The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 119

Chapter 119
Chapter: 119

Chapter Title: Bring Them

—

“I don’t.”

Berge gave a firm shake of his head.

“This is the first I’ve laid eyes on her.”

“Are you certain you haven’t?”

Daphne leaned in, peering at him closely.

“Positive.”

“Truly?”

In truth, he had encountered her twice before.

He had watched Daphne from the heights using the fortress’s mystical link when she first approached the site, and he had crossed paths with her while infiltrating the aristocratic treasury of the Hildean domain alongside Ernyan.

However, during those moments, Berge and Ernyan had remained heavily shrouded in their cloaks to hide their identities.

“You’re becoming a nuisance. Are you looking for trouble?”

“Daphne. Fail is an ally. Refrain from further disrespect.”

“…If he’s with you, my apologies. I must have been mistaken.”

The aura he gave off felt strangely familiar to her.

She grumbled with a look of suspicion before turning her gaze elsewhere.

‘I need to remain cautious.’

Since he hadn’t seen her features clearly before, she was identifying him by his spiritual signature. For the remainder of this hunting expedition, he would have to keep his internal energy strictly suppressed.

“When did you cross paths with Daphne?”

“I never have.”

He responded to Hillun’s quiet inquiry with another shake of his head.

“Is that so?”

“Do you have a death wish?”

“Ahem, never mind.”

“Ah. And here comes another one…”

“Why are you staring at me? …Wait a second.”

Rozel’s expression twisted in annoyance. Right on cue, a woman possessing sapphire eyes and azure hair touched down gracefully.

“Is that the irritant Aina?”

“Still as foul-mouthed as ever, I see.”

The expression she made was mocking.

A flirtatious chuckle filled the air. Stepping past Daphne, she offered a glowing smile to Hillun and Berge.

“Greetings, Hero Hillun Kagil. Our first formal meeting. I am Aina Diaphrin.”

“A pleasure. I am Hillun Kagil. It is a privilege to meet the renowned mistress of water magic in person.”

“The rumors mentioned you were quite the charmer—it seems they were accurate. You’re a world away from the brute standing next to you.”

“Why waste breath talking if you’re eager to die?”

Heat flared up instantly. A mist of water materialized at the same moment. Just before the opposing elemental powers collided, Hillun and Daphne stepped in to sever the mana connections.

“I realize there’s no love lost between you two, but have some respect for the setting.”

“Members of the royal family are just ahead.”

Rozel Charnt ground his teeth and dissipated his magic.

“I was merely reacting in self-defense, you understand,” Aina said with a nonchalant shrug.

“So, who is this individual?”

“Fail.”

“One of Rozel’s followers?”

“…Excuse me?”

“Oh, just a turn of phrase. I simply wondered how formidable a human’s magical essence could actually be.”

This was the genuine article. It made sense why Rozel and the Akan Kingdom held such significant power.

“The stories were right—a pure spirit. It’s almost unsettling that it takes the form of fire, though. How does one even cultivate such mana?”

The purity of one’s mana dictated the density and caliber of a spell. It allowed for greater force, swifter execution, and perfect economy of energy.

It was logical that sorcerers—indeed, anyone who channeled power—strove for the most refined essence.

“Should I explain it to her?”

“Might as well, shouldn’t I?”

“Get lost.”

“If you find it difficult to speak here…”

Aina drifted closer. A pale hand came to rest on Berge’s shoulder. Her blue eyes searched his with a soft intensity.

“Perhaps we could find a more secluded spot? I’m quite flexible.”

The invitation was transparent.

“Is this how you always get your way?”

“It depends on the gentleman.”

The hand on his shoulder moved toward his face. Berge brushed it away sharply.

“You aren’t my preference, to put it plainly.”

“Do you truly not realize who I am?”

“Is that necessary?”

“You don’t seem like a fool.”

Her eyes narrowed into playful slits.

“Very well. I’m not one to pine over those who find me distasteful.”

“You certainly have a high opinion of yourself.”

“A man who remains cold to the very end? Hardly enticing.”

“A woman who persists like a parasite? Hardly appealing.”

“…You are the first person to speak to me in such a manner.”

“Why use such a ridiculous, dramatic tone? Aren’t you embarrassed to say those things?”

