Chapter 235
Asmodeus spoke with a serious expression.
“Close the gates tightly and do not go outside! Since it has come to this, we will fight from the walls!”
“Yes!!”
The plan to advance to the enemy’s stronghold using Baison was instantly shattered. It was a bit disconcerting, but the situation on the battlefield was not yet dire.
“Strengthen the protective barrier even more, and bombard them with magic so they cannot approach the gates.”
“Understood!”
Asmodeus calmly surveyed the battlefield again. The massive body of Baison still had some use even in death. It was blocking the artillery shells flying from afar.
However, there were drawbacks.
“…Where has that guy gone?”
Citri’s location was not visible. From the movements of the cavalry following her and the remaining soldiers of the support unit that were still not decimated, Asmodeus could guess her general position.
“Erhi!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Citri is near the gates. Can you hit her?”
At Asmodeus’s question, Erhi pulled out the large bow he had slung on his back. He gently stroked his well-groomed mustache and replied.
“That’s a piece of cake.”
“I’m counting on you. You must sniper her, or at least force her to retreat from the battlefield.”
“Yes.”
Citri’s power was an unexpected factor. If she possessed that much strength, even Asmodeus himself would not be guaranteed victory in a direct confrontation.
‘…I heard most of her power was sealed.’
Asmodeus was also unaware of the seal stone’s location, so he did not know that Citri had regained her powers. This lack of information, though simple, began to create critical consequences.
Boom!!!
The entire wall shook violently, enough to resonate where Asmodeus stood. He quickly regained his balance and asked.
“What happened?”
“Something hit the gates with great force!”
“What?”
What could have hit them?
Asmodeus quickly concluded the thought and called Erhi.
“Erhi! Handle that Citri girl quickly!”
Hearing Asmodeus’s urgency, Erhi raised his lips slightly in a smile.
“Your Majesty is really in a hurry. A sniper’s job is….”
At that moment, Citri entered Erhi’s view, swinging her sword with intent to break the barrier and the gate simultaneously.
“…It requires a careful shot.”
【 Piercing Arrow 】
Erhi recited the spell he had transformed. As he released the taut bowstring, a powerful arrow shot forth with magical energy, flying as fast as the wind.
Citri did not seem to notice it. She continued to swing her sword at the gates, even as the arrow approached her side.
‘It’s over.’
The arrow would pierce her temple. Convinced of this, Erhi tried to put the bow away.
“…Huh!?”
However, at that moment when the arrow was about to arrive, Citri swiftly turned her gaze and swung her sword infused with magical energy.
Swoosh!!!
“What….”
“Is that a sniper?”
Citri quickly turned and hid behind Baison’s body. The opportunity for a sniper shot was lost. As Erhi looked down with a slightly flustered and dumbfounded expression, Asmodeus approached and asked.
“Did you succeed?”
“…No. I failed.”
“What?”
“That Demon King… His reaction speed is unnaturally monstrous. Clearly, he hadn’t noticed, but when the arrow was right next to him, he reacted and swung his sword.”
Erhi spoke to Asmodeus as if he had seen something terrifying.
“He is not someone to deal with at range. We must confront him head-on. If not, he might really break the barrier and the gate.”
“…Is it that serious?”
Asmodeus bit his teeth. Then, as if he had made up his mind, he spoke.
“I will step forward.”
“Your Majesty, that is too dangerous a choice.”
“If we let it go on like this, we might lose the barrier and the gate. I will not go alone. I will go with General Harcen.”
The heroic Harcen.
He was the most distinguished general under Asmodeus, still loyally working for the 31st floor even after the leader changed. He was stationed at the rear gate in case of unforeseen events, but it seemed he would need to be called in.
“Erhi, take over the rear gate in place of General Harcen and fetch him.”
“Yes, understood.”
Asmodeus commanded as he prepared to take the field himself and mounted his horse. Shortly after, a hulking man, who was changing shifts with Erhi, approached Asmodeus and knelt.
“General Harcen, I have arrived.”
“General Harcen, rise quickly. We must go outside to confront the formidable enemy.”
“I shall obey. However, Your Majesty.”
Harcen said.
