290 Before the Siege of the Elven Village

The barrier woven across the Elven Village.

Imperial forces arrayed openly before it, unhidden, standing firm.

Further away from the Imperial forces, the Demon Army quietly establishes its position.

On the opposite side of the Elven Village from the Imperial forces, the Taratekt Clan, led by Queen Taratekt, gathers in formation.

Even further, alone and waiting on the opposite side of the Demon Army, I, the Demon Lord, and a small number of our subordinates.

Numerically, this is the smallest group. But in terms of combat strength, this is the strongest.

Positioned clockwise around the Elven Village: Imperial forces, Demon Army, Taratekt Clan, and myself and the Demon Lord—forming a siege formation.

The plan is as follows.

First, I will break the barrier woven across the Elven Village with a single strike.

I will stage the scene to make it appear as though the Imperial Army has been diligently breaking the barrier with a new type of large-scale magic.

It should be convincing enough to mislead them.

Then, the Imperial Army led by Natsume-kun advances.

Given that Natsume-kun has accumulated significant hostility, the Elves are certain to converge upon that direction.

At the very least, they will focus their attention on Yamada-kun’s group.

Otherwise, it becomes problematic.

We must absolutely prevent a direct confrontation between the Demon Lord and Yamada-kun.

Black, I’m counting on you.

Make sure to guide them precisely.

While the Elves are distracted by the Imperial Army, the Demon Lord’s forces begin their advance.

A strike is delivered to the Elves’ flank.

Command of the Demon Lord’s army is entrusted to Mel and Oni-kun, and a Vampire Child is present—no issues are expected.

If necessary, Fermina-chan is also available—something can always be managed.

Even if the elf forces prove stronger than anticipated, they will hold their ground sufficiently to allow a clean withdrawal.

Frankly, with just the Vampire Child and Oni-kun, anything is manageable.

Now, adding the Taratekt Group to the mix—elves already facing a two-front war against the Empire and the Demon King's forces.

The Queen is among them!

The Queen alone is a formidable force, and then there are fourteen Arcs.

Fifty-one Greater units.

Numerous others.

Could these not be enough on their own?

They would die easily.

A scene of utter chaos is expected—perfect for me and the Demon King to secretly infiltrate the elven village.

We will carry out operations such as securing the reincarnated individual, or eliminating Potimas's main body.

If Potimas's main body is destroyed, this war is effectively won.

All fragments outside the elven village have been eliminated.

The Vampire Child’s destruction within the kingdom was likely the final fragment.

Even if a leak occurred, one cannot transfer the main body into a subsidiary form, as I have done.

Potimas is merely the main body— the fragments are controlled remotely, that’s all.

If the main body is destroyed, the subsidiary forms lose all meaning at that point.

The imperial army, the demon army, even the Taratect group—each was a decoy.

The imperial army serving as bait will suffer considerable casualties, but they were gathered with no intention of preserving them from the start.

As long as you lure the elves, that is sufficient.

And the demon army and the Tarethect group are being thoroughly disrupted.

In that opening, the true target—me—and the Demon Lord move.

Frankly, my combat capability exceeds that of the entire army combined—just the two of us, me and the Demon King.

The demon lord and I were locked in a stare-down.

"No matter what Shiro says, this one thing I won't yield on."

A thing that is flawed is flawed.

A crackling tension enveloped the surroundings.

The puppet Taratect, subordinate to the demon lord accompanying them, trembles uncontrollably from the tension.

Neither I nor the Demon Lord yielded in our claims. The standoff continued.

The dispute is over who will deliver the final blow to Potimas.

I want to beat Potimas senseless, given the matter with the teacher.

On the positive side, since Potimas's true nature remains opaque, it is safer for me—stronger than the Demon King—to handle the situation.

The Demon Lord, having understood the situation, still insists on fighting Potimas.

The demon lord harbors resentment toward Potimas—years of having been treated without restraint.

The sentiment he holds must run deeper than mine.

But the opponent is that Potimas Haifenas.

A man who has remained in the shadows for years, having made the entire world his enemy.

Considering the technology from the cybernetic bodies the Vampire Child previously defeated, and the robotic systems found in the ancient underground facility that triggered my ascension—

I estimate Potimas’s current combat capacity could rival even a Demon Lord.

If something were to happen to the Demon Lord in such a trivial matter, I would prefer to take precautionary measures.

Yet the Demon Lord refuses to yield, even after hearing this explanation.

That alone would be acceptable.

I do harbor a desire to tear Potimas apart with my own hands, but the Demon Lord likely feels the same—or even more so.

I would accept a compromise.

Provided he accepts my assistance.

“Allow at least that much.”

“Denied. This is my battle. No others may intervene. I say so.”

This is it.

The Demon King insists on settling this alone.

Refuses any aid—mine, or that of my subordinates.

Wants to end this long-standing grudge in a one-on-one confrontation.

"I know I'm being selfish. But this much, I won't yield. Potimas must be dealt with by my own hand. Because he is... my..."

The Demon King's eyes—resolved.

To be stared at directly by those eyes makes one feel as though one is the one committing the wrong.

"Could die, you know."

"Of course I know. My lifespan was already nearing its end. If I die here, no regrets. I believe that once I'm gone, Shiro will finish Potimas in my place."

Says she'll take Potimas with her to the grave—how dare she speak so confidently.

Ah...

Impossible.

Lets out a long, heavy sigh.

There is no choice but to accept this.

The Demon Lord is risking everything—his entire long life—against Potimas.

Risking his pride.

I cannot deny that.

I know full well you are saying this knowing I have no choice but to respond. That is poor form.

"I won't forgive you."

"Wha—?"

"When you die, I won't forgive you. When the Demon Lord dies, I will abandon this world and flee instantly. I won't let you force me into such irresponsible actions. You must survive. Understood?"

"...Understood, Boss."

I cannot bear to look at the Demon Lord's face—tears mixing with laughter—as he salutes.