04x09 - Countdown to Extinction
Posted: 05/23/23 06:19
Now, civilities aside,
what is it that brings
you here today?
Well, just recently,
we were transporting
some relief supplies
through your kingdom.
They were stolen
by a certain noble.
As ruler of this nation,
I would like to apologize
for the inexcusable
actions of my subject.
Furthermore...
[gasps]
If I were to offer
my head to you,
would that be enough
to settle this matter?
[gasps]
[ALBEDO chuckles]
Interesting.
Seems I've misjudged you,
Ramposa the rd.
Not that it matters much.
Though I do wonder
what caused this change.
Is it because you recognized
the talents of your child?
Or because you lost
your greatest warrior?
Perhaps you don't
realize it yourself,
but something inside
you has shifted.
Never mind that,
just a bit of idle musing.
My purpose here
remains the same.
In response to the
aforementioned attack,
we're declaring w*r on you.
[gasps]
We will deploy our troops,
at precisely noon,
one month from now.
However, if you invade
E-Rantel, we may be forced
to alter the timeline
and defend our territory.
Now, I have a message
from His Majesty.
You planned this treachery
from the start, didn't you?
I was about to grace you with
the words of the Sorcerer King,
and you have the audacity
to interrupt me?
Human.
Are you so eager to die,
you can't even wait a month?
[gasps]
[ALBEDO sighs]
This is His Majesty's message.
"I do not intend to cast any
spells on the same scale
as the previous w*r.
Let's enjoy ourselves
this time."
That is all.
And now to answer your question.
This w*r was not one
that we had planned,
nor one we tried to instigate.
Rather, we were shocked that
anyone would be foolish enough
to provoke our kingdom's wrath.
[CHILDREN]
Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup!
Hup! Hup!
[DISCIPLE A] The Sorcerer
Kingdom gave us one month
to prepare for their invasion.
Their declaration of w*r
seemed sincere enough,
but they haven't shown
any sign of mobilizing
their troops whatsoever.
Maybe they were just
trying to scare us.
Trust me, that's not the sort of
thing the Sorcerer King does.
Is that assumption based on
something you learned
when you saw him?
I did more than just
see the bastard.
I had a front row seat
to his duel against Gazef.
That said, I still have no idea
what happened in the fight.
Gazef sure lost, but I
couldn't tell you how.
Wait, that sword...
[sighs] I'm just taking care
of it for the time being.
The princess pushed it on me.
[DISCIPLE A] Still,
it must be amazing to hold
one of the kingdom's legendary
treasures in your hand.
But you're telling me
even Razer's Edge
couldn't leave a scratch
on the Sorcerer King?
[BRAIN]
It didn't, but maybe it could.
Thing is, the blade
never reached him.
Anyway, the Sorcerer King's
planning something.
Call it a gut feeling, but I'm
not taking any risks here.
That's why I'm getting these
kids out of the kingdom.
You found a way?
[BRAIN] Finally, yeah.
I'll have them catch a ride
on a caravan heading towards
a city near the Council State.
I might not survive this w*r,
but my teachings will.
Maybe my sword techniques
aren't worth much,
but that's the only
legacy I have to leave.
Master Vesture said the same,
that he lives as long
as our swordcraft lives.
Maybe we should be
thinking of the future.
Would you mind if one of our
disciples went along, too?
That's... what you want?
I'm just happy
you trust my plan.
I'll make it happen.
[AINS]
So, it's been a month
since we declared
w*r on Re-Estize.
The invasion has begun, but they
seem to think that we've been
holed up in E-Rantel, twiddling
our thumbs all this time.
I'm certain I owe
that to you, Demiurge.
Thank you for
monitoring the enemy
and keeping our actions covert.
You flatter me, Lord.
[AINS] On a related note, thanks
to some well-placed threats,
we've turned quite a few
nobles to our side.
Fine work, Albedo.
Always ready to serve.
It's my honor.
[AINS] Mm. Now, moving on. The
purpose of our current operation
is to prevent other countries
from sending support troops
or otherwise intervening
in the w*r.
We've accomplished this
thus far by shutting down
Re-Estize's borders unnoticed.
Since we annihilate
both the villages
and their inhabitants,
there's no chance of
information leaking.
