Chapter 533

533 The Kings Price

You really saved me, Hitsugi.

Uhehe, its nothing, Master!

Hitsugis cheerful voice echoed in my head. By the way, my mind was no longer confused.

If not for you, Id have been eroded.

Exactly! We almost lost you, Master! Stop being so unreasonable!

I never thought the day would come when Hitsugi would reprimand me.

But hey, she got a point. After all, I was the one who tried to confront blackening head-on.

From now on, itd be better to secure at least one other emergency method that could dispel the curse.

Even so, I still didnt get why Hitsugis presence bolstered the erosive power of blackening. In the first place, Hitsugi was a cursed glove, not a living person. She didnt have a soul. Her power depended on the black magic power supplied by me. Hence why, even if she was here, it shouldnt be possible for her to enhance my power. Nevertheless, back then, it felt as if my blackening power had doubled, as if there were two people

In fact, that was the only reason why I triumphed over Maximilian, which was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with curse.

Is this also the result of evolution?

I guess it was safe to a.s.sume that shed evolved.

By the way, Hitsugi, what do you think?

The new armor suits you very much, Master!

Even more pressing than the mysterious power of Hitsugi was the fact that Id been donning the tyrants armor before I knew it.

I also wore a skull helmet which concealed my face, but my field of vision was as clear as ever. Such a wide field of view should be physically impossible, so it was probably the effect of additional enchantment.

When I lowered my gaze, I could see the ominous metallic armor enveloping my body like a towering, jet-black castle wall. The gauntlets I wore also had renewed design.

The full body armor seemed to be made of authentic dark matter, but strangely enough, it was lightweightas if I was wearing a robe. Despite the fact that it was even larger than my height, it fitted snuggly. Even though I should be about 10 cm shorter, my feet were perfectly on the ground.

It was the same sensation as when I was holding the cursed weapons. However, since it was a full body armor, the comfort of wear stood out the most. If anything, it was as if I never wore it in the first place.

Maybe thats why I dont remember ever wearing it

It probably happened while I was in the midst of a mental battle. When I was about to succ.u.mb to Maximilians blackening, or when Hitsugi awakened and s.h.i.+fted the tide. At that time, I didnt have enough time to focus on reality.

At the same time, it wasnt just Hitsugis success that warranted the subjugation of Maximilian.

I made another discovery

Who wouldve thought hat [Over Ecstasy] is so useful

I did it on a whim. When Hitsugi awakened, I also regained a semblance of my sanity. To acquire some mental immunity, I casted [Over Ecstasy], thinking itd give me a slight advantage.

However, the fourth divine protection turned out to be more effective than expected.

Until now, with the exception of Hitsugi, who had a mind of her own, I never knew a curse could talk

After casting [Over Ecstasy], I wasnt only able to communicate with the curse, but also see its appearance

In a nutsh.e.l.l, it was akin to appraisal magic. It was almost similar to when I was looking at Sariels memory through a reverse interference backdoor, and Id come to see how it became a curse.

The girl who played the role of a king was betrayed by everyone and turned into a tyrant. To become king, she resorted to any means necessary, which ultimately doomed her into becoming a curse.

Not only did she fail to realize her dream, even after her death, she didnt attain peace.

But its all over now.

I sympathized with her, and wanted to bring an end to her agony.

Of course, I was also aware of how many lives shed claimed. From a humanitarian point of view, she was undoubtedly an unredeemable tyrant, but

As someone who wasnt from that era, I found myself wanting to forgive her.

With that feeling, I became the source of her hope in the end.

Knowing her history, along with her wishes, I firmly declared that Id become her successor.

Of course, I also had no intention of calling myself the 9th King of a country that perished long ago. In the first place, I was just an adventurer. Still, after seeing how desperate I was, she seemed to acknowledge me as her successor. Or maybe I was the first human she saw after a millennium, so she had to make do.

Well, sorry that Im not of n.o.ble birth

Either way, blackening alone wasnt enough to subdue this armor. After all, if I went as far as lifting the spell, the situation wouldve been flipped instantly. However, that wasnt what happened. Instead, the armor offered me maximum comfort, as if it was my long-time comrade-in-arms.

Perhaps this is what it means to truly master a curse.

