Emperor of Steel [EN]: Chapter 198

It was when Luke, sensing an unusual energy, was leading his forces and had almost reached the old Crete Royal Palace.

Suddenly, the sky turned blood-red, and the air grew so hot it was hard to breathe. The ground shook violently, and the skeletal remains of buildings collapsed completely.

“Your Majesty, it’s dangerous!” Erewin shouted, hurriedly casting a shield spell as a large piece of debris fell towards the Avenger Luke was riding.

Thud!

The shield magic deflected the debris, but Luke ignored it, his eyes fixed on the dark, gaping void that had appeared in the distance a moment ago.

Having summoned demons to absorb their power and even visited the Demon Realm, Luke immediately recognized the nature of the void.

‘A demon summoning circle! Could they have been summoning demons here?’ he thought. He had found it strange that they were only sending out weak demonic beasts to buy time, and now he understood why.

The void, easily over 30 meters wide and long, was ominous and terrifying like an abyss, but fortunately, it didn’t seem like any demons had been summoned yet.

Two figures stood before the void: a demon with pale skin and a pair of horns, and a lich with a sinister glow emanating from its skeletal frame.

Luke glared at the lich rather than the demon.

“Arsen!” he exclaimed.

“Kek. Kek. Kek! Luke. You. Are. Finished!” Arsen replied, laughing triumphantly as he looked at Luke.

At that moment, Luke charged forward like lightning and swung his greatsword, imbued with a golden aura.

‘Huh…!’ Arsen was startled, not expecting Luke to attack so suddenly. He tried to dodge, but his newly acquired body was far inferior to Shykan’s in terms of strength and speed. He froze like a goblin in front of a dragon, and Vargosa hurriedly snatched him away.

Kwaaang—!

A deep, long trench was carved into the ground where the Avenger’s greatsword had struck. If Vargosa had been even a little slower, Arsen’s body would have been destroyed once again.

“Indeed, Arsen had a hard time with him,” Vargosa remarked.

“Are you the Demon Lord?” Luke asked, glaring at the demon who had taken Arsen aside.

At his question, Vargosa realized that the lower demon he thought he had defeated had survived, and that the one who controlled it was the human before him.

Luke pointed his greatsword at Vargosa and said, “I don’t know what kind of contract you made with Arsen, but if you keep protecting him, you will not escape death.”

Vargosa, with an absurd expression, replied to Luke’s warning, “Amazing. I never thought there would be a human in the middle realm who would threaten me, a Demon Lord.”

Even Arsen hadn’t threatened him. He had only coaxed him or made a contract with reasonable conditions. But as he finished speaking, Vargosa’s body vanished from the spot.

Using black magic, he instantly teleported and unleashed a barrage of demonic lightning towards the expeditionary force that had followed Luke.

Kwarururung!

Unlike Luke, the expeditionary force, whose attention was focused on the massive void, was taken aback by the sudden lightning.

“W-what is that!” one of them cried.

“Be careful!” another warned.

Watching the humans scatter in panic, Vargosa smiled and said, “Hehehe, don’t think of it as cowardly. Exploiting weaknesses in battle is part of tactics… Huh?”

Vargosa, who was justifying his attack to Luke, was startled. A young girl had emerged from the expeditionary force and completely nullified his black lightning with a powerful divine power.

‘No way! Even if divine power is the opposite of demonic energy, how could a little girl block my attack?’ he wondered. While he was momentarily stunned, Luke rushed in and swung his greatsword at him.

Vargosa hurriedly deployed a dark shield. However, he was helplessly thrown into the ruins by the greatsword, which was imbued with immense mass and a golden aura amplified by the core engine.

Kwaang!

“Exploiting openings in battle is also part of tactics. So don’t think of it as cowardly,” Luke said, echoing Vargosa’s earlier words.

“Tch, he’s definitely not ordinary!” Vargosa muttered with a wry smile.

While Luke was confronting Vargosa, Erewin was checking on Karen. Karen’s face was pale, as she had just blocked Vargosa’s attack. It was clear that Vargosa’s attack was not to be taken lightly.

“Princess, are you alright?” Erewin asked.

“Haa… Don’t worry about me, and quickly find the Lich King’s life vessel! As soon as possible!” Karen replied.

The root of this problem was the lich Arsen. Now that the demon summoning circle had been activated, it was clear that demons would soon emerge from the void. They didn’t know what kind of demon Arsen had summoned, but it would certainly not be ordinary.

Therefore, Karen decided to find and destroy Arsen’s life vessel before the demon was summoned. That way, they could permanently eliminate Arsen and quell the entire situation. At Karen’s cry, the knights and soldiers, regaining their senses, scattered and began searching the ruins.

Arsen, who had hidden behind the void to avoid Luke, sneered at the humans’ movements. ‘Hmph, you fools. You can search all you want. You won’t find my life vessel there,’ he thought.

