“———Huff”
After the massive form of the Deus statue, which had lost its neck, collapsed with a thunderous sound, I let out a deep sigh.
“I’m still not used to it…”
Even someone like me, who has confidence in my stamina, was out of breath, and my whole body was engulfed in a sense of fatigue due to the early symptoms of magical power depletion.
However, the reason I muttered with a sigh was because of my right hand, which had turned gray as if it had been petrified.
The last blessing, “Demon King of Light.” A unique ability that consumes a great amount of black magical power and dramatically increases its power. But as a backlash, my body becomes petrified depending on the magic or technique used.
When I use it, its power is immense. Yet afterward, due to petrification, my combat ability drastically decreases, and at worst, I can become incapable of fighting. It could be said to be an extremely double-edged sword.
Still, I believe it’s the most likely blessing for me to kill the Apostle in the current situation.
Thus, I’ve been diligently getting accustomed to “Demon King of Light”… No, I have clearly been able to suppress the backlash compared to the beginning. I should say this progress is quite an achievement.
Now, even after releasing power enough to defeat the Deus statue, petrification only reaches slightly above my wrist, and the backlash has decreased. At first, my entire arm turned to stone.
However, time is limited.
Two months have passed since I declared myself the Demon King in the blink of an eye.
In the month of May, known for distant thunder, apart from this training, I have been busy with the formation and training of the Empire Army, discussions with allied nations, and other duties as the Demon King. Today is the first day of the Month of New Sun.
I can’t help but feel anxious while gazing at my gray hand, wondering how much longer I can take this period of intensive training.
“Thank you for your hard work, Master!”
Without caring about my inner feelings at all, Hitsugi cheerfully burst into the Boss Room and hugged me without permission.
“Hey, stop it, I’m all sweaty right now.”
“That’s exactly why I, as your maid, should heal my tired Master covered in sweat! Hitsugi is currently fulfilling her duty!”
Is she really going to hug me like a child? Hitsugi, who was merely clinging to my neck, wasn’t offering me any sort of healing effect.
In fact, just like Hitsugi is moving independently like this, I am not even equipped with her right now. Furthermore, I’m not wearing the “Tyrant’s Armor” nor do I possess any cursed weapons, including “Decapitation.”
Right now, I’m wearing only a pair of durable pants, and I’m half-naked on the upper body. Well, I was wearing a shirt at first, but it got burned in the battle with the Deus statue.
Hitsugi is hugging me, seemingly happy in this half-naked state.
“Master, I will heal your hands now.”
“Ah, I’m sorry as always, Prim. I’m counting on you.”
In stark contrast to Hitsugi, who was dangling around happily, Prim, dressed in her maid outfit, rushed in with a fluffy towel and El Potion.
As I wiped my face with the towel she handed me with my left hand, Hitsugi started to tease me, which was quite bothersome. Can’t the head maid take a cue from her serious junior regarding my healing?
“…”
Prim was applying the El Potion on my petrified right hand with an utterly serious expression.
El Poterion, which is the highest grade obtainable at the shop, isn’t potent enough to heal the backlash of petrification instantly. To resolve this immediately, I would need to apply a significant amount of blackening along with the “Fairy’s Potion.” In other words, only Lily could heal me right away.
Conversely, if I take time, I can heal myself, so I can’t afford to trouble our busy Your Majesty the Queen or our Empire’s Marshal just to heal a single hand.
“Master.”
“Ah, thank you. Let’s head back for now.”
After applying the potion, the petrification treatment was completed by carefully wrapping a special bandage dyed with blackening and imbued with healing magic.
At a good stopping point where my stamina and magical power were almost depleted, I decided to end the training. After all, the Deus statue can’t be respawned immediately.
Prim nodded, embraced my right hand wrapped in black bandages with both her small hands, holding it close to her chest like a precious treasure.
As I couldn’t feel anything while petrified, I thought it was a rather unfortunate position… I had remained silent and let her handle it, since during the initial training phase I had shaken her off while she started to tear up with a face like the end of the world.
