Thank you for waiting, everyone!
The strongest warrior in the Empire! The hero of the colosseum!
Here comes the Warrior King!
Forget everything you saw just now.
Understood.
I'm sure that Nazarick is an overwhelming force in this world, but...
We still haven't found the enemy that's in possession of that world item.
That's why I won't go against their wishes for world domination, but...
But I should also bestow some mercy upon those I rule over.
After all, they are the people of my Sorcerer Kingdom.
I agree wholeheartedly!
Then, let us create a utopia.
A world as sweet as honey.
The carrot and the stick, huh?
That's right!
I just need to proactively advertise.
It'll be good publicity for the adventurers I plan to recruit, too.
What a wonderful idea!
U-Um, Your Majesty...
I believe we are currently in the Imperial Capital Arwintar?
That is correct.
B-But I do not remember passing the border checkpoint...
That's of little importance.
A king secretly entering another country is an international issue!
I am friends with Master El Nix.
I'm sure he'll forgive me.
Well, if that is the case...
If I get a ceremonial welcome,
he'll find out I have no idea about political manners.
So, I don't intend to meet Jircniv.
I used Gate to sneak into their country so I could do things quietly...
Your Majesty, Sorcerer King.
Do you feel it may be time for me to learn of you plan?
I plan to invite the adventurers from the Empire to my kingdom!
You plan to scout them?
That is correct.
But, Your Majesty,
do you think the adventurers can give up all they have gained here?
I do not think things will go as you wish so easily.
It's really refreshing to get such a negative response.
I apologize for my offensive opinion.
No, I am an entity that is different from you.
Because of that, I may not react like a human normally would.
I'd like you to voice your opinion when that happens, just as you did now.
Yes.
Then, allow me to speak.
You told me you would have adventurers explore the unknown
and give us your full support the other day.
Is that support for newly budding adventurers, as well?
That is my intention.
Actually, I think it would be a good idea to create an institution to help nurture adventurers.
I didn't realize you had thought that far...
Then, would it not be a good idea to gather and raise them from scratch?
The strong are always admired.
This is the Imperial Capital.
Why not advertise by fighting in the colosseum and showing your strength?
I see...
That's an interesting idea.
The Empire has an infamous swordsman called the Warrior King.
The king of warriors? That's quite a name.
The eighth and current title holder is considered the strongest Warrior King in history.
I happen to be acquaintances with his promoter.
I can set up a meeting with him if you'd like.
What a huge mansion.
Ainzach said that this person was the most powerful amongst the promoters
that set up performances in the colosseum.
Your Majesty,
I have followed your wishes and set up an appointment with him tomorrow at ten.
But are you sure?
If I told him your name, I'm sure we would have been able to meet with him immediately...
There is no need.
We should feel lucky that he happened to be free to meet with us so quickly.
What is it?
I was just impressed by Your Majesty's generous heart.
I will have you accompany me again tomorrow,
but I will send you back to E-Rantel with teleportation magic for today.
Relax for now.
Greater Teleportation.
Now there's something I want to look into, so I'll contact Fluder.
Thank you for coming all this way, great teacher.
Fluder, have my orders been carried out?
Yes!
I have obtained the Empire's information on each of the various countries.
However, unsurprisingly, that clever emperor seems to have realized my betrayal.
I see.
I will consider adjusting your future course of action.
Sit down, for now.
Yes!
I-Is that...
Your reward.
I shall impart a fraction of my knowledge unto you.
My apologies. It seems I cannot read this text.
I see. Try using this.
Yes!
Since I don't really know about the magic in this world,
I chose the most magical sounding book I had...
Th-This!
So, human souls are like droplets that have separated from the river of the greater world.
While the size of the soul may be different in size, they are all from the same source.
If that's the case...!
Teacher! This is truly the knowledge I've always been searching for!
I-Is that so?
Well, I'll have you return that eyeglass to me. I only have one.
What? But I need this...
You'll only be able to ascend to the next realm of knowledge
when you can translate, decipher, and understand the text.
I understand. I will follow your teachings.
Yes.
Lastly, I want some information on the Warrior King.
From the Rabbit Man race.
She must have come from the East. How rare.
Please enter.
What do you think?
Yes, this is a very impressive collection.
Is there one that interests you?
Oh, that one.
