章節 5: "You will become human for one month,"
"It's blank," Ainz commented.
"We won, quite easily really, as cringey as he is, Pandora's Actor is pretty darn amazing," I replied.
"Do you think I wouldn't have won otherwise?"
"Well, I think you still have a chance, but I don't want to risk it. Besides, cash items are precious aren't they?"
"I suppose filling you full with Pandora's Actor and the Pleiades MP wasn't a bad strategy,"
Did he just say that my strategy was 'not bad'? It was a bloody perfect! With half of all the pleiades and Pandora's Actor MP, I had 140% of Ainz's mana during the battle. Then because Ainz can use any power I have, he can transform into Lord Touch Me, Bukubukuchagama, and many more!
Of course, even I can't use the [World Breaker] skill. So to get around that, I just use the lower tier [Void Slash] while Ainz sama yells "World Breaker". Both attacks are fundamentally the same and I don't think Shalltear can tell the difference in that moment of extreme panic.
Then I have Ainz-sama use the [Perfect Unknowable] and I turn into Peroroncino. After that, I just use his one-day use Super Tier Spell to rain down death from above. Then I teased her for being a bad girl before teleporting back to Ainz and turn him into Warrior Takemikazuchi.
Again, just use the one day use Super Tier Spell of each character and disarm her, literally, before finishing the fight by showing her despair.
It was a perfect strategy!
Ainz looked at the Guardians who are kneeling down in front of him. "Then, it is time to resurrect Shalltear," he turned to the Overseer. "Albedo, pay attention to Shalltear's name. If she remains mind controlled…"
"Ainz-sama, though I may overstep myself, I propose that you should allow us to deal with it ourselves," Demiurge said.
Cocytus and Aura immediately agreed with his words, while Mare despondently agreed as well. Only Albedo remained unmoved.
"Demiurge…"
Demiurge's passionate words interrupted Ainz's mumbling.
"We are fully aware of your superior power, Ainz-sama. We have no doubt that you can deal with her again if she were to betray you. However, as your loyal servants, we cannot allow you to be placed into danger once more, Ainz-sama."
Demiurge's gaze shifted from Ainz to Albedo.
"If Shalltear betrays you once more, then we shall eliminate her as your Guardians. We pray that you will watch us do so, Ainz-sama."
Ainz lifted his staff (me) and let go. "Very well, let the Fragment of Paradox help you then," he said.
I slowly changed my form into that of a little girl with short white hair and bright yellow eyes wearing white trench coat. I bowed down in front of the Guardians. "Greetings, I am the Fragment of Paradox, a World Class Item of Ainz-sama's personal use, it is a pleasure to meet you…"
"World Class?" Ainz asked.
"Shut up," I retorted.
"It is the highest honor for any weapon to be Ainz sama's personal use," Demiurge said. "You have my respect."
Then, Ainz stood up from his throne and held up the Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown. He then pointed it to the corner of the room that has a mountain of gold in it. Five hundred million of it.
The mountain of gold changed shape, from a solid to a liquid.
I watched as the molten gold formed a river, which flowed to the same place. Ten thousand tons of gold compacted and shrank, taking a humanoid shape that finally resolved itself into the form of a golden puppet, and its golden glow slowly weakened.
Soon, the golden glow had vanished completely, leaving white, waxy skin and platinum blonde hair. There was no doubt that the person before him was Shalltear Bloodfallen.
"Albedo!" I exclaimed as my hand formed a gigantic shield twice my size.
"Please be at ease. It seems the mind control has been terminated."
I stepped back and absorbed the shield back into my body. Ainz sama walked beside me and knelt down in front of the Vampire. He draped down a cloak on her naked form and simply watched her lying there motionlessly on the floor.
Shalltear's crimson eyes opened, as though sensing the presence of someone nearby. She blinked sleepily and looked around, finally resting her gaze on Ainz.
"Ainz sama?"
I sighed a little and walked back to the throne. I sat down at the base of the stair in front of the throne and exhaled. "So tired…" I whispered in exhaustion. I mean, to be honest, that battle with Shalltear took a LOT out of me. If she were to still be mind controlled, I don't think I have enough to do anything.
Right now, I'm at less than ten percent of Ainz's MP. Still a lot, but definitely draining. I looked back at the Guardians and found them currently berating Shalltear for her actions. All except for Mare who just stood at the sidelines.
"Oi, Mare," I said towards the dark elf.
The Dark Elf looked at me nervously. "Y-yes, Paradox-san?" he walked towards me slowly.
"Can I have some MP? That battle with Shalltear was…" I dropped my back, ignoring the painful sensation when my body hit the stair. "Extremely exhausting…" I held out one of my hand.
"Well… I don't mind…" Mare took my hand and that sweet, sweet nature mana coursed through my body. I sighed a little in relief before sitting up from my position. The wave kept coming until I'm at about forty percent Ainz's MP. "Is this enough Paradox san?"
"Good enough, yea," I told him. "By the way, by giving me some of your magic, you also give me all of your memory, wisdom, skill, and knowledge since creation. Don't worry, I'm good at keeping secrets," I added while secretly enjoying the shocked look on his face.
