54 This is the fastest way at the moment.

"Destroy the TARDIS?　That's bullshit!

Ilias, angered by the victory conditions presented to him, readied his sword.

However, the Golden Demon King continues with an amused smile on his face.

"This is a virtual world, it does not affect the real world in any way. In fact, this is an advantage for those of you who are Tarzians.

What?

You know the Tarzan people well, and the strength of their army. If you are familiar with them, it will be easier to come up with countermeasures.　You can understand the strength of the Ghanaians, you can see the flaws in their nation.

Why do you think we should do such a thing?

Ilias, who is loyal to his country, would naturally not like the idea of attacking his own country, even if it was just a game.

However, this is not the way to go.

I've already told you, I'm here to see if you're worthy of a conversation with my mistress. I have no words to throw at a fool who only wields a sword, and I have no desire to be friends with a country full of such people. If you don't feel like it, you can declare yourself defeated, I've already accepted that.

"Then I accept such a match.

The mix covered Ilias' mouth.

The timing of the moves were the same, but Mix's athleticism was much faster.

"Do not misjudge your position, Lord Ratzel. You're here as your friend's bodyguard. Don't let your personal feelings get in the way of your friend's position. Do you intend to meet my brother's expectations with treachery twice over?

"......

You have persuaded him in the most effective way, and now that you have said so, the Iliad cannot take it personally.

"Excuse me, Demon Lord of Gold. We're willing to accept the match, aren't we, my friend?

"Yes, but first I have a condition to add.

What more do you want when you say that the mistress will be your ally if you win?　If it's a body, it can be ...... either way.

I'm sure you're not the only one. But first, I want to go over the specifics.

I've already heard the victory and defeat conditions.

I've already heard the victory and defeat conditions, but there are still many unclear points in the process, and there may be unexpected pitfalls.

"You worry too much, but that's okay. I'll have you transfer only your spirit to the virtual world I've created, and give you a body that can operate in that virtual world. You can think of it as being in the same position as the current mistress.

So you're literally playing as a resident of the game world.

But if only the spirit is transferred, what will happen to the body?

"Don't worry about your body. Time flows differently in my world than in the virtual world created by my mistress. Normally, it could be compressed a little more, but considering the burden, I have made it so that it takes exactly one second to control one world. It doesn't matter if you enjoy one world for a long time or finish it at the speed of light. In other words, the game will take less than half a day at most. When you return to the real world, your memories of the virtual world will be compressed and retrieved as a concise result. Even if you live ten years in the other world, there should be no burden when you return to this body.

Two hours will pass for each destruction of Garnet in the virtual world, and if you destroy it ten times, a total of twenty hours will pass and the time will be up.

Even if you spend an enormous amount of time inside, your memories will be converted into simple information like the results screen of a game, and you can concentrate on the game without any repercussions.

"While my mind is in there, my body can't move, right?　Can we be sure of our safety?

"It's sad that people doubt that. If a certain level of shock is applied while the spirit is being sent inside, it will be forced to return. I usually throw my spirit in here too, but I have to deal with sudden visitors and the like.

If there's any interference from the outside, she'll be able to return immediately.

Can we assume that they are safe?

I'm not going to be so cunning as to assassinate them one by one, of course, but just in case one of them is forced to wake up, I'll make sure they all wake up.

The Golden Demon King then taps the table lightly.

I'll make sure everyone wakes up if there's a forced awakening. Normally, the mere sound of footsteps echoing in the throne room is enough to bring me back. ...... You don't want to end the game with a minor disturbance, do you?

If you've been playing for twenty hours, there's a chance that a minister like Mr. Ludwig Fein will come and visit you.

We don't want the game to become a moot point because of his intervention.

I've already prepared an alter ego of my mistress to explain the internal affairs of the virtual world and how to control time. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

The game is designed to be friendly to newcomers, with helpers even provided.

The first problem is that Taze and Garne are governing each other fairly well right now. Even if we start half a year ago, there won't be a war, will there?

"That's a good point, you'll be forced to declare war when you catch up with our real world time. That's just a necessary step to keep things moving.

You can't just run a country and race for the long haul.

Tarz is a rural area, and I thought it might be possible for the culture to disappear after being left behind by the times, but it seems that's not possible.

Anyway, we've had six months to prepare, and we've expanded our military to a certain extent, but it's not enough.

We've also prepared some other benefits that will give you an advantage. You can check it out inside. Is that it?

"Now that I understand the gist of it, I'd like to add some conditions.

"Hmm. Let's hear it.

"There are five of us, and of course, few of us know much about politics. If five of us are going to take on the challenge, three of us have to meet the conditions.

So, what do you propose?

"I want to reduce the playing field. How about three?

In this game, it's Lackey who is definitely out of control.