May I hold it?
Of course.
These are...
Runes?
Oh! As expected of the Sorcerer King. You know of runes!
Where are there runes in this world?
Did a player spread the knowledge...?
What great craftsman created this?
It's an item made by the rune workshop of the dwarven kingdom in the Azerlisia mountain range.
A dwarven rune workshop?
Hey, Osk.
How did you know I was with His Majesty without my saying so?
You came to see me with someone who seemed to be your superior
even though E-Rantel is currently controlled by the Sorcerer Kingdom.
I made an educated guess.
Please allow me to introduce myself.
I am the humble merchant, Osk.
I am Sorcerer King Ains Ooal Gown.
I see...
So, Your Majesty, what brings you here today?
I would like to fight against the Warrior King in the colosseum.
Personally, Your Majesty?!
That is correct.
W-Well, aren't you the ruler of a country?
I am.
No, well. If that's the case...
Do not worry.
No matter what happens to me, there will be no trouble.
I can promise that in writing.
I gather information on strong warriors and various monsters
in order to plan for their appearance in the colosseum.
I have gathered information on you, as well, Your Majesty.
Did you really kill tens of thousands of people from the Kingdom with one magic spell?
Yes.
But that spell...
That's right! That spell is more like a trump card among my spells.
I used it at Master El Nix's request,
but it is a spell I can only use once every ten years.
I will have to gather power for another ten years to use it again.
Oh! Is it all right to tell me something like this?
Would that not be considered a weakness, Your Majesty?
I do not mind.
I have other spells that I can use.
I see.
One last question.
Why would the ruler of a country, like yourself, want to fight against the Warrior King?
I heard he was strong, and I got curious.
I want to know if he is stronger than Gazef Stronoff.
I understand. I will prepare a match with the Warrior King for you as soon as possible.
But there are certain rules you would have to follow in the colosseum.
Of course.
I would like you to fight using only weapons and no magic, Your Majesty.
But His Majesty is a magic caster!
I do not mind.
I swear upon my name, Ains Ooal Gown,
that I will not use magic while fighting the Warrior King.
Headhunter Rabbit.
What?
What do you think about His Majesty, the Sorcerer King?
I wanted to run away as fast as possible.
What are you looking at, pervert?!
You have nice hands.
Don't make that kind of face.
My ideal is the warrior of the Blue Rose, Lady Gagaran.
You're a little too thin compared to her.
I guess I won't be renewing my contract next year.
Oops, I digressed.
So?
He's crazy-dangerous.
I'm sure everyone knows the challenger's name.
King of the Sorcerer Kingdom, His Majesty Ains Ooal Gown!
How are you feeling, Warrior King?
Thank you.
You've kept all of your promises.
That's how I've managed to become this strong.
Warrior King...
Don't lose, Warrior King.
Warrior King! Try your best!
You can do it, Warrior King!
Warrior King! Warrior King! Warrior King!
I am the war troll Go Gin, known as the Warrior King.
I am the Sorcerer King, Ains Ooal Gown.
I am the highest-class undead, the overlord of death.
Is that so?
Then I will use my all to challenge you.
Oh? You are not going to belittle my name?
Do your people not look down on long names?
I see. It seems Your Majesty is familiar with war trolls.
However, I would never laugh at the name of the strong!
I see. It seems I need to reevaluate the preconceptions I have of your kind.
No need. All it means is there are individuals that think differently in every race.
That's all.
You are right. I've taken a liking to you.
Warrior King, become my subordinate if I win.
Sure. I'll pledge my loyalty to you if you win.
In exchange, I will eat Your Majesty if I win.
Huh?
Until now, I have never met an opponent worth killing and eating.
But if I eat someone stronger than me, like you,
I will be able to become even stronger.
Sure. The life of the loser is always in the hands of the winner.
Don't hold a grudge if I end up killing you.
Get him, Warrior King!
You're using some kind of martial art, aren't you?
Do it! There! Go! Warrior King! Warrior King!
You're an interesting one.
However, looking at that stance...
Are you asking me to strike?
If that's the case...
He's wary of fire.
It inhibits his healing capabilities, after all.
But...
Go, Warrior King! Right there! Finish him off!
Hey, you're supposed to be an allied nation.
Shouldn't you worry about me, an allied king, a little more? Huh?
