Ch.78To the Human Realm (3)

As Yoannina sent more information about the human realm, the plan became more concrete. They made thorough preparations, knowing that what awaited them was not simply revenge against the previous Demon King, but a great battle ordained by fate.

It was time to firmly secure the legion.

The mental aspect was especially important, beyond the material preparations.

“We will wage a decisive battle against the heavens. Prepare yourselves.”

It was an excellent opportunity to divert all the attention that had been focused on the Hero. The leadership worked diligently, and as a result, they were able to push the legion into the heat of war.

“We cannot let the operation fail because of one small incident.”

“It doesn’t matter since the Regent is personally managing it.”

“Above all, isn’t he our guide to the human realm?”

Under the new commanders, they maintained their positions as elite soldiers. They were filled with the intention to set an example as the core of the fortress. While the honor instilled by the Regent played a significant role, the most influential factor was the gaze of other armies that had come from different continents.

“Those are the legion.”

“Indeed, those who defeated angels are different.”

Not only had rulers from all continents gathered under the Demon King’s command, but rumors about the heavens had spread, calling warriors from every region. Unlike the central forces that moved within a single command system, they still operated around military factions.

It was ideal, with only flags symbolizing the Demon King fluttering under their elite spears and swords. Moreover, their armor was of a different caliber. Armed with bones and leather from high-grade magical beasts raised directly in the fortress’s beast farm, it seemed they could withstand even an immediate outpouring of holy power.

In truth, it was the achievement of the elite southern army including Verdia, but rumors tend to spread and become exaggerated. The legion began boasting as if all the accomplishments throughout the western region were their own.

“When we enter battle, we will follow them.”

“We will surely achieve victory.”

Their confidence swelled. The fortress’s march toward war accelerated.

The moment the leadership ordered deployment, they would explode into action.

There was no fear whatsoever.

#

“The air is certainly different here.”

Ludmila visited Durin after every meeting. There was so much information to deliver to the Regent who would lead the conquest of the human realm.

“How are your preparations going? How is the Hero’s condition?”

“The Witch of Prophecy is personally taking care of him. She seems to be giving him direction.”

“Direction? Has the representative of humanity gone mad from being a prisoner for so long?”

“His body has also been resurrected once.”

“Well, that makes sense then.”

Ludmila shrugged her shoulders. She casually took a seat in front of Durin.

She pushed aside several parchments on the table and pulled out a new papyrus.

“Now is the opportunity while he hasn’t fully regained his senses. Quickly take him through the warp gate.”

“There’s the northwestern and the ancient southern gate, right? Which one did the sorcerers determine was better?”

“The southern one for now. The northwestern one will continue to be used by Yoannina for information gathering. Shouldn’t we properly use the passage to the human realm arranged by the ancient Demon King?”

“Where will we arrive when we get there?”

“That’s something the previous Demon King would know.”

The sorceress smiled slyly. Given her personality, she would have already thoroughly searched the records to confirm there was nothing, but she acted as if she hadn’t checked. Of course, Durin paid no attention to this.

“Then we’ll need an advance party.”

“You and the Hero are the protagonists. And…”

The finger pointing at Durin turned to the opposite direction.

“Me.”

“Are you planning to entrust a sorceress’s duties to the Witch of Prophecy?”

“We need someone to transmit coordinates back to the demon realm. It’s an unavoidable measure.”

“It must be your first time going outside in a while.”

“It’s my first time ever. Except for when I went south for sorcery training, I’ve never left the fortress.”

She expressed her excitement without filtering, contrary to the impending war situation.

Ludmila giggled and poked Durin with her finger.

“So protect me well. It’s a rare outing for me.”

“Calm down. This is wartime, Ludmila.”

“How can I not be excited when I feel the pull of destiny? A sorceress can’t help it.”

A captivating smile adorned her face. The joy of a child spread throughout the office.

“I’m looking forward to that moment when we face the previous Demon King.”

“You could die.”

“If that’s my fate, I’ll gladly embrace it.”

Ludmila said this as she rose from her seat. Her business was concluded.

“Someday you’ll feel the flow too, Durin.”

