174 And I'll leave it to you.

"The Knight of Taze is doing more for the Lord than I thought. I heard he used his ring in some places, but it seems he was able to retreat without any problems.

I'm also curious about the condition of the enemy who stopped pursuing us halfway through.

Suddenly there were reports of demons becoming stronger in all the battlefields. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

The Purple Demon Lord and the Blue Demon Lord also had examples of strengthening individual demons by giving them magical power. But to raise the ranks of all the demons at once is a very troubling power. It was a foul power, like the number of enemy soldiers suddenly doubling in front of you.

"Marito, are you okay?

I get a call from a friend. We've just gathered some information, let's share it once and for all.

"Yeah, I'm fine. How are you doing?

"I'm fine. How are things going over there?" "We retreated as soon as we confirmed that Grandpa Kara and the others had evacuated. There was no fighting, so they're safe.

"I'm sure Raggedy-doo's men have nothing to worry about.

I'm not worried about them. I wanted to observe them until the last minute. I wanted to observe until the last minute. I want to know what you have first.

The only thing we know at this point is that the power of the Struggle has a very broad effect, making all demons stronger. It's not just the increase in magical power that's troubling, it's also the change in skill that makes you less afraid and less likely to die.

They are unfazed by the intimidation of knights. They are able to withstand deadly attacks at the last moment. The undead have the same fear of death, but their momentum is far greater.

They can no longer be handled by long range attacks and formation interceptions. If we get into a melee, we'll be at a disadvantage. For the time being, we need to stay back and continue to create an advantageous situation.

"How are the subalterns doing?

"The subalterns?

The subhumans are included in the armies of Garne and Mejlis. The knights of Tarz have no subhumans. I look to the Golden Demon King for confirmation.

"Hold on, I'll have him check it out.

"Do that. It's probably having some effect on you.

"Is something wrong with ...... you, Wolfe?

That's the only reason my friend would notice the focus. The only subhuman beside him is Wolfe. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

The moment the Scarlet Witch King used his power, a slight change appeared in Wolfe. It's not that extreme, but it seems to be in a state of high--elevation.

"Are you saying that I'm under the influence of the Scarlet Witch King's power?

It's hard to tell at first glance, but it's definitely having an effect. It's possible that it's only mildly affected because of the high amount of magic power and the fact that Wolfe is less susceptible to magic.

The power of the Scarlet Witch King has reached not only Garne, but also Mejis. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

I just got confirmation. You're right, the subhuman soldiers are acting strangely. They're emotional, frightened, and emotionally unstable in different ways.

I'm not sure what to do. I'm sure the Scarlet Witch King's power appeals to the instincts of beasts or something like that. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

So he's also playing a part in lowering the enemy's morale. It's really nasty. No, if you have time to be disgusted, you need to think of a countermeasure immediately.

"Share the information with Pope Eupharo. You may also need to adjust the formation of your troops. ...... By the way, is the Golden Demon King alright?

I'm sure you're not the only one. I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm sure Ao is fine too.

I've already checked with Ex-Doik and the others. By the way, the demons and undead demons didn't show any reaction.

So that's why you thought of appealing to the beast's instincts. That makes sense.

I'll be watching Wolfe for a bit. I'll keep an eye on the wolfe for a bit and make sure you don't move the subhuman soldiers around too much.

You're right, but... But it's not so easy when your troops are being cut down at a rate.

"That's all right. The enemy hasn't moved from where they fought the first battle, has he?

Yeah, that's right. That's what I was wondering.

At first they seemed to be chasing our retreating troops, but once they got a certain distance away, they stopped chasing and started to stay in the battlefield. It is possible that they prioritized the reorganization of the troops, but the fact that there has been no further movement should be considered as an obvious reason.

If it's just to strengthen the demons, then use it from the beginning. If it's just to strengthen demons, then use it from the start. Unique class demons can be intentionally unaffected, and you can give them simple instructions. This is the reason why the time of the war has been adjusted.

"So this power isn't something they can use for long.

That's what I'm saying. I'm not sure if it's a good idea. I'm sure that the power of the Demon Lord is too much for lower level demons.

