Chapter 1

The blood-soaked ceremonial hall resembled a macabre painting heralding the violent end of what had once been a splendid banquet.

Long banquet tables were cleaved in two, their jagged splinters strewn amidst the shattered glassware that caught the light across the floor.

Spilled wine mingled with fresh blood, pooling together in swirling shades of crimson and black that bloomed across the carpet like grotesque, vibrant roses.

The sweet fragrance of fermented grapes clashed with the metallic stench of gore, choking the hall with a suffocating, decadent heaviness.

What was meant to be a place of celebration had devolved into a slaughterhouse, and even the dying groans of the felled dwarves had long since faded into stillness.

All that remained standing were the elite magic knights of the Earth Empire—and at their head stood two members of the Imperial Five Swords: Zelgius and Charles.

Facing off against them were Ars and the twin dwarven princesses, Regi and Sigi.

Behind them, standing as their steadfast bulwark, was their loyal attendant, Moldin.

Between the two opposing sides, the tension stretched taut to the point of snapping.

At long last, shattering the suffocating silence, Zelgius of the Imperial Five Swords let out a faint, amused sigh.

“The Magic Essence Mimir, hm...?”

A wry smirk curled Zelgius's lips at the audacious claim made by the newly arrived youth, Ars.

His gaze carried a gleam of deep skepticism, as if appraising something utterly absurd.

“Ars, was it? If you value your life, I’d advise you never to utter the name of Magic Essence Mimir so casually.”

Letting out an exaggerated sigh as though all the fun had been sucked out of the room, Zelgius pulled up a nearby chair and casually took a seat.

“Tell me, Ars. Just how much do you actually know about the Magic Essence Mimir?”

Taken aback by Zelgius’s sudden decision to call a truce, Ars answered with a shrug.

“Not a whole lot... Just that they're supposed to be in Magic City. I've been looking all over the place, but haven't found a single trace.”

“Naturally. If they were easy to find, no one would break a sweat,” Zelgius replied smoothly. “The Magic Essence Mimir is an elusive phantom who plundered magical knowledge from across the globe. As a result, every nation in the world has placed a bounty on their head.”

Zelgius poured wine into an intact glass, savored its bouquet for a brief moment, and took an elegant sip.

“Which means claiming that moniker is tantamount to making an enemy of the entire world. Perhaps the eccentrics of Magic City might welcome you with open arms, but... well, come to think of it, there’s hardly any reason for me to show such consideration to someone I just met. Call it unnecessary meddling on my part.”

Zelgius waved a hand dismissively, his mouth curving into a self-deprecating grin.

“Let’s just forget my little piece of advice, shall we? More importantly, Ars—or perhaps I should address you as Lord Magic Essence Mimir?”

Zelgius snorted with mockery.

“You’ve piqued my interest. Why don’t we have ourselves a little chat?”

With a snap of his fingers, the magic knight attending him—Charles, the Second Seat of the Imperial Five Swords—stepped forward and brought over a chair.

Without the slightest hesitation, Ars pulled it out and brazenly sat down.

“Sure, I don't mind keeping you company for a bit,” Ars replied casually.

Sensing no overt hostility from the prince, Ars had simply obliged.

Though Charles and the surrounding knights glared daggers at him, none showed any intent to strike.

It was a testament to Zelgius's absolute, ironclad command over his men.

“Oho... Quite the bold boy, aren’t you? I’ve never seen someone accept an invitation so nonchalantly under circumstances like these.”

Zelgius studied Ars with genuine amusement, a smirk playing across his features.

“Judging from the way you talk... you’ve been in situations like this plenty of times yourself, haven't you?” Ars countered.

“Hardly. An operation of this scale and precision has only occurred a handful of times in all of history,” Zelgius chuckled. “At the very least, it's the first time in my lifetime.”

“I see. Well, looking at your face, you seem plenty pleased with yourself.”

Ars had seen through him in an instant.

Beneath the prince's polished exterior, the intoxicating euphoria of a flawless conquest was practically seeping through his pores.

“So let's get down to business,” Ars pressed. “Why call off the fight and stop us in our tracks?”

“I did stop you, yes, but those three over there were free to leave—whether they could actually escape or not is a different matter entirely, of course.”

Zelgius shifted his gaze toward Sigi and the others.

Flanking Ars’s rear, Sigi and Regi glared back at Zelgius with unabashed hostility and razor-sharp vigilance.

“If that’s how it is, I’d much rather just pack up and head home right now,” Ars said flatly.

“Did you not come here to rescue the dwarves?” Zelgius inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“I came to save someone, sure... but only Regi and Sigi. I have zero intention of rescuing anyone else.”

If the twins pleaded for someone specific, he might give it some thought.

Even so, the number of lives Ars could save all by his lonesome was strictly limited.

As callous as it might seem, he felt no obligation whatsoever to rescue strangers.

“I see, I see. Fear not—I won't accuse you of being heartless,” Zelgius remarked, giving several slow nods of approval. “In fact, hearing that puts my mind at ease.”

The prince nodded repeatedly with visible admiration.

“This world is not built on pretty ideals. One cannot save everyone. That is precisely why one must always weigh the choices laid out before them and make the optimal move. You seem to understand that reality intimately. You should be proud.”

“...Gee, thanks,” Ars muttered drily.

“What an intriguing young man you are. Under different circumstances, we might have even become friends.”

“Maybe so. In that case, to build up some goodwill, how about you let us leave without making a fuss? It's not too late.”

“Haha! A delightful joke! But obviously, I cannot possibly let you go.”

Zelgius's shoulders shook with hearty laughter as he extended the wine bottle toward him.

“...Ah, forgive my lack of manners. Would you care for some wine as well?”

“Pass. I don't drink alcohol.”

“Is that so? Ordinarily, I would offer an alternative beverage, but... alas, we went ahead and butchered the servants along with the rest of the dwarves.”

Glancing around the blood-drenched room, Zelgius furrowed his brow before offering an indifferent shrug.

“I'd offer you some water from the well, but... Charles, is there anything left fit for consumption?”

“No, Lord Zelgius. Every reservoir has been laced with lethal poison—including the very wine you just offered.”

“Ah, right you are. This was poisoned too, wasn't it? Slipped my mind completely.”

Flashing a wry grin, Zelgius tilted his head back and drained the cup in a single, unhesitating gulp.

An instant later, he casually tossed the empty glass aside.

The sharp shatter of crystal echoed across the grand hall, sending a chilling tremor of dread through the room.

“My apologies, Ars. I didn't offer it out of malice. It's just... my constitution happens to be rather numb to such trifles, so I tend to forget.”

It was impossible to tell whether he was joking or in earnest—a deliberate provocation, or sheer nonchalance. Zelgius’s true motives remained utterly inscrutable.

Yet Ars remained unflinching, cutting straight to the point with a pointed query.

“...Are you stalling for time?”

If he was waiting for reinforcements, this bizarre conversation would make sense.

At the same time, however, a nagging contradiction tugged at the back of Ars's mind.

No... why would he even need to stall in the first place?

Zelgius shouldn't have had any accurate grasp of Ars's true strength.

The hall was crawling with the Earth Empire’s elite magic knights, and right behind Zelgius stood Charles, attending him like a butler—meaning a member of the Imperial Five Swords was already keeping a watchful eye on them.

Looking at the tactical situation objectively, there wasn't a single reason to delay.

If they wanted to overwhelm and capture Ars and his group right here and now, their current forces were more than enough.

“I assure you, I have no intention of stalling,” Zelgius replied smoothly. “In the first place, what reason would I have to resort to such petty tricks? Granted, you do appear to be quite a capable mage.”

Zelgius retrieved a cigar from within his coat and leisurely brought a flame to its tip.

“If the rumors of you slaying Albert hold true, you certainly possess some degree of skill.”

A plume of violet smoke drifted lazily upward, dissolving against the high vaulted ceiling.

Narrowing his eyes, Zelgius watched the wavering wisps with evident relish.

“However—that is all. In the grand scheme of things, it changes nothing.”

Resting his elbow on the armrest and propping his chin on his hand, a chilling smile curled across his lips.

“The mole nation has already fallen and become a vassal state of the Earth Empire. No matter how frantically you struggle, our advance will not be halted. In truth, we have shown the mole nation an immense amount of consideration, all things considered.”

“After orchestrating a massacre like this, you have the nerve to say that?!” Sigi roared, her voice trembling with fury.

She practically spat the words at him.

Yet Zelgius merely directed a calm, detached gaze her way, brushing off her outrage as though it were the buzzing of a fly.

“Heh... We are soldiers; conscience holds no sway here. Above all else, Lady Sigi, this is war. To kill and be killed—that is the primal instinct of life and the ultimate reality of warfare. Yet we are not mere beasts; we transcend them. Indeed, because we possess that potent poison known as reason, we can act far more cruelly, and execute our duties with absolute efficiency.”

Beyond the grand stained-glass windows, plumes of black smoke choked the sky, staining the subterranean expanse.

