"My apologies, Lord Ainz. I failed to capture even a single prisoner, lost many Death Knights, and suffered such grievous injuries myself... Please grant me the death penalty at once!"
"Cocytus."
The voice carried no emotional inflection, yet its concern was unmistakable.
Cocytus tried to rise from the bed, only for a cold skeletal hand to press him back down.
Ainz silently watched Cocytus. The Zerg warrior, whose body was protected by a hard shell, had suffered severe wounds. His beautiful, ice-crystal-like carapace was covered in cracks like shattered glass, while its edges bore smooth curves melted by extreme heat.
Cocytus's breathing was no longer as powerful as before, and his body trembled faintly. This guardian, loyal to Ainz and loyal to the Great Tomb of Nazarick, was being tormented by humiliation and pain.
After a long while, Cocytus raised his head and humbly pleaded to Ainz, "Lord Ainz! Please give me another chance! I was injured this time only because I showed mercy. In the next attack, I will never allow the honor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick to be disgraced."
"Silence! Foolish warrior! Lord Ainz alone will decide your fate!"
The one who loudly rebuked Cocytus was Demiurge. His face was as cold as frost, and every gesture radiated an unfeeling air.
Demiurge did not treat Cocytus this way because he disliked him. On the contrary, he wanted to help Cocytus avoid Ainz's possible wrath.
He played the bad cop so Ainz could better play the good cop.
Of course, this was merely Demiurge's speculation about Ainz's next move. What punishment the Supreme Being would inflict upon Cocytus, who had made such a foolish mistake and brought shame upon the Great Tomb, was a mystery he could not answer...
"Sigh..."
Ainz sighed. He removed his hand from