Chapter 102: Demon King's Attack
“Kurai-sama, the Barrier Squad. The changeover went off without a problem."
As I was watching the soldiers strengthening the magic stone that serves as one of the four gates and walls surrounding the capital of light, a voice called out to me from behind.
I check his face. Since there is a possibility of eavesdropping by magic tools, important but non-immediate information is often carried on foot by the messengers who are under a magic oath.
After confirming the bearded person, I turned back to the castle gate.
"I see. Any signs of the demons?"
"No movement. They are still surrounding the capital."
"......I appreciate the silence, but I have to admit, it's a little creepy. What the hell are they after?"
It has been three days since a swarm of demons surrounded the capital. I don't think they will be able to break the barrier, which is one of the highest ranks of tactical-grade magic, but I am still concerned about what the demons are doing.
"Let the squad rest after their shifts. Don't give them other work, no matter what."
"I understand. We give them as much healing as we can when they finish their shifts."
“The barrier squad is the heart and soul of the situation. The future of the battlefield will depend on how well we can maintain the barrier.
Tactical-grade magic has the potential to change the course of the battlefield. The power that is unleashed by dozens of skilled magicians is tremendous, and so is the wear and tear on the magic. Especially when it comes to the tactical-grade magic of the barrier class, not only activating but also maintaining it requires a huge amount of cost. The most elite in the Kingdom of Light has been called in and shifts have been set up to maintain the large barrier, but how much longer will they last? .......We should not be too optimistic about it.
"...What's wrong? Is there something else?"
The messenger showed no sign of leaving even though he had finished saying his report. He opened his mouth after a slight hesitation in response to my question.
“Kurai-sama, can I ask you something? Are you sure you want to remain in the siege?”
“......The Demon Kingdom's military force was larger than expected, but we have the [Treaty of Non-War]. For now, we will conserve our forces and wait for reinforcements from other countries. This is the most solid and least costly strategy we can take at the moment. What are you complaining about?"
“The maintenance of the barrier is limited to one day even if the most skilled people use their mana to the limit. Since we don't know when the other countries will be able to send reinforcements to our side, we must do something before that happensーー"
“Their power should be used in the attack. Is that what you are saying? Do you think that we, the Knights of Light, who decided on this operation, did not take that into consideration? Besides, this operation is backed by the Military Command, which consists of representatives from each organization. Don't think about anything else, and do your duty."
I said in a cold tone. A high-handed attitude in an emergency is not necessarily a bad thing, but it depends on the person you are dealing with. If I could, I would not want to buy into the messenger's recession, but I guess I have no choice. Frankly, I don't want this topic touched. The messenger's opinion is almost the same as what I said to that bastard a few days ago.
The messenger bowed his head when he saw me, who was exuding an aura that was trying to push him away.
“…I said something unnecessary. However, some people are questioning why the military is not mobilizing, and they are getting noisier by the day."
"Put mine and Sharna's name out there as the planner of this operation. At the same time, keep your eyes peeled for anyone who may be unduly inciting unrest. If there is the slightest sign of rioting, act according to the manual."
“Yes. And about those high-ranking officials who have gone missing."
“I thought we had a gag order on that.”
"Yes, but, you see, some of these missing people are of such high rank that there's been some confusion in the chain of command that it's no longer possible to just put a gag order on some of them."
"Is that so..."
My head hurts. I managed to swallow the words. I felt heavy and sick, but as a Knight of Light, I could not show weakness in this time of emergency.
I silenced my aching stomach with my will forcefully and tried to think.
The messenger is undoubtedly talking about the deserters...... which sounds good, but they are people who fled out of fear from the power of the Demon Kingdom.
The fact that Floria-sama, the cornerstone of the Kingdom of Light, has fallen into the hands of the enemy is top-secret, but there were too many witnesses. Although it has not been made public, it is an open secret, so to speak, that everyone in a certain position knows about.
And secrets always make people do foolish things.
While the shock of Floria-sama's defeat was still fresh, the Demon Kingdom showed an unprecedented scale in the invasion. As soon as word of this spread, people began fleeing the Kingdom of Light with their families.
