Battlefield of the Palace - 1

The armor is dented, and dirt is clearly visible.

Probably couldn't move properly due to the wound I inflicted.

As a result, it seems I took damage from several falling rocks.

Bonaparte moves only his face, glaring at me.

What should I do...

For some reason... for some reason, at this very moment, I feel compelled to ask something.

"When you attacked my home, did you acquire that information?"

Bonaparte's face, which had been glaring, slightly hardened into a serious expression.

"What are you talking about? I only punished betrayal."

"Is that so."

Looking up, I see the collapsed mine site before me.

Given Taro's nature, he's probably doing something about it, but maybe I should go lend a hand.

Still, I can't possibly dig through the wreckage right in front of me...

I sense a presence behind me while lost in thought.

The man appears in my vision, floating midair, silhouetted by the backlight.

"What are you doing, Taro?"

"I came to help, but it seems you don't need me... "

Bonaparte visibly flinches, startled.

"Are you mad? If Neumann was defeated... what happened to Neumann?"

"He's dead. In the end, he was engulfed in flames from the runaway magic stone in his left arm."

"..."

No words remained.

"Is he Bonaparte?"

Alex nods in response to my question.

I place my hand on Alex's shoulder and use the healing crystal's power.

In an instant, Alex is enveloped in a bright light, and his severe wounds close up.

Then I walk toward Bonaparte.

"What do you... intend to do?"

Without a word, I activate the healing crystal.

The wounds on Bonaparte gradually close up.

"He told me to save you on his deathbed. I heard you opposed this method of battle. And above all, that you care deeply for the kingdom."

"I think I’m starting to understand what he meant when he said you two were alike..."

"Where?"

No further conversation followed, and we remained silent until the healing was complete.

"Alright! We don’t know when the collapse will resume. Let’s get out of here."

"Understood. What about Bonaparte?"

"If we heal you only to have you die from the collapse, it'd be pointless. We're taking you with us. Besides, you've been healed after all—might as well make yourself useful now."

"If Taro agrees, then I'm fine with it."

The three of them head outside.

Alek carries two battle axes, I keep him paralyzed with electricity while supporting Bonaparte on my shoulder.

Waiting at the exit were a large number of royal soldiers. All were filthy with mud and soot, clearly having fought for a long time.

"That's the one who's taken over the kingdom. Unforgivable!"

"Wait, isn't that Sergeant?"

"The magic user trying to become king."

"A king who's a magic user... that makes him the Demon King."

Demon King!? There was no time to react.

They were already drawing their swords.

Some of them have activated their body crystals.

They must leave this place as quickly as possible.

There's no need to activate the crystals if there's no enemy to oppose.

"Both of you, fly!"

? "Understood."

Bonaparte looks utterly confused.

"Everyone, let's save Sergeant-sama!"

"Ooohhh!"

Ignoring the roar that sounded like an earthquake, the three of them rapidly ascend.

They immediately accelerate toward the capital city.

He seemed to have learned how to use his power, moving faster than usual yet showing no signs of fatigue.

Speeding up more and more.

They left the battlefield by midday and arrived at the palace as the sun began to set.

When Taro reached the palace, a massive sound shook the entire structure twice over.

He already knew the locations of the royal quarters and the meeting room from his previous visit.

If it's a large room, someone should be there. Shall I head for the meeting room?

Without hesitation, he infiltrated the palace and made straight for the meeting room.

Fortunately, many people were gathered there.

Hovering in midair, he scanned his surroundings.

Before him stood a person vastly more luxurious than the others.

That person was likely the king.

He appeared quite weak.

His skin clung tightly to his bones, and his hair was white.

From his sunken eyes, a sharp gaze could be sensed. Honestly, I felt absolutely no sense of authority at all.

Around the figure resembling a king stood young people, all dressed in lavish attire.

Too young... I must be frightening them. I'm sorry.

There were children too, their faces twisted in fear.

It seemed I had intruded at a particularly significant gathering.

Everyone stared at me as I burst through the door.

I glanced around, scanning every face in the room.

One face stood out—familiar. Lewis Adkins. Clara’s father.

He was startled too, but as soon as he recognized me, he quickly regained his composure.

Shortly after, soldiers poured in from the entrance.

"Who are you! State your name!"

One soldier shouted. I paralyzed him with an electric shock, rendering him temporarily unable to move.

And there, I dropped Bonaparte down to the ground.

Everyone gasped as they looked at the person I had brought down.

"Could it be... the sergeant was taken down!?"

"He seems to still be alive."

"What about the front line... what's the status of the front line?"

"Neumann should be here!"

A voice suddenly echoed, prompting a reaction.

"That man is dead."

No one could respond this time to my words.

I slowly descended to the ground.

Alex unloads the weapons once used by Napoleon.

Lewis calmly throws out a question.

"What is your goal?"

"Cease hostilities."