Chapter 225 - Godfather

After destroying Belogan Fortress in the Principality of Artian, the demonic creatures returned to the lake. And so people thought that was the end of it. The coalition had suffered a crushing defeat, twenty thousand troops had been lost, and a fortress had fallen and been razed, but they believed the damage would end there.

That was how it had always been. For over a century—indeed, even longer—no Demon King had led a legion out to conquer the continent. Most Demon Kings in Hilderan never amassed enough strength to form a legion and embark on a conquest.

Thus, the demonic creatures that suddenly descended on northern Hilderan came as an even greater shock.

【Heroes' Guild Guildmaster Hillen Cargill Warns: “Lies Acts Differently from Other Demon Kings. His Legion May Ravage the Lands Around the Lake.”】

Acting on Berge's orders, Hillen Cargill had raised the possibility, but no one had believed it would actually happen. Yet it did. Countless demonic creatures emerged from the lake and began ravaging Hilderan's villages.

Fortunately for the people, although no one had believed Hillen and some had even called for him to take responsibility, he had already stationed heroes in Hilderan and several other kingdoms. The waiting Stars unleashed their pent-up fury.

“That bastard might have beaten me, but you think you can too?!”

Roselle Charnt's rage, in particular, was beyond imagination after the humiliation of coming up against an insurmountable wall. She took the lead in slaughtering the demonic creatures. A hero and fire mage—whose specialty boasted unrivaled destructive power—with eight engravings, a historic achievement, she stood out even among the others.

Of course, her efforts alone could not stop the invasion. The monsters were truly endless, splitting into dozens of streams rather than a single force as they invaded every part of Hilderan bordering the lake.

“I cannot stand by and let those filthy feet trample this land.”

- Yes, this is how a spirit king's contractor should be.

- No! This isn't the Ernyan I've seen! She's much more schem—

- Be quiet.

People wondered why the demonic creatures were attacking Hilderan alone, but that also allowed the Heroes' Guild to concentrate its forces. With not only the Stars but even a spirit king's contractor joining the battle, the two sides became evenly matched. Moreover, the coalition army had yet to disband and redirected its march to defend Hilderan.

“Fire!”

“Kill them all!”

“Long live cluster shells!”

Although they had proved largely ineffective against the Demon King of Lies himself, the dwarven mana cannons possessed unmatched killing power. Strategically defending castles and fortresses was very different from weathering indiscriminate attacks on the lake without proper preparations. Somehow, Hilderan seemed to be holding its own.

【Shocking News: Jespine Empire and Kingdom of Ormus Form Alliance, Declare War on Kingdom of Akan...】

【Jespine Empire Sends Envoy to Kingdom of Iasin, Demands Passage...】

Until two hundred fifty thousand imperial troops crossed Iasin's border.

* * *

Berge returned to the tower. All the ease he had possessed when he left was gone. He immediately summoned the tower's officers.

“You look unwell.”

“Because he lost?”

“Lost?”

“You lost to Jason?”

“We didn't actually fight. But if we had, I would have lost nine times out of ten.”

“... He's that strong?”

Everyone's expression grew grave.

“Indeed, if he has devoured dozens of Demon Kings and even more heroes over hundreds of years, even you could hardly be expected to prevail.”

“What matters is that I must kill him. Otherwise, I'll be at far too great a disadvantage.”

“Then the expedition failed.”

Berge nodded at Gordon's words.

“The hero's journey failed. Roughly twenty thousand died, and Pablo Barkat died as well.”

“Hmm.”

“Are Ernyan and Lavinia all right?”

“They're both fine.”

Elena sighed in relief.

“The humans must be quite shaken.”

“Of course.”

This was on an entirely different scale from anything before. Berge had thwarted a large-scale hero's journey using the levitation ship? That had involved only a thousand heroes. This time, a thousand heroes had been accompanied by a hundred thousand troops, with thousands of mana cannons made by dwarves who had prepared thoroughly for revenge. Even so, they had failed. The shock shook the continent day after day. Refugees scattering to get as far from the lake's tower as possible were merely the most superficial sign of it.

“Is there a way?”

“There is. Two, in fact.”

“Two?”

“What are they?”

“One is Daniel Deirus.”

“I see. If you can obtain the strength of a hero who has devoured dozens of Demon Kings, you will grow stronger.”