As far as I am concerned, those who do not want to fight should just go wherever they want to go, but if we allow them to do so, the others would follow suit. In addition, it is impossible to overlook such a situation from the standpoint of a high-ranking official who has a certain amount of savings, talent, and above all, connections to other countries, but where should helpless ordinary people run to? If the main capital falls, the Demon Kingdom's hand will immediately extend to other cities and villages. Only a handful of people with either luck or ability will be able to build a foundation for their lives outside the country. The rest will be lost without a destination.
A flock of sheep running away without any means of self-defense. Far from demons, they are just food for wild animals...... We can't let the deserters escape.
The result was a storm of purges.
The fact that the purge was carried out is kept secret because this kind of talk is a matter of warfare, but the information is still spread out so that the others won't turn to escape. The man in front of me did not ask me directly, but I am sure he has a pretty good idea of what happened to the missing deserters.
“Um, Kurai-sama?”
"Eh? Ah. Sorry."
I was startled by the voice of the messenger. I thought I was trying to sort out the current situation in my head, but it seems I was lightly escaping from reality. But now, what is really going on?
The situation is progressing faster than I had expected. It is only a matter of time before the gag order is no longer enough to conceal the situation, as the messenger said. However, if we made the purge story officially public, there would be people who would demand an audience with Floria-sama, seeking the truth of the information. That would be a disaster. If word spread that Floria-sama had been taken away, there would be many people who would try to escape from the capital, even at great risk. We must avoid that worst-case scenario at all costs.
...What should I answer? Or should I not give him any instructions and leave them to the others? Normally, I would have done so without hesitation. But nowーー
The face of the young representative head of the Shield family comes to mind. The pain in my stomach returned.
“The missing high-ranking officials were attacked by the Demon Kingdom and are currently in isolation. I just received an announcement from the Shield family."
The voice was soft, yet strangely clear. Ahead of me, there was a silver-armored warrior maiden.
"Sharna."
"Sharna-sama"
The messenger's face lights up. I have never had such a reaction, even though I'm also a Knight of Light. The war maiden shook her spiral blonde hair, which hung over her shoulders, and bowed with a graceful bow that was hard to believe she was a knight.
"Thank you both for your hard work."
"Ah, no, p-please don't bow your head. M-more than that, Sharna-sama, um, about the high-ranking officials... the Demon Kingdom?"
"Yes. In the Demon Kingdom, there is a formidable general with the power to control called [Urnast of the Devil Eye]. This is an official announcement from the Shield family, but it seems that during the recent attack, some of the high-ranking officials were affected by the evil eye. That is why those who were controlled by the evil eye are isolated. Of course, the fact that we can quarantine them means that we can identify who is being controlled."
"Isolated... I see."
As the messenger nodded, I quietly let out a sigh.
I was worried about how well the Shield Family without the head would function in this predicament, but it seems that their abilities were stronger than I had imagined. Might be because they have been protecting this country for so many years.
“Then, Sharna-sama, may we actively spread the word?"
"Of course. The Shield family has already announced it, but the correct information should be shared with everyone as soon as possible. Oh, and it would be even better if some of you could circulate stories that you've seen the isolated deserters."
“......Come to think of it, I remember seeing some of the missing officials recently myself."
“Thank you. It is because of people like you that we, the people who bear the brunt, are able to do what we do."
"No, I'm just stating the facts. Now, if you'll excuse me."
"Yes. Good luck with your work."
Sharna smiled kindly at the departing messenger and waved a small hand. If she were not wearing armor, she would look like a young lady who was raised to be a butterfly or a flower. But she also has a strong side, with a keen sense of intrigue. It's no wonder...... Floria-sama is not interested in things like authority. In such a situation, it is needless to discuss how excellent the bloodlines of those who continue to be called the "Three Families" are. Sharna, moreover, has an exceptional presence among them. Not calling her the strongest knight of light would be a fool or a drunk.
"Kurai-san. Do you have something to say?"
"Eh!? Ah, no...... I thought you were a different actor from me."
I should have known this by now, but for some reason, I feel a bit dazzled today.
I am old enough to be jealous of other people's talents, so why do I feel like a maiden now?
I was suddenly reminded of the meeting in the conference room.
"......What are you going to do about that bastard?"
"Are you worried about him?"
"If you mean, [Will he run away?] then I'm worried. He is using my name and Sharna's name, but the siege operation was his decision. I need him to be responsible for it until the end. In the first place, I still think that we should cut down as many demons as we can before the main force of the Demon King's army arrives."
