The Vampire Race's Redemption
The battle for the Tarbut Plains was over, and the battlefield had moved to a new location. Badan, a hilly area about five days north-northeast of the Tarbut Plains.
The Nord army was building a position on one of the hills there. The camp looked difficult to attack, with several deep trenches dug, sandbags piled up, and fences set up in front of and behind them.
"When did they make something like that?"
King Luine, looking at the Nord army's position, showed a frustrated look on his face.
"Does that mean there is a separate unit?"
A fort had been built on the Tarbut Plains. And now the encampment is right in front of them. It is hard to believe that they could have built it with only the troops deployed in the camp.
"I suppose that's what it means. Then there might be something further back."
"If we settle the matter here, it will end in vain."
"I hope so."
King Luine also has no intention of prolonging the battle. But he knows that the Northern Alliance does not want that.
The Northern Alliance's aim must be to meet the enemy at a suitable place to defend and gradually reduce the forces of the united front. They do not want a quick settlement.
"It's time to use them, don't you think?"
The commander of the Platinum Knights Harrisman knows that too. So he suggested that they take action to prevent it.
"Here, huh..."
"We can always take them down. I thought this perception was completely wrong."
"Yes. We'll make sure we kill them when we can...... can you kill him?"
"That’s… I have high hopes for Demon King-sama’s success."
"It's someone you don't want to rely on, but maybe that's why."
The existence of a demon king. It is a threat to humans. Right now, they're fighting together, but that's because they have a common enemy. Once the common enemy is defeated, the relationship will return to its original state. It's a friend-enemy relationship.
"It would be good if they were to kill each other, but is that too much to expect?"
The strongest existence of the demons. That's what the Demon King is, that's what, Harrisman, the Platinum Knight Commander thinks. The result of that strongest existence and Ren fighting each other is too much to hope for.
"Even so, I hope that as many demons as possible will fall in battle."
"Yes"
The opponent they will eventually have to fight. If that's the case, they like to reduce that force even a little. King Luine has forgotten. That he has only just reflected on the fact that this convenient idea was a mistake.
"Then, let's leave the front line to the Demon King. When they have cornered the enemy to a certain extent, give the signal. Don't let them escape, okay?"
"Ha"
Thus began the battle at Badan.
◇◇◇
The demon king's army came out to the front line. The number of them is about 700. Compared to the first battle, the number is much smaller. However, that 700 is the number of pure demons without any monsters. They are also powerful demons who survived the first battle. If they fought head-on, the Northern Alliance would have to be prepared to make considerable sacrifices.
Naturally, the Northern Alliance would not want such a result, and they are using their positions to avoid a frontal fight against the attacking demons.
Arrows are fired incessantly from the Northern Alliance's positions. They are not ordinary bows and arrows, but rather arrows that are much larger than usual, shot from a crossbow prepared for fighting against the heroes. Heavy arrows shot with considerable force, which could not be blocked by a sword. They were also effective against demons.
A large number of the demons who carelessly approached the camp were wounded by direct hits from the arrows. The Northern Alliance could not be happy that they were only wounded by the arrows, which would have killed a human instantly.
"The only ones coming out are the demons. It is unlikely that we will be able to reduce the numbers of the united front."
Sergio, the commander of the army, muttered as he looked at the battle situation on the front line.
"I guess so. It seems that before the united front comes out, the demons are likely to take over."
Shizuku also agreed with Sergio's muttering. It is a very weak statement. There is a reason for that.
"We should let His Majesty escape."
"Ren won't approve of it."
"But His Majesty cannot even move on his own. What's the point of being on the battlefield in such a state?”
Ren is no longer able to fight. It's because of the curse of the sorcerer hired by the Luine Kingdom. It should have been easy to dispel, but it has rendered Ren immobile. Not only the curse, but also the fatigue that had built up had taken its toll.
"If Ren escapes, the Northern Alliance will collapse. The Nord will fight the world alone."
"I think His Majesty is ready for that, though?"
Commander Sergio, who says this, is also prepared. In the case of Commander Sergio, he is prepared for death. Rather than being prepared, he wants it.
"Ren does, but I'm not going to allow that. I'm fighting to win. We'll win, survive, and spend the rest of my life with Ren."
After Ren conquers the world, Shizuku becomes his empress. These words did not come from greed alone. Shizuku does not intend to accept such a path to destruction. She will fight to the end to win. For that reason, she was thinking about what she should do now.
"......I understand that feeling. However, with His Majesty unable to stand on the battlefield, our morale is at its worst. I wonder how long our allies will stay on our side in our current state."
"That's right. The Northern Alliance will surely betray us. We knew that, but it is hard when they do it now."
They have known for a long time that there are some on the Northern Alliance who are in touch with the Luine Kingdom. On the contrary, they were thinking of using it to set them up, but this is not the place for it.
Now that they are outnumbered, if they are betrayed, they will be forced into a rather difficult situation.
