials of potions. Downing a gulp from one, SH's body began to emanate intense mana, his tanned skin taking on the colour of blood.

"*Haa Haa* Sorry for the preparation. You see, unlike the other guys, I can't maintain the special effects of this axe for too long with just my own mana pool, so the research guys created these drugs. Now, Here I come. We won't be fighting for long, but accompany me on this last stand of mine." (SH)

"A WARRIOR PREPARING FOR THEIR LAST BATTLE IS ALWAYS AN HONOUR TO WINNESS. NOW COME AND TASTE MY BLADE." (Cocytus)

Picking up the one-sided axe, SH activated the power embedded within it. This weapon was given to him after he joined the Black Scripured and was said to have been wielded by one of the Gods. It has the ability to produce and manipulate wind, and by activating this power, SH becomes a tornado in human form. Nothing can stand in his way as he crushes, destroys and blows away any obstacle.

As Green veins started to appear in the black body of the axe, SH's giant body started to hover right above the ground, and then like the whirlwind, he charged. Dirt and trees uprooted from his path, but Cocytus' figure before him remains unchanged.

Cocytus stood rooted as though the pandemonium all around him did not exist. Cold breath exited from his mouth that caused all the debris to turn into snowflakes and disperse before ever coming into contact with him. His compact eyes were focused only on the embodiment of wind rushing towards him, and then, with a motion as smooth as Ice, his sword hand moved vertically.

But to his surprise, the whirlwind accelerated even more, doughing his sure kill stroke and vanishing from his immediate vision.

"A MOST INTREGING TECHNIQUE, BUT THE INHERENT FAULT OF CONTROLLING SUCH VIOLENT WIND CANNOT BE QUITED." said Cocytus as he returned to his counter stance.

The wind around Cocytus howls and yowls like starving beasts, blowing around the forest, sometimes destroying innocent trees in its path and sometimes sidestepping it. However, even through this chaotic symphony, Cocytus's eyes, led by his excellent hearing, follow the blurry figure of the wind.

As SH realized his plan to attack the monster from behind was futile, he quickly shifted to his second plan. The axe-wielding giant, enveloped in a swirling tempest of wind, charged towards Cocytus with unwavering determination. The intensifying wind around him signalled his impending attack, and with a mighty swing, he unleashed several blasts. SH knew those wind projectiles wouldn't be enough to even shake Cocytus's stance, but he pressed on, using them to distract Cocytus as he closed the distance between them.

Judging that he was close enough, SH activated one of the innate skills of the weapon, making the green veins around its body illuminate even more. [Wind worm] SH shouted inside his mind as he fiercely smashed the axe right in front of Cocutos feet. 

This seemingly suicidal move by his opponent momentarily bewildered Cocutus and crystallized an interest in its intent. For a moment, he contemplated letting his opponent play out his move, but as a warrior fighting a battle to the death, he quashed it and swiftly brought down his katana. However, as his blade was about to separate SH's left limbs from its body, a sudden pressure hit him from above, making him instantly jump back. Then, as if proving him right, the area around SH abruptly collapses from a sudden wind pressure from above. 

"I suppose you could see through that *haa*. But what about the attacks that followed?" taunt SH, a mocking smile plastered across his face as he continued to hold the embedded axe in the ground and asked SH.

The ground beneath Cocytus suddenly exploded with tendrils of wind, forcing him to retreat further. He twisted and weaved with agile and focused, dancing between the gusts, his katana a blur of steel as he deflected the onslaught.

"Shit, he is just dealing with all of them like it's nothing." Groan SH as he pours more mana into the axe.

Both the quantity of wind explosions and the intensity of tentacle attacks increased. But undaunted, Cocytus countered them with grace and accuracy, his movements demonstrating his command of the blade.

"THIS IS MEANINGLESS," exclaims Cocytus as he stomps on the hole-ridden earth.

The temperature around them abruptly dropped, and a thick layer of ice began to spread from Cocytus's feet. Expanding in the blink of an eye, it covered a radius of a hundred meters, making SH hurriedly jump up to avoid being frozen in place. This sudden change forced SH to yank the axe out of the ground, effectively ending the attack.

