Chapter 199 – Chapter 42: Awareness (1/2)
Chapter 199 – Chapter 42: Awareness
10,000 years ago, the red dragon destroyed all the civilizations in the Demon World.
Numerous species lost their civilizations. There had been a loss of history and traditions, as well as culture and technology. Some species even lost their language.
Among the various species, there had been one with a particularly brilliant and great civilization. Those who ruled the Demon World drove the rebellion against the red dragon and, as a result, lost everything.
Unlike other species which had lost civilizations but still had survivors, this species had not even a single survivor. Their names had been erased along with their civilization and their history forgotten. However, they had also left something behind. The ruins of where the indigenous species used to live, as well as their relics, were scattered all over the Demon World.
Then someone thought…
It was strange. Why had the indigenous species been wiped out? Unlike the other species, why were there no survivors?
No, from the outset—were they really wiped out?
&
As the Black Flame Dragon rode the wind, Silvan left the control room and headed to the bridge. All the key personnel, except for Silvan, were already gathered there. Felicia, who had been waiting for Silvan to arrive, looked around and asked,
“Sword Duke, where will we join up with Zephyr orabeoni?”
Zephyr was currently near the Aegis Gate. Due to the fact that he was already in the north, the meetup point would differ depending on the party’s destination. Felicia’s question included the location of Arch Lich Shutenberg. The sword duke stroked his beard and replied,
“Well, we have taken off, so I can talk about it now. You won’t be joining 2nd Prince.”
“Sword Duke?”
Felicia narrowed her eyes. The others were reacted in a similar way, so the sword duke added an explanation immediately.
“To be more precise, I alone will join the 2nd Prince.”
“Sword… Duke?”
The doubts of those in the bridge deepened. Everyone, including Felicia, looked confused, while the sword duke just stroked his beard and laughed.
“Don’t look at me with that expression. I am going to explain it, so relax.”
The sword duke placed several models on the map of the Demon World spread out in the bridge. Each of them were in a position which seemed to represent In-gong’s group, Zephyr’s group, and Shutenberg.
“It is very important for the Demon King’s Palace and the whole Demon World that Arch Lich Shutenberg is defeated. In fact, I asked if you wanted to participate, but I was actually going to compel you using the demon king’s name. I’m glad that it worked out well.”
Everyone’s eyes widened at the declaration that the sword duke was going to forcibly drag them along from the very beginning. However, all those gathered here were children of the demon king. They had already fought with enemies of the Demon World in the form of missions, so this wasn’t a new thing for them.
The sword duke laughed at the subtle looks of the princes and princesses and continued talking.
“1st Prince and 4th Princess will also participate in this work. Actually, all the princes and princesses are fighting, except for 3rd Prince who is still in Curtis.”
The sword duke placed two additional models on the map of the Demon World. The model representing Baikal was placed at the Aegis Gate, while the model of Anastasia was placed in a very familiar place to In-gong.
‘Master, Enger Plains!’
Green Wind shouted. It was a cry only for In-gong’s ears, but the sword duke smiled like he had heard it.
“You will join 4th Princess at Enger Plains. I will go alone to the north and join 2nd Prince.”
The sword duke moved his hands, and the models were split into two groups. Chris looked at it and asked,
“Sword Duke, are you thinking about creating a pincer attack?”
“Yes.”
The group centered on In-gong would head to the north, while Zephyr’s group would march to the west.
“Arch Lich Shutenberg isn’t a fool. He will notice if we move. So, we have to scatter his gaze.”
That made sense, but Chris spoke with a bit of displeasure,
“Then Sword Duke and Hyung-nim will be doing everything?”
Their group had the advantage in numbers, but Zephyr dominated them in power. Among the children of the demon king, Baikal and Zephyr would move together with the sword duke. If so, In-gong’s group was just bait, so it was natural to feel bad.
The sword duke shook his head.
“That isn’t it. This side also needs to succeed. If either side knocks down Shutenberg, then that is enough. It isn’t just 4th Princess at Enger Plains. My sura warriors will be arriving right now. Make them your guides.”
Chris frowned at the sword duke’s further explanation but nodded. Despite the sword duke joining Zephyr, having more troops sounded good.
However, In-gong had other thoughts. No matter how many troops they had, it was impossible to make up for the sword duke’s absolute power. When the sword duke said that either side could succeed, In-gong felt like there was something which was still being concealed.
“Sword Duke, why aren’t the captains coming out?”
The captains were the best military power of the Demon King’s Palace. No matter how important defending the north was, this was a mission where the sword duke was moving personally. If the captains didn’t move in this situation, then what was the point of their positions?
The sword duke looked at Felicia’s disgruntled face, which looked just like Chris’, and replied,
“Princess, aren’t I enough?”
“No, it isn’t like that…”