Ch.141Prepare for the Battle (1)

Victory was important in its aftermath.

This was why Durin was so eager to recruit troops as soon as he returned to the demon realm.

The southern and eastern parts of the human realm, along with the corridor where Barcella Fortress was located.

If they wanted to maintain the occupied territories and secure a stable supply of resources, they needed to deploy appropriate forces. The Dark Order was making various efforts, such as gathering war refugees to form vigilante groups, but it wasn’t enough.

The Celestial Realm, having suffered a defeat, would not remain idle.

“A celestial warrior commander named Asriel is roaming throughout the eastern region.”

Late at night in Laktelun’s inner castle.

Berdia reported as soon as Durin, who had just returned from inspecting the training grounds, took his seat. A communication sorcerer stood beside her.

“According to information gathered by the Order and sorcerers, he is the one who succeeded Azakiel as warrior commander.”

“I never saw that name on the battlefield during my time as the Demon King’s castle defense captain. Is he completely new?”

“Yes. We’ve looked through everything from King Caldra’s era to the previous traitor. His name doesn’t appear in any records.”

“So he burned both Azakiel and Rupiel to completely make the Celestial Realm his own faction.”

The reason why the Celestial Realm had remained quiet despite the demon realm’s commotion. It meant that their internal chaos had almost ended.

“Your Excellency. Shouldn’t we also dispatch a continental ruler to face them?”

“Yoannina remains in the human realm, so the situation won’t worsen immediately.”

Durin dismissed Berdia’s concerns.

“She’s the demon with the most combat experience against celestial forces in the current demon realm. Moreover, she’s conducted delaying actions against Azakiel’s forces with low-quality local troops, so there’s no one more suitable.”

“Indeed! If it’s Lady Yoannina, we can trust her completely!”

“So don’t worry and withdraw. As the southern army commander, just do your part. Strategizing against the Celestial Realm is my responsibility.”

“I will follow your orders.”

Berdia withdrew with her concerns alleviated. The person who appeared next was Governor Aurela.

“Your Excellency. The troops are ready.”

“Are there enough?”

“As many as ten thousand have gathered. Currently, five thousand can be mobilized immediately, but volunteers continue to line up. Within a month, we could reach twenty thousand, so you should be able to gather the number you desire.”

The southern region had been devastated by rebellion.

Aurela had managed to restore it enough to recruit a significant workforce in the short span of half a year. Durin was immensely satisfied with the excellent governor. However, as matters were urgent, he prioritized orders over commendation.

“Gather all those who can be mobilized in front of the gate and send them to the human realm. I’ll leave the deployment to Yoannina, so focus only on reinforcements.”

“I will follow your orders.”

Five thousand would be sufficient to occupy the corridor where Barcella Fortress was located. There wouldn’t be any major issues unless the warrior commander suddenly changed tactics to an all-out war and led his forces down.

“I’ll need to constantly focus on reinforcements while returning to the capital.”

In the inner castle of Laktelun, now empty after Aurela’s departure, Durin was left alone with his concerns.

There was no time to enjoy the joy of victory. Endless challenges rushed at the regent breathlessly, tormenting him.

The burden was heavy. He was walking on a tightrope where one misstep meant death.

-Hahaha! What an honor that Your Excellency needs us.

-Let’s go! We must find the battlefield in the human realm quickly!

Cheerful melodies flowed in through the open window.

The red moon illuminating the dark night was very bright. Had it not been for his heavy duties, he too would have cheered.

“I must fulfill my duty.”

The mission given to the heir of the red horn was not yet complete.

The demon realm had just taken its first steps. So that the small child blooming in the wasteland could reach out to the world.

“Forever.”

On a night when the demon realm’s red moon shone brightly, he steeled his resolve.

#

The regent’s actions in the southern demon realm caused a stir.

Demons, heated by the news of victory, hurriedly grabbed their weapons and headed out.

Five thousand troops marched toward the human realm at a single command from the regent. It wasn’t simply a matter of envy. The celestial threat had disappeared from the demon realm, leaving only high-ranking demons fighting over scraps.

The thrill of battle had diminished. During the period of decline, endless civil wars had provided satisfaction, but not anymore. Warriors who had once clashed with celestials found conflicts among demons trivial.

Simply commanding more troops was no longer fulfilling enough. They rushed out recklessly, seeking to experience again the sensation of cutting a celestial’s throat and tearing off white wings.

