Chapter 256: The Demon King's Move
The distant northern lands were shrouded in eternal snow, a place so harsh that even the human race, which was gradually expanding its influence across the continent, was reluctant to extend its territory here.
Aside from the unforgiving environment, this was the stronghold of the Demon Race. Encountering monster attacks was a daily occurrence.
In the northernmost region, a towering Demon King's Castle sat perched atop a mountain peak.
The surprise attack by Serie and Rhodes a few years ago had nearly reduced this castle to ruins. However, in just a few short years, all the damage had vanished.
The walls had been repaired and even reinforced, now inscribed with dark magical runes that radiated an intense, oppressive aura.
Layers upon layers of magic circles surrounded the perimeter. It was impossible to count how many defensive barriers had been laid down, each one stronger than before. Even if Rhodes and Serie were to descend personally, they would unlikely break through as easily as they had last time.
In the deepest part of the castle, inside a secret chamber constructed from special ore.
The Demon King, Annelise—that unique existence born from the Godfall Land—slowly opened her eyes.
Deep within her pupils, a viscous black mud capable of swallowing everything seemed to flow slowly. That was the power from the world's forbidden zone, now perfectly fused with her being, indistinguishable from her own essence.
An indescribable aura of terror permeated from her body. At this moment, Annelise had become a walking amalgamation of natural disasters. If anyone were to unconsciously come into contact with her, they would likely be eroded by this aura in an instant.
Ordinary humans would instantly lose their minds, turning into berserk creatures until the moment their lives were extinguished.
Only powerful mages—especially priests trained in Holy Magic—could briefly resist the corrosive force.
Annelise moved her fingers slightly, feeling the unprecedented power surging within her. A satisfied arc curled at the corner of her lips.
It was done.
With a slight shift of her will, an invisible fluctuation rippled outward.
Moments later, the heavy stone door of the secret chamber opened silently, and a figure walked in.
With a pale face and an aura thick with death, it was one of the Seven Sages of Destruction: Fin, the Undead.
"Your Majesty." Fin bowed slightly.
The Demon King's gaze fell upon him. The look carried a tangible weight, causing the aura of death around Fin to stagnate for a second.
"During this time, has anything interesting happened on the continent?"
Fin kept his head bowed and answered respectfully, "Your Majesty, there are two major events worth noting, both occurring within the human kingdoms."
"Speak."
"First, the human nations of the South and West have been thoroughly integrated by a country called the 'Southern Unified Empire.' They have even incorporated most of the mages within their borders into the ranks of Imperial Court Mages."
"In other words, it is highly likely that mages will appear on the battlefields of upcoming human civil wars. This is a good opportunity..."
"What is the other one?" The Demon King interrupted Fin.
Annelise had little interest in this. The rise and fall of human nations meant nothing to her.
If not for those two mountains—Rhodes and Serie—protecting humanity and suppressing the development of the demons, the influence of the Demon Race would have long since spread across the entire continent.
Back then, humans wouldn't have even had the chance to fight amongst themselves; they would have been struggling just to survive under the pressure of the demons.
Seeing that Her Majesty was uninterested in human infighting, Fin continued, "In the Kingdom of Ersten, the Saint, Serie, has reached a cooperation agreement with the current Emperor. They have built a high tower of magic and established an organization called the 'Continental Magic Association.' They claim they will teach anyone with magical talent, regardless of race."
"Oh?" A subtle ripple finally appeared in the Demon King's voice. "That Serie? She is finally no longer satisfied with staying in that forest and has started to build her own power base? That is something new."
She paused. "No, that is incorrect. Given her personality, she wouldn't do something like that. It must be Rhodes's suggestion. Interesting. What has he been doing lately?"
Fin fell silent for a moment before answering, "Aside from thwarting my plan in New Moon City a while ago and destroying my army of monsters, there have been no clear reports of his whereabouts. He seems to have been staying with Serie the entire time, focusing on the construction of that Magic Association tower."
"Run off to become an architect?" The Demon King let out a soft sneer. It was hard to tell if her tone contained disappointment or something else. "Why are you the only one here? Where are the other Seven Sages?"
"Lord Riwal is currently out leading troops, training the newest legions of monsters. Lord Beze is campaigning in the eastern regions. As for Lord Macht... since the attack by Rhodes and Serie, we have temporarily lost contact with him."
"Is he hiding?" The Demon King murmured to herself. "Coward. Forget it, leave him be."
Her tone was dismissive, as if discussing a trivial matter.
She wouldn't care even if all the so-called Seven Sages of Destruction died.
From beginning to end, the only person she truly cared about was him.
Rhodes.
The Demon King slowly walked out of the secret chamber. The aura of black mud flowing around her grew thicker, forcing Fin, who was following behind, to maintain a certain distance.
Even for a demon, this aura was too difficult to resist. It was simply too terrifying.
"Since the will of the world has designated me as the great villain of legend who destroys everything, to the point of awakening the Sword of Salvation, Estorion..." Her voice carried a mocking tone. "Then I shall do something more befitting of this identity."
The Demon Race had been suppressed by Rhodes and Serie for over a thousand years.
They had been forced to hibernate in this savage land, daring not to launch large-scale attacks on the world or the human race.
But now, she had arrived.
She would ignite this suppressed rage and let the demons' desire for destruction be fully revealed.
Only in this way could the story move forward.
She looked forward to the legendary Hero coming to crusade against the Demon King.
More than that, she looked forward to seeing if that man would step forward again, as she expected, to try and find a way to deal with her.
"Pass down my order." The voice of the Demon King, Annelise, suddenly became incomparably cold. "All demon legions are to launch an attack on all human territories!"
She thought for a moment, then added the most critical command: "If the figure of Rhodes or Serie is spotted on any battlefield, report to me immediately!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Fin bowed deeply, his body trembling slightly with excitement.
Her Majesty had finally chosen to move against the human race!
He turned and left immediately to convey the order that would bring a storm of blood to the entire continent.
The Demon King stood alone, gazing toward the South. It was as if she could see the high tower being built, and the person she had "yearned for" for a thousand years.
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