Chapter 392: King of the Demon Realm (3)

Kai stood before the audience chamber at the top floor of the Demon King’s Castle and took a deep breath.

“

Kyoo

.”

Mimic, clinging tightly to the top of his head, also took a deep breath to steady itself.

Well, it won’t take much damage even if it gets unsummoned. Maybe I’ll let it stay.

He had something he wanted to test using Mimic anyway.

Kai slowly pushed open the doors to the audience chamber.

Ding!

[Warning: Entering the audience chamber will disable logout and return until the battle is over.]

[Would you still like to proceed?]

Haven’t seen that warning in a while.

Kai smirked and nodded. “Enter.”

The doors creaked open and revealed a vast space. The door behind him slammed shut as he stepped inside. It felt like the castle itself had no intention of letting its prey escape once it stepped in.

Is that the Demon King?

About thirty meters ahead, a woman with a bored expression sat on a throne made of unknown animal skulls. She had a pair of horns with a beautiful design unlike any he had seen in the Demon Realm, eyes that could make one tense up even when she was simply sitting still, skin tanned to a perfect tone, and long, thick dark red hair.

𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

The Demon King Angol Moa beckoned toward Kai. “Come closer.”

Her voice sounded like she was commanding a servant.

Kai silently walked toward her.

“

Hm?

” Angol Moa studied Kai carefully and let out a short sound of interest. “You’re not a demon.”

“I’m human.”

“

Ah.

Now it makes sense.” She gave a seductive smile. “I understand now why my subordinates couldn’t handle you. You’re the one, right? The human who killed Kinessa.”

“That’s right.”

“That is impressive,” Angol Moa gave a sincere word of praise.

She could see it. She could feel how immense the power within this human truly was.

“For a human to wield this level of power... You’re the strongest one I’ve ever seen. Remarkable.”

“So you’ve seen other humans before?”

“There have been a few times when I was summoned to the Middle Realm with barely a speck of power,” Angol Moa murmured with a soft look in her eyes as she recalled the past. “It was quite the amusement.”

It was likely not such a pleasant experience for the humans who lived in that era.

“Now then. Enough small talk. You must have a reason for coming to see me.”

Her gaze sharpened. They were like those of a hawk targeting its prey, with no room for escape.

“I figured I’d trade a few blows while I’m here, and I also have something to ask.”

“I acknowledge the effort it took for you to come this far. I grant you permission to ask.”

With permission granted, Kai got straight to the point. “Demon King Angol Moa. You’re known as the most powerful demon in the Demon Realm, feared even by the gods.”

“That is correct.”

She didn’t deny it. She was the most brilliant and glorious being in the history of the Demon Realm, and her name was known even in the heavens.

“Then let me ask. Can you kill a god?”

“A god...?”

Angol Moa narrowed her eyes. She studied Kai, trying to grasp the intent behind his question.

Only after a brief pause did she reply, “I truly don’t know. Why do you ask such a thing?”

“No need to overthink it. Just answer honestly. Can you or can’t you kill a god?”

“

Hm

. I see.”

The question was straightforward—was she capable of killing a god or not.

She answered firmly, “I can say this. It’s possible depending on the circumstances.”

Kai’s eyes gleamed. “So you’re saying you can kill a god?”

“As I said, it depends on the circumstances.”

“Could you explain in more detail?”

“

Hmm.

” Angol Moa crossed her legs with a look of amusement. “Let me ask first. Why are you curious about something like that?”

“Do you know of Muldine?”

“I do.” A firm voice shot out. “The god of destruction and ruin, ruler of darkness and night...”

“I plan to face him.”

“

Pfft

.”

Realizing her mistake, she covered her mouth. “Sorry. That was too funny...

Pffft

.”

“What’s so funny...?”

“

Sigh

. Once again, I apologize. It was just so unexpected that I laughed. Do you remember what I said earlier, that killing a god may be possible depending on the circumstances?”

“I remember.”

