The soldiers of the Magic Kingdom were completing their gathering in Macedonia.
Facing them, Helene, as the Supreme Commander, issued commands for the operation.
The Empire Army held a geographical advantage behind the castle walls.
However, Helene understood well that mere defense would not suffice for a more certain victory.
“As you all know, the Magic Kingdom’s combat power stems from the Magic Battalion led by witches. As long as they continue their supply, including meals, they can unleash powerful magical attacks without limit. In other words, to win this war, we must prioritize dealing with their Magic Battalion.”
“That’s correct.”
“However, the enemy’s Magic Battalion is always well-protected. Isn’t it unreasonable to break through that defense?”
The enemy wasn’t foolish either; the Magic Battalion, led by witches, was always positioned at the innermost part of their formation and established their positions in the safest rear areas.
To target them would inevitably require various sacrifices.
Nonetheless, Helene had a plan to minimize her side’s losses while maximizing gains.
“Of course, it won’t be easy. But it’s not impossible. If things go well, we can minimize our losses as well. In that respect, Your Majesty, I was hoping for your assistance in this matter. Would that be acceptable?”
Being an ally rather than merely her subordinates, Helene cautiously posed her question.
In response, the Demon King replied in a calm voice.
“I will listen to the contents of your operation and decide. Of course, as an ally, I will cooperate as much as possible.”
Though not entirely negative, the Demon King showed considerable caution.
Hearing this, Helene smiled and began explaining her plan to him.
“As you know, basically, wizards are relatively weak in close combat, except for the highest-tier beings. In other words, if we can just get close to them, the next part won’t be a big issue. The key is how to execute that. For this, I have devised a simple but potentially effective operation.”
With those words, Helene shared the plan she had devised.
The Demon King seemed to contemplate for a moment before slowly nodding in agreement.
“I understand. Then proceed as planned.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. And… there’s one more request I have. Would that be okay?”
“What is it?”
With a slightly cautious tone, Helene spoke.
Hearing this, the Demon King raised an eyebrow in curiosity, and Helene cautiously added, “To facilitate our efforts, we will support the Empire Army, but in return, I would like some commanders from your side. Although my Empire Army has numbers, after General Achilles disappeared, we have lost a few strong individuals.”
“Hmm… I see. Alright, I will arrange that. Since you are the Supreme Commander, you may allocate accordingly.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
With a hint of embarrassment in his voice, the Demon King glanced briefly at his subordinates behind him.
In that moment, for some reason, his gaze fell upon a blonde human woman at the back, but Helene merely thought he was contemplating who would accompany her.
However, regardless of the Demon King’s thoughts, Helene had already firmly planned how to deploy the Demon King’s forces in relation to this matter.
‘I won’t let the Magic Kingdom’s men handle things clumsily. This is something that must be handled directly by me; it has to be meaningful.’
“Quickly, establish the base!”
“We must finish our work before the sun sets tonight.”
The soldiers of the Magic Kingdom hurriedly constructed their base.
Having experienced successive victories on their way here, their morale was high, and they were confident of winning the upcoming war.
However, at this moment.
The Supreme Commander, York, one of the Four Demon Maidens of the Magic Kingdom, was gripped by deep confusion due to an unexpected message he had received.
“What does this mean?! Wait, the Elf Church declared their defection?”
“Yes, to be precise, they unilaterally declared an end to the war abruptly—without even consulting us.”
“Those filthy ear-folk… how could they betray us like this?”
Filled with deep anger, York began to grit her teeth.
Hearing this, the Head Officer nearby spoke cautiously, “According to them, their suzerain, the Demon Kingdom, issued the command to cease the war. It’s frustrating, but they say there’s nothing they can do as a vassal state.”
“You fool! Do you believe that? That’s just the pretext! In reality, they’ve gotten everything they wanted and are trying to back out, using the Demon Kingdom as an excuse!”
