Chapter 37

My name is Astares.

One of the four great generals who shine brilliantly within the Demon King's army, also known as the Four Heavenly Kings.

As Astares, the head of the Four Heavenly Kings, known as 'Delusion,' my reputation on the battlefield is such that even allies tremble. I tend to get carried away in battle, and although I try to control myself as the Demon King suggests, I always end up going too far.

This time, the mission I received was different from what I usually do on the battlefield.

The order was to capture a foolish mermaid who had tarnished the dignity of the demon race.

I have no interest in political strategies; I just want to wreak havoc on the front lines. However, there are those who excel in cunning schemes and plots. One such scheme was to bring the mermaid race into our alliance.

The mermaids, who have long remained neutral, living in a different world from us who dwell on land, could be brought into our fold to encircle the human race from both land and sea, potentially bringing an end to this long war.

To achieve this, our demon race's foreign affairs department proposed a plan to have a certain mermaid princess marry into our demon race. Naturally, the enemy would not sit idly by. The humans also caught wind of this and proposed that the mermaid princess marry into the human royal family.

As a result, the demon race and the hated human race were once again at odds over a single female mermaid.

However, in this diplomatic battle, neither side emerged victorious. The mermaid in question had married someone entirely different.

Both the demon race and the human race were completely humiliated. The negotiators backed down, but there were those who could no longer tolerate the audacity of the mermaids.

I was chosen to represent such a faction and took action.

It was quickly discovered who the mermaid princess had married and where she was hiding. The mermaids, who had become complacent in their peace, underestimated our demon race's intelligence network. The foolish humans would never have uncovered this in a lifetime. That's why I could outmaneuver them.

My mission was to brutally kill the 'Saint' who had taken the mermaid princess and to secure the mermaid princess herself.

I was given permission to kill everyone else. Indeed, this was a job suited for me.

Although it was a somewhat menial task for the head of the Four Heavenly Kings, I would endure it if I could act freely.

* * *

So, this is where the mermaid princess is hiding.

I arrived by ship, but this place is quite desolate. There's no sign of any human presence.

"The mermaid princess is said to have married a saint who is isolated from the secular world, so this location fits the information."

My adjutant, who landed with me, offered advice. Indeed.

It seems this won't be a particularly flashy massacre. I brought a hundred Skeleton soldiers to ensure no one escaped, but perhaps it was unnecessary.

Well, no matter.

Let's quickly find and kill this so-called saint.

Just as I thought that, someone appeared from inland.

Orcs and goblins?

Are they local wild monsters? From their appearance and demeanor, it was clear they were not part of the Demon King's army. But only about ten of them?

They glared at us with puzzled expressions.

"Who are they?"

"They landed from a ship at sea?"

"They don't seem like friendly visitors. Gob-kun, go report to our lord."

"Understood!"

...Wait?

Did the orcs and goblins just speak?

Was I hearing things?

"Who are you?"

The orc spoke.

It wasn't a mistake!

"This is the territory of the Saint Kidan. We are his servants. Our lord has ordered us to welcome guests and eliminate enemies. Identify yourselves so we can determine if you are friend or foe."

"Talking orcs are rare. But don't get too cocky. It's a grave insult for a mere anthropomorphic monster to even hear the name of Astares, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King."

My adjutant interjected, "Lord Astares! You ended up giving your name anyway!" But let's overlook that for now.

"I'll tell you my purpose. I've come to kill that so-called saint and take the mermaid princess he married."

"What!?"

"And while I'm at it, I'll kill all of you as well."

As I signaled, the hundred Skeleton soldiers I led drew their weapons.

Good.

There's a chance for them to prove their worth.

Let's beat those wild monsters to a pulp!

"Everyone, did you hear? They are enemies of the Saint. Eliminate them. ...Go!!"

"Roger!!"

At that moment, several goblins from the opposing group of wild monsters shot forward at incredible speed.

"What is that speed!?"

I've never heard of goblins moving that fast!?

They might even surpass the speed of our demon race's elite soldiers!?

The swift goblins charged into the ranks of the Skeleton soldiers.

At the same time, a sharp, dry sound of something being cut echoed.

Snap! Slash!

The Skeleton soldiers' bones were instantly severed.

"What!? What's happening!?"

"The goblins that charged into our ranks are cutting down our monster soldiers one by one! Our numbers are causing confusion, making it difficult to respond!"

My adjutant explained, but he should have been taking action instead of explaining!

Our Skeleton soldiers were being cut down one by one, collapsing on the spot.

The Skeleton, the only undead monster that follows our demon race's orders, was chosen for its lightness and ease of transport by ship...!

But to be outmatched by goblins? Was this a poor choice!?

Then...

The orcs arrived.

They wielded thick axes, which they swung down with great force.

Thud!!

The Skeleton soldiers defended with shields provided by our Demon King's army.

But the orcs' axes cut through the shields and the Skeletons' bodies as if they were nothing.

The goblins caused chaos with their speed, while the orcs crushed with overwhelming power.

Our Skeleton soldiers were quickly reduced in number.

"Lord Astares...! Look!"

"What now!?"

"Those axes the orcs are wielding... Are they made of Mana Metal!?"

Mana Metal!?

The strongest mineral found only in dungeons!?

"The scythes the goblins are using as well. We can't stand against them!!"

Why are such powerful materials being used for axes and scythes!?

Shouldn't they be used for swords and spears!?

They would make perfect weapons for the Four Heavenly Kings!

While I was in denial, it was all over.

"You're the only ones left."

The hundred Skeleton soldiers I brought were reduced to a pile of bone fragments in an instant.

"The decision on your fate will be left to our lord. If you disagree, feel free to fight. I'll keep you company until you die."