After greeting Jircniv, Ainz returned to the arena.
结束对吉克尼夫的问候，安兹回到竞技场。

He had promised not to use magic during the fight, but the fight had not started yet. Surely his opponent would not quibble over something like that.
虽然约定了不使用魔法，但现在毕竟还是战斗开始前。这种程度的话对方也不会追究的吧。

He didn’t seem too angry despite the fact that I crossed the border illegally. Is he going to complain afterwards? Or did he think I entered normally? If that was the case, they might end up hosting some sort of welcome for me, or maybe I’m being too self-conscious… Will he be mad because I directly addressed him as Jircniv?
（尽管我偷偷入境了，却没有多生气呢。事后才要来抱怨吗？还是说以为我是正常的入境呢？要是这样的话，说不定会召开我的欢迎仪式之类的，是我有点自我意识过剩了吧。……直接称呼他吉克尼夫了，不会惹他生气吧？）

Ainz mocked his thoughts, and then turned his eyes toward the entrance which faced him.
安兹嘲笑着自己的想法，将视线转向对面的入口。

The Martial Lord had not showed up yet.
武王还没有现身的样子。

Then...
（那么……）

Ainz looked around at the audience in the arena.
安兹环视竞技场的观众。



A shocked silence ruled the scene. Even the slightest movement was clearly audible.
错愕的沉默支配着全场。一点点动静都很会听得很清楚。

Well, it can’t be helped… No, you people over there, this is not a mask.
（嘛，也没办法。……不是啦，那边的观众，这可不是面具啊）

Ainz felt his smooth and shiny face. Now he understood. Anyone who could look at this face nonchalantly must be quite brave.
安兹摸着自己滑溜溜的脸。现在的话就明白了。看了这张脸还能若无其事的人可是相当有胆量的吧。

Because of this,my popularity will increase once I get the audience fired up.
（正是因为如此，让观众沸腾起来就能一口气得到人气）

While his objective was not to boost his popularity, it was better to have it than not. Plus, if it ended up raising the general opinion of all undead, it would probably improve their opinion of the Sorcerous Kingdom, which controlled many undead.
虽然目的并不是为了得到人气，但是有总比没有强。而且若是全体不死者的评价有所提升的话，应该
也会影响到驱使着不死者的魔导国的评价。

Ainz gripped the staff in his hand.
安兹抓稳了法杖的把手。

As a pure magic caster, Ainz’s selection in weapons was very limited, largely staves, daggers and the like. This time round, he had selected a staff used for physical attacks. It was a weapon he had made as a prototype in YGGDRASIL, but which had ended up not being used. Since it was something he had used a long time ago, it was not very strong. Ainz as he was now could probably make a better weapon.
身为纯粹魔法职的安兹能用的武器相当有限，顶多是法杖和短剑之类的。而这次所选择的则是物理攻
击用的法杖。这是在YGGDRASIL时代中试作后，但却不怎么用的武器。因为是很早之前用的东西，所以不怎么强。如果是现在的安兹的话，就能做出更加优化的武器了吧。

That said, Ainz had not made such preparations.
然而，安兹并没有做那样的准备。

After considering the difference in strength between himself and the Martial Lord, Ainz had decided to fight him with his present weapon, and see how it turned out.
考虑到与武王之间的力量差距，安兹决定用现有的武器来战斗看看。

This was the ultimate in foolishness to the YGGDRASIL player Suzuki Satoru, an unforgivable lapse of carelessness. If his friends were nearby, they might rebuke him with a “That won’t do~”
这个决定对YGGDRASIL玩家铃木悟来说实在是愚蠢之至，是无法被允许的疏忽大意。要是有同伴在的话，说不定会说「不行的喔－」这样的来责备他。

However, he had already learned of all the Martial Lord’s magic items from Fluder. Thus, he had to subject himself to these unfavorable circumstances in order to use this as training.
但是自己已经从夫路达那里听说过武王所有的魔法道具的性能，作为训练的话，应该要让自己处于这样的不利状况才对。

He did not want to show them a one-sided slaughter. Ainz’s objective was an overwhelming victory of just the right amount.
想展现给观众们看的并不是单方面的蹂躏剧。安兹的目标是程度刚好的压倒性胜利。

“Ladies and gentlemen! From the north entrance! The! Martial! Lord!”
「各位观众！北边的入口的现在，武王要入场了！」

Unlike how they had treated him earlier, the entire arena erupted in cheering. Ainz could hear Jircniv’s voice from the VIP room where he had shown his face earlier. The man was screaming as though to break his throat.
与先前的自己完全不同，全场欢声雷动。安兹在那欢声中，听到了刚刚露面的贵宾席那里传来吉克尼夫声嘶力竭的欢声。

...He sounds pretty excited. Does Jircniv really like the Martial Lord that much? The king of the ring seems to be an idol of sorts, so this should be a normal reaction, right? It was the same in YGGDRASIL -- the strong fighters in PVP matches were very popular with the spectators.
（……感觉好像很兴奋啊。吉克尼夫那么喜欢武王吗？竞技场的王就像是偶像一样的吧，那这是正常的反应啰？YGGDRASIL的时候也是，PVP的参观比赛中的强者很有人气的）

As he reminisced about his YGGDRASIL days, Ainz began to pity Jircniv a little.
在很怀念起了YGGDRASIL时代的同时，安兹也对吉克尼夫感到了些的怜悯之情

He’ll be shocked when I win. Like a client whose sports team lost...
（我赢了的话会受到很大的打击吧。就像支持的队伍输了后很不开心的客户……）

It weighed on his heart, but he could not throw the match.
虽然感到很沉重，但也不能故意输掉。

A massive shadow appeared from the opposite entrance.
对面的入口出现了巨大的身影。

The cheering he thought could not get any louder went up another level, and now it sounded like an explosion.
以为不可能再更大的欢呼声又更上了一层，就像爆炸了一样。

In all honesty, he wanted a part of that cheering for himself, but he would simply have to win it through his own strength.
老实说，是很想让他们把这欢呼声分给自己一点，不过只要用力量赢来就好。

In YGGDRASIL, the voices of the supporters would slowly turn toward the challenger if they did well. In other words, if Ainz fought well against the Martial Lord, more and more people would start to support Ainz.
在YGGDRASIL时代，挑战者要是打得很漂亮的话，支持声也会慢慢转过来。就是说安兹和武王打得很精彩的话，替安兹加油的声音肯定也会慢慢增加的。

So it seems conditions like these where I hardly have any support are pretty good for advertising myself, no?

He could slowly see the form of the Martial Lord.
慢慢的能看到武王的身影。

He wore a suit of full plate armor, and carried a gigantic club.
穿着全身铠加上巨大的棍棒。

As he beheld this walking fortress before him, Ainz’s eyes -- the flickering red flames within the empty orbits of his skull -- narrowed into points.
看到这坚不可摧的姿态，安兹的眼睛——空虚的眼窝中摇曳着的红色火焰变得细长尖锐。

Hm… He looks about the same as the description. That being the case -- no, that would be reckless. I’d better be careful.
（嗯……。外表和听说的一样。那样的话——不，那样下判断有点轻率了，还是小心一点）

According to the information Fluder had supplied, he did not possess any particularly lethal equipment.
从夫路达‧帕拉戴恩的情报来看，装备品并没有什么致命性的东西。

However, in YGGDRASIL, some people would prepare a set of identical-looking gear, equipped with completely different data crystals. In PVP matches, small tricks like that improved the chances of victory. Although backup gear was typically weaker than one’s main panoply, being able to surprise a foe had effects beyond mere data values.
但是在YGGDRASIL中，有人会准备另一套一样外表的装备，但是内在装的是完全不同的数据水晶。在以PVP为代表的一对一胜负时，像这样小小的虚张声势也是会提高胜率的。虽然预备武装一般都会比主武装来得弱，但只要在对手的预料之外就能发挥数值以上的效果。

He could not guarantee that the Martial Lord would not do that.
难保武王不会那样做。

Taking that into consideration. Ainz continued studying the Martial Lord.
安兹把这些事情放在心上，继续观察武王。

He had heard of him before, but seeing the real thing made him think, “No wonder”. That was probably what they meant by the saying “seeing is believing”. From what Fluder had told him, the creature under that armor looked very similar to the War Troll he had turned into a zombie, but the Martial Lord had a completely different air around him.
虽然已经听说过了，但是真的出现在面前时还是会让人觉得「怪不得」。所谓百闻不如一见就是如此吧。从夫路达那里听说的内容来看，铠甲下的姿态和那时杀掉做成殭尸的战斗食人妖非常像，不过武王身上的气息却完全不一样。

One could say it was the difference between a domesticated pig and a wild boar.
该说是像是野猪和家猪那样的差异吗。

“This is… interesting… Interesting?”
「这真是……有趣。……有趣吗」

Ainz furrowed his eyebrows at his own excitement. He felt the same way as he did then; that this was going to be a good fight. Perhaps he was becoming a battle maniac, given the way he relished combat.
安兹对着兴奋不已的自己皱起眉头。那时也是这么觉得的，该说是变得好战了吗，或说像是变成战斗狂那样，感觉自己好像非常享受战斗这件事。

That was not a good sign.
这可不是个好的倾向。

The distance between them shrank. His opponent was the first to speak.
两者的距离慢慢缩短，对方先开了口。

“I am the War Troll Go Gin, known as the Martial Lord.”
「我是被称为武王的战斗食人妖，哥‧金」

“I am --” here Ainz puffed out his chest. “The Sorcerer King, Ainz Ooal Gown, an undead being of the highest order, an Overlord.”
「我是——」安兹挺起了胸膛「安兹‧乌尔‧恭魔导王。是不死者的最高位种族，死之支配者[Over Lord]」

“Is that so. Then let us fight with all our strength.”
「是吗。那就让我全力以赴地来挑战吧」

“...Oya?”
「……喔呀？」

AInz was quite surprised.
安兹觉得很不可思议。

There were two things about which he was dubious, and he decided to start with the bigger one.
疑问有两个，先从比较大的那个开始问。

“Aren’t you going to make fun of my name?”
「你不会嘲笑我的名字吗？」

“Why?”
「为什么？」

“You’re asking why…?”
「问为什么……？」

Ainz tilted his head at the counter-question. That was how it had gone back then.
被反问的安兹偏了下头。那个时候好像是这样子没错的。

“I seem to recall long names are something to you…?”
「我记得长名字确实是会那什么的对吧？」

“I see. It would seem you do understand my species well, Your Majesty. Indeed, my species considers those with short names to be strong. However, I have lived in this country for many years. During that time, I have learned that humans take long names. Thus, I will not make fun of such things. In addition, I sense that you are quite proud of that name, Your Majesty. Insulting the names of the strong is shameful for a warrior.”
「原来如此。看来魔导王陛下很了解我的种族啊。的确我们的种族会把名字短的人是视为强者。但是我在这个国家里已经住了很多年了。在那之间，已经学到了人类是会取长名字的。为此我不会嘲笑这件事。而且我能感受得到魔导王陛下为这个名字感到骄傲。侮辱强者之名，是战士的耻辱」

“Is that so… It would seem I need to revise my opinion of War Trolls now.”
「这样吗……。看来我有必要，改变一下对战斗食人妖这个种族的看法了啊」

“Fuhahahaha. No need for that. I am merely an outlier. In addition, different species have members with different opinions. That is all.”
「呼哈哈哈哈哈。没有那个必要哦。我不过是个异端而已。而且——不管哪个种族都会有不同想法的人在。只是如此而已啊」

“...Hahahaha! Indeed. I like you, Martial Lord… If I win, how about I keep you?”
「……哈哈哈哈！的确是这样。我很中意你喔，武王。……我赢的话你就成为我的东西吧」