Zelgius narrowed his eyes, gazing out at the billowing soot as if intoxicating himself with the sight.

“Which is precisely why we proceeded with utmost care in our subjugation of the mole nation. Even we choose our targets. We had no desire to inflict unnecessary casualties on the civilian populace.”

Elegantly crossing his legs, he nonchalantly dropped the smoldering cigar stub onto the stone floor.

The dying ember sparked softly, scattering gray ash across the marble.

“Ah... but you’ll have to forgive what happened inside the castle walls. We had no reliable means of distinguishing civilians from combatants, you see. Consequently, the disposal process became... slightly ruthless.”

Zelgius rose from his seat, his gaze sweeping over Ars and the others one by one.

“Now then, let me have your answer. Will you surrender quietly, or will you resist? Which will it be?”

“Neither,” Ars replied flatly. “We’re leaving.”

“Understood. Then let us do battle.”

The battle ignited with a split-second dash.

Zelgius closed the distance in the blink of an eye, gouging the stone floor as he brought his longsword crashing down.

The slash was viciously heavy and blindingly sharp—the sheer wind pressure alone carved deep gouges into the stone walls.

Ars gripped his twin daggers in a reverse hold, unleashing a flurry of lightning-fast counterstrikes.

Sparks sprayed into the air.

Parrying Zelgius’s overhead strike, Ars slipped instantly into his guard, driving his dagger straight toward a vital point.

But Zelgius didn't flinch.

With chilling composure, the prince manipulated his longsword with expert precision to deflect the fatal thrust.

In the next instant, the deafening clash of steel against steel reverberated through the hall, violently rattling the candelabras mounted along the walls.

“Even though I have yet to get serious, to think you could keep up with me to this extent... Impressive indeed,” Zelgius purred with relish as he swung his blade once more.

A low, delighted rumble vibrated in his throat as his longsword cleaved through the air.

With every swipe, the air shrieked, bearing down on Ars with crushing pressure.

Deflecting every onslaught with his twin blades, Ars didn't even waste a breath before chanting.

“[Impact]!”

Chantless casting.

A torrent of instantly released mana condensed into a shockwave, detonating point-blank against Zelgius.

With a thunderous roar, the stone flooring splintered into fragments as explosive winds tore through the hall.

Yet Zelgius did not budge an inch.

Having nullified the kinetic blast by merely raising his left forearm, he strode languidly out from the billowing smoke.

The tip of his longsword remained rock-steady, his eyes burning with ecstatic exhilaration.

“...A commendable effort. But that alone won't be enough to stop me,” Zelgius declared in high spirits.

He surged forward to clash blades once again.

Sparks flew wildly as kinetic shockwaves shattered the flooring beneath them.

Exchange after exchange, neither yielded a single inch of ground.

Mid-exchange, the corner of Zelgius's mouth curved upward.

“Hmph... Something caught your eye, has it?”

His gaze flicked toward the flank.

Over there, Regi and Sigi were struggling desperately against capture.

“Onee-chan, throw that goblet at 'em!” Sigi shouted.

“O-Okay! I'll throw this chair too!” Regi squeaked in response.

Moldin stood before them with a tower shield he had wrested from an imperial knight, but against the sheer numbers of the magic knights surrounding them, he was completely forced on the defensive.

“Ugh, what a bunch of pests! Raising your weapons against women and an old man—you're a disgrace to knightly chivalry!” Sigi yelled, swinging wildly.

Under the unrelenting onslaught, the breathing of the three defenders grew increasingly ragged.

The overwhelming disparity in manpower was stark, making their capture only a matter of time.

“Charles!” Zelgius barked.

“Sir! At your command,” Charles replied instantly.

The knight didn't waste a single heartbeat.

“Stop spectating and join in. Secure those two dwarf girls first. You can ignore the old geezer.”

“...Understood.”

A clean hiss resonated as Charles drew the sword at his hip.

Radiating a sharp, icy bloodlust, Charles advanced toward Regi and Sigi without hesitation.

The Imperial Five Swords.

The mere presence of someone bearing that fearsome title shifted the entire atmosphere of the room.

Even with the twins' resilience, the odds were hopelessly stacked against them.

“Distracted, are we?”

Zelgius chuckled provocatively, eyeing Ars from the corner of his vision.

“Well, obviously... I came here to save Sigi and the others, after all.”

“Then what do you propose to do?”

Zelgius's grin widened with unadulterated delight.

But then—

“I guess I don't have much of a choice, do I?”

Grabbing a nearby wooden chair, Ars hurled it at Zelgius with all his might.

The chair struck Zelgius’s armor with a sharp thud before being cleanly cleaved in two by his longsword.

But that split-second distraction was all Ars needed.

Kicking off a banquet table, Ars sprinted in a straight line.

“Guh?!”

Passing Charles in a flash, Ars used the knight's back as a stepping stone to launch himself into the air.

Leaving the stunned knight wide-eyed with shock, Ars dropped straight into the center of the magic knights encircling Regi and Sigi.

Seizing on the brief hesitation caused by his sudden arrival, Ars went to work.

He shattered the first knight's jaw with the pommel of his dagger, then spun his body to smash a backhand fist into the second knight's face.

Stepping in deep, he drove his shoulder into the third knight, snapping his chin upward with an explosive blow.

Grabbing the screaming man's face as he reeled backward, Ars slammed him violently into the floor.

A dull crash resounded as deep fractures splintered across the stone flagstones.

“Ars, my boy! Are you quite sure you should be focusing all your attention over there?”

The moment Zelgius’s mocking voice rang out, Moldin was sent hurtling through the air, rolling to a stop right at Ars’s feet.

The massive shield he had held in both arms was sheared cleanly in half, and the old dwarf groaned in agony, still clutching its broken remnants.

“You alright?” Ars asked, glancing down.

“F-Forgive me... That man... his strength is in a whole different league...” Moldin gasped between strained breaths.

“Don't worry about it. Just fall back and stay behind me.”

As Ars turned his gaze back forward, Zelgius stood resting his longsword casually over his shoulder, wearing an unshakeable smirk.

“Tell me, Ars. Do you think me cowardly for striking at your flank?”

“Not really. Exploiting a weakness is just common sense.”

“Heheh... A shame, truly. That rare talent to fight with cold composure without succumbing to passion—had we met under different stars, I might have truly called you a friend.”

“Not a chance. Because there's nothing in this entire world I despise more than the Earth Empire.”

“I'm quite accustomed to being resented. Even so, being hated by you stings just a little,” Zelgius remarked smoothly. “Might I inquire as to why?”

“I'll pass. I have no intention of telling you.”

“I see... What a pity. It seems we haven't grown quite that close just yet.”

Even as he uttered those self-mocking words with a chuckle, Zelgius’s blade flashed forward in a merciless arc.

Ars desperately parried with his twin daggers, but the crushing weight and blazing speed behind each blow forced his boots backward with every single clash.

Regi and Sigi desperately provided cover fire, but the magic knights pressed on relentlessly with overwhelming numbers.

Before long, the icy chill of a stone wall met Ars's back.

Their retreat was completely cut off.

"Well now, I don't suppose you have any intention of surrendering, do you?"

Zelgius narrowed his eyes, a fearless smirk curling upon his lips.

"Yeah. Hate to disappoint, but we'll be taking our leave now," Ars replied.

"And you believe you can?"

"Easily."

Ars thrust his hand out toward the stone wall.

"—Impact!"

With a thunderous blast, the stone wall blew apart, blasting open a massive breach to the outside world.

Debris went flying into the air as a rush of outside air poured into the hall all at once.

"See ya—next time, we fight for real."

"Huh?! Wait, Ars! We're on the fifth floor, you know?! You've gotta be kidding me?!" Sigi shrieked.

"Ah... Big Sis might officially be leaving this mortal coil today..." Regi whimpered.

Hoisting the screaming dwarf sisters onto his shoulders, Ars leaped out through the breach without a moment's hesitation.

"D-Damn it all, ye must be joking?!" Moldin shouted.

Turning completely pale, Moldin hurriedly jumped right after them.

"Eeeeeeeeeek?!"

"Ababababababa?!"

Regi and Sigi's blood-curdling screams echoed through the air as their figures plunged out of sight toward the ground in the blink of an eye.

Left behind in the hall, Zelgius stared dumbfoundedly at the gaping hole for a moment—before bursting into uncontrollable laughter.

"Ahahahaha! Magnificent... Truly magnificent! To jump from this height without batting an eye. He seemed awfully accustomed to it, too—perhaps he has a prison break or two under his belt."

"Prince Zelgius, shall we pursue?" Charles asked.

"No, leave him be. There will be a next time regardless."

"Understood. In that case, to ensure we keep track of their whereabouts, I shall order our forces to flush them out and harry them whenever spotted."

"That will suffice. Though mark my words, he will surely appear before us again. ...He didn't merely flee; he went to ground to prepare for our next encounter."

Ars had undoubtedly been unsatisfied with how this battle turned out.