“It would be sufficient for the divine to fend for himself, so I wish for you to command from within.”
“Do you not trust me?”
“Not at all. It’s just….”
Harcen spoke.
“Your Majesty must oversee the internal affairs so that the soldiers can keep their morale and fight. And the foes outside, the divine can certainly hold them off alone.”
“……”
Asmodeus pondered for a moment, then nodded and dismounted his horse. As he said, there needed to be at least one commander to lead the defense inside.
“I will trust you.”
“Yes.”
“Use this horse.”
Asmodeus gave him his Bicon. The lord’s Bicon was superior to any other Bicons in both speed and prowess. Harcen declined, saying.
“Such a thing, how could I dare…”
“Ride this horse and make them regret attacking our 31st floor.”
“……If you say so, I will devote myself to carry out your command.”
Mounting the Bicon that Asmodeus rode, Harcen rode out with bold soldiers, opening the gates. As the gates swung wide, Citri could be seen fiercely attacking the barrier, truly beginning to show cracks.
“Huh? Another one has emerged.”
“Your Majesty, please step back for now.”
They could not fight with the barrier in between. Following Boris’s advice, Citri retreated until she was out of reach of the barrier, where they could be vulnerable.
With her shining platinum hair billowing behind her as she turned, even the bold soldiers momentarily faltered, but Harcen remained unfazed.
Harcen also had to protect the barrier, so he had no choice but to step outside to confront them. He urged his horse out of the barrier, weapon raised, and bowed.
“I stand before you, Demon King Citri.”
“You’re quite a courteous one, aren’t you?”
Responding in a voice that seemed pleased, Citri heard Harcen’s words.
“I dare to speak to the Demon King. If you withdraw, as the commander of the army, I will ensure that we can part without further conflict.”
“…What? What nonsense is this?”
Citri sounded incredulous, and Boris spoke from the side.
“It seems just a courtesy. She is already brimming with the desire to fight.”
“Is that so?”
Perhaps due to Boris’s skill in concealing their intentions, Citri had not noticed. In truth, she couldn’t have missed what Boris felt; she was merely not focusing on it.
Citri seemed slightly pleased and spoke in a fresh voice.
“I’ll refuse.”
“…Choosing the hard path, how foolish.”
Harcen drew a massive broadsword, strong enough that it seemed it should be sheathed at his waist instead of on his back. The tip of the sword seemed poised to touch the ground.
“If that is your answer, I shall crush you with all my might.”
“Oh, very well. But… are you the one? The heroic Harcen. With that tone and demeanor, it is clear.”
“…What difference does it make if you realize that now? No further conversation is necessary.”
“By coming here, it seems the commander of the rear has changed?”
“……”
Harcen slightly narrowed his eyes. Citri’s comment meant that they already understood the command structure of Asmodeus’s forces. That was why Harcen had reacted slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.
“What of it? Even without me, there are many remarkable talents in our 31st floor.”
“Well….”
Citri chuckled as if finding it amusing.
“Let’s see how that goes.”
“You’re talking too much for my liking.”
Harcen gripped his sword tightly.
“I will not allow further dialogue.”
As he said that, Harcen began to spur his Bicon forward. Bold soldiers who had followed Harcen also charged quickly. The sight of Harcen and the cavalry charging rapidly made Citri lift the corners of her mouth slightly and swing her sword.
Bang!!!
It was just the clash of swords, but a thunderous noise resonated as if something had exploded. Harcen internally marveled at how Citri had anticipated his attack and shifted his gaze to his soldiers for a moment.
The clashing cavalry fought fiercely against one another. They didn’t seem to be falling behind, but the presence of Boris, an excellent cavalry commander under Citri, stood out.
‘…The longer this drags on, the more we will crumble.’
Concluding this, Harcen took a deep breath and summoned his strength and magic. Citri felt her sword slipping slightly and openly expressed her admiration.
“You’re strong.”
However, Citri was not so foolish as to indulge in a battle of strength. She smoothly withdrew her sword and shifted her horse to the side, thrusting her sword towards Harcen from the left.
Clang!
However, this time, Harcen displayed remarkable defensive capabilities. He deftly wielded the massive broadsword with great agility, parrying Citri’s sword and seizing the opportunity to counterattack.