Daniel Deirus was stronger than Reina Sordein, who had endured in Arain for nearly a century, and could fight on equal terms with Berge, who had surpassed his strength before his regression. There was no doubt about the power he possessed.

“Then what's the other one?”

“Dorche. I killed him.”

“What?”

“You killed that man?”

“Jason had taken him as a servant.”

“... Jason has never taken another Demon King as a servant. If he did...”

“It was probably because of me. He saw that I'd taken you as servants and copied me.”

“That explains it. I thought your energy seemed more tightly contained despite your defeat. So that was why.”

“That's why your role is important, Reina Sordein.”

“Mine?”

Reina tilted her head.

“His tower has returned to the Demon Realm, so Grand Duke Alkain will know he's dead. Then he'll send down a new Demon King.”

“Can you be certain? What if Jason merged the towers, as you did?”

“Would Jason bother leaving his own tower to sit on Dorche's throne?”

It was not impossible. But very little time had passed between Jason taking Dorche as his servant and Dorche setting out to fight the expedition. The possibility remained that he had been unable to merge them—or did not even know towers could be merged.

“True, there is no way to be certain.”

“If my prediction is right, the tower will return to the Demon Realm. Then Grand Duke Alkain will ask you all sorts of questions. Otherwise, you can contact him first and sound him out.”

For now, Reina was the only Demon King with whom the grand duke could have a reasonable conversation.

“When that happens, talk Grand Duke Alkain into having the new arrival descend near you.”

“Why?”

“Because I'm going to steal the tower.”

“...?”

* * *

Grand Duke Alkain would certainly want Jason dead. In that case, the new Demon King was very likely to be one of his powerful servants.

“That means taking him as my servant is impossible from the start. But I want his tower. So...”

“So?”

“I'll steal it before he plants it.”

“... That is not a wise course.”

“But I have no choice if I want to win.”

“You will completely alienate the Demon Realm just when it has finally found a starting point for recovery. You could become a traitor.”

“Being a traitor is better than dying now.”

“Is it that serious?”

In terms of his relationship with the Demon Realm, it was unquestionably a bad move. But without it, he doubted whether he could defeat Jason. He had to do everything he could. Even then, his opponent was so powerful that victory was not guaranteed. Reina soon accepted it as well.

“Understood.”

“And Logger.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“How is the sky tower coming along?”

“I've been waiting for you to ask!”

Logger burst into wild, gleeful laughter.

“All the preparations are perfectly in place. Would you take a look at this?”

Logger handed him a blueprint.

“First, we'll install and connect the levitation stones at the base of the tower. Once it starts rising, all the legs will lift and attach themselves to the tower walls. Barriers and magic circles will be installed around the levitation stones to protect them.”

“What are those things sticking out between the legs?”

“Mana cannons. One hundred ten per leg, for a total of eight hundred.”

“Come to think of it, I saw unfamiliar shells during this hero's journey. Cluster shells, incendiary shells, things like that.”

“We can make all of them! But we're planning something even more impressive.”

Logger exclaimed, and his confidence piqued Berge's curiosity.

“What is it?”

“They'll take the demonic energy supplied to them, turn it directly into crystals, and fire them. There's no need to manufacture separate shells. As long as demonic energy keeps coming, they can fire indefinitely.”

“Oh?”

That wasn't bad.

“Depending on how you manipulate them, you could turn them into incendiary shells or cluster shells, correct?”

“Of course.”

“I look forward to it.”

“Thank you!”

“And what's next?”

“We've processed the levitation stones into one enormous piece and inscribed a magic circle with help from the elves, Princess Elena, Lady Reina, and Lady Vivian.”

“A magic circle?”

“A large-scale lightning spell. It will strike straight down from the sky to the ground. An enormous bolt roughly fifty meters in diameter.”

He liked that too.

“But Vivian?”

He could understand Reina helping, but was Vivian any use?

“Hey! I'm a pretty great archmage myself! I'm a Demon King too!”

“You were a Demon King.”

“Aaaah! I'm going to lose my mi—mmph!”

“Be quiet.”

Reina's cold sealed her mouth shut.

“Yes, and...”

Logger continued his explanation.

“I like it. We'll proceed as planned.”

“Thank you! Then right away...”

“Go out and start preparing.”

“Yes!”

Logger left in high spirits.

“Once the sky tower is complete, we'll head to the continent shortly afterward.”

“Truly?”

“Mmph, mmph, mmph!”

“What is it?”

Berge melted the ice.