“Ugh…”
The Head Officer, who had foolishly spoken up, quickly fell silent.
York, expressing her intense fury, stood up abruptly.
“Damn it! Since it’s come to this, we must take Macedonia as quickly as possible before the Empire’s forces grow! We will attack the moment the base is established!”
“B-But, our troops haven’t fully gathered yet. An attack in this situation…”
“Don’t you realize it’s quicker for their forces to swell than for ours to gather? Convey the orders! There’s no time!”
“Y-Yes, Commander.”
Following York’s icy directives, the officers began hastily issuing commands.
But then…
“C-Commander! York! W-We have a serious problem!”
“…What is it?”
A soldier rushed in, panic-stricken, shouting desperately.
York and the officers wore expressions of grave concern.
“What on earth is happening?”
“W-We have a serious problem! The D-Demon King… the Demon King has appeared!”
“!?”
“What?”
The soldier’s words revealed a shocking twist.
York and the officers exchanged stunned expressions, thinking it couldn’t possibly be true.
“What nonsense are you spouting? The Demon King showing up here? That’s impossible!”
“It’s true! The Demon King and his subordinates are gathered just outside our base. It seems they are about to attack us at any moment.”
“What kind of absurdity…”
“I can’t believe it… I need to see for myself.”
The idea that the Demon King, who should be holed up in the Royal Castle of the Demon Kingdom, would be here felt utterly nonsensical.
Yet, despite their disbelief, York and the others dashed outside, compelled to confirm the soldier’s wild claim.
Rushing toward the eastern area where the Demon King was said to have appeared, they arrived at a spot near the forest by Castle Macedonia.
Upon arrival, they began to question what their eyes were seeing.
“!”
“N-No… what is this…”
Before them stood a force emanating ominous magical energy.
At the forefront stood a Lich devoid of any flesh, a warrior clad in black armor, and Dark Elves, with more warriors exuding a sinister aura lined up behind them.
And amidst them, a figure donning black armor and wielding a great sword stood tall.
An overwhelming presence radiated from this individual, one that even York could not hope to contend with.
The Demon King.
The moment York laid eyes on him, it felt as though a hammer had struck her, and her mind became a whirlpool of conflicting thoughts.
‘N-No way, can it be? The Demon King is really here? No… that can’t be… But that immense power, it must be the Demon King… Wait, the Elf Church mentioned they backed off due to a command from the Demon King…? Could that have been more than just an excuse, but part of the Demon King’s plan?’
Filled with the sense that all the events leading up to this made sense, York cautiously turned to her subordinate beside her.
“I… I want to ask something. How long has it been since the Demon King appeared over there?”
“Not more than ten minutes. As soon as we discovered him, I thought it best to report immediately.”
“Did he say anything in that time?”
“Nothing at all. However, he doesn’t seem to be giving off a friendly vibe. He looks poised to charge at any moment…”
“Hmmm…”
York understood immediately that, although the trees had obscured their view, the force standing behind was formidable.
Even more terrifying were the figures in the forefront—the Demon King and his subordinates.
The Lich, who certainly seemed stronger than York, along with the Dark Elves and his other subordinates, emanated an aura that was anything but weak.
If they were to launch an assault, York’s troops, who were already set for war against the Empire Army, would suffer immense losses.
In a worst-case scenario, instead of even having a chance to attack Castle Macedonia, they might find themselves annihilated here by the Demon King.
“F-First, send a messenger to them. We need to attempt communication.”
“Y-Yes. Understood.”
“And immediately halt the base construction and mobilize our forces. As per protocol, ensure the Magic Battalion is placed at the rear.”
“At once, Commander.”
Amidst the overwhelming pressure of the abrupt appearance of the Demon King’s forces, York began to make the best contingency plans she could…
And, witnessing the hurried actions of the soldiers of the Magic Kingdom, a deep smile began to form on the lips of Hero Ellen, who donned the persona of the Demon King.
‘Just as planned…’