He wanted to vent his anger by capturing and killing these guys instead of Luke. However, after switching to a new body, Arsen was weaker than before, and the expeditionary force included formidable individuals like Karen and Hwang Bo-sung. Moreover, they were currently in the middle of an important summoning ritual. If anything happened to him, the summoning medium, the ritual could be canceled. So, Arsen decided to hide from Luke and the expeditionary force until the Demon King was summoned. But that resolve didn’t last long.

There was someone among the expeditionary force who was acting suspiciously.

‘A lighthouse built on the shell of a large sea turtle…’ Scarlet thought, staring at the rocky island in the sea off the coast where the royal palace was located. Unlike the others, she was focused on the rocky island, shaped like a turtle, with a lonely lighthouse standing on it.

“When the night is darker than ever, aim for the lighthouse built on the shell of a large sea turtle,” her master, Erenes, had said, words she had long forgotten. When she first heard that story, she didn’t understand what it meant. But now, seeing the night darker than ever, the void darker than the abyss, and the lighthouse on the turtle-shaped rocky island, her master’s words came back to her clearly.

‘My master told me to aim for the lighthouse. Then, the lich’s life vessel that the princess mentioned must be in the lighthouse…!’ she realized.

Taptaptap!

Scarlet quickly jumped onto a nearby stone pillar and pulled an arrow from her quiver. It was a special arrow made by the dwarf elder, with a steel shaft and an arrowhead made of a magical alloy used to make Gigant’s armor. When imbued with aura, it was incredibly powerful and was used to snipe superhuman beings above the level of a typical sword master. With this, she could easily shatter the lighthouse. Confident in that, Scarlet began to draw her bow, imbuing it with aura.

Whoooom!

A bright light formed at the tip of the arrow. The ether that Erenes had passed down to her, the power that Luke had sealed away, was awakening.

“That, that girl… !” Arsen exclaimed, aghast as he saw Scarlet aiming her bow at the lighthouse. His life vessel was hidden in the lighthouse on the rocky island. He didn’t know how that red-haired girl knew that, but he couldn’t just let it go.

“Black Spear!” he shouted.

“It’s dangerous!” Hwang Bo-sung yelled, throwing himself towards Scarlet as he saw Arsen launch a black spear.

As Hwang Bo-sung’s hand touched her body, Scarlet shot a light arrow made of ether towards the lighthouse.

Sseeeeek—!

The light arrow flew towards the lighthouse, drawing a white trail in the air. Thanks to Hwang Bo-sung, Scarlet narrowly avoided the black spear, but she looked dismayed as she watched the arrow’s trajectory.

‘Damn it, I missed!’ she thought. The direction had been slightly off because Hwang Bo-sung had grabbed her.

Kwaaaang—!

The light arrow broke through the roof of the lighthouse. As she clicked her tongue in disappointment, Arsen suddenly grabbed his chest and let out a desperate scream.

“Kuaaaaaak!” The debris from the roof, shattered by the light arrow, fell on his life vessel, which was stored inside the lighthouse. Although the life vessel was not destroyed, it was severely damaged, and Arsen’s soul was also severely impacted. Arsen, whose soul was damaged, could not help but feel terrible pain.

“This, no way… !” Vargosa looked dismayed at the sight of Arsen rolling around on the ground like a madman. He quickly turned his gaze towards the void. If Arsen’s condition was serious, the summoning could be interrupted. But fortunately, the void was unharmed. In fact, an even more intense demonic energy was emanating from it, shaking the heavens and the earth.

“Uwaaaah! It’s dangerous!” someone cried.

“Retreat! Everyone retreat!” another shouted.

The intense demonic energy was like poison, and anyone who was not a black magician could die if exposed to it for too long. As the expeditionary force retreated in shock, a huge hand suddenly emerged from the void. The hand, imbued with an ominously dark demonic energy, melted the rocks around the void as soon as it touched them. Horrified by the sight, Luke immediately charged in and swung his greatsword. He was trying to strike the demon before it completely emerged from the void.

Kwaang—!

A loud metallic sound and a fierce shockwave spread in all directions. However, the demon’s hand, struck by the greatsword, showed no significant damage. Despite deploying his gold aura to the maximum, he had only managed to cut a small part of its skin.

‘This can’t be…!’ Luke thought.

“Hehehe! What a grand welcome,” a sinister voice said as a demon, having completely passed through the void, revealed itself. Its massive, muscular body was comparable in size to a hero-class Gigant [a type of large, powerful magical construct], and its head, adorned with four pairs of horns, had a sinister glow.

“Hiiiik!” one of the soldiers screamed.

“Cough! Kuaaaack!” another cried.

The soldiers of the expeditionary force who made eye contact with the demon screamed and died instantly. Even at a considerable distance, they could not withstand the terrifying demonic energy and killing intent it emitted. Among the knights, there were more than a few who died of heart attacks or fainted.

Even Sword Masters Rogers and Philip trembled, paralyzed with fear, while the demon Belpar completely prostrated himself, burying his head in the ground.

The only ones who seemed ready to react were Grand Duke Gregory, Hwangbo-sung, and Karen.

However, their faces were pale with a fear and intimidation unlike anything they had ever experienced.

