The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 86

Chapter 86
## 86. A Request

Golem.

A synthetic titan constructed from a core and intricate arcane circuitry. It represents the absolute zenith of magical engineering.

This was precisely the creation Berge had anticipated from Roger.

“Th-that is orichalcum!”

Roger exclaimed.

The machines possessed a faint brass tint. It was a golem sculpted from the legendary magical substance, orichalcum.

The metal was so resilient that only master smiths using specialized techniques could hope to refine it, and its density increased significantly when saturated with mana—consequently, it was prized for the fortifications of strongholds or elite-grade plate armor.

Now, it comprised the physical forms of five distinct golems.

“There is no way they utilized that rare material in its pure state? No, judging by that shimmering iridescent glow, it appears to be an orichalcum alloy or perhaps a surface treatment… Heavens, Akan is as formidable as rumored.”

“It appears impressive.”

“Well, naturally, witnessing such a marvel… Ah, I mean, absolutely not!”

Regardless of Roger’s technical fascination, the golems carried out their programmed instructions with total loyalty.

They used their own massive frames to brace the collapsing stone walls. Even as the frozen debris of the avalanche thundered down, they served as shields for the human camp.

They did nothing but endure—yet their mere survival was the critical factor.

“…So that was the asset they were keeping in reserve.”

I had envisioned the sliding snow dealing them a catastrophic blow. It was a disappointment.

“Nevertheless, they did not emerge from the event entirely unscathed.”

“That is certain,” Krutu added.

As Krutu observed, the makeshift defensive lines had not completely shielded the interior, and a portion of the snow banking off the ramparts had breached certain sections of the site.

To call it “ruinous” would be an exaggeration, however. Roughly half of the enchanted pavilions and tactical arrays were swept away, but they suffered zero fatalities.

“Roger.”

“Y-yes?”

“That is exactly what I desire. Are you capable of producing them?”

“Uh… well…”

“Your tone lacks certainty.”

“I possess a foundational grasp of magitech, but this specific model is a masterpiece that even veteran golem architects find daunting.”

The complexity of a golem increases exponentially with its dimensions.

The larger the unit, the more energy is required for locomotion and the heavier the structural stress it must survive, all while maintaining high velocity, impact force, and sturdiness within that massive chassis.

Achieving such equilibrium necessitates incredibly sophisticated magic circles engraved into the interior.

This is especially true when the frame consists of such a temperamental material as an orichalcum alloy.

“So, it is beyond your ability?”

“It is not impossible—provide me with a single expert, and I will deliver results.”

“An expert?”

“There are several standing right over there, aren’t there?”

Heh heh. Roger gave a guileless smirk, gesturing toward the sorcerers commanding the automatons.

Has this individual entirely discarded the notion that he is meant to be a hero?

“…If we can manage it, I want that golem as well. Deconstructing it would provide a wealth of information.”

He had that same obsessive spark in his eyes as when he had expressed a desire to dismantle the tower.

“We will secure one if the opportunity arises.”

But for the moment, collecting the spoils of war remained secondary to clearing the immediate hurdle.

“What is our next move?”

Krutu inquired.

“With those golems maintaining the perimeter, any standard beast that shows itself will be obliterated.”

“In that case?”

“We let them all be obliterated.”

The mountain range is immense, and the population of monsters is vast. A few casualties are of no consequence.

Even if they repel the attacks with the assistance of the orcs, a relentless tide of monsters will erode their morale over time.

Eventually, a strategic vulnerability to bring down those cursed golems will manifest.

“Let us move.”

“Understood.”

“……”

“Roger.”

“Y-yes! I am following!”

—

The sudden avalanche had instilled a new sense of localized dread within the Akan forces.

“Is it possible the Demon King triggered that landslide on purpose?”

“I have never encountered a record of a Demon King employing such tactics.”

“A mere accident, then?”

“There is no way to be certain. The Erjest Mountains have defied conquest for centuries. We lack data on the local ecology and the specific environmental triggers. Regardless, whether it was calculated or natural, our objective remains unchanged.”

Kain gave a nod of agreement to the leader of the Blue Meteor Mage Corps.

“Indeed. Whether it was the work of the Demon King or nature itself, we were required to intercept it regardless.”

Akan resumed their march. However, the fear of further snowslides forced them to adopt an even more cautious, slower tempo.

And their sluggish movement inevitably turned them into the primary focus for the predatory creatures roaming the peaks.

“Ground Hounds!”

Massive, wolf-like beasts exceeding three meters in height, hunting in coordinated groups, were the first to strike.

“Trolls! Intercept them!”

“Twin-Headed Ogres are closing in!”

These were familiar adversaries.