Homunculi are known to shed tears without making a sound, which adds a sense of tragicness.
In any case, while my right hand was pulled by Prim, my left hand was tugged by Hitsugi as I returned from the vast hall in front of the treasure room, the original final boss room, to the lounge in the command room.
“———Chrono, thank you for your hard work.”
“Lily.”
In the lounge, a young girl named Lily, dressed in a black military uniform and long coat befitting a Marshal, awaited me.
“How would you assess the outcome of the training? Perhaps it was just alright?”
“Yeah, I can feel some growth, but no definitive results yet…”
She had likely witnessed my earlier battle with the Deus statue.
With Lily’s precisely pointed question, I answered with a rueful smile. I couldn’t lie to her after all.
“Don’t rush it. I’m more worried about you pushing yourself too hard.”
“It’s just a big backlash I’m dealing with; I’m not overdoing it.”
“Is that so? Even while doing something akin to a mobile experiment?”
I really can’t lie, can I?
“I thought I’d never want to undergo that hell again… But in the end, if you want to grow stronger, you end up having to resort to similar methods. What a bitter irony.”
Especially when I challenged a big guy with nothing but my bare body without any equipment; it couldn’t help but remind me of those times.
However, what does that matter?
This Elroad Empire can be said to be built on brainwashing. I am now doing the same things I had deeply loathed as repulsive deeds of demons. I don’t have time to be hurt because of trauma.
If I inflict pain onto others, then I must bear greater pain… Otherwise, it simply wouldn’t balance out. It wouldn’t make sense.
“But Lily, it’s not something that I should worry about now. I can train in a well-prepared environment like this, so it’s actually a luxury.”
There is no danger to my life, I can adjust the difficulty myself, and besides, there’s also the cute maid providing treatment.
“As you wish, Chrono—by the way, how long do you plan to cling?”
“Pyah!”
When Lily made the “Fairy Barrier” blink brightly, Hitsugi, who had been clinging to my left hand, let out a scream.
“Really, Chrono, you’re injured, yet you can’t just play around by yourself. Me!”
“Hyah, Lady, forgive me!”
While shouting that, Hitsugi quickly let go of my hand and ran away. What is she doing?
“At this rate, she’s no different from a pet dog.”
“Well, don’t say that.”
In the end, I have to admit that I have been somewhat healed by Hitsugi’s innocent side.
But that realization practically makes it feel no different from doting on an actual pet…
“Prim.”
“W-Well, I’m just treating my Master—”
“I’ll heal him, so you can step back. Thank you for your efforts.”
In an instant, her previously stern expression directed at Hitsugi softened, and she flashed a smile at Prim, but the pressure emanating from her was likely not just my imagination.
Indeed, my right hand, which should have been cradled by Prim, had already been taken by Lily.
Though Lily was even smaller, her hands exuded an immense warmth. Already, warmth began to return to my right hand, which was supposed to be devoid of sensation.
The nicely and neatly wrapped black bandages unraveled themselves and fell to the floor. Following that, the gray surface resembling stone cracked and began to crumble into small pieces.
At this rate, my right hand should recover in less than five minutes.
“Prim, I’ll leave the rest to Lily. You can take a break for today.”
“…Yes, excuse me. Master, Your Majesty the Queen.”
After a deep bow, Prim left the lounge as if to pursue where Hitsugi had run off.
“Sorry, Lily.”
And I regretted doing that to Prim as well.
“Why is Chrono apologizing?”
“Uh, it’s just… I may have made you a little jealous.”
It’s fine that Hitsugi clings to me; a girl like her, full of childlike innocence, is treated as just that.
However, I may have gotten a little too close to Prim.
“No, it’s all right. If that’s what Chrono desires, you can treat Prim however you like. If you liked that one, I could make you tens or even hundreds of identical girls.”
“No, that’s not my intention.”
“Hehe, I know. But it’s true I got a bit jealous. Because now, I spend more time with Chrono than with you. I want to heal you from petrification myself!”
