Chapter 229
Shortly after Nahun shared the plan with them, Marbas made an official announcement throughout the demon world, informing it of the three demon kings’ joining the Nobilis faction.
The news of Seere’s faction membership, who had recently become the most talked-about figure in the demon world, changed the atmosphere among the upper-class demon kings. Not just the demon kings of the Equites and Plebs factions, but even those upper demon kings not tied to any faction turned their interest toward the Nobilis faction.
As a result, every day, numerous letters poured into the new castle of Seere von Debata, located on the 25th floor of the Demon King Castle. Some inquired subtly about the reason for joining the Nobilis faction, while others expressed their hostility toward other factions they belonged to.
As soon as Nahun entered the office, he saw Seere reading a letter with a disappointed expression before closing it.
“Who is it from?”
“From Barbatos.”
“What did they say?”
“They expressed their regrets.”
Nahun thought to himself that this was a relief. “Regrets…” It was clear they could no longer maintain the friendly relationship they once had, but it was not an outright declaration of hostility.
“It would be burdensome to turn the Equites faction into enemies right now.”
This much was satisfying. However, Seere seemed to feel regret that their alignment with Barbatos and the martial demon kings would become strained.
“That’s fine. They are just demon kings that I will eventually have to overcome.”
“…Yes.”
“By the way, what do you think about this?”
“Yes?”
Seere, who had been focused on the letter, belatedly noticed the pudding in Nahun’s hand. Her eyes sparkled momentarily, and she grabbed his hand.
“I will eat it!”
“Sure.”
“Oh, but the shape is… a bit… for something Mark made.”
“Um.”
As Nahun cleared his throat awkwardly, Seere opened her eyes wide and spoke up.
“Did the teacher make this?”
“Yes. I made a cake for you before. Today, I tried making pudding, but shaping it was a bit difficult.”
“Hehe.”
Seere smiled brightly and took the pudding plate and fork. Then, with a slight lift of her lips, she asked Nahun.
“Is this because of the mistake from last time?”
“…No? It’s not specifically for that reason.”
Although it wasn’t the only reason, it certainly had some influence. Consequently, when Nahun’s response was slightly delayed, this perceptive child let out a light laugh.
“I will eat it deliciously.”
“Thank you for that.”
Seere scooped up a piece of the soft pudding with her fork and swallowed it in one bite. Her blue eyes sparkled like stars at the sweetness and softness spreading in her mouth.
“Mmm~! It’s delicious!”
“Really?”
“Yes. The shape may be a bit off, but it tastes good.”
Seere said with a radiant smile.
“Thank you for making it on purpose, teacher.”
“I was hoping it would serve as some comfort since you seem to be under stress these days. I’m glad.”
Seere seemed a bit surprised. She thought she was hiding it well, but it appeared Nahun was fully aware. Seere gave a slightly bitter smile and said,
“I’m getting stressed because so many different letters have been coming in.”
“…You’re going through a lot.”
“It’s okay. I have you by my side, teacher.”
Hearing Seere’s words, Nahun momentarily widened his eyes before displaying a somewhat bitter expression, petting her head.
“By the way, have you decided on the legion to send?”
“Ah, yes. We also have things to do, so we can’t send the 4th or 7th legions.”
“True.”
Seere’s legion could be deemed elite, but among them, the 4th and 7th legions stood out. It was natural since they had been warriors since the era of their predecessor, Seir.
“So, how about the 6th legion? Although the 2nd legion seems slightly stronger, they’re still a bit inexperienced.”
The 2nd legion led by Veronica and Eliza had greater potential and strength among the officers, but they still seemed lacking in experience compared to the 6th legion, established earlier.
Therefore, sending only one legion to provide suitable assistance was more feasible with the 6th legion. Nahun agreed with that decision.
“Yes, that’s a good choice.”
“Also, could you lend me one of your subordinates?”
“Uh?”
“The assistant, Ersha. I’m thinking of sending her with us.”
“Ah.”
Nahun nodded willingly.
“I understand. I will inform her.”
“Yes. We will start from tomorrow, right?”
“Yes.”
While Citri and Gremony were waging their war, they did not plan to remain idle. They were thinking of laying groundwork to approach the upper echelons. They would leave aside the 24th floor, where Porneus, another demon king belonging to the same Nobilis faction, resided and aim higher.
