Marius teleported to Balderra Fortress.
Gadis, the commander, didn’t know Marius personally, but he guessed who it was upon seeing a mage in a black-red robe appearing via teleportation magic.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Marius.”
Marius reflected that he was gradually getting used to being treated with such respect by a man old enough to be his father. He hastily exchanged words with the envoy from Hordia and learned that the sealing ground was Vayuta Forest. Naturally, he had never been there before.
“I could teleport there with magic, but King Asteria is a woman.”
The drawback of “Attach” was that it worked regardless of whether the target was changing or bathing. The possibility of an “accident” could not be denied if it were used when he didn’t know where or what the person was doing. In such a case, it would undoubtedly lead to an awkward situation. He absolutely did not want to be rumored as having “peeped at the Queen changing or bathing.” The envoy seemed to have a vague inkling and said something unexpected to Marius.
“Um, I have been to the location of the sealing ground. His Majesty said that it would be sufficient to simply tell you that.”
Gadis looked surprised, but Marius felt he understood why Asteria had chosen this envoy.
“If there’s someone who has actually been there, I can teleport to that location.”
“Wow!”
The envoy’s eyes sparkled, and Marius felt a ticklish sensation. Perhaps he should get used to it soon.
“Then, let us go together!”
“No, shouldn’t supplies come first?”
The envoy blushed at Marius’s calm remark and cleared his throat.
“My apologies, I shall have them transported immediately.”
All the supplies brought by the Hordia army were stolen, but it was impossible to tell just by looking, and presumably, one wouldn’t know by eating them either. The variety of items used in warfare was limited, and the differences between countries, especially when dealing with two from the west, were negligible. Even if they noticed, stealing supplies from another country was common in war, so it likely wouldn’t be a major issue. The fact that aid was being offered was what truly mattered. Marius watched this unfold silently. As a mage, his physical abilities were of no use, and he had no magic to lighten objects. While it would be instantaneous to transport them by magic, it was likely not ideal from a political or psychological standpoint. When he cautiously inquired, he was indirectly refused.
(It’s probably because they aren’t using magic.)
Reaching his own conclusion, Marius at least cast a body enhancement spell. Everyone was initially bewildered, but they soon grew accustomed to it and began to move with renewed vigor. He inwardly praised himself, thinking it was far better than when he had to hold back with all his might.
Vayuta Forest was a lush, elongated forest, twenty kilometers long and eight kilometers wide. Because of its extent, the sealing ground couldn’t be reached immediately.
“There’s certainly nothing here,” Rubens muttered to himself as he surveyed the forest. Considering its magnificence, it would be expected to harbor many of the beasts and monsters that inhabited such an area, yet there was no sign of life. Not even squirrels or insects seemed to exist. He was exploring from a different area than Gerik. He had decided that it would be better to split into two groups given the forest’s vastness. Gradually, a peculiar, oppressive sensation emanating from the Demon Lord began to approach. The familiar aura was likely due to his acquaintance with Decarabia. There was no sign of Gerik nearby. At this rate, Rubens seemed likely to find it first.
Gerik’s delay was due not only to the distance but, more significantly, to an unforeseen obstacle.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
Before him stood Asteria, the King of Hordia, with a pale-faced maid behind her. As part of his infiltration work, he had memorized the faces of the kings and their maids from various countries. He believed the maid’s name was Annette. To reveal herself to him, a Demon, without an army was an insult, but the fact that it was a king doing so instilled a slight sense of caution.
“Demon Gerik, I presume.”
“Whatever are you talking about?” Gerik feigned ignorance towards the woman who spoke as if she knew everything. He was currently disguised as a Hordian merchant, so he hesitated to react further. Since he didn’t know what the woman before him was thinking, he decided to proceed cautiously. This was the reason he was called cowardly by his now-deceased demonic companions and why Rubens held him in relatively high regard.
“The unique weakness of the Demon Gerik’s skill is its inability to perfectly replicate the strength of those stronger than oneself.”
Gerik was not surprised by this revelation. It was a common trait among his progenitor race, Mimics, and it was only natural that it would be known, given that he was known to be a Demon of Mimic descent. However, being told, “We can manage up to your strength,” was rather offensive. While he was not a typical brawler, he should still be able to hold his own against ordinary humans.