After having been constantly hindered and interrupted, he hadn't been able to fight as he wished.

He had acted nonchalant on the surface, but deep down, it was bound to be a different story.

"Still... Ars, was it? What a crying shame. I want that man."

"That will be impossible," Charles noted dryly. "He openly declared that our empire is what he despises most in this world."

"A profound pity. Even my elder brother would covet him... Why is it that such remarkable talents flock exclusively to the Magic City? It makes me thoroughly envious."

"Our empire is a great power as well. I believe we possess a formidable gathering of powerhouses in our own right."

"And yet, we are rotten to the core. My brother is spearheading reforms, but in the process, vile pus erupts at every turn. ...Precisely because we are an empire, talent gathers, but for the exact same reason, the talent drain never ceases."

"If you keep uttering such seditious remarks, His Majesty will reprimand you once again."

"Let him. It is an undeniable fact. The Earth Empire boasts an illustrious, ancient history, yet every step of that journey has piled on just as much decay."

Drawing a fresh cigar from his coat, Zelgius struck a flame and lit it. A languid plume of violet smoke drifted upward.

"We are fast approaching our limit. A nation pampered and fattened over hundreds of years has only one future ahead of it—to be devoured alive by the ravenous beasts circling our borders."

"Yet I know Prince Zelgius would never simply sit by and await ruin in silence, would you?"

"Naturally. That is precisely why I crave exceptional talent! And Ars fits the bill perfectly! Had he quietly allowed himself to be captured, I could have extended an offer... Claiming I would release the dwarf sisters unharmed would have surely brought him right into my palm."

"It is precisely that scheming mentality of yours that makes people hate you," Charles remarked flatly.

"I am not the one who is hated! What they despise is the Earth Empire itself!"

When Zelgius turned back, Charles didn't even bother masking the exasperation etched plainly across his face.

"Still... for a mage of that caliber to remain an unknown, the Magic City truly cannot be underestimated."

Zelgius cast his gaze across the wedding hall once more.

"Magic Essence Mimir, was it...?"

The vast majority of his magic knights lay groaning on the floor, thoroughly incapacitated.

What was more, Ars had accomplished that while taking on two members of the Imperial Five Swords at the same time.

And to cap it off, he had pulled off a flawless escape in the end.

"Heh. It couldn't possibly be... could it?"

Zelgius's parting murmur dissolved into the air alongside his violet smoke.

＊

"I-I don't believe this! Who in their right mind jumps off a ledge like that?!"

Screamed at directly into his ear, Ars winced and grimaced.

Draped over his left shoulder in her bridal gown, Sigi pounded furiously against his back in violent protest.

"We could've died if anything went wrong! Why would you jump out of nowhere?!"

"Come on. If I hadn't jumped right then, we would've been captured on the spot," Ars countered.

If Ars had been by himself, breaking through their front lines might have been feasible. But protecting Regi and Sigi at the same time skyrocketed the difficulty by several orders of magnitude.

"Besides, I've jumped from that height before, so I knew what I was doing."

Back when he escaped the tower of his confinement, he had made a leap from nearly the exact same height. Granted, he hadn't been toting Regi and Sigi on his shoulders back then, but he still hadn't considered it an impossible landing.

"You've gotta be kidding me. What kind of crazy stunts have you pulled in your life...? You seriously have zero common sense, Ars!"

"That's why I knew we'd be fine. You could show a little faith in me."

"Faith?! I'm having a heart attack here! The least you could've done is given me a countdown to mentally prepare!"

"All right, all right. I'll give you a heads-up next time."

"There is never going to be a next time!"

"Ah... Well then, if there ever is a next time, I'll just leave you behind."

"Huh?! Like hell you will! If you dare leave me behind, Big Sis will never forgive you!"

"Then what exactly do you want me to do?"

"Since it can't be helped, I'll give you my thanks just this once. On the off chance there's a next time... I'll graciously consider letting you carry me."

"Well... gee, thanks."

Deciding that arguing would only invite a massive headache, Ars chose to accept Sigi's compromise without further debate.

"Wait a second... Big Sis has been totally silent this whole time. Are you okay, Sis?"

Sigi glanced over at Regi, who was slung over Ars's right shoulder.

Her elder sister had both hands clamped tightly over her mouth, her face drained completely of color.

"......I'm gonna... throw up..."

"Hold it in?! N-No, don't you dare! I'm right here! If it splashes, it'll get all over me! If you have to puke, at least aim for Ars's back!"

"Hey, I'd really rather you didn't do that either..." Ars protested.

Plunging from that height and getting jostled around while slung over Ars's shoulder had evidently triggered a severe bout of motion sickness. Given that he hadn't packed a spare change of clothes, getting his back covered in vomit was the last thing in the world he wanted.

"Moldin, was it? Is there anywhere nearby we can take cover?"

Ars called out to the old dwarf sprinting in the lead—Moldin, the twins' loyal caretaker.

The elder dwarf had leaped from the same terrifying height, yet whatever magic he had deployed, he had touched down completely uninjured. Even now, he was outpacing Ars in a dead sprint, proving his stamina was anything but ordinary. For a man entrusted with guarding Regi and Sigi, his physique was clearly honed to perfection.

"A hiding place, ye say..."

Halting his sprint, Moldin surveyed their surroundings with a furrowed brow.

Throughout the city streets, the dwarven populace was in a frenzy of panic, gazing at pillars of black smoke rising from multiple quarters.

Under normal circumstances, a human like Ars would have drawn curious stares, but the overwhelming panic kept everyone's attention firmly elsewhere.

"There's no sign of the Earth Empire's magic knights yet. Can the two of you walk from here?"

Rather unwilling to risk having his clothes ruined, Ars set Regi and Sigi down onto the cobblestones without waiting for a reply.

"I-I can't hold it... hurk—?!"

"Big Sis?!"

Clamping both hands over her mouth, Regi darted frantically into a nearby alleyway, with Sigi scrambling right on her heels.

Watching them scamper off, Ars let out a massive sigh of relief. If he had hesitated for even a few seconds longer, his back would undoubtedly have met a horrific fate.

"Right now, they are likely concentrating their assaults on key strongpoints," Moldin murmured grimly as he stepped closer. "However, they will soon move to subjugate the entire city. It will be overflowing with Earth Empire troops in no time."

The old dwarf's voice was laced with grave concern.

"Before that happens, I want to rendezvous with Shion and the others," Ars said.

"Don't you have a magic stone imbued with Transmission?" Sigi asked.

She had just returned from the alley, gently rubbing her sister's back.

"Yeah, I brought one with me, but..."

"Save yer breath. 'Tis useless; it won't work anyway."

When Ars produced the magic stone from his pouch, Moldin shook his head solemnly.

"With an invasion of this magnitude, any means of external communication has surely been jammed from the start."

"...I see. Yeah, there's no response at all."

Ars channeled his mana into the Transmission Stone, but the mineral remained dead and inert.

"Figures. There's no way the Earth Empire wouldn't deploy interference magic... Which means if we want to meet up with Shion and the others, getting outside the city is probably our only option."

"Lady Sigi, is there no possibility that yer friends have already been captured?"

"Hmm... I doubt it. Karen tends to get tunnel vision, so she's always a bit of a worry, but with Shion with her, they should be fine. She's an ex-member of the Twenty-Four Directors, after all—her combat prowess is the real deal."

"Agreed. I doubt we need to worry too much about those two," Ars chimed in. "Karen alone might be a reckless wild card... but Shion is with her. She knows when to cut her losses and withdraw."

Granted, Shion had her own quirks and absentminded tendencies.

But compared to Karen's impulsive streak, she was significantly more reliable in a pinch.

Even if she hadn't quite reached the echelon of Demon King, she was a celebrated powerhouse who had climbed to the rung directly beneath it—the elite circle of the Twenty-Four Directors.

"So it's way more likely they've already escaped outside the city walls," Sigi reasoned.

"Yeah. If they were still stuck in town, knowing them, they'd have caused a massive ruckus to leave a signal for us," Ars noted.

It was impossible to imagine Shion and Karen sitting quietly in hiding.

Karen had a belligerent streak a mile wide; the moment she decided justice was on her side, she would charge headfirst without a second thought.

Meanwhile, Shion might wear a lazy, easygoing grin on regular days, but when push came to shove, she was a coolheaded combatant. Had they remained in the capital, they would have undeniably left an unmistakable marker behind.

Since no such beacon had flared up, it was safe to assume they had already slipped out of the city.

"If that be the case, Lady Sigi, our only choice is to commandeer an Earth Dragon and ride out until we reach an area where communication stones function."

"Then let's head for the stables," Sigi declared, pointing. "They should be over in that direction. Assuming they haven't moved since we were kids, that is."

Moldin cast his eyes toward the district Sigi indicated.

"Aye, the stables do lie in that direction. However... they have likely already fallen under the Earth Empire's control."

"With Transmission and Teleportation both shut down, securing the only rapid transport in the underground is military common sense," Sigi conceded.

