Chapter 152
Just as the Celestial Army led by the Spirit King appeared in the First Army, it was only natural for the Celestial Army to also appear in front of the Second Army, just as Nahun had seen.
Barbatos, at the forefront, smirked as he looked at the enemy leader before him.
“Not bad.”
“What do you mean?”
The man with a platinum ring floating above his head narrowed his eyes. Behind him was not two or four, but an astounding eight wings unfurling.
“Hasn’t the right opponent come down to face me? So of course, I can’t feel bad about this.”
“How arrogant. Do you think of yourself as equal to me, a Demon King?”
Strangely, the man with lightly red-tinted golden hair was a well-known angel. He was one of the ten Archangels ruling over Sephira and one of the strongest forces in the Celestial Realm.
“I’ll make you regret coming here, unaware of your place.”
And he was also the most famous angel. An angel holding a shield in one hand and a sword ablaze with holy fire.
The ruler of the eighth Sephira, “Hode.”
Along with Sandalphon and Metatron, he was known as one of the strongest in the Celestial Realm.
“I, Michael, will begin the Demon King subjugation now.”
It was Michael.
Barbatos chuckled lightly.
“Speaking as you please.”
And lined up beside him were the seven generals that Barbatos took pride in. Known as the Seven Star Generals, they were the seven strongest under Barbatos.
Barbatos had already experienced the Demon War multiple times. Each time he stood at the forefront, leading many battles to victory.
Some of those battles had even been against Archangels. Yet, Barbatos was still here. He looked at Michael with a cold gaze.
“Who’s subjugating whom?”
Even in front of the powerful Archangel, Michael remained remarkably composed, narrowing his brows slightly before speaking.
“I’ve already finished my investigation on you.”
“Of course.”
“I’ve assessed based on all the information.”
Michael raised the sword engulfed in flames, aiming it at Barbatos.
“You cannot defeat me.”
“You’ve already determined the outcome before we’ve even fought.”
Barbatos extended a hand behind him. He then pulled out a massive battle axe.
“Let me give you a piece of advice, Archangel.”
“…?”
“Not all battles result in the strong trampling the weak. An arrogant strongman can grow complacent and create irreversible results.”
Bearing his battle axe, the blood-red fangs glowed as he took a deep breath. Then, Barbatos’s magic power surged with a fierce momentum. Seeing that, Michael slightly narrowed his brows.
“Such a proud Archangel.”
Barbatos stepped forward and declared to the strongest force of the Celestial Realm before him.
“I’ll break that proud nose of yours.”
—
Nahun confirmed that the Spirit Kings had descended in the First Army, and that Michael had come down personally in the Second Army. He quickly returned to Heidelbear, where Seere was.
Had the task he assigned been resolved on its own? He thought it wouldn’t be easy.
Nahun understood that given Seere’s character, who valued the honor of the army, it would be a difficult decision to raid human food supplies.
And Heidelbear Castle… As far as Nahun knew, it provided supplies from as many as ten supply points. Even if a few were struck and logistics were disrupted, it ensured that supplies would never be cut off.
For that reason, Heidelbear Castle was an important strategic point for the Piast Kingdom. In fact, if this place wasn’t breached, the royal capital could be considered safe.
Of course, Nahun’s sudden raid that utterly devastated the capital diminished that significance…
“Shall I take a look?”
Nahun headed towards Heidelbear with a slight sense of anticipation. Upon arrival, he could see that the flag of the Piast Kingdom was still flying above Heidelbear Castle.
‘Have they not succeeded yet?’
With that thought, Nahun made his way toward the Devata army’s encampment, which was positioned a little away from Heidelbear Castle.
“Hmm?”
Seeing Nahun approach, the blonde woman Celestia widened her eyes and spoke to a soldier beside her.
“…Inform His Majesty. Nahun has arrived.”
“Yes? …Ah, yes!”
Celestia walked to the entrance of the encampment to greet Nahun.