“You didn’t deny it this time?”
Asteria’s smile held a hint of mockery; at least, that’s how Gerik perceived it. He regretted not being able to immediately retort with “What are you talking about?” sensing the subtle taunt or insult. Asteria, reading Gerik’s expression, provided the answer.
“It is now that we are testing you.”
“…! I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
As someone accustomed to infiltrating human society, Gerik quickly regained his composure.
“Follow Mergen.”
However, Asteria did not allow it.
“What…? What are you talking about?”
Caught off guard by the mention of his comrade’s name before he could fully recover, he inadvertently asked for clarification. It was only a few seconds later that he cursed himself, realizing it was too late. He decided to cut short any further exchange and eliminate them. He couldn’t comprehend why a king of a nation, unaccompanied by an army or Marius, was here, but it seemed clear they intended to impede their objective.
“The tables have turned…” Gerik transformed into a Red Dragon using “Transform.” His true form was that of a Mimic, whose combat prowess was among the lowest. However, that was when he was just a Mimic; now, as a Demon, his basic abilities had been dramatically enhanced. Nevertheless, the only ability he could use in his Mimic form was “Transform,” so if he wanted to fight properly, he had to change into another creature.
“I see. So, to fight properly, I must first transform.”
Humans, and even Asteria, were unaware of this, but she realized it now due to Gerik’s actions. Gerik felt like saying, “What good is realizing that now?”
“Then, allow me.”
As Asteria raised her hand, two dragons appeared. Gerik, recognizing it as a summoning, faced a male dragon with black scales and a female dragon with white scales.
“Vrydras!”
Gerik gasped. Unlike humans, he possessed knowledge of dragon species, which is why he correctly identified the species name of the beings known as the “Twin Dragons.” However, in this instance, it provided no advantage to him. Vrydras were a higher class of dragons, far superior to Red Dragons, and even one of them would likely surpass his combat capabilities. He sensed he was in a desperate situation but did not give up. Rubens was not far away. If he could endure until Rubens noticed the situation and rushed over, the tide would turn. Of course, Asteria and the others were well aware of this. Rubens, the strongest-class Demon who had long commanded the Demons of this continent… encountering him would bring nothing but harm to those aiming to defeat Gerik. As Asteria lightly gestured, the male Vrydra charged. The absence of roars each time was an attempt to buy as much time as possible before Rubens noticed. Consequently, Gerik roared loudly to meet the attack. However, roaring to be heard far away naturally made his movements larger, and he took the full force of the charge. Blown away with a tremendous crash, Gerik was stunned by the power difference. Even with the gap between a Red Dragon and a Vrydra, their powers should have been nearly equal when factoring in their demonic strength.
“You… you wouldn’t be…?”
There was likely only one reason this wasn’t the case. As Gerik involuntarily let out a sound, the female Vrydra unleashed an ice breath. His vision was enveloped in silver, and his body temperature rapidly dropped. Gerik transformed into a Blue Dragon, which was strong against cold. An attack that would have been fatal to a Red Dragon was merely uncomfortable for a Blue Dragon. As he forcefully shattered the ice covering his body, he was burned by the scorching breath of the male. Gerik realized his actions were in vain. Fighting both Vrydras simultaneously, in his estimation, was equivalent to fighting a mid-tier Demon. He stood no chance. Yet, Gerik did not cease his resistance.
(I should have dealt with this woman first… before Marius.)
He recognized Asteria as their greatest enemy. Her cunning in controlling the Twin Vrydras and anticipating their actions, all while keeping it hidden, posed a significant threat. Gerik mistakenly believed that Zagan’s death was also part of her scheme. He knew he was doomed. Thus, he would fight to the death to stall until Rubens arrived. He wanted them to recognize these beings as the ones that needed to be eliminated. Asteria immediately saw through his intention.
“Hurry, they’re trying to stall until Rubens arrives.”