Uh... [clears throat]
Although this has been a
particularly savage approach,
it's an effective one, born from
your reliable contributions.
But the fact that we've been
so successful troubles me.
Cocytus, you tasted defeat
at the hands of the Lizard Men,
but I believe that
helped you grow.
[COCYTUS]
Indeed.
The lessons I learned stay
with me to this very day.
[AINS] Meaning, there is wisdom
that can only be found
in the face of defeat.
Priceless wisdom.
Destroying cities and
massacring their citizens
is a simple matter for us,
but "simple" does not
always mean "best."
We have precious little
experience with failure,
a weakness that may
lead to our demise
in more challenging times.
One challenge
we're already facing
is the rapid expansion
of our territory.
To manage our new resources,
I'll need to assign a wider
variety of tasks to you all.
And not all of us have
experience in every job.
So, you're trying to build
those skills up now, correct?
[AINS] Well put, Demiurge!
That's exactly right!
So, let us prepare for the day
when we might face a guild
that is stronger than our own!
[GUARDIANS]
Yes, sir!
[ALBEDO] Lord Ains.
I'm sure we're all aware,
but our next battle
is approaching soon.
[SHALLTEAR]
Is that so?
And who shall be
organizing the charge?
Our lord himself.
Then I'll watch closely in hopes
that I can learn a trick or two.
[AINS] I didn't prepare
anything extravagant.
[COCYTUS] It seems
our forces for this battle
are rather limited.
Are they needed elsewhere?
[AURA]
You're right. That reminds me.
When we destroyed
that town nearby,
Lord Ains let
some people escape.
I didn't think to question it
at the time, but...
Was there a reason
why you did that?
[AINS]
These are reasonable questions.
All of you should
watch this next battle.
If you still don't understand,
I'll explain things
to you afterwards.
[SHALLTEAR] Hm, so our next
target is a city named E-Naeul.
[MARE]
Looks like it's by the sea.
It's got a big port and
a bunch of fishermen,
but not many soldiers.
[COCYTUS]
Their defenses are weak.
Even a small force could break
down those ramparts in no time.
[MOMONGA]
I can't play cool forever!
Well, that's a problem for
Future Ains to deal with.
[SEBAS] Forgive me for summoning
you here under these pretenses.
The truth is, Lady Nigredo
and Pestonya wished
to meet with you, and
they were quite insistent.
[AINS]
There's no need to apologize.
I was the one who forbid
Nigredo from leaving Nazarick.
It's only natural that I should
be the one to visit her.
That's very generous
of you. I am grateful.
[MOMONGA] Wonder if I
should've brought Albedo.
She's Nigredo's
little sister after all,
and I think they get
along well enough?
Oh, wait, last time I
talked to Albedo about her,
she said Nigredo
should be ex*cuted.
Never mind!
[SEBAS]
This is the room.
They have been awaiting
your arrival, so please enter.
[AINS]
All right.
[NIGREDO] Thank you for coming
all this way, Lord Ains.
What an honor.
[AINS]
Think nothing of it.
You may raise your head.
[AINS]
What did you want to talk about?
[NIGREDO]
Well...
In my humble opinion, the
m*ssacre that we're carrying out
in Re-Estize seems excessive.
Can we not resolve
this matter peacefully?
[AINS]
We cannot.
Furthermore, you have to
go through the proper channels
to make a request like this.
You should have discussed it
with your direct superior,
Cocytus, first.
So even if I did
accept your proposal,
it would undermine
Cocytus' authority.
[MOMONGA] I'll pass on
the office politics!
[PESTONYA] As usual, your
judgement is correct, Lord Ains.
Which is why I would
like to propose
the same matter,
myself, arr-ruff.
[AINS] Which would follow
the rules I suppose,
since your superior is Sebas.
Correct.
[AINS]
I understand your feelings,
but let me ask you
a question in return.
An essential part of
this operation involves
the strengthening of Nazarick
through experimentation.
Is it more important
to show mercy
than to increase our potential?
I'd argue that babies have
limitless potential, My Lord!
Let's not hyperfocus
on the babies, woof.
Humans have potential, I mean.
They are unrelenting innovators.
I believe they hold the power
to advance our
civilization in new ways.
Take these biscuits for example.
