Chapter 184
Chapter 184. The Prince’s Achievements
――Demon Lord Army Headquarters.
As he gazed at the burning Capital of Evaroti from the high ground, Veteranos, the Reiju Marquis, let out a small sigh.
“I told you not to use too much fire…”
In this battle, there had been a directive from His Majesty the Demon Lord not to destroy the capital’s streets too much. Until now, there had been excessive destruction of urban areas on various fronts against the alliance, and finally, complaints had come from the Korvto Tribe, who had been working tirelessly to rebuild each time.
Moreover, they couldn’t make the Korvto Tribe work for free, so they were compensated every time a city was seized. However, when adding up the rewards up to now, their income had surpassed that of other tribes.
Originally, the Korvto Tribe handled the country’s construction and road maintenance. They wanted a break and didn’t need money or rewards, while the Demon Lord wished to give them a reasonable rest considering the balance of power with other tribes—safely aligning both parties’ interests…
…And yet, the Capital of Evaroti was ablaze.
“Well, there’s no point in fussing about it now.”
Telling those skilled in fire magic not to use it was futile, and there were times when the human side would set things aflame as well, making it unavoidable.
Even if the outer fortresses burned down, it wouldn’t matter—but if the entire city turned to ashes, Veteranos would likely hear a sarcastic remark or two from the Demon Lord.
“Fuu…”
Listening to the reports from the Izanis Tribe’s messengers, Veteranos sighed again while keeping an eye on the battlefield.
(It was nice back when I was rampaging on the front lines…)
Despite having risen to the rank of Marquis, he felt his personal growth had plateaued. He had to yield his spot to the younger generation, so he had retreated from the frontlines to serve as a commander…
(I don’t think I’m suited for it.)
Nostalgic for the days of easily slaying enemies, waiting for rewards while taking delight in whether the city burned or not.
…But when he thought calmly about it, back when he freely rampaged as a youth, there must have been someone being a commander, worrying and experiencing heartburn too. He couldn’t even remember who the commander was back then.
“Ah… I don’t want to get older…”
As he stared off into the distance, another great tree of light flickered and vanished.
“Oh, it fell.”
One of the fortresses had collapsed.
Now, there was only one great tree remaining. Almost all six fortresses had been subdued.
The pace had surpassed his expectations. After all, it seemed significant that the fourth fortress had fallen soon after the battle had commenced, causing the enemy forces to become unsettled.
He had expected it would take five days to completely conquer the Capital of Evaroti, but perhaps the flag of the Demon Lord Kingdom would be waving over the royal castle in just three days—
(As expected of Platiphia’s child, truly amazing.)
According to reports, Zilbagias had taken the lead in his first battle, performing a great display and defeating numerous heroes and sword saints. Not only did he take their heads, but he also captured the fortress first. Additionally, if he had even destroyed the barrier, it would count as a great achievement.
(The count is solid. Almost on par with a marquis…)
With the image of that young Demon Lord’s son in mind, Veteranos smirked cynically. With sufficient magical power and accomplishments, his promotion was a certainty.
However, the thought of such a talented young prodigy trying to stand shoulder to shoulder with him brought a mix of discomfort.
(I mustn’t think that way.)
If he has the strength to back it up, then it is the appropriate position for him. Envy and jealousy were the things Veteranos hated most. Especially in his youth, he detested the older demon race crushing newcomers. He admonished himself not to fall into that trap.
—Zilbagias had subdued the fourth fortress, took a break, and then stoically advanced to attack the city, possibly accumulating more achievements.
It was unclear how much fighting power remained with the Evaroti Defense Force, but the remaining fortress would fall soon.
“No…”
Despite that, Veteranos looked up at the sky.
Spring had come, and the nights were getting shorter. —The horizon was beginning to lighten.
“Hmm… Should we attack the fortress or not?”
Should they prioritize taking down all the fortresses in one day, or would it be safer to tally the damages and reorganize as planned? If they continued fighting shamelessly even after dawn, there might be whispers from other tribes—
“Report! His Highness Zilbagias has returned!”
At that moment, an Izanis Tribe messenger came with the news.
“Oh, he’s back. I wonder how many heads he brought back?”
Veteranos wore a sarcastic smile, but he quickly realized something was wrong when he saw the messenger’s strained expression.
“What happened?”
“Um… it seems that eight of His Highness’s subordinates were… wiped out.”
“What!?”
Veteranos opened his mouth wide in shock.
Zilbagias’s subordinates—wiped out!?
(No way! Ignoring the Ouil family’s uselessness, Kuvirtar should have been with him!)
They were a faction with proven abilities among their clan, especially since Kuvirtar was of the Korvto Tribe’s bloodline, an elite among elites. And yet… they were all wiped out.
“Is His Highness Zilbagias safe!?”
“Yes, he returned on his own feet… However, he has a wound on his neck.”
