Bashington DC
It's a beautiful morning in the Black House. Since the Divine Barrier is gone, most of the thunderclouds that were always stuck in Murica's sky have disappeared, and sunshine has begun to embrace the Demon Territory. Many demon citizens complained about it—it's giving them sunburn and forcing them to buy sunglasses and hats. The only ones who welcomed these changes are the fashion industry and Solo.
As a "human," Solo actually missed the warm sun. He enjoys it while jogging around the Black House courtyard, garnering awe from the staff and the secret service, who think their leader is one hell of a demon for enjoying torturing himself.
After finishing his run, Solo heads back to the master bedroom to take a shower. He is no longer the chubby orc he used to be. Even though the goddess's curse prevents him from leveling up, he was still able to lose fat and build muscle, and he has been hitting the gym religiously—mostly because he no longer wants to look "fat and delicious" to other demons. He already had a rough time when he first landed in the Demon Kingdom.
Now, Solo has an athletic build—six-pack included. At one point, People Magazine: Orc Edition even nominated him as one of the Sexiest Orcs Alive. But it didn't really make Solo happy, because his human side considers having a relationship with a female orc to be basically bestiality, and he has no intention of reenacting an episode of Black Mirror.
Soft footsteps approach. Suddenly, the shower curtain whips open, and a female demonfolk lunges in and wraps her arms around him.
"Whoa! Baby! You scared me!"
"Teehee~ hi sexy, I missed you," she says.
They kiss under the shower. The demonfolk is Lilith — Solo's wife and his Chief of Staff. Even though Solo has no taste for female orcs, it was different with female demonfolk. Lilith is a human-level hot babe… if you just ignore the pair of horns and the spiky tail.
"How was the trip?" Solo asks.
"Oh, nothing serious. Some senators were whining that humans would come here and steal demon jobs. But I shut them down after I told them: 'When that happens, we will have already stolen their resources, so stop bitching.'"
"That's my girl."
"I'm going to change. Hurry up and finish your shower. We're expected at the Pentagon."
Lilith is about to leave when Solo pulls her back into the shower.
"We got time for a quickie?"
"You horny orc," Lilith laughs.
Hundreds of years ago, the only "interracial relationship" the Demon Kingdom knew was one race ending up in another race's stomach. But when Solo and Lilith publicly married 80 years ago, they quickly became the face of interracial marriage and encouraged others to do the same (except in the southern counties, where many still preferred marrying their cousins).
This greatly helped reduce racial tension in the Demon Territory. But never in Solo's mind did he marry Lilith for political reasons. Let's be real — what normal man chooses to stay single just because he lives in a fantasy world, let alone stay a virgin? Although Solo realized too late that by marrying the one who earned the title Demon Queen, he had practically killed his own harem route.
---
A motorcade rolls through traffic. At the center is a limo with the license plate "666," affectionately known as "The Beast." Lilith reviews documents while giving Solo the silent treatment as he rubs the slap mark on his cheek.
"…Baby, it hurts," he mutters.
"You deserve it. I've told you a thousand times — stop trying to use my tail as a fucking dildo," Lilith snaps.
"Yes, ma'am…" He sighs. "Anyway, how's the public handling the post-barrier situation?"
"It's improving. Most demons can walk under direct sunlight without protection now. Although the FAA is having chaos within the pilots' community."
"What happened?"
"After the barriers were gone, many pilots tried flying above 40,000 feet. Most of them ended up stalling."
"Well… I can't really blame them for having an out-of-cage experience."
"With passengers onboard."
"Ah…"
"Other than that, everything has already gone back to normal."
"Good to hear. Any news from the border?"
"We finished the railway connecting our FOB and the DMZ to the nearest city. It should help with delivering goods from the outside."
"DMZ?"
"Demon–Mankind Zone. A neutral 2.5-square-mile strip between us and Ravendawn. Levi's idea."
"Ah." Solo immediately thinks of the Earth version.