"Hijacking just one Earth Dragon shouldn't be impossible," Ars suggested.

"True enough. Let's head over and scout the area first. If we can snatch one, we will."

Nodding in agreement with Ars's proposal, Sigi turned her gaze back to her sister, who had gone quiet again.

"Big Sis, are you feeling any better?"

Regi's deathly pale complexion had regained a fraction of its color.

"I-I'm fine now! The worst of the nausea has passed!"

"Don't push yourself, Sis. It's not like pursuers are breathing down our necks yet, so we can take it nice and slow."

Moving in a frantic rush would only make them stand out like a sore thumb.

With citizens frozen in shock across the thoroughfares watching smoke billow into the cavernous ceiling, sprinting recklessly would only draw unwanted attention.

"Guess we're walking, then—"

The moment Ars made the suggestion, a sudden commotion erupted ahead of them.

"Regi, sorry, but looks like we gotta run after all—whoa, she's already gone!"

The very split second she caught sight of the Earth Empire's magic knights, Regi took off in a full-blown sprint toward the direction Sigi had indicated. She dove into a side alley and bolted away without a shred of hesitation.

"What are you all standing around for?! We have to run before they catch us!" Regi yelled over her shoulder.

Her blinding speed was nothing short of miraculous for someone who had been vomiting her guts out moments earlier.

"Way to go, Big Sis! That's why I love you!"

Eyes sparkling with bizarre pride, Sigi dashed off in hot pursuit of her elder sister.

"Ah, brings back fond memories! Even during childhood games of tag, Lady Regi was always the fleetest of foot!" Moldin chuckled fondly.

Despite their earnest vow seconds ago to maintain a low profile, the trio's chaotic antics instantly drew every pair of eyes on the street. Dwarven bystanders gaped in sheer astonishment as they blew past.

Amidst the spectacle, the magic knights ahead locked eyes on Ars and pointed in their direction.

"...Guess I'm running too," Ars sighed.

Destination: the Earth Dragon stables.

Since chaos was already unavoidable, there was no point holding back.

Veering sharply into the alleyway, Ars thrust his right hand toward the closing magic knights, a nonchalant grin tugging at his lips.

"Huh?"

"—Impact!"

"Gwah?!"

"Wh-Whoa, look out—?!"

The foremost magic knight went flying backward like a ragdoll, bowling over the ranks behind him like dominoes.

Sparing only a brief glance at the tumbling heap of armored bodies, Ars darted deeper into the maze of alleys without missing a beat.

＊

"Is this... an abandoned city?" Karen muttered, looking around.

She surveyed the desolate view before them with a skeptical frown.

Rows of earthen-walled houses lined the dusty street, many of them half-collapsed with shattered windows and not a single sign of life in sight.

Perhaps due to years of neglect or simply because of the subterranean climate, the air hung heavy, stale, and choked with dust.

"I've heard rumors about this," Shion explained. "When a mineral vein runs dry, dwarves write the whole area off, abandon the town, and build a new one at their next mining site."

As Shion spoke, she pressed a hand against the wall of a nearby house, causing the brittle earth to crumble away like sand.

"Word has it they carve numbers into the walls of every abandoned sector. Looks like this one is fifty-eighth in line."

Following her gaze, Karen spotted the number '58' chiseled prominently into the face of a massive subterranean wall.

"Huh... What a waste," Karen commented. "So you're saying there are ruins like this scattered all over the place?"

"Pretty much. Everywhere except the capital operates like that, from what I gather."

As a race, dwarves valued blacksmithing above all else; once an area ceased to yield quality ore, they saw zero reason to linger.

The imperial capital, however, was an entirely different story.

Tunnels known as the Labyrinth Corridor connected various regions together, allowing a steady influx of diverse ores that kept the capital thriving. Whispers spoke of secret passageways known only to royalty, ensuring the capital remained the eternal sanctuary of the dwarven civilization.

"That also means shady characters often squat in ruins like this," Shion warned. "Let's keep our heads down and stay on high alert."

"I mean... as long as that guy is tagging along, isn't keeping a low profile kind of impossible?"

When Karen pointed, a massive Earth Dragon was trotting obediently behind Shion.

With its round, beady eyes and broad, webbed paws, the creature was surprisingly endearing.

But its colossal bulk was an undeniable attention magnet, and truthfully, Karen wished it would just scurry home.

Then again, the beast had been their savior when escaping the Earth Empire's magic knights.

As a result, Karen couldn't bring herself to be too harsh about it.

"You did great back there, buddy... Looking at you up close, you're actually pretty cute," Shion cooed, smiling warmly.

She gently rubbed its leathery snout with genuine affection.

"Once this whole mess is sorted out, I'd love to keep him as a pet... Though keeping something this massive on the surface might be a bit tricky."

"It's completely impossible! Where on earth would you put him? Earth Dragons are handy and all, but he'd turn the paved streets into Swiss cheese and we'd get buried in noise complaints!"

"You think...? No, but wait... what if we kept him just outside the Magic City—"

"Nope, not happening! Who's going to feed him? Sure, he can forage on his own, but that's literally just releasing him into the wild! Next time we run into him, the guild might post a subjugation bounty on his head!"

"Guh... I guess once this incident is wrapped up, releasing him into the wild is the only choice," Shion grumbled reluctantly.

"Why not just return him to the stables we snatched him from? I doubt the Earth Empire would mistreat an Earth Dragon. They're way too useful, and they're indispensable for underground life. They'll need them to govern the territory anyway."

In truth, subterranean Earth Dragons were apex predators near the top of the food chain, while simultaneously prized as high-speed transportation. Given their strategic value, even the ruthless Earth Empire wouldn't dare mistreat them.

"In that case, wouldn't it be fine to at least try keeping him outside the Magic City?"

"Wait... how on earth did you jump to that conclusion?! That makes zero sense! We haven't solved a single issue, so obviously you can't keep him!"

"If we're just going to release him to the wild anyway, there's no harm in giving it a shot! The Magic City is crawling with eccentric mages; people might not even bat an eye!"

"Which is why I said just return him to the stables!"

"As if I'd ever trust anything to the Earth Empire!"

"Sigh... Fine, we'll argue about the Earth Dragon later! More importantly, I'm contacting Elsa."

Wearing an exasperated expression, Karen pulled out the Transmission-imbued magic stone.

"I hope it connects... Surely their jamming doesn't extend all the way out to abandoned ruins like this."

Back in the capital, interference barriers had rendered communication impossible, and even inside the Labyrinth Corridor, the miasma radiating from the Lost Lands had jammed the stone.

This time, however, as Karen channeled her mana, the magic stone glowed with a soft luminescence, indicating a successful link.

"Oh! Did it connect?"

"Is that you, Lady Karen? Has something happened?" Elsa's voice came through.

"Elsa! Things went south in a big way down here! I need to consult with you about what to do!"

"Did you eat food off the ground and upset your stomach again?" Elsa inquired in her usual deadpan tone.

"No, of course not! What kind of feral child do you take me for?! I wouldn't contact you over that!"

"We did pick up an Earth Dragon off the street, though," Shion piped in.

"Shion, shut up! Don't add unnecessary confusion! Go over there and play with your pet mole!"

"...Lady Karen picked up an Earth Dragon? They are delightful creatures, and I must confess I have dreamed of keeping one myself. In fact, among my beloved babies—my plushies—I own three Earth Dragon plushes. They are my absolute favorites. However, caring for a live specimen would prove quite demanding. Demolishing the boys' bathhouse in our backyard would secure adequate yard space... though it might still be a tight squeeze."

"I knew I could count on you, Elsa! You truly appreciate greatness! All right, let's tear down the boys' bathhouse and turn it into his nest!"

Just as Elsa began rattling off an unsolicited monologue on plushies, Shion inexplicably gravitated back over, practically shoving her face into the magic stone in rapt agreement.

"Will both of you stop it?! Whether we keep the damn thing can wait! We have a million more pressing issues right now! Shoo, Shion! Go away!"

Waving her hand as though shooing away a stray dog to push Shion back, Karen hurriedly briefed Elsa on everything that had transpired thus far.

She detailed how the Earth Empire had launched a surprise invasion of the Underground Empire and had likely occupied the capital.

"I see. Understood," Elsa replied, her tone turning businesslike. "It would be wise to report this development to the Magic Association immediately."

The fall of the Underground Empire to the Earth Empire would undoubtedly send seismic shockwaves across the entire geopolitical landscape.

A subterranean superpower that had maintained absolute independence for hundreds of years had capitulated in the span of a single night.

More than a few Demon Kings maintained exclusive trade pipelines and personal alliances with the dwarven kingdom.

And the surrounding sovereign nations were in the exact same boat.

In short, international turmoil was inevitable.

The Earth Empire would never be permitted to establish a smooth, uncontested occupation.

It was only a matter of time before neighboring nations mobilized to intervene.

And when that happened, the Holy Church backing the Earth Empire would hardly sit on its hands either.