“You’ve arrived.”
“Well done, Daejeong. Is Seere inside?”
“His Majesty is currently targeting the enemy’s fifth supply point.”
“Huh?”
Nahun was slightly surprised by this unexpected fact.
“Is he planning to cut off the supplies?”
“That is part of it, but the main force still isn’t receiving supplies properly… So we are compelled to take from the humans.”
“Oh.”
Nahun smiled slightly at the fact that Seere was executing his task well. He knew Seere was one who valued the honor of the army and had a strong sense of pride, and that he had adapted to the situation with flexibility.
“That’s a good result.”
“Yes?”
“Then has the food problem been resolved to some extent?”
“Yes, we won’t starve to death immediately. However, Nahun.”
“Hmm?”
“Just a little while ago, there was a massive explosion in the direction of the Piast Kingdom’s capital. Do you perhaps know what it was?”
“Ah….”
It seems they had seen it. After all, both Uriel’s power and the magic Nahun himself utilized were nearly fully expended. If Nahun’s body had weakened any further, he might not have been able to withstand Uriel’s flames at all.
Nahun spoke to Celestia.
“I told Seere. Hasn’t Seere conveyed it to the army leaders?”
“Yes?”
“When the Celestial Army appears, I said I would handle it. That explosion was caused when I repelled the Celestial Army, it is not an omen of danger.”
“…You repelled the Celestial Army?”
Nahun nodded affirmatively. Though he spoke casually, to Celestia, it sounded absurd.
Celestia knew Nahun was exceptional. But it was hard to believe that he had repelled the Celestial Army alone.
“I apologize, but did someone from the Celestial Realm come down?”
“It was Uriel.”
“Uriel!?”
“I’ll discuss it in detail with Seere. Since the Celestial Realm lost such power, they won’t be able to easily send reinforcements again.”
Celestia stared at Nahun in a daze. He smiled gently and spoke.
“The royal capital has been taken care of. Daejeong just needs to help Seere finish the siege of Heidelbear Castle.”
“You’ve already completed the conquest of the royal capital?”
“Yes. With the food issue arising, the conquest of the kingdom needed to be concluded as swiftly as possible.”
Celestia felt bewildered, struggling to discern what was believable. Though she had sharp judgment, the stories he told were hard to accept.
“Why is that?”
“Ah, never mind. Should I tell you the location of His Majesty?”
“Hmm….”
Nahun briefly contemplated and then shook his head.
“No, he should be fine on his own. I will wait here.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Is Ersha Scarlet inside?”
“How did you know?”
He hadn’t actually figured it out; he merely asked if she was there. But after hearing so many astonishing tales, Celestia mistook it for Nahun having anticipated it.
So this time, it was Nahun who tilted his head in confusion.
“Isn’t it possible? Anyway, it’s a relief to know she’s there. I had something to discuss.”
“Oh, the advisor is in that barracks.”
“Advisor?”
“His Majesty told me to call him that…”
It seemed Seere had given her some rank. Nahun nodded at the appropriate measure and walked toward the barracks.
Upon opening the door, Ersha was deeply examining a map. So lost in thought that she hadn’t noticed Nahun’s entry.
“Ersha.”
“Oh, you’re back quickly.”
“It feels like it’s been about a night.”
“I thought it would take the girl at least another two days. Indeed, Nahun, you surpass even my expectations.”
Ersha smiled as she said that. Nahun looked at her for a moment before speaking.
“I have something to ask.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“Michael has come down, targeting the Second Army.”
“…Michael, that’s quite a formidable opponent.”
“How long do you think he can hold out?”
At Nahun’s question, Ersha narrowed her eyes slightly. After pondering for a moment, she cautiously began speaking to Nahun.
“Samygina von Seos was with the Second Army.”
“I see.”
“The main force will not collapse.”
It seemed she was considering Samygina’s exceptional commanding magic. Nahun altered her wording into a question.
“Then what about outside the main force?”