"Dame, I had a feeling you might use ice in your fighting, but this is too much. It makes it seem that you were not even trying." (SH)

"DO NOT BE DISHEARTHEN. I AM THE MOST SKILLED IN TERMS OF TECHNIQUE AMONG MY COMRADES, AND THE FACT THAT YOU MADE ME RELIE ON SOMETHING ELSE MAKES YOU A WORTHY WARRIOR." praise Cocytus genuinely as he turned to his shaking opponent.

"Hahaha. So you are the most skilled with the blade among that group of monsters. HAHAHAHA. Well, now I am stuck. I really don't have any more skills to throw, and from the way you are talking, you haven't even pulled out all your regular power, let alone some hidden cards." Laugh SH as he holds his stomach.

SH had already lost hope for escaping when he decided to make this last stand engaged in this catastrophe, but now dawn with this fact, his declaration of taking one of his arms with him seems more like the rambling of a lunatic.

"Hahaha, this is absurd! Where did you guys suddenly come from? Are you guys the remnants of the Evil Gods said to reside in this forest or something?" shouted SH hysterically. 

Realising his will starting to break again and the inevitable immobilization with fear, SH forced his icy limbs to charge at his opponent, not even bordering to wait for the monster's reply. The answer didn't really appeal to him. For a dead man, what good is that? All he wanted to do was scream about how unfair this nightmare was. 

"HMM, I DO NOT KNOW WHO YOU SPEAK OF. HUMAN. *PHAA*. NOW LET'S END THIS BATTLE." (Cocytus)

With his closing foe in sight, Cocytus charged forward for the first time, their weighty steps shattering the ice beneath them. Swiftly and methodically, Cocytus met the axe-wielding giant man with a thunderous roar.

As the giant closed the distance, Cocytus swung his katana with lightning speed, aiming for the giant's midsection. The giant, however, deftly sidestepped the attack, the wind swirling around him, intensifying his movements.

SH raised his massive axe high above his head, bringing it down with tremendous force. Cocytus anticipated the strike and leapt backwards, narrowly avoiding the deadly blow. As he landed, he spun around, slashing at the giant's exposed flank. The giant grunted in pain, but his resolve remained unshaken. Enraged, the giant unleashed a flurry of strikes, each swing of his axe accompanied by a powerful gust of wind. 

As SH witnessed his attacks being avoided effortlessly, he knew it was time for his final gambit. Dodging Cocytus's overhead swing by a hair's breadth, he seized the opening. With a fierce battle cry, SH swung his axe upward, aiming to sever one of the monster's arms in a daring move. 

But Cocytus wouldn't allow that. With keen eyes, he redirected the path of his sword by bouncing it off the solid ice. The blade travelled upward without losing momentum, meeting the muscular right arm of the giant. SH's arm fell to the ground, his weapon still clutched tightly within its grip. Despite the gushing blood and the severity of the wound, SH, seemingly unaffected by pain, proceeded to grab one of Cocytus's arms and executed a powerful overhead throw.

Cocytus's massive frame flew several meters from the throw, but with the dexterity of a dragonfly, he readjusted his posture mid-air and landed on his feet. He immediately tried to turn to face his opponent after landing, but before he could complete the rotation, a distinct sound caught his attention, halting his movement. The black-green axe was hurtling towards him with unnatural precision.

SH had thrown the fallen weapon with perfect timing, imbued with wind elements to catch Cocytus by surprise, and it had achieved its aim. However, Cocytus, the 6th-floor guardian boasting the highest rank in weapon mastery, was not so easily caught off guard. Despite his less-than-optimal stance, Cocytus tilted his body to the left and swung his katana like a bat, deflecting the axe with expert precision.

Activating [Shukuchi Kai] as soon as he saw Cocutys' stance less posture, SH dashed and appeared right in front of the monster. Repurposing the wind armour to reinforce his three remaining limbs, he proceeded to deliver the strongest left hook to the face of the Insectioud warrior. 

*GHA*

A freezing chill assaulted SH's fist the moment it impacted with its target, shattering his momentary satisfaction of finally landing a blow. Following the pain with his eyes, he saw the slow freezing of his fist, but suppressing the pain and instinct to retreat and heal, he instead launched a kick towards the monster.