"That's why we should retreat. I'm not saying only His Majesty. The entire Nord army should fall back."
"And escape the enemy's pursuit...... That's difficult, which is why we're fighting here, isn't it?"
"That's true, but..."
This was not a place where they planned to fight head-on. It was a place to stall the enemy as they moved further back to a defensive position. Therefore, even though it looks solid, it is actually not that solid. If the demons had taken the time and trouble to build their position properly, they would not have been attacked in such a short time.
"Even if we both deny each other's opinions, nothing will progress."
This is the weak point of the Nord army. Ren's will is everything. There is no one in the Nord Army who can adopt the best strategy even if it means bending Ren's will.
"We will hold the enemy back. In the meantime, you must somehow leave this battlefield."
"As I recall, you are..."
Radu Vlad Drakul appeared. He is Rin's father and the king of the vampires.
"We, the vampires, will stop the enemy. So take His Majesty and leave the battlefield."
"Is it okay to do such a selfish thing?"
"We have to do it. We are responsible for it."
"Responsible?"
What are the vampires responsible for? Shizuku doesn't know.
"…The enemy demon king is my son."
"Eh!?"
"He left the country a long time ago with his companions saying that he would look for the demon sword to fight the humans. I didn't think he'd actually find it...... still doesn't mean it's real."
"Are you planning to fight him as father and son?"
"The relationship between father and son was severed when he left the country. As king of the Vampires, I am only trying to right the wrongs of my people."
"But……"
Even if the disownment is true, it is not something that can easily break. It is King Drakul who actually fights, and it doesn't matter what Shizuku thinks.
"We lied to Ren-sama. We have to make amends."
"Rin-san?"
"Take care of Ren-sama, please."
"...D-don't! I can't do that!"
If it were only King Drakul and the other Vampires, Shizuku would be able to accept that it was their will. But if Rin is among them, it's a different story.
"I betrayed Ren-sama. That is unforgivable."
"He'll forgive you. Rin-san will be forgiven! So don't do anything dangerous!"
"Shizuku… this is my reckoning. To stay by Ren-sama's side in the future."
"Even so."
Ren's loved ones can't be put in danger.
"I have no intention of dying. I am not allowed to die without Ren-sama's permission."
"Rin-san... w-wait a minute! Wait for me!"
She wants to stop Rin. But Shizuku can't stop her. Only Ren can stop Rin. Thinking that, Shizuku headed to Ren.
"Father. Let's go."
"...You can stay"
"I cannot allow that. As a vampire, I will fulfill my responsibilities as a member of the royal family."
"...Alright, let's go."
She should stay. King Drakul knows that. However, King Drakul cannot forcibly twist the strong will of the individual. The demons respect it. This is one of the reasons why the demons cannot unite.
"We will accompany you."
Commander Sergio has offered to accompany King Drakul, who is about to go to battle.
"I want you guys to stay and be prepared in case we cannot stop them."
"……I understand."
Commander Sergio accepted King Drakul's request. He knew the result would be the same. He knows that the Vampires alone will not be able to stop the enemy's demons and the united front army. The place of death he has been looking for is here, Sergio thinks.
◇◇◇
The Vampires, led by King Drakul, went out from the camp of the Northern Alliance. Their number was about one hundred. That is one-seventh the number of the demons led by the Demon King. If they clashed head-on, it was obvious who would win.
Therefore, King Drakul aimed for the head of the Demon King, the leader of the enemy. To kill his son.
It was not difficult to reach the Demon King. Seeing that the Vampires were on the front line, the Demon King approached him.
"You old man. Do you think you can compete with me, who has become a demon king?"
"Don't be arrogant. No one recognizes you as the Demon King."
"Many follow me. The only ones who don't recognize it are stubborn old men like you."
"The Nord follow His Majesty Emperor Kaiser. The only ones following you are the strays, who left the Nord."
The surrounding demons reacted to King Drakul's provocation. They are angry at King Dracul for calling them strays.
"Don't be stubborn and follow me. The demons must become one."
"They are one. Under His Majesty."
"Do you feel no shame in serving a human?"
"Not at all. I am proud to serve His Majesty."
"Foolish."
Irritation is on the demon king's face. The demon king is looking for demons to be his ally. He wants his own race, the Vampires, to somehow become his allies.
"You are the one who is foolish. You don't know who you should serve."
"I won't serve anyone! I am the king!"
"You are not the demon king!"
"......Enough. I'm done trying to persuade you. You may die regretting having defied me. Kill them! Purge those who defy the Demon King!"
The demons move in unison in response to the Demon King's order. The Vampires were at an overwhelming disadvantage as they were outnumbered one hundred to seven hundred. However, the disadvantageous situation can be reversed if the Demon King is defeated.
King Dracul and Rin attacked the Demon King.
"You think you can beat me! You idiots!"
Even though it was a two-on-one battle, the Demon King showed no signs of fear. He is confident in his ability to fight, which is why he has come to the front line.
