Cocytus


 * "Fifth Floor Guardian Cocytus, at your command."
 * — Cocytus' Introduction

Cocytus (コキュートス) is a Floor Guardian of the 5th Floor in the Great Tomb of Nazarick. He is the creation of Warrior Takemikazuchi.

Appearance
Having an enormous body size of 2.5 meters, Cocytus has the appearance of an insect walking on two feet - a fusion between a mantis and an ant. With a tail twice as long as his height, Cocytus is covered in sharp spikes like icicles and has a strong jaw that can easily snap people's hands.

Two of his hands hold a silver halberd, while the remaining two hands hold a mace emitting black light and a crooked shape sheath which seems to be for a broadsword. With a breathtaking cold air, the pale blue, hardened bone armor oozes out diamond dust like bright light. His shoulders and back look like uplifted icebergs.

Personality
Cocytus has a warrior personality, respecting anyone with a fighting spirit, and the heart of a warrior. As a Floor Guardian, he is in charge of Nazarick's martial defense. Cocytus is loyal to a fault. This is shown when he prevented Demiurge, under Ainz's order, from interfering in Ainz's fight against Shalltear, even though he too also feared the possibility of losing his master. As Cocytus is a warrior by heart, he likes a good battle and has a sense of honor. Unlike his isolationist and xenophobic colleagues, he is more accepting of allowing outsiders to join Nazarick. He also appears to enjoy watching how battles play out as a bystander, excited to see what tactics and strategies his enemy use.

Though Cocytus takes pride in his position as Nazarick's defender, he is somewhat envious of his fellow Floor Guardians. Cocytus likens himself as the 'sword' of Ainz Ooal Gown, that executes his master's wishes. He thinks the only way he could prove his worth to Ainz is by actually defeating the invading forces that would pose a threat to Nazarick. Cocytus is not fond of asking for assistance in order to save face, but when the need arises, he will put his pride aside to accomplish his task. For that reason, he was willing to accept a personal defeat but not one that will disgrace and humiliate the Great Tomb of Nazarick and the 41 Supreme Beings.

Knowing his defeat, Cocytus doesn't mind if his master reprimand him. He was tolerant about it to the point that he had already prepared himself to be slain if given the order to do so. In other words, Cocytus was ready to commit suicide in order to erase the stain of his dishonor for losing to the enemy. What Cocytus felt most afraid of is the notion that he could possibly disappoint his master and be abandoned because of it. He was sensitive of his failure having an affect on the rest of his fellow NPCs that his death alone will not be enough to atone. Cocytus failing his first campaign put a mental toll on his state of mind where he tried his best to console himself from seeing such scenario happen.

Background
Cocytus was created by Warrior Takemikazuchi as the Floor Guardian of the 5th Floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. He was programmed to possess knowledge on all of the Supreme Beings' Divine Weapons.

The Undead King Arc
When Momonga calls for the Floor Guardians to the 6th Floor, Cocytus is the second to arrive. During his arrival at the Amphitheater, he stops the argument between Aura and Shalltear in front of their master. As there were no intruders on the 5th Floor of Nazarick, Cocytus briefly discusses with Ainz about his free time there where he had been training in order to be ready for deployment at any time. Hearing Ainz's praise of his hard-work, Cocytus appreciates his master's kind words and felt that the task was no longer tiring for him to do. The brief discussion between the two ends when Cocytus informs his master that the last two of the Floor Guardians, Albedo and Demiurge have arrived.

Once all of the Floor Guardians have arrived to their meeting place, Cocytus pays his respects with the rest of them to Momonga, describing the greatness of their master. Right after Momonga left, Cocytus and his fellow Floor Guardians shared what their impression was towards Ainz after feeling the power of his Despair Aura emanated by his master. Along the way, Cocytus conduct talks with Demiurge and Mare about the future of Nazarick.

At first, he thought it was disrespectful of them to consider Momonga's successor when they are supposed to serve their master faithfully as they were created for this purpose. However, Cocytus's thoughts change the moment Demiurge reasoned with him that they should also consider pledging their loyalty to Momonga's future heir as well much to his interest. He began daydreaming of a possible scenario where Momonga had an heir and that it started calling him its Uncle. He was happily imagining himself as a cool old uncle, loyally serving Momonga’s heir until Demiurge brought him back to reality. According to Cocytus, it was everything he have ever dreamed of happening.

