The Demon King’s Army was rapidly expanding its sphere of influence.
Our reach now extended beyond the continent’s borders, interfering with lands across the sea. We had established several outposts in remote regions, including the tropical rainforest we recently scouted. Subordinates had been dispatched to these locations to begin building the foundation of our rule.
In some areas, we were already embroiled in wars with local nations. I received constant reports on the state of these conflicts and sent reinforcements whenever the situation demanded it.
The military strength of the Demon King’s Army was undoubtedly the greatest in the world. Between the diverse races under my command and the overwhelming numbers of Undead, slaves, and prisoners, our forces had reached a scale that was almost unmanageable.
Furthermore, the number of those seeking to join us was endless. Rumors were spreading that by becoming a subordinate of the Demon King, one could escape the path of destruction. Given the current state of the world, that wasn't entirely far-fetched.
It wasn't just soldiers; many civilians were immigrating to our lands as well. I generally accepted them, as they would eventually serve as the labor and support needed to sustain the Demon King’s Domain.
Of course, spies and agents were often found among the newcomers, but I had Luciana constantly weeding them out. Those caught attempting to pry into the internal affairs of the Demon King’s Domain were seized. Once their true affiliations were exposed, they were either turned into loyal servants via Luciana’s Charm or sent to the Research Institute to serve as experimental subjects.
It was a miserable end for them, but I could not afford to be lenient.
The Demon King’s Domain held many secrets. Most importantly, I could not allow my true objective to be discovered. Information management had to be absolute.
I am not an entity of omniscience and omnipotence. I cannot save every person in existence equally.
That is precisely why I must use the power I have to take the best possible course of action. I will accept a degree of sacrifice to calibrate the world, ensuring that it moves toward a state of global peace.
(I will let no one stand in my path, no matter who they are.)
As I processed reports within the Audience Chamber, I reaffirmed my resolve.
At this moment, the hostility of the entire world was beginning to focus solely on the Demon King. It was a productive trend. Everything was proceeding according to plan, and my military strength was sufficient. I would continue to adapt to the shifting landscape and expand the influence of the Demon King’s Army.
Once I brought humanity to a point where they were forced to cooperate for survival, the rest would simply be a matter of maintenance. Fortunately, I had long since transcended the concept of a natural lifespan. I could reign as the Demon King indefinitely.
Sitting upon my Throne, I glanced at the keepsake sword leaning nearby.
“……”
World Peace was finally beginning to feel like a reality. The process differed from the one she would have wanted, but it was unmistakably a form of peace nonetheless.
I was finally on the verge of achieving it. I felt a strange, quiet sense of elation.
Suddenly, the doors burst open, interrupting my thoughts. Grom rushed into the room, visibly agitated. He cried out, unable to hide his distress.
“Demon King-sama! It is… it is an emergency, indeed!”
“What is the matter?”
“A riot has broken out in one of the occupied territories. It appears a specific group conspired to incite it. We are currently suppressing them, but the claims they are making are… quite troubling, indeed…”
“What kind of claims?”
When I asked, Grom hesitated for a moment. I felt a cold premonition settle in my chest, but I waited for him to speak. Finally, he answered, the words clearly difficult for him to utter.
“They are claiming in unison… that the Savior has descended, indeed.”