“I see, that makes sense.”
I poked Lily’s adorably puffed cheeks with my fingertips and laughed.
“But you have to bear with it a little. This is work, after all.”
“Ah, I dislike growing up.”
“Indeed.”
I would have liked to live more leisurely, adventuring as the “Element Master.” But now, the weight I carry is too large to measure, even for myself.
By the way, am I still a minor? Since I’m 18, does that mean I’m already an adult?
“More importantly, what brings you here at a time like this? You didn’t just come to check on me, did you?”
“Yes, we need to discuss serious business from here on—finally, the Crusaders have moved.”
“Is it Ai from Spada?”
“No, it’s Nero from Avalon.”
In the footage of the parade, only humans were visible.
Avalon, like Spada, was originally a country with a high proportion of humans, but members of other races also lived normally. When a large crowd gathers, it is natural for 20% to 30% to be of other races, but it seems that the exclusion policy is progressing smoothly.
And alongside the expulsion of other races, there was a hostile propaganda against Pandemonium, directly calling me the “Great Demon.”
“I thought it was just a simple way to create a clear enemy and promote unity.”
“Such tactics are typical of the Crusaders, or rather, the Church. It doesn’t matter if they are not heretics; if there’s a bothersome faction, they advertise them as heretics and broadcast them widely as enemies.”
I received a very heartfelt opinion from Fiona, who lived in Sinclair.
In a society where having a newspaper is considered a luxury, if the Church, which has immense support and faith, shouts “They are the enemy!”, it inevitably becomes the truth for many people.
Judgment of good and evil. What is justice? Ultimately, it can only be judged within the scope of the information one has access to.
“This smooth way of doing things undoubtedly follows the Church’s style. It seems likely that the Aria Monastery was the one leading it.”
“As expected, it’s the real deal in terms of methodology.”
To begin activities right after the Fifth Galahad War and gain such influence already is impressive, even as an enemy, without the cheat of brainwashing like Lily.
The presence of hidden Crusaders who continued to lurk in Pandora must have been significant. The twelve noble families of Avalon, waiting for their uprising while maintaining a majority… I can only feel sympathy for the King of Avalon. How can one not notice that?
“On the surface, they seem to be forcefully and skillfully imposing the Cross Religion, but the problem is how much military force they are allocating for the Great Expedition. Do they really intend to come all the way to the ends of this continent?”
“At the very least, it’s not just a facade of advancement. The forces present in that parade were just a small part, and the main force is gathering from various locations in Avalon towards Selene.”
On the map, arrows stretched from each domain of Avalon, showing the confirmed military forces.
As a result of the expulsion of other races by the Cross Religion, not only other nobles who were hidden Crusaders but also those human nobles who early declared their support for Nero had their territories and properties redistributed. Naturally, the nobles who were being deprived wouldn’t stay silent, but with Nero, who possesses the power of an Apostle and has the direct support of the Crusaders, it seems that battles even escalating to civil unrest avoid happening.
By giving such benefits to the nobles first, I suppose they successfully drew out cooperation for the Great Expedition.
“The fact that they have already gathered a large army in Selene means they are likely planning to cross the sea.”
“Yes, although it hasn’t been too publicized, it seems that most of the midwestern city-states along the Lemuria coast have aligned with Neo-Avalon. Those are all places with a high original human population, and it’s quite likely that they’ve secretly formed an alliance and established a cooperative system. In fact, the city-states of Tulkis and Uxia, directly opposite Selene, are already preparing to receive Avalon’s great army.”
The names of those countries evoke nostalgia.
It was when Lily and I went to Parthia to hunt Manticores. We entered through Tulkis via Fahren and returned from Uxia to Selene. I certainly remember that both of those countries also had a higher proportion of humans.
Feeling complicated about remembering things in this manner is unavoidable. However, if Avalon is genuinely advancing here, it is a place that must be secured as the initial landing point.
“What about Rune? If they are also aligning with Avalon, then the maritime rights of Lemuria will already belong to the Crusaders.”
