Chapter 251
After Seere fell asleep, Nahun faithfully fulfilled his role as the acting authority. He firmly established ownership of the 23rd floor in Seere von Debata’s name and accepted the remnants of the surrendered Astharoth army.
Although there were still some final decisions left for Seere herself, it was unlikely that she would have any complaints about what Nahun had done, making the matters effectively decided.
“The absence of our lord will create confusion. Please pay special attention to the security of the 23rd floor.”
“Yes.”
Thus, Nahun cautioned the Legion to take special care regarding the security of the 23rd floor. While utilizing the remnants of the absorbed Astharoth army would be the easiest way to stabilize the 23rd floor, it would be troublesome if their thoughts changed through contact with the residents.
‘There’s no need to create unnecessary risk factors.’
Nahun entrusted the security of the 23rd floor to the relatively intact 2nd and 8th Legions, while he relocated the sleeping Seere to the 25th floor and returned. The sight of Seere, unable to awaken upon returning to the Demon King Castle, shocked Rea and Cecili, nearly causing them to faint, but Nahun calmed them.
“She’ll be fine once her magic power returns.”
“Ah….”
“Ha, I’m really… relieved.”
Cecili sighed in relief as she brushed her chest, and Rea also seemed to be calming down.
“Nevertheless, we need to ensure stability, so please pay special attention.”
“Understood.”
“I want to stay by her side, but there’s much to be done in her stead.”
“Don’t worry. I will keep watch over her.”
Thus, Cecili began to vigilantly guard the sleeping Seere, allowing Nahun to focus on his work with peace of mind. During this time, Nahun aimed to complete the plans for his ongoing business.
“Dein, Eri.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, Nahun.”
After a long time, Nahun called upon both of them and commanded Dein.
“Ersha has likely finished preparations at the bloodline’s sacred place. Use the 3rd portal on the 72nd floor to cross over into the human world, meet Ersha, and receive the message. Then take this to the art shop and carry out the transaction.”
He handed Dein the business card he had received from the art shop earlier.
“You can mention the usual trading partner that Ersha has informed you about. Once you complete the transaction, art will be supplied to the Demon World from the herbs produced by Ersha.”
“Yes.”
“Eri, you’ll play the role of a noblewoman during the transaction. Dein will obtain a suitable noble couple identity.”
To avoid suspicion at the art shop, it was preferable to act as a high-status couple. Eri readily agreed.
“Yes, understood.”
If this had been before, Eri would have been quite flustered, but now it was no problem for her to act as a couple. Their changed relationship had already transcended that of a normal couple.
Seeing her transformation, Nahun felt a hint of satisfaction and had a thought.
‘I too need to change.’
He realized through this war that it was necessary to avoid overly reckless strategies. Seere’s strength remained formidable, but as the ranks rose, the opposing forces also became stronger.
‘I cannot avoid war. I will continue to wage wars, but…’
He must avoid fighting when the opposing forces are at full strength. Weaken the power of the layer to be targeted as much as possible, then consume them when they are like toothless tigers. Nahun sighed slightly at that thought.
Then, turning to the two who were waiting for his orders, he spoke.
“Set off. Do it without mistakes.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, Nahun.”
With Dein and Eri departing to fulfill their commands, Nahun tilted his head slightly upward.
“Next is ‘that person’, I suppose.”
The 22nd floor was ruled by Runwe, a member of the Nobilis faction. It was not yet the time to engage with the Demon King within the factions, so if he passed that, the next place would be the 21st floor. Its master was none other than…
“…Glashalavras.”
Among the Demon Kings, Glashalavras was regarded as an extreme Demon King, treated as a ‘madman’. As a radical martial artist, she was known for being exceptionally strict even towards her subordinates. This was evident from the case of Eliza, who had served under her.
Nahun pondered deeply. The personality of Glashalavras was extreme enough that such a label felt insufficient. Unsurprisingly, there must have been many who felt discontent. She imposed extremely difficult standards even on those who served her loyally, casting away subordinates as if they were nothing.
But that wasn’t all. Internally, she ruled with a level of tyrannical political maneuvering. One could tell just by the nickname ‘Slaughter Queen’.
“The external reputation is already too poor to damage further…”
There was no reason to maintain friendships. The usefulness gained in the assembly was over, and she had no more value to be utilized. There was also no reason to develop a partnership with her.
Nahun narrowed his eyes.
“I’ll have to bring her down from the inside.”
With Seere asleep, Nahun planned to begin and finish preliminary work ahead of time. The martial artist Demon King, who was aligned with Seere, would likely not appreciate hearing of such schemes.
Though scheming like this didn’t quite match Nahun’s personality…
“…It can’t be helped.”
Nahun muttered to himself as if justifying to someone.
“I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
Nahun tapped his fingers on the desk and spoke into thin air.
“Iris.”
“…Yes?”
A voice responded from somewhere. After calling for her and waiting briefly, Iris emerged from behind the curtain.
“I have something for you to do.”
“Is, is it finally time?”
“Indeed… what time are you referring to?”
“Are you not planning to indulge in me due to the inability to suppress your desires?”
“…If you talk nonsense like that one more time, I’ll sew your mouth shut.”
#
The 21st floor. Back when Glashalavras was the master of the 24th floor, just like it had been on the 24th floor, the 21st floor was becoming a layer of gladiators. Because it was not long since Iforos had ruled, the residents found it difficult to accept Glashalavras’s policies.