After that, Ainz walked towards me. He looked at me for a bit, then to Mare who just stood there like he just lost something precious. "I see you've figured out her power, Mare," Ainz said calmly.
"Y-yes…" Mare muttered.
"Good, this is also a matter I wish to discuss…" Ainz sat down on his throne and sighed a little "Paradox, give Shalltear something to wear," he spoke.
"[Create Greater Item]!" I exclaimed as a maid uniform appeared in front of me. Then I walked towards Shalltear who barely recovers from being berated by the guardians. I draped the uniform over her body and use the skill [Quick Change] to quickly change her uniform. A skill that is known to all maids including the Pleiades.
"Thank you," Shalltear looked at me in confusion. "Uhh… Who are you?"
"The Fragment of Paradox,"
With that, all six of us knelt down in front of Ainz, waiting for his verdict. "Fragment of Paradox, tell me what you find in Shalltear's memory…" he said.
I nodded a little and raised my head. "Forgive me my lord, the memories were damaged by the mind control, but I did find something. When Sebas split off with Shalltear, she went to a… cave or a hideout. There she found her target, Brain Unglaus, a Martial Art user second only to Gazef Stronoff."
I paused a moment, trying to piece together the murky memory. "It is as I expected, Shalltear who is superior to her opponent decided to toy with her opponents instead of fighting them. This in turn gives Brain Unglaus a chance to escape."
"There is only red, as far as I can remember…" I closed my eyes and forced through the memories. "Blood Frenzy… Shalltear was taken over by her weakness and went into Blood Frenzy. She rampaged through everything, only to stop when someone splashed a potion of healing at her."
Ainz held out his hand. "Potion of healing?" he asked. "Was it red or blue?"
"I… I don't know, but the bottle is that of Nazarick potion. I think, by sheer chance, she met the girl that you give potion to, the one that led you to Nfirea," I explained.
"Continue…"
"After that, there was a… an ambush, I think, a group of people tried to attack her and… they were using priest-like uniforms and one of them are using the World Item [Downfall of Castle and Country]. Shalltear however, managed to wound, most likely kill, the user before the item fully took over her mind, forcing them to retreat, the rest is history," I finished my explanation.
Then I looked at Shalltear and almost felt bad. The usually loud and obnoxious True Vampire is looking like a prisoner in front of a chopping block. I can almost imagine her crying right now.
"Thank you, for your explanation…" Ainz looked down in deep thought. "Priest-like uniform you say? You think it's the Theocracy?"
"Definitely Theocracy,"
Then, Ainz looked at the true vampire. "Raise your head Shalltear," Shalltear raised her head and meet Ainz's gaze. Her eyes were watery and filled with regret. "Do you understand what happened?"
"I… I was being reckless and then someone… controlled my mind and…" she sniffled a little. "And I fought you, I tried to kill you…" she nearly broke down to tears but kept going. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… I'm a guardian and I did a terrible mistake… So please, hand down your harshest punishment, make me suffer for what I've done…"
"While you are at fault for being too reckless, I was also at fault for not expecting the enemy having a World Item," Ainz said. "And as such, I do not think that…"
"My lord," I spoke up, cutting him off. All eyes were on me yet none dared to speak a word. "I was there, fighting with you, and as such I can definitely say that without me, your life would be in danger," I said.
I held up my hand before he could say a word. "She might not be directly guilty of trying to kill you, but her recklessness is directly responsible of endangering your life," I sighed a little. "You are merciful my lord. I can see that the moment you pour your magic into me. But there are times for rewards and there are times for punishment."
Ainz gazed at me for a solid ten seconds before nodding. "I understand…" "No I don't understand, what are you talking about!?"
"The girl is guilty, very guilty, she won't feel better about herself until you punish her."
"Then, what do you propose?"
"I have an idea… Just tell me to say it. Don't worry, it won't harm her, but it will also give her some very, very good lesson about self control and humility."
"I give you permission to give you your thoughts on how to punish her," Ainz said.
I nodded a little and stood up. "First, Shalltear will be stripped from her role of a Guardian," I looked at Shalltear who look like someone just stabbed her heart with a wooden stake. "After that, I will use my power to turn her from a true vampire, into a regular human girl."
This time, even the rest of the Guardians couldn't help but glance at Shalltear in pity. To them, being a human is the lowest of the low anyone could be. To be a human is a fate worse than death.
"Then, she will work under the Pleiades as one of the many Homonculus Maids working in Nazarick, this will all apply for the duration of her punishment. I will leave the duration to you, my Lord and Wielder, Ainz sama…" I knelt in front of him once again.
Ainz looked at Shalltear who's currently sobbing under his gaze. "Shalltear Bloodfallen, raise your head," the vampire looked at him, tears trickling down her face. "What do you think about the punishment? Was it too harsh?" he asked.
Shalltear clenched her fist. "For letting my target get away… For endangering your life… I don't deserve this power given to me by my creator… I will endure this for eternity if I have to…" she said with conviction.
Ainz nodded a little. "Then you will become human for one month," he said.
