271 Demon Realm Tenth Army

Today's second entry

"Hey, Master?"

The Vampire Child trembles her lips, pointing at the Tenth Army members standing in formation before her.

"What is this?"

The Tenth Army, of course.

"Could I be mistaken? Everyone seems to have a status value over a thousand?"

Ah, yes.

I can't use鉴定 anymore, so I can't see status values anymore.

Still, a thousand.

That's weak.

I thought I'd been training them hard, but if that's the case, they'd lose in a one-on-one against even a top-tier dragon.

"Something's wrong. Your standard is off, Master."

"Useless. Trying to reason with him won't work."

Fermiina answers with dead fish eyes, responding to the Vampire Child's cry.

"Why are you at around 2,500 status?"

"F-f-fuh..."

Fermiina ignores the Vampire Child’s shock with a dry laugh.

The Vampire Child, sensing something, gazes at her with pity.

Fermiina did not train from childhood like the Vampire Child. She has reached this limit.

Still, her cultivation period exceeds that of common soldiers. She may be capable of fighting on par with a lower-tier dragon.

She cannot match a true dragon, of course.

That’s why there are so many of them. Ninth Army—dishonorable.

"Wald, are you alright?"

"I’m fine. I’ll endure any training for you."

Wald, the Vampire Child’s opposite—unaffected by charm, the only one who followed the Vampire Child directly.

When the Vampire Child was forcibly conscripted into the Tenth Army, Wald followed without hesitation.

Additional graduates of the same age as the Vampire Child were added. The Tenth Army reached full capacity.

It would not grow beyond this until the next war.

When a few new recruits had been acclimated to the Tenth Army’s environment, preparations for war would begin in earnest.

In other words, train the new recruits before then.

Arms are ringing.

Meanwhile, during the time spent tormenting the Tenth Army, an incident occurred at the human academy.

An incident, or rather, something like that.

Yamada-kun obtained a Dominance Skill.

Not expected? That would be a lie. But seeing it actually acquired still causes surprise.

Of course, I made full use of it.

System hacking has advanced significantly as a result.

Now, if only Potimas and the Pope can be dealt with, the remaining Dominance Skills may be managed.

Other than that, the elves remain inactive for now.

Potimas's fragment is conducting clandestine activities within the kingdom of Yamada-kun, but it will be eradicated later using Natsume-kun—no issue.

At that time, I will have the younger sister contribute fully.

Humans are preparing for the imminent full-scale invasion by the Demon Clan, concentrating military forces along the border.

Among them, the forces of the Divine Word Church are present as expected.

The Pope appears to have chosen the path of battle.

However, no generals seen during the prior negotiations are present, suggesting the key forces are being preserved for later engagements.

Incidentally, I just realized I forgot to include the Hero in this conflict—but it seems the Demon King has handled that matter, as the Hero Julius and his companions are now participating.

The Hero Julius and his companions are stationed at the fortress.

I arranged with the Demon King to redirect the Tenth Army’s movement to the fortress where the Hero resides, ensuring the Hero’s elimination.

Naturally, that proceeded without issue.

The Tenth Army had always been understaffed compared to the other divisions, and thus treated as a reserve force.

While the other divisions prepared for invasion, the commander alone was summoned to the Demon King’s fortress.

Apparently, it would be the final meeting.

Well, calling it a meeting is misleading—essentially, it’s just a final confirmation. More like a status report.

Upon entering the conference chamber, I found the other division commanders already assembled.

Argner glanced my way briefly when I entered, then offered no further reaction.

That I am connected to him is unknown even to the other division commanders, let alone the Demon King.

Mel reacted similarly to Argner.

Oni-kun offered a slight bow.

The Black offered not even a glance.

Other division commanders sit in silence.

The Second Division Commander's breasts-planetian is casting meaningful glances at the other commanders. The Third Division's idiotic giant is trembling.

The Fifth Division's pseudo-samurai appears to be scanning for any commander who might disadvantage the Demon King—possibly due to their Demon King supremacy ideology.

Frankly, the Demon King remains unaffected regardless of your actions—this is meaningless movement.

The Sixth Division's shota seems calm on the surface, but inner tension is evident.

The Seventh Division's delinquent is visibly displeased.

Demon army commanders—too much individuality.

Despite no one speaking, the air hums with tension.

Though longing to leave, he settles into the empty seat beside the Black.

The stares from the Breasts Alien and the child are painful.

Among those present, only the Breasts Alien, the idiotic giant, the samurai wannabe, and the child do not know me well.

Even the thugs who lack true understanding fall into that category.

I am aware that within part of the Demon Army, rumors circulate that I am a nepotistic appointment—like fish waste to the Demon Lord.

I am also aware that some question my actual capabilities.

Because of this, the Breasts Alien and the child direct their resentment toward me, as if I am unfit to serve the Demon Lord.

A serious nuisance.

Due to constant harassment from the Tenth Army, I had to conceal the Tenth Army’s activities.

As a result—whether by accident, by side effect, or some other reason—the Tenth Army has become rumored to be a covert unit carrying out the Demon Lord’s secret missions.

In truth, it appears suspicious in every way. Visually, at least.

The fact that even Balt had concealed their activities only served to increase the rumors' credibility unnecessarily.

Also, the misconception among the common soldiers that I was an expert in intelligence gathering seemed to contribute.

Just training, that's all.

Recalling a strange rumor tied to the Tenth Army, the Demon Lord entered.

At that moment, the atmosphere in the room sharpened further.

"Then, the meeting begins. Balt."

"Hai."

The exchange between the Demon Lord and Balt marked the start of the session.