We live in the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Both the Demon Race and the Divine Race are evil.
In an emergency where the ruler of the Demon Race is missing, the Giant Demon Lord seemed extremely displeased.
Meanwhile, Charlotte was smiling with great amusement after receiving a report from the Demon Lord.
We exchanged troubled glances at the diametrically opposed reactions of the Demon Lord and Charlotte.
It’s mysterious how the Demon Lord and his aide could have such different reactions, isn’t it?
“Um. So, what could be the cause of the ruler’s disappearance? Huh! Could it be that he’s got into a fight with the Witch somewhere!?”
If that’s the case, we need to quickly mediate between them and have them cooperate to deal with this Great Forbidden Technique!
As I said this, Charlotte laughed, sounding like it had nothing to do with her, “I hope so.”
The Demon Lord also sighed, saying that if it were that simple, they wouldn’t be suffering.
“Mumumu. Despite your opposite reactions to the news of the ruler’s disappearance, you’re both brushing off my story? Does that mean you might know the reason for his disappearance?”
Even though he’s missing, the Demon Lord’s displeasure stemmed from his knowledge of the ruler’s movements. Conversely, perhaps Charlotte found it amusing and laughed?
My guess seemed to be correct, as the Demon Lord offered a slight clarification.
“On rare occasions, those individuals vanish without informing anyone. If the Witch also becomes unaccounted for at the same time, then trouble is almost certainly brewing.”
“Doesn’t that mean my guess is correct?”
“Fool. The world is not as simple as you think. Especially since those two have a relationship spanning thousands of years.”
“I, I see…”
Perhaps things beyond our imagination are happening between the Witch and the ruler of the Demon Race.
And the Demon Lord and Charlotte know about their deep connection.
However, they won’t tell us the details. In other words, it’s not something that can be casually discussed and must be very dangerous.
“So, um… In the situation where the ruler of the Demon Race is missing, what are your plans going forward?”
If this Great Forbidden Technique turns out to be the worst-case scenario that Charlotte spoke of from history, we won’t be able to handle it alone. Surely, neither the Witch nor the ruler of the Demon Race could deal with it alone?
And yet, if it’s not just the ruler but even the Witch who might be unreachable…
If things continue like this, it will not only play into the hands of the Divine Race but will undoubtedly lead to a crisis for the world.
We swallowed hard, awaiting the Demon Lord’s reaction.
Then, the Demon Lord let out another heavy sigh, slumping his shoulders, and spoke of their future course of action.
“In any case, you should return to your mansion and rest to recover from your long journey.”
“Eh? You’re not going to deal with the Divine Race’s movements or the Great Forbidden Technique!?”
I know it won’t be a sudden development like immediately invading the Divine Race’s empire and stopping the Great Forbidden Technique. But I feel we need to make various preparations to respond to the Divine Race’s movements, right?
Yet, do we really have time to rest?
Everyone was perplexed by the gravity of the situation and the discrepancy in the Demon Lord’s response.
Seeing our bewildered state, Charlotte giggled with amusement. Then, while handing the Demon Lord some alcohol, she explained in more detail.
“From what Elnea-kun and the others have said, it appears the Divine Race has just recently revived the Great Forbidden Technique.”
“So, shouldn’t we stop it while we still can?”
“Yes. Ordinarily, that would be the best course of action. However, if it truly is ‘that’ Great Forbidden Technique, rushing things might actually lead to failure.”
Charlotte also offered us seats and suggested we have some tea.
Priscilla-chan was already eating sweets on the Demon Lord’s lap.
It can’t be helped. It’s too difficult a topic for Priscilla-chan. Of course, it’s difficult for us too.
As prompted, we sat down again.
After we had taken sips of tea and alcohol and seemed somewhat calmer, the Demon Lord said:
“The Divine Race probably doesn’t think they can keep their movements completely secret.”
“Indeed, as we have leaked some information?”
“That’s right. Therefore, you must assume they are also preparing for the possibility that the one who revived the Great Forbidden Technique in secret becomes known?”
The Demon Lord added.
“The wielder of the Great Forbidden Technique is almost certainly the Emperor. Assuming they revived that damnable technique based on some clue. I doubt the Divine Race Emperor would relinquish the authority to activate it to someone else.”
“Does that mean the Great Forbidden Technique isn’t a technique that depends on the wielder’s abilities, but rather has some activation condition, and anyone who meets that condition can use it!?”
First of all, forbidden techniques cannot be used by ordinary people.
But conversely, it means that if an extraordinary “powerful individual” possesses the knowledge of forbidden techniques, they can replicate it.
That’s why the Witch keeps an eye on the spread of forbidden techniques and shows no mercy to those who wield them.
However, the Great Forbidden Technique seems to be slightly different.
Based on the Demon Lord’s explanation, it seems that in addition to the special power needed to activate the technique, there is also a means or something similar to activate it, and that requires specific conditions or authority?
Both the Demon Lord and Charlotte refrain from discussing the Great Forbidden Technique in detail.
I believe it’s a taboo that cannot be spoken of casually, even to us.
Nevertheless, we need to know some of the circumstances for things to progress. Furthermore, since we were the ones who brought information to the Demon Race, the Demon Lord, being considerate, explained it in cautious terms.