“Curse it, a Frost Gorgon!”

“Activate the golems!”

“Avoid a direct collision!”

Even gargantuan, shaggy beasts resembling bulls—creatures adapted to the high altitudes despite usually inhabiting the lowlands—joined the fray.

It was a chaotic tempest of violence.

“We catch glimpses of Frost Orcs occasionally, but they refrain from direct combat. It feels as though they are intentionally driving these monsters toward us.”

“It seems the rumors of the Demon King commanding the orcs are true.”

With the five golems and the Titan Chimera Cher leading the vanguard, Akan repelled the onslaught with more efficiency than one might expect.

However, total protection was unattainable; structural damage and physical exhaustion began to accumulate.

Yet, in the midst of this struggle.

“So many.”

“Useful parts.”

Only Lavinia Akan was in high spirits.

“Useless.”

“Good.”

“Useless.”

“Good.”

She sifted through the piles of monster remains, her eyes glowing red against the stark white of the snow. Hearts, skeletal structures, pelts, and sinews—every valuable component disappeared into her dimensional storage.

“Cher, work harder.”

Rooooar—

Content with her collection, Lavinia smiled with genuine joy.

Her companion, the Titan, threw its massive arms up in a celebratory bellow.

Splattered with the gore of monsters and focused on harvesting the dead—Lavinia presented a sight that no amount of flattery could describe as graceful.

“…Pardon my bluntness, but are all the royal daughters of Akan so… distinct?”

“…My sister is a unique case. However, it is thanks to her efforts that we are carving a path toward the Demon King’s tower. Results are results, correct?”

Ahem.

Kain uncomfortably shifted his eyes away from Granada’s inquisitive look.

—

The celebrations hosted by the Hero Guild are events of high prestige.

Myriad heroes are invited, accompanied by the elite of various nations and races who are desperate for a glimpse of them.

‘And I am the center of attention.’

While the Demon King played a part, the rest of the glory was his own doing.

‘No other person could have achieved this without my presence.’

The Demon King had simply been a passenger to his success.

“Have you arrived?”

He reached the grand entrance of the ballroom after traversing a long hallway. The sentries stationed there recognized Hillun and their expressions lifted.

“It is an immense privilege, Sir Hillun.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Allow me the honor of announcing your arrival personally.”

“You are too kind. I am merely a simple hero.”

“No one would dare call the warrior who took down two Demon Kings ‘simple.'”

The guild crier cleared his throat and projected his voice.

“The legendary hero who defeated the Lust Demon King and brought down its fortress, who conquered the Beast Demon King and demolished its tower, and who rescued the 2nd Princess of Berft from the Lust Demon King’s grasp! Hero Hillun Kagil has arrived!”

The massive doors swung open at the conclusion of the long-winded introduction. The elegant music inside the hall paused momentarily. Every gaze shifted toward him.

Hillun Kagil paced forward with deliberation, basking in the reverence of the crowd. He took a glass of wine from a passing servant.

His eyes scanned the room with practiced speed.

‘There is Marquis Abronic of Hyacinth.’

‘Count Galion and Count Guros from Akan.’

Count Tomhal of Corzen and Marquis Killayen of Horton.

He noted several counts and marquis—though the lower-ranking barons and viscounts were far more numerous.

And, of course, the heroes.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Perdal Killayen.”

The first to approach was a man in his middle years sporting an impressive mustache.

He was a prominent noble from the northern power of Horton.

“Hillun Kagil.”

The two men shook hands.

“The tales of your exploits reach my ears without ceasing.”

“Were they truly that remarkable?”

“You are far too modest. Defeating two Demon Kings—you are the most significant hero currently breathing.”

Perhaps not yet the strongest in terms of raw statistics, but he was certainly on that path.

“Thank you.”

A series of brief conversations followed.

“Tell me, how did you manage to rescue Louise Berft? How did you gain foreknowledge of the Lust Demon King’s abduction plot?”

“It was luck. You are aware I was visiting the kingdom as an official guild representative?”

“That explains much. Still, your fortune is uncanny.”

Perdal let out a boisterous laugh.

“I heard the Lust Demon King lost its tail? I regret not being there to see it run away.”

“It was nothing special. They are just as pathetic as humans when cornered.”

“Kuhaha, so much for the majesty of Demon Kings. Ah, look at me.”

Perdal shook his head in amusement.

“I have monopolized the guest of honor for too long. The others will be furious with me.”

“Not at all.”

“May I offer one final introduction?”

“Coming from you, Marquis, I would be honored.”

“Your Highness.”

A wave of whispers traveled through the room. The people surrounding Hillun stepped back to form a path.

A woman stepped forward.