“... Phew! I nearly died. This is a violation of Demon King rights!”

“What do you want to say?”

“You're going to reveal the tower to the humans?”

“Not merely reveal it. We're going to help them.”

“... What does that mean?”

“Wow, Berge. I knew you were crazy, but you're even crazier than I thought!”

“My lord? What in the world do you mean?”

Their questions were only natural. Berge explained the plan he had worked out with Ernyan.

“... Unbelievable. To think we must join forces with humans, even in these circumstances. But if that is your decision, I will follow it.”

Reina was displeased, but given the situation, she accepted it.

“Wait, then what about your promise to let me be a pirate?”

“I'll let you.”

“But you said we're joining forces with humans?”

“Not all humans. The kingdoms aren't the only ones with seas.”

“Aha. I get it.”

Vivian licked her lips.

“Is that truly the only way?”

“Yes.”

“I thought I'd grown somewhat accustomed to you, my lord, but it seems I still have a long way to go. Once the tower moves, I'll end up commanding it, won't I?”

“Because I'll be outside fighting.”

“I'll have to learn a great deal from the dwarves.”

Gordon shook his head, but accepted it nonetheless.

“If that is what you wish, my lord, I will follow.”

“I'm excited!”

“At last, the sky tower!”

The princesses welcomed it in their own ways. And so the meeting ended.

“Kaede, stay a moment.”

Only Berge and Kaede remained at the summit.

“Is something the matter?”

“I can no longer fulfill your brother's request.”

“... I suspected as much.”

A Star had died. Twenty thousand troops had died. By any measure, it was a failure.

“The imperial army will attack the Kingdom of Akan.”

“... Then there really is no way to persuade them, is there?”

“Jason has completely seized control of the Empire's upper ranks. Since he's a Doppelganger, we should assume there are demons wearing their skins.”

“Surely not my maternal grandfather and His Majesty too...?”

“I can't be certain, but probably.”

“Good heavens.”

Kaede bit her lip.

“In any case, given what's happened, Martin is what matters. He's in danger.”

He was an unsuspecting human imperial prince cast into the midst of demons. Now that Jason had decided to cast off all restraint, would he really leave such an irritating thorn alone?

“From my standpoint, keeping him alive is better.”

However shitty the Empire's actions might be, a nation like that could not collapse all at once. Once the crisis ended, it would remain, albeit weakened, and choose a new leader. Surely it would be best if that leader were someone connected to Berge.

“Tell your brother yourself. If he wants to live, if he wants to save the Empire that has already been devoured from within and become emperor, he must become my servant.”

“... I'll speak to him.”

“Are you all right?”

“... Yes. I'm all right.”

Kaede nodded with difficulty.

* * *

Daniel Deirus, the great hero who had slain a dozen or more Demon Kings, passed the time in boredom and anxiety.

“...”

Though he had been defeated and captured, he still hoped he could be released.

Information? That meant nothing compared to his life. Besides, he would be revealing information about Jason, who had betrayed him, and setting the two Demon Kings against each other. He could tell that story a hundred times over. The problem was that, at some point, the person who was supposed to hear it had stopped coming. Locked in the dark prison, he had no idea how much time had passed.

'Why isn't he coming? Isn't he curious?'

Hellfire and Lies seemed to be on terrible terms. After demanding that he spill everything, why wasn't Hellfire coming back?

'Is he joining hands with Jason?'

No. Surely not. Jason had killed so many Demon Kings. What Demon King would join forces with him after hearing that? It would be like walking willingly to one's death. In Daniel's judgment, the Demon King of Hellfire was not that stupid.

'He'll come soon. This is merely a tactic to make me anxious.'

Yes, he settled on that comforting thought. But keeping his resolve firm in a prison where he could not even track the passage of time was terribly difficult. All the more so the longer it went on.

How much time had passed? Fortunately, heaven granted his wish.

CREAK

The door opened. He heard footsteps. Daniel's eyes snapped open. This was different from the usual food delivery. The footsteps were different, and above all, there was no smell of food. He instinctively knew the moment he had awaited had finally arrived. He was so happy he felt ready to give away everything he had, but forced himself to maintain a calm expression.

“Have you been well?”

“... You're here sooner than I expected.”

“So waiting hasn't bored you? I thought you'd be desperate to get out.”

“I am Daniel Deirus. Do you think I'd fall for such a cheap trick?”

“Is that so?”