At the moment when the broadsword descended from above, Citri released the reins with her left hand and seized Harcen’s wrist.
“!”
“Care to show off your strength a bit?”
Citri spoke.
“How about we see who is stronger?”
Although the power sealed within Citri was special, it only sealed her magical abilities. Her physical abilities were not much different from her prime.
Therefore,
“Grrr…!!”
Even Harcen, who was strong, could hardly shake off her formidable grip. Citri was once a Demon King ranked 12th. She did not belong to any faction nor was she particularly skilled in schemes, yet her ascent to such a high position was because of this unique power.
Though her own abilities played a part…
Crunch!!!
In the end, her physical might was the source.
With the sound of bones cracking, Harcen quickly shifted his sword to his opposite hand and swung it to push Citri away. Harcen grimaced as he looked at his broken right wrist.
Meanwhile, Citri stepped back slightly, looking entirely unharmed. She glanced at Harcen’s mangled wrist and said.
“Why didn’t you stay at the rear gate? Even with you there, it would still have been somewhat concerning, but if someone else took over… it would be a disaster.”
“…I know you diverted forces to the rear. However, I also realized that it was just one legion.”
Harcen said, gripping his sword with his left hand.
“The rear defense is not so flimsy as to be breached by just one legion.”
“General Harcen!!!”
At that moment, Asmodeus’s urgent voice sounded from the top of the wall. Harcen turned his head slightly and looked up at the walls.
“Your Majesty, the divine battle is not yet over.”
“That’s not the problem! The rear gate…!!”
“…!”
“See? What did I tell you?”
Citri smirked.
“I said it would be a big deal~.”
#
Redirecting only the 6th legion of the Debata army led by Rexion and Murciela towards the rear was Gremony’s plan.
To ensure they concealed their identity as the supporting legion, Gremony deliberately asked them to carry the banner of Gremony’s army.
While it was a tricky request, Rexion accepted it without showing any objection.
This was because Seere had instructed him to listen closely to Citri and Gremony. Thanks to that, Rexion’s 6th legion was able to disguise itself as one of Gremony’s legions seamlessly.
As a legion turned back, Asmodeus’s decision to place Harcen at the rear was correct. However, due to the unexpected power of Citri, Asmodeus’s judgment became momentarily clouded, and after heeding Erhi’s advice, he removed Harcen from the rear.
Erhi was not a lacking general, but compared to Harcen, who could contend with the Demon King, he was indeed lacking. And there were monstrous foes he had to face.
“Grrr…!”
“A sniper, huh? Skill seems decent, but the match-up was unfavorable.”
Rexion’s axe had splintered the gates into two, now aiming at Erhi’s face. Behind him, Murciela, a member of the alligator-like Ammut race, opened her massive maw and shouted.
“Kill them all!”
“Murciela, hold your position.”
“…Yes.”
Erhi was flustered. The enemy’s strength was merely a legion. Yet, not only their skills but also those of the two apparent leaders were exceptionally high. Such absurdity felt wrong, as if something was amiss.
It couldn’t be helped. Rexion and Murciela, present here, were both tested and formidable warriors who had secured 2nd and 4th place respectively under the direct evaluation of Seere von Debata.
Considering the opponents they had previously faced were Celestia, commander of the 7th legion, and Erina, vice-commander, both military veterans since the days of Seir, it was clear that they were remarkable.
“Don’t kill them all; take some as prisoners. Soon reinforcements will arrive to defend the rear, so let’s get to the walls before we’re trapped. Use the captives to buy us time then.”
“Yes, Commander.”
The rear gate did have its protective barrier. It was indeed weaker than the one surrounding the front gate… but it was assuredly not a level that could be easily breached alone. Yet, Rexion, it seemed, was planning to breach it with pure might.
He infused magical energy into his axe and threw it to shatter the barrier.
Achieved through sheer strength and magic. In an instant, through the broken barrier flooded a legion of well-trained soldiers, with Erhi struggling to take any action proven futile as the rear gate was overtaken.
“Are you… the army of Gremony von Due?”