"Now that people know we aren't planning to eat them, caravans and settlers have been showing up, looking for opportunities."
"Settlers or spies?"
"Both. We predict it will become a town in the near future."
"Interesting," Solo says, remembering a certain Japanese anime with a similar setup.
---
PENTAGON
A pentagram-shaped building houses the Ministry of Defense. It should have been a pentagon, but 80 years ago, Solo was distracted by wedding planning and forgot to clarify the difference. The architect built a giant magic star instead. The demons loved it.
Solo, Lilith, Levi, Stan, and Mo watch aerial maps projected on the screen.
"So, gentlemen, what do we know about our neighbors?" Solo asks.
In the past, the Demon Kingdom never bothered to learn about their surroundings. They knew nothing about their neighbors except their taste.
"With the help of our spy planes, we've just finished mapping roughly 7,000 miles around us," says an Air Force lieutenant. "We live on the southernmost continent, called Malvorath. It's surrounded by ocean on all sides except the north, where Ravendawn and Vandoria occupy approximately 198,000 square miles."
The lieutenant continues, laser pointer in hand. "There's another continent up north called Meridinia, connected by a land bridge here."
Solo squints. The landmass looks suspiciously like Mexico and Panama flipped upside-down.
Levi adds, "From what our diplomats gathered, Ravendawn used to be the only human kingdom here. That changed when the Vandorians — who live across the ocean — annexed most of their land, leaving them only the parts they didn't want, the territory next to us, and forcing them to submit as a vassal state."
"So basically, they're being used as a cushion," Solo says. "When did they lose the war with the Vandorians?"
"No, no war ever happened," Levi clarifies. "Ravendawn lost their territory 20 years ago due to shrewd politics. The Vandorians blackmailed them using past debts and fabricated justifications."
"That's boring," Stan comments.
"No, that's beautiful," Levi counters.
Solo nods. "Good. So there's bad blood."
"And fresh blood too," Mo grins.
The lieutenant adds, "Unfortunately, our planes can't go any further than Vandoria. There are no airfields to refuel at beyond our border."
"Then I guess we have no choice but to wait for Bub's satellite," Solo says. "Mo, have you started planting the assets?"
"Yes, sir. So far, we've planted eight assets in Ravendawn and two in Vandoria."
"Why so few in Vandoria?"
"Well…" Mo scratches his cheek. "The only way we can insert in a short time without being noticed by their air patrols is with a HALO jump. And honestly, not many succubi or vampires in my bureau are capable of pulling that off."
"But one has wings, and the other can turn into a freaking bat. They can fly!"
"With all due respect, sir, falling from 30,000 feet is very different from sneaking into a second-story window because someone forgot their keys."
"…Fair enough," Solo concedes.
---
Dawn Province, Dawn Castle
Dawn Castle stands proudly atop a hill overlooking the coastal city of Dawn below. It originally belonged to the Ravendawn Kingdom — until the Vandorians came and took it over.
Inside the war room, Duke Pierre meets with Vandoria's top brass.
· Archbishop Antonio of the Celes Church
· Admiral Lorenzo of the Vandoria Royal Navy
· Archmage Durac of the Vandoria Royal Mage
On top of the meeting table lay numerous hand-drawn pictures and sketches of Murican soldiers, vehicles, and weapons.
"Are you sure about this, Your Grace?" Admiral Lorenzo asks.
"Yes," Antonio says. "The holy records describe demons as eight-foot titans wielding terrifying magic. But these new demon soldiers aren't any bigger than us."
"That's right, and all of them are wielding black staffs as their weapons," Pierre notes. "It strongly resembles the dwarven muskets."
Durac picks up a sketch of Murican rifles. "Muskets are weak and easily blocked by magic shields. Why would demons abandon magic entirely?"
"The Church's current theory is that the Goddess prevented the Demon Invasion 130 years ago by consuming a vast portion of demon mana," Antonio explains, "resulting in the current generation of demons being smaller and weaker."