"Yeah. But just because you're worried about us doesn't mean you should mobilize the guild, all right?"

"Are you certain that is wise?"

"We'd be at a massive disadvantage against an entire imperial army," Karen pointed out. "Besides, if we meddle, getting a stern scolding from the Magic Association would be the least of our worries... There's no way they'd let it slide."

While the Magic Association championed neutrality, its sheer magical prowess made it a superpower feared by all other realms. By that same token, affiliated mages were strictly prohibited from interfering in international warfare.

Mega-guilds led by legendary Demon Kings might get away with bending the rules, but if a mid-sized outfit like Karen's intervened in sovereign warfare, best-case scenario would be forced disbandment; worst-case, outright expulsion from the Magic Association. She refused to let her own impulsive choices drag Schuler and the rest of her guildmates into disciplinary ruin and steal their futures.

"Dispatching a small retrieval escort shouldn't be an issue," Elsa reasoned. "The authorities would surely recognize the extenuating circumstances."

"Truth be told, though... our situation isn't that desperate right now."

Karen and Shion had already retreated all the way to this abandoned sector. The empire was unlikely to hunt this deep, nor would they be able to pinpoint their whereabouts. Furthermore, they had merely witnessed the invasion; they were hardly high-priority targets in the grand scheme of things.

"Once we rendezvous with Ars and make our escape back to the Magic City, the empire won't be able to touch us."

"That is true, I suppose... but still..." Elsa hesitated.

"So make sure you give a heads-up to Acacia over at the Badger's Burrow Guild. Regi and Sigi's guild is terrifyingly prone to going off the deep end."

"Lady Acacia, you say...? I-I shall attempt to persuade her somehow..."

Hearing the profound dread in Elsa's usually calm voice, Karen smiled wryly.

She completely understood her subordinate's reluctance. Even in Karen's shoes, reasoning with Acacia was an exhausting ordeal.

The Badger's Burrow Guild was a fanatical collective that practically worshipped Regi and Sigi as living deities.

Their zeal bordered on religious worship; every single member would gladly lay down their life for the twin princesses.

Acacia stood at the absolute vanguard of that fanaticism, acting as the de facto vice-leader who steered the entire guild.

For that reason, if Acacia could be kept in check, the rest of the members would fall in line.

Sensing Elsa's heavy-hearted hesitation through the stone, Karen offered a crucial tip.

"If you find her impossible to dissuade... it'll mean telling a white lie, but feel free to tell Acacia that the twins are completely safe. We don't have concrete proof yet, but unless you tell her that, she's liable to march the entire guild right into the war zone."

"If that falsehood comes to light, the fallout will be catastrophic... Are you certain?"

"Ars went after them, so it'll be fine. I'm certain Regi and Sigi are safe and sound."

"If Lord Ars went to their rescue, that is indeed reassuring... It weighs heavily on my conscience, but I shall tell the lie."

"All right, I'll leave things on that end to you. We're going to rendezvous with Ars."

"Understood. I will investigate what other measures we can prepare on our end. Please, Lady Karen, do not do anything reckless."

"I know, I know. Take care of yourself too. I'll get in touch later."

Ending the Transmission, Karen tucked the magic stone back into her pouch and strode back toward Shion.

When she arrived, she was greeted by the sight of Shion smothering the Earth Dragon in lavish, doting caresses.

"Hey there, buddy. Can't you use shrinking magic or something?" Shion asked, leaning in close. "I read about it in a book once. There was a story about an Earth Dragon that sprouted wings."

The round-eyed creature tilted its massive head in response to Shion's voice.

It appeared to possess enough intelligence to comprehend basic speech.

However, perhaps because the request was entirely foreign, it vigorously shook its head from side to side.

The gesture looked so distinctly like it was pleading, I have no idea what you mean, that it looked all the more endearing.

"Of course he can't! That was a fairy tale in a book!" Karen sighed before pausing thoughtfully. "...Wait, but shrinking magic might actually exist. Even if the Earth Dragon can't cast it himself, wouldn't it work if we tracked down a mage who could?"

It went without saying that shape-shifting magic was a recognized discipline in their world.

In fact, there were specialized mages who impersonated others to infiltrate hostile organizations.

"Don't you have anyone like that in the Virte Guild?" Shion asked.

"Hmm... I feel like we might have someone, but—wait, can't you do it yourself, Shion? You have Gift [Transformation], don't you? Wouldn't that allow you to cast that kind of magic?"

Shion had the ability to transform into a small animal—specifically, a cat.

However, that was an innate characteristic of being an Artificial Demon, not a manifestation of her Gift.

"I tried testing it on living creatures once before. I managed to shrink an insect... but using [Transformation] on it ended up pulverizing its internal organs. It wasn't so much shrinking as it was crushing it to death."

"...Let's refrain from using that."

"Yeah. Certainly not on a creature this cute."

Stroking the Earth Dragon's snout, Shion visibly shuddered as if imagining the gruesome scene.

"So, Karen. Are you done talking with Elsa?" Shion asked.

"Yeah. I left all the tedious stuff like reporting to the Magic Association in Elsa's hands. For now, our top priority is rendezvousing with Ars."

"That's for the best. Matters like that are always handled much better by Elsa than you anyway. Besides, all we can do right now is wait... So, were you able to get in touch with Ars?"

"Hmm... It looks like my Transmission magic is being jammed. He might still be inside the capital."

Karen retrieved another magic stone, tilting her head thoughtfully as she toyed with it in her hands.

"Well, I'll keep checking at regular intervals. If I have any worries, it's just praying Ars isn't reckless enough to try taking on the entire Earth Empire all by himself."

"Surely even he wouldn't... No, of course not. Ars wouldn't do something that unhinged without thinking... The bitter truth is that we can never say for sure with him, though... No, he'll be fine. Probably."

"D-Did you really have to hesitate that much? Though I guess I can't blame you."

A wry twitch tugged at Karen's cheek, but she understood Shion's anxiety all too well.

Ars certainly enjoyed a good battle, but he wasn't inherently hotheaded or prone to picking fights for no reason.

His one fatal flaw was an all-consuming, insatiable thirst for magical knowledge.

When confronted with unfamiliar magic or rare Gifts, his intellectual curiosity had a nasty habit of overriding all sense of purpose and caution.

With Regi and Sigi's very lives hanging in the balance, they desperately wanted to believe he wouldn't go off the rails this time.

But knowing Ars as intimately as they did, neither girl could dismiss the possibility entirely.

"For now, we have no choice but to trust him. More importantly, it looks like there'll be quite a bit of downtime before we meet up. We should figure out how to pass the time."

"Good point... In that case, why don't we go explore these ruins? Since it's going to take a while before we can link up with Ars anyway."

Scanning their desolate surroundings, Karen's voice bubbled with unmistakable excitement.

＊

When discussing the seedier, more dangerous parts of the Magic City, the Entertainment District was invariably the first name on anyone's lips.

Come midnight, drunken ruffians ran rampant, and violent brawls were a constant, unending fixture of the streets.

If one ventured deeper into the squalor of the Slums, murder wasn't even out of the ordinary.

Yet at this hour of broad daylight, foot traffic was sparse, and a heavy hush hung over the area as though the nightly chaos had all been a lie.

Standing proudly in this district of dual chaos and silence was a tavern with an exceptionally immaculate facade.

The Sisters of the Lamp—headquarters of the Virte Guild.

While the surrounding buildings were worn, dilapidated, and far from aesthetically pleasing, the Sisters of the Lamp alone boasted a gorgeous exterior, looking less like a tavern in the red-light district and more like a chic, upscale café.

On the third floor was Elsa's private quarters, its door quietly swinging open to cut through the sunlight streaming into the hallway.

Emerging from within was Elsa herself, radiating a cool, aloof demeanor yet captivating the tavern's patrons with her striking beauty.

"...The Earth Empire moved faster than anticipated. I have no choice but to inform her," Elsa murmured.

Reflecting on her transmission with Karen, a grave expression settled over Elsa's face as she knocked on the door of the adjacent room—Julia's quarters.

"It's Elsa. Lady Julia, are you present?"

"Yes, come in."

Granted permission, Elsa stepped inside to find Julia standing by the window, gazing out at the scenery below.

Elsa came forward, coming to a polite halt a respectful distance away.

"I have received word from Lady Karen."

"...Regarding the Earth Empire, I take it?"

"Yes. It appears the Underground Empire has already fallen to their forces."

Elsa succinctly relayed the details of her conversation with Karen.

When Elsa finished speaking, Julia finally turned around, a grim look clouding her elegant features.

"They struck with terrifying speed... Has the Underground Empire truly declined that much, or is the Earth Empire simply that formidable?"

"Given that they managed to launch an invasion without alerting neighboring nations—most notably the Great Forest—the Empire must have committed its absolute maximum military strength, just as Verg warned. The Imperial Five Swords undoubtedly mobilized as well. Caught completely off guard, the Underground Empire stood no chance."

