Chapter 145
Seere and their legion remarkably defeated the army of the 45th floor and Bifrons almost flawlessly. Victorious in battle, Seere pressed on and took the Demon King Castle of the 45th floor.
Hearing the news, Nahun hurriedly made his way to the 45th floor.
“Nahun, look over there!”
Nahun turned to where Ersha was pointing. He spotted the banner of the Debata faction raised at the 45th floor’s Demon King Castle. Nahun stared blankly at it for a moment before asking Ersha.
“Ersha, what was the reported number of casualties?”
“Our side suffered around 2,000 casualties, while it seems like most of the forces on the 45th floor were annihilated.”
“A remarkable victory.”
“Certainly, there’s a reason Nahun is expecting such results. They’re truly worthy successors of Seir.”
Ersha said.
“It seems that Her Majesty Seere won’t be experiencing the taste of failure anytime soon.”
“Indeed.”
Nahun spoke somewhat regretfully, but a pleasant smile appeared on his face. What kind of teacher wouldn’t be happy for their student’s victory? Nahun felt the same.
As Nahun and Ersha approached the Demon King Castle, the legionnaires recognized Nahun and immediately gave way. They walked past blood-stained corridors and into a vast central hall.
“…It’s a chaotic sight.”
The central hall was tragic. Piles of what appeared to be 45th-floor soldiers were stacked like mountains, and walls, ceilings, and floors were splattered with blood and flesh, giving off a rancid smell. Responding to Ersha’s brief commentary, Nahun said.
“In war, this is moderately decent. They were neatly taken out.”
“That’s… true.”
Compared to those who toyed with prisoners, this was relatively mild. Of course, Nahun thought it was still rather brutal.
After passing through the hall, they finally reached the audience chamber. The structure was somewhat unusual. As Nahun approached from afar, he noticed two people.
“Daejeong Lin. Veronica… Daejeong.”
“Ah, Nahun.”
It felt a bit awkward to refer to Veronica by her title when usually addressing her casually. Both turned to face Nahun at his call, and Veronica seemed startled for some reason. It wasn’t because of Nahun, but rather because of Ersha standing beside him.
‘What on earth happened yesterday…?’
While Nahun was suspicious about what Ersha had done, Lin smiled and said.
“The Majesty is inside. Please, come in.”
“Is there any problem?”
“Problems? None that I can see, except for a few casualties among Daejeong Veronica’s legion….”
“Lin, do you have to say such things…!?”
“Isn’t it true that your legion suffered the highest number of casualties?”
With a playful smile from Lin, Veronica reacted as if she was embarrassed. However, Nahun, feeling a bit flustered, spoke up.
“There were many casualties? I only heard around 2,000. Did more come?”
“Oh, no. That’s correct. About 1,200 came from Daejeong Veronica’s legion.”
“Ah, Daejeong Lin!”
While having over 1,200 from a single legion seemed considerable, it wasn’t too much when considering the scale of the enemy they had faced. Additionally, these were not fatalities but casualties. If focusing on the dead…
“The total number of slain is approximately 700.”
The number decreased even further. Compared to the Demon Kings of the 60th floor, where Nahun was present during previous battles, the 45th floor’s Demon King was of a whole different level in terms of forces and numbers. Even so, to suffer such little damage was surprising. Given everything they had seen, it did not seem as though the Bifrons army had surrendered gracefully.
‘Is Seere’s leadership remarkable, or is the legion unusually strong?’
Thinking he would need to witness the next battle firsthand, Nahun simply greeted the two and stepped into the audience chamber.
With a heavy thud, the door opened, and Nahun stepped into the audience chamber. There, he saw the young Demon King occupying the throne where Bifrons should have been seated.
She was earnestly chatting with Commander Celestia beside her, but upon noticing Nahun’s entrance, her expression brightened. Her serious eyes, which had lacked spark, suddenly lit up with a dazzling shine.
“Teacher!”
Seere jumped down from the throne, running towards Nahun with excitement. Watching Seere, Nahun said.
“You’ll trip.”
“I won’t trip!”
Nahun lightly laughed at Seere’s response. After exchanging greetings with Commander Celestia, he spoke.
“Were you not discussing matters of business?”
