Ch.179Final Memory (1)

Leaping across a century of time.

The previous king, Etarna, unlike other kings, closed his eyes due to old age.

Following Azmosa’s advice, Caldragoth, who had built a foundation by combining the existing forces led by Durin with the new forces of warriors from other continents, inherited the throne without any disturbance.

Red Horn Killahal swallowed his disappointment, but there was nothing he could do.

This was because Durin had stationed him at the northern border during the war, causing the Red Horn’s main forces to be far from the center.

With a stable background supporting him, Caldragoth embarked on full-scale expansion.

“I appoint Yoannina, the general commander of the western front, as the Margrave. From now on, only the Demon King may issue orders to her in war, and she is authorized to command independently in emergencies.”

“The northern nomads will place trainers at the magical beast farms and provide five thousand cavalry units in case of a celestial invasion.”

“We will dispatch shamans to the south to investigate ancient ruins. Gather all obtainable knowledge. I will reward researchers if it can be used effectively against the celestials.”

In the early years of his reign.

He pushed through various policies with powerful supporters.

In previous eras, many initiatives were often blocked by opposition, but Caldragoth had formidable military power.

Though his innate power wasn’t particularly strong except for his magic of domination, the warriors who responded to the king’s commands were not to be taken lightly.

The Red Horns declined in the center while new forces rose.

Since they all possessed loyalty, the authority of the Demon King’s Castle naturally increased.

Thus passed 50 years of growth.

The demon realm strengthened its forces to an unprecedented degree, becoming capable of waging war against the celestial realm.

This confidence was expressed through various retainers.

“This level of precision in magical bombardment is unprecedented. The data gathered from exploring various ruins in the south was substantial, making research incredibly easy. I’m probably the first in the entire history of the demon realm.”

The energetic voice kept ringing in his ears.

The audience was just one person: Durin, who was receiving reports about the legion in his office.

“Can you see, Durin? I’m going to be a great shaman. I haven’t seen this much talent among the Red Horn noble families. At this rate, I could become a power holder in the castle.”

Though much younger than Durin, her confidence bordering on arrogance was truly remarkable.

The Red Horn prodigy, Shaman Ludmila, declared boldly.

“So just wait! I’ll become the strongest of the Red Horns!”

Tap!

A small finger knocked against the rugged armor.

The unpleasant sound echoed, as if representing Durin’s feelings.

Durin, who had been quietly ignoring her, slightly turned his head to look at her.

“So you’re challenging me now?”

Suddenly, red fighting spirit leaked out. It was the aura that had crushed the skulls of all challengers who had acted arrogantly in the Demon King’s Castle.

Startled, Ludmila quickly backed away.

“Wait! W-wait! It was just a spirited declaration. I wasn’t really trying to fight!”

“Don’t act rashly, Ludmila. A challenge is not something to be uttered lightly.”

“I-I never said it was a challenge!”

“Didn’t you say you would become the strongest? That implies surpassing even His Majesty…”

“The Red Horns! I meant only within the Red Horns! Anything beyond that is too much even for me!”

“Then that includes me, who is also a Red Horn.”

Durin rose from his seat. He clenched his thick gauntlet once, and a sword emerged from between the red fighting spirit.

He truly seemed ready to fight.

“No! Not yet, I said!”

The young shaman Ludmila screamed and fled.

She didn’t look back as she ran out of the office. She was an unusual child in the Demon King’s Castle.

Durin stood blankly before sitting back down.

“I can’t believe such a foolish person exists in the Demon King’s Castle. It’s absurd.”

The lizard secretary who had been watching commented grumpily. He too wasn’t much older than Ludmila.

“Your Excellency. Perhaps you should punish her someday.”

“Don’t overreact, Spranches. It’s just the rash behavior of a child.”

“You are indeed merciful.”

Durin’s life had also entered a period of stability. As various talents were employed according to Caldragoth’s policies, his surroundings became more vibrant. The sharp nerves he had maintained to overcome the period of decline had softened considerably. While his rigid mindset toward duty remained, he had reduced his habit of pressuring the demons around him.