"Preaching peace between two nations while proposing a marriage alliance with Lady Sigi, only to orchestrate a treacherous ambush from the shadows... It's just like what they did to the Virte Kingdom," Julia said, her voice laced with bitterness.

Julia bit her lip in deep frustration, a sight Elsa observed with quiet sympathy.

Their homeland, the Virte Kingdom, had met its downfall at the hands of the Earth Empire through eerily similar underhanded tactics.

Even back then, despite facing overwhelming odds, Julia had wrought miraculous feats on the battlefield—slaying one of the Imperial Five Swords and annihilating the Empire's entire Second Army.

Yet in the end, Julia was cut off from reinforcement, ultimately defeated and captured by the First Seat of the Imperial Five Swords.

Stripped of their greatest fighting force in Julia, the Virte Kingdom had been utterly incapable of mounting further resistance, meeting a swift and tragic demise.

"...Verg should have finished his preparations by now. Let us go meet with him."

"Are you truly intent on journeying to the Underground Empire?" Elsa inquired.

"Yes. I was once shown 'hospitality' by their First Seat, and an opportunity like this may never come again to return the favor. Above all, I cannot stand by and watch another tragic nation fall victim to the Earth Empire's greed."

"In that case, I shall accompany you," Elsa stated firmly.

"What of the guild? With Karen away, your presence here is vital, Elsa."

"Rest assured. The Virte Guild boasts capable personnel like Gretea. Even in our absence, holding down the fort is well within their capabilities."

"Then what about alerting the Magic Association?"

Julia and Elsa intended to drag the Demon Kings into this conflict.

If the Underground Empire, which had maintained centuries of proud independence, was occupied by the Earth Empire, the Demon Kings were bound to take offense. They would undoubtedly launch retaliatory strikes and disrupt imperial governance. Once neighboring powers intervened, the Earth Empire would have no choice but to withdraw.

"I will dispatch Schuler. Under normal circumstances he would be brushed aside, but at a juncture like this, word is certain to reach the Demon Kings' ears."

"Are there any Demon Kings capable of mobilizing immediately?"

"Several of them have returned to the Magic City, including the First Crown... and Glynn as well. Given that Lord Ars is in the Underground Empire, the likelihood of Glynn making a move is very high."

Julia nodded at Elsa's assessment, resting a delicate finger against her chin in deep contemplation.

"The Holy Church, the Magic Association, and the Earth Empire... The military might of the three great powers will converge on the Underground Empire, then. Even the Earth Empire could hardly have failed to foresee this... The real question is what move they plan to make beyond that."

The Earth Empire commanded the largest territory in the known world. There was no way their grand strategy was sloppy or ill-conceived.

Especially when they had gone so far as to deceive the Great Forest to force their campaign through.

"Still, it would be dangerous to keep our eyes solely on the Earth Empire... How is the High Priestess reacting?"

Within the Great Forest existed three major political factions.

The Holy Knights Faction, boasting the mighty Ten Holy Celestials.

The Elders Council, composed of retired former Holy Knights.

And the High Priestess Faction, which commanded the Divine Miko under the High Priestess's authority.

Though human, Julia had been chosen as the Saint due to possessing the supreme Gift [Light], placing her nominally under the umbrella of the High Priestess Faction.

"Still no communication from her, and the other Divine Miko remain equally silent," Elsa reported.

"What of our scouts keeping watch?"

"Their reports state... no visible movement whatsoever."

"Then we must take their word for it for now... Though there is no chance that wicked woman is truly sitting idly by."

Having departed from the Great Forest, Julia and her companions had no direct means of monitoring the High Priestess's covert actions.

To compensate, they relied on informants embedded within the High Priestess Faction—former subordinates from when Elsa served as a Divine Miko.

However, because their prior allegiance to Elsa was an open secret, the depth of intelligence they could extract was strictly limited.

"It was precisely for times like this that I sought to swiftly secure control over the Holy Knights Faction, but..."

From the very beginning, Julia had never considered the High Priestess an ally.

Thus, seeking a loyal military force of her own, she had targeted the Holy Knights Faction, enlisting the aid of Verg and the Tenth Apostle Ashiyora to strike down the First Apostle Wahed.

Even so, complete control had eluded her grasp; with the defection of the Third Apostle and resistance from several others, internal turmoil still simmered within the faction.

"...Perhaps I acted too hastily," Julia murmured with a self-deprecating smile.

Julia let out a self-derisive chuckle.

Even so, she harbored no regrets about her decision.

Still, she could not entirely suppress the lingering thought that there might have been a cleaner, more masterful way to handle things.

"Lady Julia, you need not trouble yourself over it. It was unavoidable. Had you taken a leisurely approach to preparations, you never would have gained the cooperation of Verg and the others, leaving us scrambling in confusion right now."

Seeing Julia voice her insecurities, Elsa offered gentle reassurance.

"Besides, you succeeded in forging friendly ties with the Queen of Helheim. That alone is undeniable proof of your exceptional adaptability."

When seizing control of the Holy Knights Faction stalled, Julia had challenged the Queen of the Demonic Capital Helheim as an insurance policy. Yet after numerous twists and turns, that clash had culminated in an alliance of mutual respect.

"You always have such kind words for me, Elsa, even when you surely have your own reservations... You know, it is perfectly fine to scold me like you do Karen every now and then."

Softening the stiff tension that had gripped her features moments ago, Julia offered a gentle smile.

"Lady Karen is the sort who never understands unless someone spells it out for her... And since she refuses to mend her ways no matter how many times I lecture her, I have no choice but to scold her."

Elsa shrugged in mild exasperation, a wry smirk gracing her lips before her gaze turned resolute.

"That aside, I understand why you feel so rushed, Lady Julia. It is because Lord Ars continues to surge so far ahead of us all."

In terms of sheer growth rate, Julia's progress was nothing short of miraculous.

Yet Ars, having already attained the pinnacle of power as Magic Essence Mimir—though he remained bizarrely oblivious to that fact—never halted his forward march.

Word had it that he was recently experimenting all on his own to uncover what lay beyond even Domain Expansion.

Julia was not the only one stunned; Elsa herself had doubted her own ears when she first caught wind of it.

Karen had gone so far as to let out a hollow, incredulous laugh in utter disbelief.

But Shion had been different. Without treating it as a joke in the slightest, she had taken his words with dead seriousness.

The memory of Shion's grave expression remained vividly etched in both of their minds.

Domain Expansion was the absolute zenith of Gift mastery, universally revered as the Ultimate Magic.

To suggest something existed beyond it should have been an utter impossibility.

Yet the one proclaiming it was none other than Magic Essence Mimir, the legendary figure rumored to have plundered all magical knowledge across the world.

The weight behind his words carried more absolute certainty than anyone else's.

Ars was reaching for an uncharted realm that not a single soul in history had ever reached.

Watching that towering silhouette race ever forward, it was only natural for Julia to feel a gnawing sense of impatience.

"As expected of you, Elsa. We have known each other so long that you read me like an open book... You are right. Perhaps I truly am desperate not to be left behind by Ars."

"Could it be you are still dwelling on that promise?"

At Elsa's question, a gentle smile softened Julia's lips.

"Yes. Even if the entire world turns against him, I alone will stand at his side... That is the solemn vow I made the day he saved my life."

Yet Julia knew she was still far from complete.

Possessing the peerless Gift [Light] and revered as the Saint, never once had she grown conceited or overestimated her own strength.

She understood all too well that crises would arise that she could never weather alone.

That was precisely why Julia sought power in every conceivable form.

Individual prowess and collective might. Political power and religious authority.

Every single scrap of influence she could grasp.

All to gather the strong, eliminate obstacles, and pave the way forward for him when the fated hour arrived.

"And beyond the clearance of every hurdle lies the title that awaits him—"

Pausing briefly, Julia declared with resounding conviction:

—The Demon Emperor.

In all of history, only a single being had ever borne that title.

A supreme existence that even the Twelve Demon King Grandmasters could never hope to reach.

To someone like Ars, who constantly surged ahead into unprecedented heights, Julia's assistance might ultimately prove unnecessary.

Yet having pledged her word, Julia had no intention of ever giving up.

When he finally seized the supreme glory of Demon Emperor, she wanted to be standing beside him as someone worthy of pride.

"And that obstacle happens to be the Earth Empire, then?"

"No. They are not an obstacle; they are a stepping stone. For Ars to surpass the Demon Kings and ascend to Demon Emperor, we must ensure they serve as the foundation beneath his feet."

Turning on her heel, Julia strode forward with commanding grace and pulled open the door to her room.

Sunlight spilling in from the corridor bathed her in an ethereal, divine radiance.

"Come, Elsa. Let us depart. This is also a battle to defend our pride."

Gazing upon her resolute back, Elsa narrowed her eyes and spoke in a quiet, unwavering voice.

"To the very end... I shall accompany you."

＊

Governed by the Magic Association, the Magic City was known far and wide as the Place That Reaches the Gods.

The origin of that grand moniker lay in the colossal spire towering at the very center of the city.