At the messenger’s words, Veteranos wiped his face—where a scar from a holy attribute was etched. The fact that he had a scar even though he was from the Reiju Tribe meant something significant.
Moreover, it was on his neck. He must have gone through a serious battle.
Fortunately, it seemed he was well enough to walk on his own. If, by any chance, he had died in battle, it would not only bring shame to his clan but also put Veteranos at risk of being hanged by Platiphia.
Still, what on earth had happened—
“He is on his way here now.”
With that said, the messenger dashed off. After a moment’s wait, Veteranos felt a strange magical power slowly closing in.
…Ah, now he understood why the messenger’s face had been tense.
Just a glance made Veteranos realize.
The atmosphere that had been lively with warriors boasting about their exploits shifted, growing cold.
“Your Highness…”
Words escaped him.
The boy’s face had changed completely from the moment before their departure, and his gaze was fierce.
Most importantly—he could clearly perceive a powerful magical force that felt equal to or greater than his own.
The boy, who had been a mere viscount, now radiated the presence of a higher demon.
“I’m back. You’ve heard the news, but Kuvirtar and eight others have been killed in battle.”
In a flat tone, Zilbagias announced. He didn’t seem to be depressed by his subordinates’ extinction or shocked at all.
It felt like he was talking to a lump of iron—
“…What in the world happened?”
“We encountered the enemy elite unit in the city and were preemptively attacked by a sword saint—a formidable opponent who could level the city with a single swing of their sword.”
“…Ah.”
He had heard reports that there was a troublesome sword saint at one of the fortresses.
After the fall of the fourth fortress, they must have been rerouted to defend the city—
“Additionally, the enemy had forest elf mages, numerous archers, priests, sword saints, and fist saints, and—”
After a brief pause, Zilbagias continued.
“—There was also a hero.”
Hence, his subordinates were nearly all wiped out.
Zilbagias explained.
“However, there was one person who survived. Working together with him, we managed to annihilate the enemy unit. …That one was taken down in the end as well.”
Zilbagias’s expression remained unchanged.
But the corners of his mouth—
…No, perhaps it was just his imagination.
“That ‘one’ was Kuvirtar, I presume?”
“No, it was a young man named Albar Aoril. Kuvirtar fought alongside the sword saint who had launched the initial attack.”
“I see…”
Veteranos glanced at the scar running across Zilbagias’s neck, one tainted by holy attributes.
He found himself at a loss for words.
“…Only one fortress remains. Shall we mount a full-scale attack now?”
Abruptly, Zilbagias averted his gaze, looking at the fortress as he posed the question.
“No… It will soon be dawn. It would be prudent to first tally the damages and reorganize before launching tomorrow’s attack.”
It was about time those who had ventured into the city started returning, but compared to the usual battlefield, it felt like fewer had come back. Perhaps it was due to the intricacies of the city obscuring the weather.
“Is that so? Then, it sounds good.”
Zilbagias nodded as well.
“Well then, I’ll take this chance to rest my body and prepare for tomorrow.”
“…You still plan to fight?”
Veteranos couldn’t help but ask in disbelief.
Considering the achievements so far, it seemed substantial, but would he return to the battlefield even after his subordinates were entirely wiped out?
“Is that a problem?”
Yet Zilbagias returned with an extremely flat tone, as if to say, “What’s so funny about that?” Veteranos found himself speechless once more.
“Well… if that’s your wish.”
“Then I take my leave, Commander.”
Zilbagias turned sharply and departed.
His footsteps were steady.
(Platiphia… what kind of child have you raised…)
As he watched him leave, Veteranos relaxed his shoulders… and then belatedly realized how tense he had been this whole time.
Against such a child—
“……”
However, that demeanor was genuine. He had the face of a strong individual who had survived the battlefield.
“…I’m glad you’re safe.”
Murmuring softly, Veteranos offered a silent salute to Zilbagias’ back.
Regaining his composure, he looked out at the burning capital once more.
Flames rose from the city, and the dawn light shone in, painting the capital in various shades of red, as if it were soaked in blood.
“Is today’s battle over?”
He stroked his beard, muttering to himself.
“…Still, they haven’t returned at all.”
He referred to those who had gone out into the city. Not a single report of their return had come in. What were they doing? Had they perhaps gotten lost…? Veteranos couldn’t help but chuckle at his own trivial thoughts.
…But even after the sun had fully risen.
He would be shocked at the number of warriors who had yet to come back.
†††
In the alleyways of the capital, where destruction had been wrought:
The morning sun illuminated the scene.
Scattered debris, blood splattered across walls and cobblestones, and—
Countless silent corpses.
Not just from the alliance army.
Even the night elves and demon race had fallen.
Their eyes wide open, glaring up at the brightening sky.
From the slashes that had shredded their bodies and the scorched wounds.
A seasoned warrior would likely deduce this.
—It was the work of a hero.