Naturally, the largest percentage of demons are of the lower class. If those lower-ranked demons are destroyed, the Scarlet Witch King's army could lose a lot of momentum. This could be considered a drawback.

In the event that you've got a lot of money to spend, you're going to want to make sure that you've got it in your pocket.

"If we retreat, they will not force us to chase them, but will let their troops rest before advancing.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

In a war, it costs a lot of money to fight a long war. If human soldiers were to operate in such a manner, they would become physically and mentally exhausted and would never be able to fully recover. However, demons are creatures that grow and survive on the basis of magical power. Although the magic power in the air is less than in the demon world, it will not interfere with their activities.

Have you come up with any countermeasures?

"At least. But it's too simple an idea. I'm sure there's a countermeasure or two.

Stagger the timing of the attack?

Yeah. The Scarlet Witch King's power spreads over a very wide area. The Scarlet Witch King's power spreads over a huge area, so it can take effect all at once. I'm not sure what to do with it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

If you use the power of struggle immediately after the start of a battle in some battlefields, the non-combatant troops will also be strengthened with a time limit. In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find it on the web. The Scarlet Magus probably understands this drawback as well.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm sure you'll be able to do it, but the fact that you did it all at once means it's a lot of work. You'll need to keep track of all the information on all the battlefields.

And unlike here, the use of crystals for communication has not been confirmed.

Yeah, that's it. - Yeah, I got an idea.

I felt the tone of my friend's voice change slightly. That's what you sound like when you're making a bad face. I could see the expressions on the faces of Lord Ratzel and the others next to my friend.

"Oh, what is it?

"I'll tell you about it. The crystal that Raheit used to communicate with the Scarlet Witch King was also used for this communication. It's possible that this communication is being intercepted.

That's right. The Scarlet Witch knows about the existence of this communication crystal. That's why he needed to be aware of that possibility at all times. Sometimes things that are too convenient can diminish our sense of danger. We have to remember to be very careful.

All right. How soon can you get back here?

I want to finish my preparations first. Just hang in there for a few more days.

Okay. I'll do my best to not miss you.

That's a unique joke.

It's not really a joke.

It's true that I miss my friend. But more than that, the anxiety of his presence on the battlefield has been quite distressing for me. Before things started, when I experienced the virtual world of the Golden Demon King, I was allowed to experience my friend's body. It was probably because I was reminded of his vulnerability to a frightening degree at that time.

I knew that he was weak. I knew he was weak, but I realized that I was far from understanding what it was like to experience it. It was insane to go out on the battlefield with such weakness. I was glad to learn of his abnormality, but at the same time, I felt the negative side of him.

"My mistress is about to break down from loneliness. I'd rather you--

"I'll throw a flea in your tail.

"....... Quite a paranoid hobby. But you miss your mistress, don't you? It's no exaggeration to say that the loveliness of her tail is a sin.

"There are alternatives.

"Yes, I do! Mistress!

Oh, that. It's true that the Golden Demon King only irritates me, but I find him quite charming. If I missed the beast's tail in the first place, he would have Wolfe at his disposal.

I'm going to hang up now because we're moving again. Is there anything else you want to tell me?

"Well...

A word of thanks to my mistress.

"No kidding, you've been running a virtual world for a long time with powers that rival even the Scarlet Witch King's. I admire you for that.

"...... I'm sure you're right, I'm sure you're right! That's right, that's right! But don't think that you are equal to Scarlet! But don't think that she's the same as Scarlet! She's only just beginning to show her true colors!

It's a cheap Demon Lord. But a gold Demon Lord can be useful sometimes. I was about to make a weak comment to my friend. I'm sure that my friend will understand the anxiety I feel towards him if I speak carelessly.

I want to be a reliable king and a good friend to my friend. That's what I really want. That's why the words I tell him now are .......

There's nothing from me. I'll take care of this. You're free to do as you please.

"Yeah. I'm counting on you, Marito.

We've lost contact. But I don't think my friend has seen through ...... what I just said. But if that's the case, at least he got my message.

There are many things to do from now on. There are many things to do from now on, such as ordering a surprise attack with a time delay, securing positions and preparing traps to intercept the enemy while retreating. We do not know how much rest the enemy army will need. If you're not careful, they may force their way in without taking a rest. It is not enough to be perfect. You need to think about how to control the enemy's actions, as if you were walking a tightrope.

