Chapter 148
Seere stood at the forefront of the Third Army and continued to conquer the Fiast Kingdom. Nahun felt slightly puzzled as he observed the surprisingly smooth conquest.
“Isn’t it strange?”
“There’s been no movement from the Heavens, has there?”
“Indeed.”
It seemed that Seere was also pondering the same question. Nahun considered calling Dein, who was at the capital of the Fiast Kingdom, to send to the Holy Kingdom.
‘If they were to appear, that side would be the first to show up…’
Before sending Dein, he decided to send a messenger to inquire if there had been any news from the commander, Morax.
After a short while, a messenger returned to Seere and Nahun, who had halted their advance and were resting.
“His Majesty Morax has said that there is still no news!”
“Is that so?”
This meant that the Heavens had not yet moved. Regardless of the reason, if the Heavens remained inactive…
“We must advance without delay.”
“Yes. I will let them rest a little longer before we set out.”
True to those words, Seere allowed the troops to rest for about thirty minutes before they resumed their march. Though the schedule was quite demanding, not a single soldier in Seere’s legion voiced any complaint and they marched on silently.
Thus, they arrived at the stronghold of the Fiast Kingdom, Heidelbear Castle, much sooner than expected. This castle, being the most crucial fortress and gateway to protect the royal road, would lead to rapid conquest of the royal city once taken.
The kingdom was well aware of this, and there were already as many troops deployed as possible. The banners visible on the castle walls indicated this, and there were many more hidden archers than in the castles they had previously breached.
“Seere.”
“Yes.”
“You’ll be able to see the level of your command now.”
“Excuse me?”
“I have a task for you.”
Nahun pointed to Heidelbear Castle.
“Try to seize that place with fewer than 500 casualties.”
“…Are you not asking for something unreasonable?”
“When have I ever asked for the impossible?”
“True.”
Even as she said this, Seere gazed at the castle with a slightly troubled expression. Heidelbear Castle, as the most important fortress of the Fiast Kingdom, had a unique terrain.
Behind the castle walls were cliffs that could not be traversed, and a wide river flowed around it, creating a natural moat. The height of the walls was also so great that even Bicon, known for exceptional mobility and leaps, seemed unable to scale them.
It was truly a natural fortress. Seere felt that a considerable amount of force would be required to besiege this castle.
“I’ll give you a hint.”
“Yes?”
“Since Heidelbear Castle is situated in such terrain, local food production is nearly impossible. Therefore, supplies must be brought in from the surrounding area.”
Seere’s eyes widened at Nahun’s information. After a moment of thought, she quietly responded.
“Then we just need to find the supply points. The army within the castle, facing a food shortage, will either die out naturally or they will have to come out before they can’t.”
“I have not identified the supply points either.”
“I’ll look for them, Teacher. If you demand that as well, it’s hardly a task.”
Nahun smiled with satisfaction at Seere’s proactive attitude. At that moment, a messenger approached Nahun. Recognizing the banner the messenger bore, Nahun asked him.
“Is it news from Citri?”
“Yes. They said they have something to discuss with you, Nahun.”
“Understood.”
Since Seere had just been assigned a task, Nahun felt there was no need for him to take action unless the forces of the Heavens appeared. However, just in case, he advised Ersha.
“Ersha, assist Seere well.”
“Yes, Nahun. I will support her with all my heart.”
“I believe in you.”
Nahun assigned a task to Seere and followed the messenger to Citri. As allies, Citri and Gremory had also been incorporated into the Third Army. Since Seere was chosen as the vanguard, they had also positioned their legions quite forward.
Upon arrival, Nahun hurriedly dismounted from Bicon and greeted the two Demon Kings waiting for him.
“Your Majesty Gremory is here as well.”
“Why didn’t you greet me?”
“I was greeting you together. I didn’t hear that Your Majesty Gremory was present, so I mentioned it separately. Did you not know that?”
“Are you treating me like a fool again?”
“Let’s call it a day for jokes. So, what is the matter?”
“I’ve never made a joke…”
Citri looked at Nahun with a sullen expression and, with a sigh, said,
“I think I need to inform you of something.”
“Really?”
“Gremory saw something strange.”
Nahun tilted his head in curiosity and looked at Gremory beside Citri. Gremory recounted what she had seen to Nahun.
“Honestly, it could just be my misunderstanding.”
“Still, please tell me. It might be something we’re unaware of.”
“Do you know Bune?”
Bune. A high-ranking Demon King rated 25th, part of the same ‘Nobilis faction’ as the current commander of the Third Army, Morax. He was known to have recently joined the Third Army to assist Morax.
“Yes.”
“I’ve seen Bune meeting with Astharoth recently.”
“Astharoth is responsible for our supplies, isn’t she?”
“Yes, indeed. Bune’s unit is the closest to Morax right now, and they have not engaged in combat or advanced at all, so they wouldn’t normally need to receive supplies from afar. So why meet with Astharoth, who is responsible for our supplies…?”