They are popular
in E-Rantel now,
but they used to be
hard and flavorless.
Thanks to the declining
cost of fresh ingredients
and emerging culinary arts,
they have become
a desirable product.
Try one yourself
and you'll understand.
[AINS]
Very well.
They're nearly as good
as the fine foods
we enjoy here, ah-woof.
[AINS] But is that
not cause for concern?
If civilization
progresses too far,
it could become a threat to us.
We are strong, but we
cannot grow stronger.
Humans are weak,
but always evolving.
My loyalty is to Nazarick,
I cannot allow anyone
to overtake us.
I trust you understand.
I'm grateful that
you have granted us
even a moment of your time.
You have heard their concerns,
and that's all that we
could ask for, My Lord.
As always, I am confident
that you will steer
The Great Tomb of Nazarick
in the right direction.
[AINS] Well, if that's all,
then I'll take my leave.
[PESTONYA] Not just yet!
Please, forgive my outburst!
[AINS]
It's fine.
If you have something
to say, say it.
Thank you. I do
understand your plan.
We must be purposefully
cruel to Re-Estize
to demonstrate how we
treat a rebellious kingdom
compared to a vassal
state, arr-ruff?
[AINS]
Correct.
In that case, isn't it better
to have more survivors?
They can tell tales of
their harrowing experience
to the world. Oh, uh... woof!
[AINS] Allow people
to survive as witnesses?
[MOMONGA] My feelings aside,
I doubt that would pass
with Albedo and Demiurge.
But you know,
a lot of different races
with different ways of thinking
will be joining our
kingdom eventually.
This merciful approach
might be in the minority
among my inner circle,
but in a way,
that makes it all
the more valuable.
[AINS]
I understand, I will consider
allowing a small number
of humans to survive.
[MOMONGA] But they might
get mad if I tell them that!
[MOMONGA] Well, like I said,
let's leave it to Future Ains.
Wow! Look at that army!
[SCAMA] I wouldn't give
them too much credit.
It's just a horde of
zombies, Count Naeura.
Judging by their clothes,
they're likely a bunch
of villagers that were
raised from the dead.
Seems like the Sorcerer Kingdom
has been wiping out settlements
and weaponizing their corpses.
A truly revolting tactic.
Whoa. They can really
do something like that?
There are certainly spells
that can give rise to the undead
and the situation we have here
matches what the
survivors described.
But that's hardly
our primary concern.
Look, do you see those two?
[NAEURA]
Definitely not villagers, huh?
They're special undead sent
by the Sorcerer King himself.
He had the power to k*ll
, soldiers in an instant.
So, I'm thinking they're strong.
And I'm thinking you're right!
Still, not counting the zombies,
he believes he can conquer
our whole city with
just two of his soldiers.
Doesn't that piss you off?
Not really, I suppose!
After all, I got you folks from
the Four Armaments on my side,
and you're mithril-rank
adventurers! I'm pretty lucky!
This is a bit out
of character for us.
We adventurers don't usually
pick a side during a w*r,
but I'll make an exception
for the undead.
[NAEURA] Wouldn't it be nice
if I could just surrender?
Don't think they go
for that, though.
[SCAMA]
Couldn't you hop on a ship?
Take your family
and flee by sea?
Probably. But when I look
at the number of survivors
left in other towns,
it paints a picture.
A real ugly one.
You mean he kills them all,
down to the very last citizen.
[NAEURA]
That's what it looks like.
It's not conquest.
They're plannin' on eradicating
everyone in the whole kingdom.
Make us all into zombies, maybe.
It's just a theory,
but if that is the case,
there's nowhere to run.
[NAEURA]
Thank you, all who came here!
Our city is facing
an unprecedented threat,
let us work together
to brave the storm!
We're mithril adventurers:
the Four Armaments!
We will be leading all of you
in the battle today.
[NAEURA] Don't worry!
I've prepared plenty of rewards
for you daring adventurers!
Of course, my soldiers will be
generously compensated as well!
We're a team!
That said, be careful,
or you'll be taking those riches
straight to the grave!
[ADVENTURERS laugh]
I'm looking for a different
kind of reward, if that's okay.
Count, you have some magic
items that you've passed down
in the family, right?
Yep! Sure do!
There's the Five-Colored
Holy Sword!