It's unlikely that they'll be able to handle the multitasking of domestic politics and war, let alone simple combat.

Mix is a possibility, but even so, it would be difficult to win one game and lose the other two, with Iliad, Wolfe, and us trying to win the other two.

If you had asked me to reduce the number of slots to one, I would have refused, but I don't mind reducing the number to three because it's an odd number. But what are you going to do with the remaining two?　If you don't accept the match with the mistress, then I'll have to ask you to leave.

"You can only send a spirit, right?　Then I'd like the two of you to be my advisors.

"Two pairs of two and one of the other. Only one of each can act ......, which is fine. So what's the breakdown?

"Can a person who is given a body participate in combat?

Of course they can. However, if the body dies, only the spirit will be able to direct the internal affairs of the world until the game is won.

Does the game not end until the victory or defeat conditions are met even after death?

I've considered the possibility that the game could go on forever, but if you can do internal affairs, the worst you can do is destroy Garne.

In that case, the breakdown would be much easier to decide.

"All right, it's decided. First, Ilias, Rakhula for counselor. Next is Wolfe, with Mikus as his advisor. I'm alone.

The modern kid who understands this kind of game is going to have to do it alone.

I'd like to split the knowledgeable Iliad and Mikus.

Lakra should be placed in a consultative role.

Naturally, Ilias, with his fighting prowess, is the player.

I've heard that Wolfe and Mikus are a good match, but I'd like Wolfe to do his best physically because of his inexperience, and I'd like him to be an assistant counselor who can see things from a step back.

That's how I settled on this form.

It might be most effective to have Ilias and Mix team up, but I think we should avoid using Lacla and the others as pawns this time.

We're dealing with a Demon Lord, and you never know what might happen.

"My friend, even if your life is not in danger, you can't do this alone. ......

I don't trust my mistress either. ...... If you're worried about her, why don't you use contract magic?

A contract spell, literally, is a spell that makes a contract and binds the other party's actions.

It is a spell that allows both parties to intuitively understand how much binding power they have, and is sometimes used when there is an important transaction.

However, the only people who use it are those who declare 'I don't trust you, and I can't trust you', so there are only people who specialize in intermediaries who can use it.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to use it.

I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

"Shall we make a pact that no physical harm will be done during this contest?

You should have done that from the beginning.

There are two types of contract spells: those that can be used mutually and those that can be cast only on the target.

This time, only the Golden Demon King will be treated to a contract that says he cannot be harmed by any opponent during a match.

This way, you can make a contract with us who have no magic power.

The contents of the contract will be ruminated in your mind and you will understand that its binding power is to bind the Golden Demon Lord.

This literally makes it impossible for the Gold Demon Lord to attack us during the contest.

Ilias and Mixu were also less cautious than before, as if they had confirmed the contents of the contracted magic.

But then again, there are always holes in these things. .......

I'm not sure what to make of this.

I'd like to have a contract that says I won't inflict any psychological damage, but with the nature of the game, psychological damage is inevitable for the Iliad.

I'm worried that he won't be able to see the game for the game that it is, but let's hope Lakra can handle that.

The Golden Demon wants to use his own power to win the game.

To facilitate this, he explains the rules, presents the conditions, and uses contract magic.

In short, he is a poor guy who prepares a lot of materials to persuade his opponent in order to play.

I understand that the Gold Demon King wants to have fun with the game, but it's just too shady for the rest of us to feel comfortable devoting ourselves to it.

"Mmm.

The more you prepare to look okay, the more suspicious you become.

You can't help it if the content of the game is something that strikes a nerve with your opponent in the first place.

It's been a long time coming, but let's get started.

But first, may I speak to Wolfe and Ilias?

No, you may not. This is not just a game between you and them, and they have their own advisors.

I wanted to tell you how to play this kind of game, but I guess I can't.

It is also dangerous to offend people by telling them implicitly. ...... Hmm.

I'm going to ask the Golden Demon King for personal confirmation. The only way to win is if Taze is destroyed before Garne is destroyed, right?

"Yes, that's what he said.

I'm curious about the condition of destruction, for example, even if we assassinate Marith, the king, the Taze will continue to exist, right?

"Your friend?　You believe in your friend, don't you?

Don't look at me like I'm about to cry.

Well, I'm sure that's not enough to be considered defunct. On the contrary, if King Taze loses the war and gives up the rule of the country and falls under the control of Garne, it will be considered destroyed even if there is no damage. You'll have to experiment with that.

Okay, I've given you a clue.

There are many factors that can destroy a country.

It would have been effective if it had been instilled that simply winning a war is not everything.

But that's the end of your questioning, because I'm not going to indulge you that much, am I?

You've been found out, but you're safe because you've been forgiven.

There were enough chairs for all of us, and pillows to keep us from falling forward.

Ilias and Mikus leaned against the backrest, while Wolfe and Lakra rested against the pillows.