“Hmm.”
It could be that Bune merely wished to emphasize the importance of supplies, or perhaps it was a request from Morax to ensure the supply line remained smooth. Generally, that would make sense.
Gremory was not so naive as to be unaware of this. Yet, for her to bring it up…
“Something seems fishy, huh?”
“Yes.”
“Hmmm…”
As Nahun contemplated this, Citri furrowed her brows and remarked.
“Are they planning to pull a fast one behind our backs?”
“…Where on earth did you learn to speak like that? It diminishes the dignity of a Demon King.”
“Since when have you seen me care about that?”
Nahun wished she would pay at least some attention to such matters. Once a powerful Demon King, she had likely become this way due to the immense shock from ‘that incident.’
‘…It’s understandable to fall to the lowest rank suddenly.’
Citri’s choice of words, though unbefitting of a monarch, had its own validity. However, considering the Demon King responsible for supplies for the Third Army, Nahun was hesitant.
“Astharoth is surely not such a foolish Demon King…”
“I think so too, which is why I said it could be a misunderstanding.”
“Hey, Nahun.”
“What is it?”
“Demon Kings are not as noble and honorable as you might think.”
Nahun gazed at Citri for a moment.
“It is true that Astharoth is wise. Anyone can recognize and acknowledge that she possesses considerable power and intelligence for her rank. But.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“There are many Demon Kings whose eyes turn blind before the greed for power. You are aware that when Agreas selected you as the vanguard, there were discussions among the Demon Kings of the Third Army, right?”
“I wouldn’t know since I was at the front. What discussions?”
“Previously, during the Demon World Assembly, when Barbatos and Paimon voted in favor of your proposal and now Agreas seems to be signaling that ‘Seere von Debata’s skills can be trusted’… more Demon Kings are becoming conscious of you. They think you might be connected to powerful Demon Kings.”
“…!”
Hearing Citri’s words, Nahun’s eyes widened. He had just realized Agreas’s intentions in promoting Seere at the forefront.
“And you’ve achieved almost total victory in every battle so far, haven’t you? No matter how human the opposition, the speed is impressive. Is that why even our allies are feeling the atmosphere?”
“Ha…”
Agreas’s motive in promoting Seere to the vanguard had two aspects. One was to directly oppose the actions of the Patriki faction and to momentarily weaken the forces of Seere, which had briefly unified many factions of Demon Kings.
The second was exactly what Citri mentioned. The purpose was to bring Seere von Debata into the limelight, drawing attention to her and provoking the challenge of other Demon Kings. Powerful Demon Kings ranking around 30th to 40th might naturally see her as a rival.
“…”
“What are you planning to do?”
“I do not wish to be a pawn in Agreas’s game.”
“Then?”
“For now, let’s put aside the supply issue.”
“Is that permissible?”
“It’s not a definite situation yet, and I have ways to address the worst-case scenario if it arises.”
Even if Nahun was temporarily absent, he had left Ersha behind, who could provide similar advice.
“And… if Agreas’s intention is to make Seere stand out so the Demon Kings will challenge her…”
‘…Very well.’
He would comply as they wished. However, he would not allow her to shine too brightly in a way contradicting her intent.
“Since the stage is set, shall we play properly this time?”
“What?”
“When Seere requests support, you two must respond immediately, no matter what it is.”
“Understood.”
“Alright.”
Receiving their affirmative answer, Nahun subtly made a request to them.
“I will excuse myself for a moment. In exchange, please convey a message to Seere.”
“What?”
“Where are you headed?”
Nahun responded.
“Haven’t I just mentioned? I intend to play properly.”
A smile formed at the corners of his mouth. His golden eyes glimmered ominously, and in a low voice, he uttered a deadly remark.
“I must finish the conquest of the kingdom quickly.”
—
Seere listened with a furrowed brow to the report from the messenger. The task assigned by Nahun and her mission to capture Heidelbear Castle.
To do so, she first searched for the supply points leading to the castle and managed to identify a total of five supply zones. Leaving the front in the hands of Lin and Celestia, Seere prepared her plans to strike the supply points herself.
However, before the operation could begin, problems arose.
“Where is the supply request?”
“…They are still silent.”
“What on earth is that woman thinking!!”
Seere exploded in anger, but none of the officers present in the tent restrained her. They felt the same as Seere.
Food was about to run out. Having fought several battles on the way to Heidelbear Castle, Seere’s legion had depleted supplies far faster than other forces that had not engaged in combat.
Yet, no supplies were coming from the main body of the Third Army. This was already the second request, yet they still remained tight-lipped.
Seere spoke with a voice tinged with fury.
“Tell Astharoth von Hoda! If we do not receive supplies immediately, I will show them what we can do!”
“Please hold back, Your Majesty.”
Seere turned sharply to the side. It was Ersha Scarlet, who was temporarily taking on her duties in Nahun’s absence. Seere replied to her.
