kscans

Chapter 234 - Interlude: The Seven Demon Lords, Part Seven

On a remote island far across the sea…

…A lush forest thrived, filled with countless fruits and medicinal herbs. A large pond teemed with fish of all sizes, and a multitude of other carnivorous beasts like boars and bears roamed the land.

…But even these animals would cower at the sight of a certain presence.

This island was home to numerous Dragons.

There were Wyverns, with wings for arms, claws, and a tail… Red Dragons, with four legs, wings, a tail, and red skin… Earth Dragons, with gray skin and four legs, but no wings… Water Dragons, which lived in the sea, with blue skin and a snake-like body… and Thunder Dragons, about the size of a human, bipedal with clawed hands and yellow skin.

These five types existed in great numbers, living peacefully within their respective territories, never fighting, thanks to the abundant food and comfortable habitat.

It was an island truly worthy of being called a paradise for the Dragon Race.

…On the northern side of this island stood a medieval castle, uniformly black.

Its form was majestic and imposing, an appearance befitting the dwelling of an absolute ruler. What’s more, it was constructed entirely of Adamantite.

It was a property that not just adventurers, but royalty, would kill for.

In a room within that castle…

The Great Hall.

…Blue flames flickered around the perimeter, encircling and illuminating the round table at the center.

Seated there were seven monsters: the Seven Demon Lords.

Bamhal the Dragon King spoke. "Everyone. I thank you for your efforts in this matter. Report."

In response, Daios the Sea General said, "I led my retainers and confronted the monsters gathered at the gates of the Republic. I created a wall of water to remain unseen by the humans, but… well, they probably figured it out. I took down two gorillas and then disposed of the Skeletons controlling them."

Next to report was Harynair the Corruptor. "My turn, then. Rumby and I drove off the monsters at the Church. I used my Enchanting Gas to brainwash the monsters, and then Rumby took care of the Skeletons."

Rumby the Fateweaver added, "Yup, yup! I inflicted a ton of misfortune on them… enough to make lightning strike kaboom! And after that, Harynair took control of them and sent them off somewhere."

She answered nonchalantly.

Sidoor the Sword Demon followed. "I acted with Lord Thousand Poisons. Though, I was merely disposing of my own livestock. The monsters there were frozen in fear, but they fled as soon as the mist cleared. I left the corpses as they were. The humans make such a fuss."

Lates the Thousand Poisons added, "I used a neurotoxin mist on the monsters loitering at the Kingdom’s entrance. For the Skeletons, I used a dissolving poison that left no trace. Afterward, I released the monsters and let them flee elsewhere."

He answered in a businesslike manner.

Finally, Redorza the Sage spoke. "As for me, I discovered and engaged the intelligent Undead who could be called the mastermind of this incident. He was a reasonably skilled opponent, but no match for me. And now… he is here."

With that, a black membrane appeared to his right, and he plunged his hand into it. He pulled out a black birdcage. Inside sat an Undead, doing nothing.

"Ooh," said Harynair. "So this is him. ‘Intelligent,’ you say? Does that mean he modified the Undead? A little souvenir from Mestie the Death Controller?"

She stated a plausible theory.

"I thought so at first as well," said Redorza, "but it seems not. After I hurt him a little, he told me his name and his homeland. Apparently, he was once the Chancellor of the Empire. He said he resurrected the soul of the former, former emperor into that demon, Amon."

The air grew cold at his words.

…Necromancy. A secret art that even the Seven Demon Lords rarely succeeded in. Even Redorza had failed to fully resurrect Rodel.

"Hoh?" said Daios. "For a human to accomplish that, even a former one… Was he a man of exceptional talent? Or was it sheer obsession?"

He observed the cage with interest.

"So, Sage-dono," Lates asked, "what do you plan to do with him? You must have some use for him, to have gone to the trouble of capturing him."

"Indeed," Redorza replied. "It would be a waste to kill someone with such talent. I wish to conduct various experiments. But before that, I wanted to show him to you all. I thought I should ask, just in case… about his fate."

To this, Daios said, "I have no objections." He closed his eyes, as if leaving the decision to Redorza.

"I, for one, am interested," said Lates. "A joint research project, perhaps."

"I have no issue with that," Redorza agreed to the cooperative offer.

"Not interested," Harynair said, inspecting her nails.

"Same here," Rumby added with a yawn.

"I don’t care either way," said Sidoor, leaving it entirely up to them.

Finally, Bamhal spoke. "I have a few questions. You, Undead."

Inside the cage, Vil trembled. "Y-Yes, what is it?"

He spoke with terror. To speak defiantly to the overwhelmingly powerful Bamhal would be suicide.

"How did you enter Mestie’s Temple?" Bamhal asked. "That is not a place one can easily enter."

It was about the temple’s aura he had sensed in the past. Given everything that had happened and the Undead’s appearance, he thought there must be a connection and decided to ask.

"I-I find it difficult to answer, but… I was wandering, seeking a place to die, when… it suddenly appeared before me. N-Nothing special happened…"

As Vil desperately answered, Bamhal said, "I see. That is all I wished to know. Do with him as you please, Redorza."

He adopted an air of having no further interest.

"Then, without reservation…" Redorza said, making the birdcage disappear.

"Ooh? What’s this? Something interesting?" Rumby asked, her face full of curiosity.

"Just a confirmation. Nothing more," Bamhal replied, closing his eyes.

As silence fell, Daios spoke. "Lord Dragon King… shall we continue the meeting?"

To which Bamhal replied, "Hmm, there is not much to do. The Empire must maintain its dignity. Well then…"

He resumed the meeting.