“Other men would have lost their minds to hear them.”

“Stop pestering me and move along.”

“Well, this canyon is vast, and there will be many more chances.”

Aina departed with a lingering glance. Daphne followed in her wake.

“Is there a history there?”

“Indeed.”

“They aren’t ancient dragons—is it really just a feud over fire and water?”

“…There are many factors, but yes, that is the core of it.”

“What a disaster.”

“One cannot overlook their talent, however.”

“That much is plain to see.”

She stood on equal footing with the archmage Rozel Charnt. This meant Aina also commanded seven seals—she was an archmage in her own right.

It was at that moment.

“Beasts…?”

An ogre leaping from the canyon wall was suddenly struck down, falling as a scorched corpse.

The mercenary who had called out the warning stood frozen in shock.

As if that weren’t enough, cascades of fire rained down on monsters further off.

A scene of total destruction played out before the eyes of the trolls.

“She seems agitated.”

“At least they won’t be lazy during the combat.”

He had been dissatisfied with their lack of effort even without compensation—it was refreshing to see some intensity.

“It might be wise to set those two against each other again right before we reach the heart of this place.”

“Are you a demon or something?”

“’Demon’ is simply the term frightened humans use for the demon race.”

Berge offered a satisfied smirk.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“You’ve spent an enormous sum.”

The third prince remarked quietly as he surveyed the second prince’s military strength.

“There is no reason to hoard gold when it is so abundant.”

It was impossible to calculate exactly how much wealth had been sacrificed to enlist over a thousand sellswords.

And these were not merely untrained rabble.

“Is that how you see it?”

“Are you suggesting I should abandon the crown just to save money on hired blades?”

“What is your motivation for wanting to be emperor?”

“It’s more amusing to think that one needs a specific reason.”

The second prince retrieved a piece of dried meat from his tunic and began to chew.

“With that attitude? You should step aside. Give me your noble supporters, and I’ll ensure your retirement is comfortable.”

“I cannot compel them. And I have no intention of withdrawing.”

“Hillun Kagil went to you and kept you concealed for a time. What have you been preparing?”

“Ask our eldest brother—he can explain it.”

“So you developed something to counter the restless dead. And you used it on those who attacked you?”

“Correct.”

“Kehhehe, I’m dying to see the look on that arrogant brother’s face now.”

Bits of meat flew as he let out a sharp, erratic laugh. Martin wiped a stray piece from his cheek, his expression remaining neutral.

“You are familiar with the path, correct?”

Floyan looked back at Hillun.

“Have you ever steered a carriage?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Drivers have a saying: if the passenger remains silent, keep going straight.”

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

“We simply maintain our course. If we need to turn, Hillun Kagil will inform us.”

“A fair point, but…”

“Don’t be concerned. I won’t give you cause to regret our partnership. That’s the main reason we’re together, isn’t it?”

“Hm, perceptive as always. Daphne Philiain is talented at finding paths, but she is nothing compared to Hillun Kagil’s knowledge of these lands.”

It was quite unexpected, though.

“I’m not sure why, but I assumed Hillun Kagil would stay with you since he arrived first. How did you manage to secure Rozel Charnt? It couldn’t have been wealth—she isn’t swayed by gold.”

“She has no interest in money.”

“I am aware. What then?”

“That is a secret.”

There was nothing to reveal, in truth. He hadn’t been the one to recruit Rozel Charnt.

“A bit of sibling advice: brothers shouldn’t keep secrets.”

“Are you willing to disclose the location of the Blue Rose Guild’s hidden vault?”

“Tch, it used to be entertaining to drag you around when you were younger.”

“You were always trying to turn me into your servant…”

Swoosh—

A bolt cut through the air with a whistle.

Clang—

The second prince’s personal knight knocked the projectile away.

“…”

That was the signal. Dozens of arrows descended in a torrent. Boulders began to rain down from the canyon heights, covering their position.

“Ambush!”

“Defend!”

The sorcerers conjured shields to protect the royalty and the high-born. The infantry raised their bucklers against the arrows, while the knights knocked aside the falling debris.

“Which one of you…!”

“Your Highness! Are you unharmed?”

“I am fine—capture them and bring them to their knees!”

“At once, sir!”

the second prince’s knights and the mercenaries rushed toward the origin of the attack.