‘Good heavens! I expected it, but…’

Luke was also frozen in place by the murderous intent, unable to move.

However, his skills as the strongest Rune Knight and his sense of duty to protect his loved ones spurred his body and mind into action.

“Disappear!”

He unleashed a Cyclone Rage at the end of his Gold Sword, riding the Avenger.

The storm-like sword strike, twice as powerful, sliced at the demon’s neck faster than lightning.

Clang—!

‘No!’

With a metallic sound, the greatsword shattered.

Luke’s eyes widened as the demon, who had been touching his neck where the sword had struck, grinned.

“That tickles.”

The demon, with a wicked smile, threw a short punch.

Kwaaaang!

The punch was so powerful that the space around it seemed to distort.

The moment the demon stepped forward to punch, the ground cracked and buckled as if an earthquake had struck.

The Avenger, struck by that powerful blow, tumbled across the ground like a tin can and crashed into the ruins.

“Dad!” Karen screamed, rushing towards the Avenger where Luke was.

Grand Duke Gregory followed right behind her. Or rather, he tried to, but his legs wouldn’t move properly.

Watching the demon slowly take each step, flaunting his presence, made his skin crawl and his head spin.

‘This isn’t a normal demon, this is definitely…!’

A Demon King.

The highest-ranking demon who rules the Demon Realm.

The worst being, thought to exist only in myths and legends, had now descended before everyone’s eyes.

2

‘Ugh! What is this…!’

Luke, who had crashed into the spot where the old palace used to be, couldn’t help but feel a surge of nausea.

The attack from the demon that had just been summoned was truly immense.

It was only because it was him, and because he was riding the Avenger, a super-hero-class Gigant [a type of large, powerful magical construct], that he hadn’t been killed instantly.

“Oh ho! A human in the middle realm who can block my attack, that’s unexpected.”

Crown looked surprised as he watched Luke rise from the rubble.

Although he had been unceremoniously thrown into the ruins, Luke had quickly deployed a barrier the moment Crown launched his punch.

He had used a point defense method, concentrating his gold aura on the point of impact.

Although his defense was insufficient and he was thrown back, it was still surprising from Crown’s perspective.

Even during the Great God-Demon War ten thousand years ago, there were hardly any humans who could block his attacks.

Moreover, those few humans were beings who were deeply loved by the gods.

Their bodies were filled with inexhaustible divine power, and they were adorned with weapons and armor made by the best blacksmiths of the divine realm.

But this human had no divine armor, and although he possessed divine power, it was so small that it was almost laughable to call him a messenger of the gods.

Instead, he was riding a steel doll that resembled the extinct giants.

However, compared to the divine armor imbued with all sorts of mysterious spiritual powers, it was nothing more than a crude toy.

“Dad, are you okay?” Karen asked, her face tearful as she rushed to Luke like lightning.

Luke responded by breaking through the crushed hatch and chest armor.

Despite his calm expression, his legs were trembling from the impact of the previous blow.

Seeing this, Karen tried to support him, but Luke refused.

“I’m fine, don’t cry. More importantly, tell everyone not to act rashly and to stay far away.”

“Huh?”

“Tell them never to challenge that Demon King.”

Luke was certain that the demon that had been summoned was a Demon King.

Regardless of how Arsen had managed to summon a Demon King, the only demon capable of unleashing such a powerful blow, far surpassing a Demon Duke, would be a Demon King.

Luke was worried that Gregory or Hwangbo-sung might recklessly charge in.

“What are you doing? Go tell them quickly.”

“Ah, okay.”

While Luke and Karen were talking, Arsen awkwardly approached Crown, knelt down, and repeatedly bowed his head.

“Welcome. To. This. Realm, Great. Demon. King! Please. Grant. This. Humble. Servant. The. Power. To. Eradicate. All. Those. Damned. Humans. And. Elves!”

Arsen shouted with a face full of joy. With the power Crown had just shown, he felt that his wishes could be granted.

If he could become two or three times stronger than his prime with the Demon King’s help, he could surely take over the middle realm.

Arsen, lying flat on the ground, smiled as he imagined the possibilities.

Crown glanced down at Arsen, then turned his gaze to Bargosa, who was standing behind him.

Crown’s thunderous voice fell upon Bargosa, who was bowing respectfully.

“It’s been a while, Bargosa! How long has it been since I’ve seen your face like this?”

“Have you been well, Your Majesty?”

“Heh heh heh! Well? Far from it, I was bored to death. More importantly, do you know your sin!”

Bargosa calmly replied to Crown’s questioning.

“Rather than a sin, I believe it was a patriotic decision for the peace and new future of the Demon Realm.”

“Oh yes, thanks to your decision for peace and the future, the Demon Kings are still fighting timidly today.”

“…”

The current Demon Realm was in a delicate balance between the seven rulers.

As a result, although small battles might occur at the borders, there were no full-scale wars like in the past.

Bargosa simply smiled at Crown’s sarcasm, who was displeased with this situation.

Crown, glaring at Bargosa’s annoying attitude, continued to speak.