“We were talking about the treatment of prisoners. We need to differentiate soldiers to incorporate into the legion… and dispose of those who won’t.”
“How did you decide?”
“They must be killed.”
It was a straightforward response. Nahun quietly regarded Seere and nodded.
“That’s the right answer.”
There was no reason to spare enemy soldiers who refused to join the legion. Keeping them alive would best position them to rebel.
“However, Seere, this time, let them go.”
“…Pardon?”
Seere looked at Nahun with a face indicating she didn’t understand. Ersha also regarded him with a slightly puzzled expression.
“Teacher, the Great War in Heaven could begin soon. There’s no need to carry a factor of uncertainty.”
“I suspect they will rebel while we are busy with the Great War in Heaven. It’s the right timing.”
“Are you asking me to spare them knowing that? Are you telling me to give up on the 45th floor?”
“There’s a reason.”
Nahun’s insistence on sparing the prisoners stemmed from a simple rationale.
“For your image.”
Image. At that statement, Ersha nodded in understanding. Yet Seere tilted her head, still uncertain.
“What?”
“Your image in the current Demon World is not bad. In fact, it’s quite positive.”
Nahun had already verified this wasn’t significantly different from eight years ago. Seere had been less cruel compared to other Demon Kings and had continued to demonstrate excellent governance in the conquered layers.
Thanks to Nahun following the same policies he had seen in the 72nd and 69th floors and applying them to each conquered layer.
“If word gets out that someone like you, who carries a good image among the Demon World residents, spared all the prisoners of the 45th floor, how do you think they will perceive it?”
“Well… my image will probably improve.”
Nahun nodded, agreeing with Seere’s assessment.
“Exactly. Seere von Debata will be seen as extraordinarily merciful, thereby solidifying your image.”
“But you want me to give up the 45th floor for just that?”
“No. Please listen to the whole story. If you grant mercy on the 45th floor and demonstrate benevolence, but while we’re occupied with the Great War in Heaven, they chose to rebel…”
“Yes…”
“Seere von Debata showed benevolence and kindness, yet was betrayed. How do you think the residents will perceive the rebels?”
Seere’s eyes widened slightly as if realizing something. Nahun continued.
“You would naturally lose their support. And thus, Seere von Debata becomes a Demon King betrayed despite her kindness and will gain sympathy, enhancing her image.”
“That means we have to conquer the 45th floor again.”
“I can manage that level of effort. Once formed, an image is not easily lost. Even if you do not spare prisoners in different layers later, as one who was betrayed, it would be understandable.”
“Is image management truly necessary?”
To Seere’s question, Nahun replied.
“A ruler must always be concerned about their reputation.”
“…….”
Seere pondered briefly before turning away.
“Celestia.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Seere gave her orders.
“Release all prisoners.”
“Yes?”
“It’s a command.”
“…As you wish, Your Majesty.”
Celestia obediently replied and left. After Celestia went to carry out the order, Seere looked at Nahun.
“Is that sufficient?”
“Indeed. Well done.”
“Ah, but the terrain of this layer is somewhat peculiar, so fighting again is a hassle…”
“When that time comes, I’ll handle it to a certain extent.”
“…I didn’t expect that. I’ve shown I can handle things on my own.”
Seere had nearly perfected the conquest of the 45th floor, insisting that she didn’t need Nahun’s assistance. Nahun stroked Seere’s hair, acknowledging her achievement.
“Well then, I must say, I’m quite surprised by the results. I’ll need to watch a battle firsthand next time.”
“Did I do well?”
“You did well. Very well.”
As Nahun praised her, Seere beamed a happy smile. Then she lightly grabbed Nahun’s arm and said while linking arms.
“Teacher, then stay with me. How about letting the aides step out for a bit?”
“Hmm? That won’t do.”
At Nahun’s refusal, Seere frowned in discontent. Noticing her displeasure, Nahun quickly provided a rational explanation.
“…Don’t misunderstand. The reason I brought Ersha along is that I have something to discuss with you two.”
“What?”
“It pertains to the Great War in Heaven.”
“Ah….”
Seere looked disappointed but did not stubbornly insist after hearing the reason. She was certainly rational. Her heart wanted to be alone with her teacher, but she realized the importance of the discussion and accepted it.