Not something I'd give up easy!
It's a w*apon that commands
the power of five
different elements!
Could you give it to me?
Lilynette, no!
That's a valuable
heirloom, you know!
But I might consider it, if you
become my child's concubine.
She's mine!
Don't you dare!
Lilynette belongs to me!
I believe you have four
children in your family?
Your wife gave birth to your
eldest son and third son.
Your concubine gave birth
to your second son
and eldest daughter.
I assume you're not talking
about your daughter,
so which one is it?
Uh, my third son.
Oh, my gosh.
Ahem. If I recall,
he's only years old.
And I'd be his concubine?
Yeah, I mean. That was the idea.
But I'm not a very
influential noble,
so why would you know
the age of my third son?
Is that the kind of research
you adventurers do?
No, this is...
This is something else.
Well, I 'spose that's that!
Yep, that's the deal!
I have to have that holy sword!
Guess I'll be that
little boy's concubine.
Can't really complain,
since I suggested it,
but I thought she'd
try to laugh it off,
instead of acting like this.
Was she planning all
this from the start?
And does she want my son
or the magic sword more?
It's not the sword.
There's no fruit
more tantalizing
than an unripened
one, you fools!
[NAEURA]
Now I don't know what to think.
This has gone in
a really weird direction.
We need to move on, sir.
Don't get me wrong,
I do appreciate you easing
the tension with a bit of humor,
but those undead will be
on us in no time at all.
Good point.
Prepare for battle!
I'm depending on you!
[SCAMA] One of the
big guys has a shield
and the other is a dual-wielder.
Anyone know how strong they are?
I was being serious, damn it.
[SCAMA]
Lilynette!
I've never seen the things.
Same here.
[SCAMA] Then we'll keep testing
different types of att*cks
on them and see which ones
are the most effective.
Archers! Draw!
Release!
[SCAMA]
Second wave! Draw!
Release!
[SCAMA]
Here they come.
It's so fast!
[SCAMA] You're next, magic
casters! Begin your attack!
[FOUR ARMAMENTS CASTER]
Fire Ball!
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
Don't panic!
Remember, our foes are undead!
They might not flinch
when you hit them,
but that doesn't mean
the spells aren't working!
Keep casting until
it falls! Fire Ball!
[SCAMA] Maybe they're
the strongest undead
the Sorcerer Kingdom
has to offer,
and that's why there's
only two of them.
Let's hope.
Should we run?
[SCAMA]
Unless you wanna swim,
we'll have to go straight
through that thing.
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
Captain!
[SCAMA] Everyone, keep your
eyes on the dual-wielder!
We'll distract the one
with the shield!
Once the undead make it
to the city walls,
hit them with all
the magic you've got!
We'll leave the
high ground to you!
Strike, Lightning!
[DEATH KNIGHT A growls]
[SCAMA] I think that's enough
offensive magic for now.
Can you strengthen me instead?
Okay.
Anti-Evil Protection.
Lesser Dexterity.
And Lesser Strength!
Protection Energy Negative.
[FOUR ARMAMENTS CASTER]
Haste.
[SCAMA] Hard to tell,
but it doesn't seem like
we've put a scratch on it.
[SCAMA]
Doppel!
[SCAMA grunts]
[SCAMA]
Heavy Fortress.
[SCAMA grunts]
Shine, Sunlight!
Fly, Magic Arrow!
[SCAMA grunts]
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
And one more!
[SCAMA] All right!
Hit him, magic casters!
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
It's too late.
The other one--
it's coming!
We need them here!
[SCAMA]
Damn it.
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
Get ready!
[SCAMA]
Fly away and escape.
[BOTH gasp]
[SCAMA]
We can try to buy you some time.
Huh? "We?" Why me?
Fine. Let's do this.
[SCAMA]
Huh?
[BOTH gasp]
[DEATH KNIGHT A growls]
[SCAMA gasps]
Whoa, was that magic?
[SCAMA]
What the hell?
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
Hey, see that?
They've got an adamantite
plate around their neck!
An adventurer in red.
From Vermilion Drop, maybe?
[SHALLTEAR] I can't believe the
Death Knight and Death Warrior
were eliminated so easily.
[AINS] Mm. All according
to my plan, of course.
