I like crossing the most

Chapter 511 Lin: I am no longer a human being!
People believe that heroes are born with courage, wisdom and infinite love, so they can overcome all obstacles and save everything; but in the hearts of heroes as human beings, the driving force that supports them to move forward is pain and anger. Among all emotions, this is the least likely to be abandoned.

The freezing night wind blew by, and white mist erupted with a slight exhale, as if even the body and mind were about to freeze.

The war on the Katz Plains is over.

In terms of the result, it was a completely one-sided massacre, and 70,000... no, more people died.

The defeated people staggered and looked extremely miserable.

Even though the fortress city was protected by three walls, it was definitely not a safe area, but the soldiers who had finally escaped were exhausted and fell into a deep sleep as if they had fainted.

Fortunately, the enemy did not pursue the victory and even gave them three days to retreat. Should we thank them for their magnanimity?
...It's really ironic.

To Ainz Ooal Gown it might have seemed that the kingdom fell before he had even put in any effort, but only they knew the price they paid to resist a powerful enemy.

No one would blame these soldiers for fleeing on the battlefield. Some even hoped that these poor guys could have a good dream and not go crazy due to excessive fright in their sleep.

For ordinary people, the battlefield is too cruel, so cruel that once you step onto it, you know that you will inevitably lose.

The kingdom suffered heavy losses this time, losing 70,000 soldiers, many nobles, many think tanks, and even the kingdom's warrior captain.

"Damn bastard..."

Brian covered his face with his hands. His eyes burned, but he didn't shed any tears. His tears had already been shed on the red earth.

At this moment, the clattering sound of armor colliding came into Brian's ears from far away, and he could only think of one person.

Without looking back, looking into the distance.

“…They say that people tend to cry more as they get older. It’s true.”

"I think the pain of losing someone important has nothing to do with age."

As expected, it was Clem.

Brain wiped his eyes and said, "I'm sorry, Clem. I left everything to you."

“No, Master Lin also helped a lot.” Climb shook his head and said, “Master Stronoff’s body has been placed at the headquarters of the Axis Cult. A special magic item has been used to preserve the body so that it won’t rot.”

"Really? Well... never mind. It's nothing."

Brain wanted to ask if Lin could revive Gazef. Although Ainz said that the skill he used could not be resurrected by low-level resurrection magic, this was not entirely true for Lin.

Just thinking about how Gazef had clearly told him not to revive him before the duel, Brain knew that the answer to this question was meaningless.

"So, what's going on now?"

"Yes, regarding the fact that Prince Pablo has not returned yet, we have decided to send out a search party tomorrow."

Since soldiers could not be used, the only option was to hire adventurers to conduct the search.

But it's not necessary.

When they came back, Lin told them clearly that he had received a letter from his men, saying that the eldest prince was dead, but they did not tell the king. They just thought of it as a way of sympathizing with the old man, and they had to give him some hope... Although the king might have guessed the result.

"The next thing is the transfer of the fortress city... No one has raised any objections."

This is natural.

Now, after seeing such horrific magic, how could the nobles and the pro-king faction possibly harbor the desire to resist?
Moreover, the fortress city is under the direct jurisdiction of the royal family. If it is handed over, only the royal family will suffer losses... Even at the moment of the country's demise, they are still scheming against each other, those damn nobles!
Brain felt that Gazef's death was not worth it.

He understood that Gazef was willing to die for the sake of the king and the entire kingdom, but these rubbish nobles really wanted to kill them all! But he knew it was impossible. If they did something like that, the kingdom would collapse before any foreign enemies could invade.

He accidentally noticed that Climb's body was shaking, probably not out of anger, but fear. Thinking of that scene, his broken heart screamed, as if that irresistible despair was still close to him.

Even if you don’t feel fear at the time because of adrenaline, your slightly trembling hands and limp legs afterwards - your body is telling you that this is fear.

Brain still couldn't understand why Gazef wanted to die. He thought Climb might know the answer, so he asked, "Climb, tell me, why did Gazef challenge you to a duel?"

"I can answer this question for you."

The sudden call made Brain and Climb alert for a moment, but they relaxed when they saw who was coming.

At some point, Lin was standing on top of the tower.

