Chapter 109
Six years had passed since Nahun left. This was a story from exactly two years ago.
It had been long enough for people to start feeling that Nahun, who had gone to hell, showed no signs of returning.
Six years. For the Demon Race, which lives far longer than humans, this wasn’t a particularly long time. However, it was certainly enough time for many things to change.
It was enough time for the seeds sown in the past to sprout.
Crack!
Blood splattered against the white skin and hair. However, the one marked by the blood seemed completely unconcerned, showing not a single change in expression.
Around her, bloodshed reigned. Yet, amidst such a brutal scene, only this beautiful woman shone with pure light. But behind the visible purity was a cruelty that created this horrific sight.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor. The sound of military boots walking on the floor. A moment later, a large door opened lightly, and a woman with impressive cat ears walked in.
She was Lin El Lazine. The individual leading the 4th Legion, the foremost power of the Debata army, and the strongest person in the Debata forces herself.
Lin briefly surveyed her surroundings before asking, “Your Majesty, are you finished?”
“Mm,” came the simple reply from her lord.
The two horns on her head had grown quite long, and her asymmetrical bangs covered one of her eyes completely.
She still clung to the cloak that her teacher had gifted her, but as her body had grown, her clothing had changed significantly. Instead of the white uniform that revealed her shoulders, she wore a black dress-like uniform with a deep neckline.
Wearing a dress on the battlefield was quite an ironic choice, but… it was all an appearance she had changed while waiting for one person. Yet amid these changes, some things had remained unchanged: all of them gifts from her teacher.
Cloak.
Brooch.
Bracelet.
The sword that now pierced her enemy.
Finally, her hairstyle, which she still maintained in a half-up style so her teacher would recognize her. Everything was for one person, but he had not appeared.
Perhaps because of this, her once-clear blue eyes had cooled into an emotionless gaze.
“Shall we go back?”
“…Yes.”
Seere von Debata, the young Demon King who had been only twelve years old, had now matured into a proper woman.
Given the passage of time, she had already gone through the Demon World Conference. Her teacher had planned to be there, but since he hadn’t returned, there was nothing to be done. However, even as a child, the Demon King left an overwhelming impression on the higher-ranking Demon Kings and was recognized for her merits.
Therefore, Seere’s rank was currently the same as the 50th position she had achieved during the Demon World Conference. Having secured a respectable mid-level Demon King status, she did not stop there.
In managing the ranks of other Demon Kings who had lost their positions during the Demon World Conference, she had to return several lower tiers to them. At the conference, they had urged Seere to transfer the remaining ranks, excluding five ranks, to maintain order in the Demon World.
Although Seere had rebutted, it was a long-standing tradition to maintain such order in the Demon World, a tradition followed by her father, Seir.
Thus, having surrendered many territories, Seere had not ceased her conquest and intended to use the upper tiers until the next Demon World Conference.
The tier she had conquered this time was the 46th tier, the Urbal tier.
“Your Majesty.”
“Mm.”
“We have received telegraphs from the 72nd and 69th tiers. In particular, from the 72nd tier…”
“Understood.”
While conceding some lower tiers, she had not given up the 72nd and 69th tiers. The blacksmith located on the 70th tier had already moved to the 50th tier, and other facilities had done the same.
Thanks to Seere’s conquests, Citri, who had allied with her, had now risen to the 52nd rank, and Gremony had also climbed to the 51st rank. Consequently, the alliance had been maintained well, as per her teacher’s request.
However, one person to praise all of this was nowhere to be seen. Just as Seere’s heart began to grow numb, the reports from the 72nd and 69th tiers were enough to stir her feelings.
“Humans…?”
“Yes. It’s similar to when that so-called hero appeared before. The military is being summoned.”
The one delivering the message was Erina, the deputy commander of the 7th Legion. Once the fourth seat of the 4th Legion, she was now making significant contributions as the deputy commander of the 7th Legion.
“Are they forming another massive allied force?”
The civil war in the human realm had ended. Precisely three years had passed since Nahun’s departure.
“…Was it that woman’s doing?”
“It seems so. However, aside from that, the presence of the hero has emerged…”
“Close to the truth?”
Charlotte von Bismarck had demonstrated her abilities even in difficult circumstances, and the fang of the shadow lion had bitten her brother.
After eliminating her brother and ending the civil war, Charlotte swiftly entered negotiations with the Holy Kingdom to establish a ceasefire and unified empire once again. While there were territories lost to the Holy Kingdom, surprisingly, she had broken the ceasefire agreement and invaded the Holy Kingdom to reclaim everything within two years.
Hearing that a nation, having exhausted its power for about three years in a civil war, waged a war two years later to reclaim lost lands from the greatest hegemonic nation on the continent was astonishing.
“There was a reason my teacher warned me to be cautious. That human is unhinged.”
“I agree. They are preparing to wage war against the Holy Kingdom just one year after that conflict.”
