In the power structure of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, the most important thing wasn’t combat power, but the fact that one was a creation of the Supreme Beings. From this point of view, Entoma had a high level of authority.
After confirming that the tables had been cleared—
“Well then, please accept this, Cocytus-sama.”
— Entoma said without moving her mouth, picking up the bag by her feet and fished out several scrolls of parchment.
“These are ‘Message’ scrolls. According to Ainz-sama, these are made from skins Demiurge-sama went through great effort to obtain. Ainz-sama conveys that he wants a report if there are any problems when using them.”
“I see… Understood. I will test this out.”
Cocytus used one of his four hands to pick up several of the scrolls.
“Demiurge has pulled further ahead.”
Cocytus said to his subordinates with a wry smile. When his subordinate heard that, they smiled along too.
With the parchment in his hand, Cocytus fell into deep thought.
He had heard about the stock of low level magic scrolls being diminished gradually.
Finding a place that would provide the raw ingredients to make various types of items was an important issue that needed to be resolved. They had plenty of stock right now, but it would deplete with constant use. And so, a lot of people started taking action, including their master.
Cocytus heard that the apple tree in the 6th floor was one part of the plan.
For Cocytus whose duty was to guard Nazarick, he couldn’t do anything, which was obvious since he wouldn’t be able to move out and search for ingredients.
Demiurge who was creating an outpost outside would definitely solve the problem. This was something he expected.
His comrade completed his duty.
Cocytus should be happy for him, and he actually is, but he couldn’t completely suppress the fire of jealousy in his heart. For his colleague to be of use to the Supreme Being— the master they adored, made him envious.
His mission was to defend Nazarick.
This important task was probably more crucial than any orders received by the other Guardians. No matter who you asked, they would answer that this was a crucial task. They had to keep the lowly ones from desecrating the residence of the Supreme Beings.
However without invaders, there was no way to prove Cocytus’ loyalty and hard work.
That was why Cocytus wanted to achieve something.
For the Guardians, aiding their master would bring strong sense of joy. Cocytus wanted to taste that happiness too.
And that chance was right before him now.
Cocytus turned his head and looked at the scene reflected in the mirror and tightened his grip on the scroll.
What was shown wasn’t indoors, but a location somewhere in the wetlands. That’s right, the scene shown in the Mirror of Remote Viewing was the reason why Cocytus was holed up for two days in this wooden house built by Aura.
The battle this time— No, in the face of the absolute strength of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, it would be a one sided slaughter, so it was just a means of collecting carcasses. When Cocytus received this harvesting mission, his master gave him several orders.
One, Cocytus was prohibited from taking to the field. This included his servants. The issue had to be solved with the troops that were allocated.
Two, the Lich assigned as the commander was to be held in reserve until the last moment.
Three, he was to carry out the mission by his own judgement.
There were some other minute details, but the main points were these three.
He had to use the soldiers dispatched to the lakeside region to obtain victory. If he were to succeed, Cocytus could then display his loyalty to his glorious master.
“Thank you for your hard work, please relay my thanks to Ainz-sama.”
Entoma nodded weakly.
“And so… Will you be going back?”
“No, I received orders to witness the battle here 'til the very end.”
So she was here as an observer.
Cocytus concluded, and felt hot blooded thinking about the heavy responsibility bestowed on him.
Well then, time to begin.
Cocytus activated ‘Message’ and issued an order to the undead commander.
"— Advance."
Two bonfires on elevated platforms illuminated the surrounding with flickering light.
On the stage stood several lizardmen, comprising of the tribal chiefs and key figures.
Before the stage was a large group of lizardmen preparing for battle, the noise they were making undulating like waves. Uneasiness, anxiety and fear— They tried their best to conceal these emotions, but they couldn’t hold down their worries, that was why they were so noisy.
What followed next would be war. The friend beside you might become a corpse the next moment, the one who might fall in battle could be themselves. What they would be marching into would be a cruel field of battle.
Shasuryu Shasha stepped forward from amongst the tribal chieftains to stop the rowdiness.
“All lizardmen, listen up!”
The majestic voice echoed out and the open space became silent, making Shasuryu’s voice exceptionally clear.
“I know that we face a great number of foes.”
No response, but the uneasiness could be seen clearly in the eyes of all present.
Shasuryu paused momentarily and continued loudly.
“But do not fear! For the first time in history, we the five tribes have formed an alliance. After this alliance, we are now all of one tribe. That’s why, the ancestral spirits of the five tribes will watch over us— and bless us even if we were of a different tribe in the past.”
“Head Druid of all tribes!”
Taking the cue, Crusch led the five head druids of tribes and stepped forward. She removed the dress covering her and revealed her white scales.
“Leader of Head Druids, Crusch Lulu!”
In response to Shasuryu’s introduction, Crusch took another step forward.
“Let our ancestors descend!”
“—Listen, children of this large tribe!”
What was this new tribe?
Crusch spoke with determination. Her voice was tense at times, calm at others; alternating between a mighty roar and the melody of song.
In the beginning, almost everyone was disgusted by Crusch albino appearance, but seeing how she present herself confidently, the feelings of dislike faded away.
Crusch’s body swayed gently during her speech. The white scales sparkled brilliantly under the light of the bonfire— The reflected gleam made it look as if the ancestors had descended onto Crusch.
Everyone’s face started to show signs of adoration.
“Now, our five tribes are now one, that means the ancestors of the five tribes will watch over all of us! We are all witnesses! All lizardmen! Behold the countless ancestors— descend by our side!”
Crusch spread her arms out with a grand gesture, pointing to the sky. The gaze of all present followed, but what they saw was just the cloudy sky with no signs of miracles descending. But someone said something softly.
He said— there is a tiny beam of light.
The soft voice gradually became big, several other lizardmen said: “I see them.” Some said they were small beams of light; some shouted they saw lizardmen descending; some uttered that were large fishes; some screamed these were children; some even uttered in disbelief those were eggs.
All the lizardmen had the same thought in mind— the ancestors really descended.
“The ancestors are here to protect us!”
It was only natural for them to shout something like that.
“Feel this! Feel the power flowing into your body!”
Crusch’s voice reached the heart of everyone, the sound seemed so far, yet so near.