Ainz extended his right hand.
安兹慢慢伸出了右手。

Although it had been rejected back then, the present circumstances were different. The Martial Lord considered the matter, and replied:
虽然那个时候被拒绝了，但是现在状况完全不同。武王稍微考虑下后，做出回答。

“...Alright. If I lose, I will become your subordinate. And if I win?”
「……好吧。我要是输了就成为你的部下好了。那我要是赢了呢?」

“Well, that is a troubling question. What do you want? Name your desire.”
「这还真是个困难的问题。你想要什么，说说你的愿望」

“...Then I will have you, Your Majesty.”
「……那我就要陛下好了」

“...Hah?”
「…………哈？」

“To date, I have not encountered anyone worth killing for a meal. But if I can eat you, who are stronger than me, I will obtain your powers, Your Majesty.”
「我到至今为止，还没有碰到过值得杀了吃掉的人。但要是能吃了比我自己还强的陛下，我就能获得陛下的力量」

Ainz calmed down a little. He had heard a lecture from a guildmate about the culture of cannibals. Although they ate people, the motive behind that was the same as the Martial Lord, to obtain the power of the enemy’s soul. There were also other reasons for that, like sexual fetishes and so on.
安兹稍微安心了下来。以前从公会的同伴那里听过关于食人文化的讲解。虽说都是食人，但是背后的动机有像是武王那样取得对方的灵魂力量，也有像是性方面的癖好等各种各样的理由。

At least it’s not a sexual thing. I wouldn’t lose from that, but it would feel really gross if someone were looking at me in that way during a fight.
（不是性癖真是太好了。虽然不可能会输，但要是战斗时被那样的眼光看着的话，感觉超不舒服）

“Alright. After all, the right of life and death rests in the hands of the victor. So even if I kill you, you must not reject the resurrection.”
「好吧。不论怎么说，生杀予夺的大权都是掌握在胜者手里的。所以即使我杀了你，也不要拒绝复活喔」

Ainz stepped forward. The Martial King took a stance in an instant, but he immediately relaxed.
安兹一踏出步伐，虽然一瞬间武王摆好了姿势，但又马上放松了下来。

Ainz advanced with his right hand extended. The Martial Lord returned the gesture, extending his own massive right hand.
安兹上前伸出了右手，而武王也响应他，伸出自己巨大的右手。

This was less a handshake than the Martial Lord swallowing up his hand. A great cheer rose from the audience.
比起握手，说是被武王的手包起来才比较正确。从观众那里传来了巨大的欢呼声。

“Then, I have another question. Why do you address me respectfully?”
「那再让我问你一个问题吧。为什么对我使用敬称？」

The Martial Lord’s attitude was not like a reigning champion greeting a challenger.
武王的态度并不像一位迎接挑战者的王。

“It is only sensible to address the strong with respect.”
「对强者表示敬意，是理所当然的事」

“I see… Alright, I understand. That’s all the questions I have. Let’s start. How far apart should we be? Like the distance just now -- about ten meters or so? I will strive to abide by the rules of this arena.”
「原来如此……我理解了。我的问题就这些了。那就开始吧。距离要怎么办？像刚刚那样的距离——十米左右如何？这个竞技场要是有规定的话，我会照办的喔」

“There are no rules for distance, but it doesn’t matter. You’ll soon be within striking distance.”
「没有距离的规定。但是，没有关系吗。一下子就会进到我的攻击范围里喔」

“This is a handicap, a handicap.”
「这是让步喔，让步」

The Martial Lord did not speak, but nodded to show he understood.
武王没有出声，只是点头表示理解。

His face could not be seen, but his breathing and actions were very calm.
虽然看不见脸，但是动作和呼吸都很冷静。

Had he seen through the taunt, or was that not enough to upset him?
这是因为看穿了是挑衅了吗，还是说这种程度并不会感到不快呢。

Ainz mentally clicked his tongue.
安兹在心中咋舌。

What a troublesome foe. If his emotions were vulnerable, he could play on that, but one could not look down on a vigilant foe, even if they were lower in level.
真是难应付的对手。要是感情用事的话就能攻击这点，但毫不松懈的对手就算层次较低也不能轻视。

The Martial Lord turned his back to Ainz, and walked away.
武王背对安兹，与安兹拉开距离。

He turned back again after travelling about ten meters.
到了十米左右后，又转身回头。

“Then, we’ll start when the bell goes, Your Majesty.”
「那么钟响了之后就开始吧，魔导王陛下」

“Right… say, Martial Lord, I’ve fought your kind before, but have you fought my kind before?”
「对了……吶，武王，我有和你的同族战斗过，你有和我的同族战斗过吗」

“Overlords? No, I have not. I’ve never heard of that undead… species.”
「是死之支配者吗？不，没有。从来没有听说过的不死者……种族」

“Is that so… Well, that’s true. If you met anyone of my kind, you wouldn’t be alive to stand here. Overlords are the highest-ranking undead… Then, have you fought any undead before?”
「这样吗……。也对。要是碰到我同族的人，你也不可能还站在这里啊。死之支配者是不死者最高位……那么有和什么不死者战斗过吗？」

“No, I’ve never fought the undead. After all, the undead they bring here are obviously no match for me.”
「没有和不死者战斗过。因为被带来这座竞技场的不死者摆明了就不是对手」

“Really now… Then I can’t say ‘don’t think I’m like the other undead you’ve fought. I’m dozens of times more powerful than an Elder Lich’... What a shame.”
「那样吗……。那么就不能说，不要以为我和你至今战斗过的不死者是一样的喔。我可是比死者大魔法师[Elder Lich]还要强大数倍的存在……真可惜啊」

The Martial Lord chuckled.
武王轻轻的笑了。

Ainz shrugged, and raised his staff like a greatsword. Ainzach should be watching from behind, but he had not shown him his fighting stance as Momon, so it should be fine.
安兹耸了耸肩，将手持的法杖当大剑一样举起。艾恩札克应该在后面看着的吧，不过作为飞飞时没有给他看过战斗时的样子，所以没有问题。

The Martial Lord raised his gigantic club as well.
武王也举起巨大的棍棒。

The bell went off.
钟声响起。

In that instant, Ainz was swallowed up by an enormous black shadow.
那一瞬间，安兹被巨大的黑影覆盖。

Cheh, he’s fast!
（切！好快！）

That was the shadow of a club swinging down.
那其实是挥下棍棒时的阴影。

Block the strike with the staff -- Ainz wanted to do that, but immediately abandoned the notion. While he did not know enough about the enemy, the best thing to do in the face of a big move -- one which was highly damaging -- was to dodge.
用法杖接下攻击——虽然是这么想的，不过安兹立刻打消了念头。在没有更多对手的情报前，面对大招——伤害量大的攻击只能回避。

Then, not caring if he lost his balance, Ainz threw himself into evasion.
接着，就算失去平衡也没关系，安兹猛然转为闪躲。

Ainz managed to dodge by the skin of his teeth. The club slammed into the ground, releasing a thunderous impact that even produced an echo. The smoke and dust it produced gusted up like an explosion.
千钧一发之际安兹回避成功，棍棒就这样击向地面，发出轰然响声，甚至还有回音。掀起的尘烟就像是爆风一样的刮了起来。

Worried about any follow-up strikes, Ainz fell back a few more paces.
担心追击的安兹退后了几步拉开距离。

After the dust cleared, the shadow of the Martial Lord, club in hand, appeared from within it.
尘烟消去，武王再度手持棍棒的身影出现在那其中。

A great cry rose up from the arena.
巨大的欢呼声在竞技场中回响着。

Was it a martial art? Still… this is pretty exciting.
（是使用了什么武技吗？但是……还真是大兴奋啊）

He could clearly hear Jircniv’s shouting his support amidst the ear-splitting cheers. “Get him! He’s right there!” and other such childish cries.
在让人耳朵都发痛的欢呼声中，可以很清楚的听到吉克尼夫的声援。「上啊！就是那里！」之类像是孩子般的助威着。

Ainz could not help but chuckle as he heard these cries from Jircniv, which were completely unlike him. He could not have imagined him acting like that from all the times he had spied on him in the Imperial City.
看到吉克尼夫这不像他的态度，安兹情不自禁地发出了小小的笑声。从在皇城中观察到的姿态来看，实在无法想象他会表现出这种态度。

...He’s an unexpectedly interesting chap...
（……意外的是个有趣的家伙啊）

Ainz’s opinion of Jircniv rapidly rose. At first, he believed that he was a perfect man with the air of an Emperor. However, now that he saw how passionate he was about the match, he felt that he could get along even better with him. Ainz’s heart filled with a sense of closeness.
安兹心中对吉克尼夫的好感度直线上升。还以为他是更有皇帝样的完美男人。但是看到现在他热衷于比赛的模样，感觉与他关系能处的更好的样子。安兹的心中不禁涌现出了这样的亲近感。

Then, Ainz returned his attention to the Martial Lord.
安兹重新把意识集中在了武王身上。

The Martial Lord was pointing that giant club of his toward him, implying that he would be intercepted if he came close and pursued if he backed off. It was a stance well-suited to pinning down one’s opponents.
武王把那巨大的棍棒对着这里，展现出靠近的话就会立刻被迎击，远离的话则会被追击的意志。这是最能牵制对手的架势。

It was a defensive stance that made full use of his weapon’s length, practically turning it into a shield.
这是有效活用了武器的长度的防御架势，简直就像盾牌。

In all honesty, Ainz had no clue how to break this stance of his.
老实说，安兹想不出能够打破这架势的方法。

This… might be troublesome. It would seem being unable to use magic against an evenly-matched opponent is quite difficult. Well, I am a magic caster, after all...
（这可……麻烦了啊。如果是同等的对手的话，不能用魔法果然很难啊。嘛，毕竟我是魔法吟唱者啊……）

That being the case , there was only one thing he could do.
那样的话，果然就只能这么做了。

“Well? Aren’t you coming? Or will you cower there like a turtle?”
「怎么了？你不攻过来吗？就像只乌龟似得一直缩在那里」

“Your Majesty, I will not let my guard down. Even though the rules keep you from using magic, the fact that you could dodge that strike cannot be taken lightly.”
「魔导王陛下。我可不会大意的哦。就算有不能用魔法的规则在，但能够躲过刚刚的攻击的您可是轻视不得的」

“So, you want me to take the offensive? In that case, would you mind moving that club of yours aside? It’s kind of in the way and makes it hard to attack.”
「是要我来攻击吗？那样的话，能把那根棍棒稍微挪开点吗。太碍事，很难攻击啊」

The Martial Lord did not answer. His keen gaze remained affixed on Ainz through the slits of his helmet’s visor.
武王没有回答，从护面甲的开口传来的锐利视线正在紧盯着安兹的全身。

“Well then… In that case, allow me.”
「是吗……那样的话就让我来吧」

Ainz forcefully swung his staff at the tip of the club. The club forcefully struck the ground, as the Martial Lord grunted “Ggh!”
安兹手持法杖向棍棒的前端狠狠的敲了下去。棍棒猛烈的与地面碰撞，与此同时武王「唔」的一声发出呻吟。

The impact should have been transmitted into the Martial Lord’s hands and numbed them. In contrast, Ainz had no such biological functions.
传来的冲击应该会让武王的手陷入麻痹才对。反而安兹这边则是没有这种肉体上的机能。

In an instant, Ainz charged into the Martial Lord’s attack range.
安兹在那一瞬间从正面闯入了武王的攻击距离里。

Ainz sent a mental command to his staff, and flames billowed from it. That said, “billowing flames” simply meant a layer of fire that surrounded the staff. The flames did not constitute an attack in themselves. However, Ainz sensed the Martial Lord’s attention shifting from himself to the staff.
安兹用思考对法杖下达命令，吹起了火焰。说是吹起，也仅是缠着法杖而已，火焰本身并不会攻击。但是，安兹感觉到武王的视线从自己转到了法杖上。

