One of the Five War Generals—the Count-class high-ranking demon, Iron-blooded Bacchus.
His overwhelming magic power confirmed that Alice hadn't been lying when she said Count-classes and above were on an entirely different level. Now, standing against the formidable Iron-blooded Bacchus, the strongest maid of all—Ein-san—had arrived as our reinforcement.
Facing Ein-san, Bacchus wore a strangely delighted smile.
"Well, well... If it isn't Lady Ein, the only Duke-class high-ranking demon in the entire Demon Realm. A truly formidable opponent has graced us with her presence."
"Duke-class?! B-but, the only one? I thought there were several..."
Hearing Bacchus describe her as the sole Duke-class, Sieg-san whispered in disbelief. I remembered Lilia-san mentioning that while Duke-class demons were rare enough to count on one hand, there were definitely more than one.
"No, that's just a common human misconception," Alice replied, her expression equally stunned. "People assumed that since there were multiple Count-classes, there had to be multiple Duke-classes too. Actually, Sieglinde-san? Do you know the name of even one other Duke-class?"
"...N-no..."
"To think the Guardian of the Empty Seat would show up here... Kaito-san’s social circle is truly outrageous."
"Guardian of the Empty Seat?"
"It’s an epithet," Alice explained. "Despite wielding power on par with the Six Kings, she chose to serve a single master. She is the demon who refused to be a King. She is the only Duke-class high-ranking demon in the Demon Realm because she never leaves her post. It’s said that if anyone could even rival her, they’d be fit to become a new King themselves."
An existence who possessed power equal to the Six Kings yet chose not to be one... Come to think of it, Chronoa-san, a Supreme God, had mentioned that she and Ein-san were rivals whose battles never reached a conclusion. That meant Ein-san was essentially as strong as a Supreme God. She really was incredible.
Bacchus grinned at her like a predatory beast. I’d heard that smiles were originally aggressive gestures—beasts baring their fangs—and his was the literal embodiment of that.
"Indeed! You rarely appear on the public stage, and I have long desired to cross blades with you. For if I defeat you, I too shall finally reach the rank of Duke!"
"Save the pleasantries. If you wish to fight, do it quickly. I am on a very tight schedule," Ein-san replied. "I need to resolve this matter immediately so I can return to the castle and prepare the 'Special Deluxe Pudding a la Mode Made with Abundant Fresh Seasonal Fruits, Served with Seasonal Sauce' that Chrome-sama requested."
That sounds so complicated it's giving me second-hand heartburn just hearing the name! What on earth are you doing, Kuro?!
I noticed the shopping bags in Ein-san's hands. I suppose they contained the fresh seasonal fruits. To go all the way to the Human Realm to buy them personally... she truly was the Perfect Maid.
"Then, I shall take you up on that! One of the Five War Generals, Iron-blooded Bacchus—here I come!"
"..."
"Gah?!"
"...Eh?"
I couldn't even process what happened. Bacchus raised his massive axe, closing the distance in a flash—or so I thought. In the blink of an eye, his armor was reduced to shrapnel and he was sent hurtling into the far distance.
As we stood there stunned, Ein-san calmly brushed off her hand.
"That was a significant waste of time. Now, if you'll excuse me... Kaito-sama, I look forward to our next meeting."
"A-Ah, y-yes."
She was so strong! One punch?! She took him down in a single hit?!
Because she defeated him so effortlessly, I honestly couldn't keep up with the situation. Ein-san didn't seem to mind, however. She lightly pinched her skirt, gave a polite bow, and vanished. She probably went straight back home to make that elaborate pudding. Truly, she was one of the most terrifying monsters I had ever met.
"T-That’s insane... So that is the power of a Duke-class. I’m just glad she’s an ally."
"Yes, truly..."
I wasn't the only one in shock; Alice and Sieg-san were staring wide-eyed at the spot where Ein-san had been.
At any rate, I thought things had finally settled down—until I heard Anima’s sharp voice.
"Master! They've disappeared!"
"What?"
I turned around to find that Eta, Theta, and Sigma, who had been unconscious on the ground just moments ago, were gone. It wasn't Bacchus who took them; he’d been blown away by Ein-san. Was there someone else?
As if to confirm my suspicion, the air before us flickered like digital noise. A figure draped in a jet-black robe bound by chains materialized out of thin air, their face completely hidden from view.
"...Miyama Kaito."
"!"
"...Impressive."
The robed figure spoke with a high-pitched voice that sounded as if it were being put through a voice changer. I froze at the sight of the eerie, ominous figure. Beside me, Sieg-san whispered in a trembling voice.
"...The... The Phantasm King."
"What!?"
The Phantasm King?! This was one of the Six Kings—the one Lilliwood-san had specifically warned me to be wary of—Phantasm King No Face.
Faced with our shock, the Phantasm King continued unperturbed.
"To be blessed with those who seek to protect you. That, too, is a form of power. However... it is still not enough."
"Just what are you..."
"You passed the first test, but I expect nothing less from someone I've taken an interest in. However, I wonder how you will handle what comes next? You’ve repelled the War King’s messengers. Next, the War King himself will likely come for you."
"!"
What were they talking about? The way they spoke... it was as if they were admitting to being the one pulling the strings behind this whole ambush. Overwhelmed by the eerie voice and atmosphere, I watched as the Phantasm King slowly turned away.
"I must show some courtesy to the War King. I shall be taking his subordinates back with me. Now then, Miyama Kaito, as for your next trial... I wish you luck."
"W-Wait! What do you mean by that!?"
"...Hmm, I suppose since you have overcome the first trial, a reward is in order. Very well, I shall answer one question."
Despite my confusion, the Phantasm King turned back. I felt a sense of suffocation from their testing tone, but I managed to voice the one question on my mind.
"...Why are you doing this? What is your goal?"
"...A test."
"A test?"
"Yes. To see if I was mistaken in my assessment... to see if the power you have gained, and the will dwelling in your heart, are the real thing. I am putting you to the test."
"But why me?"
"I have answered one question. If you wish to know more, then advance even further. If you do, I shall appear before you once again."
With those final words, the Phantasm King vanished like smoke, leaving only their voice echoing in the air.
"...I am expecting great things, Miyama Kaito. Grow until you are a presence worthy of me entrusting my blade to you..."
The eerie voice vanished with the wind, leaving us in silence. This mysterious entity had appeared suddenly, left me with nothing but riddles, and vanished. I could still feel the chill of that bottomless threat against my skin.
Dear Mother, Father—Just when I thought the danger had passed, it seems the entire situation was being orchestrated by someone behind the scenes. The Hollow King of Illusions, No Face—was a truly eerie presence.
(Wait, if I interpret that correctly... Phantasm King: "As expected of the one I like! Having such great connections is wonderful! But be careful, because the War King is probably coming next! Since I've taken a liking to you, you'd better become even more amazing! If you get cool enough, I'll come see you again and lend you my strength! Good luck, I'm rooting for you!")
Huh? Are they actually... a good person?