"That explains why they can't fight or fly without tools," Lorenzo muses. "It makes sense. But what about the demon elephants and hell dragonflies?"
"Those are simply transportation vehicles," Pierre confirms. "No detectable mana signatures."
"…Should we request aid from the Hero or the major kingdoms?" Lorenzo asks.
"Why should we?" Pierre replies. "We already prepared for the Demon Invasion. Our military strategists calculated that we could hold them off, even if it would be a bloody war. Our coffers alone are more than enough to employ mercenaries and adventurers to cover half of Meridinia." He points to the land bridge on the map. "And if things truly go south, our Royal Mages are powerful enough to sever the land bridge between Markevath and Meridinia, halting any demon march."
Duke Pierre takes a deep breath before continuing his speech.
"Gentlemen, we are far more advanced than we were millennia ago. I believe the major kingdoms feel the same — that is why they remain calm despite the demon invasion threat."
Durac adds, "And also, we are blessed with an enemy weaker than what we predicted."
"That's right," Pierre says. "So why do we need to call other kingdoms for help and share the spoils?"
"What spoils?" Lorenzo asks. "Do we even know what resources exist in the Demon Territory?"
"No, we don't," Pierre replies. "But the demons have shown us their most lucrative asset." His voice drops a notch, reverent with ambition. "The demons themselves."
The room falls silent.
"Think about it," Pierre continues. "The craftsmanship of their machines. Their efficiency. If we enslave their artisans, Vandoria will leap ahead by decades." He grins wider, sharp and unapologetic. "And their female demonfolk will fetch a high price. Their diplomats are beauties that rival the elven slaves in our capital."
Archmage Durac chuckles. "Ah, Duke Pierre. Sometimes I forget you were a merchant long before you became a general."
"So let's be honest," Pierre says. "No matter how terrifying demons were in the past, we now have a continent of potential slaves before us. We are fortunate to be the first kingdom to realize they've grown weaker. If we don't act now, another kingdom will seize the opportunity instead." He glances at Antonio. "I believe our Archbishop agrees."
"The Goddess always favors the bold," Antonio says with a solemn nod.
Lorenzo frowns. "And the Demon Dukes? We still know nothing about whether they've weakened too."
"Even if the dukes remain as strong as before, there are only seven of them," Pierre counters. "They can't be everywhere at once. And as for the Demon King? It's common knowledge that he never leaves his castle."
Antonio adds, "The Church possesses complete records of each Demon Duke's strengths and weaknesses, documented in past Hero journals. I will request a copy."
"Much appreciated, Your Eminence," Pierre says smoothly. "Once our kingdom rises with the wealth earned from demon enslavement, we will become a new major power. And I assure you, even afterward, we will still have enough gold to support your ascension to cardinal."
"Ohoho," Antonio laughs, masking greed with holy theater. "I am but a humble servant of the Goddess, tasked with aiding the righteous in eradicating evil. Yet who am I to deny a follower's generous goodwill?"
"And regarding Leviathan, the Demon Duke guarding the Great Demon Gate?" Pierre taps the map. "That's exactly why Ravendawn still exists. It's time they earn their keep." He smiles coldly. "Let the vassals do their job."
---
Murica, CDC Green Quarantine Zone
Solo and Lilith are watching the CDC staff inspecting livestock.
"Our test results show that there are no harmful agents from the livestock or the plants we brought from Ravendawn. We can give them clearance," reports a CDC officer.
"Oh, perfect! Wonderful!"
The CDC officer cannot understand what makes his Prime Minister so excited.
"Sir, if I may ask, we're not facing any food shortages or anything. Why do we need to import this much?"
"Oh, later you'll understand. Farm animals are very different from their demonic beast counterparts. The tenderness… the juiciness… oohh, once you eat real pork bacon, you'll never go back to war pig."
"Stop your cannibal talk. Where is Lich? Isn't he supposed to be the one explaining this?" Lilith asks.