“Hold back? In this situation?!”
“There are ways. There’s no need to create internal strife and confuse the army.”
“Ways?”
Seere asked, puzzled. Ersha gently closed and opened her eyes and offered realistic advice.
“Just in time, we have found several supply points.”
“…Are you suggesting we raid them?”
“Yes.”
As Ersha affirmed, Seere, along with the officers of various legions, wore stark expressions. Except for the Eighth Legion, which could not refute the words of the progenitor Ersha.
Seere vented her annoyance.
“Is that supposed to be advice!? You want me to tell my honorable legion to simply loot?”
“Looting… what’s wrong with that?”
“What?”
Seere looked at Ersha, stunned, but she spoke confidently.
“This isn’t children’s play. Even if the opponent is merely human, it’s still war. We must occupy that sturdy castle. But now our supplies have been cut off, and food is running low.”
Ersha gazed at Seere with a cold voice and discerning eyes.
“Are you really planning to let the entire legion starve for the sake of a little honor? No matter how strong the Debata legion is, starving soldiers cannot fight well.”
“Then it’s a matter that Astharoth should send the supplies!”
“True, but don’t you have a feeling, Your Majesty? At the point where both requests were declined… isn’t their intent glaringly obvious? The girl seems to see it.”
“……”
Seere narrowed her eyes slightly. To her, Ersha spoke in a soothing manner.
“And, Your Majesty, the term ‘looting’ isn’t entirely accurate.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’re not going to steal food from fellow Demon King troops, are we? We’re merely taking what some humans have hoarded. It’s only natural that inferior beings should give food to a great Demon King, don’t you think?”
Seere stared at Ersha for a moment, then sighed. If she were an emotional Demon King, she wouldn’t have entertained such a proposition, but Seere was a highly rational one.
“…You speak well.”
“Hehe, it’s my specialty.”
“Right, I can’t just sit here and starve to death.”
Seere then looked at Veronica from the Second Legion, Lin El Lazine from the Fourth Legion, and Rexion from the Sixth Legion.
“Distribute the remaining food rations to the Second, Fourth, and Sixth Legions. The Second and Sixth Legions will strike the supply points with me. The Fourth Legion will…”
Seere looked at the commander of the Eighth Legion, Alberon. A legion composed solely of bloodline soldiers that needed no food and thrived on blood alone. They were incredibly valuable in a situation where food was scarce.
“Supply blood to the Eighth Legion while guarding the front. The Fifth and Seventh Legions, hold on for a bit. But remain out of combat. If fighting breaks out at the front, let the Fourth and Eighth Legions handle it.”
“Understood.”
“The Second Legion will hit the supply point closest to me, and the Sixth Legion will go the opposite way. Rexion, can you manage?”
“Count on me. I will not fail.”
Seere stood up, her cloak billowing behind her. A thick, dangerous aura glimmered in her blue eyes, caused by a variety of reasons.
“Let’s set out.”
—
“…It’s tall.”
Nahun stood atop a mountain. Upon reaching the summit, he gazed down.
This was Alvorq, the royal capital of the Fiast Kingdom. Just as Heidelbear served as a natural fortress, Alvorq was also comparable to it.
While it wasn’t at a level where a massive river curved to form a natural moat, the terrain here had the advantage of being a ‘plateau.’ The walls, built upon such high ground, made it exceedingly difficult for the enemy to even contemplate a siege.
Since it was situated on the plateau, tall mountains surrounded it, preventing hits from the rear. Consequently, the royal city had exits only in the south, directly facing it, and in the southwest and southeast.
These factors significantly diminished the conquest value of the Fiast Kingdom. It was hard to breach, yet the rewards were minimal.
However, that was a narrative applicable to a normal army. For an existence capable of consuming an entire city, advantages like plateaus or a backdrop of mountains held no value whatsoever.
“Leviathan, Behemoth, Gize.”
Nahun called upon the three monsters simultaneously, and as usual, they appeared in their small, cute forms.
“Poo.”
“Moo.”
“Pii.”
Looking at the three monsters, Nahun turned his attention back to the royal city. Though it was a capital of a small nation, a capital is still a capital. Quite a number of people likely inhabited it.
If these three monsters were unleashed in such a location, the results would undoubtedly be gruesome. Even with the brutal slaughter clearly visible in his mind, Nahun did not hesitate.
He questioned himself.
‘Is it simply because this is a game-like world?’
Or perhaps…
“…Do they no longer appear as the same species to me?”
“Poo?”
Nahun narrowed his eyes and looked at Leviathan. He didn’t have the luxury of indulging in emotions. Resolutely, Nahun steeled his resolve and commanded the three monsters.
“Leviathan, Behemoth, Gize.”
Calling their names, he pointed to the royal city with his finger.
“Consume everything.”
The moment the command was heard, the small, cute monsters vanished without a trace. In their place, enormous monstrous forms appeared…
Boom─────!