"Gold Demon Lord, I'll take care of contacting all parties. I'll concentrate for a while to devise a plan.

"Don't treat her like a chore. Are you listening to me? Are you listening? Are you ignoring me? Weeping? "Mistress cries meekly...

The Golden Demon King is saying something, but I haven't heard it yet. Concentrate on the layout of the enemies and allies reproduced on the map. Using the virtual world beforehand, he pulls out from his memory the information about each land that he has stored in his mind. The organization of each unit, the ratio of sub-humans, the expected reorganization, and the expected future development of the enemy are all incorporated into a plan of action, which is verified in your brain. I don't take into account the strange measures that my friends will take because they are a mixture of wishful thinking. In order to prevent the Scarlet Witch King from taking notice of your friend's actions, you must direct his gaze towards you. Is that really possible? No, you have to make it possible.

◇.

After the communication with Marito is over, I get on the Tarzan carriage that I hid in a safe zone and start moving again.

But Marito's under a lot of pressure, isn't he?

"Your brother?

Your Majesty?

You don't think Marito is an emotionless, impeccable monster, do you?

......? Of course he has feelings!

You do think he's an impeccable monster, right? It's true that he's very talented. Unlike the sharp talents of the Bastard, his talents are excellent all around. He doesn't seem to have any weaknesses. But there is no doubt that Marito is an imperfect human being.

Strengths can also be weaknesses if you look at them differently. The fact that Marito is able to manage all the troops in Shikoku by himself also means that there is a risk of collapse if Marito falls.

Is that a disadvantage?

Yes. If Marito achieves a lot, and everyone believes in him and relies on him, his own responsibility will increase. That will directly lead to a decrease in everyone's ability. Do you have any idea how much the morale of the battlefield would drop if word got out that Marito had collapsed from exhaustion?

The two men from the Tarz looked understandably pale. In short, that's how big Marito's presence is for Taze. However, because of this, the pressure it places on them is no small thing. If you include the four quarters, or even Trinh and Selende who are watching over him from outside, he is carrying the expectations of all the major powers. This is too much pressure for a young man of Alaska to bear.

Is my brother going to be okay with ......?

If everyone trusts Marito, he has no choice but to respond to his position. Even if he is in charge of a country, he needs a friend to relax. I'm sure he's feeling pretty good right now.

"My friend! I would love to come to you.

He's in the middle of reassembling the whole operation. We can't afford to lose that focus. For now, we do what we can.

Finally, Marito urged us not to worry. He hadn't acted like that before the gold intervened. It was probably the result of a second thought, and there was no need to undo his will.

What we should be watching for now is Wolfe. She is sitting in the corner of the carriage, looking unhappy. This is understandable, since she knows that there is no problem, but she is being taken care of.

"Wolfe, you look unhappy.

"...... Wolfe is fine. No problem.

It's a problem. When you're complaining about retreating without fighting, you're even more sensitive than usual to the act of fighting.

That's because I thought I could work harder for ...... Shishou, and ......

Wolfe got stronger. I'm sure he understands that, and has come to take a good deal of pride in his abilities. But there is no doubt that he was affected by the Scarlet Witch King's power.

Ilias and Mikus also sensed the wave of magical power as it propagated. Their reaction was one of caution and readiness due to the strange magical power they felt. However, Wolfe's reaction was different. She seemed stunned for a moment, and then her gaze intensified at the demons rampaging across the battlefield.

It was still fine to be wary of a stronger enemy. It's just a matter of getting back into the swing of things. But it's not like Wolfe to have a glint in his eye.

"Wolfe, I know you think you're fine. But I've been watching you. I could sense that something was wrong. I'm not trying to be coy, but which does Wolfe think is better, his own judgment or his master's?

"That's ...... sorry. Shishou ......

I pat the head of the drooping Wolfe. The reason you can make a quick decision that my decision is the right one even in this situation is because you have full trust in me. To tell you the truth, I don't admire the way he tells you off after understanding that. But I decided that it was more important to convince him than to leave him with a half-hearted complaint.

No need to apologize. You don't need to apologize. It just seems like a fine line to Wolfe. Maybe I'm just being overly cautious. Sorry, I didn't mean to treat you like a half-breed.