[ALL gasp]
what is it that brings
you here today?
Well, just recently,
we were transporting
some relief supplies
through your kingdom.
They were stolen
by a certain noble.
As ruler of this nation,
I would like to apologize
for the inexcusable
actions of my subject.
Furthermore...
[gasps]
If I were to offer
my head to you,
would that be enough
to settle this matter?
[gasps]
[ALBEDO chuckles]
Interesting.
Seems I've misjudged you,
Ramposa the rd.
Not that it matters much.
Though I do wonder
what caused this change.
Is it because you recognized
the talents of your child?
Or because you lost
your greatest warrior?
Perhaps you don't
realize it yourself,
but something inside
you has shifted.
Never mind that,
just a bit of idle musing.
My purpose here
remains the same.
In response to the
aforementioned attack,
we're declaring w*r on you.
[gasps]
We will deploy our troops,
at precisely noon,
one month from now.
However, if you invade
E-Rantel, we may be forced
to alter the timeline
and defend our territory.
Now, I have a message
from His Majesty.
You planned this treachery
from the start, didn't you?
I was about to grace you with
the words of the Sorcerer King,
and you have the audacity
to interrupt me?
Human.
Are you so eager to die,
you can't even wait a month?
[gasps]
[ALBEDO sighs]
This is His Majesty's message.
"I do not intend to cast any
spells on the same scale
as the previous w*r.
Let's enjoy ourselves
this time."
That is all.
And now to answer your question.
This w*r was not one
that we had planned,
nor one we tried to instigate.
Rather, we were shocked that
anyone would be foolish enough
to provoke our kingdom's wrath.
[CHILDREN]
Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup! Hup!
Hup! Hup!
[DISCIPLE A] The Sorcerer
Kingdom gave us one month
to prepare for their invasion.
Their declaration of w*r
seemed sincere enough,
but they haven't shown
any sign of mobilizing
their troops whatsoever.
Maybe they were just
trying to scare us.
Trust me, that's not the sort of
thing the Sorcerer King does.
Is that assumption based on
something you learned
when you saw him?
I did more than just
see the bastard.
I had a front row seat
to his duel against Gazef.
That said, I still have no idea
what happened in the fight.
Gazef sure lost, but I
couldn't tell you how.
Wait, that sword...
[sighs] I'm just taking care
of it for the time being.
The princess pushed it on me.
[DISCIPLE A] Still,
it must be amazing to hold
one of the kingdom's legendary
treasures in your hand.
But you're telling me
even Razer's Edge
couldn't leave a scratch
on the Sorcerer King?
[BRAIN]
It didn't, but maybe it could.
Thing is, the blade
never reached him.
Anyway, the Sorcerer King's
planning something.
Call it a gut feeling, but I'm
not taking any risks here.
That's why I'm getting these
kids out of the kingdom.
You found a way?
[BRAIN] Finally, yeah.
I'll have them catch a ride
on a caravan heading towards
a city near the Council State.
I might not survive this w*r,
but my teachings will.
Maybe my sword techniques
aren't worth much,
but that's the only
legacy I have to leave.
Master Vesture said the same,
that he lives as long
as our swordcraft lives.
Maybe we should be
thinking of the future.
Would you mind if one of our
disciples went along, too?
That's... what you want?
I'm just happy
you trust my plan.
I'll make it happen.
[AINS]
So, it's been a month
since we declared
w*r on Re-Estize.
The invasion has begun, but they
seem to think that we've been
holed up in E-Rantel, twiddling
our thumbs all this time.
I'm certain I owe
that to you, Demiurge.
Thank you for
monitoring the enemy
and keeping our actions covert.
You flatter me, Lord.
[AINS] On a related note, thanks
to some well-placed threats,
we've turned quite a few
nobles to our side.
Fine work, Albedo.
Always ready to serve.
It's my honor.
[AINS] Mm. Now, moving on. The
purpose of our current operation
is to prevent other countries
from sending support troops
or otherwise intervening
in the w*r.
We've accomplished this
thus far by shutting down
Re-Estize's borders unnoticed.
Since we annihilate
both the villages
and their inhabitants,
there's no chance of
information leaking.
Uh... [clears throat]
Although this has been a
particularly savage approach,
it's an effective one, born from
your reliable contributions.