After he and the rest of the Floor Guardians were dismissed by the Overseer to carry out their respective duties, it was said that he was tasked with supervising Nazarick's perimeter security.

The Emissary of the King Arc
Cocytus is paid a visit by Ainz's Death Knight on his floor. The Floor Guardian shows his guest hospitality, even shaking the undead's hand as they serve the same master. After the undead asks questions on who Cocytus is the friendliest with in Nazarick, he expresses that it would be Demiurge, Kyouhukou, Grant, and Gashokukochuuou. As for his desires, it would be to spar with Sebas Tian, Albedo, and even Ainz if permitted. Another wish is that he wants Ainz to have an heir so that the future of the Guardians will be secure and wants the chance to train said heir.

The Bloody Valkyrie Arc
Cocytus is ordered to restrain Demiurge from interfering with the fight between Ainz and Shalltear. As a result, when Demiuge attempted to go and assist his master, Cocytus quickly block the Floor Guardian from leaving by brandishing his weapon in front of it.

While so, he engaged in conversations with Albedo and Demiurge about Ainz's decision to fight the vampire alone. Cocytus found his master's strategy when dealing with Shalltear to be strange much to his confusion. He reasoned with Albedo that a sequential attack would be safer to do where they could attack in waves and wear down Shalltear’s HP and MP which Ainz would have done rationally. His reasoning was met with acceptance by Demiurge as he and the demon both agreed that their master was lying to them in order to hide something.

Nonetheless, Cocytus and Demiurge were told by Albedo that Ainz is a different person than he was before Shalltear's betrayal which was why the two are advised to have faith in their master. To inform the two about Ainz's chance of defeating Shalltear, he states that it was seven to three.

When Demiurge threaten Albedo to step down as the Guardian Overseer in the event that Ainz loses the battle with Shalltear, he was angered by his colleague's words. He calls Demiurge's suggestion as treacherous since that position was given to Albedo by the 41 Supreme Beings.

As he watch how the fight between Ainz and Shalltear play out, Cocytus can't help but voice his astonishment, amazement, and excitement at seeing his master freely used the equipment and items formerly used by the Supreme Beings respectively. Although Cocytus was confident more than ever that Ainz could win the battle against Shalltear, Demiurge thinks otherwise due to his lack of warrior knowledge. Cocytus enlightens him about Shalltear abandoning her defense for an all-out attack is what he would have also done if he was in the same situation as her. Although Demiurge felt impressed by his explanation, Cocytus don't think so highly of his knowledge as he only know the weapons' effects and names.

With the battle almost reaching its conclusion, Cocytus acknowledged and admired how the entire fight from start to end has gone all according to Ainz's plan. After Ainz emerges victorious from his battle, he and the other Floor Guardians beg him to never do such a thing again, and to allow them to handle any future incidents that may come from here on out.

The Show Must Go On!
Cocytus is among the judges of the auditions in selecting the person who will play Juliet. He is in disbelief that Demiurge supports the idea for a competition between the two Floor Guardians, Albedo and Shalltear. Later on, he is seen training on the 5th Floor and is approached by Shalltear. Cocytus, knowing something suspicious is up, attempts to rebuff her. His suspicion is proven when she tries to bribe him to vote for her in the auditions. However, when she offers the role of Tybalt to him, for a chance to exchange blades with Ainz, he is tempted by the idea. Cocytus, however, being an honorable warrior, refuses and tells her to leave. During the audition, Cocytus is moved by Albedo's performance, which results in him voting for her.

The Sealed Evil Tree Arc
Cocytus is summoned to the center of the Tob Forest to fight against Zy'tl Q'ae. He is ordered to fight as a team with the Floor Guardians. However, he keeps forgetting and twice attacks the treant with overwhelming force.