But the reason I didn't force it is that I'm not confident. It is not that difficult to defeat the demons that are outside. But if you ask me if we can win in the face of the power of the Demon Kingdom, which is far beyond our expectations, at least I have no other answer than to shut my mouth...... No, probably no one in this country has that answer.
In the midst of all this, I wondered if I had done the right thing by being swept up by Aquim Bonvoul, who had no doubts about victory. It has been a few days since then, but I still have no answer to this question.
"Tch, how pathetic. I must be getting burnt out too."
"Please don't say that. Kurai-san is a senpai I can rely on."
"I am honored to hear Sharna say that, but for my part, I am sensing a generation change."
What I recall is Elana Shield's movement that I saw in the conference room. I knew about the eldest daughter of the Shield family, who is a genius, but I didn't think she was as good as that. If we fought now, it would probably be me who would win. But five years from now...... or three years from now, I'm not sure if I'm going to win.
"Even though you say that, we still have a full-scale war with the Demon Kingdom at this time of the year. It's a headache."
"It can't be helped. We are Knights of Light. With strong rights comes a certain amount of obligation. We can't just toss them out because we don't like them or because the timing isn't right. Social order and personal freedom do not always coexist."
"I understand. An old person will do his best, in his own way."
"An old person? For that matter..."
"Wait!? What were you just going to say?"
It was only for a moment, but Sharna's gaze certainly moved as if licking my limbs. At my age, it's hard to recall my youthful naivete anymore, but I still feel indescribable as someone who has been and is being watched lasciviously.
Sharna tilted her head in wonder, or perhaps in amazement.
"I was just trying to tell you that Kurai-san is active, but is something wrong?"
"N-no. If that's the case then it's fine... But, more importantly, why is Sharna here? Are you checking the work to strengthen the castle gates?"
"No, I came to call Kurai-san. After this, we will hold an informal meeting, so please come and join us."
"......By the way, how many people will be attending?"
"Five people including Kurai-san. I really want him... Aquim, to participate, but I don't know where he is."
"Ha!? Oi! He's the one who planned the operation... how about telepathy or distant magic tool?”
“Neither are responding. I also went to the mansion, but it was Sheila who came out to respond...... Well, there's been a misunderstanding in the past between me and Sheila, and I couldn't get her to take me seriously."
"Ah, that's... no, that's not important right now. It's more than that, it's Aquim Bonvoul. I don't think he really ran away......"
If so, that would be terrible. If that bastard who so easily subdued me were to seriously try to escape, no one would be able to catch him except Floria-sama. He might have already left the country.
"Don't worry. He won't run away."
Unlike me who was distraught, Sharna's attitude was full of confidence. If I had not seen the lasciviousness in the conference room, I might have been fooled by her dignified appearance (or rather, I wanted to be fooled).
"...I hope so. Anyway, let's discuss, assuming that Aquim Bonvoul... escaped!?"
Bang*!! I took out my knife and activated the magic tool (piercing type) of far voice while quickly balancing myself against the sudden impact.
"...Kurai here. Report. What was that roar from earlier? I repeat. This is Kurai. Report... tch, communication failed... no, is it jamming? No way, did something happen to the barrier?
I checked the castle gate first...... it's fine. The walls are also intact as far as my eye can see. But the tremor that just occurred was not an ordinary one.
"Sharna! What are you doing. Let's go!!"
Sharna was standing there staring into the void. I shouted angrily at her out-of-character appearance and rushed out... butーー
“Kurai-san...... that."
"That?"
There was something in Sharna's voice that I could not ignore, and I half-reflexively followed her gaze as she stared into the place. No, even if I said I was following her, what she was looking at was the castle wall, no matter what I thought. As long as there is nothing wrong with the wall, I can only see the sky when I look up. If that is the case, then what in the world was Sharna lookingーー
“…………......Ha!?”
Something is reaching the clouds growing out of the castle wall.
N-no. It does not grow out of the city walls. In fact, it probably stands beyond the walls, perhaps a good distance away. However, because of its ridiculous size, which reaches up to the clouds, the distance between it and the city was hard to grasp, and for a moment it appeared to be growing out of the city walls.