“I will deal with your punishment later. More importantly, is this lich here the one who made the contract with me?”

“Yes, it is.”

“But he doesn’t look so good?”

Crown asked, frowning.

The lich kneeling before him had cracks and damage all over his spiritual essence.

“Just now, while summoning Your Majesty, a human woman’s arrow slightly damaged my life vessel.”

“Tsk, so your spiritual essence was damaged.”

Crown couldn’t help but be disappointed.

He had been looking forward to eating fresh meat, but it felt like he had been given a half-rotten fish.

He thought he was finally going to get a useful spiritual essence, but its condition was not good.

“This is different from what we discussed, Bargosa.”

“Didn’t I tell you? It was because of an unfortunate accident that happened just now.”

“Shut up! If you’re a Demon Duke, you should have been able to prevent such an unfortunate accident. How did you manage your life vessel!”

“I was doing my best…”

Bargosa scratched his head, looking troubled.

Scarlett’s attack was truly unexpected. How did she know the life vessel was there!

“Great. Demon. King, please. Calm. Your. Wrath… Kehk!”

The moment Arsen raised his head and spoke, Crown stepped on him with his large foot.

“You impudent fool, how dare you, a filthy lich, speak to me first? And not just once, but twice?!”

“Kehk! Forgive. Me!”

“Shut up, you filthy lich! You have no sincerity. When serving someone as noble as me, you should have not only yourself as a sacrifice, but also pretty women!”

Crown had come expecting a bonus.

But there was no bonus, and even the sacrifice was not satisfactory, so he was extremely displeased.

Bargosa soothed Crown and stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, now that you have responded to the summons, you cannot ignore the contract. Aren’t we demons noble beings, unlike those lowly humans?”

“Hmph, who said I would ignore it? I’m just not satisfied.”

Arsen, who was half-buried in the ground, was overjoyed at Crown’s words.

He had been worried that the Demon King might return to the Demon Realm, but he was still going to honor the contract!

“Now, what do you want, you filthy lich? Tell me what you want to achieve by selling your soul.”

At Crown’s words, Arsen repeated the wish he had just made.

“Great. Demon. King! Grant. This. Humble. Servant. The. Power. To. Eradicate. Luke. De. Rakan, Who. Deserves. To. Be. Torn. To. Pieces!”

Arsen said, pointing at Luke with his broken, dangling arm.

Crown snorted and shook his head.

“I cannot grant that.”

“Wh, Why. Not!”

Instead of Crown, Bargosa explained to Arsen, who was filled with resentment and anger.

“Arsen, your spiritual essence was damaged by the arrow that human shot just now. If you try to take in a strong power in that state, you won’t be able to handle it. You’ll just go berserk and disappear.”

“Th, That’s…!”

“Don’t you remember? From the moment you summoned His Majesty, your spiritual essence belongs to His Majesty, not you. Would His Majesty want to lose a possession he worked so hard to obtain?”

Arsen’s eyes went blank at Bargosa’s explanation.

He never imagined that the arrow from the red-haired woman would lead to such a tragedy!

Arsen, his skull trembling with rising resentment, said with a chilling glint in his eyes.

“If. I. Cannot. Gain. Power… If. I. Cannot. Eradicate. Luke. Myself, Then. Please. Defeat. Him. For. Me, Demon. King!”

Crown scratched his head and replied.

“Hmm, it seems like I’m losing out, but since I made a contract, I’ll grant it.”

He took his foot off Arsen and walked towards Luke.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

With each step, the ground touched by his demonic energy melted, and the murderous intent emanating from his body doubled.

“Gulp!”

Karen, along with Marquis Rogers, Philip, Hwangbo-sung, and Erwin, who were watching from afar, gritted their teeth and tried to rush forward.

Having overcome their fear, they were determined to fight alongside Luke.

However, Grand Duke Gregory stopped them.

“Everyone, stay where you are!”

“Your Grace!”

“In this situation, even if we join forces, we won’t be of much help! No, we’ll only be a hindrance to His Majesty…”

The opponent was none other than a Demon King.

Even Luke, the strongest Rune Knight in the middle realm, might not be a match for him, so if they, who were weaker than Luke, went, they would only be a hindrance.

“And didn’t His Majesty tell you not to act rashly through the princess? It seems like he has something in mind, so let’s wait.”

Gregory saw that Luke’s eyes were still alive as he faced the Demon King.

He would never kneel before the Demon King like this.

At his persuasion, Karen and the others decided to wait and see.

And Gregory’s judgment was correct.

Because Crown was secretly very disappointed that the humans and elves were not moving.

‘Tch, I was going to stir things up a bit… You’re quick on the uptake.’

Compared to him, the human and elven alliance seemed as weak as gnats, but he could derive some pleasure from slaughtering them unilaterally. He could also enrage the fellow named Luke, who seemed to be their leader, and make him burn with fighting spirit. Then, perhaps, the fight might become a bit more interesting, like when he fought the human heroes of old.

‘No, seeing how cautious they are even in this situation, they might show me something different.’ Perhaps he might experience a new, unprecedented kind of fun. With such anticipation, Crown quickened his pace.

