Demons seek the destruction of humanity. Perhaps the root of this lies not in hostility, but in desire.
Among demons, there are many who harbor desires aimed specifically at humans, such as the desire to devour them or the desire to kill them. Even without a war, they would continuously inflict harm upon humans.
“You mentioned that there were two possible reasons why humans have been able to hold back the demons. What’s the second one?”
It was Arald who answered my question.
“Earlier, Lord Frondier, you said that Baal mentioned humans enduring due to their ‘numbers’ and ‘preparation.’”
That was correct. To help them understand the situation, I had relayed the conversation between Baal and Marco to the two of them.
When I nodded, Arald continued.
“Numbers likely refer to their troops. If there’s no strong individual like a Zodiac, then their greatest strength against demons would be to overwhelm them with sheer numbers. Moreover, since the humans here haven’t suffered as much damage as during the Monster War, I believe there are more humans here than in the Terst Empire.”
“Then what about ‘preparation’?”
“So you’re saying that humans have ‘preparation’ to stop them?”
“From here on, it’s purely my prediction and a bit of wishful thinking.”
While I tilted my head at that word, Arald continued.
“There’s a possibility that Magitech here is more advanced than in the Terst Empire.”
Indeed, if humans are weak, then the weapons and tools they wield must become stronger. In a way, it’s the most human approach.
Weapons and armaments created with Magitech may not be as powerful as those from legends or myths, but if mass-produced, they can raise the average level of human military power.
The humans of Agoris might have been resisting the demons with such means.
“Your eyes seem to sparkle when you say that.”
“Of course. Because I am, none other than, myself.”
“That’s the most arrogant expression I’ve ever heard.”
Arald, the chairman of Hitchcock. It’s only natural that he’d be interested in Agoris’ Magitech.
“Unlike the Terst Empire’s Magitech, which focuses on convenience and people’s well-being, this one might be designed to enhance the skills and potential of warriors and mages. This is truly a dream unfolding.”
“You mean it’s unfolding in the direction of war.”
It’s just a nightmare unfolding.
But it’s definitely something to be concerned about. If Arald’s prediction is correct, the level of Magitech in Agoris would be high, and that would be helpful in finding Heracles.
Then what about the demons? Are they truly preparing for war with humans?
“……Well, I’ll find out if I ask.”
“Are you really going?”
Lily asked with concern at my muttering.
I smiled and answered.
“Don’t worry. Baal is on our side.”
“You’ve truly gone mad.”
Baal, unable to contain himself after seeing my face, flew over and stood before me.
I greeted him with a grin.
“It’s been a while, Baal.”
“How did you find your way to this land?”
“Wherever you were kicked out from, there should be plenty of places for you to settle in the Empire.”
I said, maintaining my smile.
“I was kicked out of the Empire.”
“……The Empire kicked you out?”
“Yeah. I’m being treated like a demon.”
At my words, Baal looked at me with a dumbfounded expression.
“Weren’t you planning on living a grand life, receiving credit for driving the demons out of the Empire? You stopped the Demon War and now you’re being treated like a demon?”
Now that he puts it that way, I have nothing to say.
I wasn’t planning on living a grand life, but I also didn’t think things would turn out .
“Anyway, that’s a complicated story. I didn’t come looking for you because of that.”
“Whatever reason you came for, there’s only one thing you can do now that you’ve appeared before me.”
Baal radiated killing intent. His eyes glinted.
“Leave your head here and go.”
Seriously, I don’t understand why he’s so aggressive.
“Why are you acting ? We promised to be on the same side.”
I freed Baal from Pantemonium. In return, I received his promise of obedience.
At that, Baal spoke as if it were absurd.
“Did you really believe I would keep that? Knowing that I am a demon?”
Of course, the promise at that time had no binding power. There was no contract, nor any magical enforcement. It was just a verbal agreement.
“You need me for your revenge.”
Baal’s expression changed.
In truth, if Baal truly wanted to feign ignorance, he could simply treat the promise as non-existent.
He could act as if he never made such a promise, or even that he never lost to me in Pantemonium, and treat me as a stranger.
But Baal didn’t do that.
It wasn’t because Baal was pure or had a sense of loyalty, but because he wanted to know my intentions.
Understanding that, I personally delivered the words Baal wanted to hear.
“You need to avenge Satan, right? And returning to the Demon Realm is also something you need to do.”
“Returning to the Demon Realm is not just something I need to do!”
Honestly, I’m not a demon, and I don’t know which one Baal prioritizes more.
But both must be incredibly important to him.
“I don’t know how long you’ve been in this land, but you still need to do what needs to be done. You also learned that the demons of the Empire aren’t your enemies, so now you need to think about a way to return to the Demon Realm, right?”
“Why do you need me for that? Even we demons haven’t found a way to return to the Demon Realm yet, so what can you possibly do?”