The possibility that her army boasted such overwhelming strength wasn’t impossible. Gremony was also a Demon King who fought alongside Seere during the Celestial Wars. However, this situation felt absurd. If she had such commanding talent beneath her, the front lines would have been breached long ago.
“Don’t misunderstand.”
Rexion said as if to clear any misconceptions.
“I am not beneath such a weak Demon King.”
“…You guys, truly…!”
Crack!!
Rexion narrowed his eyes. It was because Murciela had devoured Erhi’s head in one gulp. Murciela chewed a bit, spat something out, and turned her attention elsewhere.
“Murciela.”
“Oh, I just thought that girl might have sensed something, so I was trying to silence her. Was that not appropriate?”
“…Do not act without orders.”
“Yes.”
“Bring the captives. We will ascend the walls and seize the towers.”
“We’re doing all the work, huh.”
“Stop your pointless chatter.”
#
As the 6th legion breached the rear gate and began causing chaos at the back, confusion surged within Asmodeus’s army. Harcen, who had gone outside the main gates, also seemed to be in a precarious situation.
Asmodeus frowned and shouted.
“Damn it, I must take action!”
“No, Your Majesty! If you bear injury as well, that will truly be the end!”
“Then is there no one to support General Harcen?”
“I will go!!”
A young general boldly stepped forward. Asmodeus looked at him and shook his head.
“This is not a place for you to be.”
Though he was an excellent warrior, Asmodeus recognized that the young general was too inexperienced and rejected his request.
The eager young general returned to his spot with a slightly awkward expression as Asmodeus accepted the requests of a more seasoned general. He then commanded another general.
“General Areb, proceed with your troops to the rear gate with General Dileo! We must reclaim it!”
“Yes!”
As the gates opened once more, and reinforcements poured out to support Harcen, the young general left behind on the walls muttered to himself.
“…It’s not full of gaps, but there are definitely some I can see.”
However, he could do nothing about it. Since his lord commanded to defend the walls, he had to stay and defend.
“I had high hopes for the young lord, but he still won’t make use of me.”
Sighing with disappointment, he stood with his spear and began commanding the soldiers from atop the wall, firing arrows.
On the other hand, the general who had gone to support Harcen, Casanor, galloped forth with bravado. However, before he could approach Harcen, he found himself blocked.
“Gah, you bastard…!”
“I will deal with you.”
Boris, who had secured dominance over Harcen’s elite cavalry after leading his own troops, now squared up against Casanor.
Citri observed this and spoke to Harcen.
“It seems support won’t be coming. What shall we do?”
“I did not expect support from the beginning.”
There was still fire in Harcen’s eyes as he prepared himself. Indeed, he was a brave and able general. However, Citri did not intend to attract him to their side.
Men like this bamboo-like general would not easily change allegiance regardless of the means. If Citri were to use her abilities, she could compel them, but she did not wish to have such subordinates.
She merely praised Harcen’s spirit openly.
“Indeed, you have a good spirit.”
Citri held onto the reins of her Bicon. Harcen, holding his sword, bit down on the reins with his mouth, unable to use his broken right hand. Seeing this, Citri commented simply as she charged.
“How relentless.”
As Harcen began to charge in kind, Casanor, who had been blocked by Boris, shouted.
“General Harcen! Wait a moment, I’ll be there soon… Gah!!”
“Who said I would wait for you?”
Boris tenaciously pursued Casanor, preventing him from joining the fray. In truth, he wasn’t worried about the implications of a combined assault; he simply…
Clang!!!
“You seem to use your left hand quite well?”
It was his intention to delight in helping his lord, who manages to regain even a sliver of their strength. Citri was relishing the fight with Harcen; it was only natural since it was the first proper battle since regaining her strength.
However, overcoming Citri was a daunting task for Harcen, who had already lost the normal hand he frequently used. He also felt throbbing pain from his broken wrist.
As it became clearer that Harcen was losing ground, Citri considered wrapping up the fight. Just then, a young general, shooting arrows from the walls to prevent the enemy from advancing, shouted out.
“General Harcen! Look to your left!”
“…!”
Citri was momentarily taken aback. This gave Harcen an opportunity to block her sword while kicking at her with his foot.
