Ch.182Final Memory (4)

When Durin emerged from the King’s Great Hall, a crowd gathered like clouds.

“How is Your Majesty’s health?”

“We heard you’ve been unwell from overexerting yourself on the battlefield lately. You really should get some rest.”

“If only we could share your burden, it’s truly regrettable.”

Most of them were Red Horns.

They sensed their opportunity approaching.

The Green Horns had perhaps one chance left. If Caldragoth, who had once again united the castle, were to fall, Istria would have no hope.

The Legion would choose the Red Horns over the failed bloodline, seeing it as the perfect time to rebuild the dynasty that had existed since the beginning of time.

“I’d like to hear the Captain of the Guard’s opinion. I wonder if Your Majesty can truly stand with us.”

Their leader, Kilahal, stepped forward. The cunning demon subtly included Durin in “us.” Of course, the castle’s loyal Guard Captain wasn’t swayed.

“His strong will to wage war means he’ll soon take to the field. As before, we Red Horns must strengthen the castle’s defenses, so prepare accordingly.”

It was better to drain their power before Kilahal could make his move. However, since they couldn’t be sent to the borders as before, they focused on repairing the Demon King’s Castle.

In fact, hero invasions had become frequent, consuming as many troops as the sporadic local conflicts with the celestial realm.

“We’ve already captured five heroes with our own hands. For over a century, we’ve achieved nothing on the northwestern front, which will become a great concern for the Demon King’s Castle. I believe we need reform.”

The Red Horns no longer hid their true intentions. Already measuring the coming Great Division, they brazenly exuded their malice.

“Captain of the Guard. If you, the last Red Horn of Istria, cooperate, we can create a new Demon King’s Castle.”

Kilahal extended his hand to him.

The greed that had been prominently displayed since his youth opened its filthy maw.

“Stop this nonsense and fulfill your duty, Kilahal. The Red Horns have already lost their qualification.”

“Not lost, merely temporarily relinquished. We can usurp it back anytime.”

“There is no primordial bloodline left in this world. If anyone were qualified to inherit the throne, they would have appeared long ago.”

“Instead, we have the Senate who inherited the will. If we share the duties that the Demon King had to bear alone, we can prevent the chaos that would come with a change of ruler.”

I should have passed by these creatures as soon as I came out.

Durin’s fierce gaze pierced Kilahal. They denied the existence of the Demon King.

It wasn’t loyalty to Caldragoth that angered Durin. He felt disgust at the greed harbored by those who called themselves the Red Horn Senate.

“Such eloquent words. You simply want power, yet you try not to show it.”

Durin didn’t mince words. He discarded the rhetoric used by high-ranking demons and spoke directly.

Kilahal and the other demons flinched and stepped back. They were overwhelmed by the sharp presence of the Demon Castle’s Guard Captain who had vanquished heroes multiple times.

“Your sophistry doesn’t suit that filthy mouth of yours, Kilahal.”

Durin sternly warned the greedy demon.

The younger members of the Senate growled. Of course, it didn’t escalate to violence. No one dared challenge a warrior stronger than the Demon King.

Even this was lamentable to Durin, but unavoidable.

The numerous hidden wounds in the demon realm, dubbed the “Renaissance Era,” had unknowingly neutered their aggression.

One mistake would push them to the periphery of power, increasing their hesitation.

“Don’t appear before me again.”

He trusted only one thing:

Durin and the Legion that followed him.

#

“Your expression is too dark, Durin.”

As he came outside, someone was there to welcome him.

This time, she was alone.

“You must have been mingling with those noisy demons.”

The woman known as the Great Mother of Istria.

Azmosa, the castle’s greatest sorceress. Regarded as the last hope of the Green Horns, she had been offered the throne but chose to guard the observatory.

“Come watch the night sky sometimes. It will calm your mind and body.”

Azmosa offered warm words. She remained beside the warrior who was likewise fulfilling his duty.

“How about it? Aren’t you tempted?”

“Ludmila is there. That noble house’s daughter will surely deliver a speech about wanting to become the power behind the Demon King’s Castle.”