But the fact that we've been
so successful troubles me.
Cocytus, you tasted defeat
at the hands of the Lizard Men,
but I believe that
helped you grow.
[COCYTUS]
Indeed.
The lessons I learned stay
with me to this very day.
[AINS] Meaning, there is wisdom
that can only be found
in the face of defeat.
Priceless wisdom.
Destroying cities and
massacring their citizens
is a simple matter for us,
but "simple" does not
always mean "best."
We have precious little
experience with failure,
a weakness that may
lead to our demise
in more challenging times.
One challenge
we're already facing
is the rapid expansion
of our territory.
To manage our new resources,
I'll need to assign a wider
variety of tasks to you all.
And not all of us have
experience in every job.
So, you're trying to build
those skills up now, correct?
[AINS] Well put, Demiurge!
That's exactly right!
So, let us prepare for the day
when we might face a guild
that is stronger than our own!
[GUARDIANS]
Yes, sir!
[ALBEDO] Lord Ains.
I'm sure we're all aware,
but our next battle
is approaching soon.
[SHALLTEAR]
Is that so?
And who shall be
organizing the charge?
Our lord himself.
Then I'll watch closely in hopes
that I can learn a trick or two.
[AINS] I didn't prepare
anything extravagant.
[COCYTUS] It seems
our forces for this battle
are rather limited.
Are they needed elsewhere?
[AURA]
You're right. That reminds me.
When we destroyed
that town nearby,
Lord Ains let
some people escape.
I didn't think to question it
at the time, but...
Was there a reason
why you did that?
[AINS]
These are reasonable questions.
All of you should
watch this next battle.
If you still don't understand,
I'll explain things
to you afterwards.
[SHALLTEAR] Hm, so our next
target is a city named E-Naeul.
[MARE]
Looks like it's by the sea.
It's got a big port and
a bunch of fishermen,
but not many soldiers.
[COCYTUS]
Their defenses are weak.
Even a small force could break
down those ramparts in no time.
[MOMONGA]
I can't play cool forever!
Well, that's a problem for
Future Ains to deal with.
[SEBAS] Forgive me for summoning
you here under these pretenses.
The truth is, Lady Nigredo
and Pestonya wished
to meet with you, and
they were quite insistent.
[AINS]
There's no need to apologize.
I was the one who forbid
Nigredo from leaving Nazarick.
It's only natural that I should
be the one to visit her.
That's very generous
of you. I am grateful.
[MOMONGA] Wonder if I
should've brought Albedo.
She's Nigredo's
little sister after all,
and I think they get
along well enough?
Oh, wait, last time I
talked to Albedo about her,
she said Nigredo
should be ex*cuted.
Never mind!
[SEBAS]
This is the room.
They have been awaiting
your arrival, so please enter.
[AINS]
All right.
[NIGREDO] Thank you for coming
all this way, Lord Ains.
What an honor.
[AINS]
Think nothing of it.
You may raise your head.
[AINS]
What did you want to talk about?
[NIGREDO]
Well...
In my humble opinion, the
m*ssacre that we're carrying out
in Re-Estize seems excessive.
Can we not resolve
this matter peacefully?
[AINS]
We cannot.
Furthermore, you have to
go through the proper channels
to make a request like this.
You should have discussed it
with your direct superior,
Cocytus, first.
So even if I did
accept your proposal,
it would undermine
Cocytus' authority.
[MOMONGA] I'll pass on
the office politics!
[PESTONYA] As usual, your
judgement is correct, Lord Ains.
Which is why I would
like to propose
the same matter,
myself, arr-ruff.
[AINS] Which would follow
the rules I suppose,
since your superior is Sebas.
Correct.
[AINS]
I understand your feelings,
but let me ask you
a question in return.
An essential part of
this operation involves
the strengthening of Nazarick
through experimentation.
Is it more important
to show mercy
than to increase our potential?
I'd argue that babies have
limitless potential, My Lord!
Let's not hyperfocus
on the babies, woof.
Humans have potential, I mean.
They are unrelenting innovators.
I believe they hold the power
to advance our
civilization in new ways.
Take these biscuits for example.
They are popular
in E-Rantel now,
but they used to be
hard and flavorless.