That’s right. You Trolls have regenerative powers. Thus, it’s perfectly rational to be mindful of weapons that negate your regeneration, such as those which can inflict fire or acid damage. However, that is a fatal mistake.
（就是这样。你有着食人妖的再生能力。因此会在意起让你的再生能力无效的武器是再正常不过的了。但是，这就是你的致命伤）

Ainz touched the Martial Lord’s armor with his empty left hand. In that moment, the Martial Lord shuddered like he had been electrocuted, making him swing his club without thinking.
安兹将空着的左手轻轻的碰了下武王的铠甲。那一瞬间，武王如同被雷击一般颤抖起来，这使得他下意识的挥起了棍棒。

“Kuh!”
「唔！」

Ainz failed to dodge, and the sounds of cracking came from his body as he was smashed into the distance. Since he had disabled his High-Tier Physical Immunity and he was weak to bludgeoning attacks, that strike did a lot of damage. Ainz’s body flew several meters, no, over 10 meters through the air, like a ball struck by a bat.
回避失败，安兹的身体发出折裂的声音同时被远远击飞。由于关闭了高阶物理无效化，对于有殴打武器脆弱的这个身体是相当大的伤害。安兹的身体在空中飞了有数米、不对、超过十米远的距离。

Then, he hit the ground, tumbling head over heels several times.
接着撞到了地面上，并滚了几圈。

Thunderous cheering erupted from the crowd.
响起了如雷鸣般的欢呼声。

Ainz heard Jircniv shouting in delight as he rolled across the ground, and the surge in goodwill he had toward the man dropped swiftly.
安兹听到吉克尼夫对于翻滚在地的自己发出开心的大叫，刚刚高涨的好感度又急速下降了下去。

Dammit, we’re allied countries, aren’t we? Shouldn’t you be a bit more concerned about the fact that an ally’s king is down on the ground, huh?
（你这家伙，好歹我们也是同盟国喔。对于同盟国的国王倒在地上的事也稍微担心点吧，啊？）

Though he had taken damage, Ainz no longer felt pain, and he peered at the Martial Lord from where he was on the ground.
虽然受到了伤害，但是已经没有痛楚的安兹仍伏在地上窥探着武王。

There was no follow-up attack.
没有追击。

The sounds of cheering gradually died down, replaced by a sense of disquiet that covered the entire arena. Why had the Martial Lord not pressed the attack? No, why was the Martial Lord bending over? What was slowing down the Martial Lord’s movements.
欢呼声慢慢变小，取而代之的是纳闷的情绪开始笼罩会场。为什么，武王不追击呢。不对，为何武王会弯着身子呢。又是什么使得武王的动作变得迟钝了呢。

Ainz gracefully rose to his feet, dusting himself off. He did not seem at all bothered at being sent flying.
安兹轻盈的站了起来，将沾到的尘埃拍掉，一副被打飞也是不痛不痒的坦然态度。

In contrast, the Martial Lord’s movements were extremely sluggish.
相对起来，武王的动作十分迟钝。

Ainz chuckled.
安兹轻轻地笑了下。

This was the best way the show could have gone.
作为演出来说这真是最好的效果。

Ainz returned to his original position, amidst a cacophony of noise. The Martial Lord asked in doubt:
在一片嘈杂声中， 安兹回到刚刚的位置。而此时武王也以怀疑的声音发问道。

“Wh-what is this? Poison… no, what is this?”
「什、什么？毒……应该不是吧，这到底是？」

“I did not break the rules. This is a proper contest. That said, this is far beyond the word ‘poison’. My touch can infuse negative energy into an opponent’s body. However, a Troll’s regeneration should be able to heal that.”
「我才不会作违反规定的事。这可是堂堂正正的比赛啊。不过，说那是『毒』，虽不中亦不远矣吧。我的碰触可以将负能量送进对手的体内。不过这个以食人妖的再生能力就能治愈了吧」

Ainz made the same gesture he used when touching the Martial Lord, opening and closing his fingers.
安兹以刚刚触碰的手做出张和的手势。

“However, I have another ability in addition to that. I can inflict physical ability damage by touch. Thus, your strength and dexterity have been reduced. I don’t think you can heal that, can you?”
「但是，我在接触时还能发挥另一个能力。那就是能伤害对手的肉体能力。你的肌力和敏捷性之类的就是因此受到损伤。这些就不能治愈了吧？」

From what Ainz knew, Trollish regeneration could only heal damage, but not the weakening of the body.
据安兹所知，食人妖的再生能力顶多只能治愈伤害，并不能连弱体化都治愈。

“In other words, Martial Lord, the more I touch you, the lower your stats will become, until you end up like a caterpillar.”
「也就是说，武王，你越是被我碰触，能力就越是下降，最后就只能像个毛毛虫一样」

Naturally, that was a lie.
这当然啦，这是唬人的。

He could inflict ability penalties on a foe, that much was true, but even that had a limit. He could not reduce stats to zero. Of course, his opponent could not possibly know that.
的确是可以让对手的能力值受到惩罚，不过也是有极限的，并不会降到零。不过，对方不可能会知道这种事。

However, there were other undead with similar abilities, so he could not conclude that his opponent really did not know. He might have been bluffing about not fighting the undead, and he might know something related to them.
但是，也有其它的不死者拥有与其相近的能力，所以不能肯定对方是不是真的不知道。他说没有和不死者战斗过可能是虚张声势也说不定，而且具有相关知识的可能性也是有的。

That was why Ainz had openly stated the name of his species.
所以安兹才会老实的说出自己的种族。

Overlords are a very powerful species, and one which you know nothing about. Once he left that impression in the Martial Lord’s mind, he would feel that Ainz’s power was mysterious and unfathomable. Ainz had mentioned that he was of the highest order and whatnot to further reinforce that sense of unease.
死之支配者是个相当强大的种族，也是你所不知道的种族。为了让这件事在他的记忆中留下强烈印象，这样就能武王觉得安兹的能力是他所不知道，完全不同的能力。说出最上位种族这件事也是为了加强这不安的感觉。

The most important thing was that he had given an unnecessary explanation to the Martial Lord. That too was to confuse him with false information.
接着最重要的就是，把没有必要说出的情报向武王说明。这也是为了以虚假的情报给武王造成混乱。

--Broadly speaking, all warfare is based on deception.
（——所谓的战斗，在广义上来说就是一种互相欺骗啊）

Ainz calmly studied the Martial Lord, who did not seem to be recovering from his ability penalties.
安兹冷静的观察不打算治疗能力值惩罚的武王。

This was to see if the Martial Lord was trying to bluff with his actions.
这是为了查看武王的行为有没有可能虚张声势。

He might have the ability to recover from his ability penalties but chose not to use it, in order to create a fatal flaw in Ainz’s defense. He might also have a talent, or some other hidden ability which Ainz knew nothing about.
也许是故意不用能治疗能力值惩罚的手段，来给安兹造成致命性的漏洞。而且还有天生异能[Talent]这种安兹完全搞不懂的能力在。

One could only trample one’s foe in an open fight when there was an overwhelming difference in strength.
只有在实力上有压倒性的差距时，才可以在正面战斗中蹂躏对手。

“...The ability penalties I inflict won’t heal with time, you know. I will shave away at your physical stats bit by bit, until I deliver the final blow with this staff, understood? Well, if you do, then let’s continue.”
「……我所给予的能力值惩罚不会随着时间治愈的喔。我会一点点的削弱你的肉体能力，最后用法杖给出致命一击，懂吗？那么，就继续开始吧」

Ainz stepped forward, and the Martial Lord slowly took a stance.
安兹一踏出步伐，武王就慢慢的摆起架势。

He could not see the Martial Lord’s face because of his helmet. Was he laughing to himself, or was he growing anxious?
因为武王带着头盔，所以无法推测是什么表情。是在暗自窃笑呢，还是说在焦躁不以呢。

The latter, I hope...
（若是后者就好了……）

Ainz moved his left hand, the one which was not holding his staff. The Martial Lord shifted in response. It would seem he was very wary of it.
安兹敏捷的动了下没有持杖的左手，武王也跟着动了身子。看来是十分警戒着的样子。

The Martial Lord must be thinking that all he needed to do was worry about the left hand.
武王肯定在想说只要警戒左手就好了吧。

That was it. During Ainz’s experiments, he found that he could initiate touch attacks with any part of his body. If he felt like it, he could even use a headbutt to do so.
就是这样。在安兹的实验中，不管哪个身体部位都能实行接触攻击。只要想的话，用头槌也是可以的。

As Ainz got closer, the Martial Lord backed away from him.
安兹更加逼近，而武王则逐步拉开距离。

Ainz laughed coldly.
安兹发出冷笑。

From their movements, it was readily apparent to the audience who had the advantage here.
从现在的动作中，观众们可以很清楚的知道谁占优势谁占劣势了吧。

Do you know what the difference between us is, Martial Lord? Indeed, you might be better than me as a warrior. But there is something which decisively sets us apart.
（知道我和你的差距是什么吗，武王？的确作为战士，可能是你比较厉害。但是我们之间有一个绝对的差距）

The biggest difference between himself and the Martial Lord was that of their HP.
安兹和武王之间最大的差异就是HP的差距。

Ainz had the health of a level 100 character. Even if both parties abandoned defense and engaged in a slugging match, Ainz would emerge victorious.
安兹拥有与百级相应的体力。就算两人舍弃防御进行互殴，最后也会是安兹的胜利。

However, the problem lay in martial arts, those attacks which Ainz did not know about.
但是问题在于武技那些不在安兹知识范围内的攻击。

“I laid down another restriction on myself besides not using magic. That would concern magic items. I did not use magic items during this bout with you -- in other words, an equipment restriction. Still, this is thoroughly beneficial to me.”
「我和你的战斗中，除了禁止使用魔法之外，我自己还设下了一条规定。那就是魔法道具。这次的比赛并没有对魔法道具——装备品做出限制，但这对我来说是有利过头的条件」

Ainz possessed numerous magic items from his time in YGGDRASIL. Each and every one of them was a peerless treasure in this world. Thus, if Ainz had used those, he could have easily won his battle with the Martial Lord. However, Ainz did not feel that was the proper way to fight.
安兹在YGGDRASIL里得手了非常多的魔法道具，不管哪个都是在这个世界里无可比拟的武器。因此只要使用这些的话，和武王的比赛就能轻易取胜了吧。但是，安兹并不觉得那是正确的战斗方式。

Therefore, Ainz was equipped with low-tier items.
所以现在安兹只用低阶的道具来装备自己。

“I have restricted myself to using weapons which someone of your level can wield. On the other hand, I feel this is an excellent opportunity to test out a new acquisition.”
「因此我给自己设下限制，只使用你等级范围里能持有的武器。不过反过来说，我觉得这也是一个可以试试新到手的武器的好机会」

Ainz plunged his staff into the ground and withdrew two of the four stilettos sheathed at his waist. He gripped them tightly.
安兹将法杖插在地上，拔出挂在腰上的四把短锥中的两把，并以双手紧握着。

“Let’s test these weapons I borrowed from Momon.”
「就让我来试试从飞飞那里借来的武器吧」

The Martial Lord probably did not understand Ainz’s blathering. Ainz had no intention of enlightening him. He was simply talking to himself.
武王大概听不懂安兹的调侃吧。安兹本身也没打算让他理解。这只不过是在自言自语而已。

“Then -- here I come.”
「那么——我上了」

Ainz could not imitate that bizarre stance -- that strange crouching start. However, after practice, he had learned to run in a similar way. He shot out like a loosed arrow, toward the Martial Lord.
安兹无法办到那种奇妙的——像是蹲踞式起跑的那种姿势。但是经过训练，安兹也能学习到类似的步法。他如同射出去的箭矢那样朝着武王冲刺。

