Volume 14 - CH 2.1

Intermission 2: The Game in the Sky 

This is the record of the war. 

A heavenly game that has lasted for a long time. 

Betting on the hegemony of the ground, the Demon Lord and the Hero go head-to-head. 

However— 

For Velgrynd, the Scorch Dragon, such a game would be tasteless. With her lack of excitement, it didn't matter which side won. 

There was no need to add so much to the picture, just use the battle to decide the winner—she even had that in mind. 

When all is said and done, there have been many direct fights between Guy and Rudra that still haven't come to fruition. So at the beginning of this game, the only rule was "no direct matchups". 

Complaining didn't help, and as far as Velgrynd was concerned she was very upset. 

Originally, to speak from the heart, she thought the contest was a disadvantage. 

Of the pawns available to Guy, the only one who can take down Rudra is Velzado, and conversely, just figuring out how to take Velzado down means victory. 

The same is true for Guy. 

Enough to take down Guy's character, none other than Velgrynd. 

But instead Velgrynd thought it would be hard to defeat Guy. 

The fact that Velzado exists to take down Rudra, while being no match for Guy himself, is the reason why Velgrynd sees this game as a disadvantage. 

Alas, what a pain in the ass. 

This is true. 

Velgrynd, who hated the use of stratagems, was very bad at such meticulous actions that required centuries of preparation. 

So she dumped it all on Rudra and simply obeyed him herself. 

Even if that was the case, if Rudra was eager for victory, Velgrynd would not begrudge his assistance, intending to join the fight herself as soon as she was asked. It's going to take a lot of work to get Velzado and thus secure the victory. 

Guy is undoubtedly the strongest demon lord, and her sister Velzado, the White Ice Dragon, is also very unpleasant to Velgrynd. She was an opponent like a natural enemy and it was very difficult to win head-on. 

If Velzado fought Velgrynd, it would have been a good outcome, or Velgrynd would have been forced to reincarnate. 

No, it's not even an optimistic speculation. 

Velgrynd's attribute is heat. 

By contrast, Velzado's attribute is ice. 

In other words, "acceleration" and "deceleration" are diametrically opposed. 

If the two sides really went all out, it would end badly. 

Neither side will survive and both sides will be beaten down. That is, the likelihood of the two being wiped out together is high. 

In this case, the two will reincarnate together, but the present-day self will disappear. 

Even if the memory can be inherited, they will become another person. 

Velgrynd cringed at this. 

It didn't matter if she disappeared, but she didn't want her love for Rudra to go down the drain. 

Such an insignificant affection as love, and yet so obsessed with it, Velgrynd couldn't help but laugh at herself. 

The premise of the so-called complete victory is that both herself and Rudra must be safe. That's why insurance is needed, but this one is badly disposed of and hurts. 

Really, that kid is a pain in the ass. Luck seems to have lifted the seal, but why didn't you even bother to say hello? 

Not realizing that he was afraid of his own, Velgrynd, was resentful of the so-called insurance Veldora. 

If it was the Veldora that Velgrynd knew well, he would have been scattering all over the world a long time ago. But now he didn't know what he was thinking and became very close to the newly promoted demon lord. Hearing that he had even attended the feast of the demon lords had made her even wonder if he had broken his brain because of the seal. 

Even so, if it was Veldora, who was a keen ritualist, facing an army of millions, she didn't think he would keep quiet. So she deduced that Veldora would definitely show up, which turned out to be unexpected. He remained hidden in the depths of the maze and did not show himself. 

This was beyond what Velgrynd had expected. 

Originally, the kid was supposed to be my style, but, why not show up this time? 

As was the case on the last expedition, Veldora was disgusted that his domain had been violated. So as long as one invaded the Great Forest of Jura, one could not avoid an encounter battle with Veldora. 

And that's exactly what Rudra was expecting. 

What matters to Rudra is not the elite legions, but the individuals who go beyond their limits. 

There were also several survivors who completed the evolution last time. 

Surrounded by resentment, fear, and despair. 

Only by not losing hope in the midst of such a limiting situation can the chains of being human beings be broken and reach the higher realms. 

Even if a million armies were to be wiped out in the literal sense of the word, just a few Awakenings would be enough to make it worthwhile. This was Rudra's idea, and Velgrynd agreed. 

It is also full of energy to make the Chiefs of the army misunderstand, without having the Intelligence Bureau disclose more detailed information. 

As far as Velgrynd is concerned, the army Chiefs are hilariously confident. 

It is highly unlikely that this operation will progress smoothly. 

It could even be said not at all. 

An army that has only been fortified by science is not going to defeat Veldora. 

So this time, there must have been a mass death as well. 

However, it is closely tied to hope. 

Heh heh, there will be a few people who survive and complete the awakening this time around. The more characters who are able to become recipients of Rudra's Vessel of Power, the higher the win rate. 

I’m really looking forward to it. 

Velgrynd, who had such a thoughtful mind, was speechless when she learned of the unexpected outcome of the expedition. 

***

"All gone?”

"Hmph, I am shocked, are you too? It's been a long time since I've seen that look.” 

