Chapter 712

Chapter 712

"So, it's like this."

After hearing a few more explanations from Aider, I summarized.

"The Demon King is hosting this game, 'Doom Revelry,' and you were the opposing player. Now, having run out of power, you've handed over the role to me, the proxy player."

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"And these external gods watching us, the 'Watchers,' mostly just observe, but they have occasionally intervened in the game without us knowing."

"That's correct."

"And both the Demon King and you have been endlessly resetting this game for your own reasons. You, to reach the 'True Ending.' And the Demon King, for reasons yet to be revealed."

Aider nodded, and I rubbed my chin.

"In simple terms, the Demon King is also stuck in an endless loop, like a hardcore gamer trying to clear a deathmatch challenge, with occasional viewer participation events like votes or roulettes."

"...What?"

"'What should the Dark Event for this stage be? Let's start a viewer poll!' The Watchers cast their votes and decide. 'Which monster legion will invade this stage? Place your channel points for the roulette!' The Watchers bet their points on the roulette... The more points they bet, the higher the chances... Isn't that right? Correct?"

Aider's face went blank for a moment as I spouted game streaming jargon. But fundamentally, isn't it the same thing?

'Somehow, I'm starting to get a clearer picture.'

Like an Earthling gamer playing to entertain viewers.

The Demon King is conducting 'Doom Revelry' to satisfy the 'Watchers.'

So, essentially, our principles of action are quite similar.

'And, just like how viewers enjoy the endless resetting of games, despite their frustrations, to challenge themselves repeatedly.'

Taking on this hardship to reach the one desired ending...

It's similar to me.

'So, what is the Demon King trying to achieve?'

What is he seeking through this countless repetition of Doom Revelry?

"..."

Trying to grasp the intentions of my enemy, I gripped the scepter in my hand tightly.

'Anyway, this is the last game.'

Both Aider, as the Demon King's opponent, and I can no longer continue the game.

This is the last run. One way or another, the ending will be decided. There will be no more resets.

I have no room to consider my enemy's circumstances. We must do our best to achieve the best possible outcome on our side.

"I will deliberately advance the stage."

I connected my consciousness to the scepter, examining the tower offense interface as I spoke.

"I will deliberately violate the immunity period. This will cause penalties for the attacking side."

A smile appeared on Aider's lips.

As if he had expected this.

"We will likely face weakened enemies."

I quickly confirmed the timing, monster legion, and Dark Event, then tapped the scepter on the ground with its end.

The gems at the head of the scepter flickered with a sinister black light, and then the system message appeared.

[STAGE 41 has been confirmed.]

[Both players, prepare for attack and defense.]

Both players, huh. I'm doing both roles right now.

I smirked. Demon King, whatever your goal is in endlessly resetting the game, whatever you're seeking in the Nightmare, that's none of my concern.

While you're away, I'll set things up to be as advantageous for us as possible. We're not in a relaxed situation ourselves...!

"Hey, Aider."

As I planned out the upcoming stages, I suddenly spoke to Aider.

"Come to think of it, you've never really told me what to do about the True Ending. Are you really okay with that?"

It had always puzzled me that, despite claiming to aim for the True Ending, he left me to my own devices.

"I never needed to."

Aider smiled gently, giving an answer similar to one he'd given before.

"Because you've done very well so far. And you'll continue to do well."

"..."

I'm grateful for the trust, but now I'm even more curious.

What exactly is the True Ending?

Where are we heading?

I asked Aider a few more questions about the Demon King's purpose, identity, and the current situation inside the inaccessible Lake Kingdom.

But Aider evaded my questions with a vague "You'll find out soon enough."

This cryptic director guy. He's definitely on my side, but he's stingy with spoilers.

This is the 'real' Living Armor legion.

"The monster legion we'll face this time is the strongest among the Living Armor types..."

I smiled broadly.

"The army of the Phantom King."

The Phantom Knight, who was the boss monster in Stage 1, will now be a regular monster.

And leading these Phantom Knights is the Lord of Armors, the Phantom King—

The true Living Armor legion.

***

After explaining about the Phantom King's legion and the tactics to defeat them, the heroes were flustered by the news that the defense battle would be held in just a week, but they quickly started preparing. After all, they were seasoned warriors.

Watching the heroes rush to their duties across the city, I turned my head to the side.

Hecate and the Glory Knights were standing there. I approached them.

"Your Highness."

"Glory Knights, you've all gathered."

I nodded at the knights who saluted and declared.

"I'm sorry, but your retirement is postponed."

"What? But-"

"Until I permit it, you will continue to serve on this front line."

Currently, they are appointed as my— the Crown Prince's— personal knights.

Having lost their curses and magic, they can no longer fight on the front lines, but they need my permission to change their assignment.

Hecate had requested retirement. It seemed the Glory Knights had all agreed.

But I had no intention of letting them go.

Retirement? Denied!

"With all due respect, Your Highness."

Hecate, gritting her teeth, drew her sword.

Other heroes were startled and tried to rush over, but it wasn't necessary. Hecate's stance was awkward, her arms weak, and her sword trembled and fell to the ground.

Panting heavily just from drawing her sword, Hecate spoke in a suppressed voice.

"We can no longer wield our swords."

"..."

"After repeating death and resurrection excessively, our bodies are utterly broken. We only maintained our knightly functions by forcibly mending our magic through curses. But now, those curses are removed, and we can no longer wield swords."

Her beautiful and refined swordsmanship, once praised even above Lucas, was now gone forever.

"Staying here is a burden. Even receiving salaries is a waste of the empire's precious funds."

"..."

"Please let us go, Your Highness. Stop making us feel ashamed. I beg of you."

But I shook my head.

Hecate's face contorted.

"Do we seem like we're trying to flee from the front lines? Then, cut us down here and now."

"Denied."

"Then, let us lead the next battle and die at the forefront?"

"Denied. You will no longer enter the battlefield."

"Then what in the world...!"

"Find it."

Hecate's face went blank at my stern voice.

"Find out what you can do on this front, what you can do with your broken bodies, how you will live from now on."

"..."

"Find out what you can do in this world without dying."

I nodded.

"Find it. And tell me your answer."

"..."

"Until then, your retirement is on hold."

Hecate and the Glory Knights looked bewildered.

Looking at the other heroes around me, especially the young ones whose hearts were tangled, I raised my voice.

"Alright, the next defense battle is in a week! Everyone, go prepare!"

--TL Notes--

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