“Listening to it day after day must get tiresome, right?”

“The same pattern becomes wearisome.”

“I’ll give her strict instructions. Ludmila will understand and have fun running wild.”

A pleasant conversation passed. It was the most peaceful moment in the Demon King’s Castle. If only time could stop at this moment, but the world was too chaotic.

“Captain, it’s time for you to go.”

Secretary Spranches, who had been quietly observing their conversation, approached discreetly. Azmosa and Durin looked at each other briefly.

“That’s a shame.”

“Until next time.”

The two parted again.

While Caldragoth prepared for the expedition, Durin prepared to face the heroes who would violently pound on the Demon King’s Castle.

Azmosa silently watched his retreating figure.

#

Caldragoth’s expedition took place exactly one month later.

The Demon King, feeling his body weakening from exposure to holy power, hastened matters.

Still, the troops were sufficient.

Twenty thousand legion soldiers marched again toward the northwestern front, hoping this time they would finally bring news of victory.

“Everyone, prepare for battle.”

Meanwhile, the castle conducted its annual hero-welcoming ceremony.

“Location?”

“They haven’t approached the castle vicinity yet. We’ve scattered cavalry in all directions to begin searching, but they seem to be hiding.”

“Not as good as before. Perhaps there are no worthy warriors left in the human realm.”

Durin mocked him.

A wretched being moving according to the celestial realm’s will without his own. This was his assessment of the pitiful humans who died simply because they were told to, without knowing the exact reason they had to fight.

“I won’t need to step in. Mobilize the sorcery corps immediately to spread demonic energy throughout the central region. If any enemies are identified, dispatch the elites to cut them down.”

These were troops who had developed immunity to resurrection powers after facing heroes multiple times. They could easily handle humans, so there was no need to worry.

Even if variables arose, the strong warriors within the legion were more than capable of facing heroes. The problem was the northwestern front where the Demon King was.

“Is there any separate report about the expedition?”

“They should be clashing with the enemy’s main force and engaged in fierce battle by now. If His Majesty conducts the war as stably as before, a report on the northwestern front offensive should arrive in three days.”

The possibility of failure was high this time too, but they had to trust and wait. The troop losses could still be sufficiently managed with the quantities coming from the central and eastern regions.

Moreover, even the celestial realm wasn’t focusing much on invading the demon realm, only mobilizing heroes.

In other words, it was also an opportunity.

“If we reclaim the northwestern front and block the gate to seal the passage, we only need to repel the celestial army sent in retaliation once more. Then…”

“We can advance into the human realm.”

Soldiers who remembered the first verse of the scripture felt anticipation.

The moment they had hoped for every time might come with this opportunity, bringing joy.

“Captain.”

However, the urgent situation wouldn’t leave them alone.

It was time to focus on eliminating the hero. Durin listened to the report from a harpy who flew in with fluttering wings.

“The sorcery corps has pinpointed the hero’s location. The hero hunting regiment has been dispatched, so news should arrive soon.”

At this point, the situation was almost resolved.

Durin nodded.

“Good. We’ll move again when the next report comes in. Stand by.”

“There’s still more to tell.”

Durin turned his gaze at the harpy’s words. It was significant.

“What’s happening?”

“You need to go to the front urgently.”

Though speaking calmly, the meaning contained within was a major issue. Durin asked the harpy again.

“Has something happened to His Majesty?”

“I cannot tell you here.”

A major incident had occurred. And it was related to Demon King Caldragoth’s safety. A headache came first. Durin suppressed the sigh rising from within and answered.

“Very well. Let’s head to the front. I’ll delegate the hero-related matters to Chief Sorceress Azmosa.”

The surrounding legion soldiers bowed their heads without answering. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, they responded with action instead of agitation.

“Lead the way.”

“I will escort you.”

Durin left the castle and headed to the front.

The unfinished hero hunt.

The bad news from the northwestern front.

The disloyal group revealing their ambitions.

All these unstable elements combined, extending to Lucretia’s escape, became the foundation of decline.

The golden Milky Way recited the tragedy to the Mother Night Goddess.