In the days that followed, a tense atmosphere hung over a select few within the Demon King's Domain.
The reason was simple.
It was because I had disclosed the existence of the man calling himself a "Demigod" whom I had encountered at the World Tree.
Regarding this matter, keeping it to myself had been an option. Spreading such information too widely would only invite unnecessary chaos. However, I felt it necessary to inform those I trusted.
I have resolved to no longer bear my burdens in solitude. I must strive for personal growth.
From that point on, I dispatched my spies to infiltrate the underworld of various nations, conducting a thorough investigation into this Demigod.
The man is a master of transcendent Space Magic. In that specific discipline, his power eclipsed even my own. His mastery of spatial manipulation meant he could manifest anywhere at will. Furthermore, he unleashed strikes that were impossible to defend against. He was, by all accounts, a formidable adversary.
For that reason, I wished to avoid a mindless confrontation.
The Demigod had claimed he would challenge me to a duel. Given his demeanor, I doubted it was a lie or a mere deception. He would likely make contact eventually. My goal was to advance my research and uncover his weaknesses before that happened.
The Demigod possessed abilities that defied common sense—a realm of power unattainable through effort alone. He undoubtedly relied on some specialized means. Without such a catalyst, his strength was inexplicable.
I wanted to identify that catalyst. Simply put, I sought the source of his power. In my case, that source was the Valley of the Dead. If I could determine the process by which he attained such strength, I could devise a countermeasure. Depending on what I found, I might even be able to weaken or nullify his abilities.
That said, he was surely cautious regarding that vulnerability. Even if a counter-strategy were possible, it would not be easily executed. Nevertheless, it was a lead worth pursuing.
(A Demigod, is it...)
I pondered while seated upon my throne in the Audience Chamber.
It was a grand title, yet the man was unmistakably human. His aloof aura and transcendent abilities might cast doubt on that fact, but of this one thing, I was certain. The Authority of the Valley of the Dead whispered to me. It told me that the man was no deity; he was a being that could be slain by these very hands.
Therefore, I felt no true anxiety. Even in a direct confrontation, I maintained more than enough confidence in my victory. In battle, it is hardly rare for an opponent to excel in certain areas. Closing such gaps and prevailing regardless was my true forte.
The current stage of my plan was simply determining how to defeat him while minimizing our casualties. Of course, negligence and conceit were strictly forbidden. I intended to proceed with the utmost caution.
There is no moment more perilous than the second one becomes certain of victory. I myself have subjugated countless Demons who fell because they grew complacent. I must ensure I do not become the next monster to be hunted.
The Demigod appeared to possess a resolute sense of purpose. It was not born of petty greed, but rather the bearing of one burdened by a mission.
However, the same applied to me. I am in a position where defeat is less permissible than for anyone else in the world. Should I perish here, all my struggles thus far will have been for naught. The lives of those I have slain would be rendered meaningless. That is an outcome I can never allow.
The Demigod aims to dismantle the Demon King’s Army. In his eyes, this is equivalent to purging a Great Evil from the world. It sounds noble, but it is a flawed path. We tried that path once, and we have already failed.
The world requires an immortal evil. It matters not if a Demigod stands in my way. I will simply dispose of him with the hands of the Demon King.
At that moment, the doors to the Audience Chamber swung open. Grom entered with a respectful air and bowed deeply before me.
"Forgive my intrusion, Demon King-sama. I have a report to deliver."
"What is it?"
"The Technomagic Army, led by the Steel Knight, has reportedly begun an invasion from the Southern Region."
I felt little surprise at Grom’s words. The recently recaptured Republic's Territory had finally begun to stabilize; I had expected them to make a move sooner or later.
"Unless you have specific instructions, I shall leave the matter to the Archer. How would you like to proceed?"
"Hmm..."
I stroked my chin as I considered the situation. The opponent was a Hero, but Henry should be more than capable of handling it. Based on previous combat records, Henry’s compatibility against the Steel Knight was favorable. Besides, he would likely be itching for a fight. If I sent Yura along as well, our victory would be all but guaranteed. A defeat for the Demon King's Army was virtually impossible.
As I reached that conclusion, a sudden inspiration struck me. I organized my thoughts and issued my orders to Grom.
"Instruct them to deploy the Tank Unit and the Gun Unit. I wish to evaluate their effectiveness in a live combat environment."
"Ha! As you wish!"
Grom responded, his posture straightening with military precision. I had been waiting for the right opportunity to see how our latest weaponry fared against a proper army. Since we had the tactical leeway, this was the perfect time to test them. In the long run, I wanted to integrate a wide variety of strategies. The Demon King's Army must remain the strongest force on the continent. To maintain that status, I would aggressively implement new technology.
Furthermore, the Research Institute Director had been pestering me for feedback. She would surely be delighted if I sent her a comprehensive combat evaluation.
As our conversation wound down, a tapping sound echoed from the window behind me. Clinging to the glass outside was Diera. With practiced movements, she unlocked the latch and casually committed breaking and entering.
Diera addressed us with a strangely solemn expression.
"Hold! Have you not forgotten something?"
"Nothing comes to mind," I replied instantly.
There was nothing I had overlooked. For that matter, was it better to ignore the fact that she had just trespassed? Grom looked as though he wanted to say something but opted to remain silent.
Perhaps slighted by my cold reaction, Diera pointed a finger at herself and shouted.
"It is about me! I heard this 'Demigod' person appeared! I have been waiting with bated breath, so why was I not summoned!?"
"...Because you are not my subordinate. You are a neighbor, but ultimately an outsider."
"Nuu... that is true, but..."
Diera faltered in the face of my logic. Despite her provocative attitude, I had the impression she was often easily talked down. Likely because her outbursts were purely intuitive, lacking any consideration for a logical rebuttal.
Diera remained silent for a moment, but her face suddenly lit up. As if struck by a brilliant idea, she made a proposal.
"In that case, you should simply hire me! We are hardly strangers. I shall take the contract for a special rate."
"You’re going to charge me?"
"This is not a charity, you know. My funds have hit rock bottom..."
Diera’s face darkened again. She seemed truly destitute. I suspected it was because she spent her money on food and drink without any sense of moderation, but lecturing her was an exercise in futility.
I felt a sigh rising in my chest, but I suppressed it and gave my answer.
"I will pay your requested amount in a lump sum. I would have you lend us your strength."
"...!"
Diera looked up, her eyes wide with shock and shimmering with moisture. She planted her hands on her hips and nodded vigorously.
"Umu, umu! You are quite reasonable! I suppose I shall have to put in some real effort!"
Diera scrambled back up to the windowsill and leaned out over the edge. Turning back one last time, she spoke with a refreshed expression.
"I shall make my preparations and rendezvous with the Demon King’s Army! Await my grand achievements with high expectations!"
With that, Diera vanished out the window. Immediately after, a thunderous boom echoed from the ground below. It seemed she had opted for a characteristically violent landing.
Her entrance and exit had been like a passing storm. Amidst the lingering silence, Grom cleared his throat. He checked with me in a reserved tone.
"Are you certain about this?"
"It is a trifling expense. If I can gain unlimited use of Diera for such a price, it is a bargain."
"That is certainly true."
I fully intended to make Diera work far beyond the value of the coin I paid her. Having her as an ally was a net positive. Her regrettable behavior often took center stage, but she was still the preceding Demon King.
I closed the window and returned to the Interception Plan, making a few minor adjustments to include our new mercenary.