Ilias and Mikus lean back, while Wolfe and Lakra rest on the pillows.

"Then take it easy, this is a good experience.

It's kind of advisable, but ......, let's go!

As the table shines, you feel as if your consciousness is leaving your body.

My consciousness was falling into a deep abyss with no end in sight.

By the time you can't even tell how far you've sunk, you've completely lost consciousness.

"Come on, wake up.

I felt a peck on my cheek and a slight heaviness in my body.

I opened my eyes and found myself in the throne room of Garne.

It seems that I am sitting on a throne.

The table I saw earlier does not exist, and there is no sign of the Iliad or anyone else around.

But then, who woke me up just now?

"Up, up.

I looked up as he said and looked in the direction of the voice.

And there was the shrunken figure of the Golden Demon King.

I wonder if he has turned into a dwarf. His floating figure is cute, but I can't comment on it.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who can't help you.

The little golden demon king is sitting on his haunches.

The little gold demon king is pouting. I can feel his pride in his good looks when he uses himself as a mascot.

I guess he is trying to tell us that he can't act as a mascot and ask for information to pass the time.

You can't take her clothes off or rough her up.　I'll leave that to my mistress.

"What are the benefits?

You want to know what it is?　Good, then let's talk.

I cut off the conversation and asked a systematic question, which he quickly switched to processing.

It seems that the Gold Demon Lord is not running the system at will.

In other words, the conversation was planned in advance, a fine trick.

"You currently reign as the king of Garn. But your body is no different in performance from the one you had in your original world. If you are confident in your skills, you may use them to your advantage!

"What perks?

What a horrible perk! We're just civilians with zero combat power.

We're just ordinary citizens with no combat power. I would have liked to have at least the strength of a general, if not a demon lord.

It would have been a different game if I went that far, though. .......

By the way, in this virtual world, you yourself do not exist. It would be confusing to have two people with the same appearance, the same name, and the same abilities. Other than that, it's pretty much the same as the real history, so don't worry and enjoy!

Oh, I see. A perk, if you will.

Mostly for the Iliad, I suppose.

A knight of the Iliad class will be added to Garne, and the Iliad will be removed from Tarz.

That's two Ilias for the price of one.

It's a big deal for a skilled player to not have an enemy called himself.

Wolfe, too, to a lesser extent.

There's only one civilian here.

It is unlikely that Wolfe will turn into an enemy because he will lose the chance to find Wolfe, but Iliad will definitely appear as an enemy.

"Feature Description.

You want to know what it can do?　Good, then you can choose any item from this book that interests you!

The little gold demon king pulls out a book from somewhere, and it has various tables of contents that show the various functions.

The first thing to do is to read through the manual.

In fact, the verification system of this virtual world is very good.

First of all, everything can be selected through a graphical user interface that appears in your field of vision.

You can change everything from general items such as internal affairs mode, diplomacy mode, and war mode to the dessert for today's soldier's lunch.

The game is basically in auto mode, with high level AI functioning and detailed customization available.

It's a high-spec game that can be played by beginners and experts alike.

If I had to pick a flaw, it would be that the game is too detailed for light gamers to follow.

I'm sure Wolfe and Iliad are having a hard time with it.

However, since Mixx and Lakra can also hear information at the same time, the processing speed for understanding the situation is not bad.

The most notable feature is the fast-forward function, where time seems to flow in real time, but can be accelerated from double speed to sixteen times faster.

There is also a skip function for minutes, days, and months.

However, since there is no pause or rewind function, excessive acceleration may be dangerous.

For the time being, let's continue with the conventional auto mode and gain the necessary knowledge. 　

Gurney's Army Materials

You want to know more about the Ghanaian army?　Good, then you can choose any item from this book that interests you!

The mascot has a rather poor vocabulary.

You didn't get bored around the first comment, did you?

I'm going to pet you on the head.

"Mmmmmmmm, more petting!

Tug on its tail.

"Hey, stop it!　Stop it! Just pet it!

...... I'm sure there's a hidden command or something, I'll play with it on my break.

I'll play with it during my break.

You can also see the projected growth of your army after a certain period of time.

Turze's army data.

You want to know more about the Tarzan army?　Good, then choose any item from this book that interests you!

The same thing came up, but this one doesn't have as much information.

I guess I'll just have to do my best to figure this out.

But he has some understanding of the strength of the knights from his experience in the real world.

He also had some data on well-known knights and was able to compare their performance with that of our general.

This way, we can get a rough idea of the difference in strength.

First of all, we should calmly learn about each other's capabilities.

It takes about half a day to look through the materials and realize the harshness of the current situation.

...... This is what ...... has done to us.

If the war was fought properly, there was little chance of defeating Ghanaians.