“If the battle continues, it will eventually collapse. That is Michael we’re talking about. No matter how strong the Demon Kings are, it would be difficult against him.”
Ersha looked directly at Nahun as she said.
“He is one of the only angels who can face a complete Nahun.”
“…So, there’s another.”
“There is. She is originally the ruler of the ‘kingdom,’ opposite to Nahun.”
“What’s her name?”
In response to Nahun’s question, Ersha answered.
“Sandalphon. The strongest force in the Celestial Realm.”
“I see.”
Nahun considered it was fortunate that Seere, Citri, and Gremony were all assigned to the Third Army. At least they would be in the same place, able to receive Nahun’s protection.
By the way, it seems the Celestial Realm also categorized human nations based on importance.
“Even though Michael has descended personally, the fact that Uriel came here instead means…”
It suggested they deemed the Bismarck Empire more important than the Piast Kingdom. Of course, Uriel was a powerful angel, but compared to the strongest, Michael, he was still lacking.
“In the Second Army…”
“Barbatos and many of the martial Demon Kings like Lezargie are present. It’s only natural since the leader of the Equites faction is there.”
“Right. My memory hasn’t failed.”
In that case, the likelihood of Nahun’s intentions unfolding positively was high. The brave and strong martial Demon Kings wouldn’t shy away from a fight with Michael, who would then sweep over them with his powerful strength.
“Things are looking good.”
“However, girl, there are still factors of concern.”
“What is it?”
“There are still other Demon Kings besides the three divisions that remain.”
“…Agreas?”
“And there’s also Beelzebub, who has yet to make an appearance.”
Though Nahun had defeated Agreas and Beelzebub several times in the game, he found it hard to gauge how that strength would translate into reality. They would certainly be stronger than Barbatos, but by how much…
“If Agreas intervenes early, the Second Army is unlikely to be destroyed.”
“Is it that severe?”
“Michael may not lose when confronting Agreas, but the issue lies in a joint assault.”
“Hmm.”
Although there were likely numerous powerful angels affiliated with Michael, the situation suggested it would be difficult to deal with if the martial Demon Kings allied with Agreas.
“What would happen if Beelzebub intervenes?”
“Similar circumstances would arise. Depending on how the Celestial Realm adjusts their policies, the course of this war could change.”
Ersha answered like that and gazed intently at Nahun. Her eyes were filled with questions, prompting Nahun to take the initiative and ask.
“What’s troubling you?”
“Girl, there’s something I’m curious about.”
“What is it?”
“About that massive explosion just now… Who exactly were you facing?”
“You know it was my doing?”
“Who else in the Third Army could pull off something like that but Nahun?”
“…Thank you for your high evaluation.”
“That was a fair assessment… Anyway, please answer.”
In response to Ersha’s inquiry, Nahun hesitated slightly before honestly speaking.
“It was Uriel.”
“…You’ve faced an extraordinary adversary.”
“Yet I still won.”
“Which is why you’d be before the girl. The Celestial Realm is likely becoming cautious of this side now.”
“If I had left it alone, Seere would have been unable to handle it.”
“I didn’t say your actions were wrong, Nahun. However…”
Ersha let out a slight sigh before frankly expressing her disappointment.
“If only you had met a slightly weaker opponent, perhaps you wouldn’t have drawn so much attention.”
“What do you mean?”
“I received contact from the First and Second Armies. They were asking what the Third Army’s vanguard was doing. Recently, Nahun, you noticed how the Third Army’s Demon Kings have viewed our Devata forces, right?”
“Hmm… I heard.”
It was information he had received from Citri and Gremony before departing for the royal capital. With a voice full of concern, Ersha explained the situation.
“Thanks to that, our supply requests are still being denied. Even Citri and Gremony are experiencing delays in their supplies.”
“It’s intentional suppression.”
“What will you do?”
Asking for a solution, Ersha looked at Nahun. After thinking for a moment, Nahun replied.