The distance was very short. Still, even in the brief opening before his opponent’s attack, the Martial Lord’s club swept across at him. The blow was slowed because his strength had been sapped by ability penalties, but it was a strike that should have connected.
距离很短。但即使被对手在一瞬间攻入空档，武王的棍棒却还是横扫了过来。虽然肌力因为惩罚而变得有些迟钝，不过那是确实能够命中的攻击。

Ainz could not execute a magnificent dodge like that woman. However, Ainz could do something which that woman could not.
安兹是没办法像那个女人一样漂亮的回避，不过那个女人办不到的事，安兹却办得到。

He released his ability, and the Martial Lord’s movements halted for a moment.
解放能力的同时，武王的动作一瞬间停了下来。

Ainz closed the gap between them and thrust his stiletto, aiming for the shoulder. That full-power strike, boosted by his running speed, shot out like an arrow.
安兹乘隙拉短距离，向肩头刺进短锥。配合速度，使出全力的一击简直如同飞矢一般。

When she had hit him back then, she managed to damage Ainz’s magically-created armor, which was harder than adamantite. This strike was on the same level as that, and the stiletto pierced the Martial Lord’s armor and hide, penetrating the Martial Lord’s body.
那时候的一击，甚至损伤了安兹用魔法做出的比精钢还坚硬的铠甲。与那同等的一击贯穿了武王的铠甲和皮肤，短锥刺入了武王的身体。



--However, in that moment--
——不过，那瞬间。

“[Reinforce Hide], [Greater Reinforce Hide]!”
「<外皮强化>、<外皮超强化>」

The Martial Lord activated his martial arts.
武王发动了武技。

It was as though he had released something from within his body which pushed back the tip of the stiletto.
彷佛从内部放出了什么东西一样，短锥的尖端被推了回来。

The startling thing was that Ainz’s full-strength hit only inflicted a tiny amount -- a scratch’s worth -- of damage. With Trollish regeneration, that sort of damage would heal within seconds.
令人吃惊的是，现在的安兹所能发挥的全力一击，竟然只能造成一点点——只有擦伤般的程度的伤害。有食人妖的再生能力在，这种轻伤只要数秒就能痊愈。

The Martial Lord must have felt reassured by this. The club swinging toward Ainz was still very fast, and he had only taken a scratch from Ainz’s all-out attack. One could say that victory was at hand for the Martial Lord.
武王大概觉得安心下来了吧。朝安兹挥向的棍棒还是很有速度，吃了安兹全力一击也只有擦伤，可以说武王胜卷在握了吧。

However, that would be a very foolish thing to say.
不过，那是个愚蠢的想法。

“--Activate.”
「——起动」

“Goh! Gowaaaaaaaaah!!”
「咕！哇啊啊啊阿！！」

He released the spell, channelling the [Fireball] which Fluder had cast into the weapon into the place where he had stabbed the Martial Lord and burning his body from within. He thought of plunging his other stiletto into the opposite shoulder, but he was not strong enough, and the armor deflected it.
解放了魔法，让夫路达注入在武器中的<火球> (Fire Ball)从刺入的部位开始灼烧武王的身体。虽然想就这样将另一把短锥刺进另一侧的肩头，但因为力度不够，被铠甲弹开。

As Ainz thought of targeting a chink in his armor, Ainz sensed movement from the Martial Lord and dashed to the side without looking.
打算瞄准铠甲间隙的安兹察觉到武王的动静，没有看就跑向一旁。

A gale blew from behind him. It must have been the wind pressure from that club.
背后吹来的狂风，那是棍棒引起的风压吧。

After fleeing for about 10 meters, Ainz turned back.
逃一般的拉开十米以上距离的安兹向后转身。

The Martial Lord was grabbing at his shoulder with the arm holding his club. His other arm dangled beneath him, probably immobile. Fluder’s spell was a little too strong. Perhaps he should have asked a weaker magic caster to infuse it with magic.
武王用拿着棍棒的那只手押着肩头，另一只手则是无力的垂下来，看起来是动不了了。夫路达的魔法似乎有点太强了，该更让弱一些的魔法咏唱者来注入魔法的吗。

After realising the Martial Lord was in dire straits, the crowd wailed in sympathy.
理解到武王处于压倒性不利的观众们发出了近乎悲鸣的声援。

Ainz looked around the arena.
安兹环视着竞技场。

No matter where he looked, he could not see anyone cheering for him.
不管看向观众席哪里，都没有在替安兹加油的样子。

How strange… In YGGDRASIL, it wouldn’t be unusual for someone to start cheering for me around now… I guess away matches are hard.
（好奇怪啊……。要是在YGGDRASIL的话，这个时候就算有人开始在替我加油也不奇怪啊……。果然客场(Away)作战很难吗）

“It can’t be helped. I guess I’ll have to abandon the plan of seizing the audience’s heart. Now then, Martial Lord… time to die.”
「没办法了。就放弃抓住观众的心吧。那么……武王，接下来就会杀了你」

Ainz sheathed the stiletto whose charge was expended and drew another one. This stiletto was imbued with a 3rd-tier acid-element attack spell. He had prepared this in case the Martial Lord had rendered himself immune to fire damage.
安兹收起解放过力量的短锥，取了别的短锥出来。这把所注入的是第三位阶的酸系攻击魔法。这是以防武王做了包括完全无效化在内的火系对策时所做的准备。

Granted, the Martial Lord looked like he had been hurt by that fire-elemental spell, but that might have been an act. Regenerating monsters could not completely resist attacks which shut down their regeneration, but that was only for YGGDRASIL.
虽然武王看起来是因为刚刚的一击中受到了火系攻击伤害，不过也有那是演技的可能性。拥有再生能力的魔物是不可能拥有对于阻碍自己再生的全部攻击类型的完全抗性。不过那只是YGGDRASIL里的状况。

For all he knew, it might be possible in this world.
说不定在这个世界里就有可能。

If that was the case, his plan was to kill him by activating his skill when the audience -- when everyone -- could see that victory had been decided.
要是那样的话，原本是打算在观众的眼中——在任何人来看都觉得要分出胜负的时候，就发动技能杀掉的。

“If you admit defeat now… I’ll end things here.”
「如果承认败北的话……就到此为止吗？」

“No… Your Majesty. Not… not yet. I am still the Martial Lord. I am still the king of this arena. I will resist until I die.”
「不……魔导王陛下。还、还没呢。我好歹也是武王，是这个竞技场的王，我会一直抵抗到死」

“Then, take off your helmet and let me see your face.”
「那样的话把头盔取下，让我看看你的脸」

It was a surprising request, but the Martial Lord complied, and showed his face.
虽然是个不可思议的要求，但武王还是拿下头盔露出脸来。

Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his face was distorted, probably from the intense pain. Yet, there was great strength in his eyes.
额头上渗满了汗水，大概是因为忍受着剧痛，脸也扭曲的厉害，但是眼神还是十分有力。

“Those are good eyes. They remind me of Gazef Stronoff.”
「真是不错的眼神。让我想起了葛杰夫‧史托罗诺夫」

“Thank you. Being praised by a mighty being like yourself fills me with joy.”
「感激不尽。能让身为强者的你这样夸奖是我的喜悦」

“...Tell me. Do you have any moves which can beat me? Do you have any moves which can turn the tide?”
「……告诉我。你有能赢我的招数吗？有接下来能够逆转的招数？」

“--I do not. Even so, I still wish to fight.”
「——没有。但就算这样我还是要战斗」

They were very honest words.
相当直率的话语。

Ainz felt ashamed of using so many bluffs in this fight. Then, there were all the abilities he had sealed off to make this a good match.
安兹对于自己用了许多虚张声势来战斗这件事感到些许羞愧。以及为了上演一场好胜负，而封印了许多能力的事。

Since his opponent was fighting in earnest, Ainz was obliged to respond with everything he was allowed to do.
对手认真战斗的话，安兹也要在可能的范围内尽全力战斗才是该有的态度。

The Martial Lord, who had come straight at Ainz, seemed to shine in his eyes.
以正面全力向安兹挑战过来的武王，看起来相当的耀眼。

“What would the Guardians think of the light in those eyes…”
「守护者们对这双眼中的光辉又会有什么想法呢……」

Still, he knew that they would scorn any being that was not of Nazarick. If that was the case -- unease and loneliness filled Ainz.
就算知道了，也会一样看不起纳萨力克以外的存在吧。要是那样的话——安兹的心中涌起少许不安与寂寞感。

Ainz cast aside these emotions, and slowly raised his stilettos.
安兹甩掉这些情绪，慢慢的举起了短锥。

The Martial Lord wiped off his sweat with his forearm, and put his helmet back on.
武王也用前臂擦掉额头上的汗水，重新戴上头盔。

“--Come at me, Martial Lord.”
「————放马过来，武王」

“Gooohhhhhhh!”
「喔喔喔喔喔喔！！」

With a roar, his vast body pressed in on Ainz.
巨大的身体伴随怒吼向安兹逼近。

He was faster than just now. Perhaps he had activated a martial art.
比刚刚还要快是因为发动了武技吗。

That incredible speed and that immense body. The two of these synergized to produce an overwhelming sense of oppression that would freeze any foe in place. No, that would apply to normal people, but the undead were immune to such mental effects.
惊人的速度和巨体。这两者相乘的效果所产生出的压倒性的威摄感会使人动弹不得的吧。不，对一般的人来说的确会如此，但是不死者并不会有那样的精神作用。

Ainz calmly studied the Martial Lord.
安兹冷静的盯着武王。

He was fast -- but that was it.
好快——但也仅是如此。

His balance was off, probably because the shoulder pierced by the stiletto was unable to move.
因为被短锥刺入的肩膀无法动弹吧，重心相当不稳。

--Worse than that time.
（——比起那个来的要差啊）

More importantly--
更重要的是——

Do you know the truth behind how I slowed you down? If you don’t know, it’ll be over for you, no?
（你知道我拖慢你的速度的真相吗？要是不知道的话这样就结束了哦？）

Ainz activated the same ability from just now.
安兹发动了与刚刚相同的能力。

[Despair Aura I (Fear)]
绝望灵气Ⅰ(恐惧)。

This ability had five effects.