"Thank you for your infinite mercy, my lord…"
"Paradox,"
I stepped forward and stood in front of Shalltear. She didn't resist when I took her hand. "I'm sorry," I whispered before closing my eyes in concentration. Shalltear's body trembled in pain and I tightened the grip on her hand.
Soon enough, the transformation is complete. I opened my eyes and saw a pair of dark red eyes gazing at me. Her platinum hair turned light blonde and her pale skin turned cream white. I can feel her hearbeat and hear her breathing heavily.
"You don't lose all your power Shalltear, just your racial skills," I whispered to her. Then I turned to look at Ainz. "It is done, my lord…"
Ainz nodded a little. "Now do the same to me."
"AINZ-SAMA?!" all at once the guardians shouted in disbelief.
"I told you, it is not entirely Shalltear's fault that this tragedy happened," Ainz explained. "It is only fair if I get the same punishment, thus halfing the duration to fifteen days…"
"You just want to be a human for a while, don't you?" I asked in amusement.
"Whatever are you talking about Paradox?"
I walked towards him and he held out his skeletal hand. "Are you sure about this my lord?"
"Of course," he said simply.
"NO!" a pair of small lithe hand grabbed my foot. I looked down and saw Shalltear grasping my legs. "Please, I beg you, please don't do this to him… He didn't deserve it, I did, let me take all the punishment, let me…"
"Shalltear," Ainz said with finality. "Return to your position, that is an order," he told her.
Shalltear let go of me and stood up. She slowly walked back to the rest of the guardians.
"Paradox, continue," he said.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. After a moment, I found the perfect form for the Supreme Being, a certain human named Satoru Suzuki. Then, Ainz's form slowly shifts and crumbled, turning into your everyday japanese bloke. Though, I did make him a little bit taller, much more ripped, and even more good looking.
Ainz took a deep breath and looked at the rest of the Guardian. He stood up from his position and his magic cloak tightened around his form. "Raise your heads," his voice much lighter and less powerful. But the guardian still raise their heads.
"I hope this will be lesson for all of you," Ainz said. "This is a new world, there are unknown dangers lurking everywhere," he looked at each and every single one of his guardians like a general addressing his soldier. "That is why I told you not to be reckless, to not underestimate your opponent no matter how weak they are. Let Shalltear, Mare, and I be a lesson to all of you."
Then, Ainz looked at Albedo, it was then that he realized the one weakness of his current form. The sheer fact that Albedo is drop dead gorgeous. "Albedo," Ainz coughed a little. "Call Yuri Alpha to take care of Shalltear and begin her training, don't forget to tell her about my current situation," he told her while trying real hard to only look at her face.
The succubus put a hand over her ear before nodding a little. Not a moment too soon, Yuri stepped into the throne room. Her gazed lingered at the human sitting on the throne. "Ainz sama?" she asked, walking towards him.
"Yes, tell the others about my current form, I will be like this for the next two weeks," he chuckled a little. "Make sure Entoma knows first, lest she try to eat me by mistake," he added.
Yuri nodded a little. Then she looked at the little girl kneeling down in front of Ainz. "Is that… Shalltear?" she asked.
"Yes, take care of her Yuri," he told her.
The maid gently take her hand and led her away from the throne room.
With that out of the way, Ainz focused his attention back to the rest of the guardians. He noticed Mare looking at him like he had something to say. "Is there something on your mind, Mare?" his human voice sounded much softer and kinder to the elf.
"Erm, ah, should... Should I remove all traces of the battle?"
"There's no need for that. Did you know? When one breaks a spell-sealing crystal, it releases powerful energy, enough to level the surroundings."
"Eh? Is, is that so?"
"...My apologies. It's a lie, of course. What is false is true and what is true is false. Magic-sealing crystals seem to be rare items, so nobody should be able to test that. Albedo, put a few scratches on the item Nigun was using. Then, we'll need to have the blacksmith build some damaged armor and put some scorch marks on it, so it looks like it went through an intense battle."
"Understood."
"In addition, perhaps I have been too careless so far, which allowed hidden enemies around Nazarick to harm us. Thus, I wish to initiate a program to strengthen Nazarick. Part of that is to use my skills to create an undead army. I think I've mentioned that before… hm? Did I only tell Albedo about that? Forget that. In any case, this will be my top priority. I would like to make some preparations to recover corpses from E-Rantel which can be used to make an undead army."
"If I am not wrong, when you use a human corpse as a medium for making undead, the undead thus created are quite weak, despite being mid-tier. Is that correct?"
"Indeed. Is there a problem?"
"In truth, after receiving that order, I had considered ways of obtaining fresh corpses. Perhaps you could consider using non-human corpses?"
"...I trust you do not intend to use the corpses of Nazarick's vassals?"
"No, that is absolutely not my intention. I was thinking of using other demihumans."
Albedo smiled. It was a stunningly beautiful — and terribly cruel — smile.
"Aura discovered a Lizardman village. What do you think of attacking and destroying them?"
"I agree, a hundred percent," I commented.
"Attacking and destroying? What happened to the merciful lord?" Ainz asked.
"Keep telling yourself that, Mr. Minus Five Hundred Karma," I retorted.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票