Chapter 106 – Sweet Sacrifice (1/2)

The demon’s world was a more confined place than Hifumi had expected.

With the elven barrier being powerful, there are sometimes openings which can be located. But it seems to be rare to discover those at a level were demons are able to pass through them.

“Demons, who discovered such holes by accident, impulsively exit the barrier or those amongst the demons possessing high amounts of mana temporarily expand a hole to dispatch spies and soldiers though returning is in both cases difficult”, the male demon called Phegor (T/N: >> Fuegoru <<)* explained to Hifumi. (T/N: the name is フェゴール which is close to ベルフェゴール which would be Belphegor, a known devil.)

Phegor who is working as aide of the king continues to explain while showing fatigue on his face which had taken on an ill-looking, grey skin colour.

“If we increase the antagonism between elves and humans, won’t that lead to the barrier weakening as well, is what we thought, but…” (Phegor)

Phegor looked at Hifumi, who is walking next to him, with a fleeting glance and put his breathing in order.

“Far from our imaginations, the elves show no signs of leaving the forest and the humans lost their contact with the forest, too. Obstructing us with a solid barrier as usual, it has turned into a situation where the resentment of all demons is about to explode.” (Phegor)

“So? Why did you get in touch with me?” (Hifumi)

“That is…” (Phegor)

While scratching his skinny cheek with his index finger, Phegor examines Hifumi’s expression.

“I want to hear about his methods and strengths to get out of the elven forest and reach this place by himself. And, I want to request him to help us, is what I thought.” (Phegor)

“Aren’t you hostile towards humans as well?” (Hifumi)

“Essentially that’s true, however…” (Phegor)

Sighing deeply, Phegor shakes his head.

“Currently our hate towards the elves who are imprisoning us in these lands is far more overwhelming. It’s probably also because our contact with humans has been scarce for a long time, but as it isn’t even possible to fight the elves as distinct enemies, more resentment than expected has accumulated.” (Phegor)

“I understand you!” (Hifumi)

Phegor, who was startled by Hifumi suddenly raising his voice, was also surprised by Hifumi being all smiles.

“After all, once you identified your enemies, you won’t be able to settle down unless you can fight them squarely. Something like glaring at each other as each side is apart from the other without killing and being killed, that’s boring!” (Hifumi)

From then on until they arrived at the city of the demons, Hifumi monopolized the conversation.

“I’m not particularly saying that the criterion of superiority or inferiority can only be found in killing each other, but since anything’s fine, be it using your head to scheme or spending time on setting up traps, one should fight to the bitter end once confronted. Even if there’s a cease-fire by putting up a wall between both parties, that period of time is naturally a phase to prepare the next strife.” (Hifumi)

Phegor faced Hifumi, who was unexpectedly enthusiastic, with a question.

“The ones called humans, do they all have such way of thinking?” (Phegor)

If that’s the case, won’t fighting with the humans turn into an extremely disadvantageous situation from the very beginning even if the demons break through the elves? Phegor felt uneasy.

However, that gets quickly denied.

“Though it’s disappointing, there probably aren’t many guys who think like that. No, they are quite rare, I guess.” (Hifumi)

“Though that’s from my experience up until now”, Hifumi muttered while looking bored.

“Therefore, considering even such parts, the demons who are trying to advance things systematically are really nice. If the humans were aware of that, more of them would reach the point of thinking about fighting and you as enemies. Well, in one region they are preparing accordingly though.” (Hifumi)

The “one region” Hifumi added caught Phegor’s interest, but he isn’t able to interject while Hifumi is talking excitedly.

“So, once you demons break through the elven barrier, what do you intend to do?” (Hifumi)

“We still haven’t decided anything concrete, however I think that after we plundered the land where the elves reside and gathered intelligence for a while to expand the hegemony of the demons, we should be able to decide on a plan. Hearing your story just now, we are stronger than them, is what I thought.” (Phegor)

Hifumi didn’t particularly say anything about this cautious approach.