“It’s remarkable that they have the resources to do so.”
Seere pressed her lips together, pondering slightly. Even for her, waging war against the Holy Kingdom two years after a civil war, and thinking of provoking the Demon World just one year later, was hard to comprehend.
Manpower could not come from nowhere. Even if they managed to wage war against the Holy Kingdom, what could they possibly do now?
“…Is there something else behind this?”
“Pardon?”
“Erina, gather the commanders of each legion.”
“Understood.”
Once Erina left, Seere recalled the reason Nahun had instigated the civil war in the human realm. It was none other than to prevent the outbreak of the “Celestial-Demon War.”
Yet, three years had passed since the civil war ended, and a year passed since the collision of the two most powerful factions in the human realm wrapped up. There had been enough time to quell the chaos to a reasonable extent.
‘Could it be…’
Were the angels planning to use humans again to attack the Demon World and push towards the Celestial-Demon War?
Seere’s sharp mind judged that there was a considerable possibility. Angels generally utilized humans as their pawns.
‘Such cunning pigeons…’
Soon, the commanders summoned by Erina entered the barracks one by one.
From the commander of the 4th Legion, Lin El Lazine, to the commanders of the 5th Legion, Epsilon; the 6th Legion, Rexion; the 7th Legion, Celestia; the 8th Legion, Alberon; and Ursula, who had been newly formed after conquering the 50th tier.
Except for Lin, who was originally famous, and Celestia, who was noteworthy, the rest of the members, who had recently joined, were beginning to make names for themselves as Seere’s subordinates. Their abilities had likewise improved significantly.
“…Is everyone gathered?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“What is the reason for calling us?”
“There have been suspicious movements from the human realm, particularly from the 72nd tier.”
With Seere’s words, the expressions of the legion commanders grew grave.
“However, this is likely not a unilateral decision from the human realm.”
“Pardon?”
“What do you mean by that…?”
“It’s highly likely that the Celestial Realm is involved. Just like before, when the ‘hero’ appeared, the Celestial God probably bestowed something to the humans.”
Lin spoke with a serious expression.
“Then, is there a possibility that while fighting humans, the angels could intervene?”
“Yeah.”
“…It would be wise to give up on the 72nd and 69th tiers since that’s why we’ve kept the lower demon kings alive.”
Lin’s rational judgments were echoed by other legion commanders as well. Giving up the 72nd and 69th tiers and feasting upon the fatigued human forces after dealing with the demon kings first was the best method.
“Not at all.”
However, Seere’s denying response came out. Lin, along with the other commanders, looked at Seere in slight surprise.
“We’ll intercept at the 72nd tier.”
“Pardon?”
“You said angels could intervene, didn’t you?”
“Not every legion will be deployed.”
Seere explained briefly.
“We will intercept the human army at the 72nd tier, aiming for total annihilation but will retreat before our losses become significant. And then we will do so similarly at the 69th tier.”
“You mean to hold back our strength in advance?”
“Exactly. If we see the angels intervening while facing the human army, we will retreat then. If it’s just the human army, we can handle it.”
Lin nodded as if she understood. However, concerns were also voiced.
“Wouldn’t it be safer for the lower-ranked demon kings to hold back their strength?”
That was the truth. However, this was something that those who didn’t know why Seere had kept the 72nd and 69th tiers untouched could say.
The speaker was Ursula, who had joined Seere not long ago. The 7th Legion’s commander, Celestia, shot a glance at her.
“Your Majesty has already made a decision, has she not? Are you contradicting that?”
“I’m not saying that at all. I just think…”
“I understand. It’s indeed safer as Ursula said. However…”
Seere had left the 72nd and 69th tiers for the ranks she would govern. The 72nd tier was a place filled with memories from her childhood. And the 69th tier was… to prevent her teacher, who might someday return, from being puzzled.
“I have my personal reasons.”
“…Understood.”
“I will take the lead myself.”
“Pardon?”
“I won’t bring the entire legion. We will only intercept and run away, so I don’t need too many forces.”
Seere questioned the commanders.
“Who will follow me?”
“I will go.”
Of course, the first one to step forward was Lin. However, Seere shook her head.
“Commander Lin will stay here. We need someone to handle the organization of the 46th tier.”
“Then I’ll go.”
It was Celestia. As the second most capable commander among the legion leaders, she was also someone who could execute Seere’s intentions best.
“Alright, not a bad choice.”
“I will participate.”
Then it was Epsilon of the 5th Legion who spoke up. Seere nodded. She had initially intended to take only two legions along and then commanded the other legion commanders.
“Rexion, Alberon. You will be responsible for the defense of the other tiers. Support them if Commander Lin requests it.”
“Understood.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Seere stood up from her seat.
“Let’s go. We need to prepare in advance.”
“Yes.”
#
Having ascended as the Emperor of the Bismarck Empire, Charlotte von Bismarck originally intended to focus on internal affairs after fighting with the Holy Kingdom.