“…It can’t be that the supplies were cut off purely by Astaroth’s unilateral decision.”
“That’s likely.”
“I need to make sure with Morax. If that’s done, things should fall into place.”
“Yes?”
“Since the stage has been set, I was planning to cause some proper turmoil. With Agreas placing us at the forefront and the situation being like this… It would be best to utilize everything we can to make an impact.”
“…There are risks, Nahun.”
“Every endeavor carries its risks.”
Ersha let out a slight sigh and then spoke to Nahun.
“Sometimes, you tend to overly try to resolve situations with your strength.”
“Is that bad? You usually resort to your wits when things can’t be resolved by force. And I’m not one to be entirely unthinking. I just use my strength when it’s appropriate.”
“That’s… true.”
Ersha couldn’t deny it. Nahun didn’t act recklessly all the time, and it wasn’t him who had created the current situation but the main force, which had cut off supplies.
“I thought there might be times like this, so I brought it.”
Nahun created some space beside him, reached in, and pulled out something, slightly grimacing as he revealed it.
“Nahun, that is…!”
“It’s hot for me too. It’s Uriel’s weapon.”
Though Uriel’s corporeal form had turned to particles of light and vanished, his weapon remained intact. It had not turned into a blazing sword, and even simply holding it felt like gripping a thorn of inferno.
Ersha understood why Nahun had shown this and chuckled a little.
“Could it be that…?”
“If I show this to Morax, he’ll believe it. And he’ll come to understand.”
Nahun smiled as he laughed.
“What kind of presence he was currently dealing with.”
—
If Uriel’s name signifies the flames of divinity, then the meaning of Michael’s name is “Like God.”
True to its meaning of being closest to God, aside from the special case Sandalphon, he was the most powerful Archangel among those ruling Sephira.
However, if such immense power were used in another world, many complications would arise; thus, the tree of virtue had placed many restrictions on this powerful Archangel when he exercised his powers in places other than the Celestial Realm or Hell.
One. He can only exert his full power when facing south.
Two. He can only exert his full power when the sun is up.
Three. After noon, as it approaches midnight, the power he can exert diminishes.
Although burdened by such restrictions, he still spoke to Barbatos.
“You will lose.”
And that statement bore no falsehood.
Around them had become a sea of flames. However, astonishingly, the flames surrounding them did not burn anything.
The flames were solely incinerating the soldiers, weapons, and magical powers of Barbatos, the Demon King, while not consuming anything else. This flame, a holy fire, only burned things related to magic.
“Didn’t you say you would break my nose?”
Michael’s blue eyes looked at Barbatos as if he were an insect. Sensing that gaze, Barbatos chuckled softly.
Who dares to look at him with such eyes?
Yet he was forced to realize it. Just like when he faced Nahun before, he felt a certain wall.
“Michael… A strength fitting that name.”
Barbatos panted for breath. Only two of the Seven Star Generals who had stood beside him remained alive. Those who survived were in tatters.
In stark contrast, Michael, facing him, remained pristine—so much so that it was hard to believe he had engaged in battle.
“I have no time, so I’ll end this now.”
For Barbatos, the insurmountable wall was more than just a hindrance; it was the epitome of enjoyment. He loved fighting, blood-soaked battles, and the thrill of life and death more than anyone else.
“You’re going to finish it right now? No, that would be too disappointing.”
Barbatos cracked his neck and displayed the same fighting spirit he had at the beginning. There seems to be power and magic still left in him, clearly displaying his formidable might. The holy flames surrounding him consumed Barbatos’s magic power, but he remained unbothered.
“Let’s fight some more, O supreme and strong Archangel.”
“…You’re tough.”
Michael glanced at the position of the sun. Twilight was approaching. It was taking longer than expected, and he might not be able to take action directly in the ensuing battle.
“I can’t help it.”
Resolutely determined to end things here, Michael moved his feet. His eight wings flapped, and his presence vanished in an instant.