I was for Fear.
II was for Panic.
III was for Confusion.
IV was for Insanity.
V was for Instant Death.
这个能力有五种效果。
Ⅰ是恐惧。
Ⅱ是恐慌。
Ⅲ是混乱。
Ⅳ是发狂。
Ⅴ是即死。

Fear referred to an abnormal status of being afraid, which inflicted a penalty to all actions.
恐惧是由于害怕而使得所有动作都受到惩罚的状态异常。

Panic was a more severe version of Fear, caused by stacking additional Fear effects on each other. Anyone afflicted by that status would want to flee the ability user at all costs -- in other words, they would be unable to take any combat-related actions against that person.
恐慌是恐惧的重度状态，这会让受到这个负面状态的人、想要全力地从施展者身边逃开——也就是说无法对这个对象采取一切战斗行为。

Confusion was as the name suggested. Without any recovery measures, the target would be in a state of confusion.
混乱就如同字面上一样。只要没有被施加回复手段，在一定时间内就会保持混乱状态。

Insanity was an extremely annoying bad status condition, being a permanent version of Confusion. It could not be removed without magic from a third party.
然后疯狂是非常麻烦的永续负面状态，如果不依靠像是魔法之类来自第三者的回复手段的话就没办法复元。

And it went without saying that Instant Death caused death.
而即死不用说也知道，就是死亡。

The effects changed as one’s level increased.
随着等级增加，效果也会跟着改变。

Ainz had used the Fear effect first, and then cancelled it almost instantly afterward. By doing so, there would be a moment where the actions one imagined did not match up to the actual actions taken, and thus the body would feel as if it had been paralyzed.
在这之中，安兹使用的是恐惧。瞬间发动又立刻解除。这样做的话，在一瞬间脑中所想象的动作和身体实际的动作会产生落差，因此身体会感到僵硬般的不协调感。

However, the Martial Lord should have anticipated that this would happen if he tried a frontal attack. Even after his mind and body went out of sync, he still swung his club.
不过，武王也预测到如果就这样靠近上前攻击的话，肯定会变成这种状况。即使身体和大脑失去平衡也砸下了棍棒。

After factoring in the combined penalties Ainz’s touch and the fear status, evading the Martial Lord’s attack should have been child’s play. However--
安兹的触碰所造成的能力值惩罚和恐惧状态的惩罚，考虑到这两者的能力值惩罚。闪躲武王的攻击本应是件简单的事。但是——

“[Strong Strike], [God Skill Single Flash]!”
「<刚击> <神技一闪>」

Ainz thought he saw a flash of light.
安兹彷佛看到了闪光划过。

In that instant, intense pain -- immediately suppressed to tolerable levels -- and a floating sensation filled him.
那一瞬间，剧痛——立刻就被抑制到能忍受的程度——与漂浮感支配了全身。

“[Flow Acceleration]!”
「<流水加速>」

A dull impact came from above, followed by a burst of pain in the next moment.
接着从上方传来钝痛感，下一个瞬间，又传来一阵痛楚。

Although he was briefly confused by the situation, Ainz quickly came to his senses.
虽然一下子难以掌握状况而陷入了混乱，但是安兹很快就回过神来。

This was probably a two-hit combo. The first part launched Ainz into the air, while the second smashed him down into the ground.
恐怕是二段攻击。第一击把安兹往上抬起，第二击是往地面——将安兹往下打了吧。

If he was Suzuki Satoru, he might not have been able to grasp the situation and fallen into confusion. However, Ainz Ooal Gown was immune to such bad statuses.
如果是铃木悟的话就会因为无法掌握状况而陷入混乱吧。但是安兹‧乌尔‧恭不会有那样的负面状态。

Ainz knew that he was down on the ground, and that the club was coming down on him.
安兹清楚现在自己倒在地上，而棍棒正要挥下来。

“Cheh!”
「呿！」

Ainz flipped away just as the club struck. Perhaps it was because of a martial art, but the impact flowed through the ground and into Ainz’s body.
安兹翻身回避的同时，棍棒打了下来。可能是因为武技的缘故，冲击力透过地面传达撞击安兹的身体。

However, this did not deal any additional damage.
不过这并没有带来追加的伤害。

As Ainz leapt, the club that buried itself in the ground sprang up. That move, like dredging up something from the depths, seemed to say “I’ll finish you with this”.
安兹跳起来的同时，陷进地里的棍棒也跟着弹起。这如同上捞的一击里，充满了就用这招解决掉你的气势。

Ainz made a split-second decision to block the strike with his stiletto, and Ainz’s body sailed through the air once more. The audience’s cheers rang through the arena, but the Martial Lord bitterly cursed, “Dammit!” He had been hoping to finish off Ainz with that combination attack.
安兹在瞬间做出决断，用手上的短锥挡下这招，安兹的身体再度悬空。虽然观众发出了更加响亮的欢呼声，不过武王却沮丧的骂了一句「可恶！」。原本是想靠这一连串攻击来解决掉安兹的吧。

After being knocked several meters through the air, Ainz tumbled a few times on the ground and then swiftly regained his stance as he muttered about himself.
被打飞数米远的安兹转了几圈，迅速的重整姿势。说上了几句挖苦的话。

“Nothing to turn the tide? He tricked me. Punitto Moe would scold me for this.”
「说没有逆转的招数？被骗了啊。这样可是要被布妞萌桑训的啊」

Much like Ainz, the Martial Lord had saved his trump card -- his martial arts -- until the final moment. That proved he was a first-rate warrior.
和安兹一样，武王也把作为王牌的武技一直藏到了最后一刻。这证明了他也是名一流的战士。

Ainz sheathed one of his stilettos, freeing up a hand.
安兹收起一把短锥，空出一只手。

His arrogance and haste to seize victory had earned him a hard blow -- no, two of them. It was time to discard his naive thinking. He would cut his opponent’s stats down to size before ending things.
因为急于分出胜负的这份傲慢而吃了一击——不，是两击，是该把天真的想法舍弃了。要将对手的力量确实地削落后决出胜负。

How noisy...
（好吵啊……）

The audience’s cheers were really annoying. They had just been wailing, and now they were rejoicing. Especially--
观众的欢呼声真是烦人。刚刚还是悲鸣声呢，现在已经是巨大的欢呼声了。尤其是——

--You, Jircniv! What the hell do you mean by “finish him?!” Ah, seriously...
（——就是你啦，吉克尼夫！什么「干掉他！」啊。真是的……）

Ainz moved slowly. He had not been severely injured, but he had been punished for his carelessness with pain, so he would not make that sort of mistake again.
安兹慢慢的动了起来。虽然不是什么严重的伤害量，但是因为大意而吃到了苦头，不会再犯下那样的错误了。

Still, I really don’t get martial arts. These are skills which don’t exist in YGGDRASIL… did someone develop them to counter YGGDRASIL players? Or am I just trying to force a theory here…? Hang on, that martial art should have been something which increased attack speed. He’ll probably try that again, so I’d better prepare my body for it, no?
(TL Note: Once again Ainz seems to have misremembered a saying, 肉を切らせて骨を断つ, to prepare your flesh to be cut and your bones to be broken. Of course, he has no flesh…)
（不过武技还真是让人搞不懂啊。这是YGGDRASIL没有的技能……是谁为了对抗YGGDRASIL玩家而发明出来的，这个想法会不会太穿凿附会了……？喔妥，刚刚的武技应该看做是增加了攻击的速度吧？对方应该会再来相同的一招吧，做好切肉……骨现的觉悟？）*
【*應該是安茲把「肉を切らせて骨を断つ」給記錯了，不過現在的他也沒肉就是了】

Ainz entered the Martial Lord’s reach, and the Martial Lord swung down. Yet Ainz did not evade.
安兹一进入武王的攻击范围，武王就立刻挥下棍棒，而安兹却没有闪躲。

He advanced, taking the Martial Lord’s attacks.
一边前进，一边承受武王的攻击。

The pressure and pain filled him, but he could do this, given the huge difference in their HP. It was fine. In addition, his undead body immediately suppressed his pain, so he could bear agony which the living could not endure.
虽然满是重压感和痛楚，但是有HP的巨大差距的话这种事也能办到。没有任何问题。而且不死者的肉体会立刻将痛感抑制下来，就算是生者承受不住的疼痛也毫无问题。

In this way, Ainz touched the Martial Lord’s body. Having just finished an attack -- and being under the influence of the fear status from Ainz’s aura -- it was quite difficult to evade it.
安兹就这样碰触了武王的身体。再怎么说在刚攻击完的——而且还有安兹的灵气所带来的恐惧状态下，想要回避是相当困难的。

Then, he maintained contact with the Martial Lord’s body and circled around to his back. Of course, he was continuously infusing the ability-damaging negative energy through his armor.
然后一边紧贴着，绕到武王的背后同时一边碰触。当然，在给予能力值惩罚的同时也穿过铠甲注入负能量。

“Uooooooooh!”
「呜喔喔喔喔！」

This time, it was the Martial Lord who backed away from him, fatrolling along the ground.
这次像是打滚一般拉开距离的是武王。

Ainz was puzzled over whether or not to pursue, but decided to stay still, in case of some hidden move.
安兹对于是否要追击感到迷惑，但是因为警戒着暗招所以没有动。

The Martial Lord ponderously raised his weapon. His breathing was ragged, and his imposing demeanor from when they had first met was gone.
武王用沉重的动作拿起武器。气息相当紊乱，当初见到时的霸气早已不在。

Ainz gripped his stilettos tightly.
安兹紧握住短锥。

The preparations were complete. This would be the final strike.
准备已经结束。接下来就是最后一击了。

Perhaps he had sensed the change in the air, but the Martial Lord removed his helmet and cast it aside.
是感受到这里的气氛产生变化了吧。武王脱下了头盔，扔在一旁。

As surprise began to fill Ainz, the Martial Lord shed the rest of his armor as well. While he was currently weakened, it did not seem to be at a level where he was unable to move due to the weight of his armor.
在安兹感到讶异的时候，武王将全部的盔甲也脱了下来。虽说弱体化正在起作用，但也还没有到会觉得铠甲重得动不了的程度。

However, after seeing the determination on the Martial Lord’s face, Ainz understood his plan.
但是看到武王下定决心的表情，安兹明白了他的计划。

I see. Armor protects against the stilettos, but it does nothing against ability penalties. He must feel quite threatened by it, which is why he’s gambling on his foe’s HP being low and lightening the load on his body, just so he can continue attacking.
（原来如此。虽然铠甲是可以防住短锥，但是对弱体化来说没有意义。看来是很大的威胁啊。所以才赌看看对方的HP所剩不多，让身体就算轻一点也好，也要持续进攻的意思吗）

That was his final -- and also a very disadvantageous gamble.
那是最后的——而且还是很不利的赌博。

“Tell me… Am I weak?”
「就让我听听吧。……我很弱吗？」

“What?”
「什么？」

“Your Majesty has not revealed a fraction of your true power until now. Even without the mighty wings of your magic, this is clearly not taxing you. Am… Am I really that weak?”
「陛下目前为止，一点真本事都没拿出来。即使被夺走那名为魔法的双翼，还是明显一副很有余裕的神色。我……就真的弱到这种地步吗？」

Ainz closed his eyes in thought, and then he opened them again.
安兹闭上双眼，考虑了数秒后睁开。

“Yes, you are weak.”
「很弱」

“...Is that so.”
「…………是吗」

The arena fell silent.
竞技场陷入一片寂静。

Ainz’s voice had not reached them. However, the victory was already decided in their eyes.
安兹他们的声音不可能传到观众那里去。但是——在他们的眼中胜负已昭然若揭了吧。

“During this battle, I forbade myself the use of many magic items and the use of all sorts of abilities.”
「我在这场战斗中封印了许多魔法道具，给自己加上禁止使用各种能力的限制」

“Otherwise, you would have ended this in an instant?”
「若非如此的话，一瞬间就能分出胜负了吗？」

Ainz nodded in confirmation.
作为肯定安兹点了点头。

“Just so. However, I know about you, so--” Ainz shook his head. This was not meant to comfort him. “Well, you just had a bad opponent. If you are the strongest man in the Empire… I may well be the strongest man in the world.”
「就是这样。但是，我很清楚关于你的情报，所以——」安兹摇摇头，这算不上是安慰「嘛，只是对手不好而已。你如果是帝国最强……那我恐怕就是世界屈指了吧」

“I see… Still… I am glad. Knowing that someone is better than me is what drives me to improve.”
「原来是这样……。但是……真开心啊。知道人上有人才能投入到训练中」

“I do understand that, to some extent.”
「那份心情我多少可以理解」

There were some of his friends -- for instance, Touch Me -- whom he had never beaten in PVP. Even so, he looked back fondly on how he had pondered the ways to beat his tactics and equipment.
从来没和过去的朋友中的一些人——比方说和塔其‧米之间的PVP中得胜过一次。即使这样考虑可以打倒他的战术和武装也是一件令人怀念的回忆。

Ainz smiled to the Martial Lord, and the Martial Lord smiled to Ainz.
安兹朝着武王笑了，而武王也笑着对安兹。

“...Then, make your move.”
「……那么，上吧」

“--Your Majesty, the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown. At the very end, please show me -- even if it is just a fraction -- of your true power. Allow me to experience the zenith of might!”
「——魔导王安兹‧乌尔‧恭陛下。最后请让我见识一下，就算只是一部分也好，让我看看您真正的力
量。让我感受下顶端的高度吧！！」