“Your Excellency! Please send us to the battlefield!”

“I have experience serving on the western front. Please use me first!”

The road to the central Demon King’s castle turned into a recruitment center. The three thousand troops who had set out to have an audience with the king suddenly swelled to fifty thousand.

Only the vanguard units wore unified armor, but their desire for battle surpassed anyone else’s.

“Don’t discriminate. All are great warriors of the demon realm, so use them well.”

“Y-Your Excellency. If we don’t focus too much on quality…”

“Weren’t you all once barbarians? Training them into elite soldiers isn’t difficult.”

Just roll them out.

This was the cause of the wailing that echoed along the path to the victory ceremony. The forces to be dispatched before the king began training to maintain appearances. It was quite unconventional for this to happen during a march, but selection proceeded quickly because of it.

“I want to be a legion soldier, but is that all I can do!”

“If you fall, you won’t be able to follow! Live at the back for the rest of your life!”

Berdia and the elite legion were merciless. They kicked anyone who fell behind even slightly. Those who coughed blood and rolled were left sprawled on the ground. No one offered sympathy or compassion. They continued the march, enjoying the rapid elimination of competitors.

“Keep in step! Strict military discipline is the legion’s first principle!”

“If anyone lets their spear droop, I’ll kill them immediately.”

“Who dares to walk ahead of the legion flag! The flag is our symbol, our soul! Revere it as sacred!”

Under these harsh cries, the warriors matched their steps. This was possible because those already trained didn’t need combat training. The work of transforming minds easily consumed by fighting spirit into duty-bound legion soldiers continued.

There was no mercy for those who strayed. They didn’t hesitate to execute anyone showing even the slightest rebellion.

Fear consumed them. This didn’t stop until the fifty thousand troops were reduced to twenty thousand.

Mocking the stragglers, they continued on their path. At the end, elite soldiers took their place.

Step. Step. Step.

After a month of traversing the central continent, their eyes had changed. Though still awkward, military discipline had begun to permeate their bodies.

“Who are you!”

“The proud legion of the demon realm! The shield of His Majesty the Demon King!”

“For whom do you fight!”

“Sacred duty! The destiny to offer my body and soul!”

“Now! Shout vigorously for the future the legion desires!”

The southern army drill instructor swung his baton. Under the brilliantly shining red sun, the legion’s spears and swords gleamed.

The new recruits shouted until their voices broke.

“For the Mother of Night!”

“Conquer the Celestial Realm! Rule over humans!”

It seemed as if heaven and earth would shake. Though still lacking, their spirit embodied the essence of a legion.

“Your Excellency. We’ve turned them all into legion soldiers.”

“They’re not a legion yet. They’ve merely earned the qualification. The rest of the training will be completed at the Demon King’s castle.”

“I will follow your orders.”

Durin finally arrived at the Demon King’s castle with his army that had grown to twenty thousand. Many demons were already waiting there. It was adorned much more splendidly than before.

The castle, once half-collapsed due to reactionary elements, now perfectly displayed its authority. The victory built upon countless corpses emanated powerful strength.

The legion’s spirits were also high. They had finally taken the last step toward gaining recognition.

“You’ve finally arrived.”

At the main gate of the Demon King’s castle, guarded by the Golden Guard, the plaza where battles with heroes once took place had now been transformed into a triumphal arch. Among the many demons standing guard, the Demon King, who stood at the very front, slowly approached.

“I heard about your victory in the human realm.”

“I fought for Your Majesty.”

“You fought for this demon realm, not for me. There’s no need to gild it.”

Serphin stood before the regent. She carefully examined his armor, which had more scars than before. Eyes containing both joy and sorrow scanned Durin.

“I know your great duty, so just fulfill that role.”

“Your Majesty.”

“You have sufficient authority. Above all, the legion has now grown into excellent soldiers who don’t rely on the strong.”

Neat spears and swords saluted the king. During the conversation, they didn’t make a sound. Their robust presence overwhelmed the audience. Serphin praised them.

“The legion you’ve raised will be recorded in the scriptures. Forever.”

Durin’s journey, which began to capture the previous Demon King, signaled its end.

Now was the time for a new beginning. They would intensely temper themselves to boldly face the Celestial Realm when it draws its sword again after catching its breath.

“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”

For the winds of war had not yet ceased.