The new lord of the 23rd floor. And a demon king who had become quite troublesome due to supply issues during the previous celestial war, one of the demon kings like Barbatos, who was evaluated higher than his rank—the demon king Astharoth von Hoda.
She was the new target of their invasion.
The issue was that Astharoth possessed a level of power and forces that were on a different dimension compared to the demon kings they had faced so far, thus requiring much preparation on their part.
Starting tomorrow signified the beginning of that preparation—time for reorganization, increasing legion size, and training. They intended to prepare everything necessary for war.
“But how should we recruit legion soldiers?”
“First, it’s basic to recruit from the hierarchy. Then just do as we did when we created the 8th legion before.”
“Really? While it might work for the vampire clan, where do we even find other clans?”
Seere questioned, but then suddenly recalled that Nahun must have known about her bloodline from the start, adding,
“Teacher, could it be….”
“Now that we’ve reached this level, it will be worth trying to negotiate to bring them in.”
Nahun remarked.
“I’ll borrow Baruna for a moment.”
“…Are you planning to accept the Asura clan? Can they be controlled?”
The Asura clan, along with the Yasha clan, was known as a combat tribe. They emphasized strength, and it was typical of them to hone their martial arts, so they didn’t usually venture out for foreign tasks. Baruna, acting as a warrior, was a special case.
Additionally, one of the reasons they didn’t venture out was that they became uncontrollable when facing battle and got overly excited. When Baruna revealed his true nature and engaged in combat, Rin generally abandoned trying to control him until he got carried away enough.
“The only one who can control the Asura clan is their chief.”
“Yes, but we can’t control them.”
“And that’s why I mentioned borrowing Baruna.”
“Huh? …Ah.”
No way.
Seere blinked her eyes and said,
“Baruna will probably not want to lead a new legion…”
“That’s fine. He can appoint someone he designates as the leader of their legion.”
Seere looked at Nahun with a slightly skeptical expression.
“Why’s that?”
“No, it seems you don’t understand why Baruna left his clan and came here.”
“Um?”
Of course, he wouldn’t know. Rin’s backstory could be seen depending on the storyline, but Baruna didn’t have such a backstory.
“Baruna does not get along well with the Asura clan. To be precise… Baruna finds it a bit uncomfortable. He was banished by the Asura clan and taken in by his father.”
Nahun broke out in a cold sweat.
“Is that so…?”
“Yes.”
It felt like things were starting off a bit tangled. However, among the clans capable of enhancing the legion’s power and easily assimilating, the Asura clan was one of the few options left.
“That was quite some time ago, right?”
“That’s true. Baruna has served as a soldier under our Debata for quite a long time.”
“Then it’s worth at least trying. If we can absorb the Asura clan, it could significantly strengthen our military power.”
“Um, yes.”
Seere also judged there was value in trying. She cautioned lightly,
“They both need to return safely. Baruna is a key force in our army.”
“Understood. I won’t overburden them.”
“Yes.”
#
This place was the 27th floor, ruled by the demon king Furfur of the Nobilis faction. Since it was a location ruled by the same faction’s demon king, Nahun could smoothly arrive and move here.
“Such things exist too.”
In a muttering tone, Baruna turned to Nahun and asked,
“What do you mean?”
“I didn’t expect to move together with you, Nahun. Moreover, we’re heading to my hometown.”
Baruna chuckled lightly.
“I’m not exactly thrilled about it.”
“I feel sorry for the vice commander. But I hope you understand it is a necessary task.”
“Yes, well…”
Baruna nodded as if to show he understood. However, regardless of his understanding, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of discomfort.
“How did you know of our Asura clan’s dwelling? I have never disclosed it to either Lady Seere or Lord Seir.”
“I already knew.”
“Really?”
“Seems like this is the way.”
Without Baruna giving any specific directions, Nahun confidently moved along the correct path, as if he had known it from the start.
‘Did he visit our village before?’
It’s possible to stumble upon a place while wandering around. When Nahun proceeded smoothly, Baruna called out to him.
“Nahun, if you’re heading to our village, it would be wise to leave that behind.”
“That?”
“This human.”
“Iris, right?”
Iris, who had been hiding her presence nearby, was taken aback. However, Baruna spoke indifferently.
“Our tribe is sensitive to unfamiliar presences. Especially if it smells or feels like a human, the reaction would be more intense. If you wish to communicate with our tribe, it’s better to leave such a one behind.”