The Martial Lord forcefully brandished his weapon.
武王猛地举起武器。

“Really now… Very well. Then I shall reveal the pinnacle of power to you.”
「这样吗……那好吧。那么来知晓巅峰吧」

Ainz activated his skill, and strode forth.
安兹解放了特殊技能，踏出步伐。

He entered the Martial Lord’s attack range. The Martial Lord swung down.
进入到武王的攻击范围。武王挥下了棍棒。

It was completely different from the speed at which he had raised it. He might have used martial arts to accelerate it. Still, it was nothing compared to the speed before he had his abilities penalized. It was far too slow.
与高举过顶时的速度完全不同，恐怕用了武技来加强了吧。但是和没受到能力值惩罚前的速度相比，实在是太慢了。

The club swung down on Ainz’s body, but Ainz paid it no heed.
棍棒打向安兹的身体，但是安兹一点也不在意。

The attack could no longer harm Ainz’s body.
攻击已经无法再对安兹的身体造成伤害了。

Ainz walked through it, as though caressed by a gentle wind.
安兹就像被微风吹拂那样的前进着。

He took blow after blow, but Ainz continued advancing, looking straight into the Martial Lord’s eyes.
虽然遭受着连击。但安兹却只是看着武王的眼睛笔直前进。

The Martial Lord smiled, as though giving up. Yet, he did not retreat. Ainz plunged his stiletto into the Martial Lord’s unresisting chest, and then released the spell imbued within.
在武王像是放弃了似得笑出来的同时，安兹将短锥刺入了丝毫不打算后退的武王的胸口，并解放了封住在其中的攻击魔法。

***

Ainz looked down on the Martial Lord’s corpse.
安兹低头看着倒卧下的武王尸体。

And then, he activated a borrowed magic item. It was simply a loudspeaker.
然后发动了借来的魔法道具。只是个扩声器而已。

“Hear me! People of the Empire! I am the Sorcerer King, Ainz Ooal Gown!”
「听着！帝国的民众啊！我是安兹‧乌尔‧恭魔导王！」

His voice seemed to echo with a high-pitched reverberation amidst the silence. Thus, Ainz decided to wrap this up quickly.
自己的声音在一片寂静中嗡嗡作响让人感到静不下来，因此安兹决定赶快结束掉。

“I intend to establish a program to train and raise adventurers within my country. This is because I consider it advantageous for my country to both cultivate and protect adventurers, and send them travelling to various places in the world. Many adventurers must survive with their own resources. But how many have been cut down before they reached their prime?”
「我打算在我国内建立国家运营的冒险者培养机构。这是考虑到培养并保护冒险者，让他们到世界各地旅行是对我国有利的作法。许多的冒险者必须单靠自身的资质生存。但是有多少人在才能开花前就遭遇不幸了」

Ainz recalled the adventurer team he had travelled with for a short time.
安兹想起了虽然时间不长但曾一同旅行过的冒险者队伍。

“...Therefore, I intend to incorporate the Adventurer’s Guild into my nation. There are those who fear that they will lose their freedom and be shackled down once the Adventurer’s Guild becomes a national organization. I cannot completely rule that out. However, like I have just shown, my strength is more than adequate. I do not intend to use you as tools for war. The Sorcerous Kingdom thirsts for those people who truly seek adventure! All you who wish to explore the unknown, who wish to understand the world and thus dream of becoming adventurers, come to me! I will help you stand on your own, with the aid of power you cannot imagine. Now behold a fraction of that might!”
「……所以我要将冒险者公会作为国家的机构来进行支持。有人会担心成为国家机关的话，会被夺走自由并绑上锁炼的吧。我不会说完全不会发生那样的事。但是，就像我刚刚所证明的一样，武力已经十分足够了。我不打算把你们当作战争的道具。魔导国所求的是，真正寻求冒险的人！要是有追求未知、想要了解世界而梦想成为冒险者的人，就来我这里吧！我会以你们想象不到的力量，帮助你们独当一面！现在就让你们看看其中一部分！」

Ainz walked over to the Martial Lord.
安兹走到武王的旁边。

“The Martial Lord is dead! Who will verify his death?”
「武王已经死了！有人想要确认的吗？」

There was no answer.
没有回答。

“Death is the end of everything. Yet -- as some here might know, death can be fought off.”
「死亡既是终焉。但是——在场有见识的人或许就会知道吧，死亡也是能够对抗的」

Ainz withdrew a wand, and pointed it at the Martial Lord’s chest.
安兹取出短杖，指着武王的胸口。

It would be terribly embarrassing if he did not come back to life. His nonexistent heart pounded within his chest.
要是没复活就糗大了吧。不存在的心脏发出咚咚咚的响声。

“Witness this!”
「看吧！」

The wand activated, and then the Martial Lord gasped. Then, his chest began moving.
随着短杖的发动，武王的口中呼出了气息，随后胸口也开始起伏了起来。

“Resurrection magic is the province of high-level priests. However, it is not a challenge for me! That said, the appropriate payment in gold must still be made! I, who have conquered death, shall back you up! Come to my nation, you who seek to become true adventurers!”
「本来复活的魔法只有高等的神官才能使用。但是，这对我来说并非难事！虽然如此，还是需要一定金额作为代价的！由克服死亡的我来支持协助诸君的成长！追求成为真正的冒险者人啊，来我的国家吧！」

Amidst the tides of sound, Ainz cast a [Fly] spell.
在一片声浪中，安兹发动了<飞行>(Fly)。

His destination was Jircniv’s VIP room.
目的地是吉克尼夫所在的贵宾室。

Glancing around, he noticed that only Jircniv and his two bodyguards were left. The others seemed to have headed back. Ainz was delighted at having less to worry about, but he said nothing.
窥探之后发现只有吉克尼夫和警备的士兵两人。剩下的人似乎都回去了。因为麻烦减少而相当开心的安兹并没有出声。

“Well, sorry about just now, Jircniv-dono. Oya, your face looks better now. What a relief.”
「刚刚真是失礼了，吉克尼夫阁下。喔呀，脸色似乎变好了，让人安心下来了呢」

His dizziness when standing up seemed genuine. However -- since he had been cheering so energetically, it must have only been for a moment.
站起来头昏眼花好像是真的呢。不过——都能那样有精神的加油，所以也只有一瞬间才会那样吧。

“I apologize for worrying you, Gown-dono.”
「让你担心真是不好意思，恭阁下」

“Ahhh, don’t mind it. Anyone would be worried if they saw someone they knew looking unwell.”
「咿呀咿呀，不用在意。看到认识的人不舒服，会担心那是当然的」

“Thank you for your concern. Still, that was an exciting match. As expected of you, Gown-dono. To think you could triumph so easily over the Empire’s strongest warrior. There are no words for that but ‘magnificent’.”
「感谢你的关心。不过还真是场精彩的比赛啊。不愧是恭阁下。即使是对上帝国最强的战士都能取得压倒性胜利，除了精彩简直无以言表啊」

“Certainly not. This was a good bout. It could have gone both ways; I simply had luck on my side.”
「没那种事。这是一场好胜负。无论谁赢了都不奇怪，不过是幸运刚好站在我这方而已」

Given the way Jircniv was cheering for the Martial Lord, he must have been a big fan. That being the case, he could not go wrong by praising the Martial Lord.
吉克尼夫那样子热烈替武王加油，想必是大粉丝吧。那样的话称赞武王的话是绝对不会错。

Or rather--
倒不如说——

--Damn you, you didn’t cheer for me at all. I heard it!
（——你这家伙，完全都没有替我声援嘛。我可是知道的喔）

Of course, he could not voice these thoughts. When one thought calmly about it, in a battle between the warriors of one’s own nation and that of another country, it was only natural for one to cheer for one’s own countrymen.
虽然是这么想的，不过总不能说出来。冷静想想，自国的战士和他国的人，要说替哪方加油那当然是要替自国的人嘛。

Well, if he had actually cheered for Ainz, his attraction meter -- a phrase Peroroncino frequently used -- would probably have gone through the roof.
嘛，要是替安兹加油的话，安兹的好感度表——佩罗罗奇诺经常使用的单词——就会直线上升的吧。

“While outsiders might not be able to tell, I am sure you are not mistaken, Gown-dono. Then, next -- forgive me. What am I saying at this time?”
「虽然外行人眼中看不出来，但恭阁下这么说的话肯定不会错的。那么，接下来——失礼。这个时候都在说些什么话啊」

“Indeed,” Ainz agreed. Put in another way, he did not wish to be chatting with Jircniv for so long in a place like this.
「说的是啊」

安兹对此也表示同意。不如说不想在这种地方和吉克尼夫聊这么久。

He did not want him to realize that Ainz Ooal Gown was just a mortal man.
为了避免被看穿安兹‧乌尔‧恭只不过是个凡人。

Although he thought he would be scolded for promoting the Sorcerous Kingdom in the arena and for his illegal border crossing, Jircniv did not seem to want to rebuke him. That being the case, it was best for him to quickly make his exit.
虽然想说大概会被抱怨在竞技场宣传魔导国还有偷偷入境的事，但也好像没有要责难的样子。那么接下来就赶紧开溜吧。

“Well, that’s--” Ainz swallowed the informal words he was about to speak. That would be digging his own grave. “Let us end things here for now. I shall come to visit another day, Jircniv-dono.”
「嘛、这次——」安兹把说到嘴边的非正式这句话吞了下去，那绝对是会自掘坟墓的话「就这样结束吧。改日我再来访问吧，吉克尼夫阁下」

Personally, Ainz wanted to escape with teleportation magic, but he had to go pick up Ainzach first. So he would return to the ground, and then teleport away -- and then, as he was pondering that matter, Ainz realized that Jircniv was staring at him, a serious look on his face.
虽然安兹个人是很想用传送魔法逃掉的，但还得去接艾因扎克才行。就先回到地面，接了他后再传送离开——在想着这些的时候，安兹注意到吉克尼夫用认真的脸孔凝视着这里。

He was definitely going to say something weird.
这绝对是打算要说些什么奇怪的事。

This situation was familiar to any salaryman. Ainz turned to look at Jircniv.
面对这只要是公司职员就会有印象的情况，安兹也回头看向了吉克尼夫。

“Your Majesty. I have a proposal. May I prevail upon you to hear it?”
「魔导王陛下。我有一个提案，你可以听一下吗」

No. How wonderful would the world be if he could say that?
不行。要是能这样说的话，世界该有多美好啊。

Ainz decided not to run away from reality. He smiled -- although his face did not move -- and replied with a “Do continue.”
安兹放弃逃避现实，微笑着——虽然脸没有动——以「请说」应答道。

“Then, I hope -- no, the Baharuth Empire would like to become a vassal state of the Sorcerous Kingdom of Ainz Ooal Gown.”
「那么，我希望——不，巴哈斯帝国愿意成为安兹‧乌尔‧恭魔导国的属国」

“...Hah?”
「………………欸？」

Ainz could not help but exclaim at those thoroughly unexpected words.
安兹因为这过于预料外的话，而不由得发出轻轻的疑问声。

His brain had not yet parsed what he had just heard.
他刚刚说的话，还没能被大脑所接受。

“Vas- a vassal state?”
「属、属国？」

His guards -- both of whom he had seen before -- were also staring in shock.
警备的士兵——两边都有见过——也惊讶的目瞪口呆。

For some reason, Ainz felt like patting Jircniv on the forehead.
安兹不由得有种、想要把手搭在吉克尼夫的额头上的冲动。

Why had he suddenly requested vassal status? Come to think of it, what sort of relationship did vassal states have, anyway? He recognized the word, but what exactly did it mean? Then there was all that self-governing stuff and so on.
为什么这么突然的请求要成为属国啊。说起来，属国是怎样的关系啊。词汇本身的是知道的，但要怎
么定义却不是很清楚。自治权之类的又该怎么办啊。

