123 The new Demon Emperor (1/2)
”What is illegal? How am I supposed to know all the specificities?” Of course, Ymir would have never said that loudly. Still maintaining the posture befitting of his position, and using the fact that his face was hidden behind his helmet, he could only chuckle menacingly. That was his idea, to act so terrifyingly, that they will forget the question. But that was proved naught since Gwendoline knew she had someone that was above her.
”In the emergency state that Archet is in, we need clear instructions. Otherwise, it will only create even more panic, and make people leave Archet in a hurry.” Not saying that it was currently happening, since the group of humans was also buying time for the others. By now, most should have already packed their stuff and begin to run. As for whether it was possible or that something was blocking the escape road, they couldn't know and could only hope that it will not happen.
Still chuckling, the red demon was making his brain work at full capacity. Faced with so many possibilities, he only noticed the insistent gaze that on skeleton had after several seconds. Not understanding it, he could see the bag hanging on the waist of the black armor. Waving his hand like he was in complete control, that specific undead began to pick from the bag a very large scroll containing all the demands and rules.
At this sight, everyone alive was completely baffled. The Akûl, because it was plainly obvious that he had been left out of this part when they explained what he had to do. Not that he wanted to speak for hours about fictional rules, but still, he wasn't aware of this. And the humans, since the giant monster in front of them was clearly prepared. Picking up the really, really large scroll, Gwendoline and Andre began to study it.
”... no one allowed in the streets after 22 hours, so an early curfew for only ...”
”... murder, thief, robbery, ****, all the usual stuff ...”
”... trial by a jury made of citizens picked randomly, so, not by the nobles only? Interesting ...”
”... all of those condemned to death will be ... taken care by the undead???” Finally reaching this line, the two raised their heads and looked at Ymir. That was the only thing he knew of the entire nonsense they were spouting. Fundamentally, Kardel had explained to him that it could be translated as the food will be handled by the skeletons. After all, they liked to have fresh meat, especially something that was still living seconds before.
But they couldn't say that those with a death sentence will be eaten alive, so, this line was created in the most diplomatic way. The first victims will be the hardest to obtain since it meant for them to condemn a fellow human at ending up in the hands of the undead. But, from the estimation of the succubus, if it became the norm and as long as they never learned the true fates of the convicted, it would be a strong and steady flow of food.
The part of the scroll that was already read by the Mayor was picked up by the others, and soon, the entire group was reading everything. Sometimes, one could hear some grumbling while sometimes, it was an understanding exclamation. Even if he couldn't really understand the technical terms that they were constantly murmuring, it didn't really matter for Ymir. All he needed now was to wait and ...
”You giant moron! They are escaping! No ones are allowed to leave this city now that it belongs now to the EMPRESS!” The brutal mental connection was established, nearly making him kneel in pain. Fortunately, the humans were so engrossed in ready some petty words on paper that they didn't notice it. Not wanting to even argue with Malakov and be on the receiving end of the pain, the Akûl began to run past the group at full speed.
Only after hearing the massive footsteps getting farther and father did someone had the guts of speaking. ”Eh ... Mayor? Do you think he ...” Nodding her head, she agreed with the muscular officer. ”Yes, I guess it couldn't be avoided. As for them ... I don't think we can move.” In his hurry, Ymir had not ordered the skeletons to move with him. However, right after saying this, Gwendoline and the others saw nearly all of them moving at once and trying to catch up with the giant monster.
Ymir did not have to think a lot to find where they were leaving Archet. After all, the entire map of the city was imprinted in his brain, thanks to Meridiana that had been in every corner of the city while maintaining her identity of an adventurer. With that in mind, the obvious place would be in the West, where they previously spent the night during the undead assault.
His colossal appearance shocked those that were still on their doorsteps, making them go back inside and locked their door at least three times. While putting everything they had in front of it, to make sure nothing could enter. As for the bystanders located in the middle of the streets, the screams that followed the giant Akûl, made them run in remote alleys as soon as possible.
The rare adventurers, guards or mercenaries present dropped their weapons at that sight. Some even removed their armors and pants, while trying their best to be some random homeless humans. So, when he finally arrived in front of a gate, without even hurting anyone, not that it was hard, considering everyone immediately fleed in panic, Ymir was remotely pissed. Only then did he remembered that without the skeletons, he could not prevent someone to leave from another gate.
Luckily for him, Malakov was not complacent while working for Leilade. He could see four undead coming his way to completely block this exit. It was probably the same everywhere in Archet, but for those that he could discern a little farther down the road, he could only let them go. After all, they probably were the most despaired of the bunch, willing to immediately run in panic at the slightest problem. All in all, not someone they will miss a lot.
”Go back to your home!” His loud voice resonated in the air, startling, even more, the scared crowd. But facing him, they could only dejectedly look at their close friends and family, some even crying. The sound of sobbings and wails was so loud that even he had a hard time listening to his own thoughts. However, three men and a woman still stood in front of him, visibly apprehensive.
”What?” Even after being questioned, the four humans were really not leaving, but not advancing either. Not understanding what was up with those fools, the woman suddenly shouted back. ”We live outside of Archet!” Realizing what she had done, she quickly cowered behind the three men, with the latter not looking thrilled by that. ”Oh!” Faced with this problem, Ymir could only think of one solution. ”You can go then.”
The baffled humans had their mouths wide open, one even pinching himself in disbelief. They weakly tried to get closer to the demon, step after step. After realizing that they were not dead yet, they bypassed the skeletons, not without looking terrified. Only after reaching one could be considered a safe distance, more or less 100 meters for them, did they acted normally. By fleeing as quickly as they could.