“A god of Muldine’s caliber does not fall under those circumstances.”

“Then...?”

“

Hm

, let me explain simply.” Angol Moa tapped the skull of her throne with a long, slender finger. “A lesser god. A forgotten god whom no one worships anymore. If I were to drag one of them down into my domain, the Demon Realm, then I would gain the right to destroy them.”

“But it’s impossible for a high-ranking god like Muldine?”

“Of course. That would be a stretch even for me. Why do you think they’re called gods?”

Kai fell silent and got lost in thought at her clear answer.

Even the Demon King can only deal with lesser gods?

And even then, that was only possible if they were dragged into her home ground, the Demon Realm. She was the archdemon even the Solarian God Helik had feared. Helik had nagged Kai for days, warning him never to get involved with her. Perhaps that was why he had held a vague hope that she might know a way to fight a god.

But it’s not possible... huh.

Kai changed the question. “Then forget killing. What about sealing?”

“Sealing?” Angol Moa blinked her long, thick lashes. “That’s a foolish question. Who would be able to seal a god unless they willingly give up everything themself?”

“So you’re saying it’s not possible?”

“It seems you don’t even understand what a god truly is.” She shook her index finger side to side, as if to say that was not acceptable. “The gods of the heavens are all administrators of the world created by the Supreme God. Naturally, they are transcendent beings granted the authority of management. To oppose them is... Well, do humans still cling to class systems?”

“Of course. Commoners, nobles, and above them, royalty.”

“Then this should be easy to explain. Saying you’ll face Muldine is even more reckless than a mere slave trying to tear down the caste system.”

“Why?”

“It’s simple. As long as a god remains in the heavenly realm, they cannot be harmed in any way.”

“Then wouldn’t dragging them down to the Human Realm solve the problem?”

At that, Angol Moa smirked. “Do you think that’s as easy as it sounds? And unless they’re a lesser god, killing them still won’t be easy even if they leave the heavens.”

“How do you know that?”

“Well, I don’t.” She raised her chin and replied shamelessly. “No one’s ever done it before, so I can only guess. But would high-ranking gods suffer damage just because they left the heavens? I’m doubtful on that part.”

“

Hm

. I see.” Kai nodded and looked at her. “Alright. That’s the end of my questions. Honestly, thanks.”

“No problem. It’s only natural to treat a guest who traveled a long way.” Angol Moa slightly wriggled her fingers. “Then, may I speak of my own business now?”

“You had something?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” She gave a bitter smile. “This throne is a lonely place. It’s been hundreds of years since I last saw the face of a challenger. I’m just praised by those beneath me, deified, and spend each day in empty repetition. That is the position of the Demon King.”

“The demons of the demon realm would probably collapse if they heard you say that.”

“I actually envy them. To have something to aim for, to be able to make an effort. That means they can color a page of life with meaning.”

“You must have had such a time too. Before becoming the Demon King.”

“It would’ve been nice if I had... but unfortunately, that’s not the case.” She slowly shook her head. “I’ve never once made an effort. I was born with the fate of an absolute being, so I simply walked the path of one. What joy could there be in such a dull life?”

“You’re kind of annoying, you know that?”

“So at this moment, I feel anticipation. It feels like my stopped heart is beating again.” Angol Moa folded her hands gently and placed them over her heart. “Now then. Entertain me.”

“I’ll give it a try,” Kai gave a small smile and took a battle stance.

***

On the plains at the border of the Kingdom of Aldebaran, an army too massive to see in one glance was lined up.

“

Whoa

... How many people is that?”

“I don’t know. Probably at least in the millions.”

“

Yeah

. I heard Black Dragon brought 3 million alone.”

“Man, those continental guys. Their numbers are just brutal.”

“Isn’t that actually small? I heard Black Dragon has 22 million members.”

“Hey hey. I’m pretty sure only about 3 million of them are active in Aldebaran. The rest are scattered across the continent and can’t even participate in this war. And honestly, most of them just joined because Black Dragon was popular in China. The active members are probably just the 3 million here.”

