As night fell and the light of the stars and moon became their only guide, the Demons gathered in a place where no other living beings could reach them.
“What? Zagan is dead?”
Rubens nodded at Albert, who was stunned.
“From now on, let’s act with that in mind.”
Franklin, Gastark, Pal, and Gerik nodded solemnly, but Rebera burst into laughter. Albert and Mergen showed no particular reaction.
“Hahahaha! I’m not scared anymore! I can kill humans to my heart’s content!”
It was good news for Rebera, who had been itching to kill humans.
“That’s true, isn’t it?”
Albert agreed with a ferocious grin. The fear of Zagan had been a great constraint for even the Demons. In other words, his death was not necessarily a good thing for humanity.
“What do we do now, Rubens-san?”
Albert’s question was less of an inquiry and more of a request for permission. Rubens sensed this and sighed. While it was possible to suppress them by force, their dissatisfaction could lead to chaos if it continued to build.
“There’s no other choice. It’s time for us to go on the offensive as well.”
“We’ve been waiting!”
Gastark, Albert, and Rebera clapped their hands and whistled, expressing their joy.
“It seems the humans are planning to start a war. And they’re leaving us alone.”
Rubens’s words caused all the Demons to radiate anger.
“Is that so… It seems the humans are underestimating us quite a bit…”
Franklin’s tone was as calm as ever. However, the immense killing intent emanating from him was so potent that Rebera, standing nearby, turned pale and backed away.
“Albert, Franklin, Gastark, Pal, Rebera, head to that country and find Auraniess. It doesn’t matter if the country is destroyed in the process.”
“Alriiiiiight!”
Rebera shouted louder than anyone else. Beyond simple joy, it was an attempt to dispel their lingering fear.
“Gastark. Use your power to strengthen the demon army itself.”
“Understood! …I can kill too, right?”
“Indeed. However, do not let your guard down. Strengthening the army is your top priority.”
“Yes!”
Gastark nodded fervently, his face beaming.
“Pal, your first task is to destroy the humans’ communication network.”
“Understood.”
Pal received the order without showing any emotion.
“Franklin, you are free to do as you please.”
“Hmm. So, I should act with flexibility?”
Franklin chuckled, looking amused. Rebera flinched back, the sheer pressure unchanged.
“And you will be in command on the ground, Albert.”
“Of course. What about you guys? Shall I leave some for you?”
Rubens, with a wry smile at Albert’s well-intentioned concern, shook his head.
“We will act separately. Don’t hold back, unleash your full power. Crush the humans.”
He gave his permission again, his words laced with a taunting tone.
“Show them the reality, the pathetic and foolish humans who are so arrogant from defeating lower Demons and the newly freed Zagan.”
“OOOOH!”
The ferocious roars of the Demons echoed through the darkness of the night. It was the moment when the suppressed evil violence and desires were finally unleashed.