The corners of Berge's mouth rose.

“I went to see Jason.”

“... What?”

“And I learned why he raised you.”

“...”

“A hero revered even as a god was actually a Demon King's elixir. Isn't the world amusing?”

“... Nothing but his empty delusion.”

“Yes. From your perspective, it would be.”

Berge let out a low laugh.

“But do you know what Jason told me?”

It was almost instinctive. Having fought Demon Kings for centuries, Daniel felt a profound sense of foreboding. He did not want to answer, but Berge kept his gaze fixed on him. Under that stare, he slowly opened his mouth.

“... Must I know?”

“You should. It concerns you.”

“... What is it?”

“He told me to make you fulfill your purpose.”

“My purpose?”

“Your purpose as an elixir.”

“... Jason would never say that!”

It made no sense. Having spent centuries with Jason, Daniel knew better than anyone what kind of demon he was. Surely he would not readily hand over someone he considered his property?

“Do you think I'm lying?”

But there was not a trace of playfulness in Berge's eyes. Daniel's heart sank.

“I-I'll tell you everything!”

“Everything?”

“Didn't you swear on the great First Demon Emperor and the Guide?! That you'd spare me if I told you everything!”

“Yes, I did. But I've already had most of my questions answered. By Jason himself.”

“Who knows whether he lied?! His very epithet is Lies!”

“Yes, perhaps he did.”

No, Jason had not lied. He had neither reason nor need to.

“But I believe what he said is true.”

“... He's a treacherous Demon King! You're being deceived!”

“I'm a Demon King too.”

“Will you fall into his trap?! Will you do exactly as he tells you?!”

“Yes, doing as he says isn't particularly appealing. How dare that worm order me around?”

But...

“This is the one thing I like.”

“Your oath! Are you going to break your oath?!”

“You haven't told me everything yet, so I have no need to spare you, do I?”

“What?”

Daniel instinctively tried to back away. But his firm restraints denied him even that freedom.

“But I don't even need to resort to that. Do you know why?”

“... Why?”

“Because I never intended to let you live.”

CRUNCH

A chilling sound echoed through the prison. The heavy scent of blood surged into the air.

“You have no idea how much I've wanted to kill you.”

He had learned every secret. At the end of it all stood Jason. Jason was the root of everything. Perhaps Berge had run too wild before his regression, prompting Jason to send Daniel to kill him. But Jason being the mastermind behind everything did not erase Daniel's guilt for mocking Berge and driving a blade into his heart.

Ever since the moment he regressed—no, ever since the moment the hero mocked him and plunged a blade into his heart—he had yearned for this moment alone. He had never let go of this glorious future of revenge.

“How I've longed for this moment! How desperately I've wanted it!”

Berge roared.

“... You broke...your oath.”

“An oath, yes, oaths are fine. But I don't believe in the First Demon Emperor or the Guide. Naturally, an oath with no binding force is utterly worthless to me. Yet you heroes are so simple that you trust such oaths without question.”

Berge whispered.

“Did you truly think I'd let you go?”

“... You, you...!”

“That I'd release you if you told me everything? Good heavens, how optimistic. So a hero who faces Demon Kings on the front lines has his head full of such rosy dreams?”

“You son of a bitch...!”

“Yes, that's the expression, Daniel Deirus. I wanted to see that twisted face of yours!”

Berge filled with rapture.

“What was it you said back then?”

He recalled a forgotten past that Daniel Deirus could not understand.

“You are a godfather I am truly grateful for. Where else would I find fools who so earnestly sacrifice their lives to nurture my power?”

Berge mocked him.

“So go ahead and wait. I'll send Jason after you soon.”

The soul slowly faded from the bloodshot eyes.

“... Haha.”

Having burst the beating heart, Berge felt an indescribable emotion. At last. At last, he had succeeded.

“... He's dead.”

Truly.

“I really killed him.”

With his own hands, he had finished the bastard he could not forget even in his dreams. He had become the victor. This time, Daniel Deirus had died writhing like a worm beneath his feet.

Berge roared with laughter. It would not stop. He could not hold it in. He did not want to. His trembling skin, the shivers coursing through him, the emotions welling up—he savored it all.

And at that moment...

“Argh?”

The power of the great hero who had slain dozens of Demon Kings began flowing into the Demon King.

“Aaaaaaargh!”

With excruciating pain, a colossal tidal wave of power began forcibly remaking the Demon King's body.