Ainz could not decide something important like that by himself. He would need to discuss this matter with Demiurge and Albedo first before giving an answer.
总之这么重要的事，不能让安兹一个人决定。这要和迪米乌哥斯或雅儿贝德一边商讨才能作出回答。

“...Jircniv-dono, taking your nation as a vassal state…”
「……吉克尼夫阁下。将贵国作为属国这样的事……」

So the plan of forming a bond of friendship between kings is… eh?
（缔结友谊，国王之间成为朋友的计划……啊咧？）

What should he say about the vassal state issue? “I had not considered it,” would that be alright?
属国这样事之后要说什么才好啊。没有考虑过，这样回答好吗？

However, Demiurge and the others might have intended to vassalize the Empire. He did not wish to put his own head in a noose, because it might be troublesome to leave it as a sticking point.
但说不定迪米乌哥斯他们，说不定将来真的有打算将帝国属国化。不想到那时自掘坟墓，要是说了会留下话柄的东西就麻烦了。

It would seem the best option was to bluff his way through, somehow.
这里果然还是该用含糊其辞的手段，搪塞过去就好。

After deciding on the direction his words would take, Ainz made his reply.
决定了对话方针的安兹继续思考着接下来的言语。

“It is too dangerous to verbally agree on such matters. I cannot make an immediate reply, but I believe such issues should be set down in writing.”
「如此重要的事情只用口头决定的话太危险了。虽然不能马上给与贵方答复，但至少都得有书面的东西」

“Then, does it mean that once I hand the document to you, you will approve of it?”
「那么把书面文件交给您的话，就能够得到认可了是么？」

Eh? There’s seriously going to be one? Ainz thought of asking that, but he managed to swallow those words. It was probably because he had calmed down somewhat. The truth was, he was no longer perturbed as he had been just now. He could not thank this body of his enough.
诶？还真有？虽然安兹想这么问，不过总算是成功地把这问话给吞回去了。估计是精神安定起了作用吧。实际上，如同之前那样的情绪动摇已经近乎没有了。有着这样一副身体真是怎么都感谢不够啊。

Still, the problem was yet to be solved.
但是，问题还没有任何解决。

That’s not what I meant, I’m just stalling for time. Since he could not speak those words, he had to think of something that Jircniv could accept. There was no other way.
我才不是这个意思，我只是想着拖延时间哦。在不可能说出这样的话的前提下，只能去考虑说出能让人接受的话语，除此之外别无他法。

“...Certainly. Then, do send a copy of the petition for vassalage as well as a draft of the Empire’s future status and treatment to my residence in the Sorcerous Kingdom, Jircniv-dono. After that, we shall plan at length.”
「……可以。那么就把吉克尼夫殿考虑的作为从属国的、阐述了帝国的地位待遇的相关草案送至我在魔导国的住址。然后再让我们从长计议吧」

“Then I shall do so. I will endeavour to finish it swiftly and deliver it to Your Majesty’s hands. --Then, for the time being, please allow me to speak to you as a king -- as an equal. I shall be in your care.”
「那么就让我怎么做吧。我会尽快将草案整理完好，送至陛下手中。——那至少现在还请允许我，以
同是作为王的身份来进行对等的谈话吧，今后还请多关照」

Although his emotional state had calmed down, Ainz still had no idea what was going on and why the situation had ended up like this. He simply nodded in response.
虽然精神上的动摇已经平息下来了，但还是完全搞不清楚、为何事情会突然变成这样的安兹点头回应道。

Then, trying not to appear too panicked, Ainz descended onto the arena with a [Fly] spell.
然后注意着不要看上去太过慌乱，安兹使用<飞行>魔法降落到了斗技场内。

“How did it all end up like this? Or rather, what would Demiurge and Albedo do…?”
「到底变成怎么一回事了啊？倒不如说，迪米乌哥斯和雅儿贝德会说些什么……」

Ainz rounded his shoulders, like a child who was certain he would be scolded by his parents when he got home.
如同确信着回到家、肯定会被父母责骂的小孩子一般，安兹无力地垂下了肩膀。

***

The air in the VIP room was silent in the wake of the Sorcerer King’s departure. As though the shatter this silence, Nimble shouted:
魔导王离去之后的贵宾室弥漫着空虚的空气。就像要打破这样的空气一般，宁布尔大声地叫道。

“Your Majesty!”
「陛下！」

Jircniv furrowed his brows in an exaggerated manner as he looked at Nimble.
吉克尼夫做作地一副皱眉表情，看向宁布尔。

“You’re being too loud. I’m still nearby.”
「太吵了啊。我的耳朵还没有开始背呢」

“For-forgive me. But, but, may I know what just happened?!”
「失、失礼了。但、但是，到底，刚才的到底是怎么一回事啊？！」

“You wish to know why I made a decision like that?”
「你是想知道我做下那样的决定的理由吗？」

Nimble nodded in response. Jircniv glanced to Baziwood, who had a similar attitude.
连着点头的宁布尔。看向的巴杰德的话，只见他也萦绕着同样的气氛。

“I see… Then, what else would you suggest I do?”

Jircniv laughed at himself.

“Ever since he came here, along with his -- ah! Negotiations with the Slaine Theocracy have broken down. The temples don’t think well of me either. How long would it take to bring the matter of those negotiations up again? Is that even a problem which can be solved with enough time?”
「原来如此……那么你说我该怎么做才好？」吉克尼夫伴随着几声干笑自虐地问到「由于那家伙来到了这这里，跟那个——哎！教国的谈判已经破产了。神殿势力对我也没有什么好印象。就算再次提出谈判那得又要花多长的时间？再说了这是时间能够解决的事么？」

Jircniv thought about what he would do if he were one of the higher-ups in the Slaine Theocracy. If another country gave an excuse as pathetic as, “That was just Ainz Ooal Gown seeing through our scheme, we didn’t intend for anything else,” they would surely think there was no value in allying with that country and abandon it. No, they might end up using that country as fuel for some kind of plot in the future.
吉克尼夫想着如果自己是教国的高层的话会如何行动呢。如果从对方的国家传来「之前那件事只是被安兹·乌尔·恭看穿了我们的计谋，我方并无他意」这样的无能的辩解，一定会认为没有联手的价值而舍弃掉吧。不，说不定还会将那国作为谋略的火种来派点用场。

It would seem an alliance with the Slaine Theocracy was pretty much out of the question.
现在想要与教国的结盟，已经几乎是不可能的了。

“So he’s saying, ‘please fight as hard as you can by yourself without allying with the Theocracy’, hm? My my, as expected of His Majesty, the Sorcerer King Ainz Ooal Gown. I have to take my hat off to him. His reach is truly longer than I could have imagined. First, he lets his foes grow proud, and then he destroys them in one hit when they lower their guard.”
「请在不与教国结成同盟的状况下孤军奋战吧，这样？咿呀咿呀，不愧是安兹·乌尔·恭魔导王陛下。不得不说真是精彩啊。看来他的手比我想象的要长得多啊。先让对手大意，然后趁它最为放松的时候再给与致命的一击」

Though he was an enemy, Jircniv could not help but praise that perfect scheme.
虽然是敌人，那完美的策略还是不得不叫人赞叹。

It was so perfectly calculated that he had no choice but to admit defeat. There was no sign of any reinforcements for the Empire, while he already had solid proof of their actions. In other words, Ainz was the knife, while Jircniv was the fish to be filleted.
完美的算计到了这一地步的话，也不得不承认败北了。帝国的援军现在还没有踪影，然而这边在蠢蠢欲动的证据也完全掌握在了对方的手中，这正是人为刀俎我为鱼肉了。

Baziwood shook his head. It would seem they understood the situation they were in.
如今陷入的状况二人似乎也明白了，巴杰德摇了摇头。

“Ahh, this is really… how shall I put this. He really put the boot in. He hit you right in your weak spot. Something like that.”
「咿呀，这还真是……该怎么说才好呢。应该是就像最狠的一击，正中弱点，这样子吧」

“Exactly. I can’t think of any way to deal with him. I guess I’m broken in mind and body. It feels like anything would be fine at this point.”
「说的是啊。我已经完全想不出对招了。现在我的已经是身心大挫了啊。感觉已经到了怎样都好的地步了」

“Your Majesty…” Nimble looked toward Jircniv, speaking quietly.
「陛下……」

宁布尔发出低落的声音，面向吉克尼夫。

“He’s not so much undead as he is a devil. It feels as if he know how to thoroughly break a man’s will.”
「与其说那家伙是不死者，不如说是恶魔啊。感觉他熟知如何将人心彻底打碎的方法」

“Still, even so, becoming a vassal state…”
「但是即便如此，成为属国什么的……」

Jircniv looked gently upon Nimble, who still seemed unable to accept it.
吉克尼夫温和地注视着还是没法接受的宁布尔。

He could understand the man’s feelings.
心情是能够理解的。

However, he would have preferred a rationally considered solution to this problem, rather than that childish revelation of his feelings. Still, if even Jircniv could not solve that problem, how much more so for Nimble?
但是，比起如同孩童那样吐露出真情，还是希望从口里说出的是经过理性考虑的对策啊。不过说回来，连吉克尼夫也解决不了的事，宁布尔更是不可能了。

“...I’ll speak plainly now. We cannot win. The only option we have is, as I said earlier, to subvert his subordinates. I cannot imagine any other way to oppose him. As you might have felt in that war, it’s clear that he’s most powerful as a magic caster.”
「……就在这里说明白吧。已经没有胜算了。如果还能有什么办法的话，就像以前说的，就只有策反那家伙的部下了。根本想不到能与那家伙个人的对抗的方法。就像在那场战争里让人感受到的那样，他作为魔法咏唱者是最强的」

The two knights nodded in agreement.
两位骑士表示同意。

“Then how is he as a warrior? Can you kill him with a sword?”

Jircniv shrugged.

“You should have seen it, right? Even as a warrior, the Martial Lord could not beat him. And what was that? He took the Martial Lord’s attack and remained unhurt? DId he use magic?”
「那么作为战士又如何呢？用剑能把那家伙杀得掉吗？」吉克尼夫耸了耸肩「你们也见到了吧？作为战士，连武王也赢不了他哦？而且那是怎么回事？受到武王的一击为何还能毫发无伤？是用了魔法吗？」

“I’m not sure, but it might be possible.”
「虽然不清楚，但也许有这样的可能性也说不定」

“Really now. In other words, he can render any attack ineffective with magic, then? So assassination is impossible. Could he be immortal?”
「是吗。也就是说那家伙只要用了魔法，任何攻击都能被无效化吗。暗杀也近乎不可能了。那家伙该不会是不死之身吧？」

“Well, he has a physical body, so I doubt he’s immortal.”
「既然有着实体，那就不可能会是不死之身」

“Then why was he unhurt?”
「那又怎么会是毫发无伤呢？」

Nimble was left dumbfounded, and he turned to Baziwood beside him for help. However, Baziwood kept his lips pressed flat into a straight line.
宁布尔一时塞住了，转向旁边的巴杰德想请求救场。但是巴杰德的嘴唇也只是保持着紧紧的一字形。

“...So, let’s do this for now. Gather all the information you can about the Martial Lord’s weapon, and then we’ll round up all the magic casters and adventurers we can find to ask them about why he was unhurt. Fortunately, that pronouncement of his should have set him against the Adventurer’s Guild, so they should be happy to help us.”
「……姑且，这么干吧。将武王所持的武器相关的情报收集起来，为何那样还是无伤这个问题，只能召集起魔法咏唱者和冒险者来听听他们的意见了。幸运的是那家伙做出了与冒险者工会为敌的发言，那么他们应该会愿意协助我们的吧」