Though she thought about addressing the Demon World, it was naturally inappropriate in the current situation. However, an element that reversed this situation appeared.
One day, an unfamiliar figure appeared unexpectedly. With white feathered wings spread wide, this was a person Charlotte could not possibly ignore.
“…A Celestial God?”
“I am not a Celestial God. I am a messenger of their word.”
She introduced herself as the angel Laguel. With a sweet voice, she spoke to Charlotte.
“Soon, a human chosen by the Celestial God will emerge.”
“Are you speaking of the hero?”
“Yes, a hero will appear in this empire.”
Charlotte questioned Laguel with skepticism.
“Why tell me this information?”
There must be a reason for telling her this in advance. The previously appeared hero, Ceres, had appeared suddenly without such forewarning.
“Because I wish for you to deliver judgment upon the Demon World.”
“…Isn’t it something you could handle by yourselves?”
“Yes, that statement is correct. We could manage this ourselves. However, this is an opportunity for you.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Laguel smiled brightly.
“Led by the hero, we shall eradicate evil together… then what would happen to the status of the empire?”
“Hah, it sounds like mere sweetened words.”
Charlotte was not like her brother. She was neither incompetent nor foolish.
“If you intend to use me, it would be wise to abandon that thought. This nation is in no position to wage war now. If successful, as you say, our status could rise dramatically; the empire would ascend to an unwavering position. However, that’s only if it succeeds.”
Charlotte glared at Laguel.
“If it fails, then how should I bear the responsibility and the consequences?”
Laguel looked at Charlotte and said, “…It’s remarkable. Can a human be this composed? Humans are, by nature, emotional beings.”
“Are you really complimenting me with such words?”
“It was indeed a compliment. I find it admirable. Usually, very few can maintain composure when in front of divine beings.”
As Laguel mentioned, at the moment one sees an angel, most humans would be overwhelmed by faith and awe. The difference in levels was significant, and in reality, angels are revered by humans.
Yet this cold princess… now the empress, had none of those signs. She was merely surprised at first.
“I cannot understand the values of angels.”
“I understand your concerns. You worry about the burden of risks should failure occur, right?”
“Indeed. I do not have the luxury for that.”
As Charlotte affirmed, Laguel smiled.
“Then, how about we make it so that there is no need to bear risks?”
“What do you mean? Are you suggesting you can determine the strength of the hero?”
“Why couldn’t I? The divine weapons, created and granted directly by the Celestial God, are in question. If the Celestial God bestows additional blessings upon the weapon, naturally the user, the hero, will become stronger as well.”
Charlotte frowned.
“Then, couldn’t this have been done when the hero Ceres appeared!? Why didn’t you do it then!?”
“It wasn’t the right situation at the time. But now…”
Laguel continued to smile.
“It will be possible.”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes at Laguel’s words, expressions, and demeanor. The sharp-minded Charlotte recognized that angels were likely after another goal.
“What exactly are you angels aiming for? What’s your other purpose?”
“…Oh dear, you even think this far? How remarkable.”
Humans knew nothing of the Celestial-Demon War. All previous Celestial-Demon Wars had only involved the Celestial Realm, the Demon World, and hell.
But this human was different. With just a bit of conversation, she was already approaching the fact that a Celestial-Demon War was going to occur.
“I can’t disclose that. Anyway, I’m here to inform you that the hero will be appearing. Whether or not to start a war is your choice, but…”
Laguel chuckled.
“Will your naïve subjects agree, I wonder?”
“…”
“Think carefully. Though I wouldn’t say there are no risks, clearly there will be gains as well.”
With her eyes shut momentarily, Laguel disappeared like magic. Charlotte could counter everything else, but she could not refute Laguel’s final statement.
‘If a hero is born within the empire, obviously the citizens will support him, and he will assert that with the message received from the Celestial God, they should eradicate the Demon World.’
In that case, she would not be able to betray the desires of her citizens. Now, she was not merely a princess but the ruler of this nation, the emperor. The angels appeared to have considered all situations.
“Even after becoming an emperor… there’s truly no way out.”
With a bitter smile, Charlotte lamented her predicament.
#
The closest Demon World to the human realm was the 72nd tier. Seere had moved all those residing in the 72nd tier to the 69th tier for the time being. She had also set traps beforehand and was waiting.
“Your Majesty, the Argol side says they are ready.”
The massive gargoyle Argol, guarding the 72nd tier, was the key to this operation. Acknowledging the report from the messenger, Seere nodded and drew her sword.
“Everyone, prepare.”
“Yes.”
Soon, a portal linking the human realm and the 72nd tier activated. As the portal opened, countless imperial troops appeared. At the forefront was a man dressed in white armor, wielding a long spear that emitted discomfort upon sight.
“…That’s him.”
He was the hero that had now appeared.
The Spear Hero.