Cocytus quickly used his remaining three arms to intercept SH's melee assaults, blocking the incoming kick with expert precision. The clash of their strengths reverberated through the icy battlefield, each blow testing the limits of their endurance. SH, undeterred by the chilling frostbite creeping up his limbs, pressed on with stubborn determination. With a swift motion, he unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, aiming to overwhelm Cocytus's defences and find an opening.

That Opening, however, never came. Redirecting a heavy punch aiming for his chest, Cocutus stabs his unoccupied katana through SH's abdomen.

"IT IS OVER HUMAN. YOU HAVE PERFORMED MORE SUPERBLY THEN I THOUGH," spoke Cocutus with a satisfied tone, his sword slowly numbing his opponent's body.

"HA HA *vomiting blood* that so, ha ha, you might be right, I am even impressed with myself.*Haa haa haa*. I always envisioned myself dying in some grand war against the demi-humans. *Cough Cough* Now that I say it out, it's not that different HAHAHA *Vomit blood*. But." saying so, SH pushed himself forward. His wounds burned on the inside as the icy blade slowly froze his body.

On seeing this bizarre action of his opponent, Cocutus did not react. He felt SH was up to something, but his curiosity of witnessing the last struggle of his opponent won over it. 

"*Haha* But I haven't taken that arm of yours yet." proclaimed SH as he suddenly extended his left hand into the air.

A gust of wind erupted from behind Cocutus but before he could respond, the Green-black Axe had already flown into SH's hand. 

"Here. Take this as my farewell present, you dame Monster. [Tempest Cataclysm]." (SH)

With a fierce battle cry, SH swung the Axe of devastating gale, aiming to smash it into Cocytus's shoulder blade. 

Cocytus, understanding he wouldn't be able to block the blow in time with his blade still lodged inside SH, swiftly equipped another katana on one of his other arms and intercepted the attack. The clash of their weapons resonated through the battlefield, each warrior pushing themselves to the limit in this intense struggle. Then, with a swift motion, Cocytus swung the embedded katana outwardly from SH's body, hoping to soften the blow from above. 

As the tempestuous force behind the blow proved too much for the second katana to withstand, it snapped under the pressure. The heavy impact landed on Cocytus's armour-like shoulder, unleashing an explosion of wind that ravaged the surrounding landscape. Yet, despite the devastation, this was the extent of the damage SH could inflict before a silver-cold flash sliced across his chest. 

As the gale slowly dissipated, Cocytus remained unfazed, towering over the battlefield with his hands now gripping two katana—one broken, one stained red with blood. He looks down at the Barbarian-looking man with quiet admiration. SH's declaration of cutting off his arm was unachievable, but he has done something more impressive. 

"*PHUU* "TO THINK YOU ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO DESTROY ONE OF MY ARMOUR PIECES, *PHUU* BE PROUD YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING THAT EVEN MANY PLAYER STRUGGLE TO ACCOMPALISH," said Cocutus with a tinge of joy. He bent down towards the unconscious body and shired the wounds with his ice.

"AS I HAVE PROMISED, I SHALL REQUEST AINZ-SAMA FOR A LIGHTER METHOD OF INTERROGATION FOR YOU. *PHUU* MAYBY A TIME WILL COME WHRER WE CAN CROSS WEAPONS AGAIN IN THE FUTURE" *Phuu* Cocutus said excitedly as he proceeded to lift up the body to his shoulder. 

Just as he was about to return to the base, he noticed the devastating aftermath of their battle and made an unnoticeable frown.

"HMM, THE SURROUNDING HAS BEEN DEVASTATED *PHUU* I SHALL HAVE TO APOLOGISE TO AINZ-SAMA FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO FOLLOW HIS ORDERS" *PHUU*. (Cocytus)

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Andd done with this chapter. This chap was brutal to write for my since I wanted to be more descriptive in my writing. I hope you readers enjoy it or at least can tolerate it and tell me if I should continue like this? 

I don't know if I can speed up my releases due to my mentioned reasons but ~\*~*/~.

On another note, I have been messing around with this AI chat bod website called Yodayo and I created some Overlord characters. Here are the link if you want to check it out. 

Links.

Well until next chap.