Chapter 139

Chapter 139

Otherworld Demon King Survival Guide.

Episode 139: Lizardmen Scoundrels (3)

Listening to the story, I could roughly grasp the situation.

Currently, the baron suspected the emergence of a monster of medium size or larger, prompting the likelihood of an official search party being organized.

The atmosphere of a territorial war complicated the withdrawal of troops, but fundamentally, the appearance of a monster of medium size or larger was significant news. Since they didn’t know when it might come over and wreak havoc, they must subdue it as quickly as possible.

“There are no medium-sized monsters here.”

The only ones here were me and my subordinates.

“Lady Vanessa, what if they can’t find any traces of a medium-sized monster?”

“Then they’ll consider other possibilities. There could be many. But it seems there’s nothing specific they can pinpoint.”

Vanessa mentioned that the search might drag on. If the search becomes prolonged, my location will eventually be revealed.

So, should we annihilate the search party?

“What if the entire search party goes missing?”

“By that point, it would be considered a serious matter, and they’d send the army.”

The real army.

We’re not ready to face them yet.

No. Even if we could, it would still be problematic.

The baron’s army was defeated?

By a monster horde?

Completely annihilating a real army was practically impossible, so survivors would spread information about us. If it became known that a monster horde appeared and decimated the baron’s army… who would be in trouble?

Me.

If humans banded together to subdue the monster horde, it would spell the end.

“Can we even survive this?”

This was a very challenging problem.

I continued to ask Vanessa questions.

“Basically… there’s not much difference in equipment between ordinary soldiers and adventurers. The difference, however, is that the army has undergone group combat training. A cohesive army doesn’t panic easily and is not easily defeated.”

That’s true.

“Your monster horde that you’ve trained… it’s interesting and somewhat systematic, but after all, it’s an army made of monsters. It can’t stand against a real army.”

“I understand.”

We’re not yet a match for them.

Did that mean we had no choice but to rely on guerrilla warfare, making full use of traps? Whatever the case, it’s a difficult problem… but at least it’s somewhat reassuring to know that the specs of human soldiers were just average.

With that, we could somehow win in a small-scale confrontation.

We needed to reinforce our troops as soon as possible… Yes. There were those Lizardmen who were fighting the Satyrs. If I subjugated their tribe and used them as combatants, that should work.

“Rather.”

“Yes?”

It was then Vanessa seemed to suggest an opinion.

“It might be better to retreat. To a deeper place.”

“Ah, I’ve been considering that as well.”

Now we have formed our own force. Leading the unit deeper and setting up a new base is not a big deal.

My splendidly built mansion here. This dungeon was precious, but it only had meaning if we’re alive. If we had to abandon it, I was prepared to leave with tears.

Well, of course, the deeper we went, the more powerful monsters we’d encounter… but I was confident we could overcome them. Trolls? I haven’t encountered them, but we can train. With Vanessa around, there’s nothing to worry about.

“If it really comes down to it, we’ll have to move.”

“Then it’s best to make a decision quickly.”

But there’s a reason we’re not moving immediately.

“Soon. Well.”

“What?”

“I think it might not be bad to try fighting humans once.”

“What?!”

Battling humans was a frightening prospect, but the return on that risk was significant. By fighting, we could increase our experience, boost our combat strength, and I could also grow.

Killing humans and looting.

Just that alone could bring us a lot.

“I don’t plan to live out my life stuck in this jungle and just end it here.”

“That means…!”

“To properly grow and expand our forces.”

I harbored such ambitions.

“Yes. Shouldn’t I at least establish a Demon Kingdom?”

“That’s absurd!”

Vanessa exclaimed in surprise at my words.

It truly was a surprising statement.

There was a time when I was so desperate just to survive after falling to this land. Back then, my only goal was to return to the demon world, but not anymore.

Now, the demon world didn’t really matter to me.

I couldn’t even imagine going back with all my subordinates, and besides, I had no foundation there. In the demon world, I was still just a weak being. There’s no reason to go back.

But it’s different here.

Everything I did here, every single thing, helped me grow and became the foundation and flesh of my being. Would I abandon this land of milk and honey to run back to the demon world?

“I won’t do such a thing.”

Temuchin, who had lost his father at the time, was nothing but a weakling, but he eventually became the conqueror of the steppes.

“Do you intend to slaughter humans!”

“As a demon, it’s only natural.”

Since I am not human but a demon, the way I must live is determined by the demon way.

“Battle with humans is an opportunity for growth.”

Let’s annihilate the search party first.

And if the baron’s army comes, we’ll assess the situation and decide whether to fight or retreat. In this forest, I was more of an expert. If we engaged in guerrilla warfare, we could somehow inflict damage.

“If that happens, your identity will be revealed!”

