Ch.112Hell’s Gate

Hell.

The place where those who commit evil deeds go if they do not repent.

The end for those who fall into the wicked path tempted by demons, rather than the righteous path led by angels.

And the headquarters of demons.

Now, a gateway to that place has opened in the central square of Fahrenheit.

“Tsk…”

I clicked my tongue as I crumpled the urgent request for aid that had flown in from Fahrenheit.

The opening of Hell’s gate meant that the cultists who followed evil gods were gaining significant power.

Essentially, demons couldn’t remain in this world for long, but they didn’t need much time to slaughter people.

As long as Fahrenheit’s barrier remained intact, those demons wouldn’t be able to come outside, but conversely, the moment the barrier broke, countries near Fahrenheit would face demonic invasion.

Moreover, demons had no reason to keep Marcus alive, so in all likelihood, a desperate defensive battle would occur around the palace. Throwing precious soldiers as fodder for demons wasn’t to my taste.

However. There were cases in the world that didn’t go my way. And this was one of those types.

It was irritating to clean up someone else’s mess, but I had no choice.

“Gather all available troops. We accept Fahrenheit’s request for aid.”

“Huh… you’re accepting it?”

When I ordered the army to be prepared, my aide spoke as if he hadn’t expected me to accept Fahrenheit’s request for support.

“If you want to be attacked by 10 million ghouls or zombies, we don’t have to accept it.”

“I’ll prepare immediately.”

As my aide said that and began preparing to mobilize the army, I summoned the Police Commissioner and the Archbishop.

“While the army is gone, your two groups must protect Amurtat. I’m counting on you.”

“Set your worries aside. We’ll arrest all the heretics.”

“Destroying heresy is the natural duty of an angel’s servant.”

Seeing these two speak like that gave me some peace of mind.

Though our homeland’s defense would be significantly weakened by sending 200,000 soldiers along with thousands of priests, the remaining priests and police force should be sufficient to protect the nation.

“There might be heretics hiding in the country, so it would be good to establish a week-long intensive crackdown period to root them out. The Police Commissioner and Archbishop should consult with each other and begin the heretic purge.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Understood.”

*

The Gate of Hell was the most blood pressure-raising event among so-called “unfair” events.

The probability of this event occurring greatly increased if public order was maintained at an extremely low level for several years, but if public order had been rock bottom for years, the country was likely already half-ruined.

Demons came to paralyze the nation’s key facilities and kill the monarch with their high specs and overwhelming numbers. Once the Gate of Hell opened, the countermeasures were always the same.

“Build barricades! Secure food and water! We must hold out until reinforcements arrive!”

“His Majesty must survive at all costs!”

They built multiple defense lines centered around the monarch’s residence, looking for opportunities to counterattack or waiting for external support.

“This is somewhat fortunate.”

“Fortunate? What do you mean?”

“The Hell Gate is small, so higher-ranking demons can’t enter. Higher-ranking demons have strong anti-magic resistance, so even if we pour magic at them, we might not be able to kill them.”

The current situation could be considered hopeful because the Gate of Hell was small, preventing higher-ranking demons from appearing in reality.

Moreover, its small size meant the Gate of Hell would remain open for less time, so it would close within this week at the latest.

Of course, until then, demons would continue pouring out of the gate.

“Will support come?”

“I can’t guarantee it. But they know that if we fall, they’re next, so they’ll send at least minimal forces.”

On top of a hastily built barricade.

A knight in scorched armor and a mage in blood-soaked robes were conversing.

“Taking 10 million citizens hostage to blackmail others for support… I couldn’t have imagined this 20 years ago…”

“Harsh reality always makes humans humble. Everyone makes grave mistakes in life, and mistakes can usually be made up for.”

“Made up for…”

The knight reflected on the crowds being incited by cultists.

Although civilian evacuation was underway, many citizens were already suffering terrible pain as playthings for demons.

“Did we bring this calamity upon ourselves?”

The knight asked.

They just wanted to escape their bleak reality.

Humans typically grow through wounds, but unbearable wounds turn humans into monsters.

“Yes. We brought this upon ourselves. Whether we lost family or heirlooms, we should have humbly accepted our losses. Fearing that loss, we continuously resented and hated, leading to this disaster.”

The mage’s words were resolute.

Fahrenheit’s citizens might deserve sympathy, but that was all.

Nothing was more unsightly than those wallowing in self-pity; those who had wasted decades would only face the stern wrath of heaven.

In the time it takes for a child to grow into a young man or woman, they had chased past glory only to sink into the present quagmire.

Through this crisis, Fahrenheit’s citizens would gain enlightenment, but the price would be immense.

*

The Allied Nations moved quickly.

When Amurtat, the de facto leader, mobilized its army, other countries also began mobilizing troops one after another, and soon their combined forces exceeded 700,000.

“Countries close to Fahrenheit, please send food and weapons rather than troops. If Fahrenheit’s Grand Monarch dies, you will become the second line of defense, so you must preserve your forces as much as possible.”

In this crisis, countries bordering Fahrenheit were tasked with forming a containment perimeter in case of emergency and supplying materials, while distant countries took on the role of fighting directly within Fahrenheit’s territory.

Command was given to Amurtat’s commander, a measure that took into account the fact that Amurtat had sent the largest military force.

Once roles were assigned, massive forces formed near Fahrenheit, as if they had coordinated in a previous war.

Once, nations gathered to kill Fahrenheit; now, they gathered to save it—truly a remarkable irony of history.

“Help me!! Demons..! Demons in the city!”

“Calm down. Take a deep breath and speak slowly.”

The Allied Nations’ perimeter also served to rescue citizens fleeing from Fahrenheit, as the barrier worked both ways, preventing demons summoned inside from escaping.

Thus, many people who lived near the city gates or those who were quick on their feet managed to survive and began fleeing to nearby countries, only to encounter the Allied Nations’ army forming the perimeter.

Initially, the Allied Nations’ commanders were taken aback, but once they realized they could obtain valuable information from these survivors, Fahrenheit’s refugees were soon guaranteed safety from the soldiers.

Fortunately, there were many soldiers, making control manageable, and with various supplies coming in, there were no logistical issues, allowing for surprisingly rapid accommodation of refugees.

“What did the demons look like? Were there any giant demons?”

“Well… they were bigger than humans, but I don’t think there were any that could be called giant.”

“I see… And what about demons with large wings, long horns, or tails with maces attached?”

“I don’t think there were any. They all looked pretty similar from what I remember…”

“I see… is that so?”

From these refugees, they began to learn about the types of hellish legions deployed in Fahrenheit, and soon priests began blessing the soldiers’ weapons.

“O angels. Pour oil upon these blades, and grant them the courage to wield burning justice against the enemies of mankind.”

And finally, in the summer of the 24th year of the Amurtat calendar.

The blessing of the final troops to enter Fahrenheit was completed, and the command structure was also finalized.

All that remained was the sound of the trumpet announcing the advance.

Bwoooo—-!!!

“That’s the advance trumpet!”

“Vanguard forward! March into Fahrenheit city!”

“For the Allied Nations and Fahrenheit!”

And thus, the Allied Nations’ 700,000-strong army marched forward.

Into Fahrenheit’s barrier where ash swirled.

Into the power of destruction that would tear them apart.