Something feels strange.
Hans, who had listened to all of Revel’s story, tilted his head. There’s no way it could just happen because of a single curse. Is there something else only the Queen knows?
Hans sensed something odd. No matter how deep human evil runs, it shouldn’t be possible to suddenly become a monster like this. The only option left was to ask the Queen directly about that.
After hearing everything from the leader of the Anti-Demon Alliance, Revel, Hans fell into thought. What should he do from now on? The best move is to invade first. There’s a reason for that.
The hardliners displayed a trend of rejecting not just the demons but even other races, unlike the previously ruling moderates. It was a bit better that the leaders remained the same, though.
In the case of the Dwarf Republic, where the leaders had completely changed, things were quite chaotic. Hans missed Ambassador Viral, but what could he do? Everything had already changed too much.
Sitting and clinging to the past was the perfect condition for defeat. To win a war, everything that could be done must be done. Such as collaborating with the Anti-Demon Alliance.
“I suppose you didn’t share this story with no conditions attached.”
“That’s right.”
“Tell me what you want.”
“The safety of the Anti-Demons.”
“……..”
“For instance, preventing a betrayal after the war ends. I hope you can stop that from happening.”
Revel’s insight was spot on. Right now, the Racial Alliance was eyeing the Anti-Demons as a potential abandonment. However, they could not openly act on it. That was due to the strength of the Anti-Demons.
The Anti-Demons were those who Revel personally empowered to be in a state similar to demons, after they lost their reason. Naturally, they were weaker than the demons, but there were more of them.
But what if they betrayed the Racial Alliance and rejoined the demons? What would happen then? The damage would be far greater than just facing the demons.
So they were stuck in a deadlock. They couldn’t trust the Anti-Demons. Cluna, who listened to the conversations with Hans, immediately grasped this reality. What remained was his choice.
“How one perceives the Anti-Demons is crucial.”
Hans had already sworn revenge against the dwarves, vowing to kill all demons. How he viewed the Anti-Demons would change everything. If he saw the Anti-Demons as demons…
Then Hans would have no choice but to oppose them. However, if he viewed the Anti-Demons as not demons, perhaps an alliance could be formed. That was Cluna’s thought.
“This isn’t such a simple matter.”
“Hm?”
“You all have been serving under her, regardless.”
“……..”
Hans touched on the most painful point. Yes, it was true that, even without reason, they had been manipulated to kill countless people until now. And now, to accept that?
It wasn’t such an easy thing. The evil and hatred built up over thousands of years wouldn’t just disappear. Revel knew this as well. They exchanged glances for a brief moment.
“It seems like the answer has already been decided.”
Revel sighed as he stomped the ground with his legs. His gaze was already fixed on Hans. He read the momentum from Hans. A very calm and quiet momentum.
However, it wasn’t just a calmness. If anything, it was the eye of the storm. Outside, there was a raging storm that seemed to swallow everything. Because of that, his intent was easy to read.
A duel fought at the cost of lives. Only in life-and-death situations could true intents be revealed. If one dies, then it’s all over. At least that’s how Revel perceived it. What about Hans?
“I was just watching, and suddenly, what the heck is this?”
Hans felt very wronged. In truth, he was deeply troubled about this issue as well. There were many ambiguous points about immediately attacking the Anti-Demons, but on the other hand, accepting them again posed its own problems.
Out of that confusion, he was looking at Revel, and then suddenly that guy initiated first? If it were back then, he would have been very flustered.
But Hans was different now. Of course, he was a little surprised. Once he had started a fight, he would no longer run away. Hans stood up as well. He walked forward.
“Let’s settle this with a single match.”
“That’s the way.”
Keeping a suitable distance, Hans and Revel faced each other.
It didn’t take long for them to clash.
*
Without using anything, simply relying on his fists, that was Revel’s creed. And true to that creed, his fists, as sturdy as steel, swung at Hans like a storm.
But Hans was no pushover. He used the Divine Sword to deflect all of Revel’s punches. Revel felt a tingling sensation in his fists. Did I actually lose in power?
‘At least he’s on par with a Dragon. What a monstrous brat.’
Well, he was the leader of the Royal Knights. He would have been disappointing otherwise. Regaining his momentum, Revel continued to press on without rest.
As they got extremely close and swung punches, Hans began to lose his space and eventually lost the room to wield his sword. Hans licked his lips, contemplating.
Is this truly the leader of the Anti-Demons? Among all the opponents I’ve faced so far, he was extremely formidable. Or perhaps, he’s showing power on par with that Zaiha demon I faced before.
‘But it doesn’t feel like he’s going all out.’
Though Revel was storming forward, Hans didn’t feel he was exerting his full strength. It felt more like he was adapting to the rhythm of the battle.
What could possibly be the issue? For a brief moment, a thought flashed through Hans’s mind like lightning. If that’s true, then it makes sense why he’s adapting.
‘Why would he go that far?’
But Hans couldn’t understand. Why was he trying to conceal his full power like that? Was there something he wanted to protect that much? Regardless, the conclusion soon came.
Could it be alright to go all out? Of course, there’s no way to last long while holding back, and ultimately, Hans’s sword stopped right at Revel’s neck, ending this grand play.
However, despite losing the fight, Revel simply smiled faintly. Obviously, everyone could feel he hadn’t fought with all his strength. All fell into silence.
“Why do you look like that? Didn’t you win the fight?”
“Now I understand.”
“Uh?”
“The reason you deliberately lost.”
Even though Hans poked the right spot, Revel’s expression didn’t change; he remained indifferent. He merely tilted his head in confusion. Hans clicked his tongue, almost missing it.
“Well, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“It’s for the Anti-Demons, isn’t it?”
“……..”
“You decided to save them at the cost of your life.”
Revel let out a hollow laugh. He never expected to be completely seen through. Although he was the leader of the Royal Knights, it had been a long while since he encountered someone as sharp as this.
“I have no intention of seeking forgiveness. I can’t be forgiven.”
“……..”
“Up until now, we’ve spilled a lot of blood. The price for blood can only be paid with blood.”
Those words couldn’t be denied. They certainly didn’t come to this place to acknowledge their mistakes or repent. They had, after all, come merely to survive, and it was also true that they used the situation to their advantage.
However, could everyone accept that? Just saying they had no choice but to join hands beyond the grudges so far, would everyone believe that? The people who lost their families and homes to demons and monsters? There was no way that would be the case. Instead, they would likely erupt in anger. The only justification they could present to those people was a life.
“As the leader who commanded the Anti-Demons, my neck should be severed and shown to all. That way, perhaps for just a moment, the anger can be suppressed.”
It wasn’t just a justification. They could also appeal that they had taken the initiative by killing the leader in front of the people. This could be called the best choice in persuading the masses.
“Do you really think that would solve everything?”
“If you do this much, what remains will be the leftover’s responsibility.”
“That’s irresponsible.”
“I have responsibilities. Who would risk their lives, after all?”
“What do you believe in? I might not keep my promise.”
“I trust you.”
Though Revel had stained his hands with blood his whole life, at least what he just said was not a lie. He had heard of the actions of the Royal Knights, and when they faced each other, he felt certain. This man was undoubtedly a hero.
“You, who have a burdensome promise, wouldn’t flip it around.”
“And if I did?”
“Then there’s nothing we can do. That would be my mistake for misjudging you.”
“……..”
“This conversation has been enough.”
Now, go ahead and chop off my neck. As he said this while extending his neck, there was no tremor in Revel’s eyes.
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