"Please don't joke. With not a single survivor, this kind of defeat was too unexpected by any means. In that case, this purpose of acquiring the Awakened One has also failed, hasn't it?” 

Let the generals accumulate as much experience as possible, and at the very least, cultivate a strongman of the Near Guard Knight level. The birth of the Awakened from among them again is the hidden purpose of this expedition. 

However, there were no survivors at all. 

It's not as good as being wiped out by Veldora, a situation where you can't even say such a thing. 

Experiencing the desperation of making contact with the tip of the world's most powerful force, and surviving it, makes human evolution more likely. 

An expedition was organized for this purpose, and it would have been meaningless without the survivors. 

Even the several near-guard knights mixed in were nowhere to be seen. 

This is tantamount to simply consuming valuable pieces, which can be costly. 

"Well, it's gonna be.” 

Rudra's response was calm as usual. Velgrynd was upset about this, but when she saw Rudra's eyes, the anger dissipated. 

In his eyes there was a very strong resentment. 

Rudra and herself harbored the same feelings, and Velgrynd reacted. 

That's why she switched minds. 

Despite the loss of a legion, it didn't matter at all to Velgrynd. It would naturally be best if an Awakened One could be born, but even that failure would not be a problem. 

Only that the very existence that caused it to happen no longer justifies ignoring it. 

If you can literally wipe out a million Imperial troops, you can't underestimate the power of the other side. Who is responsible for this situation must be brought to light. 

"So this time it's that kid's doing too?” 

After retrieving her composure, Velgrynd snapped so. 

Velgrynd was completely oblivious to Veldora's fuming breath. However, there had been previous reports that Veldora had wiped out 20,000 of the Farmus Kingdom's army. 

At that time, detailed intelligence was not available due to the intelligence agency's lack of access, but this time it was different. 

The whole picture should be in hand and will no doubt be reported to Velgrynd, who is the "marshal". 

The reason Rudra was able to know first was because of his power. So Velgrynd awaited Rudra's answer with great trust. 

As predicted by Velgrynd, it's incredible that a brother who likes to make a scene would let the opportunity to get aggressive go. If a million troops attacked, she expected that Veldora would definitely show up. 

At that point, it would be possible to observe the power of Veldora. Following her thoughts, this should confirm whether or not Veldora could do enough to control the demonic aura to even make himself imperceptible. 

Veldora's growth has been a welcome thing for Velgrynd. 

Though a foolish brother, he was also a lovable presence in the eyes of Velgrynd. 

Only, again, he does get tricky. 

‘Can't let him join Guy's side, must make him a companion anyway.' Velgrynd harbored such thoughts, and from time to time intended them. 

Getting to grips with how much Veldora has grown is an important thing for Velgrynd. 

However, it was not to be. 

"That's not true, and what's even more surprising is that I am unable to grasp the details of the situation.” 

Rudra told Velgrynd everything he knew. 

Beginning with the great defeat of the initial battle, to the failure to return the troops who broke into the labyrinth, and the final sweep of things by great magic. 

Add to that the awakening of Calgurio and the end of the war. 

It's hard to imagine how the Mecha Legion was defeated, but the facts are there. 

"Foolish, isn't it?” 

"Yet it is true. The remaining four pillars of the Primordials are all on the side of the Demon Lord Rimuru. If those demons go on a rampage together, there will be no chance of your brother making an appearance.” 

"The balance of the game has been upset. In that case, Guy would be bitter too, right? Or, is it just what he wants?” 

"Maybe. If that's Guy's intention, I can only admit that it puts the battle at an overwhelming disadvantage.” 

Rudra said with a bitter smile. 

Spending long years building up war strength and preparing for the best possible time. 

Don't be impatient, don't try to be strong, and fight steadily. 

However, there was a figure who could gather a fighting power beyond imagination in a matter of moments. 

He's a tiny being who doesn't see himself as a "rising star”—Rimuru. 

‘Now, we can only agree.’ While thinking like this, Velgrynd secretly lit up the fight. 

"Then again, the thing you can't grasp is what's going on inside the maze?” 

"Oh, exactly. It's a great pity that the remaining power isn't enough to break Ramiris' power.” 

Upon hearing this answer, Velgrynd was also able to accept it. 

"Labyrinth Fairy" Ramiris is an inviolable being. As a referee of the game, she's less reliable, but there's no doubt she won't come in and stir things up.” 

That's right, so far. 

This time it was already full on the Demon Lord Rimuru side. It has nothing to do with the game between Guy, just defending against the empire that attacked the Great Forest of Jura. 

The power of Ramiris herself was nothing major, it could almost be ignored, and Velgrynd didn't think she could make an impact on the game. 

However, her power, 'Labyrinth Creation', had the effect of separating the intelligence on the outside from the inside. 

The power was slightly troubling, and the urge to smack lips arose in Velgrynd's heart. 

"Ramiris must have lost enough of her power to be a mediator, right?”" 

"Yes, it is. Thinking she wasn't a threat, she was put aside, but that guy’s maze had always been the best place to hide secrets. Until now, I had been looking through the eyes of Bonnie and Jiu…” 

"Suddenly you can't see?” 