Such a huge structure, once you see it, you will never forget it.
I know. I know it. Like the Palace of Light, it is an oddity that cannot be reproduced with current architectural technology.
The home of the attackers who bring chaos to the continent. Its name isーー
“Demon King's… Castle? N-nonsense!? How far do you think... the Demon Castle is!?"
Magic that interferes with space and time is extremely difficult to handle, and only excellent magicians in this current state of magic system can only succeed in transferring a small amount of material after careful preparation...... and yet, they are transferring a tower that can reach the clouds from another country?
"Impossible. This is... impossible."
It was overwhelming. It doesn't matter if there was prior preparation or not. The person who accomplished this feat is on a far higher plane than we can ever compare to.
……There is no way we can win.
Weapons fell from the hands of the soldiers around us one after another, followed by the sound of collapsing knees everywhere. The sound was like a sarcastic round of applause for a clown who had taken the wrong stage.
Just as a rabbit who encounters a hungry wolf realizes his death without fighting, everyone understands, even without words or knowledge of magic. The end of the Kingdom of Light.
(That's right. Now is the time for you to perish.)
A bewitching voice echoed through my stupor. As soon as I became aware of it, a jewel in the shape of a person appeared in my mind.
……Jewel? N-no. The shining purple hair that reached down to her waist was so shimmering, and the light emitted by her purple eyes was as pleasant as a music box that lulled one to sleep, I simply could not recognize that beauty as a person, which is superior to a supreme work of art.
However, upon closer inspection, the ample breasts that rise up her black dress and the navel that peeks out through a diamond-shaped hole told me that she is far from an inorganic object, but rather a being overflowing with carnal desire.
Her sheep-shaped horns are like a crown, and although we cannot see them when she is sitting cross-legged on her throne, she probably has a tail growing out of her buttocks.
In my head, the most famous demon in the world smiled.
(Greetings, people of the Kingdom of Light. I am the Demon King, the Demon King Satanalia.)
At the announcement of the Demon King's name, there were screams from all those who had failed to recognize the true identity of the demon at first glance...... everyone? What is this? It was an indescribably strange feeling, as though there were thousands and thousands of people in my thoughts or vice versa.
I can't understand every detail like I can with letters. But I certainly feel it. It is as if I am asking my own heart, and I can hear the emotions of all the people in the Kingdom of Light. This isーー
(Don't be surprised, you foolish lambs. I have only connected all the minds in the Kingdom of Light with my power. It is nothing more than child's play.)
The Demon King talks about it as if it were nothing, but it is impossible to put the entire capital protected by a barrier within the range of the magic, no matter what tactical-grade magic is used. If I had not seen more wonderful magic beforehand, I would have found it very hard to believe.
(Good. Good. You are in despair. You lambs who dwell in such an abominable land as the Kingdom of Light. Your despair has a sweeter taste than any fine wine...... but not yet. It is not enough. To the unfaithful who have stolen the Daimaou-sama from me, I will give them deeper despair. Take a look at this.)
The image of the Demon King in my mind moves to the side. Next to the throne on which the Demon King sits stands a large cross, and there is a beautiful blonde woman bound to it with chains.
“F-Floria-sama!?”
What is this? She may be unconscious, and I can't see her face clearly, but I'm sure it's her. That is Floria-sama.
Her limbs as well as her mouth and eyes are covered with chains, but what is in bad taste is that while the limbs are covered with dozens of chains, only a single, thin chain is wrapped around the breasts and pubic area. The slightest shake of the chains would reveal all her secret places.
The Demon King looks at Floria-sama, who was showing her tragic figure, with amusement.
(Can you see? This pathetic figure of your king...... mu? Hoh, this is interesting. Apparently, many did not know that their king was in our hands.)
The worst. At the worst possible time, the information that should have been kept secret was exposed. What is worse is that under these circumstances, with my mind connected to them, their true feelings are being conveyed, or I am being led to believe that they are being conveyed.
Even if the Demon King included a lie in the emotions that were being conveyed, the people would easily believe it. It was obvious that no matter how we tried to manipulate information after this, it would be in vain.
We were inferior in terms of strength and even more inferior in terms of manipulating information. It was as if she was carefully trampling on our shattered will to fight. But the Demon King's cruelty did not stop there.