Baruna was giving this serious piece of advice. However, Nahun smirked, nodded at Baruna, and said,
“I know. That’s why I’m bringing her along.”
“Really?”
“I have no intention of engaging in gentle dialogue. After all, what kind of gentle dialogue can work with those labeled as ‘combat tribes’?”
Baruna’s eyes widened as he realized that meant he would smash his way through if needed. And Baruna was well aware that Nahun had the capability to do so.
This raised a question.
“If so, why did you bring me along?”
“Well, it’s because the vice commander should become the leader of the Asura clan.”
“…?”
Baruna looked at Nahun, slightly incredulously, as he shook his head.
“The chief of the Asura clan can only be chosen through a traditional ritual. Even if I were to forcefully overpower them, I wouldn’t become chief.”
“I’m not saying to kill them all. What I mean is to intimidate them into holding the ritual.”
“…….”
Realizing that Nahun was serious, Baruna was at a loss for words.
“Wait! I wouldn’t want such a position even if you offered it to me! Why would I do that?”
“It’s not a request for you to do anything. Just sit there while they come into our faction, and appoint someone as the commander of the Asura legion in place of the vice commander.”
“If I’m their chief, they’ll keep supporting me, won’t they? I don’t want that!”
With Baruna’s refusal, Nahun let out a slight sigh. He turned to face him and pulled something out from his pocket. Baruna couldn’t help but be astounded.
The piece of paper bore the handwriting of Seere.
“This is an order from Seere von Debata. Accept it.”
“…Can I refuse to obey the order?”
“Then, according to military law, it would be immediate execution. Are you okay with that?”
“Ha….”
With a face of resignation, Baruna spoke to Nahun.
“…Yes, let’s go. But if I try and fail, then there’s nothing we can do!”
“Yeah, of course, I will take that into account. Do you think I lack flexibility?”
Having persuaded Baruna well, Nahun continued onward. They climbed steep mountains, passed through dense forests, and headed deep into areas where neither humans nor beasts were frequently seen.
“…You really do know the way. Aren’t you a bit too accurate?”
“Would I lie?”
Baruna admired how Nahun passed through this complicated path with such precision, and at last, a small village came into view before them.
Everyone in the village had red eyes, just like Baruna. Some revealed their fangs and were already showing off their martial arts to each other.
Suddenly noticing the unfamiliar presence, they turned their heads and collectively stared at Nahun, even though he hadn’t yet approached them.
Nahun openly complimented,
“Indeed, combat tribes. Sharp senses.”
The Asura clan was a combat tribe. They absolutely did not tolerate invaders into their village. Even if it was purely by chance.
“Intruder!!”
“Kill them!”
The movements of the Asura clan were swift. In the blink of an eye, they reached Nahun and his party. Nahun pondered for a moment whether he should fend them off properly, but Baruna stepped forward.
“Stop. We have come to see the chief.”
“…Huh?”
Recognizing Baruna as one of their own, some of the Asuras hesitated and backed away. But soon, those born in the same era as Baruna recognized him and exclaimed,
“The Exiled!”
“The sinner has returned!!”
“Notify the chief!!”
The Asura clan remained vigilant toward both Nahun and Baruna while a few moved to call the chief.
Nahun glanced at Baruna and responded,
“This is precisely why I didn’t want to come.”
“Did you truly commit a crime?”
“It’s a false charge. However, there’s no one to believe or support me, so it couldn’t be helped.”
“…That’s unfortunate.”
“It’s fine. It’s already forgotten.”
A moment later, the ones who had disappeared earlier returned along with a considerably large man. He wore attire reminiscent of a tribesman and had a red mask covering his face. Each time he stepped forward, the ground seemed to tremble slightly.
‘The chief, huh? Powerful, as expected.’
Standing before Nahun and Baruna, the chief spoke in a stern voice.
“Baruna, how audacious of you to return.”
“…It’s been a while, chief.”
Baruna lightly greeted him, but the chief seemed displeased with his presence, speaking in a voice dripping with annoyance.
“Leave at once. It is unforgivable for an exiled to set foot in our village. As my son, I will grant you one pardon this time, so leave immediately and never show your face again.”
Upon hearing the chief’s words, Nahun looked at Baruna with slight surprise.
“…Son?”
