episode_0002
by fnovelpia“Everyone gathered together to fight the dragon, but what is this?”
“What should we do?”
The king’s palace was in chaos. The owner, who had been attending to government affairs normally until the day before, disappeared overnight, so an emergency had to be called.
In a wide cavity made of marble, the impact that Goseong left on the Demon King Castle was shown without filtering.
“The king has abandoned us! That damn bitch! Because we ran away, our lives were in danger!”
“That’s why we need to come together even more. A regent appointed by the previous king would definitely be able to calm this situation down.”
“Ah! You frustrating bastard. He is the regent, he is Nabal, and now that the Demon King is gone, warlords will come from all directions, and will he be able to stop them all?”
It was an uncommon dispute in Daejeon, which was quiet even when the angels invaded. The high-ranking demons staying in the castle had to do everything in their power to respond to the ominous news that kept coming.
The lions who were holding their breath were opening their eyes. They will attempt to be coronated after devouring everyone surrounding the empty throne. If you wanted to live, you had to stop it at all costs.
Fortunately, their efforts were met with a little luck.
“Calm down. The situation hasn’t gotten that bad yet. Did you know that there are more regions where troops have not been gathered?”
“I heard that the South is leaving. Are you saying the rest is okay?”
“They say there are no signs of unrest. It seems like there is still a wait-and-see attitude.”
“Hmm… Then I guess I can take a breather.”
Even in the midst of chaos, they were the best guarding the king’s castle. While the other demons were waiting for orders, the old demon and the young lizardman, who seemed to have the highest rank, put their heads together. There were constant sighs, but they were doing their best.
“So, I think we need to start with internal crackdowns first. I’m already very agitated.”
“Okay. I saw it too when I came earlier. They were already gathered at the parade ground and shouting.”
“The problem is that we can’t do anything about it now.”
“This is really going crazy.”
The king’s disappearance was a problem because it was beyond his capabilities. 차라리 쓸모 없는 어느 개새끼가 반란을 일으켜서 처 죽이러 가는 게 속이 편했지. The problem that had to be suppressed through authority as it is now was the biggest challenge for the demons. The direction of loyalty was not to them but to someone else…
-Kkiik!
“Is everyone gathered?”
With perfect timing, the door to Daejeon opened. The rumbling noise disappeared in an instant. In the thick silence, the sound of military boots spread through the high ceiling.
“I guess so.”
The low voice contained an authority they did not have.
The demons present hurriedly got up from their seats. A difference in status created solely by the logic of power, not by complex political relationships, blood ties, or regional ties. As if to prove it, a black knight wearing rugged steel armor entered and everyone saluted him.
A demon who holds the position of commander and regent of the Devil Castle and has the strongest fighting power in the current Devil Castle.
Durin, the second-in-command of the Demon King’s Castle, earned the nickname ‘Bone Smasher’ by crushing the heads of all the enemies who challenged him without mercy.
No, now he has become a figurehead and is freely displaying his authority that cannot be hidden.
When I saw the red eyes coming out of the helmet, I couldn’t help but bow my head.
“The matter is urgent, so let’s skip to the main point. I want to hear more about the commotion at the military parade ground you mentioned.”
“I will report to you.”
The young lizardman opened his mouth, not daring to make eye contact.
“After the King disappeared……”
“Do not call me king. The moment she ran away, she was dethroned. Now they are our enemies.”
“Yes, yes. So it seems that the news that the woman disappeared reached the soldiers’ ears. Everyone is now causing an uproar, saying they don’t know who to fight for.”
“I understand. Let’s solve it right away.”
“…….”
The Lizardman was unable to answer for a moment. This was because right after he said that he would solve the problem with ease, Durin got up from his seat. Everyone hurriedly stood up to the movement. The black knight took the lead, and the demons formed a long line behind him.
Durin, who had formed a group, came out of the King’s Great Hall and came down the central stairs.
A wide square spread out in front of the road leading to Daejeon. It was a duel space prepared for warriors to subdue the Demon King. This time, as soon as they heard the news of the hero’s invasion, numerous demon soldiers gathered to fight him.
But in this situation where everything went to waste, hostility was spewing out in a different direction.
“It’s the boss!”
“The captain has arrived!”
There was chaos worse than in Daejeon. Soldiers armed with weapons were banging their spears on the floor in frustration. They were pouring out their anger with nowhere to go, and cried out when they saw Durin come out at the right time.
“Where is the king! Who do we fight for!”
“Hero! I want to kill the hero, but I can’t anymore!”
They were like wildfire. The spark that bloomed from the strong shock consumed everyone in an instant, creating a huge emotional tsunami.
A soldier abandoned by the king.