With a solid kick to her abdomen, Citri was forcefully pushed back. Boris startled and was about to rush over, but Citri promptly stood up, appearing entirely unharmed. The robust physique of the Demon King was unwavering.
‘Just now….’
Far away, someone was reading Citri’s movements and attack trajectory accurately. Harcen did not realize who had given him that information but spoke toward the walls.
“Thank you!”
Citri glanced momentarily at the wall. Someone was shooting arrows zealously elsewhere but had their gaze directed this way.
“…I’ll remember your face.”
It seemed no matter how the war ended, she was determined to ensure that person was saved and brought over to her side. Citri said.
“The stage seems to be getting a bit monotonous, so shall we wrap this up?”
“I will not allow that.”
Harcen bravely charged towards Citri once more, and she raised her sword high in a broad stroke.
Harcen panicked momentarily at the many openings in her movements, thinking any of them could be chosen for an attack. However, the general on the wall clicked his tongue and murmured.
“Is it over?”
Had Harcen been in prime condition, he might have sensed it. However, in his heightened agony, his nerves had worn thin, preventing him from making sound decisions, and he walked right into Citri’s trap.
Strike!
As Harcen plowed forward from the ground, Citri did not swing her sword. Instead, she kept it still, slightly turning to the right. Then she extended her left hand.
“!”
The sword was a feint. The real attack came from gathering magic in her empty left hand. The gathered magic instantly transformed into a razor-sharp blade…
Swoosh!!
Citri’s magical blade pierced through Harcen’s chest.
“Ugh… huff…”
Citri withdrew the magic blade that had penetrated Harcen’s chest, and he collapsed forward. At the same moment, from behind Citri, Gremony’s main forces, led by Gremony, began to unleash immense magical energy.
“Is it finally done?”
“It took a bit longer than expected, but thank you for buying time.”
Citri charging into the fray and drawing attention, as well as sending Rexion and the legion to the rear, was all part of Gremony’s carefully crafted plan.
Even pretending to be besieging while firing cannons, arrows, and magic projectiles was a ruse to prepare for this one moment to break through the walls, gates, and barriers entirely.
As Gremony drew the massive magical circle, absorbing the magical energy from the allied forces that had moved according to plan, he began to chant the spell.
“Light of Destruction, pierce the enemy.”
【 Ruin Ray 】
In response, the magical energies from the soldiers under Gremony surged into the magic circle. With a chilling sound, a shining brilliance erupted from the magic circle. Asmodeus, hearing the massive magic and sound, snapped back to attention and shouted.
“Reinforce the barriers! Quickly!!”
“Yes!!”
At Asmodeus’s command, the magic troops hastily moved.
“…It’s too late.”
The young general who had been advising Harcen from atop the wall murmured in a dispirited voice.
“I never imagined they would be preparing something like that….”
Kwaaaaaaam───────────────!!
Utilizing the magic focusing circuit learned from Eriana, the magic circle was infused with Gremony’s own magic and the powers of tens of thousands of soldiers.
The light of destruction instantly shattered the barriers and broke the gates apart. It happened in the blink of an eye. Attempting to reinforce the barriers was utterly futile.
Seeing this, Citri declared jubilantly.
“Everyone, breach in!”
With Boris leading, the cavalry under Citri began pouring into the castle, joined by Belkarus, who had somewhat recovered from the aftereffects of the mana revelation.
Meanwhile, from the direction of the rear gate, Rexion and Murciela, who had been besieging and moving around the fortifications, also charged towards the enemy with their legion.
Simultaneously, the forces led by Kaya, who had not consumed any magic from Gremony’s army, also set out as reinforcements. Despite Asmodeus’s forces attempting to block the incoming foes, it was hopeless.
With the barriers and gates broken down in a single stunning spectacle, Asmodeus’s soldiers, having lost their morale, were unable to stand against the advancing tide of Citri’s army.
Asmodeus struggled to the end but could not overcome the overwhelming numerical disadvantage.
The first war not led by the Debata forces, including Seere and Nahun, came to an end as such…
“Lady Citri!”
“We’ve won!”
With the splendid cooperation of the two Demon Kings, victory was achieved.
