Chapter 193
Bernet bowed deeply to Nahun and showed him respect. Nahun thought it had become easier for him. Originally, he had planned to send a letter to summon Bernet here, but since he happened to be on the fifth floor, it worked out.
Bernet greeted Nahun and then looked at the two women beside him and asked.
“Who are those over there?”
“This is my aide, Ersha Scarlet. And this is….”
“Excuse me? Ersha Scarlet? It sounds like the name of the progenitor of your bloodline….”
“It seems you know a bit about our race.”
As Ersha smiled while saying this, Bernet’s mouth dropped open. Nahun could now perceive Ersha’s position within the Demon World.
“She truly is famous.”
Considering her past alongside the original Demon King and the reason she had been exiled with her clan, it was only natural that she would be well-known.
“Don’t worry about it. She’s not here as a member of the bloodline. I’m simply using her as my aide because I need her.”
“Oh, I see. To have the progenitor of your bloodline as an aide… You truly are impressive.”
“Enough with the flattery. More importantly, I have a request.”
“Yes? What kind of request do you have…?”
Nahun explained to Bernet why he was on the fifth floor. Bernet expressed great surprise upon hearing about how Nahun had arrived on the fifth floor.
“To move to the fifth floor in one go is remarkable.”
“I didn’t want it, though. Anyway, I’m trying to go down to the 44th floor. Can you accompany me?”
“Well, we have our own schedule, so we can’t leave right away. You’ll have to wait about a week; is that alright?”
“A week?”
It was a bit long. However, Nahun thought he could contact Seere through Bernet and nodded.
“Then could you send just one letter? I need to let them know on the 50th floor that I’m on the fifth floor.”
“Understood. Shall I prepare it right away?”
“Please.”
Bernet called a servant to bring the letter and pen. After glancing at Iris once more, he turned to Nahun and asked.
“By the way, have you brought in another human?”
“You noticed.”
“Haha, you know I’ve been conducting a business through Nahun.”
“It’s a joke. I brought one along because this one seemed useful.”
At the mention of being brought along, Iris flinched slightly. The keen Bernet quickly noticed this small movement and remarked.
“Ah, it’s one-armed.”
“I made it that way.”
“Why…would you do that?”
“It wasn’t initially one to obey so easily.”
“I see.”
Bernet received the paper and pen from the servant and offered them to Nahun.
“I will send it quickly.”
“Thank you.”
“However, Nahun.”
Bernet said.
“It would not be difficult to include you and your group in our caravan, but I cannot do it for free.”
Ersha frowned at Bernet, who dared to propose a deal to the great Demon Lord, but Nahun seemed to read his expression. Nahun asked Bernet as if to indicate his understanding.
“Is there a reasonable reason for that?”
“…The fifth floor of Marbas has a strict screening process. If they confirm that the number of people entering and exiting differs by three, they have the possibility to initiate an investigation.”
“What do you plan to do about it, then?”
“The fastest way is bribery. Since it’s not just one person but three, it will cost quite a lot of money.”
Nahun needed to return as quickly as possible. Therefore, he had no choice but to choose the fastest method, and bribery was the answer. Understanding Bernet’s intent, Nahun nodded.
“Okay, then we should provide a suitable payment.”
Bernet gave a slight bow as if grateful to Nahun for understanding. Nahun thought it was quite fortunate. He had something to convey to Bernet that he could provide in exchange for information.
“I will provide a piece of information.”
“…Information, you say?”
The Oliva Caravan led by Bernet had also grown into a well-known large caravan in the Demon World, thanks to Nahun’s plans. What would happen if they learned of the weaknesses of a rival caravan of similar scale in such a situation?
“I can guarantee that it is information worth more than gold.”
“…!”
“Would you like to hear it, or are you looking for something else in return?”
“…Could you share what the information is?”
“Sorry.”
Nahun smiled lightly.
“I don’t provide previews.”
“…Hah, Nahun, you are truly a player.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment. So, will you listen?”
“Yes, I understand. I will personally ensure that you and your group are taken to the 44th floor.”
“Then we have a deal.”
Nahun gestured for him to wait a moment and began to write the letter. While Nahun was writing, Bernet was unable to control his curiosity and appeared to be waiting silently and calmly.
“Please deliver this.”
“Understood!”
As if waiting for Nahun to finish his letter, Bernet reacted immediately. Nahun chuckled at Bernet’s reaction.
“Sorry for making you wait so long.”
“Not at all….”
“Now, let’s hear it.”
Nahun said.
“The Oliva Caravan has also grown immensely. It’s incomparable to when we first met.”
“Indeed. It’s all thanks to you, Nahun.”
“The credit for managing it well lies more with you. Nevertheless, there are still caravans larger than the Oliva Caravan, and some of a similar size.”
“Yes.”
Bernet paused, wondering what Nahun was getting at. Then he was bound to be surprised by the words that flowed from Nahun’s lips.
“The Aquile Caravan.”
“!”
“It seems the Aquile Caravan is up to something interesting.”
“What do you mean by the Aquile Caravan…?”
Nahun didn’t finish his statement and instead urged Iris, who was beside him, to speak. She hesitantly stepped up beside Nahun and said to Bernet.
“I, I saw a symbol like that of the Aquile Caravan in the human realm.”
“…Wait, is that true? Is it really reliable information?”
“Yes… I have seen it several times while checking the supplies brought into the knight order… So I found it somewhat suspicious.”
