The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King

The black flames began to engulf the forest.

What started as something the size of quail eggs contained in a small jar,

once the jar shattered and the seed was released,

instantly erupted into a magnificent yet horrifying blossom.

Starting from a single tree, it devoured everything around it,

and with increasing speed, the flames spawned the Black Death Flowers from every nearby tree.

And now,

watching the black death flowers quickly draw closer,

the primary victims of this hellish scene,

the elves wore expressions painted with despair and shock, desperately trying to fend off the ghastly black flames.

“Damn it! What the hell is this flame?”

“No matter how much water we pour, it won’t go out? No… it seems to be roaring even more!”

The elves were struggling to minimize further damage, using magic or, if that failed, hauling water.

But despite their efforts,

the flames before their eyes showed no signs of extinguishing at all.

In fact, the water poured to put out the flames was fueling the black fire as if it were oil, causing it to blaze even fiercer.

Seeing this complete violation of common sense, the elves fighting to extinguish the flames had no choice but to retreat.

In the process, dozens were tragically consumed by the inferno.

Meanwhile,

the pope and the elders, analyzing the situation from a distance, were pondering how to deal with the approaching black flames.

“From what we’ve investigated… this black flame seems to resemble the known Devil’s Flame. However, its spread is alarmingly fast, and above all, it appears to possess near-perfect resistance to water, suggesting the presence of some other spell. It feels highly likely that it’s black magic…”

“Is there no detailed information on that?”

“I’m sorry. We have yet to ascertain that.”

“Hmm…”

“What on earth have the Empire created? Even if the forest is our elven territory, do they truly not understand the consequences if that sacred place disappears?”

The Kann Forest, regarded as the birthplace of primordial life,

was not only crucial for the elves but also for humans and beastmen across the continent.

Especially the gigantic World Tree, Jupiter, which forms the very heart of the Elf Church Country.

Jupiter is the source of divine power for the entire continent and regarded as the greatest legacy left by the god who protects the world.

If the entire Kann Forest were to turn to ashes, leading to the destruction of Jupiter,

it would undoubtedly usher in a horrific disaster in a world where the divine blessing had vanished.

Yet still, the Empire was recklessly exercising such audacity simply to achieve victory in war,

and the elves were growing increasingly consumed by anger and concern, unsure of what to do.

“Even if more than half of the Kann Forest is lost, we must absolutely protect Jupiter.”

“Safeguarding the symbol of peace and protection given by the gods is our absolute duty as elves. We must find a way to stop this, even at the cost of our lives.”

Thus, the elves, showing a demeanor of anxiousness, continued their endless discussions over the dire problem at hand.

At that moment,

among them, a person cautiously raised their hand.

“Excuse me… may I say something?”

A young elven woman, bandaged from burn scars and dressed in black mourning attire, grieving someone’s death.

Despite her youth compared to the other elves present,

her request to speak suddenly drew the attention of the elders.

“Of course, please go ahead, my lady.”

“There’s no need to feel burdened. As you can see, this gathering is in dire need of wisdom. There’s no reason to ignore the opinion of the daughter of His Holiness the Pope.”

“…Thank you. Then…”

After receiving permission without issue, the elven woman began to carefully remove her robe as she spoke.

Immediately after,

she, Octavia, who had suffered the worst experience just two days prior when she lost her mentor and friends to those black flames and barely survived,

showed the burn marks on her face more clearly and began to speak to the elders before her.

“I shall speak. Summarizing all we’ve discussed, at present, we have hardly any knowledge regarding those black flames. We know not how to extinguish them, nor do we even understand their fundamental properties.”

With those words, she grimaced, recalling the image of her mentor’s death right before her.

But immediately, Octavia pushed such emotions aside and continued to speak.

“Thus, I believe it would be wise to seek aid from those with greater knowledge regarding this matter.”

“Those with great knowledge… you say?”

“Are there such people? It’s impossible for anyone versed in black magic to be in the Elf Church Country…”

“Yes, indeed. There are none in our Elf Church. No one who has learned the foul magic of black magic could possibly be breathing in this land. However… we do know of masters of black magic who reside very close by.”

“What do you mean?”

“A master of black magic… You can’t possibly mean someone who uses such terrible spells…!”

In that moment, the presence of certain beings brushed through the minds of those present.

And the elders and high elves expressed their deep confusion as they struggled to speak.

“C-could it be…?”

“Lady, are you suggesting the identity of those you speak of…?”

The elves appeared unwilling to voice their thoughts.

And to them, Octavia replied firmly.

“Yes, it is. I am referring to the demon races of the Demon Kingdom across the sea.”

“!!”

“N-no way. What on earth are you saying!”

“It cannot be! You mean to say we, the Elf Church that reveres the will of the gods, should bow to the wicked offspring of demons?!”

“Just chop off my head, my lady! Even if it means death, I cannot join hands with those vile forces of evil!”

The elves protested fiercely, resolutely opposing the idea.

Yet,

observing their reaction,

Octavia spoke in a cold voice, unwavering.

“You call them evil forces? Then, in your eyes, do you consider the filthy, wicked humans who burn our sacred site and seek to incinerate Jupiter as the side of justice?”

“N-no! That’s not what I meant…”

“Wake up! We are facing the gravest crisis in the 2000-year history of the Elf Church Country! In this situation, it is no time to distinguish between devils and others! Right now, innocent citizens and pure beings are being swallowed and dying by the black flames outside!”

“Kuh!…”

“Ugh…”

With veins bulging, Octavia shouted with genuine anger and passion.

At that moment, none among the elves could easily oppose her words anymore.

As discussed earlier, what was urgent for them was to somehow protect the Kann Forest…

at the very least, if that was impossible, then to safeguard Jupiter until the very end.

Therefore, even though they were unwilling, the overall atmosphere started to solidify bit by bit.

At that moment,

the elven pope, Julius, watching the scene unfold, spoke in a calm voice while surveying the surroundings.

“Then, it seems a decision has been reached. We shall proceed to seek the demon races for a solution to this problem. Now, who will take on this mission?”

“Yes, Your Holiness. I shall go.”

“!”

“I-I cannot believe you, Lady Octavia, will be going personally?”

The elves’ faces began to show deep confusion upon hearing that she, severely injured,

the daughter of none other than the pope, would step up without hesitation.

However, Octavia, observing their expressions, spoke with a firm voice.

“This degree of matter requires someone of a certain stature and authority to handle, especially if, depending on the situation, discussions about the responsibilities from the previous war must take place. Moreover, I bear the blood of the former Holy Father. Even if negotiations go awry, they cannot arbitrarily detain me.”

“Hmm…”

“Even so, that…”

Despite Octavia’s words, the elves still showed reluctance.

However, regardless of their disposition, they ultimately had no choice but to permit Octavia to act as an envoy to the Demon Kingdom.

And right after that decision was made,

Octavia rekindled the fierce flames of hatred within her heart,

vowing to avenge her mentor Sula and her comrades who had perished.

“Filthy humans… and Cassandra… I will surely bring you to your end. Even if it means making a pact with demons to do so!”