(The original plan was for you to defeat the demons sent by me and inflict despair on you who were enjoying a short-lived victory, but I did not expect you to stay back without a fight. The people of the Kingdom of Light seem to be especially cowardly. Let me show you the pride of my soldiers in such a weak flock.)
The image changes. Is this outside...... the Demon King's Castle? The entrance to the Castle that is reaching the heavens. What appeared there wasーー
Instantly, thousands and thousands of screams flew through my head.
Dragons and giants. A single one is enough to shake a nation. Six of each lead their soldiers side by side. The demons that followed were all high rank. Even with the barrier, if we were to be attacked by such a swarm of demons, we would not last a day. Even if we were able to defeat the army of demons at great cost, the Demon King and the four generals are still waiting behind them.
At this point, the power between the Demon Kingdom and the Kingdom of Light was completely decided. Even a child could understand this due to the Demon King's magic.
Once again, the viewpoint projected in my mind returned to the Demon King Satanalia.
(It seems that all of you have correctly understood the current situation. Yes, you have no chance to win. All you can do is wait your turn, trembling, like a pitiful animal being kept for predation. Or...)
The Demon King's bewitching black lips lifted in a grin.
(Surrender. Of course, no matter how generous I am, I wouldn't save my enemy's people for free. So... five. Whoever brings me five heads of his / her own countrymen within an hour from now will be welcomed into my kingdom as a slave.)
It was exactly the kind of ghastly proposal that one might expect from the evil one in a story. But surprisingly, or as I might imagine, I now know that not a few of us are swayed by the proposal, now that our minds are being connected.
And this is the Demon King's vicious trap. The understanding that there are those close by who are lost in the evil sweet talk of the Demon King drives the rationality of the good people who try to resist the temptation into a state of insanity.
One step short of a riot. No, it has already led to a riot. After that, if the Demon King disabled the magic, the people, who have lost their connection with others, will run to madness under the suspicion of others.
As for me...... the Knight of Light, will not be able to save the people from this. The only one who could save the people in this situation is in the hands of the enemy.
Before I knew it, my knees were touching the mud like the soldiers around me.
(Well, then, let me see what choice you will make, and let me watch from a high place with my people... mu?)
The Demon King's words stopped. The image changed accordingly. The viewpoint was the main gate of the Kingdom of Light. The solid door that should have been tightly closed was beginning to open.
(Hoh, it seems that someone has made a decision very quickly. Interesting, interesting.)
The Demon King smiled, causing panic in the people's emotions.
No way!? Has someone already killed five people?
While being tossed about by the panic-stricken emotions of the people, however, I was concerned about something else.
How on earth could they open the main gate?
The main gate is blocked not only by magic, but also by a very large mass. Even if one could manage the former, it would take a hundred strong soldiers to open the gate. Sharna aside, I would not be able to open it easily, even with the power of the holy sword. And yet, the door was beginning to open. Don't tell me that in this short time, hundreds of soldiers have decided to betray us.
As if to affirm my despair, the viewpoint brought by the Demon King moved even closer to the main gate. What was projected there wasーー
"Eh? Ai... na?"
White hair and a butler's uniform. An elf had opened one of the doors with her bare hands and pulled it open.
"And, the other one..."
At the other door, there was a blue-haired maid, who, like Aina, made a hole with her bare hands in the door protected by magic that could withstand tactical-grade magic, and reached a height of 40 meters.
It's an inhuman physical strength that clearly transcends the level of magic ability. The fact that two people with such extraordinary power were dressed like a butler or a maid was as terribly unrealistic as the scene unfolding in our minds.
I could see that not only I but everyone had lost their response to this unrealistic scene. In the midst of all this, after opening the main gate, the two women bowed their heads reverently as if they were really just followers.
A loud murmur once again erupts in the connected minds. The two monsters bowed their heads, and a man stepped forward.
He was dressed in black clothes, pants, and an open-front shirt with accessories peeking out, one hand in his pocket, as though he were a man about to go out partying into the night. He is dressed so lightly and out of place that even a clown might look a little better, and he is walking alone into a battlefield filled with despair.
"Fuu. It's finally here. My turn has come."
The manーー Aquim Bonvoul ーーsays this and made a smile that anyone would find mortifying.
Thanks for the translation.
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