Nahun raised the corners of his mouth slightly as he spoke.
“That’s it. Bernet, is this much information enough to conceal the three of us?”
“…….”
Bernet looked at Nahun for a moment. After organizing the information he had just heard, he nodded.
“Thank you, Nahun.”
Bernet stood up from his seat.
“With this, I can eliminate one competitor.”
“I hope the Oliva Caravan thrives.”
“I truly appreciate your thoughtful consideration, Nahun. I will ensure your comfort up to the 44th floor.”
Nahun smiled slightly, and Bernet bowed respectfully before taking his leave.
“We’ve resolved the return for now.”
“Yes, it’s a relief.”
He thought everything would go well. Up until that moment, Nahun thought so. However, the next day, upon receiving news from Bernet’s servant, his expression could not help but frown.
“…Prohibited from entering?”
It was none other than Marbas von Gart, the owner and sole lord of the fifth floor, who had issued an entry ban on all those who had currently entered the fifth floor. Moreover…
“At least two weeks???”
For over two weeks.
#
Garp doubted his own eyes. Garp was fully aware of what kind of Demon Lord he was. He was a ruler distinguished in martial and civil affairs, whose political skills were also commendable, and had high loyalty from his subordinates.
Yet, he could not even step into the upper ranks of Demon Lords, unable to rise simply because the one above him was remarkably superior. He was the unfortunate Demon Lord.
Recently, however, he found hope brewing. This was due to several top-tier Demon Lords dying in the recent Great Demon War, which had left a vacancy.
In the upcoming council, the bloodline of the slain Demon Lords would be elected as new Demon Lords, and the hierarchy would be newly arranged. Thus, Garp had a high chance of stepping up into the ranks of top-tier Demon Lords.
But before he could realize that dream…
Boom─────!!!
Everything seemed to be crumbling. And it was by a Demon Lord who was far lower in rank than himself. Garp was witnessing that scene, capturing its astonishing appearance in his eyes.
A blood-red glimmer emanated from the crimson eyes embedded in a pitch-black sword. The mana gathered around the glimmer formed a circle that resembled a blood-dyed moon.
“Blood Moon.”
『 Sanguis Lūna』
As Seere von Debata recited a short incantation, ancient magic was unleashed. The mana swirling like a blood moon began to grow in size.
“Damn it, everyone step back!!!”
Garp shouted desperately, but it was already too late. The overwhelming mana swept away everything in its vicinity. The young Demon Lord, who had obliterated all around him without distinguishing between soldiers and officers, glared at Garp while calming the excited Bicon.
“So, you are the Demon Lord, Garp.”
“Ha, haha….”
Ordinarily, this numerical superiority was insurmountable. In reality, both the left and right flanks were still holding firm against the assault. However, results from the central main force rendered that meaningless.
Even the massive white whale still rampaging and devouring Garp’s subordinates was nothing in comparison to the power of the young Demon Lord standing right in front of him.
“…Indeed, that bloodline has not gone anywhere.”
The heir of the Godless. The power of that bloodline was indeed beyond imagination.
Garp surveyed the battlefield. The damage was immense, but they had not been completely annihilated. Now, although their numerical superiority was rendered meaningless, he still could not afford to give up.
Garp gripped his sword and said.
“I know you are strong. It seems I underestimated you because you are young.”
For the first time in a while, Garp felt the thrill of blood boiling in his veins. He had assumed it would be an insignificant battle by the time he arrived on the battlefield…but he did not expect himself to be the one trapped in a corner.
Kugugugu!!!
Garp’s available mana poured out from his body, applying pressure to the surroundings. Seere observed this and her gaze changed. From seeing something trivial to expressing interest.
Garp felt that change and let out a hollow laugh. He then spoke to Seere.
“I will go all out.”
“…Indeed, you are different from the riffraff I have faced so far. This will be interesting.”
Mana converged into Garp’s sword. The mana was sharpened thin and keen. Like a blade.
“Blade of the storm, cleave the enemy.”
【 Hurricane Blade 】
Garp surged forward in an instant, planting his feet into the ground and charging like an arrow. He rapidly closed the distance to Seere, who was riding Bicon, and lunged with his sword.
It was an overwhelming speed that others could hardly see. Only Lin and Baruna, who were nearby, noticed it and cried out in panic.
“Your Majesty!”
“Your Majesty!?”
However, Seere…was already watching. The moment she confirmed Garp’s sword aiming for her neck with her own eyes, the red hair that had been hidden among her white locks lost color.
“…Counterattack.”
『 Repúlsĭo』
Seeing that Seere did not swing her sword, Garp was convinced he had the advantage. However, that was merely an illusion.
Tuquaan!!!
“What….”
A formidable mana completely obstructed the space between the sword and her neck. The overwhelming mana then absorbed all of Garp’s mana and…
Boom!!!
It was blasted back at him. Garp was hit with the very mana he had poured out, resulting in a large hole appearing in his upper body.
“Urgh…guh…w-what the hell….”
Garp looked at Seere. The interest that had slightly ignited in her eyes was gone, replaced by a complete loss of interest. Even as Garp was dying, she muttered as if thinking of something else.
“Soon…they should be arriving, right?”
He could not tell who she was speaking to. In a situation filled with questions, Garp collapsed forward, bleeding.
Thud, despite the enemy commander falling, Seere seemed focused on something else entirely. She passed by Garp and started slicing through soldiers once again.