3

As Crown approached, Luke frowned. The pressure he felt up close was several times stronger than when he was far away. His skin tingled with bloodlust, and his limbs trembled uncontrollably, but he gritted his teeth and overcame it, opening his mouth to speak to Crown first.

“I am Luke de Rakanio, the king of the Symphonia Kingdom! And also the representative of the elven and human alliance. What is your name, you who have answered the summons of the wicked?”

At Luke’s question, Crown wore an absurd expression. He had attacked without warning when he came out of the subspace just a moment ago, and now he was asking for introductions! Crown glared sharply at his opponent, who seemed to have forgotten what he had done. His gaze, which would kill an ordinary human with just a brief encounter, was unleashed, but the fellow calmly raised his head and looked back.

‘Look at this? He’s got quite the nerve.’ It wasn’t just nerve; his skills were considerable too. It was a surprise attack, but he had dared to leave a scratch on his body. It had been almost ten thousand years since he had seen a human this strong. Crown, who loved strong opponents as much as he loved battle, decided to listen to what the other had to say for now.

“Kukuku, me, you ask? I am the Demon King Crown. You insignificant humans may have long forgotten, but I was once one of the seven rulers who governed the Demon Realm.”

‘Demon King Crown!’ At Crown’s boastful words, Luke couldn’t help but be inwardly shocked. He had heard rumors about Crown when he briefly visited the Demon Realm during the time of Seymon. He was the most battle-crazed demon in the Demon Realm, and his one-on-one combat ability was the highest among the demon kings. He had fought countless battles against various demon kings, and eventually, he was stripped of his throne by his son and confined to a remote area.

‘This is the worst! Why him of all people…!’ He might have considered trying to fight another demon king, but this one was impossible. Still, he couldn’t give up just like that. Crown glanced down at Luke and smiled thinly.

“Your expression has stiffened a bit. Have you perhaps heard of my reputation?” He had tried not to show it, but it seemed he couldn’t hide it completely. Luke opened his mouth with a confident face.

“I have a master-servant contract with a low-ranking demon.”

“Are you talking about that vampire who’s lost his mind? It’s not strange for a strong one like you to have such a pathetic creature as a slave.” Crown’s gaze briefly swept past Belfar, who was burying his head in the ground like an ostrich.

“So, did that fellow tell you about me?”

“No, I knew about you before that. You are the king of demon kings, a being whose infamy has spread even to the divine realm.”

“Kuhahahaha! You know me well! You are indeed an extraordinary human!” As Luke praised him, Crown burst into a hearty laugh. The expeditionary forces covered their ears and stepped back at the laughter that seemed to shake their minds. Still, to the strong ones like Gregory and Karen, it was much milder compared to the murderous gaze from before.

“I have heard that you, the king of demon kings, are the proudest warrior of the Demon Realm. I would like to propose a wager to you.”

“A wager?”

“Yes. If you attack me and I manage to block it, you will return to the Demon Realm.”

At Luke’s words, Crown’s eyes narrowed. And his gaze became even sharper and more murderous.

“And if you fail to block it?”

“If such a situation occurs, I, along with all the humans and elves here, will offer our lives to you.” If he failed to block it, all the humans and elves here would be no match for Crown even if they all attacked him. Since it was obvious that they would all be annihilated, Luke decided to take a gamble with their lives. He decided to take this gamble because of the rumors he had heard about Crown in the past. The Demon King Crown was said to love wagers as much as he loved fighting, especially life-or-death matches.

‘If the Demon King accepts the wager and I manage to block his attack…’

There would be no more reason to shed blood. Crown would return to the Demon Realm, and Arsen’s conspiracy and ambition would come to an end.

“Kukuku, you are a truly arrogant fellow.” Crown could see through Luke’s intentions, but he was filled with a competitive spirit. Perhaps it was because Luke had blocked his attack a moment ago.

“Arrogant and foolish. Do you think I used my full power just now?”

“I know you didn’t. But I believe it’s worth trying, don’t you? And there’s nothing more joyful than winning a fight that seems impossible.”

“Kukuku, interesting. You know how to fight!” Crown wasn’t born a demon king. He had climbed to his current position through countless battles since he was a fledgling demon, so long ago that he couldn’t even remember. In this process, he had met many formidable opponents, but he had defeated them all. The thrill he felt then was incomparably stronger than when he defeated someone weaker than himself. The strong human he had met after ten thousand years was a very unique fellow. He had expected him to spout annoying things like having a world he wanted to protect or wanting to punish him in the name of God, but he had spoken so boldly! He was a truly likeable fellow.

“Very well, I shall accept your wager!” When Crown accepted Luke’s proposal, Arsen was shocked. Just a moment ago, when Crown had stepped forward, he had believed without a doubt that Luke would be annihilated without a trace. But then, the atmosphere seemed to become somewhat amicable due to Luke’s eloquence, and now Crown was readily accepting his proposal! If Crown were to lose the wager, it would be a disaster. He would lose his soul, and his ambition would end here in vain. Feeling that he couldn’t stay still, Arsen hurriedly stepped forward.

