Lord Ruon, what’s wrong?

Garuku’s voice echoed in my head as I stood frozen.

Garuku.

Yes.

What about the Demon King’s Magic versus Strategy?

For example, even if the Demon King were to cast a spell now, I could handle it.

I see.

I muttered to myself and thought… Kanan is currently at the Fortress for a final farewell. I worry that the outcome might incite anxiety, but not saying anything at all…

What is the content?

Garuku asked. When I answered him—

Oh, is that so. But not saying anything at all, wouldn’t that be a problem?

You’re right.

I sighed and started walking. At this time, he might be in the Conference Room.

As I walked, I encountered one of the Knights and asked about Kanan’s whereabouts. And in the Conference Room I arrived at, there were—

Perfect timing.

Kanan, Sofia, and Sylvie.

I was just about to call Lord Ruon.

With this group… are you talking only with those who understand the situation?

For a final confirmation.

Kanan nodded and was about to meet my gaze and open her mouth… but,

“You came before I called… is there bad news?”

“I debated whether to tell you or not, but I decided I should inform King Kanan.”

“What is it?”

To the King’s question, I glanced at Sofia and Sylvie, then said,

“Nostor, the last of the Five Great Demons with a Stronghold in the Northern Region, has destroyed his Stronghold.”

At those words, Sofia and the others fell silent.

They probably couldn’t understand what “destroyed” meant. But I understood. It was an event that existed in the game.

“The destruction of the Stronghold means that the Demon Lord’s Side has also completed their Magic.”

“But the Demon King isn’t supposed to move until the battle in the Southern Region is over, right?”

“That was supposed to be the case… but seeing Nostor making a move, it seems that’s not how it is.”

At my mention—Sofia must have realized it too, as she put a hand to her mouth.

“Could it be that the Demon King is about to make a move?”

“Probably. However, I haven’t confirmed the Demon King himself yet. But the fact that Nostor destroyed his Stronghold and made a move means that the Demon King is finally about to make a move, you should assume.”

“The counter-Strategy should be ready, right?”

When Kanan asked, I immediately nodded.

“Yes… the Divine Spirits are waiting to stop the Demon King’s Magic. I also plan to rush to the scene if I can make it in time.”

“Understood. We will do our best to stop the Monsters. Lord Ruon, I’m counting on you too.”

Regarding the Southern Invasion, I don’t know if it will end in about a day of fighting, or if it will be a prolonged battle. This is another bottleneck.

If it turns into a standoff, I might be able to finish what I need to do and head there to provide support… either way, it’ll be after the battle in the Western Region is over.

“I’m leaving immediately. King Kanan, good fortune in battle.”

“You too, Lord Ruon.”

“Lord Ruon.”

Sofia spoke up. She showed a worried expression for a moment, but immediately changed her expression and said,

“Good fortune in battle.”

“Yes.”

I left the room. Then, Garuku’s voice was heard.

“Lord Ruon, regarding the Demon Wolves…”

“Yes.”

“They are already moving to deal with the Demon Races in the Western Region. If you can designate a place to intercept them, I can instruct them to rush to that location.”

“Understood… then let’s make it the Zonak Plains.”

There are several roads connecting the Continent’s Western Region and the center, but the Demon Race’s marching route is heading for those Plains. This road is the shortest route to the Human Side’s Stronghold.

“Understood, I know the location. I will notify them to move to the Plains in advance.”

“Can’t I greet them before the battle?”

“Indeed, perhaps you should meet with the Demon Wolf Chief once.”

“We’ll discuss again how to handle ourselves during the talks.”

Having stated that, I left the Fortress and began moving towards the Western Demon Army.

While heading to my destination, I constantly probed the situation with my Familiar. It seems the Monsters pouring in from the Southern Region and the Human Side are finally about to meet.

However, the Monsters’ movements are getting somewhat slower as they approach. It’s as if they’re waiting for something—

“I see, so that’s what it is.”

I understand. The Southern Invasion in the game was the Demon Race’s biggest operation, and they poured most of their forces into it. For the Demon King, it was an all-or-nothing battle.

Therefore, if it were according to the game, the monsters would have charged without question. They wouldn’t have given the Human side time to set up their formations, and attacking all at once would have given them an advantage. But the Demon Race doesn’t seem to be initiating an attack lightly—the reason is undoubtedly the large armies in the Northern and Western Regions.

In other words, the army from the Southern Region intends to launch a pincer attack with the Northern and Western Regions… The Northern Region is held back by the Dragons and cannot come, but the Human Side has not dealt with the Western Region. Therefore, they probably intend to wait for the army from the Western Region before fighting.

The simultaneous defeat of the Five Great Demon Clans must have had no small impact on the Demon King. That’s why this time, with forces still remaining, he decided to crush them with a pincer attack. I think the forces Kanan gathered are greater than in the game. However, since there’s no room to deal with the army from the Western Region, such a strategy is probably correct.

Additionally, a familiar observing the Western Region’s army caught its entire scope in its sight. The sight of monsters and demons marching in formation is overwhelming, truly a desperate scene.

However, as long as I am here, that army too—

“You seem busy, Lord Ruon.”

Suddenly, Garuku’s voice spoke.

“Busy?”

“If you defeat the enemies in the Western Region, you’ll then go to the place where the Demon King’s magic is to be sealed, won’t you?”

“Well, yes.”

“After that, you intend to participate in the war in the Southern Region, right?”

“…Ah, of course.”

Indeed, I’m busy, flying around in all directions.

As for Nostor of the Five Great Demons, I destroyed his stronghold, but there’s been no movement since then. However, he will undoubtedly move with the Demon King. I must keep an eye on him.

“Lord Ruon, I, along with Feus and Azua, will prepare to stop the Demon King’s magic. Therefore, I cannot go to provide support.”

“I understand. Garuku and the others, please focus on that.”

“Hmm… and, Lord Ruon. The Demon Wolf Chief is nearby.”

“Really? Then I should meet him once.”

I followed Garuku’s instructions to the place where the Demon Wolves were. It was a grassland close to the highway, and I found a pack of wolves.

Even though they were wolves, their bodies were more than a size larger, and some were enormous, easily exceeding three meters. Most of their fur was white, shining brightly under the sun.

Among them, I could tell which one was the leader at a glance. It radiated magic power… a very beautiful wolf with golden fur.

“Zaam, long time no see.”

Young Garuku appeared on my shoulder and called out. Then the golden Demon Wolf—Zaam—let out a small cry.

“Lord Ruon, these ones cannot speak the human tongue, so I shall interpret—’Warrior of Humans, I have heard of you from Garuku. We will also cooperate in this battle, so let us defeat the Demon Race.'”

“Yes.”

After my reply, Zaam howled. The surrounding Demon Wolves also raised their magic power, seemingly entering combat readiness.

“—My subordinates are not only these. More reinforcements will arrive soon.”

“That’s reassuring… Regarding the battle, the Demon Race is trying to pass through a large plain. I intend to meet them there, but… I’d like to discuss various things before they arrive.”

“—Very well.”

Zaam agreed. I nodded back… and set off with the Demon Wolves towards the plains.