Upon hearing the instruction, the dragons began their most powerful attacks. Gerik further misunderstood, believing his mistake had not been in vain. He mistakenly saw the entire sequence of failures as Asteria’s scheme. Hit by the “Couple Breath,” where ice and fire clashed to overwhelm the enemy, Gerik vanished along with many trees. A metallic sound echoed, and the “Phantom Soul of Mimicry” rolled onto the ground. Asteria picked it up, but her expression remained grim. One was the unnatural lack of anything dropped by Mergen, and the other was…
“Gerik!”
The arrival of the Demon Rubens. He sprinted, crushing the trees that touched his body as he rushed forth. Gerik had been defeated, but he might have fulfilled his minimum role. The superior, having lost a subordinate, vibrated with anger and glared at Asteria and the others. Yet, even just that sent several humans into a state akin to being scantily clad in a blizzard. The Vrydras, who had dispatched Gerik without difficulty, even took a single step back. The dense pressure emanating from him spoke of the difference in their standing.
“I will never forgive you! Vermin that infest the world!”
Now, they were the ones in a desperate situation.
“Your Majesty, please escape.” Annette managed to speak, her body trembling. As a subordinate, it was the only logical choice.
“Kuro-chan, Shiro-chan.” The Vrydras correctly understood their master’s desperate plea.
“Indeed, farewell.” The black Vrydra bid them farewell in fluent Taliant Language. Normally, it would be impossible for them to escape even Asteria alone, but Isabella’s Magic Item was now at hand. In his human form, Rubens could likely hold out for a second or two against both Vrydras simultaneously. This would mean their deaths.
“Risking death to save humans.” Rubens, though hating his enemies, was somewhat calmed by the resolve of his own kind.
“Your spirit is commendable. As a sign of respect, I shall face you in my true form.”
“Rather, it would be appreciated if you didn’t go all out.” The white Vrydra murmured with a sigh. It sounded like a joke, but he meant it. Dismissing the words with a laugh, Rubens reverted to his true form. It was a small, human-sized dragon with a serpentine body, deep green scales, yellow eyes, and a crest.
“Basilisk!”
Asteria and the Vrydras cried out in fear. It was a species considered the most ferocious among higher dragons, possessing a petrifying gaze that cursed those who saw it, a breath that could lead even dragons to their death, and venom in its fangs, claws, tail, and even its bodily fluids. Enhanced as a high-tier Demon, it sent a chill down Asteria’s spine. Merely breathing, Rubens caused the nearby trees to wither and fall.
“You didn’t try to escape. Though it would be futile.” When Rubens changed form, there was a momentary opening of less than a second. The petrifying gaze that cursed upon sight prevented their escape. Their legs and wings were already rendered useless.
“I will grant you a swift death.” Although leaving them to perish from weakness due to the curse was an option, Rubens had no intention of sparing those who had defeated Gerik. As he began to prepare his breath attack, Asteria forced her stiffening arm to move and threw three black stones from her pocket. They were “Escape is Victory” transfer items made by Isabella.
“Y-Your Majesty.”
“You fool.” The astonished Annette and the Vrydras were forcibly transferred to the Royal Capital. Asteria being the only one left behind perplexed Rubens.
“Why did you allow your subordinates to escape? You are the leader of a nation, an organization, are you not? Shouldn’t you have escaped first?” This was a question that showed Rubens had some understanding of human society. Asteria smiled, her usual playful grin.
“Are you going to prioritize curiosity? Shouldn’t you be reviving the Demon Lord quickly? Though, I suppose I am the only sacrifice now.” Annette and the others would not have understood this. However, Rubens understood and grunted, glaring at the queen.
“So, that’s why I thought it was strange that there were so few living creatures. It was your doing!” The Demon Lord Decarabia required a certain number of monster corpses for his complete resurrection. Asteria, who aimed to prevent the Demon Lord’s revival, had first cleared out the living creatures from Vayuta Forest and its surroundings and evacuated the residents. This was why Hordia’s response to the three-nation alliance had appeared delayed.
“Indeed, the revival of Lord Decarabia should be expedited… However, I am a proponent of nipping troubles in the bud.” Rubens decided to finish Asteria. The question of why she had remained alone in this place vanished.
“Ha, we’re surprisingly compatible.” He decided to eliminate the detestable woman who, despite her upper body already losing mobility, continued to smile defiantly. Nevertheless, intending to end it in one blow, Rubens initiated his breath attack.