“Still a lot though.”

“Sure is.”

Players gathered on a hill, chatting as they watched the Kingdom of Aldebaran’s war deployment ceremony. Soon, a count affiliated with the kingdom went up the fortress wall and gave a long speech, and a message window appeared before all players affiliated with Aldebaran.

Ding!

[The Kingdom of Aldebaran and the Kingdom of Rashion have entered into war.]

[The relationship between players affiliated with both kingdoms is now hostile.]

[You gain war points by killing enemies or succeeding in sieges. Rewards will be given based on your points when the war ends.]

The gates of the fortress guarding the border swung open, and NPC knights on horseback quickly rode out through the gate.

***

From a game broadcasting station’s perspective, this war was a major catch they couldn’t miss. It was the first official war to take place in

MID Online

, and the people involved in this war were all perfect subjects for headlines.

[The fearsome power of the continent—Black Dragon guild joins the war with a force of 3 million.]

[Xao Lin: “We will show the spirit of the people who once unified Asia.”]

[The Eight Great Guilds of the Rashion Kingdom—can they withstand Black Dragon’s overwhelming numbers?]

[Limitless Katherine: “Made in China? Sounds defective.” Controversial comment targeting Black Dragon.]

The moment these articles were published, the view counts spiked with an extra digit compared to usual. As expected, the overall reaction from the community resembled a festive World Cup-like atmosphere.

-Oh, is it finally time for a war?

-I bet on Rashion. Let’s teach Aldebaran a lesson!

└ Nope. They’re totally outnumbered.

└ Are there still idiots who think games are all about numbers? LMAO. Even a thousand level 1 newbies can be wiped by a single level 100 player.

└ Black Dragon may look like a mess, but the players affiliated with Aldebaran aren't bad at all.

-I don’t care about any of that. I'm most hyped for the battle at Siris Fortress.

└ Why that place?

└ Heard Rashion’s eastern and southern forces are concentrating there.

└ Yeah, makes sense. That spot is pretty solid geographically for holding the line. But I can't think of anyone from the east aside from Kai... Who's in the south again?

└ Warriors.

└ Oh man, guaranteed hype. But isn’t Kai still MIA?

└ Yup, he is.

Players celebrated from their homes or pubs as they watched the live streams in real time.

The battlefield was far more intense than expected. Many assumed Aldebaran would have the advantage with their numbers, but surprisingly, Rashion held the northern gate well against the attacks.

At that moment, Xao Lin, who had been quietly waiting in the rear, began to move.

-Dang, is Black Dragon finally getting on the move?

-They stayed still until now, so I thought they were waiting for Rashion to tire out, but what a surprise.

-Well, they must have a reason for making their move now.

Count Hind thought the same thing as he watched the scene unfold from the command tower.

“

Hm

, it seems the enemy has finally decided to launch a full attack.”

Though old, he was a seasoned tiger who had guarded Rashion’s borders for decades.

With overwhelming charisma, he ordered the nearby soldiers and generals,“Reinforce the upper walls with more wizards and archers. Also, double-check the defenses at the gate.”

In a war of this scale, they couldn’t fully trust adventurers of uncertain background. Because of that, the experienced Count Hind had stationed trustworthy private soldiers to guard the gate.

With this, I can confidently say there will be no betrayal from within.

Just as he was organizing his thoughts...

“S-Sir, we have a problem!” A soldier rushed up the command tower and reported with a voice that sounded torn, “Siege weapons have appeared!”

“

Hm

. Siege weapons,

huh

.” Count Hind nodded calmly.

In a war of this scale, the deployment of siege weapons was only natural.

“No need to make such a fuss. The walls at the gate are thoroughly protected by the wizards’ barriers.”

“Th-the walls aren’t the issue right now.” The soldier gulped and continued, unsure how to explain what he had seen, “They’re using the siege weapons to launch people instead of boulders!”