“We might be able to mobilize the full might of the Demon Race to invade the Divine Race’s empire and defeat the Emperor. However, if the Great Forbidden Technique were to fall into other hands, it could lead to the absolute worst-case scenario.”
“And, what does that mean?”
“From our perspective, it is easier to act when we know that the Emperor is the wielder. Think about it. If a situation arises where the Great Forbidden Technique is to be used. What should we do?”
“Of course, we will stop the wielder at all costs!”
Even if it meant killing the wielder in the worst-case scenario, it would be better than letting the forbidden technique or Great Forbidden Technique be activated. As I replied, I suddenly realized.
The Great Forbidden Technique is a large-scale technique that can obliterate the Heavenly Race’s paradise without a trace. It is likely that anyone at the activation site would have no hope of survival. This means that the wielder can activate the Great Forbidden Technique from somewhere else.
If that’s the case, to stop the activation of the Great Forbidden Technique, we must precisely attack the place where the wielder is hiding.
However, if we don’t know who the wielder is, we won’t be able to stop it.
“I see. If we know who the wielder is, we can focus our sabotage efforts on that person. But if we don’t know who it is, we can’t even carry out effective sabotage, can we?”
And while we are lagging behind, the opponent will finish their preparations and activate the Great Forbidden Technique.
Therefore, at this point, the situation where the wielder is undoubtedly the Emperor himself is more convenient for us when the time comes.
“The Great Forbidden Technique must be completely erased. However, if we carelessly move to eliminate the Emperor before our preparations are complete, there is a possibility that the Emperor, feeling threatened, will make the whereabouts of the Great Forbidden Technique unknown. That could lead to the absolute worst-case scenario.”
“And, since it’s still only speculation that the Emperor is the wielder, we also need to obtain confirmation on that point, right?”
The Demon Lord nodded in agreement.
“But, is that really okay?”
Mistral was the one who raised an objection.
“That Great Forbidden Technique has already been revived, hasn’t it? Then, isn’t it a situation where it could be activated at any moment?”
Mistral’s opinion that the Great Forbidden Technique, being an extremely dangerous artifact, should be dealt with as soon as possible, is correct.
However, Charlotte says:
“Yes. To put it in familiar terms for everyone. That man in black who was defeated in this land…”
“Baltnowar, right?”
“Yes. When he used forbidden techniques, he also carried out various preparations, didn’t he?”
“Certainly, he gathered the arms and armor of the Nine Demon Generals, and used his own blood and life, as well as that of others?”
“Yes. Even for ordinary forbidden techniques, meticulous preparations and significant sacrifices are necessary.”
Even with the power to create and wield forbidden techniques, one must still go through various procedures and make sacrifices to activate them.
And, it takes a long time to prepare, Charlotte explained.
“Since this is the Great Forbidden Technique, it should require even more time and effort.”
“Speaking of which, Charlotte, you told me about it before.”
When the Great Forbidden Technique was first created, it first obliterated armies, then erased cities, and finally blew away mountains, even gouging out the earth to form a lake.
“In other words, the recently revived Great Forbidden Technique doesn’t have that much power yet? Or, perhaps it cannot be wielded as intended? In that case, it will take more time to bring it to its complete form?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Saying so, Charlotte poured more alcohol into my empty cup.
“Whoa, whoa, I don’t drink alcohol!”
I passed the drinks to Yufilia and Nina and returned to the topic.
“So, we need to gather information before the Great Forbidden Technique is fully revived and find a sure way to eliminate it? But, if it already has considerable power at this stage, wouldn’t it be better to act sooner?”
“That would bring us back to the beginning of the conversation.”
“Yes. If we rush things now, there’s a possibility the Emperor might change the wielder of the Great Forbidden Technique. What’s more, the Emperor himself might disappear.”
“Perhaps he has already disappeared.”
“Ah, right! We haven’t heard anything about the Emperor’s movements.”
In other words, we are in a situation where we can’t act even if we want to.
That’s why they are telling us to rest first before rushing into action.
“When the time comes, you will be asked to act. But from now on, we must be cautious, lest our movements be anticipated.”
“The Demon Race has also sent spies, so please await information from them.”
We were fortunate enough to become acquainted with the God of War Teyu and his aides. But, conversely, it means they know our faces, so it’s difficult for us to move within the empire.
While we rest, the Demon Lord and the others will gather information from the spies they have sent.
“Well then, we will take you up on your offer and rest for a bit. But if anything happens, please let us know immediately. We will spare no effort to cooperate.”
“Fufufu. Those are reassuring words. However, it might take about a hundred years for the Great Forbidden Technique to be fully revived.”
“……Huh?”
“I forgot to mention. The previous Great Forbidden Technique took about thirty years from its first use to reach its full power.”
“Heh…?”
“The Divine Race is adept at planning and concealing such wicked schemes over long periods. The Witch also had a great deal of trouble.”
“Na na na!?”
“Therefore, please wait patiently.”
“Th-that’s too much patience!?”
Seeing us flabbergasted, the Demon Lord and Charlotte laughed with amusement.
“Fufufu. The last story was a lie.”
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