The Lizard Man Heroes Arc
Cocytus is ordered by Ainz to annihilate the lizardmen and commands the undead army of Nazarick. During the war council, he instructed his vassals to tidy up their table so that Entoma can prepare a spot for the set of Message Scrolls and Teleportation Scrolls to be placed on. Once Cocytus received the scrolls, he was inform by the insect maid that they were made with the skin that Demiurge worked hard to obtain. He was suggested to contact Ainz for feedback if any problems arise regarding their use. Nonetheless, he was bitter to see Demiurge has pulled even further ahead of him after aiding his master with the making of these scrolls.

At the same time, Cocytus is hoping to prove his devotion and loyalty to Ainz by obtaining good results where he wins the Lizardmen War under certain conditions and rules placed as restrictions on him. In other words, his task was to achieve victory using only the forces deployed to the lakeside. Cocytus began his task, casting one of the Message Scrolls and giving his orders to Iguva=41, the commander of the undead army. He watched how the destruction of his undead forces play out from behind the scene as the Lizardmen Alliance devastates it in warfare. Cocytus’s opinion of the Lizardmen went up by a notch, and he concluded that they were not a foe which could be instantly destroyed. That being the case, Cocytus figures the only way he could win the war against them was to draw out the battle. Cocytus listens to the suggestions offer by his vassals, borrowing their wisdom in order to dictate what his next course of action will be before then casting another Message Scroll once more to the undead commander.

Witnessing how his army was almost close to being defeated by the lizardmen, Cocytus used a Message Scroll to call on Demiurge and request his advice. Cocytus was offer several hints and cues by Demiurge on why Ainz gave him such low-tier undead forces to begin with. From his conversation with Demiurge, Cocytus learned that he must divine his master’s intent and adapt his methods to the situation, not follow his master's orders blindly. It was for the first time that Cocytus had started to contemplate his master’s true underlying motives. Cocytus's brief discussion with Demiurge about Ainz's true objectives for him came to an end when Entoma stopped them from discussing any further.

He deploys his trump card, the undead commander Iguva=41 onto the battlefield to engage the lizardmen in combat. Seeing Iguva=41 being destroyed and his army being defeated by the lizardmen, he realizes that his mission to annihilate the lizardmen has failed. Although he was deeply impressed by the lizardmen's victory during the war, Cocytus is surprised at his defeat and feels ashamed for losing. This leaves him no other choice but to return to Nazarick with a sense of defeat. While walking forward to the Throne Room, he thought to himself what his fate may be and how the last Supreme Being remaining will forsake him, making the former feel ashamed in fear for what is to come next. Cocytus apologized for his late arrival to the gathering place and was then introduced to Victim, a fellow Floor Guardian he did not knew of until now. Once Ainz and Albedo arrived, he and the rest of the Floor Guardians were guided by Demiurge to the Throne Room where the two awaits them.

During the meeting, he prepares to apologize but was stopped by Ainz and Albedo. He was ordered to explain what his feeling are as a commander of a defeated army. As a result, Cocytus described to his master that he is feeling deeply remorseful for his own inability to achieve victory over the lizardmen along with losing Ainz's personal undead creation. Unable to give the proper answer his master wanted, Cocytus was asked once more by Ainz how he felt when commanding the battle and what he learned from it. Hearing this, Cocytus understood what Ainz expected from him, explaining the various ways to his master what he should have done beforehand to defeat the lizardmen. However, Cocytus acknowledge that he did not do any of that mentioned by him as he assumed his forces alone are enough to overwhelm them. After carefully analyzing his failure and hearing that his master wants him to wipe out the lizardmen as punishment, he hesitated on following through with that order, refusing the thought of doing so. Hence, Cocytus asks Ainz if they could show mercy to the lizardmen and take them in under Nazarick's rule. He reasons that they can be used to breed future warriors powerful enough to serve Nazarick while instilling to them a strong sense of loyalty. However, since this was not sufficient reasoning to convince his master, Cocytus was assisted by Demiurge who reasoned with Ainz that they can use the lizardman to experiment on Nazarick's rulership. With Demiurge's idea now put forward, Ainz accepted it and allow Cocytus to spare the lizardmen.