Thanks to the declining
cost of fresh ingredients
and emerging culinary arts,
they have become
a desirable product.
Try one yourself
and you'll understand.
[AINS]
Very well.
They're nearly as good
as the fine foods
we enjoy here, ah-woof.
[AINS] But is that
not cause for concern?
If civilization
progresses too far,
it could become a threat to us.
We are strong, but we
cannot grow stronger.
Humans are weak,
but always evolving.
My loyalty is to Nazarick,
I cannot allow anyone
to overtake us.
I trust you understand.
I'm grateful that
you have granted us
even a moment of your time.
You have heard their concerns,
and that's all that we
could ask for, My Lord.
As always, I am confident
that you will steer
The Great Tomb of Nazarick
in the right direction.
[AINS] Well, if that's all,
then I'll take my leave.
[PESTONYA] Not just yet!
Please, forgive my outburst!
[AINS]
It's fine.
If you have something
to say, say it.
Thank you. I do
understand your plan.
We must be purposefully
cruel to Re-Estize
to demonstrate how we
treat a rebellious kingdom
compared to a vassal
state, arr-ruff?
[AINS]
Correct.
In that case, isn't it better
to have more survivors?
They can tell tales of
their harrowing experience
to the world. Oh, uh... woof!
[AINS] Allow people
to survive as witnesses?
[MOMONGA] My feelings aside,
I doubt that would pass
with Albedo and Demiurge.
But you know,
a lot of different races
with different ways of thinking
will be joining our
kingdom eventually.
This merciful approach
might be in the minority
among my inner circle,
but in a way,
that makes it all
the more valuable.
[AINS]
I understand, I will consider
allowing a small number
of humans to survive.
[MOMONGA] But they might
get mad if I tell them that!
[MOMONGA] Well, like I said,
let's leave it to Future Ains.
Wow! Look at that army!
[SCAMA] I wouldn't give
them too much credit.
It's just a horde of
zombies, Count Naeura.
Judging by their clothes,
they're likely a bunch
of villagers that were
raised from the dead.
Seems like the Sorcerer Kingdom
has been wiping out settlements
and weaponizing their corpses.
A truly revolting tactic.
Whoa. They can really
do something like that?
There are certainly spells
that can give rise to the undead
and the situation we have here
matches what the
survivors described.
But that's hardly
our primary concern.
Look, do you see those two?
[NAEURA]
Definitely not villagers, huh?
They're special undead sent
by the Sorcerer King himself.
He had the power to k*ll
, soldiers in an instant.
So, I'm thinking they're strong.
And I'm thinking you're right!
Still, not counting the zombies,
he believes he can conquer
our whole city with
just two of his soldiers.
Doesn't that piss you off?
Not really, I suppose!
After all, I got you folks from
the Four Armaments on my side,
and you're mithril-rank
adventurers! I'm pretty lucky!
This is a bit out
of character for us.
We adventurers don't usually
pick a side during a w*r,
but I'll make an exception
for the undead.
[NAEURA] Wouldn't it be nice
if I could just surrender?
Don't think they go
for that, though.
[SCAMA]
Couldn't you hop on a ship?
Take your family
and flee by sea?
Probably. But when I look
at the number of survivors
left in other towns,
it paints a picture.
A real ugly one.
You mean he kills them all,
down to the very last citizen.
[NAEURA]
That's what it looks like.
It's not conquest.
They're plannin' on eradicating
everyone in the whole kingdom.
Make us all into zombies, maybe.
It's just a theory,
but if that is the case,
there's nowhere to run.
[NAEURA]
Thank you, all who came here!
Our city is facing
an unprecedented threat,
let us work together
to brave the storm!
We're mithril adventurers:
the Four Armaments!
We will be leading all of you
in the battle today.
[NAEURA] Don't worry!
I've prepared plenty of rewards
for you daring adventurers!
Of course, my soldiers will be
generously compensated as well!
We're a team!
That said, be careful,
or you'll be taking those riches
straight to the grave!
[ADVENTURERS laugh]
I'm looking for a different
kind of reward, if that's okay.
Count, you have some magic
items that you've passed down
in the family, right?
Yep! Sure do!
There's the Five-Colored
Holy Sword!
Not something I'd give up easy!