In the first place, getting into contact with a curse was a reckless act that I wouldnt have imagined of doing. Not to mention, I could withstand it due to being enveloped in black magic. After all, touching the curse directly would be akin to scooping deadly poison with bare hands.

However, with [Over Ecstasy], I could touch it while retaining my sanity.

Aah, I feel like Ive made a huge discovery with cursed weapons.

Wow! Congratulations, Master!

Approval of the successor, [RX-666] Kings.h.i.+p master key transfer.

, registration complete.

Wait a minute, I think I heard a different voice just now.

Hitsugi.

Yes?

What was that?

Its Miis voice!

Why is she replying as if its the most obvious thing ever!? Does she have more control over the armor than I do!?

Before I knew it, a rectangular window with red streaks expanded in front of me. There was a long list of gibberish that seemed to be ancient characters displayed there. At the same time, the image quality was so crisp, it reminded me of the nostalgic LCD

Is this also the function of the armor?

Apparently, it can project various things! How curious!

It was akin to a computer screenor rather, the c.o.c.kpit of a super robot that I longed for. A window had opened in my field of vision.

I wonder if its equipped with an advanced information system?

Contrary to its appearance, this helmet may be a precision instrument.

No, theres something more urgent than the unknown secret of the helmet.

Also, whos Mii?

Oh, its my nickname for Milia! Mii said that shell do her best for her new master! Huh? Oh, she said that since shes retiring, its only natural that shes watching over you, so dont misunderstand! You know, this is quite rude. Hitsugi will be sure to tell her off later, so please dont worry!

No, I dont think thats necessary As expected, Ill ask about the details later.

Apparently, the will of the previous owner and king, Milias, was firmly ingrained in the armor. Because shed fused with the armor while she was still alive, she probably maintained her sentience as a kind of undead.

The legend of a magician who transformed himself into an undead and defied Death was a famous story that was even told in the seminary cla.s.s. After all, it took an unprecedented amount of skill to become a sentient undead. At the same time, it wasnt impossible. Hence why such guys appeared sometimes.

Regardless, it was said that after 100 years, all of them would collapse and eventually become undead monsters or turn into evil spirits.

While it was possible that the same fate might befall Milia, judging from Hitsugis story, she seemed to be in good spirits.

Is Milias soul really strong, or is this armor just that amazing?

For the time being, please remove the mysterious explanation, I cant see whats in front of me.

Okay.

I removed the screen that looked like a glorified [Terms of Service], and restored my vision. I was worried if I had skipped a dangerous contract, but I couldnt read ancient inscriptions anyway, so it was just a waste of time.

Even so, since that full-face helmet was capable of displaying an ultra-high-definition display, it seemed that the powerful armor hid various hidden secrets.

For the time being, I look forward to working with you, Milia.

By the way, I knew it might sound unfair, but I discovered her name through peeking at her memory. Milia was her true name, which she abandoned when she ascended the throne.

But since shed abdicated her throne, her name should rightfully be Milia.

Uhm, first of all, please forgive me for calling you by that name.

Along with a somewhat mechanical sound, a new screen opened in my field of vision.

Due to the thunder and sandstorm, it was difficult to tell, but I saw a figure of a girl.

A cute girl with black hair and red eyes who resembled Mia. Perhaps, she was truly her direct descendant.

Kurono, you should move forward and work your way up. Get ahead in life

I dont have any desire to be a king and get ahead in life, but Well, Ill do my best not to disappoint you.

Wow, amazing! Mii, how did you do that!? Hitsugi also wants to show her true form to the Master!

The image of Milia was gently closed.

Im sorry about my noisy maid

Kurono.

When Hitsugi began to yell selfishly again, Fiona called out to me. Thanks to ancient secret technology, I could hear clearly even through a thickly armored helmet.

I turned around, and as expected, there stood Fiona with her cane, Ainz Bloom.

Are you alright? Did the armor possess you?

Im alright, Fiona. I can control it properly, [Head Purge].

I already had the basic functions memorized. Although, I couldnt exactly describe it in words.

With that single act, the helmet that covered my head was released with the sound of gears mes.h.i.+ng together. As the skull faceguard slid into the inside of the helmet, the latter rested around the back of my neck.

