The Regrouping Mission

Once the “Sasu-Mao” cheers had died down, I had the undead report on the current situation.

“The main force was annihilated by the Hero Ludmila’s attack…”

Their faces were grim. Well, they are undead, so they look grim by nature, but the vibe was heavy.

“Even the three members of the Wraith Legion were killed in an instant… after that, it was a total rout.”

“The survivors scattered in flight… that is how we managed to escape as well.”

The Wraith Legion—if I recalled correctly, those were the three demons serving as Regal’s direct aides. They must have been quite powerful, but they likely fell before Ludmila’s overwhelming might.

“Are there any others who escaped besides you?”

“We do not know. However… we sensed a massive collision of mana between a Hero and a demon earlier, so we judged it to be reinforcements and came here.”

“Therefore, others may eventually head toward this location as well,” the undead added.

“I see. So my battle with Ludmila acted as a beacon for you all…”

I turned to look at Stella.

“Can you detect any other demons approaching this area?”

“I will try.”

Stella stood up. The third eye manifested on her forehead.

“There are three groups of demons heading this way. All are roughly several dozen kilometers away,” Stella reported. “Given their movement speed, all groups should reach us by sometime tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

I turned back to the undead.

“Then we’ll stay here until they arrive. Once we’ve regrouped, we’ll decide our next move. Are you all alright with that?”

“Of course!”

“We shall protect the Demon Lord!” the undead shouted with renewed spirit.

“You must be exhausted from battle; rest first,” I said, calming them down. “Stella, I want you to monitor the perimeter periodically. If the Hero Army moves toward us or any of the approaching demon groups, report it immediately.”

“Understood.”

Stella nodded.

Over half a day passed. I had Stella check the situation periodically using her Clairvoyance. So far, there were no signs of the Heroes approaching. Perhaps they couldn’t find us, or perhaps they were being cautious and keeping their distance. Either way, we couldn’t afford to let our guard down.

“Phew…”

Finishing her dozens of scouting sweeps, Stella let out a long breath.

“Are you alright, Stella?”

“I am a bit fatigued… but I am fine.”

Stella smiled, but looking closely, there were slight dark circles under her eyes. Her complexion was also somewhat pale.

“…Sorry. I’m overworking you.”

Because her Clairvoyance is so convenient, I ended up relying on it too much.

“Your concern alone is enough, Fried-sama.”

Stella’s smile deepened. I wish I could use magic on the level of her Clairvoyance. I can use the detection spell ‘Search,’ but its efficacy is far inferior to hers. Even if I can use the strongest class of magic for direct combat, it seems I’m not exactly omnipotent.

Then—

“Fried-sama, it seems they have arrived.”

“Another group of undead?”

Before I could finish, a group of demons emerged from the thicket. Like the first group, they consisted of skeletons, ghosts, and the like. Soon after, we regrouped with the second and third groups as well. The total number reached about two hundred.

I shared my dark mana with those who were wounded to heal them. …It goes without saying that, as usual, another “Sasu-Mao” chant broke out.

“Alright, the remaining forces are gathered for now.”

I surveyed the undead. Now, what to do next—

It was at that moment.

“—My Lord!”

Stella suddenly screamed.

“The Heroes are closing in! They are right upon us! How did they get this close so quickly—”

I sharpened my expression beneath the mask.

“Did they close the distance by timing the gaps between your Clairvoyance sweeps?”

“You won’t escape, you monsters!”

Along with the voice, the scenery before us shimmered like a mirage. Simultaneously, about seven warriors and knights appeared. Likely ‘Camouflage’ or ‘Concealment’ type Miracle Armaments. Behind them, hundreds of soldiers marched forth.

“My apologies, my Lord. This is my failure.”

Stella bit her lip.

“No, you can’t keep Clairvoyance active permanently. It’s only natural they’d find a gap.”

Besides, I hadn’t ruled out this possibility.

“Stella, everyone, fall back.”

With that, I stepped forward.

“I will handle them.”

“Demon! Prepare yourself!”

“The one in front is the Demon Lord! Don’t let him get away!”

The Heroes raised a war cry. In their hands, I saw weapons like the Sword of Destruction (Arondight), the Spear of Torrents (Undine), and the Axe of the Earth (Behemoth). These were Cherub-class or Throne-class armaments—not quite as strong as the Seraph-class, but still incredibly powerful.

Of course, I could repel them alone without issue. However, I had to ensure that Stella and the undead didn’t get caught in the crossfire. I couldn’t afford to be careless here—.

“Begone.”

I unleashed hundreds of mana bullets as a pre-emptive strike. Explosive light and shockwaves erupted, blowing back the approaching Heroes and soldiers one after another.

“Gua… ah…”

The clearing was filled with groans of pain. I didn’t take any lives, but I dealt enough damage to keep them down for a while. This was a warning. No matter how many Heroes gathered, they stood no chance against the Demon Lord—. If I could plant that seed of terror, it would serve as a deterrent.

I wasn’t so cold-blooded that I could instantly decide to slaughter them all. At the same time, I wasn’t so naive as to think I should never kill, no matter what.

“If you retreat, fine. If you persist in facing me, I shall show no mercy.”

I spoke in my Demon Lord persona. Since there was a chance some of them might recognize me, I kept my voice low and gravelly to change the impression.

“Flesh, bone, even your souls—all who are prepared to perish, step forward.”

“Uugh…”

The Heroes and soldiers backed away with terrified faces. Their will to fight seemed broken.

Then—

“—I am prepared.”

From the very back of the group, a single Hero stepped forward. It seemed there were still others. Furthermore, unlike the rest, he showed no signs of fear.

“I stood on this battlefield with that resolve from the start. I am your opponent, Demon Lord.”

Silver hair and a silver mustache. A middle-aged warrior radiating a calm atmosphere. He was sturdily built and held a massive hammer in each hand.

“You are…!”

I recognized that face. Urbano Wraith.

We had been on many Hero missions together. He was a serious, responsible man. A man who burned with a sense of duty as a Hero and fought with blunt honesty.

“To protect the love and justice of this world—I shall strike you down.”

I didn’t dislike him. We were both in our forties, and I felt a certain kinship. I respected his fighting style and his dedication as a Hero. But if he stood in my way as an enemy—

“You shall regret defying the Demon Lord.”

Through the mask, I stared down my former comrade-in-arms. My resolve to fight did not waver. I had people behind me to protect.