He slowly descended in front of the two of them. It seemed like magic, but it wasn't [flying]. It should be something more mysterious.

"It's to give me a message."

"What information?"

“The power of Ainz Ooal Gown, and how to defeat him… Of course, the latter can also be changed to not resisting the brute force of his opponent.”

——? ! ! !

Brian felt like he was struck by lightning, the shock running from the top of his head all the way to his toes.

There was no other possibility. Lin's answer was the correct one. That man must have risked his life to extract as much information as possible. As a magic chanter, the Sorcerer King would not accept close combat without his followers. But maybe a miracle could happen again. Gazef was betting his hopes on that opportunity. He entrusted this possibility and his future to Lin!

"If there is a countermeasure, then do it. If you can't resist, then choose to endure it... Gazef is right to think so."

"Ah, that's right."

"So...what's your answer?"

"No."

Lin's answer made Brian's heart sink to the bottom in an instant.

Why, why can't I win! Didn't Gazef place his hopes on you? What's missing?!

...He really wanted to ask this.

but--

Yes, he shouldn't have expected anything. How could such a monster-level existence possibly defeat the other party? Gazef couldn't even defeat the other party's summoned creature, the Black Young Goat. On the other hand, it was already good enough for Lin to defeat one. But if he said it was impossible, then it must be impossible.

hateful!

Not willing to give in! Not willing to give in! Not willing to give in!
Isn't this telling him that Gazef's sacrifice was in vain? !

Brain had a grim expression, and so did Climb.

however--

“Humans will never be able to defeat Ainz Ooal Gown… that’s limited to the human race.”

"Hey, what are you..."

"Human abilities have limits. I have learned one thing from my short life: the stronger you become, the more you will find that human abilities have limits, unless you surpass humans."

"You, you...what do you want to say?"

"I'm not a human being anymore! Brian!"

The azure eyes were filled with an inexplicable fanaticism and madness, which frightened even Brian, who had experienced many ups and downs.

Those were not the eyes of a person driven mad by fear, but the eyes of a person who saw the abyss and pursued a higher realm... just like his eyes when he risked everything to surpass Gazef.

"Lin, you bastard..."

"Master Lin! Are you going to become a lich? You must not go astray in order to gain power. Isn't that what you told me?"

Clem yelled out, seeming heartbroken by Lin's choice.

“I didn’t expect Climb to still remember my teachings. I’m so relieved. Although only magic can defeat magic, but… please don’t compare me to that kind of person. I’m a priest, and what I hate most is liches, that’s beyond doubt.”

As Lin said this, the special light in his eyes gradually faded. No, it didn't fade away, it just hid itself. Like a dormant lion, waiting for the day to erupt.

"Don't worry. I won't go far away for something like that. On the contrary, I feel the goddess' call."

"The call of the goddess."

“Ah, this feeling is telling me that I was born to defeat Ainz Ooal Gown.”

What a charlatan's words.

This was not an illusion. Ever since he came back, Lin began to speak inexplicably obscure words, and was getting closer to the priests of the Church.

Although Brian was not interested in those things, he was willing to believe it if it was Lin.

“What do you want me to do? Go find the Sorcerer King again… No, challenge the Undead King to a duel? I don’t mind.”

"Going to die?"

“Even if he’s not as good as Gazef, he’s still a similar person. He should be able to help a little.”

"Forget it, you're more useful alive."

"Hey, hey, hey, is your mouth more poisonous than before?"

“This may also be one of the side effects.”

"What side effects?"

“The side effects of being inhuman.”

The three of them chatted and laughed, and the atmosphere eased a little.

Perhaps it was because he had something to look forward to, perhaps it was because he thought that Gazef’s sacrifice was not in vain, or perhaps it was because he saw a tiny bit of hope, and his heavy heart was relieved.

Follow the atmosphere.

Climb couldn’t help but ask, “By the way, Master Lin! Um… Master Stronoff, don’t you want to be resurrected?”

“Brother Climb, Gazef is that kind of man.”

"But the king doesn't seem to agree."

"That's understandable. But that guy won't be resurrected... You don't seem to understand."

"Yes, I don't understand what Lord Stronoff is thinking. I think I should be resurrected and continue to be loyal."

“Is that so? That’s a good idea, Climb-kun. If I… die, don’t revive me. I don’t think… I’ve lived a life full of regrets.”