No. Compared to Shishou, Wolfe is a fool!

Let's just call him immature. Maybe it's Lakra's fault. Or Mixu.

It's probably half guilty, since Mixu deliberately looked away. He must have blown it with Rakhra. Look at Ilias, he looks like he doesn't give a shit.

Anyway, where are you headed?

To meet up with the purple. I've got a few favors to ask.

That brilliant idea you were talking about?

The key to this battle will be how well Marito avoids fighting demons that are under the power of the struggle. In the event that you've got a lot of time and energy, you'll be able to use it to your advantage. The Scarlet Witch King probably has this development in mind. The Scarlet Witch King has probably been thinking about this development, and since he has chosen this means, strategically speaking, he must be at a level where he can win. It is better to think that there are other hidden items.

Even if Marito were to show his superlative leadership, the damage would be enormous. In order to prevent this, a blow from the outside is essential.

Speaking of preparation, do you have any instructions you'd like to share with Marito?

Shouldn't you have said that in your earlier transmission?

There's a risk of intercepted communications. We need to make sure we don't have a conversation that smells bad.

Take out a piece of parchment and write a letter to Marito. It would be enough if we could talk in person, but that would take up too much time. It's like e-mail communication in modern society. I don't know if there are hacker-like people in this world.

When I finished writing, Ilias came close to me and peeked at me. His curiosity about other people's tricks is getting pretty high, isn't it?

Oh, you mean this. Oh, I didn't tell you about this on the transmission.

I'm sure the knights of Tarz will find out sooner or later, and if they're not careful, they could take care of it tomorrow on their own. I'll send the same letter to ......, especially to old Kara.

Roll up the letter and tie it with string. Roll up the letter, tie it with string, and take it to the barrel in the wagon.

"Oh, my friend. You're finally going to use the boy!

"Gold gave it to me, you know. I'll put it to good use.

As soon as I open the lid of the barrel, the thing inside jumps out and rushes into my pocket. I catch it and pat it appropriately. It's a small golden fox that fits comfortably in both hands. This is what the gold gave me, a demon created by the gold. This is a demon that is typical of the Gold Fox tribe.

"Kane!

"Alright, you've done well to stay in the small barrel. Good job.

Kane! Ken-Kane!

He understands language, but not human language. It's a monster that understands the secret of animal cuteness. At any rate, it's good that he likes you, but you need to pet him until he's satisfied in order to make him listen to you, and he inherits his creator's character.

It may look like a cute fox, but don't underestimate it. It's fighting ability is on par with me, and I'm not sure if it can survive in this world, but it has a very nasty power. He seems to be satisfied for now, so he ties the letter around the gold fox's neck.

"Okay, take it to the gold.

"Kane!

The gold fox cries out, and then disappears. This is the vixen's ability, not her stealth. At this moment, the vixens are not in this world. Yes, the gold foxes have the power to travel directly to the virtual world created by gold. And they can freely appear in the real world.

Although there is a disadvantage in that they are forced to return to the real world when Gold closes the virtual world, their covertness is of an extraordinary level. It is impossible to capture a creature that is not there.

Combined with its cowardice, which causes it to flee at the first sign of hostility, it is quite difficult to capture. I even tried to have Duvraeori capture it, but it escaped as a matter of course.

One drawback that has been discovered is that it only wants to go back and forth between people who are familiar with it, so it can only be used with a limited number of people. There are only a few people he can use it on: his birth parents, Gold, and me. He also only misses Ecdysium, Harkdock, and King Zenotta. I wondered if he was man-bound, but he's been showing more and more dignity lately, letting Mixu and Wolfe pet him, so I guess that's not the case.

I don't understand this demon.

I think it's pretty straightforward.

I'm not sure. But you're not going to write down an explanation for the strange idea you came up with?

That's just in case. I'm sure Marito will be able to figure out what we're trying to do with that information alone.

By the way, he doesn't like Ilias at all. If you try to pet him, he runs away immediately. Is he overly sensitive to strong people, or does he sense his own gorilla nature? Only the golden fox knows for sure. You can tell from the fact that he's starting to take a liking to Wolfe.