She had golden hair reaching her waist and piercing blue eyes, with a body that looked perfectly conditioned for battle.

“This is our first encounter in person. I am pleased.”

Hillun was well aware of her identity, though they had never met.

“Ah, I have forgotten my manners for a first meeting.”

“It is of no consequence. Speak to me without formality. Hillun Kagil.”

“Very well. I am Jessica Horton.”

She was a Star-ranked hero and a knight-commander of the Horton Kingdom.

While all heroes were members of the guild and many had private ties to specific nations, official government affiliation was usually prohibited.

She was a rare, guild-sanctioned exception to that rule.

A member of Horton’s royalty, a hero, and the commander of the White Rose Knights: Jessica Horton.

“I am honored to meet the warrior who brought low two Demon Kings.”

“The pleasure is mine, Your Highness, whose courage is legendary.”

Horton shared a border with the Erjest Mountains. The constant descent of monsters from the peaks was a daily nightmare for them, requiring the knights to stay in a state of permanent war.

Jessica Horton was always at the front of those battles.

A legendary hero and knight who had defended the frozen frontier for over ten years.

“I was informed you secured a deal for dwarven equipment from their realm? A significant achievement.”

“You flatter me. It was a simple matter of trade.”

“Even so. Getting those stubborn dwarves to commit to regular guild deliveries is a massive win. Horton is relying on those supplies as well.”

Guild-issued equipment was distributed to heroes first. Despite her royal duties, her Star rank gave her top priority.

“Actually, that is not the reason I approached you…”

She looked around the room. The other guests wanting to speak with Hillun were staying back out of respect for her presence.

“Forgive me for asking so soon, but might we have a private conversation?”

“A private audience with Your Highness? I would be honored.”

“A smooth talker. Let us step out to the terrace.”

Jessica offered a small smile. Hillun followed her out. A refreshing night wind blew across the balcony.

“This isn’t the best timing for a first meeting, but have you heard the reports regarding Jesphaine’s northern tundra?”

“The territory of the barbarians?”

“A land of eternal ice.”

The Frost Demon King was the primary factor there.

Hillun searched his memory. However, he had been so focused on integrating into the guild hierarchy that he hadn’t spent much time researching the northern wastes.

“What has occurred there?”

“Something significant, depending on your perspective. Are you familiar with Gillian Aint?”

“The Star-rank hero who leads the White Eagle group.”

“It appears he attempted to challenge the Frost Demon King. The attempt failed; in a fit of rage, the Demon King unleashed monsters to slaughter several barbarian communities.”

“…How terrible.”

Hillun thought rapidly.

Berge had never mentioned this event. Was it being hidden? Or was Berge himself in the dark?

“Are you aware that Gillian and the White Eagle members originate from those northern tribes? The tundra has become a literal battlefield.”

But anger alone wasn’t enough to change things, or the Demon Kings would have been eradicated ages ago.

Gillian Aint lacked the power to face the Demon King’s might by himself.

“He reached out to me for assistance.”

Gillian’s tundra and Jessica’s northern border were strategically linked. They often supported one another.

“I would go, but the monster activity from the mountains has intensified. I cannot leave my post for an extended campaign.”

“You want me to travel to the tundra in your place?”

“It is an unusual request for a first meeting, but yes. I am asking this of you.”

She gave a firm nod.

“He has helped me many times. It is time I paid that debt. But because I am bound here, you were the first person I thought of.”

“…That is a complicated matter.”

Hillun had a lot of business at the headquarters. Having just returned from Berft after the events in Argan, he wasn’t looking forward to another long-term mission.

“I understand. I know how heavy a request this is.”

It wasn’t entirely out of bounds, though. Heroes were created to fight Demon Kings.

Anyone on the continent had the right to ask Hillun to fight on their behalf.

“Just give it some thought. I won’t let you go empty-handed. If you agree, I will compensate you to the full extent of my capabilities. No stress—if the answer is no, just say it. There will be no resentment.”

Hillun nodded slightly.

“I cannot give you an answer this moment. May I have some time to consider?”

“Take all the time you require. I’m just glad you didn’t reject the idea immediately. I half-expected you to turn me down on the spot.”

“I would like to enjoy the rest of the party first.”

“Of course, I’ve kept a busy man away from his fans for too long.”

Jessica gave his shoulder a friendly pat.

“Shall we head back inside?”

“Yes.”

‘I need to get in touch with the Demon King first.’

Jessica Horton was beloved by both heroes and the general public. Fulfilling her request and securing a connection with her would be a massive benefit.

‘If it’s at all possible, I don’t want to let this chance slip away.’

For Hillun, alliances that reinforced his fame and prestige were the most important things of all.