—The Third Period Babel Tower.

Piercing through the heavens so high its summit was veiled in clouds, the monumental structure was still under continuous construction even today.

It was the proud symbol of the Magic City, and the very reason the metropolis earned its celestial title.

According to myth, the First Period Babel Tower was erected during the age of legends in what was now the deepest recesses of the Lost Lands.

However, when the catastrophic war erupted between the Demon Emperor and the gods, the tower was reduced to rubble.

To escape the ravages of conflict, the Second Period Babel Tower was constructed within the Deep Territory of the Lost Lands, only to collapse just like its predecessor as the flames of war expanded.

After the Demon Emperor was defeated in battle against the gods, forcing humanity to abandon the Lost Lands entirely, the Third Period Babel Tower was finally erected at the end of that turbulent era.

On the seventieth floor of this monolithic spire lay a grand chamber where the Demon Kings convened.

"What an eyesore. Who the hell designed this tacky garbage?"

Spitting out curses the second he stepped through the door was Glynn, the Demon King known as the Ogre Eater.

Glancing around the room, he curled his lip in open disgust.

It was all thanks to the obnoxiously gaudy decor plastering every square inch of the space.

Crimson carpet blanketed the entire floor, while opulent golden vases and lavish paintings enclosed in heavy gilded frames lined the walls.

An elaborately carved gold-leaf conference table dominated the center, flanked by high-backed chairs.

The whole scene was the very embodiment of vulgar, nouveau-riche extravagance.

Three figures were already seated around the table.

Glynn plopped down aggressively into a chair, kicked his boots up onto the long table, and glared at the person who had summoned him.

"Hey, Sasha. You've got some nerve dragging me all the way to this godawful dump. If this turns out to be a waste of my time, I'm kicking your ass."

At his brazenly insolent tone, the Fourth Crown Demon King known as Sasha flashed an amused, wry grin.

"My, my... Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, didn't they, Glynn-chan?"

Sasha was a figure of ambiguous gender blessed with an impeccably muscular, chiseled physique.

Yet between those strikingly handsome features and a provocatively revealing outfit, Sasha exuded a bizarrely intoxicating allure.

If anything, the flamboyant presence fit right in with the gilded room.

"You drag me out of nowhere, what do you expect? More importantly, what's with this tasteless gold trap? Is this your idea of fancy, Sasha?"

"Oh, how dreadful! You wound me! A room this devoid of true elegance couldn't possibly be my taste. When I asked for a chamber suitable for a summit, they told me this was the only one available. I imagine one of the Twenty-Four Directors uses it for their private indulgence, wouldn't you say?"

"Hold on, you're holding a Demon King summit in a place that shady? Isn't this an emergency meeting? You fine with people eavesdropping on us?"

"Oh, Glynn-chan, such a worrywart! But I've always loved that earnest side of you~"

Sasha delivered a playful wink, prompting Glynn to scowl with a deep furrow in his brow.

"I'm not in the mood for your games. If you're just screwing around, I'm out of here."

"Wait, wait! Honestly, Glynn-chan, you've always been so impatient... Don't worry, our anti-eavesdropping countermeasures are foolproof. Besides, Lilith-chan helped set them up, so you know they're airtight."

Following Sasha's gaze led to an exquisite beauty seated with effortless grace.

The Second Crown Demon King, Lilith—radiant with golden hair and striking golden eyes.

Possessing a divine beauty reminiscent of a celestial goddess, even the simple gesture of brushing aside a stray lock of hair was drenched in unassailable elegance.

She was the most ancient of all the Demon Kings, and not a single soul doubted her absolute might.

"Indeed. You may set your mind at ease on that matter," Lilith affirmed in a velvety tone.

Confirming Sasha's words, Lilith gave a light, crisp snap of her fingers.

"Sebas, tea for everyone, please."

"Right away, my Lady."

Standing dutifully behind her, the butler Sebas bowed with practiced deference and began preparing the tea service.

A tiny hand tugged at his sleeve—the little girl seated beside Lilith.

"Seba-chan! Kirisha wants tea too—and lots and lots of sweets!"

It was Kirisha, the young girl who served as Demon King Glynn's constant companion and partner.

Gazing up with sparkling, wide eyes as she pleaded, her adorable demeanor was impossible for anyone to refuse.

Even Sebas, who had been performing his duties with stoic composure, allowed the corners of his mouth to soften.

"Certainly. I have prepared the cookies you are so fond of, Lady Kirisha."

"Yaaay, as expected of Seba-chan! You know Kirisha so well~!"

"...Wait, hold on a damn second. Kirisha, what the hell are you even doing here?"

Pressing a hand against his forehead, Glynn groaned as if nursing a sudden migraine.

"I was wondering where Glynn-chan was going! I got curious, so I tagged along!"

Nibbling on the cookie Sebas offered her, Kirisha beamed with pure, innocent cheer.

"Besides, I was clinging to your back the whole time! I thought for sure you knew!"

Glynn fell silent without lashing out.

He realized that making a scene and kicking her out now would only make him look worse.

Because she was practically glued to his back on a daily basis, the lack of any sensation had caused him to overlook her—a blunder entirely on his part. But being the obstinate, perverse soul he was, Glynn was never going to openly admit that having her around had become second nature.

"Now, now, Glynn-chan, what's the harm?"

Sasha chuckled warmly, dispelling the awkward silence that had settled over the table.

"There's no rule saying you can't bring your guild's sub-master to a Demon King summit. Let's just say Kirisha-chan is joining us today, all right?"

In truth, it was hardly uncommon for Demon Kings to bring along bodyguards or personal attendants to these gatherings.

Lilith herself was accompanied by her butler, Sebas.

"...Hmph. Whatever."

Bailed out by Sasha's timely intervention, Glynn—far too proud to offer thanks—leaned back into his chair with a grunt and surveyed the attendees.

"—So, is this all that showed up?"

Opposite him sat Lilith with Kirisha at her side, and a little further down was Sasha.

And occupying the head of the table was the First Crown Demon King, Shurahat, who had just returned from the Lost Lands a few days prior.

"Four Demon Kings in one room is more than enough. If anything, 'tis quite the turnout," Shurahat rumbled.

Shurahat murmured as he stroked the full white beard gracing his chin.

Demon King summits had been convened countless times over the centuries, but attendance was notoriously dismal. It was by no means rare for only two people to show up, primarily because attendance was purely voluntary.

Attempting to force such fiercely headstrong monsters to attend against their will would inevitably ignite far worse than mere squabbles.

Flattering no one, bowing to no one, and obeying no one—that was the very essence of the Twelve Demon King Grandmasters.

Originally, the one who united them all had been the Demon Emperor, but that was a tale from a thousand years ago.

A successor had yet to emerge.

For now, the First Crown Shurahat was treated as their nominal representative, but he commanded only modest respect and held no absolute authority to order the other Demon Kings around.

For that reason, assembling four of them in one place today was an exceptional achievement in itself.

"Well, nobody else is showing up, so let's get this circus started already," Glynn said.

"Very well, let us begin," Sasha agreed.

Sasha moistened her throat with the fragrant tea Sebas had poured before addressing the room in earnest.

"The Earth Empire has launched an invasion into the Underground Empire."

"Heh... Those little parasites actually made a move? Does the Great Forest have their back or something?" Glynn sneered.

"No. In fact, the Great Forest was completely blindsided. They pulled off quite the clever scheme, honestly. Just imagining those fair-skinned elves turning crimson with rage brings a smile to my face~"

"Hard to believe. That cowardly Earth Empire pulling off something so ballsy? Your source better be rock solid."

As Glynn voiced his suspicion, Sasha glanced down at a written report.

"The initial report came from Gretea of the Virte Guild. The second was from Elemita, a receptionist with the Magic Association. She had received multiple eyewitness accounts from adventurers, which prompted me to deploy my own scouts to investigate."

Barely a few hours had passed since those two preliminary reports arrived.

Yet in that short span, Sasha had commanded her subordinates to gather every scrap of intelligence available.

Her guild excelled in espionage and information brokering, thriving in the cutthroat Magic City by trading in high-value secrets.

"Therefore, its credibility is beyond reproach—no, the invasion is an absolute certainty. It appears the Earth Empire has committed their full military might, so they are deadly serious."

"Hmph. Well, I don't know anyone down there, and I don't give a damn about the Underground Empire. They can burn for all I care," Glynn scoffed.

"I share little Guri's sentiment. 'Tis pitiful, to be sure, but we owe them no favors. So long as they do not lay a finger on the Magic Association, leaving them to their fate is fine by me," Shurahat chimed in.

Glynn and Shurahat dismissed the matter with complete and utter apathy.

The other eight Demon Kings absent today would surely have reacted the exact same way.

Sasha nodded in apparent agreement, an equally disinterested expression settling over her face.

"Huh? You're the one who dragged us here, so what's with that bored look?" Glynn snapped.

At Glynn's pointed remark, Sasha gave a light shrug.