Although he believed that Phegor would say a lot more radical things, he decided to accept it for the time being.

“Therefore, human. What I want to request from you, more than being a war potential, is to provide us with as much intelligence about the elves and humans as possible. What we desire the most is information about the situation outside.” (Phegor)

The city of the demons. The wall visible from a distance has a height of around 4 meters and a complex structure of having been formed by carefully cut stones.

Due to Hifumi looking at it with great interest, Phegor explained,

“Monsters come attacking us regardless of day and night. Although we might be called demons, there are also some who don’t possess fighting strength. Because of that, the people of previous generations frantically built this wall.” (Phegor)

“The soldiers patrolling on top and the watchtowers at various places are essential in their stationing for the sake of making sure that no flying monster types are approaching”, he explained.

Hifumi nodded only slightly towards Phegor who is talking in a somewhat bragging manner.

“It’s Phegor. Since he is a guest, send a notification in regards to that.” (Phegor)

Greeting the person who appears to be a gatekeeper, they pass through a narrow, gloomy side gate where two people side-by-side barely fit through.

The gatekeeper stared at Hifumi in wonder, but he didn’t say anything in particular.

“Normally there aren’t many people entering and leaving except when it’s about dealing with monsters.” (Phegor)

There is an additional large gate, but except for the time when many soldiers have to enter or leave all at once, only the gates for people and carriages seem to be used.

“Although he didn’t answer, is it fine for a human to enter the city?” (Hifumi)

“… First off, I want you to listen to the story of the king. The king is far more wise than someone like me. He has deeply thought about the future prospects of the demon race. I want you to judge after that.” (Phegor)

“King, eh.” (Hifumi)

The faces of the kings of Swordland and Orsongrande, he killed, and of the king of Horant, who was friendly in contrast, rise to the surface of Hifumi’s mind.

(Well, even if the top is no good, there are still ways to go if those below are better.) (Hifumi)

After looking at Phegor’s face, Hifumi nodded.

“Got it. Let’s go meet him.” (Hifumi)

“Well, then let me guide you.” (Phegor)

☺☻☺

Zanga wore down her mind for the few minutes it took Hifumi to go through the barrier and collapsed right at the spot when she restored the barrier to its original state.

“Z-Zanga-sama!”

“Good gracious… I’ve completely declined. There’s nothing more disgraceful than this.” (Zanga)

Zanga, who laughed with a “Hya Hya”, corrected her posture while saying “Heave-ho” and informed all elves at this spot,

“Since there isn’t much time left anymore, I will keep it brief.” (Zanga)

The sound of someone gulping could be heard.

“I will leave this forest. Some people will probably follow me.” (Zanga)

“It’s fine for you guys to do as you like as well”, when Zanga said that, the elves threw countless questions at her.

As her voice couldn’t be heard through all the noise mingling together, Zanga waved her right hand and they calmed down.

“Since I’ve told everyone to gather, it will be explained there. The barrier will also be fine for a while since I did my best. Rather than that, could you help me a bit with standing up?” (Zanga)

Zanga, who got up being held by two people, began to walk while propping herself up with the wand.

“Come along. It won’t do if you miss the agreement over the end of the forest elves. You guys have to properly see it with your own eyes, too.” (Zanga)

The elves chased after Zanga, who quickly left walking at a pace one wouldn’t expect of an old woman who had trouble standing up, in a rush.

And, at the beginning everyone showed a reaction that they couldn’t believe the story about the last moments of elves which Zanga and Puuse explained to them in the opened meeting of the elves.

Zanga, who considered that reaction to be only natural, talked about her experience of having abandoned her grandmother. Next Puuse talked about the elder she met together with Hifumi.

And after that several elves timidly talked about the things they ended up seeing of the way their acquaintances and relatives, who broke the law, died. Some among them burst into tears due to fear and regret.

“Ah, after all ~nee…” (Zanga)