In order to redeem his failure and as punishment, Cocytus was given the order by Ainz to rule over the lizardmen without fear and terror while instilling a deeply-rooted loyalty to Nazarick within them. Cocytus had even receive permission from his master to call on the aid of others which will required considerable resources, manpower, and rations. Once the meeting was over and his master had left, the first thing Cocytus did was express his gratitude to Demiurge, admitting that the lizardmen would have been exterminated if not for the demon's intervention. Cocytus was informed by Demiurge that the reason their master approved of his suggestion in the first place was because Ainz himself had foreseen and anticipated such a development happening.

Later on, he was ordered to first do battle alone against the lizardman heroes led by Shasuryu Shasha, Zaryusu Shasha, and Zenberu Gugu. After that quick battle where Cocytus kills all of them with his hands, his master resurrected them back shortly thereafter. Because Cocytus emerges victorious from his battle against the lizardman, he is now in charge of the occupation of the lizardman tribes.

The Two Leaders Arc
Cocytus and the lizardmen head out to subjugate the Toadmen in the northern part of the Great Lake. Cocytus returns to Nazarick and joins Ainz, Demiurge, and Mare in the Spa Resort Nazarick before the interruption of the female Floor Guardians, who are attacked by the Lion Golem.

The Dark Hero's Story Arc
During the Floor Guardians' meeting on figuring out what to ask Ainz as compensation, clothing is brought up. Cocytus says clothes are unnecessary for him, earning him a tease from Aura that he is naked. He later suggests asking Ainz for weapons as he is interested in adding to his collection and also to provide new equipment for the lizardmen under his charge. When Aura wants to have Rororo, Cocytus furiously denies it, stating he will not allow his charges' property to be taken and will even bring the issue before Ainz's attention should Aura escalate it. He, however, considers Aura's request for keeping the hydra's children.

The Men in the Kingdom Arc
Cocytus is present with Ainz as a witness when they are questioning Sebas about his possible betrayal. After everything has been cleared up, Cocytus is asked for his opinion concerning his decision to allow Tuare to join Nazarick, which he has no objections to.

Ainz Raises Money Arc
Cocytus is present with his fellow Floor Guardians at a meeting with their master Ainz Ooal Gown. During the meeting, it’s revealed that he has requested a voucher to fight with Ainz as his reward. In addition, he formally requests as the Overseer of the lizardman to prevent the seizure of Rororo by Aura, which Ainz deems reasonable.

Like the others, he is given three gold coins to be used as his salary by Ainz. In the next meeting, he tells his liege how he made the lizardman convert the gold coins into tribal jewelry.

Ainz, disappointed that his subordinates refuse to part with the money, gives them orders them to spend. Finding little interest in the goods offered in E-Rantel, the Floor Guardians seek advice from Sebas Tian and Narberal Gamma. Noticing the fan goods of Blue Rose, it prompts the Guardians to use the gold to create their own brand of fan goods based on Momon the Dark Hero.

Later, he presents a "You Can Be Momon Too" Kit to show to his master after purchasing it.

The Magic Caster of Destroy Arc
Cocytus is present in the Throne Room, where Ainz Ooal Gown welcomes the imperial delegation from the Empire. Later, he and the rest of his fellow Floor Guardians hold a meeting with Ainz, where he discusses his impressions of the Empire and its leader. At the same time, he suggests addressing Ainz Ooal Gown as the Sorcerer King for their newly founded nation.

The Craftsman of Dwarf Arc
Cocytus greets Ainz when he comes to the Great Lake to talk with Zenberu on the Dwarf Kingdom. He is clearly outraged when the lizardman is hesitant to answer Ainz's questions, but is held back at the order of his liege. After misunderstandings are cleared up, Ainz informs him of his intentions to go to the Dwarf Kingdom and forge diplomatic relations. Also, Cocytus is willing to offer himself up to his master, so Ainz can sit on his back as a seat, mimicking Shalltear's situation months ago. In a way, his action impress the lizardmen of Ainz's power over him.

Before setting out, Cocytus is wary of the potential dangers and wants to personally escort the Sorcerer King during his journey to the Dwarf Kingdom. However, Ainz convinces him that should Cocytus be in peril or negotiations deteriorate, he will be the first one to be summoned to his side.