"Oh, I'm not the host of today's gathering. I merely convened everyone because Lilith-chan asked me to."

"Heh... The Second Crown herself, huh? Wonders never cease. You'd better give us a proper explanation for this."

Glynn curled the corners of his mouth into an aggressive grin, deliberately turning up the pressure.

The atmosphere turned razor-sharp, thick with the predatory tension of a hound about to leap at its quarry's throat.

While Glynn bared his teeth in an overt show of intimidation, Lilith merely took an elegant sip of her tea, brushing off his overwhelming aura with tranquil poise.

"Why, of course. This intelligence was procured independently by my guild. I am certain it will prove most delightful to you all."

Lilith's slender fingertips tapped rhythmically against the table.

The oppressive tension suffocating the room effortlessly unraveled, bending entirely to her regal domain.

Then, choosing each word with meticulous precision to brook no interruption, she spoke.

"It appears the Holy Church is viewing this incident with profound concern after being so thoroughly outmaneuvered... A contingent of the Holy Knights Faction has already begun mobilizing. No doubt they feel their precious pride has been grievously insulted."

Saying so, Lilith nibbled serenely on a cookie.

Taking her time was a calculated move to grant the other Demon Kings room to process her words—though deep down, she was likely just savoring their reactions.

Even though her intentions were completely transparent, not a single person present voiced a complaint.

Not only did they know arguing with her was futile, but the one seated before them was none other than the Second Crown Demon King, Lilith.

She was the oldest Demon King alive, having survived through sheer cunning and intellect in a ruthless city crawling with monsters and conspirators.

Her very existence commanded instinctive respect; even the First Crown Shurahat, despite holding higher formal rank, rarely contested her opinions.

"And what makes this affair most intriguing of all—is the report that Magic Essence Mimir has made an appearance."

The instant that name left her lips, the atmosphere shifted violently.

Magic Essence Mimir.

The strongest mage in the entire world.

The sole being in existence to emerge victorious after turning every nation on the globe into an enemy.

Not a living soul had ever seen his face, nor had anyone unmasked his true identity.

Demon Kings and Holy Ten alike—he was an elusive phantom that the entire world relentlessly pursued.

Witnessing the dramatic transformation in their expressions, Lilith's smile deepened with supreme satisfaction.

"Lilith-chan, are you serious? The Magic Essence Mimir showed up?"

Sasha fixed her with a gaze brimming with skepticism.

"Yes, without a doubt... Though it would be difficult to present concrete proof if demanded."

"I can hardly believe it. He's an absolute cipher, you know? How on earth did you manage to get your hands on that information in the first place?"

Unconcealed doubt bled heavily into Sasha's voice, though it was hardly surprising.

When presented with the name of a figure who had never once stepped onto the public stage in history, questions were bound to spill forth.

"You'll just have to take my word for it. It truly was pure coincidence—a miracle, one might say," Lilith declared with composed elegance.

As Lilith made her quiet assertion, Sasha narrowed her eyes in suspicion, though she knew Lilith was hardly the type to tarnish her credibility by telling pointless lies.

Meanwhile, Shurahat stroked his white beard with obvious fascination, a broad grin spreading across his weathered face.

In stark contrast to the other two, Glynn sat holding his head in exasperation.

"...What the hell is that idiot doing now?" Glynn groaned.

Glynn had a very good idea who Magic Essence Mimir actually was.

He had met the guy not too long ago, and they had even promised to dive into the Deep Territory together on a joint expedition.

Yet despite that, here he was, off causing trouble on his own again.

"Guess I don't have a choice... Now I'm actually interested."

Though Glynn looked thoroughly irritated as he stood up, his resolve was rock solid.

He had made up his mind to head to the Underground Empire.

"Oh my, Glynn-chan... Are you planning to intervene in a war?" Sasha asked playfully.

"I couldn't care less about some petty squabble between the Earth Empire and the Underground Empire," Glynn snorted dismissively.

Although the Magic Association prohibited mages from meddling in international conflicts, they usually turned a blind eye when it came to the Demon Kings. After all, one could hardly demand reasoned compliance from a walking natural disaster.

"But—if anyone gets in the way of me meeting Magic Essence Mimir, I won't show them an ounce of mercy."

"Well said! All right, big sis is coming along too," Sasha agreed with an amused chuckle.

Standing up as well, Sasha beamed with delight.

"I do hope he's a cutie... I can't wait to meet him~"

"I, too, find myself intrigued," Shurahat rumbled.

Shurahat rose from his seat as well, following behind Glynn as the younger Demon King stomped out of the room with heavy strides.

"Waaait up, waaait fooor meee~!"

Cheeks stuffed with cookies, Kirisha scrambled hurriedly after Glynn.

"What about you, Lilith-chan? What will you do?"

"Of course, I shall be going as well," Lilith answered smoothly.

"Figures as much. You've been searching for Magic Essence Mimir forever, after all."

Sasha clapped her hands together as if a sudden thought had just struck her.

"Wait... did you leak that information on purpose just to flush him out and capture him?"

It was common knowledge that Lilith had been furiously scouring the world for Magic Essence Mimir after having her magical knowledge stolen by him.

"...Something along those lines, yes," Lilith murmured with a subtle smile.

At Lilith's acknowledgment, Sasha let out a wry chuckle.

"You truly never cease to amaze. But really, how did you track him down? Not even my intelligence network caught wind of him. Do you have some outrageous secret source?"

Beneath Sasha's playful tone lay a tinge of frustration that she couldn't entirely mask.

For someone who prided herself on being the Magic City's foremost broker of information, having Lilith beat her to the punch was practically a humiliation. Tracing a finger along her lips, Sasha offered an alluring smile.

"Hehe... To beat me to the scoop, you really are something else, Lilith-chan. As vexing as it is, your sheer efficiency gives me chills."

"I gladly accept your praise. However, I am not foolish enough to lay bare my methods. Information is, after all, a potent weapon."

"I suppose you're right. A pity, but don't mind me if I do a little digging of my own."

"By all means, be my guest."

"Well then, I'll go on ahead and wait for you~"

Leaving behind those parting words, Sasha exited the room, leaving only Lilith and Sebas behind in the gilded chamber.

"Was that truly wise, my Lady? There is a possibility Lord Ars's true identity may be exposed."

Sebas posed the question in a calm, measured tone as he refilled her empty teacup.

"It is about time Ars gained some self-awareness regarding his standing," Lilith replied, taking a delicate sip.

"Indeed, the young man does possess a peculiarly low estimation of his own abilities... One can only hope he finally realizes it."

With a faint, wry smile, Sebas placed the freshly poured teacup before Lilith.

"Even if he fails to realize it, this should still provide support for Julia."

Although Julia had managed to rally a faction of the Holy Knights to her side, her overall military strength remained dangerously precarious.

Their opponent was the elite magical knights of the Earth Empire, led by none other than Ceres Chevalier, the First Seat with whom she shared a bitter history.

The imperial princes were exceptionally talented as well, and by all accounts, they maintained close fraternal ties. Letting down one's guard was out of the question.

Failing to seize complete control of the Holy Church had turned out to be a painful setback at this critical juncture.

And yet—

"Well, that is precisely why she pulled me into her corner in the first place. Since I am lending her my cooperation, I certainly expect her to do her best."

Even as she spoke with apparent confidence, Lilith rested a slender finger against her chin, her expression clouding with subtle apprehension.

"Do you harbor some concern, my Lady?"

At Sebas's inquiry, Lilith let out a soft sigh.

"Yes... I sense an unsettling presence behind all of this."

"Regarding this current incident, you mean?"

"Precisely. Too many disparate motives are intersecting at once, obscuring what feels like someone's grand scheme lurking in the shadows."

The Demon Kings, the Holy Ten, the Saint, Magic Essence Mimir, and the Earth Empire.

On top of that, Special Designated Monster No. 4, and the Discarded Numbers lurking within the depths.

"The pinnacle military assets of multiple nations are converging in a single location in overwhelming numbers. I find it impossible to believe this is mere happenstance."

"Could it be... that someone orchestrated events specifically to draw Lord Shurahat and the others toward the Underground Empire?"

"If that is indeed the case... it would mean even my own line of thought was skillfully manipulated. Hehe... If so, our unseen player is far beyond a simple schemer."

Taking a sip of her tea, Lilith allowed a faint, dangerous smile to grace her lips.

"—At any rate, this is unlikely to reach a simple conclusion."

"It promises to be a turbulent storm."

"There is no doubt about that. Which is all the more reason for me to go in person—to unmask whoever drew up the blueprint for this entire theater."

Setting her teacup upon the saucer on the table, Lilith rose gracefully to her feet.

"Once I rendezvous with an old friend, I shall set out for the Underground Empire."

"Understood. Please, take care out there, my Lady."

Sebas bowed deeply in deference.

In the very next instant, her presence vanished completely into thin air.

When the butler raised his head, Lilith was nowhere to be seen, leaving behind only the lingering trace of a gorgeous, floral fragrance.

---

Toc