Do it, Warrior King! Finish him! Finish him off! Warrior King!
I can emit negative energy when I come in physical contact with an enemy.
This isn't poison?
But you should be able to recover from that with your healing capabilities as a troll.
However, this power of mine also weakens your strength and agility.
That's something you can't heal from.
On top of not using magic, I've added additional restrictions in my match with you.
I also limited my use of magic items.
This is a weapon I borrowed from Momon.
Now, let's continue.
Again?!
Hide Reinforcement!
Greater Hide Reinforcement!
Activate!
Huh? I thought there'd be more people cheering for me...
I guess it's always hard to please the crowd in away games.
Now, Warrior King.
I'll go for the kill next.
Will you admit defeat?
No. I am the Warrior King.
The king of the colosseum.
I will resist until I die.
Then take off your helmet and let me see your face.
A determined gaze.
Let me ask you.
Do you have a skill that can beat me?
Some technique that would turn the tables?
No, but I still want to fight!
Then, come at me, Warrior King!
Fast, but that's all.
Aura of Despair, Level 1.
Strong Strike! Divine Skill, Single Flash!
Flow Acceleration!
Shit!
No chance of turning the tables, huh? Looks like I was fooled.
Punitto Moe would scold me.
Do it! Take him down, Warrior King!
So noisy.
Jircniv, I'm talking about you!
Seriously, what are you saying?!
Warrior King, there is one insurmountable difference between us.
I am level 100.
My HP is much greater than yours.
Hm?
He's planning to attack with as little weight as possible?
That's a dangerous gamble.
Tell me. Am I weak?
You haven't used your full strength in any of your attacks.
Your magic was restricted, and you still stand so confidently.
Am I really that weak?
I've forbidden myself from using most of my magic items
and many of my other skills in this match.
Is that because you'd win instantly, otherwise?
Well, you had the misfortune of facing me.
If you're the strongest in the Empire, I'm probably the strongest in the world.
I see.
But this is fun. To realize there is always someone stronger...
I understand a little bit how you feel.
Touch-san...
Sorcerer King Ains Ooal Gown.
I'd like to see it in my last moment.
Please show me even a fraction of your true strength.
Let me get a sense of the height of that peak!
All right. Then, let me show you the pinnacle of strength!
High Tiered Physical Nullification, release.
Activate.
Listen well, people of the Empire!
I am planning to make an institution for nurturing adventurers.
I believe that nurturing and supporting adventurers to go out and explore the world
will be beneficial to my kingdom.
I do not plan to use adventurers as tools for war.
As I have proven just now, I do not lack strength.
I want real adventurers!
Those who dream about discovering the unknown should join me!
Unimaginable power will be waiting to help you!
I can even go against the absoluteness of death!
I am one who has surpassed death.
And I will support you and ensure your growth!
Come to my kingdom and become true adventurers!
Fly.
I apologize for my earlier rudeness.
As expected of Master Gown.
You defeated the strongest warrior of the Empire so easily.
Well, it was not certain who would win.
It seems luck was on my side.
Then, I will take my leave now.
Please wait!
Sorcerer King, I...
No, the Baharuth Empire...
...wishes to become a vassal state of the Sorcerer Kingdom Ains Ooal Gown.
Huh?
Va...
Vassal state?!
Your Highness!
What do you mean by this?!
Master Jircniv.
To become a vassal state...
What the heck is a vassal state?!
Such important matters should be discussed in writing, not with verbal talks.
Then, you'll accept my Empire if I submit it in writing?
Please send me the details
of what kind of standing you wish for the Empire as a vassal state.
Your Highness...
We have no chance of defeating him.
His cunning far surpasses my own and he's already seen through all of our plans.
Why do you think he rejected my offer to become a vassal state?
He shouldn't have any reason to refuse.
It must have been something that went against his original plans.
He may have been planning to conduct a terrible experiment on the Empire.
Or maybe it had something to do with the adventurers he was trying to recruit...
Maybe he wasn't really thinking about anything?
There's no way!
Don't worry. There are many types of vassal states.
I'll do everything I can to retain some level of autonomy.
What about your own safety, Your Highness?
It's not guaranteed.
I plan to show him that I can be valuable alive to manage the vassal state,
but who knows...
I may be the most unfortunate person in this world right now...