Nazarick Mythology Arc
Cocytus attends a meeting to create a mythology of his master in order to solidify his hold over the masses. In his myth story, he uses the tone of a classic Japanese children folk tale. Taking place in a small town, a boy witnesses the destruction of all he holds dear at the hands of monsters. The boy defeats the monsters using a mysterious power, becoming a hero to the people. A sorcerer named Ainz Ooal Gown appears before the boy, claiming to be his father and has been using him to lead the foolish humans in order to stabilize the peace. Seeing his work complete, he disappears, but promises to return to guide the humans once again. The Guardians then comment that Cocytus' story will be popular among children and adventurers.

The Paladin of the Holy Kingdom Arc
One of the Greater Doppelgängers in Erich String Orchestra tells Ainz about Cocytus requesting that they record their battle with him. This way, Cocytus believes that everyone in the Great Tomb of Nazarick can learn from the battle, which his master permits the group to do.

The Witch of the Falling Kingdom Arc
In the Audience Room, with permission from the Floor Guardian Overseer, Cocytus was present when Shalltear brought along Hilma Cygnaeus to present his master Ainz a witness who can explain their questions about the attack on the Sorcerer Kingdom's trade caravan of grains. Every Floor Guardian including Cocytus during the meeting, approved of the punishment Ainz has suggested for Hilma Cygnaeus to do. When that matter was concluded, discussion about Philip resumes where it left off while the Overseer explains their strategy for the Fall of the Re-Estize Kingdom.

With Ainz permitting questions to be asked by the Floor Guardians, Cocytus was the second person after Aura to question the strategy of their operation. Cocytus wanted to know why they didn't make use of the other noblemen besides Philip during the beginning of the operation. Demiurge answers Cocytus's question, stating that they did recruited someone like that already which was through blackmailing Philip's father, Baron Montserrat. It wasn't just that nobleman alone, but Demiurge also supports Cocytus's way of thinking, choosing to spare an expendable portion of the nobility who were at least somewhat capable and worthy for Ainz to rule over.

When Demiurge asked if the punishment should be on Philip alone, Cocytus refuses to have it just end there and suggests the same punishment to also be imposed on that nobleman's master.

A month later after the Sorcerer Kingdom's declaration of war against the Re-Estize Kingdom, Cocytus had contributed to the campaign by destroying a city. He has also employed a tactic to successfully conquer several cities without problems using an undead army borrowed from his master. His work was commented by Ainz during a meeting with the Floor Guardians in Nazarick.

Upon seeing the death of the Death Knight and the Death Warrior by the flying armor giant, Cocytus was among those besides Demiurge and Shalltear to discover the reason why Ainz did not sent so many forces into the city of E-Naüru. This led to his colleague Demiurge praising him and Shalltear for understanding the reason behind why their master made the decision he did by sending in weak forces.

Once Ainz arrived at the Re-Estize capital with his 10,000 undead army, it was said that Cocytus happens to be present by his master's side alongside other Floor Guardians like Aura, Mare, and Albedo. When Albedo informs Ainz that they should decline the envoy Zanac's request, he disagreed with her suggestion reasoning that it would reflect badly on the people's impression of Ainz by choosing not to confront the human. It was also revealed by Ainz that Cocytus is the one in charge of laying siege to the capital. Since Cocytus will be involved, Ainz has given the Floor Guardian the order to watch out for the Razor Edge sword later that is currently in the hands of Brain Unglaus.

After Ainz returns from his meeting with Zanac, Cocytus had a discussion with both Aura and Mare about the upcoming siege of the capital. With Cocytus as the leading commander alongside Mare who is second-in-command after him, he and the Floor Guardian were permitted to use the full extent of their abilities. Not only that, but he and the elf are also told by their master to not let any citizen of the Re-Estize Kingdom go unharmed once the battle starts. Once the battle began, Cocytus and his Frost Virgins set off from the front he had established in front of the capital. He was the one in charge of the capital’s siege.

