A few days later, the surrounding nations finally mobilized to reclaim the Republic.
Multiple countries launched their marches simultaneously. They had clearly coordinated behind the scenes to ensure their timing was synchronized. This development was well within the scope of my expectations. My spies had already secured the intelligence, so I had a general grasp of their strategy beforehand and had issued orders accordingly.
The Demon King's Army units stationed within the Republic responded to the approaching Recapture Army by shifting to a defensive posture. They hunkered down for a siege, unleashing waves of undead against the invaders. The objective was to buy time while minimizing casualties among the living.
While the undead served as fodder to keep the enemy occupied, I systematically teleported my subordinates away, withdrawing them from the front lines. The undead left behind on the battlefield were easily cut down by the Recapture Army. Without a commander to direct them, mindless undead were little more than target practice. Furthermore, the humans had come prepared with holy magic. Although they sustained some damage, the undead were eventually wiped out on every front.
The Recapture Army was enjoying a string of smooth victories.
Through this series of defeats, the Demon King’s Army expended a significant number of undead. However, it was hardly a blow to our strength. Our current reserves are astronomical. Recently, we have even begun receiving a steady supply of corpses from the Slave Autonomous District. If I so desired, I could produce an endless variety of undead at a moment's notice. Even if our supply of bodies were to run dry, we are in a position where we can replenish our disposable forces almost indefinitely. These losses were, quite frankly, within the margin of error—hardly an issue worth my concern.
On the other hand, any army that attempted to invade our original territory—the true Demon King’s Domain—was met with ruthless retaliation. Led by Henry, our forces have been crushing those invaders one after another. I haven’t heard of a single defeat on that front.
Incidentally, the Demons participated in the defense this time as well. I received word that they performed brilliantly on the front lines. Most of these Demons were individuals who had been mutated against their will by Barulk’s schemes, but it seems they have now come to terms with their new bodies and are utilizing their power effectively. It is a very positive trend. One must strive to look at everything in a constructive light.
I have always been poor at such optimism. In that regard, my subordinates are far superior to me. I believe I should gradually try to learn from their example.
As a side note, I also received reports that Diera had secretly joined the fray. Clad in her scalemail and carapace armor, she reportedly overran the enemy forces with her transcendent spearmanship. Witnesses claimed that her countless Chains of Light danced through the air like crashing waves. She fought with such unmatched intensity that she threatened to overshadow the rest of the Demon King’s Army entirely.
I have chosen to turn a blind eye to her antics. I have no authority to stop her, and while it is debatable whether she can truly be called "reinforcements" given she acts on a whim, she isn't hindering my plans. If anything, she is a powerful asset. I even heard that many of my subordinates were mesmerized by the sight of her in battle; she has become quite popular among the ranks. As expected of the previous Demon King—she still possesses a natural talent for captivating others.
Such was the state of the recent conflict. Across the various battlefields, we carried out a mixture of calculated retreats and rapid advances. The former, in particular, was a strategy we had never employed until now. To the outside world, it must look as though the Demon King’s Domain is unable to handle a multi-front war and is being stripped of the newly occupied Republic. To the nations of the world, it appears they have finally secured a victory against the previously invincible Demon King’s Army.
The people must be overjoyed. They have surely grasped a tangible sense of hope. For them, this represents a monumental step forward.
(I must continue to manage this balance carefully.)
I looked up from the stack of reports. At present, my personal workload is light. My duties mostly consist of teleporting my defending subordinates to safety. While it is a critical role, it lacks the typical flair one expects from a Demon King. I found myself wondering if this was truly enough for someone in my position.
Then again, the flashy displays can be left to the others. I have no particular desire to stand out. While the role of Demon King requires me to attract a certain amount of attention, it is more important that I fulfill my necessary duties with precision. Reaching for more than what is required rarely leads to good results. I must keep that firmly in mind.
While I was lost in thought, the doors to the Audience Chamber opened. Luciana appeared, waving a set of documents as she approached the throne.
"My Lord Demon King, I’ve got a little update for you."
"What is it?"
"It looks like there were heroes among the human forces."
"What?"
I reacted instantly to her words. This was news that could not be ignored. Setting aside my reports, I prompted Luciana to continue.
Apparently, there were two exceptionally powerful individuals among the forces reclaiming the Republic. These individuals were the "Valkyrie" of the Holy Staff Kingdom and the "Steel Knight" of the Technomagic Kingdom. After traversing the northern region of the Former Demon Territory, they reportedly rushed to the Republic to join the offensive. They are currently stationed in the reclaimed territory.
"Both heroes are quite famous in their respective countries. I wonder if they were just that desperate to save the Republic," Luciana mused.
"I see..."
"So, what’s the plan? Do you want me to just go and kill them right away?"
"No, I will observe them for a while. We will not make a move against them yet."
Heroes are dangerous variables, but for now, I want to let them roam. To the people, heroes are a necessity; they are hope personified. If I kill them too quickly, humanity will fall into total despair. Naturally, if their actions reach a point where they can no longer be overlooked, I will eliminate them. Furthermore, since it is unclear whether the Will of the World is involved in their appearance, I am not inclined to strike them down prematurely.
My old self would have disposed of them on the spot. But things are different now. Simply winning every battle is no longer the goal. It has become necessary to stage defeats.
Sensing my intent, Luciana gave a light chuckle and shrugged.
"Oh, My Lord, you’re as soft as ever. Back in Diera-sama's day, this would have been an immediate death sentence, you know?"
"I am not being kind. My objectives are simply different from those of my predecessor."
Striking the right balance in these matters is incredibly difficult. It was something I never had to consider back when I was a Sage. In those days, I did nothing but slay Demons. I didn’t have the luxury of holding back. It would be the same if I truly intended to destroy the world now—I would simply launch repeated, full-scale invasions. Successive strikes of Forbidden Magic would be equally effective. By simply sowing destruction, the world would eventually wither away on its own.
However, my actual goal is to foster human unity against the Great Evil that is the Demon King, thereby maintaining world peace through a common enemy. I cannot allow myself to fight without purpose. Even when heroes appear, I must handle them while concealing my true intentions.
"Well then, I’ll keep an eye on those two heroes from my end. I’d like to run some sabotage operations—is it alright if I use my own discretion on that?"
"Yes, I’ll leave it to you."
I placed my trust in Luciana as she left the room with her usual enthusiasm. In matters of intelligence and subterfuge, Luciana’s skills are second to none. Even against heroes, she will undoubtedly demonstrate her cunning. Contrary to her free-spirited personality, she is always diligent in her duties. She is an incredibly reliable executive.
I leaned back against the throne, resting my chin on my hand as I lowered my gaze back to the documents.
(The real challenge begins now...)
The Demon King’s Domain is growing stronger by the day. At the same time, the nations of the world have begun to join forces, united by the goal of my subjugation. Even warriors worthy of the title of "Hero" have begun to enter the fray.
More than ever before, I will be forced to make difficult choices. The fate of the world rests upon my decisions. I must stay focused and face what is to come.