Seere released Nahun’s arm and, taking on a serious demeanor, asked.
“What’s the discussion about?”
“Ersha, explain it.”
“Yes.”
Ersha slightly bowed her head before explaining to Seere.
“We plan to avoid as many battles as possible during the Great War in Heaven.”
“…Huh? What do you mean by that?”
Seere inquired about the reason. Ersha replied.
“We intend to rise through the ranks all at once with the Great War in Heaven.”
“So, you’re saying you’ll hold back during the Great War in Heaven and strike at the Demon Kings weakened by it?”
“No.”
“Huh?”
“We will wait for the Demon Kings to eliminate themselves in the Great War in Heaven.”
Seere was taken aback. Instead of thinking of attacking weakened foes, they planned to wait for self-destruction in the Great War in Heaven? That sounded as if…
“It sounds like the Demon World will face defeat in the Great War in Heaven.”
“Nahun said as much.”
“…Teacher?”
Seere looked to Nahun, who nodded.
“Demon Kings engaging on the battlefield in the human realm will inevitably lose.”
“…How can you be so certain?”
“Trust my words. There’s no reason for us to risk our lives in a battle we are destined to lose.”
“Then what will happen to the Demon World? We can’t just wait idly as it faces annihilation.”
“Of course not. Our retreating will only be until the Demon World is defeated and the battleground returns here.”
Seere looked slightly alarmed.
“So, you mean to seize an opportunity?”
“Exactly, fighting in the human realm will only result in losses.”
He did not mention the backroom maneuvers. Seere was not the type who would appreciate hearing that, and it was a matter that Nahun and Ersha could handle quietly…
“However, they also know the Demon World is a favorable battlefield for us. Will they even dare to press forward?”
It was true that they considered engaging in battle once they returned to the Demon World. Even though they framed it under the assumption that the Heavenly realm and human realm would continue to push forward, the likelihood seemed high.
“The Heavenly forces won’t just sit idle and watch an retreating Demon army. They will push further.”
“…I see.”
Seere seemed to be in agreement.
“However, if we show a docile attitude in the human realm, will the Demon Kings of the Equites faction view it favorably?”
“I’ll elaborate on that as well.”
Nahun shared that they would abandon the Equites faction and join hands with Phynox. Seere looked at Nahun with a startled expression after hearing both pieces of news.
“The Equites faction always takes the lead. It will probably be the same in the human realm as well.”
“…It seems they will lead the charge in a battle that is bound to be a defeat.”
“Exactly. While it’s uncertain if Barbatos will fall, those beside him will surely do so.”
Seere grasped Nahun’s intention to abandon the Equites faction. Although emotionally she wasn’t quite satisfied with abandoning those who shared similar inclinations towards her, she also recognized that following Nahun’s advice was indeed the correct decision.
“By the way, when did you join forces with Phynox?”
“After the congress concluded.”
“You met the female Demon King without me knowing again…”
“I didn’t meet her with any strange intentions, so why are you concerned?”
Seere sighed and said.
“I will follow Teacher’s intent.”
“Thank you.”
“There’s no need for gratitude. If I hadn’t been convinced after hearing your reasoning, I would have refused your suggestion.”
Nahun was surprised by Seere’s bold statement. However, that surprise quickly transformed into a proud smile.
She wasn’t acting solely based on his thoughts but was thinking and judging as a ruler herself, which was proof that Seere had grown into a capable Demon King.
Nahun smiled pleasantly as he said.
“You’ve really grown up.”
Upon seeing Nahun’s smile, Seere’s eyes widened slightly before settling down slowly. With a faint blush, she quietly mumbled.
“…If you knew that, you should accept it.”
#
The Demon World began its movement to set the battlefield in the human realm before the Great War in Heaven, as decided at the congress.
Under the name of the Demon World United Forces, they invaded the human realm to hold the ensuing Great War in Heaven there. As a result, an extraordinary scene unfolded where all Demon Kings of the Demon World gathered on the 72nd floor.
Leading them was none other than…
“Have you all gathered!?”
The second-ranking formidable Demon King, Agreas von Dio.