Boom─────!!!
However, things did not unfold according to Michael’s plan. The strike he intended to finish with was surprisingly blocked by Barbatos’s axe.
“…Did you read me?”
“I learn quickly…!”
Based on previous battle experiences, Barbatos had predicted Michael’s patterns of behavior. He reached out with the hand not holding the axe, channeling magic to grasp Michael’s wing.
But at that moment, Michael narrowed his eyes and began to chant something. It was reminiscent of how a demon or a Demon King would recite a spell when casting.
“Haraas.”
「 הרס 」
Barbatos panicked. He hadn’t felt this way even when facing Michael’s power, but at this moment, he truly lost his composure.
The axe that had been touching Michael’s sword quickly disassembled into particles of light and vanished. The masterpiece of the Demon World, the Blood-Red Fangs, evaporated as if it had never existed.
“…What trickery is this?”
Caught off guard by the sudden confusion, Michael casually swung his sword.
“It’s over.”
“Brother!!”
Swish!!!
Michael’s sword swung, but Barbatos didn’t cut through. However, it was certainly possible because of the sacrifice of the woman in front of him.
“…!”
“Ugh…!”
“Lezargie!!”
“I… I’m fine…”
Though she claimed to be okay, the two arms that had been severed and now lay on the ground showed otherwise. Barbatos hurriedly pulled Lezargie back, and the two surviving Seven Star Generals stepped in front of them as a barrier.
“Interference.”
As Michael swung his sword, even Barbatos’s elite subordinates fell in a single strike, losing their lives. In an instant, Michael finished off the Seven Star Generals and aimed his flaming sword at Barbatos’s heart.
Thud───!!!
However, it did not produce the sound of a clean cut; instead, it emitted a sound as if something had been blocked. Michael frowned.
“…You filthy thing.”
An especially harsh word slipped from Michael’s lips. It was inevitable, as what he loathed the most as an angel had appeared before him.
The one who blocked Michael’s sword directly was a black knight emanating an aura of malevolence from his entire body.
Dressed in blackened full plate armor, the eye slits of his visor revealed a faint glimmer. However, where his pupils should be, there were only empty black holes.
“Hehe, how about retreating now, Barbatos?”
“…Why are you here?”
“It would be troublesome if the vanguard crumbled already. Although Agreas’s intentions seem a bit different from mine, I cannot allow my army to suffer a defeat.”
A woman with flowing black hair cascading down to her waist, her silvery-blue eyes gleaming with delight, stood before Michael, even in the presence of the great Archangel.
The knight who had blocked Michael’s sword head-on was the reason that Samygina could hold such an impressive position, ranked fourth despite her weak constitution.
“…”
Michael alternated his gaze between the dark knight and her. Since only this one had appeared suddenly, he thought it wouldn’t be a problem to handle her for now…
“There are not just one or two of you.”
“You seem to understand well, despite not having shown anything.”
Michael clicked his tongue, swiftly cutting down the filth standing before him. Briefly staring at Samygina, he checked the sun’s position and turned away.
“Consider yourself fortunate that it is not noon.”
“Hehe, had it been so, I would not have made a move.”
“Filthy being.”
Michael spat a somewhat harsh word and withdrew. Dusk was beginning to set.
“…Scary. Is that the supreme force of the Celestial Realm?”
Samygina narrowed her eyes. Did Agreas… No, did Beelzebub anticipate the emergence of such a strong Archangel?
“When I return, I will have many questions.”
In truth, contrary to Samygina’s conjecture, the reason for Michael’s emergence originated elsewhere.
Originally, Uriel had intended to lead troops toward the Bismarck Empire, but the sudden surge of tremendous magic from the Piast Kingdom altered the plans of the Celestial Army.
Michael’s presence was a hasty countermeasure prepared by the Celestial Realm as well.
And that ringleader was….
“I seek an audience with the Commander.”
He had arrived at the command barracks of the Third Army.