“You took the bait, you fools.”

Rozel Charnt, looking for a way to vent her frustration, took to the air. Radiant flames painted the canyon in shades of crimson.

“After a few disagreements, Marlene stopped pestering me. Is our brother’s pack on your trail?”

“Yes.”

“As I thought. They’re moving slower than I anticipated with Hillun Kagil guiding you.”

Tsk—the second prince clicked his tongue in annoyance.

“A tip from a brother: eradicate arrogant pests completely. Showing mercy only allows them to return.”

“I am aware.”

“Knowing it and failing to act? That is the height of foolishness.”

“Hunting them down would cause too much of a delay.”

“Then I shall see to it. Consider this a gift for our brief alliance.”

After all, you’re earning your keep by providing the way forward.

A short time later, Daphne appeared before Floyan, having returned from the hunt.

“Daphne.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Take the entire mercenary force. Pursue them and ensure they are eliminated?”

“None shall evade me. Certainly not here, in a place teeming with beasts.”

“Quite confident—I hope your talent matches your words.”

“I am worth every coin you’ve spent.”

“They are likely the knights of the Osrian duchy.”

“Mercenaries are far more effective than knights in terrain like this. And I have you protected.”

“Good.”

“Your Highness! With all due respect, sending the entire force…”

The lead guard knight tried to caution Floyan. Noticing the apprehension, Floyan gave a dismissive snort.

“It is better to be thorough than careless. I understand my brother better than anyone. Is that not so?”

“Of course.”

“And even if I am wrong, are my own knights so pathetic?”

“No, Your Highness!”

“We will give our lives to ensure your safety!”

Daphne led the second prince’s battalion in pursuit of the hidden attackers. Rozel Charnt followed after them, her temper still unspent.

“We will move forward. They will catch up to us.”

A week passed before a travel-worn Daphne Philiain made her return.

“We didn’t wipe them out entirely. But the wilderness will finish what we started.”

Only a handful of the White Lion Knights remained, she reported—they had blundered into the territory of high-ranking monsters, and she had ended the chase there.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“We’ve lost contact?”

“Yes.”

“Floyan and Martin have joined forces. Daphne led the counter-attack. That is the situation.”

Rufus scowled deeply.

“The White Lion Knights are a massive disappointment.”

Even with the help of Daphne Philiain, even with the elite forces of the Boldervov marquis and the mercenaries.

All that reputation surrounding the White Lion—it was a complete letdown.

“What are our next orders?”

“It is irrelevant. The competition is effectively over.”

Whether they were disappointing or not, the White Lion Knights hadn’t been idle.

They had significantly hindered the third prince. Even after the princes united, they had manipulated the second into deploying his entire army on a chase—increasing the burden of dealing with monsters.

Their mission was accomplished.

At least until this moment—they hadn’t appeared.

“Marlene. Do not be a burden to me this time.”

“Hmph. I simply hope you don’t get in my path, First Prince.”

Marlene Jespain—her golden hair reaching down to her waist—gave Rufus a sharp look.

Rufus stared forward into the distance without a word.

Thousands of them. A massive battalion of bleached skeletons stood in their way.

“How interesting.”

The guide provided by the lord of the fortress had mentioned there were fewer monsters than normal—he had suspected a trick, but seeing the reality was different.

It was aggravating. A nuisance.

“Captain.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The legendary hero offered a bow.

“Does that boast you made earlier still stand?”

“Naturally.”

“There are quite a few of them.”

“It makes no difference how many—they are merely undead trash.”

“How reassuring.”

“Your Highness, we are here as well. We will butcher every last one of them and deliver the heads of the dark sorcerers to you on a platter.”

The knights competed with one another to shout their oaths of fealty.

“Excellent.”

“Enough with the display of loyalty—is it time to fight? They are already upon us.”

Marlene rolled her eyes.

“Do you hear that?”

Suddenly.

Boom—

The great hero launched himself forward. A massive wave of aura flared out from his enormous greatsword.

A single swing shattered an entire section of the undead line.

It was hard to fathom that a lone human was responsible for such power.

“Go. Retrieve their heads for me.”

The first prince crossed his arms over his chest. Marlene shook her head and charged into the fray herself at the head of the knights.