Chapter 159.1

Chapter 159 : The demon nation without its Demon King

We passed through the gates and entered the city of Midhaze.

All the buildings lined up were decorated with magic characters, and each one of them was part of a huge magic circle.

It looked just like the underground city I added to Midhaze two thousand years later.

Misha scurried through the road with apparent interest, shifting her eyes all around the streetscape.

Then, as if she had suddenly snapped out of it, she turned to me.

“Is the Conflagration King here?” (Misha)

“I wonder. Since his territory in Dilhade was close to the border of Azesion, it fell into the hands of the humans. After that, he and his men would often stay in Delsgade, but kept moving from place to place depending on the war situation.” (Anos)

“Does he like to fight?” (Misha)

“To quote him, he wanted to see how high I could rise. The mindset of the Conflagration King is difficult to pin down. His actions only bring about his own destruction. What’s so fun about going to such lengths to find a nemesis for the Demon King, I wonder.” (Anos)

Misha pondered that question.

“I don’t like the way the Conflagration King feels.” (Misha)

“Well, there aren’t many people who can get along with him.” (Anos)

“But I understand how he feels a bit.” (Misha)

Oh-ho. I’d expect nothing less from Misha.

“So what’s your take on him?” (Anos)

“He’s a loony fan.” Misha said in a deadpan tone.

“He wants the Demon King of Tyranny to be an unreachable existence. I think that’s his first priority, so he’s willing to perish to make it happen.” (Misha)

“That’s what I don’t really understand. If he’s my fan, then he can just become my subordinate. There’s no need for a nemesis. And if he expects me to rise to greater heights, then I can do it on my own.” (Anos)

After casting her eyes down to think, Misha spoke up again.

“Maybe what the Conflagration King sees in you is an icon. He projects whatever he admires in his own mind onto the Demon King. So he just wants to impose his ideals on you.” (Misha)

Hmm. Hence why she referred to him as a loony fan, huh.

“So I just happened to be the one who caught his eye, it doesn’t particularly matter to him whether it’s me or someone else, huh.” (Anos)

Misha cocked her head a little, like she was puzzled.

“…What if that someone was as strong as you?” (Misha)

“No one is as strong as me, though.” (Anos)

She blinked her eyes and nodded.

“And that’s why.” (Misha)

“So in the end, I’ll have to live up to his expectations, huh.” (Anos)

This was going to be a pain, but I couldn’t bear to sacrifice anyone else to the Conflagration King.

Just as I was telling myself that, I caught sight of the Demon King Castle Delsgade.

It had been damaged here and there by the wave of magic power that came from the construction of the wall. It would take a while for it to be fully repaired.

“There was someone fairly knowledgeable about the world who lived there. Surely she can find out where the Conflagration King is. That is, if she still lives there.” (Anos)

“Who?” (Misha)

“Militia, the Goddess of Creation.” (Anos)

She was the goddess whose order was the creation of the world, and the one I made a pledge of peace with, two thousand years ago. Even after creating the wall, she should still be in Delsgade, watching over the future of this world.

“There are good gods too?” Misha asked curiously.

“Gods live by their orders. I admit that I’ve disturbed their orders, but there are some gods I have good chemistry with, albeit only a few of them. Militia wants peace. Because if the world fell into ruin, everything she ever created would be destroyed. And most of all, she loves the world.” (Anos)

“Won’t she realize who you are, Anosh?” (Misha)

“She watches over the world. So I don’t think she’ll be fooled by my appearance, but she knows how the spell works. Even if we meet again, she won’t do anything that’d alter the past. And she has the power to ensure that it won’t happen.” (Anos)

Two thousand years ago, Militia was one of the few allies I could rely on.

Surely she would lend us a hand in looking for the Conflagration King.

But then, Misha stopped dead in her tracks.

“Look.” (Misha)

She pointed her finger. In that direction was a boy of about 10.

“A human boy.” Misha said while focusing her power into her Magic Eyes.

He seemed to be concealing his own magic power so as not to be recognized, but he was definitely a human.

In the Mythical Age, it would be inconceivable for an ordinary human child to be in Midhaze.

“Hmm. I remember this boy.” (Anos)

I re-explored my memories as I followed him.

“He was the seventh heir to the throne of Azesion. His name was Igareth, I believe. I heard that the demons took him prisoner because the Azesion army was escorting him when my army attacked them. My subordinates were treating him roughly. So I had no choice but to bring him to Delsgade. Although, before the wall was built, I returned him to the Demon King Subjugation Battalion of Gairadite, who were invading Dilhade.” (Anos)

The Demon King Subjugation Battalion of Gairadite was a group of elites. Although it’s a different unit, Kanon was also part of it, so they should’ve been able to cross the wall somehow.

Did he get separated from the Battalion in the chaos of battle? Or perhaps were the troops wiped out, and only Igareth, the heir to the throne, made it out alive?

Even though a cease-fire was soon to be declared, if a human and a demon were to meet, there would inevitably be a fight.

The boy ran frantically and came to the main gate of Delsgade.

“Hold it, kid. Where do you think you’re going?” (Demon soldier A)

Igareth tried to pass through the main gate at once, but one of the demon soldiers guarding the gate grabbed him by the collar.

“I… I’m here to… see the Great Demon King. I would like to request an audience…!” Igareth said in a resolute tone, despite being a child.

“The Demon King Anos-sama has passed away. You can’t see him again.” (Demon soldier A)

“…Huh…?” (Igareth)

Igareth was in despair.

He probably thought that if he met me, I could somehow help him return to his homeland. Not many people in Dilhade would be willing to help him now.

“Now leave. Anos-sama won’t be able to sleep with all your racket.” (Demon soldier A)

“Wait.” said the other demon soldier.

“This kid looks familiar. Isn’t he from the royal family of Azesion?” (Demon soldier B)

“What?” (Demon soldier A)

They turned their Magic Eyes on the boy and looked carefully into his abyss.

“I see. So he’s been hiding his magic power with source magic, huh. I didn’t expect such a young human kid to master magic to such an extent. He must belong to the Hero Jerga’s lineage.” (Demon soldier A)

That demon snatched the boy from the other soldier.

“Hey… What are you going to do to him? I’m pretty sure the Great Demon King decided to let him go.” (Demon soldier B)

“…Our Lord is sleeping now. Surely he will look the other way…” (Demon soldier A)

That demon’s eyes looked dark and stagnant as he said this.

As if driven by a desire for revenge.

“L-Let me go! Where are you taking me!?” (Igareth)

The demon grabbed Igareth, who was making a fuss, by the collar, and entered the main gate.

Then, he sent a message via along the way.

“We have captured Igareth, seventh heir to the throne of Azesion. Starting now, we will carry out his execution. Anyone who wishes to participate, come to the arena.” (Demon soldier A)