“Then, shouldn’t we have offered vassalage after trying all of those? Fortunately, he refused.”
「那不是应该在这些事都实行完了后，再提出成为属国比较好呢？幸运的是对方给拒绝了啊」

Jircniv was somewhat annoyed by this, but he suppressed his displeasure and did not show it. Instead, he looked at Nimble with a troubled expression on his face.
虽然吉克尼夫有些不愉快，但还是压制着没有显露出来。取而代之的是用一副怜悯的表情朝向宁布尔。

“Fortunately? Do you really think of it that way? I think it’s the other way around. On the contrary, is it not best to push for vassalization as quickly as possible?” Jircniv asked Nimble, who had a baffled expression on his face.
「你说幸运？你真的是这么想的么？我倒是觉得完全相反啊。反倒是该以最快速度，来推进属国化的进程哦？」

吉克尼夫对摆着一副、完全搞不懂什么状况表情的宁布尔反问道。

“Why do you think he would refuse our offer of vassalage?”
「你觉得为何，那家伙要拒绝我国的属国化提案？」

“That, that is… your servant is unsure…”
「那，那是……属下不明白……」

“Perhaps if he were incompetent, unsure of how to handle the changing situation -- he might think of something like that. However, our opponent is that man, remember? Judging by his intellect, he must have already come up with a plan for the future in the brief period after we proposed vassalage. If he refused the offer after thinking it true, that would indicate something about that course of action did not mesh with his aims.”
「若只是个无能者的话，是由于没有应对状况变化的自信——这样的思考方式也会有吧。不过，对方可是那个家伙啊？以他的智谋来看，应该是在提议属国化时那短暂的时间里便规划好了未来的打算。根据计算的结果拒绝了属国化，这就说明了有什么与那家伙的目的是不相称」

“And what would that be?”
「那究竟是什么？」

Jircniv’s face turned bitter from Baziwood’s question.
吉克尼夫的表情因巴久德的问题而变得苦涩。

“I don’t know. Still, well, it probably can’t be good for us. Otherwise he would not be so disturbed by the offer of vassalage. For all we know, the objectives he has in mind are things which he cannot carry out in his own country. In that case--”
「不知道。但是，嘛，对于我国来讲肯定不是什么好事。否则就不会对属国化感到困扰。他预想的目的就算是为了做些，在自己的国家无法实行的什么事情也不可笑吧。那么——」

Jircniv let his overworked brain, which was soon to emit smoke, run wild.
吉尔克尼弗让大脑以快冒烟的势头运转着。

His opponent was that Ainz Ooal Gown. He must surely have some objective in mind.
对方可是那个安兹·乌尔·恭。一定是有着什么目的的。

As the king of the Sorcerer Kingdom, what would he want? What would he hate?
自己若是魔导国的国王，会想要些什么。又会厌恶些什么呢。

Sweat beaded on his forehead, and Jircniv struggled to think.
额头上都渗出了汗水，吉尔克尼弗拼命地思索着。

“--The Adventurer’s Guild? Could it be he wants to do something to the Adventurer’s Guild, which is why he opposed the vassalage?”
「——是冒险者工会么？难道是要对冒险者工会做什么才抑止了属国化？」

“What about that declaration? ...Would permitting it be a good idea, Your Majesty? In a few years’ time, a lot of the best and brightest of the Empire might end up flowing out of the country.”
「那段宣言么？……允许那个真的好么，陛下。搞不好在近几年里，帝国的大部分优秀人才就都会外流出去的啊」

“...I did not get that at all. Tell me how you arrived at that?.”
「……那虽然是我不能理解的话，你听完是怎么想的」

“While one’s freedom might be restricted, having the incredibly powerful Sorcerer King as backing is a very attractive proposition. In the adventuring profession, far more people die than manage to make a name for themselves. However, with someone that powerful supporting them… well, at least that’s what those people with no confidence in themselves will think. Also, since we have knights, there aren’t many jobs for low-ranked adventurers in the first place.”
「虽然自由度确实会变低，但有着那位以强大而著称的魔导王做后盾这点，确实要非常的有魅力啊。在冒险者这个行当中比起能混出名堂的，还是死掉的家伙要多得多。但是，要是有了那种强者的支援的话就说不定——那些对自己没有自信的家伙会这么想吧。而且因为我们有骑士在干活，低等级的冒险者的工作本来也不是很多」

“An outflow of talent… Although they may not have faith in themselves, it doesn’t mean they’re not capable.”
「人才的流出么。……虽说是对自己没有自信的家伙，但这并不意味着他们没有才能」

There were people who were talented, yet lacked self-confidence. Yet, it would take a very confident person to explore a new world.
优秀但是没有自信的人是存在的，想要去新世界闯荡的人也不是最开始就有自信的。

“If that’s the case, aren’t these all reasons to oppose vassalization? Still… wouldn’t it be more convenient for us to become a vassal state? That way, he can swallow up the Adventurer’s Guild up directly… Ah! Ainz Ooal Gown! Why must your intellect surpass mine so greatly?! Your schemes are so fiendish I can’t begin to fathom them!”
「若是这样的话，这些就是不希望属国化的理由吗？可是……变成属国后不是更方便么。这样就可以把冒险者工会本身完全吸收过去吧……。啊啊！安兹·乌尔·恭！是那家伙的睿智远远凌驾于我么！太过鬼才而完全无法揣度啊！」

“Is it possible that he’s not thinking about anything at all?”
「有没有什么都没考虑的可能性？」

Jircniv glared hatefully at Baziwood’s joking comment.
向着开玩笑般说着的巴杰德，吉尔克尼弗转去了倾注了憎恨的双眼。

“What nonsense is that? He anticipated our movements to this degree… no, it’s unthinkable. We also need to consider the effects of his unknowable feelings that drive him to hate the living…”
「胡说八道些什么呢。我们这边的动作可是被预料到了如此程度啊……不行，想不出来。还要考虑他迫切想要发散对生者的憎恶这种，人类无法想象的感情在生效的可能……」

Perhaps assuming that he thought as one of the undead would was a mistake.
也许推测不死者的思考这种事本身就是错误的。

Perhaps Ainz had already anticipated that he would agonize and guess about this, and worked it into his plan. He might well be waiting with open arms for for a panicked Jircniv to hasten the vassalization process.
可能连这份苦恼与猜疑也已经被安兹编织到了计划之内，他正张开双手等着焦虑的吉尔克尼弗加速推进属国化也说不定。

“What should we do now?” Nimble asked. He was referring to the Empire’s future actions.
「接下来该怎么办呢？」

宁布尔所询问的，是关于帝国今后的动向吧。

“...I intend to spread the news to the surrounding countries. First, I will gather the scribes and tell them in rough terms that the Empire chooses submission and to become a vassal state of the Sorcerous Kingdom, and that we have no choice in the matter. We will get the news out to the surrounding countries quickly and let it spread, so the Sorcerous Kingdom has no choice but to acknowledge it.”
「……为了向周边的国家传达这个消息，打算先把秘书官们聚集起来。帝国选择恭顺，将成为魔导国的属国，不得不考虑这样的大旨内容啊。先告知周边国家，将生米煮成熟饭。让魔导国没有承认以外的余地」

“Your Majesty…”
「陛下……」

The two of them lowered their heads. The fact that even Baziwood had an expression like that on his face made Jircniv wonder it was a joke.
二人低下了头。连那个巴杰德都会有这样的表情啊，吉尔克尼弗都想这么开个玩笑。

He deleted the bitter smile from his face, and spoke in a friendly manner.
将苦笑彻底消除，吉尔克尼弗和善地说了。

“Why so glum? There are all sorts of vassal states. If we are allowed to govern ourselves for the most part, then we can continue living as we always have. No -- if the Sorcerous Kingdom defends us with their incredible power, then would we not be safer than before?”
「为何露出这么消沉的表情。虽说是属国但也是有着各种各样的。要是能被大体上认可自治权的话，就能和现在一样什么都不改变地生活下去。不——若是有魔导国那压倒性的武力保护着，说不定能比现在还要安全哦？」

As they heard about a slightly brighter future(probably), a little color returned to their faces.
听闻了稍微光明的——大概——未来，两人的脸上也恢复了一些光彩。

“Therefore, we need to deal with any internal dissatisfaction. If the Sorcerous Kingdom does not allow us to rule ourselves, the Empire might start to fragment. There might be factions which are not pleased with vassalage that might make their move as well.”
「为此必须要先解决内部的不满。在魔导国不给予自治权的情况下，帝国内部说不定会开始分裂。而且听闻属国化后感到不满的势力也可能会有所动作」

Jircniv began thinking about the disposition of the factions within the Empire.
吉尔克尼弗开始考虑有关帝国内部的势力的情况。

The most important ones were the Knight Corps. However, they would not switch over to the anti-vassalage faction. Even if they opposed it , it would only be lip service. They would not actually take action.
首先最主要的是骑士团，但他们是不会转到属国反对派那边的吧。即使反对也只可能是嘴上说说，绝对不会做出行动的。

Next were the nobles. They could not be predicted. While there were few people who would complain about Jircniv’s decision, those few might be aiming for a chance to depose the Bloody Emperor. These were people who might try sanything to become the new rulers of the vassalized Empire.
其次是贵族们。他们无法预测。虽然可能会对吉克尼夫的决定发牢骚的人已经是少数者了。然而，那些少数者却仍紧盯着赶下鲜血帝的机会。说不定会出现为了成为属国化帝国的支配者，而开始策划行动的人。

The commoners could be deceived. To them, as long as life went on as normal, they would not mind becoming a vassal state.
平民们不管怎样都能蒙混过去。对于他们来说只要帝国现在的状态能持续下去，即使成为附属国也不会介意的吧。

“--The priests will be a problem.”
「——问题是神官们」

The temples would never acknowledge it. What would make it worse was if the temples not only opposed it, but forbade all recuperative activity. He would need to talk with them repeatedly and get them to come over to his thinking.
神殿势力绝对不会认可吧。会变成特别严重的问题的是神殿势力不仅敌对，还拒绝全部的治疗类活动的情况。为了不变成那样就得不论次数地和他们协议，必须让他们赞同这边的想法。

“...Will you be alright, Your Majesty?”
「……陛下的贵体不要紧吧」

“Who knows? While I’m around, we’ll have the best chance of vassalizing, and I plan to show the results of doing so… but that might not be good to say.”
「谁知道呢。有我在的话应该就能最有效率地进行属国化才是，我也有打算要把结果展示出来……但这点可真的说不好啊」

Why me, he thought.
为什么是自己呢，这样的想法涌了上来。

He had inherited this task from his father, and the Empire had steadily grown stronger. He should not have misstepped at any point during that process.
从死去的父亲手中继承的事业，帝国正顺利地不断强盛着。在这过程中，应该没有任何一步走错才对。

But then that monster appeared, and everything went mad.
可那个怪物的出现，却使得一切都不再正常了。

There was probably nothing wrong in the way he negotiated with that monster. It was simply that Ainz Ooal Gown was a being whose thought processes transcended those of mankind.
在与那个怪物的谈判和交易中应该也没有出错才是。只是、只是因为安兹·乌尔·恭是超越人类思维的存在。

In just a month, everything had changed.
仅仅数个月状况就为之一变。

Jircniv sighed deeply.
吉克尼夫叹了一口气。

“I must be the unluckiest man in the world…”
「现在这个世上最不幸的就是我了吧…………」

Though that was merely idle chatter, the news of Silver Canary changing their home base from the Empire to the City-State Alliance soon reached the demoralized Jircniv. In the coming days, Jircniv would come to bemoan this as “it never rains but it pours”.
虽是闲话，在失意的吉克尼夫身边，传来了银丝鸟将根据地从帝都移到了都市国家联合的情报。这真是福无双至祸不单行，愕然的吉克尼夫发出这样感慨，是在此之后数日的事情。