------------------------------------

"Mmmmmm, I wonder what kind of despair they're feeling right now?

I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

But even so, the country of Taze was out of the ordinary.

The first time I tried to declare war on them in a virtual world, it was just for fun.

The result was a disastrous defeat, and I have tried many times since then, but I have never been able to win.

It's not that there's no possibility, but I realized that it's an impossible feat to achieve unless I devote myself to it and keep examining it, so I stopped doing it.

"What the hell are those knights?　They're not even human!

The strength of those who had been appointed as knights was on a different level even for apprentices.

The strength of those who were appointed as knights was of a different level even for apprentices. The strength of their magic power made it possible for arrows to pierce armor but not reach the flesh.

They can fight continuously for long periods of time without sleeping or eating, and their strength rarely decreases due to fatigue.

Furthermore, although they are unable to coordinate with each other, when the order of the knight commander is involved, their morale improves to an unusual degree and they start to perform better than they should.

Even the horses are specially trained, and their speed rivals that of a flying dragon.

If it were just the knights alone, they could surround them and outnumber them.

However, those who respect discipline will not isolate themselves unintentionally.

The only ones who would isolate themselves are the monsters who can take on an army on their own.

One of them is Ilias-Ratzel, and while this is the first time I've met her in person, she has raided this castle three times in the virtual world.

Needless to say, all the generals who were guarding the castle were cut down by her alone.

She's a beautiful girl, but what's with those barbarians?

The same goes for Raggedy squadron led by Sylvette Raggedy to which she belongs.

They say they're full of old knights with short futures, but all of them are experts and none of them have ever been able to defeat our general in single combat.

And that knight commander, Sylvette-Ragdor, she's already in the same league as Ygras.

Yugra may be able to win, but the only Demon Lords who have a chance of defeating him head-on are Kuro, Blue, and Scarlet.

In any case, he was decapitated in this iron-clad castle, I don't know anymore.

And last but not least, Marith-Thawz, the King of Thawz.

He's a young man with the name of the Wise King, a rare king with wisdom comparable to ours who has created a virtual world with the power of the Demon King to ensure his rule.

He's a rare king with wisdom to rival ours. He's quick and effective in dealing with our repeated changes of attack.

In addition, he continues to be an absolute symbol of morale for the knights, and his influence increases in the long run.

The monk said that we could assassinate him, but we've already tried that.

The assassins I sent have never returned.

Is it his own bravery, or does he have guards that rival Sylvette-Ragdor's? .......

It's a terrible thing to be a country knight.

The game is almost always won by us.

In the event that you've got a lot of time and energy, you'll be able to make the most of it.

The boy's ...... privileges mean nothing to him.

He is forced to go through the same trial and error as the mistress, which is not fair.

It's not fair. It's a fact that she has potential and likes it, so let's apologize and love her regardless of whether she wins or loses.

"Well, I must have some fun, too, must I not?

You see before you, motionless as if asleep, the girls, all of them of first-rate beauty.

I can love both males and females, so this situation is nothing short of delightful for my mistress.

Because of the contract magic, I can't be overly affectionate, but I can touch and lick them.

"Mmm-hmm, no harm done. No harm done?

There's no need to rush, there's plenty of time.

There's plenty of time. Five minutes is all I need to see how the episode goes.

Let's start with the second one and see how it goes and have plenty of fun before we wake up.

First of all, let's have a cup of tea while looking at these blissful people, and I have some sweets secretly hidden.

I'm working hard to prepare the tea.

I may be a queen, but I enjoy this kind of time.

I am free to enjoy the entertainment in a world where only I can move.

I prepared carefully, and before I knew it, the hour was almost up.

He looked at each of the girls and stroked them gently, "Let's taste the boy first, shall we?

He looked at each of them, gently caressing them as he made his selection.

Ilias-Ratzel, the proud female knight who had been so good to me in the virtual world, was just a pretty little girl once she fell asleep.

Her armor is in the way, but she can be reached through the gap.

Rakhra Sarf, a priest of Medis and a well known exorcist, is the richest of the lot.

His body is the richest of them all, and he sleeps comfortably.

Myx-Thayes, a king's bloodline adventurer, whose disparity in appearance is truly intriguing.

He looks rude, but the nobility peeking out from underneath makes me drool.

And then there's the daughter of the Shiro Kuro Wolf, Wolfe, whose magical power is truly amazing.

Her hair is silvery white, and she is a match for her mistress, so she can be chewed on a bit without being discovered.

"...... What a surprise.

"Hmm?

I'm not sure what to make of this.

...... Why?

I'm not sure what to do.　Not even a second has passed...

No, the clock is ticking.

I spent a lot of time preparing the tea and it was before the hour, now it's after the hour.

An hour, that is, the time when the first virtual world of Garne ended.

"I've destroyed the Taze, as you said. In the first round.