Trivia

 * The name "Cocytus" is a reference to Dante's Inferno, in which Cocytus is the ninth and final layer of Hell. It is referred to as a frozen lake that houses all of humanity's traitors.
 * In the Web Novel, Cocytus is put in charge of the security from the 9th Floor to the 10th Floor. Cocytus commands a troop of armored beetle warriors. Additionally, he is the creation of Blue Planet.
 * Cocytus has four mercenary-type NPCs that serve as his vessels, which consist of three insectoids: a mantis, ant, and another fighter-type insect, and a giant brain.
 * If not for the battle with the lizardmen, it was believed by Cocytus that he would have without question, accepted the order of wiping away his shame and that of Nazarick with slaughter.

Quotes

 * (To Shalltear and Aura): "You. Stand. Before. A. Supreme. Being. Contain. Yourself."
 * (To Demiurge about Ainz's future heir): "...Oh. How. Wonderful. What. A Glorious. Sight... Uncle... Uncle..."
 * (To Demiurge): "Ah. What. A. Beautiful. Sight... Truly. it. Was. Everything. I. Have. Ever. Dreamed. Of."
 * (To Demiurge): "...Demiurge. You. Dare. Ask. Albedo. To. Resign. The. Position. Of. Guardian. Overseer. Which. The. Supreme. Beings. Gave. Her? This. Is. Treachery!"
 * (To Albedo and Demiurge): "I. Mentioned. It. Before. But. The. Entire. Fight. Has. Gone. As. Ainz-sama. Planned. I. Am. In, Awe. Of. His. Prowess."
 * (To Albedo and Demiurge): "...His. Extraordinary Ability. As. A. Magic. Caster... No. As. A. Combatant. Is. Truly. An. Inspiration."
 * (To Demiurge): "I. Hope. You. Can. Help. Me. Think. Of. Something. If. This. Carries. On. We. Will. Be. Defeated. I. Can. Accept. A. Personal. Defeat. But. I. Cannot. Allow. The. Great. Tomb. Of. Nazarick. — The. Supreme. Beings. — To. Be. Disgraced. In. Such. A. Way."
 * (To himself): "They. Will. Never. Forgive. Me. If. Things. Get. That. Bad. Not. Even. My. Life. Will. Be. Enough. To. Atone."
 * (To himself): "If. The. Master. Is. Disappointed. And. Leaves. Like. The. Other. Supreme. Beings. What. Should. I. Do..."
 * (To himself): "No. That. Cannot. Be. Ainz-sama. Would. Never... Abandon. Us."
 * (To himself): "How. Could. Such. A. Merciful. Master. Abandon. Us?"
 * (To Ainz): "I. Am. Deeply. Remorseful. For. My. Inability. To. Achieve. Victory. Even. After. Receiving. Command. Of. My. Own. Troops. And. For. The. Loss. Of. The. Elder. Lich. Commander. That. You. Personally. Made. Ainz-sama."
 * (To Ainz): "I. Underestimated. The. Lizardmen. I. Should. Have. Been. More. Careful."
 * (To Ainz): "Yes. I. Did. Not. Have. Enough. Information. From. This. Battle. I. Learned. That. My. Chances. Of. Victory. Would. Be. Slim. If. I. Did. Not. Know. The. Enemy’s. Strength. And. The. Terrain."
 * (To Ainz about the Lizardmen): "Yes! In. The. Future. They. Might. Breed. Mighty. Warriors. Therefore. It. Would. Be. A Shame. To. Wipe. Them. All. Out. Right. Now. Your. Servant. Submits. That. It. Would. Be. Better. To. Instill. A. Strong. Sense. Of. Loyalty. Among. Them. So. That. When. Stronger. Lizardmen. Appear. We. Can. Take. Them. As. Minions."
 * (To the Lizardmen): "This. Might. Be. Rude. To. Warriors. Who. Are. Ready. To. Give. Their. Lives. But. I. Must. Inform. You. That. My. Side. Of. These. Pillars. Will. Be. Your. Grave. Any. Who. Cross. It. Shall. Die."
 * (To Albedo): "The. Opponent. Desires. To. Have. A. Battle. Of. Wits. With. Ainz. Sama, If. We. Rejected. Him. Outright. It. Would. Reflect. Negatively. On. The. People's. Impression. Of. Ainz. Sama's. Magnanimity."

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