“No, Lady Vanessa? Are you worried about me?”

“What?! Worry? That’s not it! I’m just stating the reality!”

“But Lady Vanessa. This place is unexplored territory, isn’t it?”

“…Yes, but.”

“Has there ever been any development in history?”

“There have been attempts, but… it’s been neglected due to lack of economic viability.”

“That’s exactly the advantage of the terrain.”

This place was essentially an uncharted territory. A realm engulfed by dense jungle. Concealing ourselves here and expanding our forces should be effortless. Humans might struggle with this task, but I, being a demon, do not.

The monsters and their female counterparts in the forest are effectively my assets.

Anyway.

Engaging in conflict with humans entailed a high risk, high reward scenario. If retreat became inevitable, it’s wiser to engage as much as possible before withdrawing.

“Queen Tits, no! Serinu!”

“Hm? Did you call me?”

Sway, sway.

As I summoned her, Serinu approached, her ample bosom oscillating. Indeed, her chest commanded attention with each encounter.

“What are you doing?”

“What the?”

Upon snapping back to reality, I discovered myself fervently massaging Serinu’s breasts through her clothing… What’s going on? I couldn’t fathom how my hands acted autonomously.

Thus, I chose to be forthright.

“What does it look like? I’m touching your chest.”

“You summoned me just to touch my chest?”

Of course, Serinu was unfazed. She perceived it as mere physical contact, nothing beyond a mundane interaction.

“That’s not why. Serinu. You’re aware of the Lizardmen’s habitat, correct?”

“Yeah. What about it?”

“I intend to force those creatures into submission.”

“What?!”

There’s a distinction between making them my subordinates and forcing them into submission.

With an impending conflict against humans, I required minions to expend.

Naturally, the idea of using my followers as a kamikaze squad was ludicrous. It never crossed my mind. Instead, my strategy involved coercively integrating a monster tribe and commanding them.

This approach mirrors how the Mongol army deployed the slaves from conquered territories as frontline soldiers.

“So, you’re planning to subjugate them?”

“Exactly. With an increase in human adversaries, we’ll need more warriors, won’t we? I’m considering the Lizardmen for this purpose.”

Now that our ranks have swelled, incorporating a monster tribe should pose no challenge. It would be advantageous to encounter another Hobgoblin tribe next.

They were dexterous and intelligent. By assimilating a tribe, we could potentially devote more resources to Muturi.

“Hmm… So you’re not going to kill them like the Satyrs but make them into subordinates? Like friends?”

“No. Not friends. More like slaves.”

“Well, okay! We’ve never had it turn out badly following your way! So, our next task is to find and beat the Lizardmen?”

“Exactly that!”

“Great! Shall we start right away?”

“No. Let’s properly plan first. Instead of the usual tasks, we’ll do that indoors tomorrow.”

“No tasks tomorrow? Yay!!!”

At the mention of no tasks, Serinu flew up and cheered. Truly, the joy of soldiers was universal.

No tasks meant sheer happiness.

“Then, Serinu. Please inform the others. We’re going to attack the Lizardmen.”

“Okay! Got it!”

Vroom!

Serinu flew away.

Thus, I spent the day very productively, training the Goblins, extracting information from Vanessa, and explaining future tasks.

And then, after dinner.

I played with the Pixies for a while before lying down in bed. Naturally, as soon as I lay down, Sharan and Lumica clung to me, asking to be pampered.

After entertaining them, dawn arrived.

“Ah.”

I had promised to teach Reika black magic first thing at dawn. One must know how to handle black magic to truly be called a Dark Nun. I’ll make sure to teach her properly for the improvement of her combat skills.

Zzz, zzz.

After stroking the heads of the sleeping Sharan and Lumica, I carefully got up from my spot. I moved my feet and went to Reika’s room.

“Sister Reika.”

She shares the room with Irene and Liza. Gently shaking Reika’s shoulder.

“…Ah.”

“Did you wake up?”

“…Go ahead first.”

“Yes.”

I immediately grabbed a book and headed to the utility room. An empty room. Let’s give a brief lesson on black magic here.

Creak.

Soon, Reika entered.

She was wearing her nun’s habit.

“Then, Sister Reika. Shall we start the black magic lesson?”

“Let’s do that.”

Just as I was about to start the lecture on black magic.

Something.

“…”

Reika seemed to have something to say, looking at me that way.

“Hm? Sister Reika? Do you have something to say?”

“…”

“Sister?”

“I’ll say it later.”

“Ah.”

“Do your work now.”

“Yes. Let’s do that.”

It seems she had something to tell me. That’s why she suggested we study together at dawn.

Anyway, I began the lecture on black magic.

I feel as if I’ve become Karuti!

Though it’s unlikely, if Karuti was watching over me, I would like to express my gratitude!