The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King – Chapter 57

“Um… are you really okay with this?”

The general expressed his concern.

However, Paladin Amelda responded in a tone filled with determination.

“As I mentioned, my mission is to ensure that all elves in this demon territory are aware of the Pope’s proclamation. If there are any kindred souls left in Galilee, it is only right that I go and deliver the news.”

“Even so, going that far is far too dangerous. It’s practically crossing the enemy’s domain…”

“I knew of the risks from the beginning, which is why I came instead of someone else. Despite appearances, I was once a member of the Hero Party that made it to the Demon King’s Castle. I’m much more capable than sending someone else.”

“Hmm…”

Amelda mentioned the Pope’s edict and her related duties.

Watching her speak with such strong will, the elf general had no choice but to grant permission after considerable thought.

“I have to emphasize, though, that I cannot guarantee your safety in this matter. Please keep that in mind.”

“Don’t worry, but if I should fail and lose my life, please let my homeland know. Tell them that I, Amelda, have received just punishment for the sins done to the Hero.”

“…Understood. I will convey that.”

It wasn’t exactly a pleasant last message, yet the general nodded, understanding the sincerity behind her words.

In her demeanor, he felt as though he was witnessing a penitent pilgrim walking the path of atonement.

*

In the Falcon Empire, the aged Minos

A proud soldier of the Empire and the one responsible for guarding Calvary Castle, he stood on the castle wall, gripped by intense tension with sword in hand.

“Come on… General…”

“Stay calm. Everyone, do not fear and hold your positions.”

“Y-yes… but…”

“We are proud soldiers of the Empire. We shall fight valiantly until the end for our Fatherland.”

“Ugh…”

Minos spoke with a voice filled with determination as a warrior.

Yet, despite his words, the soldiers could hardly shake off the fear lodged deep within their hearts.

What lay before them was…

A procession of countless flames roaming through the thick darkness.

Not ordinary flames, but the green and purple fires infused with the magic power of the demon races.

Seeing that there were likely thousands of troops in the vicinity, anxiety gripped the soldiers at the thought of the enemies rushing towards them at any moment.

Calvary Castle, one of the last remaining southern territories of the Racial Alliance within the Demon Kingdom.

Like other regions, it was essentially isolated from the outside, and in this small stronghold, there was no hope of any external rescue.

And in this situation, the formidable army of demon races passing before them was a terrifying presence in its own right.

‘The remaining troops inside this castle number barely 300… We can’t do anything with such a meager force.’

‘If they turn this way, it will spell our end that very day.’

‘Damn it… Am I really supposed to die like this? I came here prepared for death, but going like this in a place like this…’

Thus, the soldiers’ hearts quivered as they confronted the ominous flames of the demon races.

Though their fear was barely suppressed by General Minos’ rallying cries, it remained deeply embedded in their hearts.

The sight of demon troops ready to surmount upon them made the soldiers feel as though their blood was curdling with each passing second.

And it was the same for General Minos, who struggled to encourage his men.

‘Are they really coming this way? Or are they attacking the alliance forces stationed elsewhere? Either way, with a force that size, it’s clear we have no chance…’

Having overcome numerous crises until now, General Minos felt powerless against the overwhelming enemy army before him.

With the main force of the enemy gathered here, there was nothing left for them but to face a glorious death.

‘So be it… come at me. But I won’t just hand over my head easily to your filthy lot.’

As he braced himself to face the approaching enemies, Minos…

However, contrary to his resolve and the soldiers’ fear.

The flames of demon races did not come rushing toward them; instead, they faded away as dawn broke.

In the end, Minos and his subordinates spent the night gripped by intense tension and fear.

Fortunately, the expected end time did not come, yet all that filled their hearts was an overwhelming dread, not relief.

‘We survived… But tonight, it’s certain that it will be the end.’

‘Yesterday’s targets weren’t us, but now it’s definitely our turn…’

Though no actual battle had occurred, the soldiers remained in deep agitation.

Had there been a clash the night before, it might have been different.

Now, amid the chilling winds of fear that had swept through, the slight respite allowed them to entertain more concrete and varied thoughts.

The desperate longing for life combined with the flashes of despair and death washed over them, stirring their imaginations about worsening scenarios.

This inspired a stronger fear of the enemy returning at any moment, gradually pushing them deeper into anxiety and tension.

After approximately a week of intermittent nighttime marches by the demon races.

Each time, the soldiers had to witness the scene vividly as they gathered on the castle walls for defense, deepening their fear and anxiety even further.

The live scenes reminding them that their lives hung by a thread.

Each repetition drained the soldiers further, leading to a rise in deserters desperate to survive, and those gave up hope, abandoned by despair.

In just a few days, the human forces inside Calvary Castle had dwindled to less than half, and the remaining soldiers were mentally exhausted.

And…

In front of them.

A soldier who had attempted to desert and a letter were delivered.

“Read it.”

“Y-yes, General.”

Trembling hands grasped the letter as the deserter began to read it cautiously in front of his comrades.

“If you surrender and abandon the castle, we will show you mercy. However, if you resist until the end, you will meet the same fate as Dimode’s soldiers — total annihilation.”

The offer to open a path for survival amid overwhelming despair.

At the same time, a declaration that if this mercy was refused, absolute destruction would follow.

The remaining soldiers within the castle were thrown into great turmoil.

“Are… are they really going to spare us?”

“We can escape this hellish place?”

Then…

“Silence! Don’t fall for the enemy’s vile tricks! Those filthy creatures will not spare us!”

General Minos spoke in a firm voice.

Yet, his aide and subordinate soldiers began to voice their concerns cautiously.

“B-but General, if that was their intention, they would have attacked us by now.”

“Word has it that some among the demon races treat prisoners kindly.”

“If we stay like this, we all die. Better to… guk!!!”

“!”

In the next moment, Minos beheaded the aide who had sought to persuade him.

Immediately afterward, he emitted an aura akin to a beast, gaze filled with murderous intent as he addressed those around him.

“I’ll say it again. There is no surrender. We are proud warriors of the Falcon Empire. Here, we will bury our bones for sure. We will die as dignified heroes, upholding our honor. Do you understand?!”

“…”

“Answer me! Don’t you hear me asking if you understand!”

“Y-yes… I… understand, General.”

With a warning that passed dangerously close to being lethal, Minos entered the barracks.

And… observing him, the soldiers began to exchange cautious glances.

In this desperate situation, they had to consider what they might do to survive.

*

“Um…”

“This is the head of General Minos, who was guarding Calvary Castle.”

“Please, as promised, spare us.”

Before them knelt humans pleading for mercy.

Looking down at them, Samson slowly nodded his head.

“Understood. We are magnanimous; we show mercy to those who surrender. If you leave the castle without a fight, there will be no bloodshed, so go in peace.”

“T-thank you.”

“I won’t forget this grace.”

As the soldiers bowed and turned away, grateful for Samson’s words.

Watching them flee the castle without any significant battle, a deep smile began to surface on Samson’s lips.

‘Truly, this is the Hero’s scheme, and it’s working perfectly.’