“D-Demon King! D-Do not be deceived by his cunning tricks! Humans are a race that lies without a second thought!” At Arsen’s cry, Crown looked at him. The demon king’s eyes were flashing more murderously than when he had looked down at Luke a moment ago.

“Gah!” A roar so loud that it shook the air erupted from Crown’s mouth. Then, Arsen’s skull, which was already badly broken from being trampled, scattered in all directions as if hit by a strong wind.

“You bug-like lich! Do you think I can’t defeat this one human?”

“H-Hic! T-That’s not…” Arsen’s skull, which had been broken and reassembled, was startled.

“Shut up! Isn’t that what you’re saying because you don’t trust me? You wouldn’t dare say such things if you had to face my attack!” As Crown raised his fist as if he were about to strike, Bargosa stepped forward.

“Your Majesty! Arsen was only worried that your reputation might be tarnished, so please forgive him.”

“Hmph, worried my ass! If you open your mouth unnecessarily one more time, I’ll roast you in the fires of hell before I flatten that human!” As if to show that he wasn’t joking, fierce flames shot up in front of Arsen and Bargosa. Bargosa sighed briefly and shook his head at Arsen. It meant not to provoke him any further. In fact, there were more than a few demons in the Demon Realm who had been crushed after touching Crown’s pride. Arsen didn’t know that, but he was completely intimidated by Crown’s terrifying threat.

“I-I was momentarily out of my mind! Please do as you wish, Demon King!” In the end, Arsen, who was frightened, backed down, and the wager between Luke and Crown was established, and the fate of the middle realm was placed on the line in their one exchange.

4

Once the agreement with Crown was made, Luke immediately prepared for battle. First, he checked the condition of the damaged Avenger. Both arms had been torn off by Crown’s blow, and the armor was severely damaged, but it could still move. Most importantly, the core engine was intact.

‘Good, I can still use it!’ However, it was a reality that the Avenger in this state was not enough. So, Luke took out all the spare Gigantes [large, humanoid combat robots] from the subspace. Two Knight-class Gaiuses and four Warrior-class Stilettos. Luke used marionette magic to control the spare Gigantes and began to draw a magic circle on the ground that he had never seen before.

‘It’s still just a concept, but…’ Black magic or power absorbed from other demons wouldn’t work against a demon king. Then, he would have to fight only with swordsmanship, divine power, and magical abilities. What Luke was drawing now was an integrated magic circle that combined the output of the seven Gigantes’ core engines into one. By synchronizing the gathered energy with his body, he could increase the power of his magic or swordsmanship by up to ten times. The problem was that this method was only completed as a theory in his head. It needed to be refined through numerous experiments and trials, but he had no choice but to use it immediately to block Crown’s attack.

“Kukuku, do you think you can block my attack by summoning a bunch of those metal dolls?” Crown, who saw Luke drawing a star-shaped magic circle, smiled wryly.

“I’ll show you. A new era of combat that you don’t know!” At Luke’s confident words with a serious glint in his eyes, Crown slightly curled up the corners of his mouth. It reminded him of a rival he had fought a long time ago.

‘He’s just like Achilleon.’ Ten thousand years ago. There were several human heroes who were active in the gods’ camp. Among them was a warrior who had received the blessings of the war god Mars and the dragon god, and his name was Achilleon. Achilleon’s whole body was invulnerable to swords due to the dragon god’s blessing, and he was incredibly skilled in magic and swordsmanship. He also had a divine sword bestowed by Mars, making him a formidable opponent for Crown.

‘But what made him most difficult was his indomitable fighting spirit.’ He could feel that strong will from the human in front of him.

“Human king, how about withdrawing your wager now?”

“I refuse. I will definitely block your attack.”

“Even if I would spare your life if you withdraw?” Crown said something that sounded tempting. However, Luke’s response was to convert the Ether Glove into a mana circle and accelerate it. Kiiiiiiiiing! As the core engines of the seven Gigantes at the apex accelerated simultaneously, Luke’s mana in the center began to increase exponentially. The ground cracked and shattered rocks and debris shot up, and blue sparks like lightning flashed repeatedly in the air.

“I will not beg for my life or the fate of everyone.”

“Kukuku, good! That’s what a hero should be!” Crown laughed heartily and clenched his right fist. The stance was very simple, but the amount of magical energy gathering in his fist was beyond imagination.