It's a w*apon that commands
the power of five
different elements!
Could you give it to me?
Lilynette, no!
That's a valuable
heirloom, you know!
But I might consider it, if you
become my child's concubine.
She's mine!
Don't you dare!
Lilynette belongs to me!
I believe you have four
children in your family?
Your wife gave birth to your
eldest son and third son.
Your concubine gave birth
to your second son
and eldest daughter.
I assume you're not talking
about your daughter,
so which one is it?
Uh, my third son.
Oh, my gosh.
Ahem. If I recall,
he's only years old.
And I'd be his concubine?
Yeah, I mean. That was the idea.
But I'm not a very
influential noble,
so why would you know
the age of my third son?
Is that the kind of research
you adventurers do?
No, this is...
This is something else.
Well, I 'spose that's that!
Yep, that's the deal!
I have to have that holy sword!
Guess I'll be that
little boy's concubine.
Can't really complain,
since I suggested it,
but I thought she'd
try to laugh it off,
instead of acting like this.
Was she planning all
this from the start?
And does she want my son
or the magic sword more?
It's not the sword.
There's no fruit
more tantalizing
than an unripened
one, you fools!
[NAEURA]
Now I don't know what to think.
This has gone in
a really weird direction.
We need to move on, sir.
Don't get me wrong,
I do appreciate you easing
the tension with a bit of humor,
but those undead will be
on us in no time at all.
Good point.
Prepare for battle!
I'm depending on you!
[SCAMA] One of the
big guys has a shield
and the other is a dual-wielder.
Anyone know how strong they are?
I was being serious, damn it.
[SCAMA]
Lilynette!
I've never seen the things.
Same here.
[SCAMA] Then we'll keep testing
different types of att*cks
on them and see which ones
are the most effective.
Archers! Draw!
Release!
[SCAMA]
Second wave! Draw!
Release!
[SCAMA]
Here they come.
It's so fast!
[SCAMA] You're next, magic
casters! Begin your attack!
[FOUR ARMAMENTS CASTER]
Fire Ball!
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
Don't panic!
Remember, our foes are undead!
They might not flinch
when you hit them,
but that doesn't mean
the spells aren't working!
Keep casting until
it falls! Fire Ball!
[SCAMA] Maybe they're
the strongest undead
the Sorcerer Kingdom
has to offer,
and that's why there's
only two of them.
Let's hope.
Should we run?
[SCAMA]
Unless you wanna swim,
we'll have to go straight
through that thing.
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
Captain!
[SCAMA] Everyone, keep your
eyes on the dual-wielder!
We'll distract the one
with the shield!
Once the undead make it
to the city walls,
hit them with all
the magic you've got!
We'll leave the
high ground to you!
Strike, Lightning!
[DEATH KNIGHT A growls]
[SCAMA] I think that's enough
offensive magic for now.
Can you strengthen me instead?
Okay.
Anti-Evil Protection.
Lesser Dexterity.
And Lesser Strength!
Protection Energy Negative.
[FOUR ARMAMENTS CASTER]
Haste.
[SCAMA] Hard to tell,
but it doesn't seem like
we've put a scratch on it.
[SCAMA]
Doppel!
[SCAMA grunts]
[SCAMA]
Heavy Fortress.
[SCAMA grunts]
Shine, Sunlight!
Fly, Magic Arrow!
[SCAMA grunts]
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
And one more!
[SCAMA] All right!
Hit him, magic casters!
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
It's too late.
The other one--
it's coming!
We need them here!
[SCAMA]
Damn it.
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
Get ready!
[SCAMA]
Fly away and escape.
[BOTH gasp]
[SCAMA]
We can try to buy you some time.
Huh? "We?" Why me?
Fine. Let's do this.
[SCAMA]
Huh?
[BOTH gasp]
[DEATH KNIGHT A growls]
[SCAMA gasps]
Whoa, was that magic?
[SCAMA]
What the hell?
[FOUR ARMAMENTS THIEF]
Hey, see that?
They've got an adamantite
plate around their neck!
An adventurer in red.
From Vermilion Drop, maybe?
[SHALLTEAR] I can't believe the
Death Knight and Death Warrior
were eliminated so easily.
[AINS] Mm. All according
to my plan, of course.
[ALL gasp]