“Rune hasn’t opened teleportation yet, and has only a slight connection to the Spada Royal Family, so negotiations and investigations have not progressed well there. But for now, it doesn’t seem to be showing overt support. There is a strong perception that they are watching quietly, taking advantage of their island country’s location.”
I want Rune to maintain its independence at all costs. That area is ideally situated to keep all the midwestern city-states by the Lemuria Sea in check. It’s fair to say that Rune effectively controls the maritime rights in that region.
The fact that Nero has not raised Rune as the target of the first Great Expedition likely means they do not intend to engage in a naval battle there. The naval strength of Rune, as an island nation, is outstanding in that area.
Even if they cannot be drawn into the Cross Religion, as long as they maintain neutrality, securing a sea route to the opposite shore is sufficient.
“If they suddenly land a carrier with Misa in Rune, there won’t be any way to stop it.”
“That worry seems unwarranted. As long as Rune doesn’t provoke the Avalon forces crossing the sea.”
As she said that, the next scene displayed was of a port town that was different from Selene. A picturesque tourist scene unfolded, with neatly lined buildings against a backdrop of gentle waves and white beaches.
However, hovering in the sky was an enormous object that looked almost unrecognizable.
With a flat shape akin to an aircraft carrier, there stood a magnificent white palace on a vast deck. I had been on board that exact place before, so there was no mistaking it; having another like it would be troublesome.
The Eleventh Apostle Misa’s castle, the aerial fortress “Peaceful Heart.”
“Has she already crossed to the other side?”
“Yes, Misa has publicly declared her participation in Nero’s Great Expedition.”
“I see… That seriously means they might come this far.”
She had already entered alone.
Would she come alone again? This time, I could welcome her in full preparation.
“It’s not just Misa. The Spada Crusaders also seem to be moving in sync with the Great Expedition. Even if they don’t move, they will undoubtedly provide support.”
“…First of all, will Parthia fall?”
As for reaching the land of Pandemonium, where the Great Demon resides, the vast grassland nation of Parthia is the first to get in the way.
If you head south from that area, you will inevitably have to pass through their territory. They cover an incredibly wide area.
And as a nation of centaurs, Parthia must not be allowed to fall to the Crusaders.
“Yes, it will fall. They have yet to establish diplomatic relations there.”
Lily plainly states.
Her cold words aren’t just about being blunt; it’s a mere fact.
“That’s true. Right now, we have no capacity or time to do anything about Parthia. We’ll have to rely on them to defend themselves as best they can.”
“I’m sorry, Chrono.”
“It’s fine; Lily is doing her best. There are limits to what people can do, no matter what.”
That limit is here. We cannot extend our support even to Parthia.
Since teleportation is not available, we cannot accept refugees like we did with Spada. Moreover, we cannot engage since we haven’t established diplomatic relations.
“Let’s pray that Parthia can hold out and buy us as much time as possible.”
I cannot deny Fiona’s cold way of speaking. In reality, that is about all we can do right now.
“The journey to the southernmost tip of the continent is long. No matter how smoothly the Great Expedition progresses, it will surely take more than a year. If they occupy the countries along the invasion route, even more time will be needed.”
Sariel, who has actually led the Crusaders, provides a rough estimate of the marching speed. Excluding Misa’s aircraft carrier, the Crusaders’ progression will adhere to common sense as human military units.
Under normal circumstances, there would almost certainly be a limit somewhere. It would amount to traversing half the continent. Even without opposing nations, reaching this far would be a challenging journey.
With the treacherous volcanic territory of Adamantoria, the dense jungles of Varna, and finally the expansive Atlas Desert spreading out, there are numerous geographic factors that will impede the advance of a great army.
“Nonetheless, they have two Apostles on their side.”
Nero, leading the Avalon army. Misa, who bears a grudge against me.
Maria Belle would likely join the Great Expedition if there’s no particular reason against it. At least two, possibly three, or even four Apostles may gather here, if the worst-case scenario includes Ai.