It was as if a black hole was sucking in all the demonic energy of this world, endlessly drawing it in. Krrrrrr! Crack! Sizzle! The demonic energy that had gathered around Crown’s fist swirled like dark clouds, emitting vivid lightning bolts. Each of those lightning bolts possessed power comparable to the electric magic unleashed by a high-ranking demon. It was clear that if that fist were to strike properly, the sky would split and the earth would be overturned. ‘Ah, Father…!’ ‘Your Majesty, please prevail!’ ‘God! Grant strength to His Majesty!’ Starting with Karen, the entire expeditionary force knelt and prayed. Their faces, filled with fervent pleas, expressed their hope for Luke’s victory in the duel against the Demon King. However, Luke’s face, as he faced the battle, was utterly calm. It wasn’t because he had already given up on everything, but rather to maintain extreme composure. It would be problematic if the magic power linked to the seven Gigantes’ core engines were to go berserk or scatter before clashing with Crown. “Human king, are you prepared?” To Crown’s arrogant question, Luke responded by drawing the Holy Sword Valiant. Crown, his lips curling into a smirk at the sight, brought down his raised iron fist. “Receive this, a gift from the strongest Demon King of the Demon Realm!” “Rakan! Show me the future!” Simultaneously with Crown bringing down his iron fist, Luke dashed forward. He detonated the magic power amplified by linking it with the seven Gigantes all at once, channeling it into Valiant. Then, he simultaneously deployed Cyclone Rage and Clock Up Sword, the strongest sword techniques of the latter half of Gold Sword. He unleashed his magical abilities, honed since his time as Seymon, and Rakan’s swordsmanship at the same time. That unified power manifested in the Holy Sword Valiant, clashing with the iron fist of the strongest Demon King. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz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Crown’s actions were truly unexpected.

To make a bet with a human was one thing, but to return to the Demon Realm so readily, using such a flimsy excuse, was beyond comprehension.

‘Could it be that he saw through my plan?’

Bargosa had intended to eliminate Crown this time.

Even though he was confined to his place of exile, Bargosa couldn’t be at ease with his existence.

1,000 years ago, Crown had sworn to the Demon God that he would not reclaim his throne or seek revenge.

However, if he so desired, he could easily bring about the downfall of his son or Bargosa himself through indirect means, such as aiding another demon king.

That’s why Bargosa had planned to summon him to the mortal realm and kill him when the opportunity arose.

Of course, it was impossible for Bargosa to eliminate Crown with his own power. Although he had weakened since stepping down from the throne, once a demon king, always a demon king.

However, given his nature, there was a high probability that he would continue to wreak havoc in the mortal realm even after fulfilling the contract, engaging in slaughter and destruction.

If that happened, the Divine Realm would intervene, and even Crown would likely be dealt with.

But he returned before even causing any trouble!

“Tch, I’ve been outsmarted this time.”

Arsene, seeing Bargosa’s defeated smile, roared.

“Shut up, Bargosa! What are you going to do about this! You summoned the Demon King, and he ran away. So you take responsibility! I said, take responsibility!”

Arsene was screaming, but Bargosa merely scoffed.

“Why should I take responsibility? Wasn’t it you who asked me to summon a demon stronger than myself?”

He was right.

If Arsene, blinded by revenge, had not followed his advice, this mess wouldn’t have happened.

“What did you say? You didn’t mediate properly… !”

“You don’t have time to blame me right now, do you?”

At Bargosa’s gesture, Arsene flinched and looked around.

Humans and elves had surrounded him, and among them stood Luke, who had fully recovered.

“Listening quietly, it seems the situation has become quite interesting.”

“Ugh… !”

Arsene made a resentful face at Luke’s words.

“I came here intending to finish you off completely, but it seems there’s no need. You’ll be tasting eternal torment in the hands of the Demon King from now on.”

A soul that has become a demon’s possession can never be saved, unless that demon dies.

It was no different from a lich [an undead creature animated by dark magic].

Moreover, Arsene was well aware that his spiritual essence had been damaged.

And since his Life Vessel had been taken, he wouldn’t be able to resurrect in a new body.

As Luke said, he would undoubtedly live forever in the Demon Realm, suffering as Crown’s plaything.

“May you forever taste the pain of those you have hurt in that hellish world.”

“W-wait a minute!”

Arsene waved his hand in panic, but Valiant, drawn from its scabbard, mercilessly cleaved his body.

Shwack!

“K-kyaaaak! No! It can’t end like this…”

The holy flames of gold aura emitted from the holy sword instantly turned Arsene’s body to ash.

Even the last twitching jawbone crumbled, and the remaining ashes were swept away by the wind without a trace.

“Is it finally over?”

“Your Majesty, there are still enemies remaining.”

At Grand Duke Gregory’s words, Luke turned his gaze to Bargosa, who was left alone.

Bargosa, who had a bitter expression, opened his mouth.

“Are you going to kill me?”

“If you intend to follow the contract you made with Arsene, then that will be the case.”

Bargosa gave a wry smile at Luke’s answer.

“I certainly made a contract with Arsene. To stay on this island and protect his Life Vessel. But I failed.”

Arsene’s Life Vessel had not been destroyed.

If it had been destroyed, Bargosa would have suffered penalties for failing to fulfill the contract.

But seeing that it was intact, it seemed he hadn’t failed the contract.

However, since Crown had taken the Life Vessel, it couldn’t be said that he had perfectly fulfilled the contract of protection.

“Since I’ve failed, there’s nothing left for me to do in the mortal realm.”

More than that, he had a reason to return to the Demon Realm quickly.

If Crown had noticed his plan, he didn’t know what he might do in the Demon Realm. He had to go quickly and stop him.