It is even said that the king ran away, following the warrior who had been gnashing his teeth saying he would kill him not long ago.
I was in vain.
“Please answer!”
“What should we do!”
The soldiers only looked at Durin. That was all that was left.
“……”
Durin did not ignore their gestures. He looked at the agitated soldiers and took a step forward.
However, the regent did not warmly embrace the soldiers.
Grumbling-
He pulled out the sword from behind his back. And then he smashed it into the ground.
bang-!
A strong shock wave erupted as if there had been an earthquake. The leading troops were unable to withstand the shock and collapsed. Even the troops who were relatively far away had no choice but to flinch for a moment.
The air that had not been captured was captured all at once. Instead of the random shouting, unsightly moans filled the space.
“Wait. I’ll give you an order soon.”
“Dae, Captain.”
Durin’s red eyes glared at the fallen soldier. An orc soldier’s complexion turned white at the sight that seemed to be holding his breath.
“If there is a disturbance like this next time, I will execute you immediately. Stay in your position like a soldier guarding a castle.”
“Oh, I understand.”
“Don’t show your pathetic side. There is no forgiveness twice.”
With those last words, he turned his back on Durin.
Clap, clap, clap.
The sound of military boots along with the sharp sound of steel headed back to Daejeon. The high-ranking demons, barely able to come to their senses, hurriedly moved to follow him.
“……”
So the soldiers were left alone in the hall.
The words spoken by the strongest man in the Demon King’s Castle were neither an explanation nor a comfort, but a command. Although there was a risk of backlash, they actually felt a sense of stability during their brief conversation.
An authority that oppresses so strongly that it cannot be compared to other high-ranking demons. A powerful status created by power. It only took a moment for my turbulent emotions to calm down.
“I will do as you ask.”
“Everyone, move.”
The calm soldiers faithfully followed orders.
I was told to wait. And he told us to keep our duty.
The castle defenders stood up, ashamed of themselves for having been lost in the confusion.
……
“The soldiers are returning to their positions. The castle’s defense system should be fine now.”
A young Lizardman aide said.
He and Durin were manipulating the crystal sphere in the king’s office, which oversees everything in the castle. Purple light was emanating from the round surface, creating a huge stem in the center of the room. A brief view of the Demon King Castle projected there showed the current situation in real time.
Empty traps and watchtowers that were red changed to light green, signaling that they were functioning properly.
“We will switch to full screen and show you!”
As he manipulated the crystal ball with his green scaled hands, a huge sight came into Durin’s eyes.
[The King’s War]
[Hall of Slaughter]
[Queen’s Nest]
[Gray Labyrinth]
[barrier]
1000 years ago, the day when the Demon World, which had been a series of betrayals and divisions, was unified for the first time under the name of the Demon King. The castle built during that glorious period has been maintained to this day thanks to the dedication of its guardians. I hoped that it would hold firm even in the current situation where the Demon King disappeared for the first time, but a big crack had already appeared. Of course, if the castle garrison functioned properly, it would be possible to protect the main base that was the basis of the Demon King’s power, but it was naturally impossible to control it if it went outside of that area.
Already, large warlords from the east, west, south, and north that could rival the central power here were acting suspiciously. In particular, the South, full of warlike demons, had already begun preparations for war, raising tensions to the highest level in less than a day.
In fact, it was only a matter of time before people broke away from the center and cried for independence. Durin felt the need to solidify his inner self before doing so.
“Sfrances.”
“Please state.”
When Durin called, the young lizard Sfranczes bowed down. I did not dare to raise my head, afraid of encountering the red eye light.
“Was there any noble who tried to escape the castle after hearing the news?”
“Not a single person. Everyone is confused, but we are trusting and waiting for His Excellency.”
“It’s not that I believe it, it’s that I just stay still for now because I don’t know what will happen. But it doesn’t matter. They will have to meet with me.”
Sfranczes slightly raised his head. There was a little anticipation in the little lizard’s eyes.
“Now that the devil is gone. Everything is in danger of collapsing. If you want to maintain your current position, tell them to come to Daejeon right away.”
“Can I tell you that?”
“One more.”
Durin paused for a moment. Sfranches stood up before he knew it and folded his hands together politely. It was to convey important information.
“The Royal Guard will take care of chasing down the Demon King. In the meantime, our castle will hold a meeting to elect a regent.”
More words than expected came out of his mouth.
Sfranczes bowed his head. Everyone in the Demon King’s Castle already regarded Durin as regent.
However, he nevertheless said that he would elect a regent according to the procedures.
Confirming the determined results once again meant one thing.
“Everyone will be loyal to you. Please lead us, regent.”
“Stop talking nonsense and hurry up and spread the word.”
“I will do as instructed.”
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