He easily catches the kick from King Drakul with one hand and grabs his leg, slamming him to the ground.
Rin, thinking to take advantage of this opportunity, fires a sword, but it too does not reach the Demon King. With his other hand, he grabbed Rin's arm and pulled her to him, then tightened one hand around her neck.
"Nhh… Kuh…"
"Carmilla. Stop your foolishness and follow me."
Calling Rin's real name, the Demon King tells her to obey.
"I-I'm Rin. The only person I will serve is Ren-sama."
"...You fool. To fall in love with a human, don't you have any pride as a vampire!?"
The demon king, who got angry at Rin's words, threw her to the ground with all his might while still grabbing her neck.
"Guh... Ah..."
Furthermore, he steps on Rin's belly with his foot.
King Dracul attacked him. Fists were unleashed with blinding speed. He sometimes kicked. However, the Demon King blocked all of them.
Even so, the Demon King's movement gave Rin an opening to escape, and she was able to stand up and regain her posture.
"You old bastard!"
The Demon King unleashed a kick. King Drakul received it and flew backward. Half of it was to absorb the impact of the kick.
"...You've become stronger. But I can't afford to lose!"
"Why! I am the Demon King! Why are you going against me, the Demon King!"
"You don't know anything"
"What?"
"There may be many people who pretend to be the Demon King, but there is only one true Demon King. There is no one who can call himself the Demon King but him."
"Nonsense! I'm recognized by the Demon Sword Kamui! That's why I call myself the Demon King!"
Saying this, the Demon King unsheathed his sword. Other than the wavy pattern in the center that slightly reflects the light, the sword is black as darkness.
"...As the king of the Vampires, I will not allow anyone to impersonate the Demon King. Even if I burn this life away."
"Then die!"
The Demon King was about to swing his sword at King Drakul. It was Rin who intervened. She jumped into the demon king's bosom, grabbed his arm, and tried to break it using her elbow.
In order to prevent it, the demon king suddenly flies into the air. Rin pulls down the arm that she grabbed and slams him into the ground.
"Y-you..."
The demon king quickly stood up and glared at Rin. Even though there was little damage, being knocked to the ground was humiliating.
"I have become a little stronger. I've spent enough days in my life to be able to say that."
"...Then there's no need to hold back anymore."
"I never wanted that from the beginning!"
Rin goes to close the gap with the demon king. But there was someone standing in front of Rin.
"I will be the princess's opponent"
It's Baat, the demon king's deputy.
"Don't interfere!"
The one who shouted this was the Demon King. He was offended by the fact that he had to come to his aid.
"We don't have time."
"What?"
"It seems that the Nord army is retreating. I think the king and princess are buying time for that."
"You..."
The demon king glares at King Drakul with hatred. Baat watches him with a bit of dismay. The demon king's emotions are not something that Baat likes.
"We will not back down just because you find out about it. If you want to go after His Majesty, you will have to defeat us first."
"Yes, I will!"
There is no need to do so. The Vampires who attacked them have already been reduced considerably in number due to the overwhelmingly unfavorable battle. There is no need for the entire demon king army to stay here.
Even so, the demon king who is angry is trying to continue the fight with King Drakul without noticing it. It's just as King Drakul expected.
But only in the sense of fulfilling his objective. If the fight with the demon king continues, what awaits them is death.
"I won't let you join him."
Knowing this, Rin tries to stand up to the demon king with her father, but Baat does not allow it.
"Do not get in the way."
"Even if it's the princess' order, I won't listen to it."
"Just get out of the way!"
He would not obey her even if she told him to. Rin attacked Baat.
"W-wait... t-that's... Father..."
Baat managed to block Rin's attack. Although Rin has the upper hand, Baat still will not allow her to approach the Demon King. Baat is not trying to defeat Rin, but on the contrary, he is trying to buy time. For the demon king to defeat King Drakul.
"Get out of my way! Father! Fatheeeerrr!"
The moment came quickly. After all, King Drakul could not resist the demon king in a one-on-one fight.
In Rin's eyes, the Demon King's sword pierces King Dracul's chest. King Dracul slowly crumbles to the ground. Seeing that figure, Rin's anger flares up.
"Youuuu! I'll kill you!"
"W-wait, princess!"
Rin shakes off Baat and heads toward the Demon King. But he is immediately struck in the face and ends up kneeling on the ground.
"Ngh..."
"I said I would not take it easy on you. You should regret having turned against me."
The demon king's kicks are merciless and strike Rin, who is covering her stomach. The impact continues unceasingly. Unable to bear it, Rin's consciousness faded away.
Rin fell to the ground and couldn't even move.
"The traitor has been killed! Everyone! Continue on, bring the Nord False King to a bloody mess!"
The Demon King, lifting King Drakul's head with his right hand and Rin's body with his left, gives orders to the demons under his command.
Responding to that commanding voice was―― a flash of light that ran through the earth. Then came a thunder so fierce that it shook the earth.
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