Rudra responded to that query with a nod. 

"This is a ploy to make me careless, right?” 

"So it is. It's really a lot trickier to say that than one might think…" 

Velgrynd understood how profound the situation was. 

That is, there is no way to understand what is going on inside the maze at the moment. 

Normally one would think it was Veldora who did something, but Velgrynd didn't think so. 

"The problem is that there seem to be several more powerful people lurking in the maze. Although the strongest of them is your brother, how far has he been tamed by that newcomer…” 

"I don't think he's going to do what he's told, as far as the boy's character is concerned. Not to mention whether or not you can do it, something like using skill to bind him would be impossible in my opinion.” 

Although it was heard that he was assisting the demon lord Rimuru, Veldora was not a character to be left at the mercy of others. 

Even the words of Velgrynd or another sister, Velzado, would have been defiant, so it could be assumed that there was no doubt that he would not have succumbed to strength. 

In this way, does it seem that Rimuru the demon lord has prepared something that will make Veldora do what he says? 

Thinking about it, Velgrynd began to try to imagine what it would be like. 

However, she was clueless. 

If something like that really existed, it wouldn't have to be as laborious as it has been so far. Why don't you just ask the Demon Lord Rimuru? 

Eventually Velgrynd gave up thinking. 

"We'll have to ask from my own mouth.” 

Hearing Velgrynd's muttered words, Rudra burst out laughing. 

"Well, that's right. It's very gratifying to have come to the same conclusion as me.” 

The demon lord named Rimuru is no longer dispensable to the two. 

Considering the means by which he had taken the Primordial, and the fact that he did not know what he was doing, it would not have been wrong to assume that Veldora was taking him at his word. That being the case, she made the judgment that it was necessary for him to fall from Guy's side. 

"Now is the perfect time to make a move. The more our ploy fails now, the more careless Guy will be. 

A patient demon like Guy must have thought we'd have to wait for the next opportunity.” 

"Indeed it is. So far it's all been a deliberate move to never take a chance. It's not a bad thing to act here in one breath, putting aside your hesitation.” 

Velgrynd cheered. 

Rudra is determined to take on Guy. 

The period of hibernation is over. 

Taking advantage of this opportunity Velgrynd will move in and control Veldora with one breath. And ride this momentum to defeat the newly-raised demon lord named Rimuru, leading to a full-scale showdown with Guy. 

"Ohhhh, leave it to me. All you have to do is pick up the pieces after I've made my mark. I believe you, Rudra.” 

"That's natural. Whatever happens after that, as long as it takes Veldora under our wing. I also came up with an interesting strategy, something that was enough to offset this lapse. 

Even the very tricky "primordial" is no match for the “true dragon" Velgrynd if she fights head-on. It would be a lot of trouble if they messed up afterwards, so if they didn't listen, they should clean up together. 

Seems like there are other things that would be a problem, but as long as I'm personally involved, it's all right. 

Velgrynd was so so full of confidence. 

"As a warm-up, how about a blood ritual for those fools?” 

The disobedient people of Rudra are arrogantly gathering. 

Although they have been at large until now, they can only go so far. 

The Emperor had no choice but to "die" for the foolish man who planned the coup. 

Velgrynd uttered so while thinking so, but Rudra smiled and shook his head. Then, the unexpected answer came from his mouth. 

"Don't kill these people, keep them alive.” 

"Huh, what a surprise. I thought if I had been as gentle as you, I would have given them a death without pain.” 

"No, they are a necessity in our scheme.. In order to get Guy's attention, another big fight must be started here. 

"That's Kondo's style. The idea of taking advantage of a betrayer is something I would not have expected.” 

"Is it not to your liking? It is true, however, that Tatsuya's plan can hardly be called humane. But the reasonableness is unquestionable.” 

Velgrynd nodded vaguely at Rudra who had said so. 

Even how cruel the plan was would not have mattered to Velgrynd at all. She was merely trying to give them a taste of Heaven's wrath with her own hands. 

Velgrynd loved Rudra, but that didn't mean she liked other humans too. 

It wasn't disgusting to say the least, nor was she trying to exterminate them, she just couldn't forgive people who did things like betray Rudra. 

Well, okay. Since you can come in handy for Rudra, let's spare your little lives. 

After accepting it like that, Velgrynd urged him on down the line. 

"So, what's Kondo's plan?” 

"It's a long story, and it's important to look at the current battle plan before you do that.” 

Upon hearing this, Velgrynd immediately understood Rudra's intentions. 

"Well, yeah. There's no point in fighting on two fronts now.” 

"Exactly. So withdraw the battle first and delay the attack on Ruminas.” 

"As long as you and I can persuade Veldora to come to our aid, whatever happens after that. Just in case anyone messes with it, recall Gladim and them.” 

"Can I give it to you?” 

"Well, that's natural. So let's quell the rebellion and move on to the capture of Dwargon. Just do that and you'll confuse Guy.” 

The conversation ended in a conspiracy between the two. 

Velgrynd rose to her feet. 

This was her time to get real again after thousands of years. 

And so it was, the tragedy called "The Purge of Red Lotus" was brought to a close.