At Bargosa’s words, Luke sheathed his sword and said,

“If you’re going back to the Demon Realm, there’s no reason to fight.”

This guy must have also aided Arsene’s evil deeds.

However, Luke had used up a considerable amount of his power fighting the Demon King.

In this situation, if he fought recklessly, his allies could suffer significant damage.

Even if he was alone, the opponent was a dangerous being, a Demon Realm Archduke.

“Don’t ever appear in the mortal realm again.”

“If no one seeks me out, that will be the case.”

At least, as long as the dangerous human who cut off the Demon King’s horn was alive, he wouldn’t respond to any contracts.

Bargosa made that resolution and set off on his journey home.

Whoosh!

As Bargosa disappeared through the demon summoning circle, Luke finally let out a sigh of relief.

“It’s really over now, it’s finally over.”

Along with the relief, fatigue washed over him.

That fatigue was accumulated from the struggles that began since his time as Seymon, or rather, since he was reborn as Luke de Rakan.

From now on, all that remained was to shake off that fatigue.

“You’ve worked hard, Dad!”

“You’ve done a great job, Your Majesty!”

Luke opened his mouth towards Karen and his subordinates who were kneeling before him.

“Let’s go back, to the place where everyone is waiting.”

A carefree smile appeared on his lips as he thought of his loved ones.

Just in time, the dark clouds receded, and the sunlight that rose from the eastern sky shone brightly, as if blessing the future of the group.

6

The Sacred Palace Chapel.

After the expeditionary force departed for Crete Island, Reina had been constantly praying to God in this place for their safe return.

“I beseech the great Lord God Elkasel and the Earth Mother Belise. Please, let the turmoil of this land end…”

Today, her prayers were more earnest than usual.

Last night, she had a disturbing dream of Luke and Karen facing a terrifying demon.

Her dreams often did not end as mere dreams, so she prayed earnestly again and again.

‘Please come back safely! If you come back safely, I’ll forgive you all(?).’

She didn’t know what she was forgiving, but she kept repeating these words in her heart.

Then, a voice clicking its tongue came from behind.

“Tsk, tsk, you’re doing it again. I told you not to overdo it because it’s bad for your health.”

“It seems you really don’t trust Dad.”

“Ah… !”

At the very welcome voice, Reina jumped up from her seat.

‘You’ve heard my prayers. God, thank you!’

She turned around, having shouted that in her heart.

Luke and Karen were standing there, smiling more brightly than ever.

Reina ran to them and hugged Luke tightly.

“Is this really… not a dream?”

“Of course not. It’s all over now, so you don’t have to worry anymore.”

At the same time, the outside became noisy, and the sound of a horn was heard.

Boooooo!

“The expeditionary force has returned! The expeditionary force has returned!”

“We must inform His Holiness of this joyful news immediately!”

Hearing the sound of the horn announcing the return of the expeditionary force and the shouts of the people, she could feel it even more.

Joyful tears welled up in Reina’s eyes.

For years, she had gone through so many hardships and adversities, and the thing she had wished for had finally come true.

Karen was watching the two of them from behind with a warm gaze.

She, who had gone back in time against the order of the universe, had also fulfilled her wish to defeat the Lich King.

‘It’s finally over. But my time… our family’s life is not over.’

She would now put down the title of the last hope of the world.

Karen decided to live as an ordinary girl who could be spoiled by her parents.

“Honey, you know, there’s a place I really want to go right now.”

Reina, who had been in Luke’s arms for a while, opened her mouth.

“Tell me. I’ll take you anywhere.”

“Lamer. I want to go to that place of memories where we first met.”

“A place of memories… Okay! Then let’s all go together. Karen hasn’t been to Lamer either.”

The moment Luke decided that, Grand Duke Gregory, who had been waiting outside the chapel, rushed in.

“Where are you going! There are so many things to take care of after the war…”

“I’m sorry, Grand Duke.”

At the same time as Reina apologized, Luke deployed teleportation magic.

Gregory rushed in, but the three of them disappeared in the nick of time.

“Oh no!”

Grand Duke Gregory, with a look of dismay, picked up the Pope’s crown that had fallen on the floor.

It was what Reina had dropped just before the teleportation magic was activated.

“Surely you’re not planning to abdicate?”

Gregory was suddenly worried.

Reina had become Pope to help Luke.

But now that all the events were over, she might say she would quit being Pope.

His face, as he let out a long sigh, was full of the expression of a father suffering because of his only daughter.

“Hey, did you hear? Her Holiness the Pope has disappeared!”

“There are rumors that she was kidnapped by the Demon King…”

“You guys, where are you spreading such nonsense? That’s all fake news!”

“Really?”

“Really! My cousin works at the Sacred Palace, and High Priest Luther said so!”

“That’s a relief then.”

The disappearance of Veronica III was a major event that shook Bless and the Holy Empire for a while.

However, that tumultuous event was the last of its kind.

The political situation on the continent no longer fluctuated, and there were no more people lurking in the shadows to disturb the world.

The continent was now entering an era of peace.