"I'm sorry, but the Director is in the Red Zone. Well… you know how he is. This kind of thing doesn't excite him."
---
CDC Red Quarantine Zone
In a sci-fi-looking lab, a large, furious demon is chained and locked behind a reinforced window. On the opposite side, a skeleton wearing a white lab coat is busily taking notes, accompanied by his assistants.
"Ah, Solo! Look at this! Isn't it remarkable?"
"Is this… a raging demon? You're researching a live one?"
"Yes! Exactly!"
When the Barrier disintegrated, random Muricans across the nation transformed into big, hostile demons. Their bodies doubled in size, their magic surged, but they also became mindless creatures incapable of hearing reason, causing chaos everywhere. Fortunately, Murican law enforcement—famous for being trigger-happy—quickly eliminated the rampaging demons in every city and town.
The captured raging demon keeps punching the same side of the wall and occasionally hurling fireballs, leaving deep scorch marks. Yet somehow, the other side of the wall remains completely clean.
"Is it trying to go somewhere?"
"Splendid observation. This subject, and all other rage cases, keep moving in the same direction. North!"
"Great Demon Gate?" Solo asks.
"Definitely. And here, look at this." Lich switches screens. A virus appears, its cells surrounded by crown-like features.
"Is that the Goddess Virus?" Lilith says.
Forty years ago, when neuroscience and virology had advanced enough, Lich discovered a virus present in almost every demon. It remained dormant until the host reached 19 years of age, then slowly but surely began attacking the brain's nerve cells—somehow making demons even more stupid than they already were. Thus, Solo named the virus Goddess Virus Disease-19, also known as Govid-19, and enforced national vaccination.
"Yes, the Goddess Virus is all over this guy. But the amazing part is this."
Lich pulls up an X-ray showing a crystal forming in the demon's chest.
"All the viruses are traveling to the host's mid-torso and forming a crystal."
"Why?"
"I don't know yet. But it is clearly responsible for making this guy's magic way more powerful. The report said he could barely use fire magic to light a cigarette. But now look at him—he's been blasting terrifying fireballs all day!"
"So that's what triggered past Demon Invasions…"
"Yes! It is! Hahahahaha!"
"Why do you seem so happy?" Lilith asks.
"Of course I'm happy! There's never been a medical record of this 'outbreak,' and now I'll be the first to publish it in the journals. MUAHAHAHAHA! EAT SHIT, YOU DAMNED MEDICAL COMMITTEE!" Lich lets out a long, villainous laugh.
Solo and Lilith quietly ignore Lich, who is still laughing in the background.
"But what makes these people turn into raging demons at random? Did we find any links between the victims?" Solo asks Lilith.
"Yes. Our investigation found one common detail among all of them." Lilith hesitates. "They were all… umm… Anti-Vaxxers."
"Ah… so that's why they were always so angry." Solo says.
---
The Black House
In the nighttime, Solo was in his bed browsing the Earth internet with his special ability. He was looking at stuff like smartphones and drones. Lilith came to bed next to him, watching Solo slide his finger through empty air—only Solo could see his own ability.
"Please tell me you're not watching porn while pretending to work again."
"Baby!"
Lilith slid closer to Solo and rested her head on his arm.
"Teehe, I'm joking… So what are you looking for?"
"I need to give Bub some new tech that can utilize our new satellites."
Lilith kissed his cheek. "…Baby, you are already working hard today. The Goddess can wait."
"I'll go to sleep soon, just a little more."
The phone rang. Lilith groaned and answered.
"This is the chief of staff… Yes… I see. Thank you."
She hung up and grinned.
"Guess what."
"What?"
"Mo's agents in Vandoria sent the message: 'THEY FOUND THEIR PROFITS.'"
Solo's lips curled into a wide, villainous grin.
Lilith climbed on top of him. "Pre-celebration?"
"Oh, baby, you know me."
The Secret Service guard outside heard Lilith's moans and politely walked away—until a loud SLAP echoed from inside.
"OUCH!" Solo yelped.