“I’m still busy navigating through life.”

“Wait for the exhilaration that will come at the end. I’m most curious about what choice you’ll make then.”

The conversation came to an end. The Chief Sorceress left the office. As the sound of the closing door echoed, Durin was left alone.

“The end of destiny.”

The Regent briefly contemplated a future he hadn’t considered before. The meaningful words she left behind lingered in his mind.

“Is she referring to what comes after capturing the Demon King?”

Protection of the demon realm, a new era, the elite transformation of the legion.

The reason for methodically achieving everything was to erase the traces left by the previous Demon King. Now that they were approaching that goal, it was indeed time to start thinking about it.

“It’s difficult.”

For the Regent who had only looked at the present, not the future, it was still an early question.

What could a demon who hadn’t even set foot in the human realm envision right now?

He was simply doing his best to overcome obstacles.

And so another day passed.

#

Both the legion and the fortress were fully prepared.

If they activated the warp gate now, they would rush through the dimensional door.

But war was not a simple matter that could be ended with momentum alone.

Information.

Unlike angels who had observed humans for over a thousand years, demons trapped in the wasteland of the demon realm knew nothing. The sorcerers had only groped through the faint glimpses beyond dimensions.

Even that had collapsed during the period of decline, so they had to rebuild from scratch. Moreover, the current human realm had fallen into chaos because of the Demon King, so they felt a great need to quickly receive updates on the rapidly unfolding situation.

“The Hero?”

“We’ve brought him to the gate.”

“Was there any resistance?”

“Rather, I’m worried because he’s too lethargic.”

“Time will resolve that issue.”

Durin and Spranches headed toward the eastern warp gate. It was time for the final act before departure. The gazes of soldiers training in the drill ground converged.

The legion, sensing the time had come, hurriedly followed behind Durin.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

The demon legion, armed with weapons, sent off the great one. It was a way of honoring the vanguard for the prelude to the coming war.

“You’ve arrived.”

At the end, the Demon King was waiting. The Golden Guard gathered in front of the gate welcomed the Regent. She had personally come to see off those advancing to the human realm.

“Once again, I’m sending you ahead.”

Serphin took a step closer. She looked up at the Regent standing firmly.

“Someday we’ll go together, won’t we?”

“It won’t be long, Your Majesty.”

Durin addressed the king. He showed confidence as he observed his young but growing master.

“Hone your magic of dominance. It will be of great help to the legion facing holy power.”

“I will be of help to you on the battlefield where you’ll wage the final battle against the archangel. This is both a king’s promise and the wish of a weak demon who had to watch over you.”

“Fate will guide us. May you be well until then.”

“Thank you for saying that. It makes me feel relieved.”

Serphin extended her hand with a small smile. Golden magic flickered at her fingertips.

“Throughout the western region, I gave you strength so you wouldn’t retreat.”

“That’s how I was able to overcome.”

“It’s the same this time. I’ve imbued it with wishes for victory.”

Her pale hand brushed against Durin’s chest. A bright light was inscribed along the path traced by her slender fingers. The greatest gift bestowed by the king and the only blessing given to demons who had no god.

“Take care, Durin.”

“I will put an end to destiny.”

The Regent gave a nod and passed by the king.

It was time to face destiny. The moment that the god had long awaited was approaching. An opportunity given to one who had overcome the adversity imposed by the world.

He looked at the Hero, his companions, and the Chief Sorceress who would accompany them at the gate.

“Let us proceed.”

“I’ve been waiting for those words.”

“Are we going to the south?”

“I’ve set up the passage so we can move directly. We’ll be transported straight to the human realm from the south without needing to wait. The King gave us quite a lot of power.”

Ludmila, wearing a hood, snapped her fingers.

A signal was fired. The gate sorcerer immediately infused magic into his fingers.

Viscous energy poured out from the dimensional door.

KWAAAAA—

The world was dyed purple. The magnificent energy traversing space began to shake the surroundings. The act of crossing a barrier produced an impact beyond imagination.

“Lucretia.”

Durin murmured softly.

Watching the crumbling world, he made a vow.

“Wait for me.”

Durin clenched his fist tightly.