Brian looked away.

He knew that even if resurrection magic was used, there was no guarantee of resurrection. It was said that people who were satisfied with their lives would refuse to be resurrected.

So he subconsciously thought that even if Lin's resurrection magic was different, if Gazef didn't want to be resurrected, he wouldn't be resurrected in the end. If Gazef didn't resurrect, there was no point in him living.

Climb had a different opinion.

"I hope someone can revive me. I want to do my best for Lady Lana until I can no longer be resurrected."

He knew Lin would revive magic.

Compared to the resurrection method that requires a lot of money, Lin's resurrection magic seems to be more to his liking. However, what he doesn't know is that Lin's resurrection magic also has limitations, and can only resurrect once at most.

Of course, Climb's enthusiasm couldn't be dampened at this time. Lin gave a thumbs up and said, "No problem, I will revive you until you don't want to be resurrected anymore."

"Thank you, Master Lin."

Clem was sincerely grateful to Lin.

Looking at the two of them, Brian seemed to remember something and said, "Oh, right! Lin, I seem to have done something to let you down."

"Oh, that's really strange."

“It’s Princess Lana and Climb. When they were at Katze Plains, she said she hoped to marry Climb in order to get the king to escape. As for the partner…”

Brian didn't finish, but Lin naturally understood who he was talking about.

Climb lowered his head in shame, as if he felt that he had done something wrong to Lin, and crossed his shoulders, ready to be scolded.

"Isn't it great?"

"……Eh?"

"Congratulations, Clem."

"Lin, Master Lin... aren't you angry?"

Climb raised his head suddenly, with a look of surprise in his eyes.

Lin asked in confusion, "Why? Actually, you know, the princess and I are just in a political marriage, not because we like each other. The person I really like is Lagis, my childhood sweetheart. And the princess also likes you, isn't that a good result? As for whether it will have an impact? Don't worry, the nobles and the pro-king faction are not strong enough now, so it's okay to cancel the marriage now."

In order to resist the oppression of the nobles and the pro-king faction, Lin and Lana had to marry each other and use the Axis believers as a base to win over the common people. Even when the two of them were negotiating, Climb and Lagis were just listeners and witnesses.

But there was no joy or ecstasy as I had imagined.

Yes, Climb didn't feel that way because he knew that Her Highness Lana really liked Lin.

It is clear from the fact that she has been taking care of Lin for a whole month and paving a way for him to escape from the evil, that this is definitely not the gentleness from Her Royal Highness the Princess.

Perhaps in Lin's eyes, this was an exchange of interests or a show of duty as a fiancée, but it was precisely because Climb was the guard of Her Royal Highness the Princess that he knew that the lady was in love with this priest.

For a moment, he felt angry on behalf of his respected Princess Lana.

"See, I told you Lin wouldn't be angry."

Brain slapped Climb's junior hard. Seeing that he was silent, he thought he was still ashamed.

"Hold your head high. You are already the strongest warrior in the royal family."

"No, I'm still far from that..."

Climb didn't have the slightest bit of pride.

Anyone who has seen mountains will not be complacent about climbing up the slopes.

Besides, he knew that he didn't climb up by hard work, but that all the people above him were dead, which was the level of a monkey becoming king when there was no tiger in the mountain. In addition, the kingdom was full of talented people, so there might be stronger people who hadn't appeared yet.

"Okay, okay, why think so much! Let's go and have a drink!"

The transfer of the fortress city is a foregone conclusion, and it is a result that no one can change.

For them the war was over.

Just treat it as a celebration and to vent their inner fears. Drinking is the best thing they should do right now.

A few days later.

The three gates that isolated the outside enemies slowly opened, just like having their pants forcibly taken off. Although they appeared tough on the surface, in reality there was not much resistance at all. Ainz Ooal Gown led many of his subordinates into his territory.

In order to protect the residents of the city from harm, the highly anticipated steel-class adventurer, the dark hero Momo, had to submit to the rule of Ainz Ooal Gown. And under the checks and balances between him and the enemy, an inexplicable balance point was reached.

As a result, the fortress city achieved peaceful rule without shedding a drop of blood, which was unbelievable to the neighboring countries.

(End of this chapter)