“The key issue we need to address is the supplies for the western front. I’ve received reports that the burden on the front line is increasing as the celestials have been showing active movements recently.”

“According to my separate investigation, they’re putting pressure to prevent us from even coming out beyond the front line. Originally, we formed a special unit with Lady Yoannina to attack the celestial garrison, but it seems they’ve deployed a large number of interceptor units this time.”

“They currently have enough troops to operate interceptor units. They’re even investing forces in the swamplands, but it doesn’t make sense that there’s no movement detected on other fronts.”

In other words, the celestials’ intentions were blatantly obvious.

“Your Excellency!”

Durin didn’t even need to explain verbally. The answer was visible in the expression of the messenger who rushed into the office.

It was time for him to act as the defense captain.

“Let’s go, Spranches.”

“I’ll escort you to the king’s hall.”

#

“It’s a large-scale expedition, they say.”

“The numbers have already reached one hundred thousand, I hear.”

“What’s the source? I heard nothing has been accurately identified yet.”

“Does that matter? Please focus on the fact that a crisis has come upon the demon realm!”

The king’s hall was already in a state of disorder.

Though Caldragoth’s reign was strong, the cowards still couldn’t shake off their fear.

The old ones recalled the times of past defeats, and the young ones struggled to avoid disasters they had never experienced.

Looking at it again, it was truly a pathetic sight.

“Enough! Our demon realm is experiencing another golden age, how can you speak like that? You should be ashamed.”

“Even with His Majesty on our side, we’re barely managing, and you’re already scared? If that’s your attitude, leave the castle immediately.”

Of course, there were more courageous warriors.

Instead of retreating, they burned with the will to resist.

“Since they’re showing movement on the western front, they’ll surely break through to the central area.”

“It’s the traditional route of advance. They must be hoping to win in a decisive battle this time as well.”

“They’ll try to kill the king and cause a period of chaos, just like before.”

The answer was crystal clear, so plans were quickly made.

“Let’s avoid a decisive battle. They will surely engage in short-term combat, so we should respond with solid defensive lines.”

“The magical corps will deploy all available resources to begin bombardment. If we can neutralize their divine power, we can fight for a long period.”

“Finally, it’s time for our northern region to take the battlefield. I’ll lead the cavalry to properly cut off their breath. Once we cut their waist, can we leave the rest of the charge to you?”

They sought to compensate for the disadvantage in leadership battles as much as possible.

If actually implemented, it was an opportunity to severely cripple the celestial forces.

In case of victory, they could gain at least several hundred years of time, making it not difficult to reclaim occupied territories and advance toward the celestial realm using ancient technology.

“We can do it.”

The demons held hope.

#

At the same time.

“Durin. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Caldragoth did not participate in the meeting.

He wanted to discuss a more urgent matter with the person he trusted most.

“With the invasion countdown begun, I need you.”

The adult Demon King was composed. He didn’t rush his thoughts like before.

“I’ve always wished for a warrior who could deliver a decisive blow to those celestial bastards to take the field.”

“The Demon King’s Castle is stronger than ever, Your Majesty.”

“To properly unleash that power, we need a commander who can overwhelm them.”

Caldragoth looked back.

Durin was waiting for orders with proper etiquette.

“Durin, Captain of the Demon King’s Castle Guard.”

“I await your command.”

“I entrust this sword to you.”

Just as his predecessor had done.

The young Demon King drew out a rugged sword. It wasn’t simply about entrusting command.

A meaning he came to understand only after growing up.

“Crush them for the sake of the demon realm.”

It was a determination to stake everything on someone he trusted.

“I will do as commanded.”

Durin was that significant a figure in the Demon King’s Castle.

#

Buuuuuuu-

The sound of the horn lingered.

As the call to march descended upon the Demon King’s Castle, the closed gates opened.

-March forth!

-Today we will drive them out!

-Victory for His Majesty!

The first expedition in Caldragoth’s name advanced toward the northwestern front.

Carrying long-cherished aspirations within.