However, if they had cared about that, Glashalavras would not have garnered the reputation she has now. True to her nickname as the ‘Slaughter Queen’, she pushed through her work in her own way.
“These individuals are sinners who have gone against the command of our great lord, Glashalavras!! To rebel against the great lord’s command is an outright serious crime! The price for such sins must be paid with their lives!”
Each day, the central plaza of the 21st floor was stained crimson with fresh blood. A gallows and execution ground were set up where they hadn’t been before, and new sinners were brought there daily.
Just as she had done when ruling the 24th floor, Glashalavras sought to dominate the layer with ‘fear’ as the master of the 21st floor.
“The execution is about to be carried out!”
Initially, there was considerable resistance to this reign of terror. In fact, such role models backfired as they often stirred up more opposition.
However, that was only for a while. Living beings are fundamentally endowed with a survival instinct. Naturally, they are born with a fear of death. As Glashalavras harshly purged anyone who opposed her, and even their families, the cycle continued…
“Another…”
“Why not just stay obedient?”
People fell under the sway of fear. The thought that if they opposed Glashalavras, they would not only lose their own lives but also those of their relatives began to solidify in their minds. As the ruthless purges of the opposing forces continued, the initial fierce resentment towards the increasing construction of coliseums waned.
“Your Majesty, we executed the criminals today. A total of 25 sinners have paid for their sins.”
“Good work.”
While the 21st floor was being stained with blood, Glashalavras, a crazed lady, drank red wine out of the goblet held in her hands while smiling with satisfaction.
“What’s the status?”
In response to Glashalavras’s inquiry, the loyal reporting general, Eregorn, replied energetically.
“Yes! It seems that Seere von Debata from the 25th floor has eliminated Astharoth von Hoda and absorbed most of her forces!”
“Oh… so Astharoth von Hoda has been thoroughly defeated.”
Glashalavras had always rated Astharoth highly. Although her forces were vast, it didn’t matter to Glashalavras because she had long recognized her own martial prowess.
It was Seere von Debata who had defeated Astharoth head-on. Glashalavras looked intrigued.
“Then next it must be me.”
“How dare you! I won’t allow that to happen!”
“Is that so? You’re thinking far too highly of yourself.”
Eregorn had been a veteran under Glashalavras, who imposes strict standards even on her subordinates, for a long time. That fact was a testament to Eregorn’s exceptional abilities. Nonetheless, Glashalavras spoke as if it was ridiculous.
“If you claimed to have defeated Astharoth head-on, it means that you have far exceeded the level you can handle.”
“Then…”
“If there is a confrontation, it will be my responsibility to handle it.”
“Your Majesty, I cannot allow you to personally get involved. It would be my utmost…”
“Don’t be foolish, Eregorn. Know when to step in.”
“…Yes.”
Glashalavras’s voice expressed clear excitement at the mere thought.
“I’m looking forward to it. When will someone issue me a challenge?”
Amidst those thoughts, Glashalavras suddenly had another thought.
“No, is there a need to wait?”
“Yes?”
“Could I not go and find her first?”
“Your Majesty, that might…”
“When have we ever cared about external reputation?”
“…If you command it, I will carry out your wishes!”
Glashalavras intended to take action without caring about outside reputation. But at that moment, a man rushed into the audience chamber looking frantic.
“Your, Your Majesty!”
“Don’t be flustered.”
“…I apologize! There is a matter I must report urgently.”
“What is it?”
“There are reactionaries calling themselves the Resistance rising up all over the layers. The problem is that they are equipped with weapons that they must have acquired from somewhere!”
Glashalavras narrowed her eyes.
Rebellion arising at the perfect timing, just as news of the 23rd floor being conquered spreads? The timing was too exquisite. While there was no certainty, it wasn’t difficult to guess who was scheming this.
“…Arrest everyone who has entered from the 22nd floor.”
“Yes?… Ah, yes! Understood!”
“And Eregorn, there’s no need for mercy with the rebels. Eliminate them all.”
“I shall obey.”
“Prepare a declaration of war simultaneously.”
Glashalavras wore a displeased expression. Just like what had happened with the 23rd floor, she had anticipated a splendid face-to-face confrontation, but hadn’t expected this kind of underhanded approach. Glashalavras issued her command in a voice laced with discomfort.
“We shall move first.”
“Yes!”
#
As the messenger carrying Glashalavras’s edict headed toward the 23rd floor, he suddenly paused.
“…Who is that?”
Ordinarily, nobody would know the path the messenger took. Their route was, of course, military confidential, known only to a very select few.
Yet, there stood a strange figure he had never seen before. A pitiful woman with one arm missing. She looked up slightly upon spotting the messenger.
“That… you brought that from the 21st floor, didn’t you?”
“…You came for the edict, didn’t you?”
The messenger hurriedly tried to turn away, but it was already too late. Once she entered his line of sight, there was no escaping. In her remaining hand, she held an oddly shaped spear.
“You can’t run away.”
As the spear’s butt struck the ground with a thud, a brief word slipped from the woman’s lips.
“Wail, Bazra.”
Crack!!!
A lightning bolt struck. In an instant, the messenger and the edict were consumed in flames, leaving the woman stunned, staring at the spear in her hand.
“Uh… what a frightening gift you’ve given me…”