It was as if I was simply removing a hood, and my true face emerged.

It looks like youre safe. As expected of Kurono, I didnt expect you to master such an armor.

No, if Hitsugi hadnt woken up, I wouldve succ.u.mbed to it. It was close.

Hitsugi? Oh, you mean your glove. I thought it had already been purified.

No, shes alive! From the beginning, I believed that shed wake up and wait!

Still, I get why she might think that

Fiona, thank you for your support. If it had barged into the store and stole all the weapons, the battle wouldve been lost.

No, Im sorry that I can only do so much. Im sure Lily wouldve been able to provide even better support.

Did she mention Lily out of shame?

Somehow, I doubted that. If anything, it was as if Fiona was trying to replace Lily.

Perhaps, we might cross path with Lily again. Although, it was probably either to make up, or to say goodbye. As such, Fiona might be a.s.suming the worst.

Anyway, Im glad that it somehow ended without causing that much damage.

Hoho, even though the front entrance, which is the brand image of our Mordred Weapon Firm, has collapsed, its not a big deal, is it?

Eh, Mordred!? Since when?

You came back so quickly. I thought you ran far away.

Dont underestimate me. Theres no way Id abandon the collection and run away.

Oh, right

Mordred had been eyeing [Maximilian] for a long, long time.

Still, I owe you one, good sir. Thank you for stopping the rampage of [Maximilian] earlier. Even someone as influential as me will be in deep water if I made a ruckus in the middle of the town.

Eh, so youre just going to gloss over it after?

But hes scary, so Ill just refrain from asking questions.

Otherwise, I might be treated to the darkness of Sparda

Look, even I didnt do it out of good intentions. Look, I keep the armor completely intact. There were no casualties except for those who failed to respond immediately. Now that everythings settled, I want to receive a corresponding reward.

Of course. When it went berserk, I was prepared to take the matter into my own hands, but thankfully you returned unscathed.

Hearing his tone, I somehow doubt he means it

Alright, its time to reward you. Say no more, I can already tell from your appearance.

Wow, thats quick

Do you remember? When we first met, I told you that I like cursed weapons, but I like those who can use them even more. When I said that, I meant it.

Come to think of it, he did say that And here I thought he was trying to sway me.

If those words were serious, then Id have to reconsider Mordred a bit.

You have donned the legendary armor, [Maximilian]. Rather, it appears that the armor himself acknowledges you as his rightful owner. If thats the case, IWein Welz Mordredshall hand it over to you

Thank you, I

for 300 million Clans.

100 million.

270 million.

Uh, 130 million?

Are you mad? 250 million!

Hey, that amount sounds close to my bounty! 150 million.

What do you think [Maximilian] is!? 230 million.

Are you kidding me? You saw how great I was back there. 180 million.

Alright, alright, 200 million.

Ah, hey, Fiona

This is taking too much time, so I decided to put a swift end to it.

Fiona forcibly decided on the price and ended the negotiations between me and Mordred.

Even though I might be able to decrease it a bit more

Alright, Kurono, shall we continue our date?

Eh.

Fiona took my hand and started walking as if nothing had happened. Without hesitation, she took my left hand, which was wrapped in a gauntlet that was part of the cursed armor.

Whats the matter?

No, even though Id survived a life and death battle, you went on as if nothing happened

Its as if she has a change of heart, or something like that

We still have time, right?

Well, she was right.

Then, lets finish shopping[Terra s.h.i.+eld].

With a quick swing of [Ainz Bloom], there was a loud roar, and a magical rock s.h.i.+eld pushed away the rubbles of the dilapidated entrance from below. It opened a tunnel just enough for people to pa.s.s through.

Eh, do you want to shop here?

The inside should be fine.

Im confused, while shes confused that Im confused.

As usual, Fiona was at her own pace.

Okay, lets go in.

I nodded, half giving up. At the same time, I was worried about whether or not the shop would cave in on us, so I glanced at Mordred.

If Mordred himself said, Well close the shop for today. Id have an excuse to leave, but

Haha, welcome.

Mordred welcomed us with his skull rattling around.

Whats with this development? Am I being dense again?

Thus, I resumed my date with Fiona with mixed feelings