Shaltier spoke with her usual breezy nonchalance, then took the seat the others had pointedly left vacant. Pandora settled in beside her. Only once their leader was seated did the rest of the Ten Demons return to their own places.
"Now then, I’m sorry for dragging you all here on such short notice. I know you’re all busy, so I’d like to get straight to the point... but what we're discussing is a bit heavy. I want to confirm where everyone stands first," Shaltier said.
The Ten Demons remained silent, waiting for their master to continue.
"...In six months, there is a very high probability that we will be going to war with the God Realm. And if my predictions are right, our opponents won't be the Gods as you know them. They will be every member of the God race, explosively empowered by Shallow Vernal-sama’s strength."
The room fell into a heavy, expectant silence.
"For this occasion, there won't be any penalty for opting out. Based on my estimates, the enemy forces will consist of eight hundred Low-ranking Gods with Count-class power, two hundred High-ranking Gods with Six Kings-class power, and three Supreme Gods with strength that far surpasses the Six Kings. To be blunt, I can't guarantee you'll make it out alive."
This conflict was on an entirely different scale from the previous clashes between the Demon and God Realms. This time, Shallow Vernal was playing for keeps. Shaltier assumed the Creator God would, at the very least, bolster the ranks of her own divine soldiers to ensure victory.
She couldn't even fathom the sheer scale of the power the three Supreme Gods would bring to bear when they eventually stood in their way.
"The Six Kings will likely all participate, and I’ll be setting my own traps behind the scenes, but it’s going to be a brutal fight. Calling it 'Hard Mode' doesn't even begin to cover it. So, I’ll check with each of you individually. I’ll say it again: there is no penalty for refusing. First, Pandora..."
"I will participate, of course. All my power exists for Shaltier-sama's sake."
"I see. Then, Gluttony?"
"Like Pandora-sama, I will fight."
"...Pandemonium?"
Pandora and Gluttony—the two most fanatically loyal to Shaltier—had agreed instantly. When it was her turn, Pandemonium stopped her needlework and spoke up.
"There is~ one thing I'd like to~ confirm first..."
"Is it safe to assume~ that Kaito-sama~ is involved in this~?"
"Yes."
"Then~ I will participate. I leave my deployment~ to Shaltier-sama. Use my life~ as you see fit."
"Understood."
Shaltier was well aware of Pandemonium’s feelings for Kaito. She simply nodded, offering no playful jab or mockery in response to the woman's offer to throw her life away.
Pandemonium lowered her gaze and resumed her sewing as if the matter were settled. In truth, it was a question that hardly needed asking. Pandemonium loved Kaito from the depths of her soul. She had sworn to be his absolute ally—she had already dedicated everything to him. Risking her life was a small price to pay.
"Next. Phantom?"
Phantom gave a silent nod.
"Catastro?"
"Hmm. Out of curiosity, will there be a special bonus?"
"A very generous one."
"In that case, I'll join."
"Astaroth?"
"Naturally, I shall participate."
"And Moloch?"
"I will fight. My life belongs to Shaltier-sama."
Catastro, whose lifestyle was perpetually expensive, made her decision the moment a bonus was mentioned. Astaroth and Moloch, both zealots, declared their loyalty without a second's hesitation.
"Phenix?"
"I have an interest in seeing the power of these empowered Gods. I will go."
"What about you, Tiamat?"
"War is such a sorrowful thing... but it is just as sorrowful to see one's comrades suffer. I will serve as a shield for my companions."
"And finally, Lilim?"
"...I can't exactly be the only one to say no. It would ruin the atmosphere. I’m in."
Phenix answered with cold logic. Tiamat nodded through her tears. Lilim played with her hair, offering a wry smile. With that, all Ten Demons had consented to join the war against the God Realm.
"Good. Now, I’ll begin outlining our future movements and the countermeasures for the specific Gods we need to watch out for."
While Shaltier held her meeting in the Demon Realm to prepare for the coming storm, another meeting was taking place within the Sanctuary of the God Realm.
"...What's the matter, Shiro? It's rare for you to be the one calling me out."
"Yes, there is something I wished to discuss. Thank you for coming, Kuro."
The story of a single young man—Kaito Miyama.
The Black of the Beginning and the White of the End finally stood face-to-face.