“They will definitely come here. I can’t imagine there being a country capable of stopping an Apostle’s advance.”
With the power bestowed by God, they will overcome any enemy and difficulties to arrive.
I cannot entertain the convenient imagination that they might just tire and collapse halfway somewhere. A deeply ingrained sense of crisis smolders within me, unavoidable.
“I have formed alliances with Adamantoria and Varna. Therefore, I will provide as much assistance as possible. If the time comes, I will allow them to take refuge here just like Spada did. However, I am not fixated on holding the ground.”
“Chrono, that’s what I’m—”
“No, it’s fine, Lily. This is my strategy that I’ve come up with.”
Lily, who has already guessed my intention, opens her mouth to speak, but please let me finish. It’s imperative for none other than the Demon King Chrono to voice it.
“Assuming that all allied nations will be defeated, I will draw the Crusaders to the Atlas Desert as much as possible. There, we will annihilate them all at once.”
By suppressing the Original Monolith, I have obtained the ability to control quicksand. The Atlas Desert is now completely our territory.
The entire land is on our side, granting us the ultimate geographical advantage.
Whether it’s one hundred thousand or a million, they are within our reach. Even if they organize a fleet of several thousand desert ships and march in an endless line—everything can be swallowed by the desert.
“We lack time, personnel, and everything else. It is impossible to hold back that massive army and Apostles simply by forming alliances with various countries. Unless we achieve a significant victory somewhere, or generate enough results to wipe out that entire army, there’s no way to reverse the situation from here.”
That was a cold-hearted decision made to abandon everything except for Pandemonium before the battle even began.
What would save Pandora Continent? Just how many would be forsaken, and what sacrifices would need to be made?
I understand. I get it.
But I can’t win.
To defeat them, that’s the only way to see a path to victory. Focusing entirely on defending all allied nations might buy us some time. However, if the attrition continues, we’ll quickly run out of resources.
After just two months since Neo-Avalon was established, launching a large army for the expedition is about the worst timing for us. Perhaps, they may have initiated this rapid large-scale expedition anticipating our status as a fledgling nation.
If we had been able to buy time on the scale of years, we could have avoided resorting to such reckless strategies. But the enemy has already begun to move.
If they are taking the best possible measures to crush us, we must return the favor with our best measures. A simple head-on confrontation will not allow us to win against them.
“Let’s draw the Crusaders into the Atlas Desert and annihilate them with quicksand. Does anyone have any objections to this strategy?”
“I think it’s good. Considering our hand, that’s all that can be done.”
“…I support the Master’s decision.”
Fiona says it as if it’s the most natural thing. Sariel likely has several of her own thoughts on the matter. Yet, she must be aware that she cannot present a more rational counterproposal.
“Chrono, please. Let that strategy be credited to my idea.”
“I am the Demon King. I have become the Demon King. Therefore, it’s something I must bear.”
Thank you, Lily.
Adopting the cruelest strategy, where I must forsake countless people in order to win, is something I believe she is willing to shoulder on my behalf. She likely thinks that’s what would hurt me the most.
However, I did not appoint her as Marshal to make her bear such things.
“Proceed with this strategy proposal in complete secrecy. The contents shall only be revealed to the officers.”
“Understood.”
Exhaling deeply and heavily, Lily signaled her agreement.
“But that said, I still want to provide support to the allied nations as much as possible.”
“Yes, if we don’t do something at least, we’ll be resented for abandoning them.”
“That aspect is real, but… If we can destroy them before reaching Atlas, that would be even better—”
“—Pardon the interruption. An urgent report.”
A voice is caught from outside the door and conveyed inside. At the same time, the holo-monitor displayed Ain, standing at attention in front of the door.
“Come in.”
When I permitted entry, Ain, now fully accustomed to wearing military attire, bowed gracefully and walked forward, kneeling before us and opening her mouth.
“Just now, I received word that two important figures from Avalon have been secured at Destiny Land.”
“Who are they?”
“The King of Avalon, Miliald Julius Elroad, and his guard, Celis An Arclight.”